JP2019215752A - Printing system, printing device, information processing device and control method therefor, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress the transfer of a useless file from an information processing device to a printing device when utilizing a hot folder built in an apparatus and thereby suppress the occurrence of unnecessary traffic.SOLUTION: Provided is a printing system comprising information processing devices 102-104 capable of using a web browser and a printing device 101 for providing a folder accessible from the information processing devices via the web browser. The printing device receives print settings corresponding to a hot folder from the information processing devices and stores in memory, and upon accepting the placement of a file to be printed into the hot folder on a hot folder screen from the information processing devices, prints the file to be printed in accordance with the print settings stored in storage means. When the file to be printed is inputted on the hot folder screen, the information processing devices determine whether or not the file to be printed is a file printed in the hot folder and when determined as being printable, transmit the file to be printed to the printing device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing apparatus, an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program.

  Conventionally, a hot folder is prepared in a client device so that an image forming apparatus such as a printer can execute a printing process, and when a file to be printed is stored in the hot folder, a print job is automatically transmitted to the printer. It is known to print. Thus, the user of the client device can instruct the printing by a relatively simple operation of storing the file to be printed. Therefore, for example, when instructing to print a large amount of print data (files) with the same print setting, the user can be relieved from the trouble of opening an individual file using an application such as a printer driver and issuing a print instruction. .

  Further, in recent years, a mechanism that provides an equivalent function as a function of an image forming apparatus such as a printer, that is, a hot folder with a built-in device is also known, in which the above-described hot folder is not an application that operates on a client device. The device built-in hot folder is a file system and a file server included in the image forming apparatus that publish a shared folder to an external client device, and the client device stores a file to be printed in the shared folder to perform printing. It is a mechanism to execute. The device built-in hot folder can provide the user with further convenience while enjoying the same operability and convenience as the hot folder operating on the client device. First, there is no need to install an application for realizing the hot folder function on the client device. Secondly, a printing environment independent of the operating system can be realized as long as a mechanism for accessing the file system owned by the image forming apparatus is provided. Third, since the print settings of the hot folder are stored in the image forming apparatus, it is not necessary to individually store or manage the print settings in each client apparatus.

JP 2014-219920 A

  While the device built-in hot folder has the advantages described above, there is a further problem in providing convenience to the user. Specifically, there are the following problems.

  In a conventional device built-in hot folder, printing is performed by transmitting a file from a client device to a file system server provided in the image forming apparatus. After the file is transmitted, it is determined whether the file is printable by the image forming apparatus. If the file is not printable, the file is deleted or saved to another folder. Therefore, the following problems have occurred.

  First, there is an increase in traffic due to unnecessary file transfer. Second, if the hot folder is a shared folder, there is a risk that the file is exposed to an unspecified number of people. Third, even if a file that cannot be printed is deleted, an unspecified number of accesses to the file are permitted until the file is determined to be printable. In order to cope with such a problem, the user must determine whether or not the file is a printable file before transferring the file to the internal hot folder of the device. Was a factor in lowering.

  An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems of the related art.

  An object of the present invention is to suppress unnecessary transfer of files from an information processing apparatus to a printing apparatus when using a hot folder built into a printing apparatus, thereby suppressing unnecessary traffic.

In order to achieve the above object, a printing system according to one embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
An information processing apparatus capable of using a web browser, and a printing system having a printing apparatus that provides a folder accessible from the information processing apparatus via the web browser,
The printing device is a printing device having a device built-in hot folder function,
When receiving input of a file to be printed to the hot folder from the information processing apparatus on a hot folder screen displaying a hot folder, a print control unit that prints the file to be printed according to print settings corresponding to the hot folder. Have
The information processing apparatus includes:
A determination unit configured to determine whether the print target file is a file that can be printed in a hot folder corresponding to the hot folder screen in response to input of the print target file to the hot folder screen;
Transmitting means for transmitting to the printing apparatus a print target file determined to be printable by the determining means.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, generation | occurrence | production of unnecessary traffic can be suppressed by suppressing transfer of useless files from an information processing apparatus to a printing apparatus.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The accompanying drawings are included in the specification, constitute a part thereof, show an embodiment of the present invention, and are used together with the description to explain the principle of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a printing system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of processing between the client device using the device built-in hot folder function according to the first embodiment, a user thereof, and a multifunction peripheral providing the device built-in hot folder function. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the hot folder printing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a program of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the client device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a program included in the client device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen displayed on the client device as a result of the client device according to the first embodiment transmitting a web request to use the device built-in hot folder to the MFP. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a built-in hot folder function screen displayed on the client device when the user is successfully authenticated. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a built-in hot folder function screen displayed on the client device when the user is successfully authenticated. FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a screen displayed on the client device according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 3A and 3B show screen examples displayed on the client device according to the first embodiment, and show an example of data storing print setting information included in a hot folder creation request transmitted from the client device to the MFP. FIG. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an example of a file configuration of a device built-in hot folder of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment, and FIGS. 3B and 3B illustrate an example of a created JDF file. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing transition of a web browser screen displayed on the client device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing transition of a web browser screen displayed on the client device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen to which a transition is made when the user selects a job setting confirmation button when the web browser screen in the client device according to the first embodiment is in the state illustrated in FIG. 8B (A). 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the client device when a user instructs use of a function of a device built-in hot folder in the client device according to the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart for explaining details of a file transmission process in S1208 in FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the user instructs use of the hot folder function of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. 15 is a flowchart describing details of the print job generation processing in step S1410 of FIG. FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a print format selection screen displayed on the client device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of XML data transmitted from the client device to the hot folder program of the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table in which a hot folder function program of a multifunction peripheral that has received XML data transmitted from a client device according to a second embodiment manages a print format for each folder. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a file transmission process of S1208 in FIG. 12 executed by the client device according to the third embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the present invention according to the claims, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the present invention. .

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a printing system according to the first embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, a multifunction peripheral 101 (MFP: Multifunction Peripheral) will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus, and a PC and a mobile terminal will be described as examples of a client apparatus as an information processing apparatus. The multifunction peripheral 101 and the PCs 102 and 103 are communicably connected via a network 100. The PC 102 and the PC 103 may be systems operated by different operating systems. Alternatively, the systems may be different versions of the same operating system. In the first embodiment, such a print system environment in which the types of the application execution environments of the client device are mixed is assumed.

  Further, a wireless LAN access point 105 is connected to the network 100. The wireless LAN access point 105 is configured to be able to communicate with the portable terminal 104 and various other types of devices (not shown) via the wireless LAN. In other words, in the first embodiment, a device of a type such as the portable terminal 104 is provided with a printing environment described below as a client device in the same row as the PC 102 and the PC 103. Such portable terminals 104 are rapidly spreading, and the diversification of products is remarkable. Further, with the spread of such highly portable terminals, for example, a client device of a user who requests printing to the MFP 101 arranged on the network 100 shown in FIG. May be assumed.

  Next, the PCs 102, 103 and the mobile terminal 104, which are client devices, will be described. Hereinafter, the PC 102, the PC 103, and the portable terminal 104 are collectively referred to as a client device.

  The PCs 102 and 103 can execute various programs such as an application program for submitting a print job. However, in the first embodiment, it is assumed that these printing application programs are not installed. In other words, in the first embodiment, the client device does not have a print application program provided on each environment. However, it is assumed that a network file sharing means and a web information access means such as a web browser which a modern operating system usually has are provided. By using the above-described web information access means, the client device can mutually use information transmission / reception and sharing functions via the web with devices connected to the network 100. Therefore, the client device can transmit and receive various data including the print target file to and from the multifunction peripheral 101 using the web information access unit.

  FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow of processing between the client device that uses the function of the device built-in hot folder according to the first embodiment, the user thereof, and the multifunction peripheral 101 that provides the device built-in hot folder function.

  The user 201 is a user of the client device, that is, a user of the device built-in hot folder function according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, a flow of control transmitted and received between the user 201, the client device, and the multifunction peripheral 101 when the hot folder function is provided to the user 201 in each system will be described. However, when a plurality of subsystems need to perform processing while interacting in each system, the flow will be described at the level of those subsystems.

  The subsystem of the user 201 is a user operation 202. This occurs as a result of the content of the operation specified by the user via the screen provided by the web browser 555 (FIG. 5) serving as the operation unit 203 and a result of the operation in order to realize the series of flows illustrated in FIG. This shows the relationship between the flows. The operation unit 203 performs screen transition of the web browser, data transmission / reception with the multifunction peripheral 101, and execution processing of a program such as a JAVA (registered trademark) script, which is executed by operating a screen provided by the web browser 555 provided in the client device. Subsystem to perform.

  The multifunction peripheral 101 is divided into three subsystems. That is, the three subsystems are a web server 204, a file system 205, and a print control 206. The web server 204 provides web page information on the device built-in hot folder. The web server 204 is realized by the CPU 405 (FIG. 4) executing the web server program 455 (FIG. 4). The file system 205 executes processing for opening a shared folder or file stored in the HDD 409 (FIG. 4) of the multifunction peripheral 101 to an external device. The file system 205 is realized by the CPU 405 executing the file system server 454 (FIG. 4).

  In S201, the user instructs the web browser 555 as the operation unit 203 to start an operation. Specifically, the user inputs a specific web address, presses a start button, and issues an instruction to transition to a specified screen. In step S202, upon receiving the instruction in step S201, the operation unit 203 accesses the web server 204 included in the MFP 101. Upon receiving this access, the web server 204 executes a user authentication process of the user 201 who has made the access. In the authentication process, a flow such as an input process of the authentication information from the user 201 to the operation unit 203 is strictly performed, but is omitted in the figure, and it is assumed that the authentication process is correctly performed. Further, the following flow will be described.

  In step S <b> 203, the web server 204 makes an inquiry to the file system 205 to obtain directory information of a specific folder to be displayed on the operation unit 203. In S204, the directory information is returned from the file system 205 to the web server 204 as a result. The web server 204 creates image information (page information) for displaying an image that can be visually recognized by the user 201 on the operation unit 203 based on the directory information. In step S205, the page information is transmitted to the operation unit 203 as a response to step S202. The operation unit 203 generates and displays a screen based on the page information, and presents the screen to the user 201 in S206. In the following flow, the target directory inquired in S203 is created for a normal folder, which is not a hot folder, for the sake of explaining the process of creating a hot folder, that is, creating and storing a print setting file. Assuming the case, the description of the flow will be continued below.

  When the user instructs a hot folder creation process as a process to be subsequently executed, in step S207, a print function associated with the hot folder is set. The user 201 operates the print processing setting in a state where the operation unit 203 reads the web screen information provided for the setting from the web server 204. The acquisition of the web screen information corresponding to the setting screen and the generation / generation of the image information are basically the same as the flow between the user 201, the operation unit 203, and the web server 204 shown in S201 to S206. Therefore, the explanation is omitted.

  When the operation unit 203 receives the operation instruction performed by the user in step S207, the operation unit 203 transmits print setting information associated with the hot folder selected by the user 201 to the web server 204 in step S208. As a result, the web server S204 stores the received print setting information in a file format as a print setting file. At this time, after performing the format conversion, the print setting file is stored in the designated directory in S209. As a result of executing the flow of FIG. 2 up to this stage, the specific folder inquired in S203 has been changed to a hot folder providing a function for printing.

  In the state where the processing up to S209 has been executed as described above, in S210, the user 201 executes an operation of inputting a print target file to the hot folder screen on the operation unit 203. Accordingly, the operation unit 203 detects that the user 201 has issued a print file input instruction, and further determines whether the print file can be printed. If it is determined that printing is possible, the processes after S211 are executed. If not, the reception of the print file is refused. In step S211, the operation unit 203 transmits the file to be printed and the folder path information when the print instruction is issued to the web server 204. Accordingly, the web server 204 executes a further processing flow based on the print target file received in S211 and the folder path information at the time when the print instruction was issued. Specifically, first, in S212, the print target file is stored in a predetermined folder of the file system 205. At the same time, in step S213, the print control 206 is notified of the arrival of the print target file, that is, that there is a print request. Accordingly, the print control 206 executes the printing process by controlling each unit of the multifunction peripheral 101 illustrated in FIG. 4 with the notification of S213 as a trigger. At this time, in step S214, the print control 206 requests the file to be printed and the print setting file stored in association with the hot folder in step S209. Next, in step S215, the print control 206 acquires these. At this stage, both the print target file and the print settings to be applied when the print control 206 prints the file are completed. Therefore, in S216, the printing process is executed. When the printing process is completed in this manner, in S217, the user can obtain a printed matter in which the print target file input in S210 is printed based on the print setting conditions created in S207.

  Among the processes described above, a characteristic portion of the first embodiment relates to a series of processes from S210 to S211. The client device determines whether or not the file is a print target file, and transmits only the printable file to the multifunction peripheral 101, thereby solving the problem of the device built-in hot folder in the related art described in the above-described problem. I do. That is, conventionally, a file to be printed is transmitted to a device built-in hot folder, and it is determined whether the file is printable in the device built-in hot folder. Because of this, even files that cannot be printed are transmitted, causing unnecessary traffic. Further, there is a possibility that the file may be exposed to an unspecified number of people before the determination as to whether or not printing is possible. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the operation unit 203 determines whether the print target file is printable. As a result, the problems of the conventional method are solved, and it is possible to suppress unnecessary traffic and provide a hot folder function with high security built-in device.

  The above is the description of the system flow accompanying the use of the hot folder function in the first embodiment.

  Next, the system configuration of the printing system will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the hot folder printing system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the printing system can be represented by a set of a plurality of functional modules. Each module may be realized by hardware or software. Further, some of the function modules may be arranged in an external server (not shown), and the functions may be realized by communicating with the external server. Note that the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2 denote the same parts, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The printing system includes the above-described operation unit 203, web server 204, file system 205, print control 206, printing unit 314, authentication unit 304, and the like.

  The operation unit 203 includes a UI unit 301, a browser application unit 302, and a remote file system unit 303.

  The UI unit 301 is a functional unit provided to provide a unit for displaying image information, receiving data input / output instructions, and operating instructions. The operation content of the user is reflected on the browser application unit 302 and the remote file system unit 303.

  The browser application unit 302 is a functional unit that presents screen information by displaying web content on a window screen on the UI unit 301. The browser application unit 302 performs a process of transmitting and receiving information to and from the web server 204 described below. Screen information is mainly provided from the browser application unit 302 to the UI unit 301.

  The remote file system unit 303 is a functional unit for operating folders and files in the multifunction peripheral 101 using the file system function of the client device. The remote file system unit 303 accesses the file management unit 311 and performs various operations under access authority based on the setting information of the sharing setting unit 310. Exchange of sharing setting information is performed between the remote file system unit 303 and the sharing setting unit 310. The following operations can be specifically performed by using the remote file system function. Performs file system-derived processes such as folder hierarchy information, path information, subfolder and file list information under the folder, folder creation / deletion processing, and file creation / deletion processing.

  Alternatively, a file may be input to a folder managed by the file management unit 311 using the function of the remote file system unit 303. For example, a print file such as a PDF format file may be input to the hot folder. Alternatively, a file in the JDF format may be input into the shared folder to make it available as a hot folder. However, in the first embodiment, a description will be given focusing on a method of using a hot folder using a web page. Therefore, a detailed description of how to use the hot folder function using the file system is omitted.

  The file system unit 205 is a functional unit that executes processing for opening a shared folder and a file provided by the multifunction peripheral 101 to an external device. That is, it is a functional unit for managing a shared folder and a shared folder. The file system unit 205 includes a sharing setting unit 310 and a file management unit 311. The file management unit 311 is a functional unit that manages folders and files provided in a storage area in the multifunction peripheral 101. The file management unit 311 reads and writes a file from and to a storage area. The sharing setting unit 310 is a functional unit that handles access right settings for folders and files managed by the file management unit 311. Note that the access authority can be set for each user.

  The web server 204 is a functional unit that provides a web service of the MFP 101 to an external device. The web server 204 executes a series of processes for receiving various requests (requests) from the external device and returning a result of executing a process according to the content to the external device in the form of page information. The web server 204 includes a response generation unit 306, a data transfer unit 307, and a notification unit 309.

  The response generation unit 306 is a functional unit that executes processing when a request related to page update is received from the browser application unit 302 of the client device (external device). The response generation unit 306 determines page information to be transmitted based on the request content, and transmits the page information to the browser application 203.

  The data transfer unit 307 is a functional unit that executes processing of data transmitted via the browser application unit 302. The data transfer unit 307 acquires the PDF file 312 from the browser application unit 302 and transfers the PDF file 312 to the data acquisition unit 327. The data transfer unit 307 acquires print setting information from the browser application unit 302 and transfers the information to the data acquisition unit 327.

  The notification unit 309 is a functional unit that exchanges information with the hot folder function unit 321 by receiving a request as a trigger. For example, when a print file (PDF file 312) is transmitted via the browser application unit 302, that is, when a request for hot folder printing comes, the request for hot folder printing is notified to the hot folder function unit 321. . The notifying unit 309 controls the execution timing of a series of processing such as print processing, folder hierarchy movement processing, generation of drawing information associated therewith, and reply processing. Upon receiving an image update response from the notification unit 324, the notification unit 309 requests the page generation unit to generate a page.

  The web server 204 can switch between permitting and not permitting the use of the web service in cooperation with the authentication unit 304. That is, it is possible to realize user access control to the web service.

  The authentication unit 304 is a functional unit that performs processing when authentication information is transmitted from the web server 204. When the authentication information (user name and password) is transmitted from the browser application unit 302, the authentication unit 304 checks the authentication information in the user DB 305. The user DB 305 is stored in a storage area of the MFP 101. A plurality of user names are managed in the user DB 305, and a password is set in association with the user name. The authentication unit 304 searches for a user name that matches the acquired user name in the user DB. Then, when there is a matching user name, it is determined whether or not the obtained password matches the password stored in the user DB. If both the user name and the password match, a notification of successful authentication is sent to the web server 204. If one of them does not match, a notification of authentication failure is sent to the web server 204. Then, upon receiving the authentication success, the web server 204 permits the user to use the web service provided by the web server 204. That is, the web server 204 permits the user to use the hot folder function.

  The printing unit 314 is a functional unit that controls image forming processing (print processing) for forming an image on a sheet. The product output by the printing unit 314 is provided to the user 201.

  The print control 206 is a functional unit that controls the printing unit 314, forms an image on a sheet based on print target data, and performs a series of controls for processing the sheet. Here, a series of image formation performed based on the print data is referred to as a print job. The print control 206 performs management for each print job. The print control 206 includes a job execution unit 316, a job management unit 326, and a hot folder function unit 321.

  The hot folder function unit 321 is a core function unit for realizing the device built-in hot folder function in the multifunction peripheral 101. The functions provided by the hot folder function unit 321 include a hot folder creation-related process, an input print job execution-related process, a device built-in hot folder function itself, and an operation unit for instructing each of these functions. The processing includes a process of presenting an operation screen to the user 203. The hot folder function unit 321 includes a directory monitoring unit 322, a job registration request unit 323, a data acquisition unit 327, a JDF generation unit 325, and a notification unit 324.

  The notification unit 324 is a functional unit that communicates with the notification unit 309. Upon receiving the print processing execution trigger from the notification unit 309, the notification unit 324 requests the job registration request unit 323 to register the job. When the notification unit 324 receives the screen update trigger from the notification unit 309, the notification unit 324 returns information used for displaying the operation screen on the operation unit 203. For example, when a request regarding a folder operation is received from the notification unit 309, information based on directory information acquired from the directory monitoring unit 322 is returned to the notification unit 309.

  The data acquisition unit 327 is a functional unit that acquires data transferred from the data transfer unit 307. Upon acquiring the PDF file 312 from the data transfer unit 307, the data acquisition unit 327 performs a storage process for storing the PDF file 312 in the storage area of the multifunction peripheral 101. Specifically, the data acquisition unit 327 requests the file management unit 311 to store the PDF file 312 in order to store the PDF file 312 in the storage area. The data acquisition unit 327 performs storage processing for storing a print setting file based on the print setting information from the data transfer unit 307 in the storage area of the multifunction peripheral 101. More specifically, the data acquisition unit 327 uses the JDF generation unit 325 to convert the print setting information into a JDF file 313. Then, it requests the file management unit 311 to store the JDF file 313 in order to store the JDF file 313 in the storage area.

  The JDF generation unit 325 is a functional unit that performs a setting information conversion process. When the JDF generation unit 325 acquires the print setting information from the data acquisition unit 327, the JDF generation unit 325 replaces the command with the JDF format command and returns it to the data acquisition unit 327.

  A job registration request unit 323, a function unit that requests the print job management unit to register a print job based on the PDF file 312 and the JDF file 313. Information used to register a print job includes storage location information of the PDF file 312 and storage location information of the JDF file 313.

  On the other hand, the multifunction peripheral 101 according to the first embodiment can use the conventional device built-in hot folder function. The directory monitoring unit 322 is a functional unit that acquires information on directories managed by the file system unit 205. The directory monitoring unit 322 acquires directory information managed by the file system unit 205 in response to receiving a request that requires directory information. For example, when a folder operation process is performed, directory information such as a hierarchical structure of a folder is acquired and transmitted to the web server 204 via the notification unit 324. The directory information may be directly exchanged between the file system unit 205 and the web server 204.

  The directory monitoring unit 322 is a functional unit for detecting storage of a print target file. The directory monitoring unit 322 constantly monitors whether or not print target data such as a PDF file 312 is newly added to a specific folder managed by the file system unit 205. When the storage of the print target file is detected by the regular monitoring process, the job registration request unit 320 is requested to register the print job. Note that this monitoring may be stopped when the device built-in hot folder function is used only on a web page. Stopping the monitoring reduces access to the storage area, which leads to energy saving of the multifunction peripheral 101.

  The job management unit 326 is a functional unit that manages information about a print job. The job management unit 326 includes a print queue management unit 319 and a job registration unit 320. The job registration unit 320 is a functional unit that registers bibliographic information of print data according to a registration request. The registered bibliographic information includes a print data storage address, user information, print setting information, or a print setting file storage address, status information, and the like. The print queue management unit 319 is a functional unit that assigns an order to individual print jobs and manages the execution order. When a job is registered by the job registration unit 320, the print queue management unit 319 places the registered job in a print queue (waiting list). Then, an execution instruction is given to the job execution unit 316 for the first job in the print queue. The print job for which the print processing has been completed is removed from the print queue. The print queue management unit 319 similarly processes the next print job until there is no print job in the print queue.

  The job execution unit 316 is a functional unit that performs various controls associated with the execution of the print processing. The job execution unit 316 includes an image generation unit 317 and a print setting unit 318. The image generation unit 317 is a functional unit that generates an image in page units based on print data. The image generation unit 317 acquires the PDF file 312 and generates image data based on the PDL command of the PDF file 312. The generated image data is transmitted to the printing unit 314. The print setting unit 318 is a functional unit that reflects the print settings on the image data generated by the image generation unit 317. The print setting unit 318 extracts print settings from the JDF file 313 via the job registration unit 320, and reflects the extracted print settings on image generation by the image generation unit 317. The print setting unit 318 determines a print control command to be transmitted to the print unit 314 based on the extracted print settings.

  As described above, the device built-in hot folder function according to the first embodiment is characterized in that print target data is received via the web server 204. Accordingly, the print job is executed when the notification unit 324 receives a print processing execution trigger from the notification unit 309 managed by the web server 204 and the job registration request unit 323 requests the job registration unit 320 to register. State.

  On the other hand, it is assumed that the hot folder function unit 321 also realizes a device built-in hot folder function corresponding to the related art. Specifically, the directory monitoring unit 322 constantly monitors the file system 205 to determine whether a print target file such as a PDF file 312 is located in a specific folder. When the arrangement of the print target file is detected by the regular monitoring processing, the job registration request unit 323 is caused to register the print job in the job registration unit 320. As described above, in the first embodiment, both the conventional technology and the device built-in hot folder function by the mechanism of the first embodiment can be realized.

  FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the MFP 101 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 101 is configured such that a plurality of parts and devices having different roles are connected to each other, so that complicated sheet processing can be performed. Hereinafter, each part configuring the multifunction peripheral 101 will be described.

  The multifunction peripheral 101 has a print device 403 that transports a medium (sheet) stored in a paper feed device 412 with the developed image data and forms an image on the medium using toner. The configuration and operation principle of the printing device 403 are as follows.

  A rotating polygon mirror (polygon mirror or the like) reflects a light beam such as a laser beam modulated according to image data, and irradiates the photosensitive drum as reflected scanning light. As a result, the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum is developed by the toner, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet material attached to the transfer drum, that is, a medium. A full-color image is formed by sequentially executing this series of image forming processes for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners. Further, in addition to these four colors, a configuration may be adopted in which a toner called a special color or a transparent toner can be transferred. The sheet material on the transfer drum on which the full-color image has been formed is conveyed to a fixing device. The fixing device is configured by a combination of a roller and a belt, incorporates a heat source such as a halogen heater, and melts and fixes the transferred toner on the sheet material by heat and pressure.

  Note that the multifunction peripheral 101 according to the first embodiment includes a scan device 401 and an operation device 404. The operation device 404 provides various interfaces when an operator performs various settings and operations of the multifunction peripheral 101. The multifunction peripheral 101 is configured so that various auxiliary devices can be mounted. A sheet processing device 410 is shown as an example of these accompanying devices. The sheet processing device 410 is an apparatus for obtaining a product obtained by performing various processes on a medium on which an image is formed by the print device 403. The various processes here include a staple binding process for closing the end of the bundle of media conveyed to the sheet processing device 410 with a staple. Similarly, a bookbinding process of binding a central portion of a bundle of media conveyed to the sheet processing device 410 with a staple and folding the bundle along the staple is included. Further, a stapleless binding process or the like that closes the end of the bundle of media conveyed to the sheet processing device 410 by applying pressure with a tooth pattern is included. Further, a punching process for performing a punching process on an end portion of the medium conveyed to the sheet processing device 410 is included. The output processed by the sheet processing device 410 is discharged to an output tray (not shown).

  Next, an internal configuration (mainly a software configuration) of the multifunction peripheral 101 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  The multifunction peripheral 101 includes a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk 409 (hereinafter, also referred to as an HDD) capable of storing data of a plurality of jobs to be processed in its own apparatus. In the first embodiment, an example of the multifunction peripheral 101 using a hard disk is described. However, the storage device is not limited to a hard disk as long as the storage device has the same large capacity and non-volatility. A copy function is provided for printing job data received from the scan device 401 of the multifunction peripheral 101 by the print device 403 via the HDD 409. In addition, a print function for printing job data received from an external device via the NIC 402 corresponding to an example of the communication unit on the print device 403 via the HDD 409 is provided. The multifunction peripheral 101 is an MFP type printing apparatus having such a plurality of functions. In other words, the multifunction peripheral 101 may be a printing apparatus capable of color printing or a printing apparatus capable of monochrome printing, and may have any configuration as long as it can execute various controls described in the present embodiment. The HDD 409 also stores various types of management information that are permanently stored, changed, and managed by the multifunction peripheral 101. The multifunction peripheral 101 also includes an operation device 404 having a display unit and the like, which is an example of a user interface unit.

  A CPU 405 (also referred to as a control unit or a CPU), which is an example of a control unit included in the multifunction peripheral 101, comprehensively controls processes, operations, and the like of various units included in the multifunction peripheral 101. The ROM 407 stores various control programs including programs for executing various processes in a flowchart described below. The ROM 407 also stores a display control program for displaying various UI screens on the display unit of the operation device 404, including the illustrated user interface screen (hereinafter, referred to as a UI screen). The CPU 405 causes the multifunction peripheral 101 to execute various operations according to the first embodiment by expanding the program in the ROM 407 into the RAM 408 and executing the program. The ROM 407 also stores a program for interpreting PDL (page description language) data received from an external device via the NIC 402 and executing an operation of developing the image into raster image data (bitmap data). Similarly, a program for interpreting and processing a print job received from an external device via the NIC 402 is also stored in the ROM 407. These are mainly processed by software. The ROM 407 further stores programs such as a boot sequence and font information, and various programs such as the above programs in advance. In addition, a file server function program for exposing the file system provided in the multifunction peripheral 101 to a client device and making the file system accessible, and a function using a web page through a web server provided in the multifunction peripheral 101 using a web browser. The web program to be provided is also stored. Further, it stores a device built-in hot folder program for providing the device built-in hot folder function to the client device by the web access unit according to the first embodiment. Details of various programs stored in the ROM 407 will be described later. The RAM 408 is a readable and writable memory, and stores image data transmitted from the scan device 401 and the NIC 402, various programs, and setting information.

  The HDD 409 is a large-capacity storage device that stores image data compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 406. The HDD 409 is configured to hold a plurality of data such as print data of a job to be processed. The CPU 405 controls the data of a job to be processed, which is input via various input units such as the scan device 401 and the NIC 402, so that the data can be printed by the print device 403 via the HDD 409. Also, control is performed so that transmission to an external device via the NIC 402 is possible. In this manner, the CPU 405 can execute various output processes of the data of the processing target job stored in the HDD 409. Furthermore, a function of sharing and transmitting / receiving a file system built in the HDD 409 to / from an external device can be realized by the CPU 405 executing a program expanded in the RAM 408.

  The compression / decompression circuit 406 performs compression / decompression operations on image data and the like stored in the RAM 408 or the HDD 409 by various compression methods such as JBIG and JPEG. The RIP circuit 413 outputs image data obtained by rasterizing PDL data. Under the above-described configuration, the CPU 405 as an example of a control unit included in the multifunction peripheral 101 also controls the operation of each sheet processing device 410. The media management device 411 is a module for managing information on media types that can be processed by the multifunction peripheral 101. The above-described hardware modules are configured to be connectable to each other via the interface 414. Further, among the above-described hardware modules, the CPU 405, the ROM 407, the RAM 408, the HDD 409, the RIP circuit 413, the compression / decompression circuit 406, the NIC 402, and the interface 414 form a controller unit 400 that controls the multifunction peripheral 101. .

  FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a program of the multifunction peripheral 101 according to the first embodiment. These programs are stored in the ROM 407, and the CPU 405 develops the programs in the RAM 408 and executes the programs.

  The boot loader 451 is a program that is executed immediately after the MFP 101 is powered on. This program includes a program for executing various startup sequences required for starting the system. The operating system 452 is a program for providing an execution environment for various programs that realize the functions of the multifunction peripheral 101. This mainly provides functions such as resource management of the memory of the multifunction peripheral 101, that is, the ROM 407, the RAM 408, and the HDD 409, and basic input / output control of each unit shown in FIG. 4A. The network control program 453 is a program executed when data is transmitted / received to / from a device connected via a network. This program is used when performing various processes such as a process of receiving a file to be printed, a process of transmitting data from an external device, and a process of transmitting and receiving a command. The network control program 453 also includes a driver program for controlling the NIC 402. The file system server 454 is a server program for providing a request for file creation, transmission, reception, and the like to an external device connected to a file of the HDD 409 provided in the multifunction peripheral 101 via a network. By activating and operating this program, the client device connected to the network can use the files provided in the HDD 409 and the services provided by the file system via the network.

  The web server 455 is a server function providing program for enabling a client device connected via a network to use web contents provided by the multifunction peripheral 101 and web services provided by a web program. By activating and operating this program, client devices connected to the network can use web services such as web contents and web programs provided by the multifunction peripheral 101 via the network. The hot folder function program 456 is a characteristic program provided in the multifunction peripheral 101. That is, the hot folder function program 456 detects reception of a request for a web service from a client device connected to the network. Then, a series of functions provided as a device built-in hot folder function are executed in response to the detected reception request. In other words, the hot folder function program 456 enables a request transmission operation from an external device to be replaced with a print operation. The hot folder function program 456 transmits programs such as html data and JAVA script via the web server 455 and communication with the client device by the http protocol. Then, when the web browser 505 of the client device executes the program, a hot folder function including transmission / reception processing of a file to be printed can be realized. In the following description of the process of transmitting and receiving a file to be printed between the client device and the multifunction peripheral 101, functions executed by the web server 455, the web browser 505, a JAVA script, and the like will be described in order to simplify the description. It may be abbreviated for explanation.

  In the related art, a program that executes a print process executes the print process by detecting that a client (described later) transmits a file to a file system server by a program inside the multifunction peripheral 101. At that time, the file arrangement was detected using the polling processing of the file system of the multifunction peripheral 101.

  On the other hand, in the multifunction peripheral 101 according to the first embodiment, when the hot folder function program 456 detects the web processing request received by the web server 455, the multifunction peripheral 101 identifies the instruction of the print processing to the multifunction peripheral 101 by the device built-in hot folder. This can fundamentally solve the problem caused by the polling process for the file system as described in the problem. As a result, the problem that the device built-in hot folder has conventionally been solved can be solved, and the merit of the device built-in hot folder can be enjoyed to the maximum. Details of the processing of this program will be described later.

  The JDF function program 457 executes the JDF print function executed by the CPU 405 according to the instruction of the NIC 402 when the MFP 101 receives the JDF job data via the NIC 402. In the JDF print function, the CPU 405 sequentially instructs the operation of each device in FIG. 2 in an appropriate order based on the processing order and processing conditions described in the program. As a result, control is performed so that the JDF print processing is finally executed. Each device includes a sheet processing device 410, a print device 403, an HDD 409, a compression / decompression unit 406, a RAM 408, and the like. In addition, a program process for analyzing the JDF job data received via the NIC 402, determining whether or not an incorrect setting is included in the JDF as a result of the analysis process, and changing settings to eliminate the incorrect setting, etc. Is also included.

  The PDL print program 458 executes a PDL print function executed by the CPU 405 when PDL data (print job data) is received by the MFP 101 via the NIC 402. In the PDL print function performed by the CPU 405, the CPU 405 sequentially instructs the operation of each device in FIG. 2 in an appropriate order based on the processing order and processing conditions described in this program. As a result, control is performed so that the PDL print processing is executed. These devices include a sheet processing device 410, a print device 403, an HDD 409, a compression / decompression unit 406, a RAM 408, and the like.

  The media management program 459 executes a management function related to a sheet that can be used by the MFP 101. Sheet-related information managed by this program is stored in the HDD 409. The user authentication program 460 sets the use authority of the user who uses the multifunction peripheral 101, and determines whether or not the functions provided by the multifunction peripheral 101 can be used and restricts the use based on the authority information set for the user. The user authentication program 460 first performs an authentication process, and based on the result of the authentication process, determines whether or not the above-described functions can be used, limits usage, and the like. The authentication process can be executed via the operation device 404 included in the multifunction peripheral 101 or a web screen via a web browser included in a client device or the like. When a print request is issued from the client apparatus to the above-described JDF function program 457, PDL print program 458, or hot folder function program 456, a print job is generated in the multifunction peripheral 101. Thus, the print job queue management program 461 manages the life cycle of the execution process of the generated print job. That is, it controls the generation of print jobs, print processing, post-print processing, generation of job management information including confirmation of job status in the process, and the like. Further, in order to sequentially process the job data generated by the multifunction peripheral 101, a process for temporarily managing the execution order according to the order of the job execution request for an area such as the HDD 409 is also included. The other programs 462 are generic names of programs that are not included in any of the programs stored in the ROM 407 or the HDD 409 that can be executed by the multifunction peripheral 101. Since these are not important in describing the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 5A is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the client device according to the first embodiment.

  In the figure, a CPU 501 executes a program ROM of a ROM 503 or an OS or general application program developed from an HDD 511 to a RAM 502. The ROM 503 also includes a font ROM and a data ROM. The RAM 502 functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 501. A keyboard controller (KBC) 505 controls inputs from a keyboard 509 and a pointing device (not shown). The display control unit 506 controls display on the display unit 510. A disk controller (DKC) 507 controls access to the HDD 511 that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, and the like. The network controller (NIC) 512 is connected to a network and executes a communication control process with another device connected to the network. The bus 504 connects the CPU 501, the RAM 502, the ROM 503, various controllers, and the like, and carries data signals and control signals.

  In the case of the mobile terminal 104, a touch panel controller or the like may be included in the configuration instead of the keyboard controller (KBC) 505 in some cases. In some cases, a large-capacity storage device such as an SD memory is provided instead of the HDD 511. Further, the internal configuration of the network controller (NIC) 512 differs depending on whether the provided device is a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or both. However, differences due to these internal configurations are hidden inside the network controller (NIC) 512, and are configured so that the system can be controlled as equivalent to the other modules shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a program included in the client device according to the first embodiment.

  The boot loader 551 is executed immediately after the power of the client device is turned on. This program executes various startup sequences required for starting the system. The operating system 552 provides an execution environment for various programs that realize the functions of the client device. This provides functions such as resource management of the memory of the client device, that is, the ROM 503, the RAM 502, the HDD 511, and the like. The network control program 553 sends and receives data to and from a device connected via a network. This program is used when a file system executes transmission of a file to be printed. A remote file system client 554 and a web browser 555, which will be described later, are used secondarily when using the functions provided by the file system server 454 and the web server 455 of the multifunction peripheral 101 connected via a network. You.

  The remote file system client 554 operates on the client device when executing a file transmission / reception process with an external device such as the multifunction peripheral 101 connected via a network using the network control program 553. This program accesses a file server function provided by an external device connected via a network, and executes a client process when using the file server function. The remote file system client 554 accesses a file server provided by an external device connected to the network via the network controller 512, and enables file transmission / reception and copying.

  The web browser 555 is a client program for using a web service provided by a web server 455 of an external device connected via a network. A general-purpose operating system may be provided in the device in advance as a part of the function of the operating system, while the web browser is also an application program that runs on a general-purpose client device. Therefore, it is conceivable that the user of the client device installs and uses an arbitrary web browser application. In the first embodiment, the form in which the web browser 555 is provided to the client device does not matter. The local file system 556 is a file management function program that executes file management such as creation, editing, and deletion of various files stored in the HDD 511. When used in combination with the remote file system client 554 described above, the file system server 454 of an external device connected via a network is accessed, and files managed by the file system are copied to the external device. Conversely, a network file management function such as copying a file of an external device to the local file system 556 can be realized. The other programs 557 include a program group that does not correspond to any of the above, but a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  Note that there may be a form in which various programs such as the above-described local file system 556, remote file system client 554, network control program 553, and web browser 555 are provided as a part of the operating system 552. However, even in such a case, the operating system 552 is merely provided as a result instead of means equivalent to the functions provided in the various programs described above. In other words, it goes without saying that the present invention is applied as long as the client device has these functions, regardless of whether or not the operating system 552 includes the various means described above as its own functions.

  The correspondence between the above-described systems shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and the software and hardware configurations of the client device and the multifunction peripheral 101 are as follows.

  The operation unit 203 in FIG. 3 is a functional unit for providing various operations related to the device built-in hot folder to the user 201 by a display unit included in the web browser 555. The operation unit 203 is realized by the CPU 501 executing the web browser 555 together with the control of input / output devices such as the KB 509, the display unit 510, the display control unit 506, and the KBC 505. The web server 204 is a functional unit that provides web page information related to the device built-in hot folder. The web server 204 is realized by the CPU 501 executing the web server program 455.

  The file system 205 is a network file system function unit that is held by the HDD 409 of the multifunction peripheral 101 and managed and operated by the operating system 452. The file system 205 is realized by the CPU 405 executing the file system server 454 and the network control program 453. The printing unit 314 forms an image on a sheet and provides a product to the user. The printing unit 314 is realized by the CPU 405 of the MFP 101 executing the JDF function program 457, and the CPU 405 controlling various print devices, that is, the print device 403, the compression / decompression circuit 406, and the sheet processing device 410. The media management unit 315 controls a sheet in a mode suitable for a printing process executed by the printing unit 314. The media management unit 315 is realized by the CPU 405 executing the media management program 459 and controlling the paper feed device 412 and the media management device 411. The print control 206 further includes a job execution unit 316, a job registration unit 320, a print job queue management unit 319, and a hot folder function unit 321. The hot folder function unit 321 is a function unit for providing a device built-in hot folder function. The hot folder function unit 321 is realized by the CPU 405 executing the hot folder function program 456.

  The job execution unit 316 works in conjunction with the printing unit 314 and the media management unit 315 to control devices in units of data to be processed, that is, in units of jobs when the multifunction peripheral 101 executes a product creation process. It is a functional unit. The job execution unit 316 is realized by the CPU 405 executing the JDF function program 457. The print queue management unit 319 and the job registration unit 320 are functional units for controlling and processing the order of print processing executed by the job execution unit 316 in accordance with the registration order of print job data. The print queue management unit 319 and the job registration unit 320 are realized by the CPU 405 executing the print job queue management program 461.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen displayed on the client device as a result of the client device according to the first embodiment transmitting a web request to the multifunction device 101 to use the device built-in hot folder. is there.

  When the client device accesses the hot folder function program 456 of the MFP 101 via the web browser 555, an authentication request screen shown in FIG. 6A is first displayed. Here, a user name field 601 as information necessary for authentication, an input field 602 for a password corresponding to the user name, and a login destination, that is, an authentication server selection field 603 are displayed.

  FIG. 6B shows a state in which the user has appropriately entered user information in each field of the screen of FIG. 6A. Here, when the user presses the login button 604, the authentication process of the user is executed by the user authentication program 460. The authentication information necessary for the authentication process of the user authentication program 460 is transmitted from the web browser 555 of the client device to the user authentication program 460 via the network via the web server 455 of the multifunction peripheral 101.

  7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating an example of a built-in hot folder function screen displayed on the client device when the user is successfully authenticated.

  FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of an initial state of the web browser screen of the hot folder function. The screen components displayed on the web browser screen will be described below with reference to FIG. However, screen components generally provided by the web browser function itself, such as an address display portion of the web browser screen and a title tab of each web page, which are not related to the hot folder function provided in the first embodiment are described below. I omit the explanation.

  The folder display area 701 is used for moving and displaying a hierarchy on a file system, creating a new folder, and the like managed by the file system server 454 provided in the multifunction peripheral 101 via a web browser screen provided by the web browser 555. This is a hierarchical management function area. The print function selection button 702 is a button used to select a print function among various functions provided by the hot folder function. The default function screen displayed immediately after the authentication processing shown in FIG. 6 is the print function screen shown in FIG.

  A job list display button 703 is a button used to transition the display state of the web browser screen to a list display of print jobs input to the MFP 101 via the hot folder function. The job list screen will be described later. The current path display area 704 is an area for displaying a processing target, that is, a current path in an absolute path format from a root folder when the web browser 555 accesses the file system server 454 of the multifunction peripheral 101. FIG. 7A (A) shows that the current path is “/ share”. This indicates that the state of the highest hierarchy of the public folder, which is managed by the file system server 454 of the multifunction peripheral 101 according to the first embodiment, is displayed on the web browser screen. Further, it is not possible to move to a layer higher than “/ share”, which is the highest layer of the openable folder, and creating a folder immediately below “/ share” requires the file system of the multifunction peripheral 101. Server 454 is not authorized. Therefore, an upper layer move button and a folder creation button, which will be described later, are not displayed in the folder display area of this screen.

  In the folder display area 701, sub folders under the current path "/ share" are displayed. The example illustrated in FIG. 7A (A) indicates that a subfolder “folder” 705 exists under “/ share”. The folder information displayed in the folder display area 701 also has a button function on the web screen provided by the web browser 555. In other words, when pressed by an operation such as clicking on a portion where folder information is displayed, the hot folder function program 456 is instructed to move the display hierarchy to the pressed folder via the web browser screen. it can. More specifically, when “folder” 705 is pressed on the screen of FIG. 7A (A), the current path is moved to “/ share / folder”, and the display information on the web browser screen is updated to the information of the moved folder. Alternatively, it is possible to make a transition. The login user display area 706 is an area where the user name input at the time of authentication using the web browser screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. The user-specific function selection button 707 is a button for instructing a transition to various function providing screens displayed in the login user display area 706 and customized for each login user. The folder type identification area 708 is a screen area that plays a central role in the hot folder function provided in the first embodiment. The folder type identification area 708 indicates whether the current path on the file system server 454 displayed in the current path display area 704 when accessing the file system server 454 via the web browser 555 is a hot folder. This is an area that provides information that can be determined.

  In the example of the screen of FIG. 7A, the current path, that is, “/ share” is not a hot folder. In other words, even if an operation for performing a print job generation process described below is performed on the web browser screen in this state, no print job is generated.

  FIG. 7A (B) is a diagram showing an example of a screen that transits immediately after selecting “folder” 705 in the state of the screen shown in FIG. 7A (A).

  In FIG. 7A (B), the current path display area 704 is “/ share / folder”, and the current path is changed from “/ share” shown in FIG. 7A (A) to “folder” immediately below it. It indicates that it was done. In addition, with respect to folders in lower layers than “/ share”, the file system server 454 held by the multifunction peripheral 101 is configured to allow file operations such as creation and copying of an arbitrary folder or file. Therefore, in the folder display area 701, a button whose current path does not exist in the state of “/ share” is arranged. That is, a folder creation button 709 and an upper layer move button 710 are displayed. When the folder creation button 709 is pressed here, a new folder is created immediately below the hierarchy on the file system server 454 of the multifunction peripheral 101, which is displayed in the current web browser screen state. The upper layer move button 710 is a button for moving a layer of display information from a layer currently displayed on the web browser screen on the file system server 454 of the multifunction peripheral 101 to a higher layer. In addition, a job setting creation button 711 for instructing the arrangement of a setting file, which will be described later, so that the current path can be used as a hot folder is also displayed.

  FIG. 7A (C) is a diagram showing an example of a web browser screen displayed immediately after the folder creation button 709 is pressed on the screen of FIG. 7A (B).

  Here, a name input field 712 of the folder to be created is presented. When the user presses the OK button 714 with a desired folder name character string entered therein, a folder having the same name as described above is created immediately below the current path. On the other hand, if the cancel button 713 is pressed, the process returns to the screen of FIG. 7A (B) without executing the folder creation processing.

  FIG. 7B (A) is a diagram showing an example of a web browser screen displayed immediately after an OK button 714 is pressed after a folder name is input on the screen of FIG. 7A (C). Here, a folder with the folder name “folder01” input on the screen of FIG. 7A (C) is newly created, and “folder01” 715 is added to the folder display area 701.

  FIG. 7B (B) is a diagram showing an example of a web browser screen displayed immediately after “folder01” 715 is selected on the screen of FIG. 7B (A). Here, the current path display area 704 is “/ share / folder / folder01”, and is created by operating a screen component associated with creating a folder presented on the screens of FIGS. 7A (C) and 7B (A). You can confirm that the current path has been moved to the specified folder.

  FIG. 8A is a view showing an example of the web browser screen displayed immediately after the user selects the job setting creation button 711 on the screen of FIG. 7B (B). Here, a function selection button, a select box, and the like for selecting various settings applicable at the time of creating a product as a hot folder function of the multifunction peripheral 101 are arranged. Although FIG. 8A shows a part of the screen in a scroll display state because the display area of the web browser screen is limited, it can be actually displayed as a single screen. . Specifically, it is also possible to change the display window size of the web browser screen or to reduce the display character size to display the web browser screen as a single screen. Since these functions and operations are general screen control methods for the web browser function, detailed description will be omitted.

  Also, as shown in the example of FIG. 8A, there are various print setting items associated with the hot folder via the web browser screen. Specifically, the basic functions include the number of copies, the sheet size used for printing, the sheet type, the printing surface (one side or both sides), and the like. The bookbinding-related settings include the presence or absence of bookbinding, the opening direction for bookbinding printing, and the presence or absence of saddle stitching processing to be performed at the time of bookbinding. Further, as the output mode specification, a sort mode, sorting (discharge of sheets) at the time of discharging a plurality of copies, designation of the number of copies at the time of shift discharge, and the like can be specified. Also, an example in which punching, binding processing, folding processing, and the like can be specified as the specification of the finishing processing has been described as an example of setting items that can be associated with the hot folder of the MFP 101 in the present embodiment. However, it is a matter of course that various functions other than those shown in FIG. 8A can be designated so that the functions of the MFP 101 can be designated. For example, various types of image processing, finishing processing not shown in FIG. These may be added as specifiable items when requested by the user using the hot folder, and may be stored in a JDF format described later so as to be applicable at the time of printing. In other words, any setting that can be processed by the MFP 101 can be configured to correspond to the setting of the hot folder on the screen corresponding to FIG. 8A.

  FIG. 8B (A) is a diagram showing an example of a web browser screen displayed immediately after selecting the job setting creation determination button 801 in a state where appropriate print settings are selected in FIG. 8A. In FIG. 8B (A), the display information of the current path display area 704 is “/ share / folder / folder01”, and the folder type identification area 708 indicates that the information is a “hot folder” that can use the print function. The indicated information is displayed. This is clearly different from the state of the folder type identification area 708 described with reference to FIG. 7A (A), and the current path is changed to the device built-in hot folder by operating the screen presented by FIG. It clearly states that

  In this state, a file to be printed held in the client device is selected by operating means such as a pointing device, and the selected file is dragged and dropped into the folder type identification area 708 to perform printing described later. A trigger for a processing execution instruction can be given. The MFP 101 detects that the file has been dragged and dropped into the folder type identification area 708, and transmits the detected file to the hot folder function program 456 via the web server 455 provided in the multifunction peripheral 101. This process is obtained by the web browser 555 executing a JAVA script program that is executed simultaneously with acquisition of an html file for drawing the screen shown in FIG. In the first embodiment, the JAVA script program includes the file format information of the print support, and has a function of determining whether the file is printable when the file is dragged and dropped into the folder type identification area 708. In the first embodiment, the format of the print support file is only PDF (Portable Document Format). That is, when the PDF file is dragged and dropped, the file is transmitted for printing, and when the other files are dragged and dropped, the file is not transferred. A screen example when a file is dragged and dropped will be described later. As described above, a new function selection button is arranged on the web browser screen when the current path “/ share / folder / folder01” is changed to a hot folder.

  A job setting confirmation button 802 in FIG. 8B (A) is a screen for confirming the setting contents of the print settings associated with the folder “/ share / folder / folder01” of the current path in the job setting selection processing in FIG. 8A or the like. To transition to. A temporary setting button 803 is a function for improving the convenience in executing a print job by applying a temporarily different setting to the print setting associated with the folder “/ share / folder / folder01” of the current path. Instruct the transition to the selection screen.

  FIG. 8B (B) is an example of an error screen displayed when a desired process cannot be performed when a folder provided by the web browser screen is moved and a folder moving operation is performed on the hot folder function program 456. FIG. Here, error information indicating that the designated folder does not exist, and information indicating that the above-described normal folder operation cannot be performed due to an error are displayed in the folder type identification area 708. Such an error condition can be caused by the following operation. In other words, when the first user is browsing a folder in a certain hierarchy on the web browser screen, another user deletes or changes the folder name of the same folder, and in that state, the first user This is the case when accessing. In this case, since the folder with the specified name does not already exist, it is possible to present screen information indicating an error as shown in FIG. Second, when the user intentionally changes the access address display field of the web browser and accesses the location of the folder path information included in the web request information when the web browser 555 accesses the hot folder function program 456. is there.

  FIG. 8B (C) stores print setting information included in the hot folder creation request transmitted from the client device to the hot folder function program 456 of the multifunction peripheral 101, corresponding to the print setting created by the operation of FIG. 8A. Here is an example of data. In the first embodiment, an example in which the print setting information is described in the XML format is described. However, any format may be used as long as the content of the print setting items set in FIG. 8A can be stored.

  When a print setting is designated and a job setting creation determination button 801 is selected on a series of print setting creation screens shown in FIG. 8A, the web transmitted from the web server 455 at the same time as the drawing information constituting the web page and operated on the client device The browser 555 converts the print designation into XML format data shown in FIG. 8B (C).

  The XML data includes, in addition to the print setting information, accompanying information indicating address information 804 corresponding to the path of the folder for which the print setting is created. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that a JAVA script is used as an example of a web program.

  The XML data 805 thus created, for example, shown in FIG. 8B (C), is transmitted to the MFP 101 by the web browser 555 by asynchronous communication. As a result, the web server 455 of the multifunction peripheral 101 transmits the received XML data 805 to the hot folder function program 456. Accordingly, the hot folder function program 456 analyzes the XML data 805 and creates an internal print setting file for realizing the print designation included in the XML data 805. The hot folder function program 456 controls the created internal print setting file to arrange the print setting file in a folder corresponding to the folder path specified by the address information 804.

  The XML data 805 has a plurality of parts, and includes an XML declaration unit 806, a metadata unit 807, a general print setting unit 808, and an imposition setting unit 809, respectively. The XML declaration section 806 is a description that must be described to indicate that the data format is XML. The metadata section 807 is a section for describing information about a target folder. In the illustrated example, address information or path information of a folder to which print settings are applied is described. The general print setting unit 808 is a part for describing information of paper used for printing, the number of copies, a discharge method, and the like. The imposition setting unit 809 is a part that describes the printing surface, the order of the printing surface, the number of printing surfaces, and the like. The contents of the general print setting unit 808 increase or decrease according to the designated print settings. For example, when stapling setting or folding setting is designated, information corresponding to the stapling setting section and the folding setting section is added.

  In the first embodiment, an example in which a JDF format file is used as a print setting file is described. In other words, an example will be described in which the format using the JDF function program 457 is assumed when printing the print target data input via the hot folder function program 456, and the efficiency at that time is considered. However, the format of the print setting file does not need to be limited to the JDF format, and there is no need to limit the use of the JDF function program 457 as a means for executing a print job. The JDF format file was adopted because it is a format that can be manually edited and is widely used as an industry-standard print setting format, and the fact that many experts in JDF-related technology are present at printing equipment vendors and integrators. This is the result of considering superiority. The MFP 101 that has received the XML data transmits the success or failure of the print setting file arrangement processing to the client device as a response of the communication between the web browser 555 and the web server 455. The failure of the print setting file arrangement processing may occur due to the absence of the folder indicated by the address information 804, or the insufficient capacity of the HDD 409 of the MFP 101. The web browser 555 included in the client device performs a web page transition according to the processing result included in the received response. That is, if the processing is successful, the screen transitions to the screen of FIG. 8B (A). If the processing fails, an error dialogue (not shown) is displayed, and the screen transitions to the screen of FIG. 8B (B).

  When the XML data 805 shown in FIG. 8B (C) is transmitted, and the hot folder function program 456 receives the XML data and processes the XML data correctly, a JDF file shown in FIG. 9B is created as a processing result. .

  FIG. 9C is a hierarchical diagram showing a file system state configured in the HDD 409 of the MFP 101 as a result of performing the operations shown in FIGS. 7A to 9.

  In FIG. 9C, a folder “share” 904 below the root folder and a folder “folder” 905 located below the root folder are damaged. Further, “share / folder / folderp1” 915, which is a hot folder, is shown below the layer. In the figure, the left direction is the upper hierarchy of the folder hierarchy, and the right direction is the lower hierarchy. Under the hot folder “share / folder / folder1” 915, a JDF file 916, which is a print specification file, is arranged.

  If the user selects the upper layer move button 910 in the folder display area 901, it means that the display of the information of the folder in the left side of the hierarchical diagram shown in FIG. If a hierarchy, for example, “folder01” 715 in FIG. 7B is selected, it means that an instruction to display the information of the folder in the right direction in FIG.

  Although not shown in the operations of FIGS. 7A to 9, when the folder creation button 709 of FIG. 7A is operated, a further subfolder can be created as in “folderAA” 917 of FIG. 9C. Then, the folder can be set as a hot folder according to the above-described procedure.

  In this state, the client device transmits the XML data illustrated in FIG. 8C via the file system server 454 of the multifunction peripheral 101 via the remote file system client 554 instead of the web browser 555. FIG. 9A shows a state in which the hot folder function program 456 of the multifunction peripheral 101 processes the XML data, creates a hot folder, and creates the JDF file shown in FIG. 9B.

  In FIG. 9A, a JDF format file named “jobsettings.jdf” is arranged in the folder path “/ share / folder / folder01” of the multifunction peripheral 101 corresponding to the folder path display area of the multifunction peripheral 101. I have.

  FIGS. 10A and 10B show the case where the web browser screen displayed on the client device according to the first embodiment is in FIG. 8B (A) and immediately after the file to be printed is arranged in the folder type identification area 708 by the drag and drop operation. It is a figure showing an example of a screen which changes.

  As described in the description of FIG. 8B (A), the folder of the current path “/ share / folder / folder01” is a hot folder and is not a mere shared folder. In other words, the folder is a folder in which the print settings made by the series of operations shown in FIG. 8A are linked, and when the above operation is performed on the folder via the web browser, the folder is an operation target. The printing process for the file is executed by the hot folder function program 456. This processing is performed by the web browser 555 executing the JAVA script as described in the description of the hot folder function program 456.

  FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating an example of a web browser screen when a drag-and-drop operation is performed on the print target file 1001 by using an instruction device such as a pointing device in the folder type identification area 708. . When the drag and drop operation of the file shown in FIG. 10 is completed, the screen transits to the screen of FIG. 10A (B).

  FIG. 10A (B) is a diagram illustrating an example of information displayed on a web browser screen during transmission of a file. As illustrated, information that can determine that the file is being transmitted is presented. FIG. 10A (C) is a diagram showing an example of information displayed on the web browser screen immediately after the transmission processing of the print target file from FIG. 10A (B) is completed. As shown in the figure, information that can determine that the file transmission processing has been completed is presented. FIG. 10B (A) is a diagram showing an example of a screen to which the display of the web browser screen transits after a lapse of a certain time from the state shown in FIG. 10A (C). The screen shown in this figure is equivalent to FIG. 8B (B). That is, information indicating that a print processing instruction for the current path “/ share / folder / folder01” can be received again is presented.

  FIG. 10B (B) executes processing of a print instruction via the web browser 555 in the client device, and after the web browser screen transitions as shown in FIGS. 10A (B) (C) and 10B (A), respectively. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state of an operation device 404. FIG. 10B (C) is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when a dragged and dropped file cannot be printed. For example, this is displayed when a file in a format not supported by printing is dragged and dropped. Information that can determine that the printing process is being performed is presented on the status display unit 1002 in FIG. 10B (B). When the status display unit 1002 is in the state shown in FIG. 10B, the MFP 101 executes print processing under the control of the CPU (controller) 405 by controlling each subordinate processing unit to create a product. Processing is performed. When the product creation process is completed, the information in the status display unit 1002 is deleted, and the screen changes to a state before the start of the print process.

  As described in the description of FIG. 10A (B), immediately after the print target file is arranged on the client device by an operation such as drag-and-drop, the operation is executed by a web browser program using a JAVA script. It is done immediately. In other words, instead of recognizing a file transmission processing request by monitoring the file system at regular intervals, it is necessary to detect that a processing event such as a drag and drop of a file is detected by a Web browser program using a JAVA script. It is executed on the occasion. By this operation, the detection of the print data arrangement and the execution of the print processing can be executed without delay from the arrangement of the print data.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the regular access for constantly confirming that the print target file is arranged in the HDD 409 is unnecessary. This is because, as described above, the instruction to arrange the print target file in the folder type identification area 708 by an operation such as drag and drop means that the execution instruction is transmitted by the web browser program such as a JAVA script supplementing the arrangement event. That is because In other words, it is possible to replace the file detection method with a trigger for execution triggered by an event instead of a regular monitoring process when a web browser is used.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen to which a transition is made when the user selects the job setting confirmation button 802 when the web browser screen in the client device according to the first embodiment is in the state illustrated in FIG. It is.

  Here, by a series of operations shown in FIG. 8A, information that allows the print setting contents set in the hot folder to be confirmed on the web browser screen is presented. The print setting information presented in FIG. 9 includes the print setting information described in the JDF file arranged on the folder path stored in the predetermined hot folder of the multifunction peripheral 101 shown in FIG. Basically equivalent. Here, the contents of the JDF file are displayed on the web browser screen in a highly readable format.

  Even if the JDF file (FIG. 9B) stored in the hot folder shown in FIG. 9A is directly opened by a program running on a client device such as an editor, the print settings are not changed. Confirmation of the contents is possible. However, this is a confirmation method that is possible only for a user who can know the format and structure of the JDF file. Therefore, in the first embodiment, which is intended to serve as a simple printing unit, it is possible to confirm the print setting contents via a web browser by a simpler method for the user as shown in FIG. A close button 1101 is a button for instructing to close the screen display.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the client device according to the first embodiment when the user instructs use of the function of the device built-in hot folder. The processing shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 501 expanding a program installed in the HDD 511 in the RAM 502 and executing the program.

  First, in step S1201, the CPU 501 remains in a state of waiting in step S1201 until the user performs a screen operation provided by the web browser 555 via the user interface. If the CPU 501 determines in step S1201 that the user has instructed any operation via the user interface, the process advances to step S1202, and executes processing corresponding to the instruction. In step S1202, the CPU 501 determines whether a specific location on the browser screen has been selected by an operation such as a click. If so, the process proceeds to S1204; otherwise, the process proceeds to S1203. In step S1204, the CPU 501 determines whether the area selected by the user operation is the job setting creation button 711 illustrated in FIG. 7A (B). If so, the process advances to step S1209 to execute the process of transitioning to the screen for performing a series of print settings described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, and then advances to step S1201.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1204 that the area is not the job setting creation button 711, the process advances to step S1205 to determine whether the area selected by the user operation is the job setting confirmation button 802. If so, the process advances to step S1210 to execute the process for transitioning to the print setting content confirmation screen associated with the hot folder described with reference to FIG. 11, and then advances to step S1201. If it is determined in step S1205 that the button is not the job setting confirmation button 802, the process advances to step S1206 to determine whether the area selected by the user operation is a selection of an operation process on the folder display area 701. If so, the process advances to S1211 to execute processing for instructing execution of various folder operations as shown in FIGS. 7A (A) to 7B (B) using the screen display provided by the web browser 555, and S1201. Proceed to.

  Also, in S1202, when the operation is not a click operation on a specific portion of the screen, it means that the type of the user's execution instruction for a component of the web browser screen is not a selection operation such as a click on a specific region of the screen. This means that when the operation other than the click or selection operation, that is, the display state of the web browser screen operating on the client device is, for example, FIG. 8B (A), the file to be printed is dragged and dropped into the folder type identification area 708. including. Therefore, in step S1203, the CPU 501 determines whether the file to be printed is the dropped screen component in the folder type identification area 708. If so, the process advances to step S1208 to execute the print processing of the file to be printed by the multifunction peripheral. Then, the process for instructing 101 is executed, and the process proceeds to S1201. If the result of the determination processing in S1203 is false or the result of the determination processing in S1207 is false, it is a case where an operation unrelated to the hot folder function has been performed. In this case, the processing content is not essential for the description of the first embodiment, and thus the details of the processing content are omitted, and the process only shifts to the processing request waiting in S1201 again.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating details of the file transmission process in S1208 of FIG.

  First, in step S1309, the CPU 501 determines whether the file dragged and dropped on the web browser 555 can be printed. That is, as described above, it is determined whether the file dragged and dropped is a PDF file. This processing is performed by the web browser 555 executing the JAVA script acquired by the web browser 555 via the web server 455. If it is determined in step S1309 that printing is possible, the process advances to step S1301; otherwise, the process advances to step S1310.

  In step S1301, the CPU 501 executes processing for changing the screen to a screen indicating that the print target file is being transmitted as illustrated in FIG. 10A (B). This is performed by executing the JAVA script acquired by the web browser 555 via the web server 455, as described in FIGS. 10A and 10B.

  The processing after S1302 indicates data transmission processing executed by the JAVA script executed by the web browser 555 on the print target file to the web server 455 provided in the multifunction peripheral 101. That is, in step S1302, the CPU 501 creates an http request header as preprocessing for communicating with the web server 455. Next, the processing advances to step S1303, where the CPU 501 executes an encoding process to transmit the print target file in the http protocol format. Here, a POST command is used as a command on the http protocol when transmitting data to the web server 455. After the preparation for the execution process by the POST command in the http protocol is completed, the POST command is executed and the print target file is transmitted to the web server 455.

  The time required for the transmission process at this time depends on the size of the file to be printed, the environment of the network 100, and the processing speed of the JAVA script executed by the CPU 501 provided in the client device, but a finite time is required as long as communication is possible. Processing. In step S1305, the CPU 501 waits for reception of the transmission processing result from the web server 455 in order to confirm that the transmission processing in step S1304 has been correctly performed, that is, that the transmission processing of the print target file has been normally performed. Transitions to. The same steps are performed until a response from the web server 455 is received.

  Then, upon receiving the print target file transmission process and the response from the web server 455, the process advances to step S1306 to perform a process of displaying a communication end screen as shown in FIG. 10A (C) in accordance with a JAVA script execution instruction. In this manner, in S1370, the CPU 501 displays to the user who operates the web browser 555 for a certain period that the communication process has been normally completed, and then proceeds to S1308, and issues a transmission instruction of the print target file as shown in FIG. 10B (A). The screen transits to the screen before the user instructs. If printing is not possible in step S1309, the process advances to step S1310, and the CPU 501 displays an error screen when a file that is not supported by printing, that is, a file other than a PDF file is dragged and dropped. An example of the error screen is as shown in FIG. 10B (C) described above.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the user instructs to use the hot folder function of the MFP 101 according to the first embodiment. The processing shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 405 expanding a program installed in the HDD 409 in the RAM 408 and executing the program. This processing is executed when a processing request to the web server 455 is received via the network 100 in accordance with the processing content specified by the user of the web browser 555 operating on the client device. Note that the execution of the request in which the user instructs the web browser 555 executed by the multifunction peripheral 101 according to the first embodiment is performed using both the web server 455 and the hot folder function program 456. The first embodiment also considers a case where these are configured and executed as the same software module.

  First, in step S1401, the CPU 405 stays in step S1401 and waits until receiving any processing request from the client device. Upon receiving a processing request from the client device, the process advances to step S1402, and the CPU 405 determines the type of the processing request. In S1403, the CPU 405 determines whether or not the content of the processing request is a folder hierarchy related process. This occurs when the operator of the web browser 555 instructs the screens provided by the browser to perform operations such as moving the folder up and down the hierarchy and creating a folder as described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. , Based on http request data issued from the client device. If the result of the determination in S1403 is true, the process advances to S1407, which corresponds to the folder hierarchy-related processing. Here, the CPU 405 executes a process of creating response data for returning the result to the client device as a response. The process advances to step S1407, and the CPU 405 transmits the response data to the client device, and advances to step S1401.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1403 that the instruction is not for a folder hierarchy related process, the process advances to step S1404. The CPU 405 determines whether the content of the received processing request is a hot folder creation process. This is a result of performing a screen operation according to the user's selection contents of the web browser 555 as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B (A), for example, as a result of the XML shown in FIG. 8B (C). This is based on data creation and transmission processing. If so, the process advances to step S1408, and the CPU 405 receives, for example, the XML data shown in FIG. 8B (C), creates JDF format data as shown in FIG. 9 (B), and places it in a predetermined folder hierarchy. I do. The process advances to step S1409, and the CPU 405 executes a process of creating response data for returning the execution result processed in step S1408 to the client device as a response, and then advances to step S1414.

  If the CPU 405 determines in step S1404 that the process is not a hot folder creation process, the process advances to step S1405 to determine whether the request is a hot folder print request. If so, the process advances to step S1410, and the CPU 405 executes print job generation processing. Then, the process proceeds to step S1411, where the CPU 405 creates print job submission response data, and proceeds to step S1414.

  If it is determined in step S1405 that the request is not a hot folder print request, the process advances to step S1406, and the CPU 405 determines whether the content of the received processing request is a hot folder print setting confirmation process. This is to determine whether to create display information that allows the user of the client device to confirm the settings linked to the hot folder as shown in FIG. 9, that is, the contents of the print settings by the JDF shown in FIG. 9B. Corresponds to the determination of If so, the process advances to step S1412, where the CPU 405 analyzes the contents of the print setting file in the JDF format shown in FIG. 9B, and analyzes and acquires the setting information. The process advances to step S1413, and the CPU 405 creates display information that allows the user of the client device to check the content, and advances to step S1414. In S1414, html data, which is the response data created in any of S1407, S1409, S1411, and S1413, is transmitted to the client device. If it is not the print setting confirmation processing of the hot folder in S1406, the processing proceeds to S1414 to return some response.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating details of the print job generation processing in S1410 of FIG.

  First, in step S <b> 1501, the CPU 405 analyzes information included in the html header portion of the request data received by the hot folder function program 456 and transmitted from the web browser 555. The subsequent steps are further executed based on the information analyzed and acquired in the same step. Next, the processing proceeds to step S1502, and based on the information obtained in step S1501, the CPU 405 obtains the folder information of the hot folder included in the request data, specifically, the information on the folder path. This is necessary so that when the user of the client apparatus executes a print instruction using the hot folder function, the CPU 405 determines the print target file transmitted by adopting the print setting associated with which folder. . In other words, a process for specifying the JDF file stored in the folder path acquired in S1501 as shown in FIG. 9B is executed.

  Next, the processing proceeds to step S1503, and the CPU 405 determines whether a folder corresponding to the folder path information acquired in step S1501 already exists. Here, if it is determined that it exists, the process proceeds to S1504; otherwise, the process proceeds to S1511. This corresponds to a case where the path information itself included in the html request transmitted from the web browser 555 included in the client device to the web server 455 included in the MFP 101 is an error. In this case, it means that the request itself is invalid. In this case, the CPU 405 executes an error process. Specifically, html drawing information for displaying an error screen as shown in FIG. 8B (B) is transmitted to the web browser 555 via the web server 455, and the process proceeds to S1510.

  In S1504, the CPU 405 determines whether the JDF file exists in the folder specified by the request. If the result of this determination is false, that is, if there is no JDF file, the flow advances to step S1511 to execute error processing.

  For example, taking the screen of FIG. 8B (A) as an example, even if the user puts the print target file into the folder type identification area 708, the description will be made with reference to the example of FIG. 8B (A). In this state, the JDF file has been deleted from the folder path “/ share / folder / folder01”. Therefore, in this case, the printing process cannot be executed.

  If the JDF file exists in the folder designated in S1504, the flow of the printing process by the hot folder function starting from S1505 is started. In step S <b> 1505, the CPU 405 stores the data received by the hot folder function program 456 from the web browser 555 as a print target file in the HDD 409 under the control of the CPU 405 by the file system server 454. When a plurality of print target files are input to the hot folder function, these print target files are managed according to the order of requests, and are sequentially printed. That is, the processing in S1505 corresponds to the queuing processing of the print target file. Then, the processing proceeds to step S1506, where the CPU 405 reads the JDF file determined to exist in step S1504, and executes the analysis processing. This JDF analysis processing is, for example, processing for acquiring print setting specifications described according to the grammar defined by JDF in text data expressed in XML format as shown in FIG. 9B by XML analysis and syntax analysis. Equivalent to. A description of a detailed algorithm of the XML analysis processing and the syntax analysis processing will be omitted.

  Next, the processing proceeds to step S1507, where the CPU 405 executes the JDF function program 457 to start the print product creation processing. Further, here, when the CPU 405 causes the HDD 409 to store the print setting specifications acquired as a result of the analysis, reads out the JDF function program 457 onto the RAM 408, and executes the readout setting contents in the JDF function program 457. Including processing. Based on the print settings set here, form control of print product creation in accordance with the settings is executed by appropriately controlling the print device 403, the sheet processing device 410, the paper feed device 412, and the like.

  Next, the processing proceeds to step S1508, in which the CPU 405 analyzes the format of the received print target file and executes processing for converting the file into image information printable by the print device 403. At this time, the print settings acquired and set in S1506 and included in the JDF file are reflected. In step S1509, the CPU 405 controls the print device 403, the sheet processing device 410, and the like based on the image information converted in step S1508, and executes print processing, that is, product creation processing. At this time, the display state of the operation device 404 is as shown in FIG. 10B (B).

  When the product creation processing for the print target file is completed in this way, the process advances to step S1510, and the CPU 405 determines the execution result of the product creation processing, and ends this processing. The result determined in S1510 is notified as a response or an event to the web browser 555 via the web server 455 as a response or an event as an execution history of the print process normally provided in the multifunction peripheral 101 or a print process execution result and transmitted to the user. It is used as information for providing such purposes.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when a client device transmits a print setting file for a hot folder to an MFP, the client device determines whether or not the print setting file is a printable file. Send only the configuration file to the MFP. As a result, problems such as an increase in traffic due to useless transfer of a file and exposure of the file to an unspecified number of people can be solved.

[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment, whether the file is a print setting file that can be printed is determined as a file of a specific format. This is inconvenient when it is desired to restrict the print format for each folder. In view of this point, in the second embodiment, an example will be described in which determination as to whether or not a print setting file is printable is performed for each folder based on a print format. Note that the configurations of the multifunction peripheral 101 and the client device according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print format selection screen displayed on the client device according to the second embodiment.

  The screen of FIG. 16 is displayed when the screen of FIG. 8A is further scrolled down. In the example of FIG. 16, a PDF check box 1601, a PS check box 1602, and a TIFF check box 1603 are displayed, and the PDF check box 1601 is checked. Reference numeral 1604 denotes an input field for another print format, in which an arbitrary character string can be input.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of XML data transmitted from the client device to the hot folder program of the MFP 101 according to the second embodiment.

  FIG. 17 is an expanded view of FIG. 8B (C), in which a SupportFormat 1701 which is a print support format is added. In the example of FIG. 17, both PDF and TIFF are “1”, that is, a printable format, and PS is “0”, that is, a print-disabled format. Also, since there is no designation of Others, it indicates that other formats cannot be printed. Note that FIG. 17 is merely an example, and the description of the XML data is not limited to the format shown in FIG. 17 and may be handled in any format as long as the print support format is expressed.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a management table in which the hot folder function program 456 of the multifunction peripheral 101 that has received the XML data transmitted from the client device according to the second embodiment manages a print format for each folder.

  In this table, a hot folder path 1801 and a print format 1802 are registered. This table is stored in the HDD 409 of the multifunction peripheral 101. In the example of FIG. 18, the print format of the folder path “/ share / folder1” is PDF, and the print format of the folder path “/ share / folder2” is PDF and PS. Further, the print format of the folder path “/ share / folder3” is TIFF.

  In this way, by specifying the print format of each hot folder for each hot folder, each hot folder can refuse to accept print files of other print formats. Also, when transferring the print target file to the hot folder, the client device determines the print target file based on whether the print format of the destination hot folder matches the print format of the print target file to be transferred. It is determined whether or not to transfer.

  The processing of the web browser 555 operating on the client device according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that description of contents common to the description according to the first embodiment is omitted. In step S1309 of FIG. 13, the CPU 501 determines whether the dragged and dropped file is printable, as in the first embodiment. The common point is that the print format is included in the JAVA script acquired by the web browser 555 via the web server 455. However, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the determination of the file format for determining whether printing is possible. That is, in the second embodiment, when transmitting the print target file to the multifunction peripheral 101, the client device transmits the file only when the print format matches the print format of the target hot folder. The processing of the hot folder function program 456 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, a print format that can be printed can be set for each hot folder, and transfer of a print target file other than the set print format to the folder is performed in advance. Can be avoided.

[Embodiment 3]
In the first and second embodiments, the printable print format can be set from the client device. However, even when it is desired to use a print setting file or the like created by the client device, an input from the web browser 555 is required. In view of this point, in the third embodiment, an example will be described in which print setting of a hot folder can be easily performed by dragging and dropping a setting file to the web browser 555. Note that the configurations of the multifunction peripheral 101 and the client device according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the file transmission process of S1208 in FIG. 12 executed by the client device according to the third embodiment. Note that the processing of S1901 to S1910 is the same as the processing of S1301 to S1310 in FIG. 13 of the first embodiment described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In step S1909, the CPU 501 determines whether the dragged and dropped file is a printable file. If so, the process advances to step S1901 to execute the processes in the first and second embodiments. On the other hand, if the file dragged and dropped is not a printable file, the process advances to step S1911 to determine whether the file is a print setting file. Specifically, in the third embodiment, it is determined whether the file is a JDF file. The format of the setting file is not limited to a JDF file as long as it can express print settings. If the CPU 501 determines in step S1911 that the file is a print setting file, the process advances to step S1901; otherwise, the process advances to step S1910 to display an error screen.

  Upon receiving a print setting file as a print request for a hot folder, the multifunction peripheral 101 according to the third embodiment executes processing for setting print settings set in the print setting file for the folder.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the print setting can be performed by the same drag-and-drop operation as in printing by determining whether the file is a print setting file as well as a printable file.

  Note that the hot folder function program 456 according to the above-described embodiment may cooperate with the user authentication program 460 to retain settings for each user and cooperate with an access right for each user.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, in order to make the scope of the present invention public, the following claims are attached.

  101 multifunction machine (MFP), 102, 103 PC, 104 mobile terminal, 405 CPU (MFP), 455 web server, 456 hot folder function program, 501 CPU (client device), 555 web browser

Claims (16)

An information processing apparatus capable of using a web browser, and a printing system having a printing apparatus that provides a folder accessible from the information processing apparatus via the web browser,
The printing device is a printing device having a device built-in hot folder function,
When receiving input of a file to be printed to the hot folder from the information processing apparatus on a hot folder screen displaying a hot folder, print control means for printing the file to be printed in accordance with print settings corresponding to the hot folder. Have
The information processing apparatus includes:
A determination unit configured to determine whether the print target file is a file that can be printed in a hot folder corresponding to the hot folder screen in response to input of the print target file to the hot folder screen;
Transmitting means for transmitting a print target file determined to be printable by the determining means to the printing apparatus;
A printing system comprising: The information processing apparatus further includes a specification unit that specifies a print format supported by the hot folder,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus transmits a print format supported by the hot folder to the printing apparatus in addition to a print setting corresponding to the hot folder. The information processing apparatus further includes a setting unit configured to, when a print setting file is input to the hot folder screen, set a print setting set in the print setting file to a hot folder corresponding to the hot folder screen. ,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus transmits the print setting set by the setting unit to the printing apparatus as a print setting corresponding to the hot folder. The printing device further includes:
An authentication unit for authenticating a user of the information processing apparatus,
4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus supplies screen information to the information processing apparatus in response to a request from the information processing apparatus that has successfully authenticated the user. 5. Printing system. The printing device further includes:
3. The printing system according to claim 2, further comprising a management table for managing a print format supported by the hot folder for each of the hot folders.   The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the hot folder is in a JDF format, and the print target file is a file in a PDF format. A printing device having a built-in hot folder function, which provides a folder accessible from the information processing device via a web browser,
A storage unit that receives and stores a hot folder and a print setting corresponding to the hot folder from the information processing device, which are input through a screen displayed on the information processing device,
After the hot folder is stored in the storage unit, when the input of the file to be printed to the hot folder is received from the information processing apparatus on the hot folder screen, the print file stored in the storage unit is stored in the storage unit. Print control means for printing according to the settings,
A printing apparatus comprising: The printing device further includes:
An authentication unit for authenticating a user of the information processing apparatus,
The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the printing apparatus supplies screen information to the information processing apparatus in response to a request from the information processing apparatus that has successfully authenticated the user. The printing device further includes:
The printing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a management table for managing a print format supported by the hot folder for each of the hot folders.   The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the hot folder is in a JDF format, and the print target file is a file in a PDF format. An information processing device capable of using a web browser,
Display means for displaying a screen based on screen information obtained from a printing apparatus having a device built-in hot folder function,
A first transmission unit configured to transmit a print setting corresponding to a hot folder of the printing apparatus to the printing apparatus via a screen displayed based on the screen information;
A determination unit configured to determine whether the file to be printed is a file that can be printed in the hot folder corresponding to the screen, in response to input of the file to be printed to the screen displaying the hot folder;
A second transmission unit that transmits a print target file determined to be printable by the determination unit to the printing device;
An information processing apparatus comprising: Designating means for designating a print format supported by the hot folder, further comprising:
12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first transmission unit transmits a print format supported by the hot folder to the printing apparatus in addition to a print setting corresponding to the hot folder. When a print setting file is input to the screen, setting means for setting the print settings set in the print setting file in a hot folder corresponding to the screen,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: a unit configured to transmit the print setting set by the setting unit to the printing apparatus as a print setting corresponding to the hot folder. A control method for controlling a printing apparatus having a device built-in hot folder function, which provides a folder accessible from a data processing apparatus via a web browser,
A hot folder, which is input via a screen displayed in the information processing apparatus, and a storage step of receiving and storing print settings corresponding to the hot folder from the information processing apparatus,
After the hot folder is stored, when the input of the file to be printed to the hot folder is received from the information processing apparatus on the hot folder screen, the file to be printed is printed according to the print setting stored in the storage step. A printing control step;
A control method comprising: A control method for controlling an information processing device capable of using a web browser,
A display step of displaying a screen based on screen information obtained from a printing apparatus having a device built-in hot folder function,
A first transmission step of transmitting print settings corresponding to the hot folder of the printing apparatus to the printing apparatus via a screen displayed based on the screen information;
A determination step of determining whether the file to be printed is a file that can be printed in the hot folder corresponding to the screen in response to the input of the file to be printed to the screen displaying the hot folder,
A second transmission step of transmitting a print target file determined to be printable in the determination step to the printing device;
A control method comprising:   A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method according to claim 14.

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