JP2020095606A - Print control apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To easily and surely print a file using a desired printing function.SOLUTION: A print control apparatus comprises: storage means that stores cooperation information indicating a child hot folder cooperating with a parent hot folder 100, corresponding to a file, in child hot folders 110, 120 and 130 connected to a lower layer of the parent hot folder 100; and print job creation means that acquires the file put into the parent hot folder 100, that merges print setting information of the parent hot folder 100 and print setting information of the child hot folder cooperating with the parent hot folder 100 on the basis of the stored cooperation information and the acquired file, and that creates a print job reflecting the merged print setting information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a print control device and a program.

In recent years, the combination of print setting items has increased with the increase in printer functions. Along with this, there is a tendency to create and operate multiple hot folders to output documents with different print settings depending on the purpose.

One type of print settings (print setting information) is stored in the hot folder. When a file is input (copied) to the hot folder, the print setting information is reflected and printing is performed according to the print setting information. When printing is performed by changing even one printing function of the print setting information, it is necessary for each user to create a hot folder under different conditions and put the files in the hot folder, which is troublesome for the user.

When printing a large number of files, you can put the files in one hot folder in the case of one type of print settings. Since it is necessary to select and input files for each, and the number of times of input increases, it becomes more complicated, and when selecting and inputting a large number of files at once, it is easy to make a selection error, Useless printing may occur.

Therefore, move multiple hot folders to one folder, add the hot folder function to the parent folder, and when a file is input to the parent hot folder, a message is displayed as to which child hot folder print settings will be reflected. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known an information processing apparatus that displays the information, causes a user to select it, and creates a print job with the setting (see Patent Document 1).

In addition, the folders have a hierarchical structure, the print settings are saved in the bottom layer, and when the file is input to the parent folder, the key information is extracted and the print settings that meet the conditions are stored in the folder. There is known a print control system that searches for a print job and reflects the print settings stored in the folder in a file to create a print job (see Patent Document 2).

In addition, the setting values of each print function are displayed in folders, select the setting values of the print functions one by one, and put the file in the final folder, you can print with the print settings that have been set up to that point. The following printing device is known (see Patent Document 3).

JP, 2017-107370, A JP, 2006-11526, A JP, 2003-256165, A

However, in the information processing apparatus of Patent Document 1, a file has to be input for each print setting to be set, which is troublesome for the user and is a heavy burden. Further, in the print control system of Patent Document 2, there is a possibility that the desired print setting (print function) cannot be obtained only by searching the folder in which the print setting is stored by the key information. In addition, in the printing device of Patent Document 3, it is necessary to select each setting value of the printing function one by one, which is troublesome for the user and is a heavy burden.

An object of the present invention is to easily and surely print a file with a desired printing function.

In order to solve the above problems, the print control apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention is
A print control device that creates a print job for a file that is submitted to a hot folder associated with print setting information of a print function,
Storage means for storing, in at least one second hot folder connected to the lower layer of the first hot folder, association information indicating the second hot folder associated with the file and associated with the first hot folder;
An acquisition unit for acquiring the file input to the first hot folder,
Merging the print setting information of the first hot folder and the print setting information of the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder based on the stored cooperation information and the acquired file, A print job creating unit that creates a print job that reflects the merged print setting information.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the first aspect,
The link information indicates a second hot folder that links with the first hot folder in correspondence with the key information of the file,
The acquisition unit acquires key information of a file put in the first hot folder,
The print job creation unit, based on the stored cooperation information and the acquired key information, print setting information of the first hot folder and a second hot folder of the second hot folder that cooperates with the first hot folder. Merge with print setting information.

According to a third aspect of the invention, in the print control apparatus according to the second aspect,
The key information is at least one of a file name of a file, a file attribute, a page number, and header footer information.

The invention according to claim 4 is the print control apparatus according to claim 2 or 3,
When a plurality of files are input to the second hot folder, the key information common to the plurality of files is detected, and the first update unit that updates the cooperation information based on the detected key information is provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects,
The print job creating unit prioritizes the print setting information changed from the default value to display the print setting information of the first hot folder and the print setting information of the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder. To merge.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the fifth aspect,
When the print setting information of the first hot folder and the print setting information of the second hot folder associated with the first hot folder are both changed from the default values, the print job creating unit sets the upper hierarchy or the lower hierarchy. The print setting information of the first hot folder and the print setting information of the second hot folder associated with the first hot folder are merged according to the merge condition of priority.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the print control apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects,
Display control means for hierarchically displaying the first hot folder and the second hot folder on a display means is provided.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the print control apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects,
The print job creating unit creates a print job that reflects the print setting information of the first hot folder when there is no print setting information of the second hot folder associated with the first hot folder.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects,
When the hot folder is moved or copied, the second update means is provided for updating the cooperation information based on the hot folder after the move or copy.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention, in the print control apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects,
When there is a predetermined number of types of cooperation information corresponding to the acquired file, the print job creating unit is configured to perform the first operation based on the predetermined number of respective cooperation information and the acquired file. The print setting information of the hot folder and the print setting information of each of the predetermined number of second hot folders linked to the first hot folder are respectively merged, and the predetermined number of print jobs that reflect the merged print setting information. To create.

The invention according to claim 11 is the print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein:
The print job creation unit, when a prohibition relationship occurs in the print condition information to be merged, the print setting information of the first hot folder, the print setting information of the first hot folder, and The print setting information of the second hot folder linked with the first hot folder is merged.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects,
The print job creating unit outputs the created print job to the printing unit.

The program of the invention according to claim 13 is
Set the computer of the print control device that creates a print job for the file submitted to the hot folder associated with the print setting information of the print function,
Storage means for storing, in at least one second hot folder connected to the lower layer of the first hot folder, cooperation information indicating the second hot folder that cooperates with the first hot folder;
An acquisition means for acquiring the file put in the first hot folder,
Merging the print setting information of the first hot folder and the print setting information of the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder based on the stored cooperation information and the acquired file, A print job creating means for creating a print job reflecting the merged print setting information,
To function as.

According to the present invention, a file can be printed easily and reliably with a desired printing function.

1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of PC. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the 1st file input condition table. It is a figure which shows the hierarchical structure of a 1st hot folder. It is a figure which shows a merge condition setting screen. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print job creation processing. It is a figure which shows a priority selection screen. It is a figure which shows the hierarchical structure of a 2nd hot folder. It is a figure which shows the 2nd file input condition table. It is a flow chart which shows hot folder copy processing. It is a figure which shows the hierarchical structure of a 3rd hot folder. (A) is a figure which shows the 3rd file input condition table. (B) is a diagram showing a fourth file input condition table. (C) is a diagram showing a fifth file input condition table. It is a flow chart which shows common condition addition processing. It is a figure which shows the hierarchical structure of a 4th hot folder. It is a figure which shows the 6th file input condition table.

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the apparatus configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a printing system 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a PC (Personal Computer) 10. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 20.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 of the present embodiment is a system for printing (image formation) on paper, and is installed in, for example, an office of a company. The printing system 1 includes a PC 10 as a print control device and a plurality of image forming devices 20 as printing means. The PC 10 and the image forming apparatus 20 are communicatively connected via a communication network N.

The PC 10 is, for example, an information processing device used by a user of a company, a workflow application program (referred to as a workflow application P1) is installed, and the hot folder created in the PC 10 is managed by executing the workflow application P1. It has a function of creating a print job in which various print settings (print setting information) associated with the hot folder are reflected, transmitting the print job to the designated image forming apparatus 20, and outputting the printed matter.

The hot folder has a hierarchical structure capable of storing not only normal files but also hot folders in a nested manner in the hot folder, like a normal folder realized by an OS (Operating System) or the like. One type of print setting information is set in each hot folder of the present embodiment, and the print setting of the print setting information can be added to the input (copied) file.

The hot folder is a folder managed by the workflow application P1 (FIG. 2). When a file is input to the hot folder, the workflow application P1 takes in the file and creates a print job that reflects the print setting information associated with the hot folder. The print setting information associated with the hot folder includes the print function of the image forming apparatus 20 and its setting value as the function information. This print function is all print functions that can be set in the image forming apparatus 20. Further, the submission information and the information of the image forming apparatus 20 of the printing destination may be associated with the hot folder.

In the print setting information associated with the hot folder, the default setting (default value) is stored as the setting value of the print function of the image forming apparatus 20 in the initial state. Is stored as a default value, so if a file is input (copied) to a hot folder without changing the setting, a print job with stapling turned off is created. Other print functions are also print jobs that reflect the default values stored in the initial state. When the print setting information associated with the hot folder is changed from OFF to ON for stapling, when a file is input (copied) to the hot folder, a print job with ON for stapling is created. Other print functions are print jobs in which the default values stored in the initial state are reflected.

In the present embodiment, when there is a hot folder in the lower layer of the hot folder in which the file is input, the print setting information of the hot folder of the input source and the print setting information of the lower level hot folder are merged (merged). Then, printing is performed based on the merged print setting information. Hereinafter, the highest-level hot folder is simply referred to as a parent hot folder, and the hot folders below the parent hot folder are simply referred to as child hot folders.

The image forming apparatus 20 is an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) having functions of image formation and image reading. However, the image forming apparatus 20 is not limited to the MFP, and may be an image forming apparatus such as a printer that forms (prints) an image on a sheet by at least a print job transmitted from the PC 10.

The communication network N is assumed to be a LAN (Local Area Network), but is not limited to this, and may include the Internet, WAN (Wide Area Network), or the like.

Next, the internal functional configuration of the PC 10 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the PC 10 includes an acquisition unit, a print job creation unit, a first update unit, a second update unit, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 as a display control unit, an operation unit 12, and a RAM (Random). Access memory) 13, a display unit 14 as a display unit, a storage unit 15, and a communication unit 16. Each unit of the PC 10 is connected via a bus.

The CPU 11 reads out a designated program among the system programs and application programs stored in the storage unit 15 and expands it in the work area of the RAM 13, and controls each unit of the PC 10 according to the expanded program.

The operation unit 12 is configured to include a pointing device such as a keyboard and a keyboard provided with cursor keys, characters, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and receives pressing input and position input of each key by the user and displays the operation information. Output to the CPU 11.

The RAM 13 is a volatile memory. Further, the RAM 13 has a work area for storing various programs to be executed and data relating to these various programs.

The display unit 14 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an EL (ElectroLuminescence) display, and the like, and displays a screen according to a display control signal from the CPU 11.

The storage unit 15 includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and the like. The storage unit 15 stores system programs and application programs executed by the CPU 11, various data, and the like. These programs are stored in the storage unit 15 in the form of computer-readable program codes.

The storage unit 15 stores the workflow application P1, the file input condition table 50, the hot folder management information 60, the hot folder 70, and the like. The workflow application P1 includes a print job creation program P11, a hot folder copy program P12, and a common condition addition program P13, which will be described later.

In the present embodiment, the workflow application P1 merges the print setting information of a plurality of hot folders according to the condition determined by the cooperation information of a plurality of hierarchical hot folders, and outputs the merged print setting information. The reflected print job is created, the print job is transmitted to the designated image forming apparatus 20, and the printed matter is output. The cooperation information of the plurality of hot folders is stored as a file input condition table 50 indicating which hot folder to cooperate with according to the key information of the file. The file input condition table 50 will be described later in detail.

The hot folder management information 60 includes a hierarchical structure of each hot folder and print setting information set in each hot folder. The print setting information of each hot folder of the hot folder management information 60 can be changed according to the user's operation via the operation unit 12, and the hot folder management information 60 can be changed even when the print setting information is changed. , And includes the default (setting) value of the print setting information.

The print setting information of each hot folder includes at least one print function setting information (hereinafter, referred to as function information). The printing function is, for example, surface printing, repeat printing, stapling, or the like. The setting information for one-sided printing is one-sided printing (default value) or two-sided printing. The setting information of the repeat printing is OFF (default value), 2 repeats, 4 repeats, and the like. The staple setting information includes OFF (default value) and ON. If all the function information have default values, no prohibition relationship has occurred.

The hot folder 70 includes a hot folder having a hierarchical structure and information such as files stored in the hot folder.

The communication unit 16 is composed of a network card or the like. The CPU 11 communicates with the image forming apparatus 20 and the like on the communication network N via the communication unit 16 to transmit and receive data.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a functional configuration inside the image forming apparatus 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 20 includes an image forming apparatus main body 20A and a post-processing device 20B. The image forming apparatus main body 20A includes a main body control unit 21, an operation unit 22, a display unit 23, a document reading unit 24, an image processing unit 25, an image forming unit 26, a paper feeding unit 27, and a main body communication unit. 28, a storage unit 29, an external communication unit 30, and a transport unit 31. Each unit of the image forming apparatus main body 20A is communicatively connected via a bus.

The main body control unit 21 has a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The CPU reads various processing programs stored in the ROM and controls each unit of the image forming apparatus main body 20A according to the programs. Further, when performing post-processing on the output paper, the CPU issues an instruction to the post-processing device 20B to execute a predetermined post-processing. The ROM is composed of a non-volatile semiconductor memory and stores various programs, data necessary for executing the programs, and the like. The RAM includes a DRAM (Dynamic RAM) and the like, and temporarily stores various data such as programs and image data related to various image processing.

The operation unit 22 includes a touch panel formed so as to cover the display screen of the display unit 23, various operation buttons such as a number button and a start button, and outputs an operation signal based on a user operation to the main body control unit 21. ..

The display unit 23 is configured by an LCD or the like, and displays various display information according to a display signal input from the main body control unit 21.

The document reading unit 24 includes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), a scanner, and the like, and outputs image data obtained by reading an image of a document to the main body control unit 21.

The image processing unit 25 is required for the image data stored in the storage unit 29, the image data obtained by reading the image from the document by the document reading unit 24, and the image data input from the PC 10 under the control of the main body control unit 21. Image processing is performed, and the image data after the image processing is transmitted to the image forming unit 26. Image processing includes gradation processing, halftone processing, color conversion processing, and the like. The gradation process is a process of converting the gradation value of each pixel of the image data into a gradation value corrected so that the density characteristic of the image formed on the paper matches the target density characteristic. The halftone process is an error diffusion process, a screen process using a systematic dither method, or the like. The color conversion process is a process of converting each gradation value of RGB into each gradation value of CMYK.

Under the control of the main body control unit 21, the image forming unit 26 forms a monochrome or color image on the paper fed by the paper feeding unit 27 based on the image data subjected to the image processing by the image processing unit 25. .. The image forming unit 26 includes an image forming unit corresponding to each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, and a fixing unit. The image forming unit for each color includes a photoconductor drum, and a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit provided around the photoconductor drum. The surface of the yellow photosensitive drum is uniformly charged by the charging unit, and then the exposure unit scans and exposes the electrostatic latent image based on the yellow image data. Then, the developing unit attaches yellow toner to the electrostatic latent image on the yellow photosensitive drum, and develops the toner. After the toner image on the yellow photosensitive drum is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt, the cleaning unit collects the remaining yellow toner. The magenta, cyan, and black image forming units are similar to the yellow image forming unit.

The toner images of the respective colors formed on the photoconductor drums of the respective colors are sequentially transferred (primary transfer) onto the rotating intermediate transfer belt, and the toner images of the four colors are superposed on the intermediate transfer belt. Is formed. The color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt are collectively transferred (secondary transfer) onto the sheet by the secondary transfer roller. The fixing unit includes a heating roller that heats the paper on which the color toner image is transferred and a pressure roller that pressurizes the paper, and fixes the color toner image on the paper by heating and pressing.

The paper feed unit 27 includes a plurality of paper feed trays, paper feed rollers, and the like, and under the control of the main body control unit 21, takes out paper from the paper feed tray and supplies it. Each of the paper feed trays stores paper of a predetermined paper type and size for each paper feed tray.

The main body communication unit 28 communicates with the post-processing device 20B (post-processing communication unit 42). The storage unit 29 is a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or a semiconductor memory that stores various data such as image data. The external communication unit 30 is a controller IF (Inter Face) configured by a network card or the like and communicating with an external device such as the PC 10 on the communication network N.

The transport unit 31 includes a transport roller that transports a sheet, and under the control of the main body control unit 21, transports the sheet supplied from the sheet feeding unit 27 to the image forming unit 26 and an image is formed by the image forming unit 26. The sheet is conveyed to the post-processing device 20B. In addition, the conveyance unit 31 has a reversal path unit that reverses a sheet on which one side of the image is formed by the image forming unit 26 and conveys it to the image forming unit 26 again for double-sided printing.

The post-processing device 20B is a device that performs post-processing on the sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus main body 20A, if necessary. The post-processing includes, for example, sorting processing, stapling processing, punching processing, folding processing, bookbinding processing, and the like. The post-processing device 20B includes a post-processing control unit 41, a post-processing communication unit 42, a transport unit 43, and a post-processing unit 44. The respective units of the post-processing device 20B are connected via a bus.

The post-processing control unit 41 controls each unit of the post-processing device 20B, like the main body control unit 21. The post-processing communication unit 42 communicates with the image forming apparatus main body 20A (main body communication unit 28). Under the control of the post-processing control unit 41, the transport unit 43 transports the sheet transported from the image forming apparatus main body 20A to the post-processing unit 44 or the paper discharge tray, and the sheet subjected to the post-processing by the post-processing unit 44. Transport it to the output tray. The post-processing unit 44 includes a sort processing unit, a staple processing unit, a punching processing unit, a folding processing unit, a bookbinding processing unit, and the like. Under the control of the post-processing control unit 41, sorting processing is performed on the conveyed sheets, Post-processing such as stapling processing, punching processing, folding processing and bookbinding processing is performed.

Next, the file input condition table 50 stored in the storage unit 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the file input condition table 50A. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a hierarchical structure H1 of a hot folder.

As shown in FIG. 4, as an example of the file input condition table 50, a file input condition table 50A corresponding to the hierarchical structure H1 of the hot folder shown in FIG. 5 will be described. The hierarchical structure H1 of the hot folder has a parent hot folder 100 and child hot folders 110, 120, 130 in the lower layer connected to the parent hot folder 100.

In FIG. 5, the main (particularly after changing from the default value) function information of the print setting information is described below or beside each hot folder, and the function information not described is the default value. The same applies to FIGS. 9, 12, and 15. The print setting information of the parent hot folder 100 includes double-sided printing. The print setting information of the child hot folder 110 includes monochrome. The print setting information of the child hot folder 120 includes color and imposition: 2 repeats. The print setting information of the child hot folder 130 includes stapling (stapling ON) and single-sided printing.

When the user A of the PC 10 inputs the file F1 of a predetermined document into the parent hot folder 100, it is merged into the parent hot folder 100 of the input destination based on the key information of the file F1 and the file input condition table 50A. The lower hot folder is determined.

As described above, the file input condition table 50A is a table that associates the key information included in the file input to the hot folder with the lower hot folder to be merged with the hot folder of the input destination. The file input condition table 50A has a input destination hot folder 51, key information 52, and child hot folder condition information 53.

The input destination hot folder 51 is the name of the input destination hot folder. The key information 52 is a character string that serves as a keyword that can be included in the file to be input. The key information 52 is, for example, a character string in the file name of a file to be input, but is not limited to this, and may be at least one character string such as a file attribute, page number, and header/footer information. Good.

The child hot folder condition information 53 is flag information corresponding to the key information 52 and indicating whether or not each child hot folder in the lower layer of the input destination hot folder 51 is to be merged. The child hot folder condition information 53 is represented by a black circle when it is on, and is blank when it is off.

Next, the operation of the printing system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the print job creation process executed by the PC 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the merge condition setting screen D1. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the print job creation process. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the priority selection screen D2. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a hierarchical structure H2 of hot folders. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the file input condition table 50B.

It is assumed that the workflow application P1 is being executed on the PC 10. Before the print job creation processing in the workflow application P1, when the print setting information of the hot folder is merged in advance, the function information of the print setting information of the hot folder of the upper layer and the print setting information of the hot folder of the lower layer are merged. With respect to the function information of (1), a merge condition is set to determine which one has priority.

The print setting information is merged by the following basic operation.
1. Check each function information of print setting information of parent hot folder and child hot folder.
2. When both default values, the function information is reflected.
3. If only one is changed from the default value, the function information is reflected.
4. If both have been changed from the default values, the merge conditions are obeyed.

Here, being changed from the default value includes a case where the setting of the function information is changed even once. Specifically, when single-sided printing is the default value, the setting remains the default value when the setting is never changed. For example, when single-sided printing is changed to double-sided printing and single-sided printing is performed again, Since the setting has been changed intentionally, in this case, it is treated as if it has been changed from the default value.

To set the merge condition, specifically, in the PC 10, the CPU 11 displays the merge condition setting screen D1 shown in FIG. 6 on the display unit 14 and allows the user to select and input the merge condition via the operation unit 12. The merge condition that is accepted and input is stored in the storage unit 15. On the merge condition setting screen D1, the merge conditions include selection of "priority of print settings of lower layer", "priority of print settings of upper layer", and "select priority layer". It has a drop-down list that accepts. When “Select a priority layer” is selected, the user selects and inputs the upper layer or the lower layer when the file is input to the hot folder, as described later.

Then, in the PC 10, for example, triggered by the user inputting a file input instruction to the hot folder via the operation unit 12, the CPU 11 causes the CPU 11 to print the print job read from the storage unit 15 and expanded in the RAM 13. The print job creating process is executed in cooperation with the creating program P11.

As shown in FIG. 7, first, the CPU 11 refers to the file input condition table 50 corresponding to the input destination hot folder stored in the storage unit 15, and detects key information from the file name of the input file. As the matching condition, it is determined whether or not the child hot folder condition information 53 is turned on corresponding to the key information 52 of the input file (step S11). For example, when a file is input to the parent hot folder 100, the file input condition table 50A corresponding to the input destination hot folder 51 at the input destination is referred to, and the child hot folder corresponding to the key information 52 of the input file. It is determined whether or not there is a child hot folder for which the condition information 53 is turned on.

If there is no matching condition (step S11; NO), the CPU 11 creates a print job based on the print setting information of the hot folder of the input destination and the input file (step S12), and ends the print job creation process. To do.

If there is a matching condition (step S11; YES), the CPU 11 determines that the hot folder to be merged with the hot folder of the input destination is the child hot folder condition information 53 corresponding to the key information 52 of the input file. The hot folder is determined (step S13). Then, the CPU 11 refers to the hot folder management information 60 stored in the storage unit 15, and defaults the print setting information of the input hot folder and the function information of the print setting information of the hot folder determined in step S13. It is confirmed whether or not the value is changed (step S14).

Then, the CPU 11 sets one set of unselected function information having a common print function in the print setting information of the hot folder of the input destination confirmed in step S14 and the print setting information of the child hot folder determined in step S13. Select (step S15).

Then, based on the confirmation result of step S14, the CPU 11 determines whether both the function information of the hot folder selected as the input destination and the print setting information of the child hot folder determined in step S13 are default values. It is determined whether or not (step S16).

When both hot folders are not the default values (step S16; NO), the CPU 11 determines, based on the confirmation result of step S14, the function information of the selected hot folder of the input destination and the child hot folders determined in step S13. It is determined whether or not one of the function information being selected is changed from the default value (step S17).

When the selected function information of both hot folders is the change setting (step S17; NO), the CPU 11 confirms the merge condition stored in the storage unit 15 (step S18). Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the merge condition in step S18 is “select priority layer” (step S19). When the merge condition is not “select priority layer” (step S19; NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the merge condition is “prioritize print setting of upper layer” (step S20). ..

When the merge condition is “priority is given to print settings of upper layer” (step S20; YES), the CPU 11 gives priority to the selected function information of the upper layer (hot folder of the input destination) of both hot folders. To determine (step S21). When the merge condition is “priority is given to the print settings of the lower layer” (step S20; NO), the CPU 11 gives priority to the function information of the hot folder of the lower layer (the child hot folder determined in step S13). It is determined (step S22).

Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a prohibition relationship occurs with the function information that has already been determined by determining the function information that is being selected (step S23). When the merge condition is “select a priority layer” (step S19; YES) or when a prohibition relationship occurs (step S23; YES), the CPU 11 displays the priority selection screen information on the display unit 14. A selection input from the user as to whether to give priority to the upper layer or the lower layer is accepted via the operation unit 12 (step S24). In step S24, for example, the priority selection screen D2 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. The priority selection screen D2 has a radio button capable of selecting either "priority of lower-layer print settings." or "priority of higher-level print settings."

Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not “prioritize print setting of upper layer” is selected and input in step S24 (step S25). When "Priority is given to print settings of upper hierarchy" is selected and input (step S25; YES), the process proceeds to step S21. When "Priority is given to print settings of lower hierarchy" is selected and input (step S25; NO), the process proceeds to step S22.

When the prohibition relationship does not occur (step S23; NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not all the function information is selected in step S15 (step S26). If all the function information has not been selected (step S26; NO), the process proceeds to step S15. When all the function information is selected (step S26; YES), the CPU 11 determines all the function information determined by both hot folder print setting information based on the determined function information and the input file. To create a print job (step S27), and the print job creation process ends.

When the function information being selected for both hot folders is the default value (step S16; YES), the CPU 11 determines the function information having the same default value being selected for both hot folders (step S28). The process moves to S26. If the function information being selected for one hot folder has been changed (step S17; YES), the CPU 11 determines the changed function information being selected for one hot folder (step S29), and step S23. Move to.

After the print job creation process is completed, the CPU 11 temporarily holds the print job created by the print job creation process in the RAM 13 or the like by the workflow application P1, and then, via the operation unit 12, the CPU 11 stores the print job created by the user. The selection input of the image forming apparatus 20 of the printing destination is accepted, and the created print job is transmitted to the selected and input image forming apparatus 20 to be printed via the communication unit 16.

Further, the CPU 11 is supposed to display the hierarchical structure H1 of the hot folder in FIG. 5 and the like on the display unit 14 in response to an operation input from the user via the operation unit 12 or automatically as appropriate.

Here, a specific example of the print job creation process will be described. As a first example, in the hierarchical structure H1 of the hot folder of FIG. 5, the file input condition table 50A is set, and the user A who is the submitter uploads the file F1 having the file name of “xxxxxxxx slip sheet.pdf”. A case of putting the hot folder 100 will be described. In this case, the child hot folder 110 is turned on in the child hot folder condition information 53 in correspondence with the “insert sheet” of the key information 52 of the file input condition table 50A. Changing the print setting information of the parent hot folder 100 The two-sided printing of the set function information and the monochrome print setting information of the function information of the default value of the child hot folder 110 are merged, and the print setting information is double-sided printing and monochrome ( A print job with other function information (default values) is created.

As a second example, in the hierarchical structure H1 of the hot folder, the file input condition table 50A is set, and the user A who is the submitter sets the file F1 having the file name “xxxxxxxx main body.pdf” as the parent hot folder 100. The case of throwing in is explained. In this case, the child hot folder 120 is turned on in the child hot folder condition information 53 corresponding to the "main body" of the key information 52 of the file input condition table 50A. Change of print setting information of the parent hot folder 100 The two-sided printing of the set function information and the color of the function information of the default value of the print setting information of the child hot folder 120 and two repeats of the changed set function information are merged. , A print job in which the print setting information is double-sided printing, color, and two repeats (other function information is the default value) is created.

As a third example, in the hierarchical structure H1 of the hot folder, the file input condition table 50A is set, and the user A who is the submitter sets the file F1 having the file name “xxxxxxxx staple.pdf” as the parent hot folder 100. The case of throwing in is explained. In this case, the child hot folder 130 is turned on in the child hot folder condition information 53 corresponding to “staple” in the key information 52 of the file input condition table 50A. Changing the print setting information of the parent hot folder 100 In the two-sided printing of the set function information and the one-sided printing of the function information of the default value of the print setting information of the child hot folder 130, the changed two-sided printing has priority, A print job in which the print setting information is double-sided printing and stapling (other function information is a default value) is created.

As a fourth embodiment, in the hierarchical structure H1 of the hot folder, the file input condition table 50A is set, and the user A who is the submitter sets the file F1 having the file name “xxxxxxxx main body.pdf” as the parent hot folder 100. The case of throwing in is explained. However, it is assumed that the print setting information of the parent hot folder 100 includes double-sided printing and 4 repeats. In this case, the child hot folder 120 is turned on in the child hot folder condition information 53 corresponding to the "main body" of the key information 52 of the file input condition table 50A. Since the change of the print setting information of the parent hot folder 100 has 4 repeats of the set function information and the change of the print setting information of the child hot folder 120 has 2 repeats of the set function information, both are changed from the default values. The print setting information to be merged changes depending on the merge condition.

When the merge condition is “priority to lower level print settings.”, 2 repeats of the child hot folder 130 are prioritized, and the print setting information includes double-sided print, color and 2 repeats (other function information is default value). A print job is created. When the merge condition is “priority is given to print settings in the upper layer.”, 4 repeats of the parent hot folder 100 are given priority, and print setting information includes double-sided printing, color, and 4 repeats (other function information has default values). A print job is created.

As a fifth example, in the hierarchical structure H1 of the hot folder, the file input condition table 50A is set, and the user A who is the submitter uploads the file F1 having the file name without the key information “xxxxxxxx.pdf” as the parent file. A case of putting the hot folder 100 will be described. In this case, since there is no key information of the file name corresponding to the key information 52 of the file input condition table 50A, the print setting information of the parent hot folder 100 is reflected in step S12, and the print setting information is printed on both sides (others). A print job with the function information having default values) is created.

As a sixth embodiment, a case will be described in which the file input condition table 50A is set in the hierarchical structure H1 of the hot folder and the user A who is the submitter inputs the file F1 into the child hot folder 120. In this case, since there is no file input condition table 50 corresponding to the child hot folder 120, the print setting information of the child hot folder 120 is reflected in step S12, and the print setting information is color and 2 repeats (other function information is A default value print job is created.

As a seventh embodiment, a case will be described in which one file is input to create print jobs for trial printing and final printing. However, in the present embodiment, in the print job creation process, when there are a plurality of key information in one file input in step S11, steps S13 to S29 are repeated for each key information, and the number of key information is the same. Print job is to be created.

In the hierarchical structure H2 of the hot folder shown in FIG. 9, the file input condition table 50B corresponding to the parent hot folder 200 shown in FIG. A user A puts a file F1 having a file name of “xxxxxxxx body_final version.pdf” into the parent hot folder 200. That is, the file F1 has two pieces of key information, "main body" and "final version". The hierarchical structure H2 of the hot folder has a parent hot folder 200 and child hot folders 210, 220, 230 connected to a lower layer of the parent hot folder 200. The print setting information of the parent hot folder 200 includes double-sided printing. The print setting information of the child hot folder 210 includes monochrome. The print setting information of the child hot folder 220 includes color and 2 repeats. The print setting information of the child hot folder 230 includes color, 2 repeat, and paper type: fine paper.

First, the child hot folder 220 is turned on in the child hot folder condition information 53 corresponding to the "main body" of the key information 52 of the file input condition table 50B. Double-sided printing of the print setting information based on the double-sided printing of the changed function information of the print setting information of the parent hot folder 200 and the color and 2 repeats of the changed function information of the print setting information of the child hot folder 220. A print job for trial printing of color and two repeats (default values for other function information) is created.

Then, the child hot folder 230 is turned on in the child hot folder condition information 53 corresponding to the "final version" of the key information 52 of the file input condition table 50B. Based on the duplex printing of the changed function information of the print setting information of the parent hot folder 200 and the color, repeat, and fine paper of the changed function information of the print setting information of the child hot folder 230, the print setting information is changed. A print job is created for double-sided printing, color printing, 2 repeat printing, and fine printing paper (default values for other functional information).

The print job for trial printing and the print job for final printing are temporarily suspended. First, in response to a user's operation input for trial printing via the operation unit 12, the CPU 11 sends a print job for trial printing to the designated image forming apparatus 20 for trial printing to output a printed matter. The user visually confirms the test-printed printed matter. Then, in response to a user's operation input for final plate printing via the operation unit 12, the CPU 11 sends a print job for final plate printing to the designated image forming apparatus 20 to print the final plate and output a printed matter.

Next, the hot folder copy process executed by the PC 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the hot folder copy processing. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a hierarchical structure H3 of the hot folder. FIG. 13A is a diagram showing the file input condition table 50C. FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the file input condition table 50D. FIG. 13C is a diagram showing the file input condition table 50E.

It is assumed that the workflow application P1 is being executed on the PC 10. Then, in the PC 10, for example, via the operation unit 12, the user inputs a hot folder copy instruction to insert the copy source hot folder (copy source hot folder) into the copy destination hot folder (copy destination hot folder). The CPU 11 executes the hot folder copy process in cooperation with the hot folder copy program P12 that is read from the storage unit 15 and expanded in the RAM 13 by using this as a trigger.

As shown in FIG. 11, first, in the hierarchical structure of the hot folder, the CPU 11 connects the copy source hot folder to the lower layer of the copy destination hot folder to copy, and reflects the content of the copy in the hot folder management information 60. (Step S31). Then, the CPU 11 extracts child hot folder condition information 53 of the copy source hot folder from the file input condition table 50 corresponding to the copy source hot folder stored in the storage unit 15 (step S32).

Then, the CPU 11 adds the condition information of the copy source hot folder extracted in step S31 to the file input condition table 50 corresponding to the copy destination hot folder stored in the storage unit 15 (step S33), and performs hot folder copy. The process ends.

Here, as a specific eighth embodiment of the hot folder copy processing, a case where the child hot folder 330 is copied to the parent hot folder 400 in the hierarchical structure H3 of the hot folders in FIG. 12 will be described. The hierarchical structure H3 of the hot folder before copying is connected to the uppermost parent hot folder 300, the child hot folders 310, 320, 330 connected to the lower layer of the parent hot folder 300, and the lower layer of the child hot folder 320. It has a child hot folder (grandchild hot folder) 321, an uppermost parent hot folder 400, and child hot folders 410 and 420 connected to a lower layer of the parent hot folder 400.

The print setting information of the parent hot folder 300 includes double-sided printing. The print setting information of the child hot folder 310 includes monochrome. The print setting information of the child hot folder 320 includes color and 2 repeats. The print setting information of the child hot folder 330 includes staples. The print setting information of the child hot folder 321 includes high-quality paper. The print setting information of the parent hot folder 400 includes double-sided printing. The print setting information of the child hot folder 410 includes color. The print setting information of the child hot folder 420 includes punch (punching processing).

As an example of the file input condition table 50, a file input condition table 50C corresponding to the parent hot folder 300 shown in FIG. 13A and a file input condition table corresponding to the child hot folder 320 shown in FIG. 13B. 50D and the file input condition table 50E (excluding the italicized portion) corresponding to the parent hot folder 400 shown in FIG. 13C are set.

Here, in the hierarchical structure H3 of the hot folder before copying, the user B who is a submitter puts the file F1 having the file name of “xxxxxxxx staple.pdf” into the parent hot folder 400, and the print job creation process is executed. Consider the case In this case, since there is no child hot folder condition information 53 corresponding to "staple" in the key information 52 of the file input condition table 50E, the print setting information of the parent hot folder 400 is reflected in step S12, and the print setting information is changed. A print job for double-sided printing (default values for other function information) is created.

Then, it is assumed that the user A inputs an operation input for copying the child hot folder 330 to the parent hot folder 400 through the operation unit 12, and the hot folder copy processing is executed. Then, in step S31, in the hierarchical structure H3 of the hot folder after copying, the child hot folder 430 similar to the child hot folder 330 of the copy source is connected to the lower layer of the parent hot folder 400 and copied. Then, in step S32, the file input condition table 50C corresponding to the child hot folder 330 of the copy source is referred to, and the key information 52 corresponding to the child hot folder 330 is the record of the child hot folder condition information 53 of staple (italicized portion). Is extracted. Then, in step S33, the column and record of the child hot folder condition information 53 corresponding to the child hot folder 330 of the copy source extracted in step S31 are recorded in the file input condition table 50E corresponding to the parent hot folder 400 of the copy destination. Italic part) is added.

Then, in the hierarchical structure H3 of the hot folder after copying, the user B who is the submitter again inputs the file F1 having the file name “xxxxxxxx staple.pdf” into the parent hot folder 400, and the print job creation process is executed. It Here, the child hot folder 430 is turned on in the child hot folder condition information 53 corresponding to “staple” in the key information 52 of the file input condition table 50E. Change of the print setting information of the parent hot folder 400 Double-sided printing of the set function information and change of the print setting information of the child hot folder 430 Stapling of the set function information A print job (default values for other function information) is created.

Further, in the hot folder copy process, the file input condition table 50 is updated according to the copy of the hot folder, but the process is not limited to this. Also regarding the movement of the hot folder, the file input condition table 50 may be updated according to the movement. For example, of the file input condition table 50 (referred to as a file input condition table 50b) corresponding to the hot folder of the movement destination, the file input condition table 50 (referred to as a file input condition table 50a) corresponding to the hot folder of the movement source. The moving hot folder column (and key information 52) of the child hot folder condition information 53 is added to the file input condition table 50b, and the column (and key information 52) is deleted from the file input condition table 50a.

In addition, as a ninth embodiment, a case will be described in which print jobs for trial printing and final printing are created by changing the file names of files to be input. However, in the present embodiment, in the print job creation process, when there are a plurality of key information in one file input in step S11, steps S13 to S26 and steps S28 and S29 are repeated for each key information. It is assumed that one print job is created.

In the hierarchical structure H3 of the hot folder of FIG. 12, file input condition tables 50C, 50D, 50E are set. At the stage of trial printing, the user A who is a manuscript submits a file F1 having a file name of “xxxxxxxx main body.pdf” to the parent hot folder 300.

At the trial printing stage, the child hot folder 320 is turned on in the child hot folder condition information 53 corresponding to the “main body” of the key information 52 of the file input condition table 50C. Change the print setting information of the parent hot folder 300 on both sides of the set function information, and change the print setting information of the child hot folder 320 on the basis of the color and 2 repeats of the set function information. A print job for printing, color and two repeats (default values for other function information) is created. In response to a user's operation input for trial printing via the operation unit 12, the CPU 11 transmits a trial printing print job to the designated image forming apparatus 20 to perform trial printing and output a printed matter. The user visually confirms the test-printed printed matter.

Then, as the final printing stage after the trial printing, in the hierarchical structure H3 of the hot folder, the user A who is the submitter renames the file name “xxxxxxxx body.pdf” of the file F1 to “xxxxxxxx body_final version. Change it to pdf” and put it in the parent hot folder 300. In this final printing stage, the print setting information of the parent hot folder 200 is changed corresponding to the "body" of the key information 52 of the file input condition table 50C, the duplex printing of the set function information and the child hot folder 220 are performed. Change of the print setting information is merged with the color and two repeats of the set function information. Furthermore, the child hot folder 321 is turned on in the child hot folder condition information 53 corresponding to the “final version” of the key information 52 of the file input condition table 50D. Double-sided printing, color and 2 repeats of the merged print setting information and change of the print setting information of the child hot folder 321 based on the fine paper of the function information that has been set, double-sided printing, color 2 repeats A print job of high-quality paper (default values for other function information) is created. In response to the user's operation input for final plate printing via the operation unit 12, the CPU 11 transmits a print job for final plate printing to the image forming apparatus 20 to print the final plate and output a printed matter.

Next, the common condition addition process executed by the PC 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the common condition addition processing. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a hierarchical structure H4 of a hot folder. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the file input condition table 50F.

It is assumed that the workflow application P1 is being executed on the PC 10. Then, in the PC 10, for example, the CPU 11 reads out from the storage unit 15 and expands it in the RAM 13 when a user inputs an instruction to input a plurality of files into one hot folder via the operation unit 12, for example. The common condition addition process is executed in cooperation with the created common condition addition program P13.

As shown in FIG. 14, first, the CPU 11 refers to the file names of a plurality of files input at one time, and determines whether or not there is common key information (character string) (is detected) ( Step S41). If there is no common key information (step S41; NO), the common condition addition process ends. If there is common key information (step S41; YES), the CPU 11 enters the file input condition table 50 corresponding to the input destination hot folder into which a plurality of files have been input to the input destination corresponding to the common key information 52 in step S41. The condition addition input screen information for adding the child hot folder condition information 53 (ON) of the hot folder is displayed on the display unit 14 (step S42).

Then, the CPU 11 uses the operation unit 12 to enter the file input condition table 50 corresponding to the input hot folder from the user to the child hot folder condition information 53 of the input hot folder corresponding to the common key information 52 in step S41. It is determined whether or not (ON) is additionally input (step S43). If no additional input has been made (step S43; NO), the common condition addition process ends.

When additional input is made (step S43; YES), the CPU 11 adds to the file input condition table 50 corresponding to the input hot folder in which a plurality of files have been input, the input hot corresponding to the common key information 52 of step S41. The child hot folder condition information 53 (ON) of the folder is added (step S44), and the common condition addition process ends.

Here, as a specific tenth example of the common condition addition processing, in the hierarchical structure H4 of the hot folder of FIG. 15, a file corresponding to the parent hot folder 500 shown in FIG. 16 as an example of the file input condition table 50. A case will be described in which the input condition table 50F (excluding the italicized portion) is set and the files F2 and F3 are input to the child hot folder 520. The hot folder hierarchical structure H4 includes a parent hot folder 500 and child hot folders 510, 520, and 530 connected to a lower layer of the parent hot folder 500.

The print setting information of the parent hot folder 500 includes double-sided printing. The print setting information of the child hot folder 510 includes monochrome. The print setting information of the child hot folder 520 includes color and 2 repeats. The print setting information of the child hot folder 530 includes staple and single-sided printing.

When the file name of the file F2 is “xxxxx1 advertisement.pdf” and the file name of the file F3 is “xxxxx2 advertisement.pdf”, the common key information “advertisement” is extracted in step S41 of the common condition addition processing. It When an instruction to add the condition information of the common key information "advertisement" is input in step S43, the common key extracted in step S41 is added to the file input condition table 50F corresponding to the parent hot folder 500 in step S44. A record (italicized portion) of the child hot folder condition information 53 for turning on the child hot folder 520 of the input destination corresponding to the information “advertisement” is added.

Then, when the user A, who is a submitter, puts in the file F1 containing "advertisement" in the file name in the parent hot folder 500, the print job creation process is executed using the file input condition table 50F (including italicized portions). Changing the print setting information of the parent hot folder 500, the two-sided printing of the set function information and the color and 2 repeats of the print setting information of the set function information of the child hot folder 520 are merged, and the print setting information is merged. A print job for double-sided printing, color and two repeats (default values for other function information) is created.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the PC 10 sets, in at least one second hot folder connected to the lower layer of the first hot folder, the second hot folder that corresponds to the file and cooperates with the first hot folder. The storage unit 15 that stores the file input condition table 50 shown in FIG. 1 and the files input to the first hot folder are acquired, and the first hot folder is acquired based on the stored file input condition table 50 and the acquired files. And the print setting information of the second hot folder that is linked to the first hot folder, and creates a print job that reflects the merged print setting information.

Therefore, the file can be printed easily and surely with the desired printing function. When changing print setting information for the first hot folder, create a second hot folder that has print setting information that has the function information you want to change, connect it to the lower layer, and save the print settings of the created hot folder as a file. It is only necessary to perform the merging according to the input condition table 50, and the complicated print setting that is performed with only one hot folder as in the conventional technique is not necessary, and the burden of setting by the user can be reduced.

In addition, the file input condition table 50 indicates the second hot folder associated with the first hot folder corresponding to the key information of the file. The CPU 11 acquires the key information of the file input to the first hot folder, and based on the file input condition table 50 and the acquired key information, the print setting information of the first hot folder and the first hot folder. And the print setting information of the second hot folder that is linked to. Therefore, according to the key information of the file, the file can be printed more easily and surely with a desired printing function.

The key information is at least one of a file name of a file, a file attribute, a page number, and header footer information. Therefore, according to the key information of the file, the file can be printed more easily and surely with a desired printing function.

Further, when a plurality of files are input to the second hot folder, the CPU 11 detects key information common to the plurality of files and updates the file input condition table 50 based on the detected key information. Therefore, after the next printing, the file can be printed more easily and reliably with the desired printing function according to the new key information common to the files.

Further, the CPU 11 gives priority to the print setting information changed from the default value, and merges the print setting information of the first hot folder with the print setting information of the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder. Therefore, by giving priority to the changed print setting information, it is possible to perform printing with a print function that is highly likely to be executed by the user.

Whether the CPU 11 gives priority to the upper hierarchy or the lower hierarchy when the print setting information of both the first hot folder and the second hot folder associated with the first hot folder has been changed from the default value. The print setting information of the first hot folder and the print setting information of the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder are merged according to the merge condition. Therefore, by giving priority to the changed print setting information, it is possible to print with the desired print function having the change history of the user.

Further, the CPU 11 hierarchically displays the first hot folder and the second hot folder on the display unit 14. Therefore, the user can easily visually confirm the hierarchical structure of the first hot folder and the second hot folder. Therefore, printing can be performed with a printing function that is more likely to be executed by the user.

Further, when there is no print setting information of the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder, the CPU 11 creates a print job that reflects the print setting information of the first hot folder. Therefore, it is possible to easily and surely print a file with a desired print function, and it is possible to prevent the file from being printed with a print function not intended by the user.

Further, when the hot folder is moved or copied, the CPU 11 updates the file input condition table 50 based on the hot folder after the movement or copying. Therefore, the file input condition table 50 can be appropriately updated according to the movement or copy of the hot folder.

In addition, when there is a predetermined number of types of child hot folder condition information 53 of the file input condition table 50 corresponding to the acquired file, the CPU 11 acquires the predetermined number of each child hot folder condition information 53. The print setting information of the first hot folder and the print setting information of a predetermined number of second hot folders associated with the first hot folder are respectively merged based on the file and the merged print setting information is reflected. Create a predetermined number of print jobs. For this reason, a predetermined number of print jobs can be automatically created according to (a predetermined number of key information of) one file, and the burden of creating print jobs on the user can be reduced.

Further, when a prohibition relationship occurs in the merged print condition information, the CPU 11 receives the print setting information of the first hot folder and the first hot folder according to the selection input of whether to give priority to the upper hierarchy or the lower hierarchy. Merge with the print setting information of the second hot folder that is linked to. Therefore, the user can recognize the prohibition relationship by the selection input, and it is possible to prevent the printing by the printing function having the prohibition relationship.

In the above description, the example in which the HDD, the semiconductor memory, or the like is used as the computer-readable medium of the program according to the present invention is disclosed, but the invention is not limited to this example. As another computer-readable medium, a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM can be applied. A carrier wave is also applied to the present invention as a medium for providing the data of the program according to the present invention via a communication line.

It should be noted that the description in the above-described embodiments and modifications is an example of a suitable print control apparatus and program according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the PC 10 manages the hot folder and the created print job is printed by the image forming apparatus 20 selected by the user, but the present invention is not limited to this. The image forming apparatus 20 may function as a print control apparatus to manage the hot folder. In the hot folder managed by the image forming apparatus 20, a file is input and printing is performed immediately after the print settings are reflected. Therefore, the file name of the input file in the above-described embodiment should be changed. However, it is not possible to perform an operation in which trial printing and final printing are performed in order, but once a temporary print setting is added to the print conditions, the print job is temporarily stopped on the image forming apparatus 20, so add this setting. By this, the same operation becomes possible.

Further, the detailed configuration and the detailed operation of each unit constituting the printing system 1 in the above-described embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 Printing system 10 PC
11 CPU
12 operation unit 13 RAM
14 display unit 15 storage unit 16 communication unit 20 image forming apparatus 20A image forming apparatus main body 21 main body control unit 22 operation unit 23 display unit 24 document reading unit 25 image processing unit 26 image forming unit 27 paper feed unit 28 main body communication unit 29 storage Part 30 External communication part 31 Transport part 20B Post-processing device 41 Post-processing control part 42 Post-processing communication part 43 Transport part 44 Post-processing part N Communication network

Claims (13)

A print control device that creates a print job for a file that is submitted to a hot folder associated with print setting information of a print function,
Storage means for storing, in at least one second hot folder connected to the lower layer of the first hot folder, association information indicating the second hot folder associated with the file and associated with the first hot folder;
An acquisition unit for acquiring the file input to the first hot folder,
Merging the print setting information of the first hot folder and the print setting information of the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder based on the stored cooperation information and the acquired file, And a print job creating unit that creates a print job that reflects the merged print setting information. The link information indicates a second hot folder that links with the first hot folder in correspondence with the key information of the file,
The acquisition unit acquires key information of a file put in the first hot folder,
The print job creation unit, based on the stored cooperation information and the acquired key information, print setting information of the first hot folder and a second hot folder of the second hot folder that cooperates with the first hot folder. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print control information is merged. The print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the key information is at least one of a file name of a file, a file attribute, a page number, and header footer information. 3. When a plurality of files are input to the second hot folder, a first update unit that detects key information common to the plurality of files and updates the cooperation information based on the detected key information is provided. Alternatively, the print control device according to item 3. The print job creation unit prioritizes the print setting information changed from the default value to display the print setting information of the first hot folder and the print setting information of the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder. The print control device according to claim 1, wherein the print control device performs merging. When the print setting information of the first hot folder and the print setting information of the second hot folder associated with the first hot folder are both changed from the default values, the print job creating unit sets the upper hierarchy or the lower hierarchy. The print control according to claim 5, wherein the print setting information of the first hot folder and the print setting information of the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder are merged according to a merge condition that gives priority. apparatus. 7. The print control device according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit that hierarchically displays the first hot folder and the second hot folder on a display unit. 8. The print job creating unit creates a print job that reflects the print setting information of the first hot folder when there is no print setting information of the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder. The print control device according to any one of 1. 9. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second updating unit that updates cooperation information based on the hot folder after the hot folder is moved or copied when the hot folder is moved or copied. . When there is a predetermined number of types of cooperation information corresponding to the acquired file, the print job creating unit is configured to perform the first operation based on the predetermined number of respective cooperation information and the acquired file. The print setting information of the hot folder and the print setting information of each of the predetermined number of second hot folders linked to the first hot folder are respectively merged, and the predetermined number of print jobs that reflect the merged print setting information. The print control device according to claim 1, wherein The print job creation unit, when a prohibition relationship occurs in the print condition information to be merged, the print setting information of the first hot folder, the print setting information of the first hot folder, and The print control device according to claim 1, wherein the print setting information of the second hot folder that is linked to the first hot folder is merged. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print job creating unit outputs the created print job to a printing unit. Set the computer of the print control device that creates a print job for the file submitted to the hot folder associated with the print setting information of the print function,
Storage means for storing, in at least one second hot folder connected to the lower layer of the first hot folder, cooperation information indicating the second hot folder that cooperates with the first hot folder;
An acquisition means for acquiring the file put in the first hot folder,
Merging the print setting information of the first hot folder and the print setting information of the second hot folder linked to the first hot folder based on the stored cooperation information and the acquired file, A print job creating means for creating a print job reflecting the merged print setting information,
Program to function as.

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