JP3209917B2 - Information processing apparatus, print server apparatus, data processing method of information processing apparatus, and data processing method of print server apparatus - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a print server which are connected to a predetermined communication medium, process print requests from a plurality of information processing apparatuses, and transfer print information to the printing apparatus.
Processing apparatus and data processing method of information processing apparatus, and pudding
The data processing method of the server device .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a print server apparatus having a memory resource for storing a print job after a print job received from a client computer communicably connected via a predetermined communication medium is related to the job. As information, only the name of the user who sent the print job, the date and time, the job name, the number of pages, the number of copies, and the like are merely provided as character information.

Therefore, when the user wants to print the processed job stored in the print server again, the user searches for the print job transmitted by himself based on the above-mentioned character information and performs the print processing.

[0004]

As described above, when the user wants to re-execute the print-processed print job stored in the print server apparatus, the user relies on the information in characters to transmit the job transmitted by himself / herself. Since the job was searched and reprinted, it was difficult to determine a job with similar information, and if a print job desired by the user could not be found, printing had to be executed again from the client computer. there were.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a print server apparatus which, when printing print information received from an information processing apparatus, requests a reprint request. The information processing apparatus prepares and manages image information data for preview display from the printed print information and search information including a job name unique to the image information data. The search information and the image information data corresponding to the print information obtained are transferred to the information processing apparatus, and the image information data created on the print information transferred from the print server apparatus on the information processing apparatus side And the search information including the job name is obtained, and the image data is preview-displayed together with the job name, and then displayed on the display unit. And instructs reprinting request to image the image data, by issuing a reprint request for the image image data in the instruction to detect the instruction to the print server, the user of the information processing apparatus side,
When reprinting from the information processing device, the print server device side simultaneously views image image data created from print information already printed by simple operation and search information for specifying the image image data. Information processing apparatus, print server apparatus, data processing method of information processing apparatus, and print server apparatus capable of accurately selecting print information to be reprinted from many registered print information and efficiently instructing reprint instructions Is to provide a data processing method.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a print server apparatus provided with storage resources by receiving the print server apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the print server apparatus includes: Obtaining means for obtaining search information including image information data and a job name created for the printed print information; and visually searching print information printed on a display unit based on the search information obtained by the obtaining means. Display control means for displaying a preview of the image image data together with the job name, instruction means for instructing a reprint request for the image image data displayed on the display unit, and detecting the instruction by the instruction means. Issuing means for issuing a reprint request to the print server device for the instructed image image data.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the display control means performs a preview display of a list of image image data on a display unit together with the obtained search information.

In a third aspect according to the present invention, the predetermined communication medium comprises a network interface.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined communication medium comprises an interface for connecting to the print server device via a bus.

A fifth invention according to the present invention is a print server device capable of transferring print information from an information processing device to a printing unit via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the printing received from the information processing device is completed. Storage means for storing the obtained print information; creating means for creating search information including image image data for search and a job name from the print information stored in the storage means; and the search created by the creating means Registration means for registering search information including image image data for use and a job name; and when the reprint request is issued from the information processing apparatus, the search information corresponding to the print information registered by the registration means is processed by the information processing. A transfer unit that transfers the search information to the apparatus side, and after the transfer of the search information by the transfer unit, based on a reprint request issued from the information processing apparatus, It reads the print information stored in 憶 means those having a print control means for reprinting by the print unit.

In a sixth aspect according to the present invention, the predetermined communication medium comprises a network interface.

In a seventh aspect according to the present invention, the predetermined communication medium comprises an interface for connecting to the print server device via a bus.

An eighth invention according to the present invention is directed to a data processing method of an information processing device capable of communicating with a print server device having storage resources received through a predetermined communication medium, wherein the print server device performs printing. An acquisition step of acquiring search information including image information data and a job name created for print information; and a visual search for print information that has been printed on a display unit based on the search information acquired by the acquisition step. A display control step of previewing the image image data together with the job name, an instruction step of instructing a reprint request for the image image data displayed on the display unit, and detecting and instructing the instruction by the instruction step Issuance step of issuing a reprint request for the image data in progress to the print server device , It is those provided with the.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing method for a print server device capable of transferring print information from an information processing device to a printing unit via a predetermined communication medium. A storage step of storing print information on which printing has been completed in a memory, a creation step of creating search information including a search image data and a job name from the print information stored in the memory, and the creation step. A registration step of registering the created search image image data and search information including a job name; and a search corresponding to the print information registered by the registration step when a reprint request is issued from the information processing apparatus. A transfer step of transferring information to the information processing apparatus side, and after transferring the search information by the transfer step, And it has a print control step of reprinting by the print unit reads out the print information stored in the memory based on a reprint request is issued from the multicast processor.

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of a first printer system to which a print server device according to the present invention can be applied.

Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 1001 denotes a digital copying machine controller (copying machine controller), in which a print server device is incorporated, and print information from client computers (computers) 1003-1 to 1003-3 is read by a digital copying machine (reader). And a printer unit) 1002.

Reference numeral 1004 denotes a computer network.
The copier controller 1001 and the client computers 1003-1 to 1003-3 are connected. In the present embodiment, the print server device is incorporated in the copier controller 1001, but the present invention can be easily applied to a configuration in which the print server device is connected to the computer network 1004 by itself. It goes without saying that you can do it.

FIG. 2 shows the computer 100 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of 3-1 to 1003-3, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 150 denotes a print job sending computer main body, in which figures, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program or the like stored in a program ROM of the ROM 103. The system includes a CPU 101 that executes document processing. The CPU 101 controls each device connected to the system bus 104 as a whole. The program ROM of the ROM 103 stores a control program of the CPU 101 and the like, and the font ROM of the ROM 103 stores font data and the like used when performing the document processing and the like.
The data ROM of M103 stores various data used when performing the document processing and the like.

Reference numeral 102 denotes an expandable RAM, and the CPU 10
1 functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like. 105
A keyboard controller (KBC) controls key input from a keyboard (KB) 110 or a pointing device (not shown). A disk controller (DKC) 107 controls access to an external memory 112 such as a hard disk (HD) storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, and the like, a floppy disk (FD), and the like.

In the present embodiment, a print queue sending program for sending a print job from the print job sending computer 50 to a print server 2002 described later is mounted on the external memory 113.

Reference numeral 108 denotes an external input unit interface (I /
F), various expansion cards can be mounted, and in this embodiment, a network card (external input unit) 113 is connected, connected to a network 1004, and can communicate with a print server 2002 in the copier controller 1001. It has become. Reference numeral 109 denotes a printer controller (PRTC), which is normally connected to a printer by a printer cable, but is not used because a printer connected to a network is used in this embodiment. In addition,
The CPU 101 executes, for example, a process of developing (rasterizing) the outline font on the display information RAM set on the RAM 102, and executes WYSIW on the CRT 111.
YG is possible. In addition, the CPU 101
Various windows registered are opened based on a command designated by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on 111, and various data processes are executed.

The information processing apparatus configured as described above is an information processing apparatus (client computer 1003-1) capable of communicating with a print server 2002 having storage resources to receive and store via a predetermined communication medium.
Console unit 1003 to be described later
In (-4), an acquisition unit (the CPU 101 determines whether the RO is an RO) by acquiring search information including image information data created for the print information printed by the print server 2002.
M103 or an external memory 112 or a storage medium (not shown) by executing a control program loaded into a predetermined area mapped to the RAM 102 to acquire the information), and that the acquisition unit has printed on the display unit based on the search information. Display control means for displaying preview image image data for visual search of print information (preview display of a list of image image data for visual search on a display unit (CRT 111)). And executes and displays a control program loaded from a storage medium into a predetermined area mapped to the RAM 102).
Instruction means for instructing a reprint request for the image image data displayed on the display unit (by a keyboard 110 or a pointing device (not shown), etc.); A reprint request is sent to the print server device 20
No. 02 for issuing to the ROM 103
Alternatively, the CPU 101 executes the control program loaded into a predetermined area mapped from the external memory 112 or a storage medium (not shown) and issues the control program.
001, the memory resources of the print server device 2002,
For example, a hard disk device 2003 shown in FIG.
The image data created based on the print information (print job) registered in the CRT 111 is acquired, displayed visually on the CRT 111, scrolled through the keyboard 110 or the like, visually searched for the content, and requested for a reprint request. When a job is instructed, a reprint request is transferred to the print server 2002 as a command according to the instruction.

The CPU 1 as the display control means
01, the CRTC 106 is a print server 2002
The image data is displayed as a list (scrollable in a window shown in FIG. 5 described later) as a list on the CRT 111 together with the management data acquired from the PC, and the print information is visually identified with good discrimination by an instruction from the keyboard 110 or the like. Search can be performed.

Next, a laser beam printer (LBP) will be described as a preferred printer to which this embodiment is applied, and its configuration will be described with reference to FIG. The printer to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer, but has a memory sufficient for developing print data into a dot image by a printer, and uses a printer of another print method in which a printer language is installed. , Or a printer that processes only dot image data.

FIG. 3 shows the digital copying machine 10 shown in FIG.
02 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printer unit 02.
As described above, this corresponds to the case of a laser beam printer.

In the digital copying machine 1002, 250
Denotes a printer control unit, which controls the entire digital copying machine (LBP body) 1002 and print server device 20
The character information and the like supplied from 02 are analyzed. A printer CPU 211 is a system bus 2 based on a control program and the like stored in a program ROM of a ROM 213.
14, and controls image data as output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 218 connected via a printing unit interface (I / F) 216. .

The program R in the ROM 213
The OM stores a control program of the CPU 211 and the like. The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data and the like used when generating the output information,
In the case of a printer having no external memory 219 such as a hard disk, the data ROM of M13 stores information used on the print server 2002 and the like. C
The PU 12 is connected to the print server device 2 via the input unit 215.
002, and can notify the print server device 2002 of information and the like in the printer.

Reference numeral 212 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 211, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an additional port (not shown). Note that RA
M212 is an output information development area, an environment data storage area,
Used for NVRAM and the like. The access to the external memory 219 such as a hard disk (HD) and an IC card is controlled by a disk controller (DKC) 217. The external memory 219 is connected as an option, and stores font data, an emulation program,
Stores form data and the like.

An operation unit (operation panel) 201 includes switches for operation and an LED or LCD display.

The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one, and at least one external memory may be provided so that a plurality of optional font cards can be connected in addition to the built-in fonts. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store the printer mode setting information from the operation panel 201.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the digital copying machine controller 1001 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1001 denotes a copying machine controller; 2002, a print server device; 2003, a hard disk device for spooling or storing a print job; and 2004, an image developing unit, which is sent from the print server device. The print job is developed in the page memory as a bitmap image.

Reference numeral 2005 denotes a page memory which holds developed image information. A network interface 2006 receives a print job via the computer network 1004. Reference numeral 2007 denotes a digital copier interface which sends image information held in the page memory 2005 to the digital copier.

The print server apparatus 2 having the same hard disk resources as the client computers 1003-1 to 1003-3 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 002 denotes client computers 1003-1 to 1003-3 (console units 1003 to be described later in FIG. 9) via a predetermined communication medium (a network 1004, an interface for bus connection with the printer server 2002) shown in FIG. -4), etc., and a storage unit (in this embodiment, the hard disk device 2003, but other storage devices, for example, optical Magnetic disk device, floppy disk device, etc.)
Creation means for creating image image data for search from the print information stored in the storage means (the CPU 101 executes a control program loaded from the ROM 103 or the external memory 219 or an external storage medium (not shown) into an area mapped to the RAM 102; And a registration unit (CPU 101) for registering the image image data created by the creation unit as search information with respect to the print information management data stored in the storage unit.
Executes and registers a control program loaded from the ROM 103 or the external memory 219 or an external storage medium (not shown) into an area mapped to the RAM 102).
A transfer unit (CPU 101) for transferring the search information corresponding to the print information stored in the storage unit to the information processing apparatus when a reprint request is issued from the information processing apparatus;
Executes and transfers a control program loaded from the ROM 103 or the external memory 219 or an external storage medium (not shown) to an area mapped to the RAM 102).
-1 when a reprint request is made from the hard disk drive 200
3, management information of the printed print information (the image data (preview image information 302 shown in FIG. 5 described later) obtained by imaging the first page of the print information at the time of printing for search), the job name, date, and printing. Various data of the user, etc.) to the client computer 1003-1, read out the print information stored in accordance with the job name or the like instructed after the transfer, and develop by the image developing unit 2004,
The digital copier 1002 performs print processing.

Thus, the client computer 1
003-1 is used when reprinting the printed print information.
The candidates can be visualized and searched.

Further, after the transfer of the search information by the transfer means, a print control which reads out the print information stored in the storage means based on a reprint request issued from the information processing apparatus and causes the printing section to reprint the print information. Means (the CPU 101 executes and controls a control program loaded from the ROM 103 or the external memory 219 or an external storage medium (not shown) into an area mapped to the RAM 102), and the CPU 101 acquires management information acquired from the print server 2002. According to the client computer 10
It is possible to specify the reprint request candidate of the visual image designated by the user 03-1 and efficiently reprint the print information stored in the hard disk device 2003 by the digital copying machine 1002.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a print job operation screen displayed on the CRT 111 shown in FIG.
This corresponds to a screen displayed when performing a print job operation on the client computer held in the hard disk device 2003 of the print server device 2002 shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a print job operation window; 302, preview image information of a print job held in the print server 2002;
The data is acquired from the print server 2002 and displayed in the print job operation window 301.

Reference numerals 303-1 to 303-3 denote print job information stored in the print server 2002.
The data is acquired from the print server 2002 and displayed in the print job operation window 301. Reference numeral 304 denotes a scroll bar which, when designated by a cursor of a pointing device (not shown), displays preview image information 30.
2 and the print job information 303 are scrolled. Reference numeral 305 denotes a print button which, when designated by a cursor of a pointing device (not shown), instructs execution of printing of a print job selected by the user. 3
Reference numeral 06 denotes a cancel button, which is designated by a cursor of a pointing device (not shown) when the print job operation window 301 ends. Note that the preview image information 302 does not hold all the data of the page, but holds it at a low resolution.

Next, a process until the user re-executes (reprints) his / her own print job stored in the print server device 2002 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In this embodiment, a case where the user C performs printing once and then reprints the same print job will be described as an example.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a first data processing procedure of the printer system according to the present invention.
3A and FIG. 3B correspond to data processing procedures between the print server device 2002 and FIG. 3A, respectively, in which FIG. Note that (1) to (7) indicate steps on the print server device side, and (11) to (17) indicate steps on the client computer side.

First, the user C prints one page of a document having a document name of "explanatory diagram" from one of the client computers 1003-1 to 1003-3 (1). When the print processing of the document is completed (2), the print server 2002 stores the print job in the hard disk device 2003 (3).

Thereafter, when it becomes necessary to print the document again (11), first, the user C opens the print job operation window 301 on the client computer (12). At this time, the client computer 1
For example, the client computer 1003-1 in 003-1 to 1003-3 is a print server device 2002.
In response to this request, the print server device 2002 requests the print server device 2002 via the network 1004 for the preview image information 302 and the print job information 303 (13).

The print server 2002 that has received the request to transmit the print job information 303 transmits the preview image and the print job information of each print job stored in the hard disk device 2003 (4), (5). Then, the client computer 1
003-1 displays the preview image information 302 and the print job information 303 obtained from the print server device 2002 in a list in the print job operation window 301 (14).

If necessary, the user C searches for a desired print job by operating the scroll bar 304 (15).

In the example of the screen shown in FIG. 5, since the second document from the top is a print job to be printed again (because the user name is "C"), the user C sends this print job to the pointing device. And press the print button 305 (1).
6).

Then, the client computer 100
3-1 requests the print server device 2002 via the network to print the print job selected by the user C again (17).

The print server 2002, which has received a print job instruction from the client computer 1003-1 again, converts the print job into an image developing unit 2004.
And print it again (6), (7).

FIG. 7 is a memory map of a storage medium for storing a program corresponding to the steps of the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a memory map of a storage medium for storing a program corresponding to the steps of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0055]

In the data processing method of the information processing apparatus configured as described above, that is, the print server apparatus 20 which receives the data via a predetermined communication medium and has storage resources is provided.
02, in a data processing method of an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the information processing apparatus 02, the acquisition step of acquiring search information including image information data created for print information printed by the print server apparatus 2002 (step (13) in FIG. 6). And a display step of previewing image image data for visual search of printed print information on a display unit based on the search information acquired by the acquisition unit (FIG. 6).
Step (14)), an instruction step (step (16) in FIG. 6) for instructing a reprint request for the image data displayed on the display unit, and The issuance step (step (17) in FIG. 6) of issuing a reprint request for image data to the print server apparatus 2002 is executed by the CPU 101 by the ROM 102 or the external memory 112 or a storage medium (not shown).
The control program (according to the flowchart in FIG. 6) loaded on the AM 102 is executed by the CPU 101, that is, the CPU 101 registers the memory resource of the print server 2002 in the digital copying machine 1002 via the network 1004, for example, the hard disk device 2003. The image data created based on the print information (print job) obtained is acquired, visually displayed on the CRT 111, a scroll instruction is issued from the keyboard 110 or the like, the contents are visually searched, and a desired reprint request job is designated. When instructed, a reprint request is transferred to the print server device 2002 as a command according to the instruction.

An acquisition step (step (13) in FIG. 6) for acquiring search information including image information data created for print information printed by the print server device 2002; A display step (step (14) in FIG. 6) of previewing image image data for visual search of printed print information on a display unit based on the search information; and image image data displayed on the display unit An instruction process (step (16) in FIG. 6) for instructing the print server device 2002 to issue a reprint request to the print server device 2002 for the image data being instructed. The program including the step (17) in FIG. 6 is recorded on a recording medium in a computer-readable manner. That is, the embodiment of the present invention also includes a mode in which the program code corresponding to the process illustrated in FIG. 6 is stored in the storage medium, and the program code is read out from the storage medium and executed by the CPU 101.

[0058]

In the data processing method of the print server device configured as described above, that is, in the data processing method of the print server device capable of transferring print information from an information processing device to a printing unit via a predetermined communication medium, A storage step of storing the print information that has been printed and received from the information processing apparatus in a memory (steps (1) to (1) in FIG.
(3)) and a creation step of creating search image data from the print information stored in the memory (FIG. 6).
Steps (1) to (3)) and a registration step (Step (1) in FIG. 6) of registering the created image data as search information with respect to the print information management data stored in the memory. ) To (3)) and a transfer step of transferring the search information corresponding to the print information stored in the memory to the information processing apparatus when a reprint request is issued from the information processing apparatus (step (FIG. 6)). 5)) and C
Executed by the PU 101, when the CPU 101 issues a reprint request from the client computer 1003-1, the management information of the printed print information created at the time of preceding printing and stored in the hard disk device 2003 (the first page of the print information at the time of printing) And the like, image data (preview image information 302 in FIG. 5) obtained by imaging the data for search, the job name,
Date, various data such as a print person, etc.) to the client computer 1003-1, read out the print information stored in accordance with the designated job name or the like after the transfer, develop the image by the image rasterization unit 2004, and The copier 1002 performs print processing.

Thus, the client computer 1
003-1 is used when reprinting the printed print information.
The candidates can be visualized and searched.

Further, a storage step of storing the print information that has been printed and received from the information processing apparatus in a memory (FIG. 6).
Steps (1) to (3)), a creation step of creating search image data from the print information stored in the memory (steps (1) to (3) in FIG. 6), A registration step of registering the obtained image image data as search information with respect to the management information of the print information stored in the memory (steps (1) to (3) in FIG. 6)
And a transfer step of transferring the search information corresponding to the print information stored in the memory (hard disk device 2003) to the information processing apparatus when a reprint request is issued from the information processing apparatus (step (1) in FIG. 6). )-(3))
And a computer-readable program recorded on a recording medium for executing the program.
That is, the embodiment of the present invention also includes a mode in which the program code corresponding to the process illustrated in FIG. 6 is stored in the storage medium, and the program code is read out from the storage medium and executed by the CPU 101.

As described above, regarding the print job information, the user can easily and quickly instruct the user to select his or her own print job and print again by viewing not only the character information but also the preview image. .

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of a second printer system to which the print server device according to the present invention can be applied. The code is attached.

In the figure, reference numeral 1003-4 denotes a console unit, which is a client computer 10 shown in FIG.
The digital copier controller 1001 is directly connected to an internal bus via an interface port of the digital copier controller 1001.

In the thus configured printer system, the user re-executes (re-prints) his / her own print job stored in the print server 2002.
The processing up to this point will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, as an example, the user D
Print once, and then print the print job again.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a second data processing procedure of the printer system according to the present invention. The flowchart corresponds to the data processing procedure of the console unit 1003-4 and the print server device 2002. This is a process on the print server device side, and FIG. 3B is a process on the console unit side. Note that (1) to (5) indicate steps on the print server device side, and (11) to (1)
5) shows steps on the console unit side.

First, the user D prints one 10-page document with the document name "in-house newsletter July" from the client computer 1003-1 (1). When the print processing of the document is completed (2), the print server 2002 sends the print job to the hard disk drive 2.
003 (3).

Thereafter, when it becomes necessary to print the document again (11), the user D first goes to a place where the console unit 1003-4 is located, and changes the print job operation window 301 to the console unit 1003-4.
Open on the CRT 111 of the. At this time, the print server 2002 lists the preview image information 302 and the print job information 303 of each print job stored in the hard disk device 2003 in the print job operation window 301 and lists the preview image information 302 and the print job information 303. (1)
2).

The user D can use the scroll bar 3 if necessary.
The user searches for a desired print job while operating 04.
In the present embodiment, the document at the bottom in the screen example shown in FIG. 5 is a print job to be printed again (because the user name is “D”), so the user D selects this print job. Press the print button 305 (1
3), (14).

Then, the print server 2002 sends a print job to the image developing unit 2004 upon receiving a print request from the user D (4), prints it again (5), and ends the processing.

FIG. 11 is a memory map of a storage medium for storing programs corresponding to the steps in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 10 (a).

FIG. 12 is a memory map of a storage medium for storing a program corresponding to the steps of the flowchart shown in FIG.

As described above, the user D receives the print job information 3 via the console unit 1003-4 directly connected to the digital copier controller 1001.
Regarding 03, by viewing the preview image information 302 as well as the textual information, the user can easily and quickly select his or her own print job around the digital copier controller 1001 and print it again.

In each of the above embodiments, the case where the page of the print job to be preview-displayed is set to the first page is described. However, the number of pages to be displayed and the pages to be displayed are the contents (graphics, characters, images, etc.). May be configured so that the user can appropriately set it according to the conditions.

According to each of the above embodiments, the function of adding a preview image when processing a print job from a client computer and holding the job and transmitting the preview image in response to an external request is provided. Therefore, when the user re-executes the print job stored in the print server device, the preview image can be visually checked in addition to the character information such as the date and time and the job name, and only the character can be checked. In this case, a similar print job can be easily searched for while conscious of the features of the print contents (arrangement of figures, elements of figures, image images, or a combination thereof).

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

Further, when the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0083]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the ninth to ninth aspects, when print information received from the information processing apparatus is printed on the print server apparatus side, in preparation for a reprint request, image information data for preview display from the printed print information and Creates and manages search information including a job name unique to the image information data, and when a reprint request is made from the information processing apparatus, the search information and image information data corresponding to the registered print information are The information processing device side obtains image information data created for the printed print information transferred from the print server device and search information including the job name, and obtains the image image data. After displaying a preview together with the job name, when a reprint request is issued for the image data displayed on the display section, the instruction is detected. And issues a reprint request to the print server device for the instructed image image data, so that the user on the information processing device side can easily perform printing by using a simple operation when reprinting from the information processing device. While simultaneously browsing the image data created from the information and the search information for specifying the image data, the print information to be reprinted can be accurately selected from among the many print information registered on the print server side. There is an effect that a reprint instruction can be efficiently selected and selected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of a first printer system to which a print server device according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer unit of the digital copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the digital copying machine controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a print job operation screen displayed on the CRT shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a first data processing procedure of the printer system according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a memory map of a storage medium for storing a program corresponding to the steps of the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a memory map of a storage medium storing a program corresponding to the steps of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 (b).

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of a second printer system to which the print server device according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second data processing procedure of the printer system according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a memory map of a storage medium for storing a program corresponding to the steps of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 10 (a).

FIG. 12 is a memory map of a storage medium for storing a program corresponding to the steps of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1001 Digital copier controller 1003-1 Client computer 1003-2 Client computer 1003-3 Client computer 2002 Print server device 2003 Hard disk device

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a print server device having storage resources received through a predetermined communication medium, the image information data and a job created for print information printed by the print server device. Acquiring means for acquiring search information including a name, and displaying, on the display unit, image image data for performing a visual search for printed print information together with the job name on the basis of the search information acquired by the acquiring means. Display control means; instruction means for instructing a reprint request for the image data displayed on the display unit; detecting the instruction by the instruction means and printing the reprint request for the instructed image image data; An information processing apparatus, comprising: issuing means for issuing to a server device. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means displays a preview of the image data as a list on a display unit together with the acquired search information. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined communication medium is constituted by a network interface. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined communication medium comprises an interface for connecting to said print server device via a bus. In 5. A print server can be transferred to the printing unit the print information from the information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium
There, create a storage unit for storing print information print received has been completed from the information processing apparatus, search information including an image the image data and the job name for retrieval from the print information stored in said storage means and creating means, registration means for registering retrieval information including image image data and the job name for the search that is created by the creation means, when reprint request from the information processing apparatus, the registration
Transfer means for transferring the search information corresponding to the print information registered by means to the information processing apparatus side, after the transfer of the search information by said transfer means, said information processing
The storage device based on a reprint request issued from the
Read the printing information stored in the column and re-print in the printing unit
A print control unit for performing printing . 6. The print server device according to claim 5, wherein said predetermined communication medium is constituted by a network interface. 7. The print server device according to claim 5, wherein said predetermined communication medium is constituted by an interface for bus connection with said print server device. 8. A data processing method for an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a print server device having storage resources received through a predetermined communication medium, comprising: an image created for print information printed by the print server device. An acquisition step of acquiring search information including information data and a job name; and the image name data for visually searching print information that has been printed on a display unit based on the search information acquired by the acquisition step. A display control step of displaying a preview together with the image data; an instruction step of instructing a reprint request for the image image data displayed on the display unit; Issuing a request to the print server device. Data processing method for an information processing apparatus according to. 9. A data processing method for a print server device capable of transferring print information from an information processing apparatus to a printing unit via a predetermined communication medium, the print processing apparatus comprising: A storage step of storing in a memory; a creation step of creating search information including a search image data and a job name from the print information stored in the memory; and the search image created by the creation step A registration step of registering search information including image data and a job name; and performing the registration when a reprint request is issued from the information processing apparatus.
A transfer step of transferring the search information corresponding to the print information registered in the step to the information processing apparatus.
And flop, after transfer of the retrieval information by said transfer step, the information
Based on the reprint request issued from the report processor.
The print information stored in the memory is read out and re-
A data processing method for a print server device , comprising: a print control step for printing .