JP3777842B2 - Network system, alternative processing control method, and server - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a network system, an alternative processing control method, and a server, and more particularly, includes a terminal device that generates print data, a printer that executes print processing based on the print data, and a server that manages the printer. Network system, an alternative processing control method for replacing a print processing request received from a terminal device with another server that constitutes a network when a failure occurs in the server in the network system, and the network system Related to the server.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a network system including a plurality of workstations, a plurality of printers, and a print server that manages the printers has been constructed. During print processing in such a network system, a large amount of print data is transmitted from the workstation to the print server via the network and temporarily stored in the memory in the print server. Next, the print server transmits print data to at least one printer connected to the network via the network, and the printer performs print processing of the print data.
[0003]
Further, as seen in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-62467, etc., the print server stores the function of each printer connected to a network such as a LAN (local network) in advance in a table or the like. A technique for selecting a printer suitable for printing from a plurality of printers having different functions based on print data is known. For example, the print server determines the description language of the document to be printed, the presence / absence of color printing, the paper size, and the like from the print data, and selects a printer that satisfies these various printing conditions obtained by the determination.
[0004]
In the above technique, a print request is made by transmitting a large amount of print data from a workstation to a print server. The print server receives print data from a plurality of workstations connected to the network at a time. For this reason, when print processing requests are concentrated, there is a possibility that the memory capacity of the print server that stores the print data becomes full, and the print data from the workstation cannot be accepted. In order to solve this problem, it is conceivable to expand the memory area for storing print data of the print server by adding a disk or the like. Problems arise.
[0005]
Also, a large amount of print data is transmitted from the workstation to the print server via the network, and then a large amount of print data is also transmitted from the print server to the printer via the network. For this reason, the data transmission amount (communication traffic amount) on the network increases, and there is a possibility that the data transmission processing efficiency in the entire network system is lowered.
[0006]
In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in Japanese Patent Application No. 9-257132 does not transfer print data from a workstation to a print server, but rather reference information (print Print resource information indicating the location of data, job attribute information specifying print service information, and print attribute information indicating the paper size and orientation of the print data) Yes. The print server that has received this reference information selects a printer that satisfies the print attribute information. Also, the route of print data flowing between the workstation, the print server, and the printer is divided into routes (routes 1 and 2) that do not pass through two types of print servers, and routes (routes 3 and 4, Determine from among 5 and 6). At this time, routes 1 and 2 that do not pass through the print server are preferentially determined, and print data is transmitted and received according to the determined route. Therefore, the print data is transferred to the printer without passing through the print server as much as possible, and printing processing is performed. This reduces the number of times print data flows on the network, prevents an increase in data transmission volume (communication traffic volume) on the network, and improves the overall network system throughput. it can. Another feature is that print services such as load distribution, divided output, and detour output are efficiently performed.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above, since a mechanism for substituting print processing was not provided, when a failure occurs in the printer server, until the print server in which the failure occurs is restored or until the setting of the replacement server is completed, The printing process could not be executed.
[0008]
At this time, the administrator must stop the print server in which the failure has occurred and prepare an alternative server. To set up an alternative server, the management information of the alternative server must be updated based on the management information (device information table, performance information table) of the print server in which the failure has occurred. Also, confirm the processing status of each user's print request with all users, request a print request again if necessary, print processing cannot be performed until an alternative server is set, and printing until recovery Requests must be made known to the alternate server, etc.
[0009]
Further, the user confirms his / her print processing status, and if printing has not been completed, the user must make a print request again to the alternative server prepared by the administrator. However, the print data requested to be printed is a route (route 3, 4) for transferring the print data to the printer via the print server in the route selection described in Japanese Patent Application No. 9-257132 when a failure occurs in the print server. When 5, 6) is selected and transfer is in progress, print data may be lost. At this time, a part of the print data has already been printed by the selected printer, causing a problem of wasteful use of resources (paper, toner, power, etc.).
[0010]
Further, when a route (route 3, 4, 5, 6) for transferring print data to the printer via the print server is selected and processed, a large amount of print data is accumulated in the spool of the printer server, Processing of the print server may be delayed due to transmission / reception of a large amount of print data. For this reason, the throughput of the entire network system is lowered, and there are cases where the effects of using the reference cannot be fully enjoyed.
[0011]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem. Even when a failure occurs in a server, a network system capable of dynamically selecting an alternative server and continuously performing printing processing, and alternative processing control It is an object to provide a method and a server.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is a terminal device that generates print data and represents print processing content and generates print processing content information having a smaller data amount than the print data. A network system including a printer that executes print processing based on print data, and a server that manages the printer, wherein the server sends a print processing request for the print data from the terminal device. Based on the received print processing content information, a printer that executes the print processing, a determination unit that determines a transfer path of print data to the printer, and the print data according to the transfer path determined by the determination unit Transfer control means for controlling transfer to a printer;When a failure that prevents processing for the print processing request occurs,A selection unit that selects an alternative server that substitutes the processing of the print processing request from the terminal device, and a request that requests the server selected as the alternative server by the selection unit to replace the print processing request received from the terminal device And alternative processing control means for controlling to process the print processing request from the terminal device in place of another server when selected as an alternative server by another server.
[0013]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the network system includes a terminal device, a printer, and a server. In the terminal device, print data is generated and print processing content information representing the content of the print processing and having a smaller data amount than the print data is generated, and the print processing content information is transmitted to the server to print the print data. A processing request is being made. That is, the amount of data transferred from the terminal device to the server at the time of the request is reduced, and an increase in the amount of traffic on the network system is prevented.
[0014]
The server includes a determination unit, a transfer control unit, a selection unit, a request unit, and an alternative process control unit.
[0015]
The determining unit determines a printer suitable for the print processing of the print data and a transfer path of the print data to the printer based on the print processing content information received from the terminal device. The transfer control unit controls the print data to be transferred to the printer according to the transfer path determined by the determination unit. That is, the server operates as a print server that processes a print processing request received from a terminal device and transfers print data to a printer.
[0016]
  In the selection means, the serverUnable to process print requestWhen a failure occurs and the function as a printer server cannot be normally performed, an alternative server that performs the processing of the server is selected from other servers that together form the network. The requesting unit requests the server selected by the selection unit as the alternative server so as to replace the print processing request from the terminal device.
[0017]
In the alternative processing control means, when the alternative server is selected by another server and receives an alternative request for processing, the server controls the server to process the print processing request from the terminal device instead of the server requesting the alternative. .
[0018]
  That is, in the invention according to claim 1, the serverUnable to process print requestWhen a failure occurs and the function as a printer server cannot be performed normally, an alternative server is automatically selected, and the selected alternative server is a printer suitable for executing print processing on behalf of the server. In addition, determination of the transfer path of the print data to the printer and control for transferring the print data to the printer are performed. In the alternative server, the print request is processed on behalf of the failed server regardless of the print request being processed at the time of the failure, the unprocessed print request, and the print request made after the failure occurs. . As a result, even when the server cannot normally perform the function as a printer server, the user of the network system can continue to perform printing work without being aware of anything.
[0019]
In addition, the selection means stores the alternative server selection information configured to include the location information of the other server and the alternative server starting condition for starting as an alternative server, as described in claim 2 An information storage unit may be included, and an alternative server may be selected based on the alternative server selection information.
[0020]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the server is used for determining a printer suitable for execution of the printing process by the determining means, and the location information for each of the terminal device and the printer managed by the server. And a management information storage unit that stores management information including performance information, and the request unit includes print processing content information received from the terminal device, the management information, and a transfer path for transferring through the server. The substitute request may be made by transmitting to the substitute server at least one of the print data that is determined and stored in the server being transferred from the terminal device to the printer.
[0021]
In the network system according to claim 3, when the print processing content information is received as an alternative request from another server, as described in claim 4, the alternative processing control means receives the received print processing content. Based on the information, it may be controlled so that the determination by the determination means is performed.
[0022]
When management information is received as an alternative request from another server, as described in claim 5, the alternative processing control means determines whether the alternative processing request has been made based on the received management information. The management information of the server may be updated so that all terminal devices and printers managed by the server are under the management of the server.
[0023]
In addition, when print data stored in a server that has requested a substitution in the middle of transfer from the terminal device to the printer as a substitution request from another server is received, the substitution is performed as described in claim 6. The control means notifies at least one of the terminal device and the printer that the transfer path is changed through the server instead of the server requesting the replacement, and the transfer of the print data is continued through the server. It is good to control so that it is performed.
[0024]
In the network system according to any one of claims 3 to 6, when the server processing is stagnant, as described in claim 7, the request unit receives the unprocessed print processing content received from the terminal device. By transmitting information to the alternative server, an alternative to an unprocessed print processing request received from the terminal device may be requested.
[0025]
  Claims 3 to7In the network system according to claim 8, when stopping the function of the server, as described in claim 8, the request unit includes all print processing content information received from the terminal device regardless of whether processing is in progress or not. By transmitting the management information and the print data stored in the server in the middle of the transfer from the terminal device to the printer after the transfer path to be transferred through the server is determined by the determining means, from the terminal device An alternative to all received print processing requests may be requested.
In the network system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, as described in claim 9, the failure may be stoppage or stagnation of control of transfer of print data by the transfer control unit.
[0026]
  Claims10According to the invention, a terminal device that generates print data and represents print processing content and generates print processing content information having a data amount smaller than the print data, and a printer that executes print processing based on the print data And determining a printer suitable for execution of the printing process and a transfer path of the printing data to the printer based on the printing process content information transmitted as a print processing request for the print data from the terminal device. In a network system configured to include a server for controlling data to be transferred to the printer, a print processing request received from the terminal device when a failure occurs in the server together forms the network. An alternative processing control method for substituting another server,When a failure that prevents processing for the print processing request occurs,Based on the alternative server selection information stored in advance, the server selects an alternative server for substituting a print processing request from the terminal device from among other servers that together constitute the network system; Print processing content information received from the terminal device, management information of the terminal device and printer managed by the server stored in advance, and a transfer path to be transferred via the server are determined and transferred from the terminal device to the printer A substitute request is made by transmitting at least one of the print data stored in the server on the way to the server selected as the substitute server, and the server selected as the substitute server receives the substitute request. In response to this, control is performed so that the print processing request from the terminal device is processed instead.
[0027]
  Claim10According to the invention described inUnable to process print requestWhen a failure occurs, an alternative server that substitutes the print processing request from the terminal device is selected from other servers that together constitute the network system. This selection is performed based on the alternative server selection information stored in advance.
[0028]
Next, an alternative request is made to the server selected as the alternative server. This substitute request is determined by determining the print processing content information received from the terminal device, the management information of the terminal device and printer managed by the server stored in advance, and the transfer path to be transferred via the server. Is performed by transmitting at least one of the print data stored in the server being transferred from the printer to the printer to the server selected as the alternative server.
[0029]
In response to this substitute request, the server selected as the substitute server is controlled to process the print processing request from the terminal device in place, and the print data is transferred to a printer suitable for executing the print processing. Controlled.
[0030]
  That is, the claim10In the invention described in claim 1, as in the invention described in claim 1,Unable to process print requestWhen a failure occurs and the function as a printer server cannot be performed normally, an alternative server is automatically selected, and the selected alternative server is a printer suitable for executing print processing on behalf of the server. In addition, determination of the transfer path of the print data to the printer and control for transferring the print data to the printer are performed. In the alternative server, the print request is processed on behalf of the failed server regardless of the print request being processed at the time of the failure, the unprocessed print request, and the print request made after the failure occurs. . As a result, even if the server cannot normally perform the function as a printer server, the network system user can continue to perform printing work without being aware of anything.
  Since the print processing request from the terminal device is made using print processing content information with a small amount of data, the amount of data transferred from the terminal device to the server at the time of the request is small, and the amount of traffic on the network system increases. It is to be prevented.
In the alternative processing control method according to the tenth aspect, as described in the eleventh aspect, the failure may be a stop or stagnation of control of transfer of print data to the printer.
[0031]
  Claim12According to the invention described in the above, a terminal device that generates print data, represents print processing content, and generates print processing content information having a data amount smaller than the print data, and executes print processing based on the print data A server that forms a network together with a printer, the printer that executes the print processing based on the print processing content information sent from the terminal device as a print processing request for the print data, and print data to the printer Determining means for determining the transfer path, and transfer control means for controlling the print data to be transferred to the printer according to the transfer path determined by the determining means,When a failure that prevents processing for the print processing request occurs,A selection means for selecting an alternative server for substituting the processing of the print processing request received from the terminal device from among other servers constituting the network system; and the alternative server selected by the selection means. The requesting device for requesting replacement of the print processing request received from the terminal device, and the terminal device on behalf of the server that has requested replacement by receiving a replacement request from another server that constitutes the network together And an alternative processing control means for controlling to process a print processing request.
[0032]
  Claim12According to the invention described in (1), the server includes a determination unit, a transfer control unit, a selection unit, a request unit, and an alternative processing unit, and is connected to at least one other server via a network. Has been.
[0033]
The determining unit determines a printer suitable for the print processing of the print data and a transfer path of the print data to the printer based on the print processing content information received from the terminal device. The transfer control unit controls the print data to be transferred to the printer according to the transfer path determined by the determination unit. That is, the server operates as a print server that processes a print processing request received from a terminal device and transfers print data to a printer.
[0034]
  In the selection means, the serverUnable to process print requestWhen a failure occurs and the function as a printer server cannot be normally performed, an alternative server that performs the processing of the server is selected from other servers that together form the network. The requesting unit requests the server selected by the selection unit as the alternative server so as to replace the print processing request from the terminal device.
[0035]
In the alternative processing control means, when the alternative server is selected by another server and receives an alternative request for processing, the server controls the server to process the print processing request from the terminal device instead of the server requesting the alternative. .
[0036]
  That is, the claim12In the invention described in claim 1, as in the invention described in claim 1,Unable to process print requestWhen a failure occurs and the function as a printer server cannot be performed normally, an alternative server is automatically selected, and the selected alternative server is a printer suitable for executing print processing on behalf of the server. In addition, determination of the transfer path of the print data to the printer and control for transferring the print data to the printer are performed. In the alternative server, the print request is processed on behalf of the failed server regardless of the print request being processed at the time of the failure, the unprocessed print request, and the print request made after the failure occurs. . As a result, even when the server cannot normally perform the function as a printer server, the user of the network system can continue to perform printing work without being aware of anything.
[0037]
  Since the print processing request from the terminal device is made using print processing content information with a small amount of data, the amount of data transferred from the terminal device to the server at the time of the request is small, and the amount of traffic on the network system increases. It is to be prevented.
In the server according to the twelfth aspect, as described in the thirteenth aspect, the failure may be a stop or stagnation of control of transfer of print data by the transfer control unit.
According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a terminal device that generates print data and print processing content information representing the content of the print processing, a printer that executes print processing based on the print data, and the printer. A network system configured to include a management server to manage and an alternative server to replace the processing of the management server, the management server being sent as a print processing request for the print data from the terminal device Based on the print processing content information, a printer that executes the print processing, a first determination unit that determines a transfer path of print data to the printer, and print data according to the transfer path determined by the first determination unit A first transfer control means for controlling the print processing request to be transferred to the printer, and a failure to perform processing for the print processing request. And a selection unit that selects an alternative server for substituting the processing of the print processing request from the terminal device, and the print processing content information received from the terminal device to the alternative server selected by the selection unit And a request unit for requesting replacement, and the replacement server executes the print processing based on the print processing content information requested for replacement by the request unit, and the printer. And a second transfer control unit for controlling the print data to be transferred to the printer according to the transfer path determined by the second determination unit. It is a feature.
In the invention according to the fourteenth aspect, when some trouble occurs in the management server and the function as the printer server cannot be normally performed, the management server requests the substitute server to perform the process for the print processing request. The alternative server controls to process the print processing request from the terminal device instead of the management server. As a result, the management server eliminates the need for an alternative processing control means for controlling the print processing request of another server to replace the processing, so that a storage area for storing a program or the like for controlling the alternative processing The necessary resources such as can be reduced.
In the network system according to the fourteenth aspect, as described in the fifteenth aspect, the failure may stop or stagnate the control of the print data transfer by the first transfer control unit.
[0038]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0039]
[Network system configuration]
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a network system in the present embodiment.
[0040]
As shown in FIG. 1, the network system 100 includes a first network N1 and a second network N2.
[0041]
Among these, in the first network N1, a plurality (four in this embodiment) of terminal devices (hereinafter referred to as workstations) 12W1, 12W2, 12W3, 12W4, one server (hereinafter simply referred to as a server) 14 , And a plurality (four in this embodiment) of printers 16P1, 16P2, 16P3, and 16P4 are connected to each other via a local area network (LAN) 10. The printers 16P1, 16P2, 16P3, and 16P4 are managed by the server 14.
[0042]
In the second network N2, a plurality (four in this embodiment) of workstations 22W1, 22W2, 22W3, 22W4, one server 24, and a plurality (four in this embodiment) of printers 26P1, 26P2 are provided. , 26P3 and 26P4 are connected to each other via the LAN 20. The printers 26P1, 26P2, 26P3, and 26P4 are managed by the server 24.
[0043]
The first network N1 is connected to the LAN (FDDI / ISDN / X.25) 30 via the router 18 and the second network N2 via the router 28, respectively.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 2, the workstation 12W1 includes a spool 160 for accumulating print data, a print data generation unit 112 that generates print data, and a reference generation unit 111 that generates a reference representing print contents to be described later. A data generation unit 110 for accumulating print data in the spool 160; a print management unit 120 for managing processing related to a print processing request; 150), the status control unit 130 for grasping and managing the print processing status (status) information input via the input / output I / F 150, and the print data accumulated in the spool 160 are used as the input / output I / F 150. A data output unit 140 for outputting to an external device is provided.
[0045]
The print management unit 120 requests the server 14 to perform print data print processing by transmitting the reference generated by the reference generation unit 111 to the server 14 by the data output unit 140. When transferring print data to an external device such as the server 14 or the printer 16P1, the print management unit 120 causes the data output unit 140 to retrieve the print data stored in the spool 160, and sets the input / output I / F 150. Output (transfer) to an external device.
[0046]
The other workstations 12W2, 12W3, 12W4, 22W1, 22W2, 22W3, and 22W4 have the same configuration as described above.
[0047]
As shown in FIG. 3, the server 14 includes a print management unit 240 that manages print processing. The print management unit 240 includes a data input unit 211 that inputs data from an external device, and an external device. From the data output unit 212 for outputting data, the status control unit 230 for grasping and managing the print processing status (status), the device information management unit 220 for managing information such as the performance of the printer under management, and the workstation A reference interpretation unit 250 for interpreting the reference of the printer, a printer selection unit 260 for selecting a printer for outputting print data, a data transfer path setting unit 270 for setting a data transfer path, and a spool 280 for storing received print data and reference In response to an alternative request made when a failure occurs and an alternative request from another server Alternate processing control unit 300 is connected to control the Cormorant alternative process.
[0048]
The server 14 also includes an input / output I / F 210 that controls input / output of data to / from the outside. The input / output I / F 210 includes a print processing status input via the input / output I / F 210 and a printer. An apparatus monitoring unit 213 that monitors the printer based on information on the status of the printer, the data input unit 211, and the data output unit 212 are connected. The device information management unit 220 includes a device information table 290 including various information related to a managed printer described later and conditions for selecting another print server as an alternative server, and performance including performance information described later of the managed printer. A memory 221 in which an information table 292 is stored is connected, and the device information management unit 220 stores and manages information on the printer status from the device monitoring unit 213 in the device information table 290 and the performance information table 292.
[0049]
Further, the memory 221 is also connected to the alternative process control unit 300. When a failure occurs, the alternative processing control unit 300 selects an alternative server based on the alternative server selection condition of the device information table 290, and receives the device information table 290, the performance information table 292, the print request (reference), and the print data Transfer to an alternate server if necessary. Further, when a failure occurs in another print server and it is selected as an alternative server, the server 14 is based on the transferred device information table 290, performance information table 292, print request (reference), and print data. Update management information managed by.
[0050]
A data input unit 211, a data output unit 212, and a print management unit 240 are connected to the spool 280, and data (such as print data) received by the data input unit 211 is accumulated. The server 24 has the same configuration as described above.
[0051]
As shown in FIG. 4, the printer 16P1 includes an external device via a print processing unit 340 that executes print processing of print data, an input / output I / F 310 that controls input / output of data to / from the outside, and the input / output I / F 310. A data input unit 320 that receives print data and a reference input from the printer and inputs them to the print processing unit 340, and a status control unit that transmits and receives information about the print processing status (status) to / from an external device via the input / output I / F 310 330 is provided. The other printers 16P2, 16P3, 16P4, 26P1, 26P2, 26P3, and 26P4 have the same configuration as described above.
[0052]
[Overview of device information table and performance information table]
FIG. 5 shows an example of a device information table for managing devices connected to the network N 1 in the server 14. The device information table 290 is automatically set or updated by the device monitoring unit 213 and the device information management unit 220 shown in FIG. Information in the device information table 290 can be set or updated by a user using a keyboard (not shown).
[0053]
As shown in FIG. 5, the device information table 290 includes a device name, a network address, a device type, a communication function (client function / server function), a performance information table number, a device status, and alternative server selection information (function, alternative server). Information such as (selection condition) is set. The client function is a communication function for executing transmission of data to other devices and acquisition of data from other devices, and the server function is the reception of data from other devices and other functions. It is a communication function for executing provision of data in response to a data acquisition request from a device.
[0054]
Among these, the device name is set to a unique device name for identifying each device (printer, server, client) connected via the network N1, and the network address is assigned to each device. Set network address. Type information for each device (type of client (C), printer (P), server (S)) is set in the device type, and all connected devices (workstation 12W1 in FIG. 1) are set in the communication function. , 12W2, 12W3, 12W4, 22W1, 22W2, 22W3, 22W4, server 24, printer function 16P1, 16P2, 16P3, 16P4, 26P1, 26P2, 26P3, 26P4) provided in communication function information (client function / server function) Is done. Only when the device is a printer, index information to a performance information table 292, which will be described later, is set in the performance information table number, and information on the status of each device (whether online or offline) is set in the device status. .
[0055]
Also, the presence / absence (Y / N) of the alternative function is set in the function of the alternative server selection information. In addition, an alternative server selection condition is set for an apparatus set as having an alternative function. The alternative server selection conditions include the conditions that can be selected for the alternative server and the range of alternative functions at the time of failure, processing stagnation (spool / full, sending / receiving large-volume print data, etc.), and the specified date / time. Is set.
[0056]
For example, when a failure occurs in the server 14, the device having the device name AS1N1 shown in FIG. 5 can be substituted for all functions. Also, since all functions can be replaced by AS1N1 at 18:00, the maintenance of the server 14 can also be performed. Further, the device having the device name AS1N2 can substitute a part of the function of the server 14 when the remaining capacity of the spool of the server 14 becomes 20% or less. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the throughput of the network system due to the spool 14 of the server 14 being full.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 6, the performance information table 292 includes PDL (print language), print resolution, print speed, corresponding paper size, print surface (single-sided printing / double-sided printing), scale (enlarged / reduced / 1) of each printer. Information on performance and functions of the printer, such as designation (N-up) /% scale) for recording N pages by dividing the sheet area into N pages and color information, is set. The performance information table 292 is automatically set or updated by the device monitoring unit 213 and the device information management unit 220 shown in FIG. Information in the performance information table 292 can be set or updated by a user using a keyboard (not shown).
[0058]
The server 24 also manages the device information of all connected devices by the device information table 290 and the performance information table 292 similar to the above.
[0059]
[Reference Overview]
Next, a reference used in this embodiment for making a print request from a workstation and for requesting an alternative process in an alternative request process described later will be described. FIG. 7 shows a block diagram showing the structure of the reference D2, and FIG. 8 shows items of information included in the reference. The reference D2 is data different from the print data, and is a collection of control information used for making a print request from the workstation to the server.
[0060]
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the reference D <b> 2 includes print resource information 91, job attribute information 92, and print attribute information 93. Of these, the print resource information 91 is set with information on the location of print data to be actually printed, information on various resources used or necessary in the printing process, and the like.
[0061]
In the job attribute information 92, as the operation information of the print job, schedule information such as priority order and execution time designation, specific printer designation information, and an optimum printer for print processing of print data are automatically detected. Applicable printer designation information for print processing with the optimal printer, load distribution (load balance) designation for instructing to distribute the print processing load, and divided output (high-speed output) for instructing to divide and output the print data Print service information including information such as the designation of detour output for instructing to continue printing processing by switching to another printer without interrupting printing processing in the event of a printer error, and data transfer path information to be described later Is set.
[0062]
The print attribute information 93 includes information necessary for printing with a printer, such as paper size (A3, A4, B4...), Number of copies, paper orientation (vertical or horizontal), and extended information (for example, (Enlargement / reduction / designation of N-up, information on designated coloring for single-sided printing or double-sided printing, etc.) and the like are set.
[0063]
[Overview of print processing procedure and print data transfer procedure]
FIG. 9 shows a flow of normal printing processing (when the server is normal) in the present embodiment. In the following, a print request is sent from the workstation 12W1 (corresponding to the device indicated by the device name W1N1 in the device information table 290 in FIG. 5) to the server 14 (corresponding to the device indicated by the device name S1N1 in the device information table 290 in FIG. 5). An example of printing out by the printer 16P1 (corresponding to the device indicated by the device name P1N1 in the device information table 290 in FIG. 5) will be described. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, these devices are also network-connected to the server 24 (corresponding to the device indicated by the device name AS1N1 in the device information table 290 in FIG. 5).
[0064]
In parallel with the generation of the print data D1 of application software such as a word processor, the workstation 12W1 generates a reference D2 including various types of information regarding the print processing contents of the print data D1, and stores the reference D2 in the spool 160 in the workstation 12W1. Then, the workstation 12W1 makes a request for print processing to the server 14 by transmitting the reference D2 to the server 14 using the end of storage of the print data D1 and the reference D2 as a trigger.
[0065]
The server 14 analyzes various information (print resource information 91, job attribute information 92, print attribute information 93) shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 defined in the received reference D2, and prints stored in the workstation 12W1. A printer that prints out the data D1 and a data transfer path pattern to be described later (see routes 1 to 6 shown in FIG. 11) are determined. Then, the server 14 notifies the determined data transfer path pattern to the workstation 12W1 or the printer 16P1.
[0066]
Upon receiving the notification, the workstation 12W1 or the printer 16P1 follows the data transfer path from the server 14, and the workstation 12W1 transmits the print data D1 directly to the printer 16P1, or the printer 16P1 acquires the print data D1 from the workstation 12W1. Alternatively, the server 14 receives or acquires the print data D1 of the workstation 12W1 and transfers it to the printer 16P1, and prints out by the printer 16P1.
[0067]
Next, various data transfer path patterns shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 will be described.
[0068]
Route 1 (route {circle around (1)} in FIG. 10) is a data transfer route in which the printer 16P1 directly acquires the stored print data D1 from the workstation 12W1 in accordance with an instruction from the server 14, and route 2 (route {circle around in FIG. 10). 2 ▼) is a data transfer path through which the workstation 12W1 directly transmits the print data D1 to the printer 16P1 in accordance with an instruction from the server 14.
[0069]
Route 3 (route {circle around (3)} in FIG. 10) is a data transfer route in which the server 14 acquires the accumulated print data D1 from the workstation 12W1, and the printer 16P1 acquires this print data D1 from the server 14. 4 (route (4) in FIG. 10) is a data transfer path through which the server 14 acquires the print data D1 from the workstation 12W1 and transfers it to the printer 16P1.
[0070]
In route 5 (route (5) in FIG. 10), the workstation 12W1 transmits the print data D1 to the server 14 according to the instruction from the server 14, and the printer 16P1 acquires the print data D1 from the server 14 according to the instruction from the server 14. A route 6 (route (6) in FIG. 10) is a data transfer path to be transmitted. The workstation 12W1 transmits the print data D1 to the server 14 in accordance with an instruction from the server 14, and the print data D1 received by the server 14 is transmitted to the printer. This route is the same as the conventional route for transferring to 16P1.
[0071]
Next, the characteristics of each route described above will be described.
[0072]
In route 1 (workstation ← printer), data flows only once on the network. Since the print data is acquired by the printer, the workstation has no consciousness of the output destination, and the workstation has an advantage that the print job is released at an early stage.
[0073]
In route 2 (workstation → printer), data flows only once on the network. The workstation itself transmits print data, but the user who makes a print request at the workstation is unaware of the output destination.
[0074]
In route 3 (workstation ← server ← printer), data flows twice on the network. Since the print data is acquired by the server, the workstation has no consciousness of the output destination, and the workstation has an advantage that the print job is released at an early stage. In the server, since the print data is acquired by the printer, there is no need to control output of the print data to the printer.
[0075]
In route 4 (workstation ← server → printer), data flows twice on the network. Since the print data is acquired by the server, the workstation has no consciousness of the output destination, and the workstation has an advantage that the print job is released at an early stage.
[0076]
In route 5 (workstation → server ← printer), data flows twice on the network. In the server, since the print data is acquired by the printer, there is no need to control output of the print data to the printer.
[0077]
In route 6 (workstation → server → printer), data flows twice over the network (prior art).
[0078]
By the way, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, priorities are set in advance for the data transfer path pattern in accordance with the job attribute information 92 of the reference D2 shown in FIGS. In FIG. 12, WS indicates a workstation, PRT indicates a printer, and SV indicates a server. The same abbreviations are used in FIG. 14 described later.
[0079]
As shown in FIG. 12, for example, when there is no particular designation in the job attribute information 92 (when there is no print service) and when load distribution (load balance) is designated, the routes 1, 2, and FIG. Priorities 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are set in advance in the order of 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively.
[0080]
Further, when divided output is specified in the job attribute information 92, the routes 1 and 2 in FIG. 11 are not adopted, so that the priorities 1, 2, 3, 4 are previously set in the order of the routes 3, 4, 5, and 6. Are set, and only the route 6 in FIG. 11 is adopted when the detour output is specified in the job attribute information 92, and therefore priority 1 is set in advance for the route 6.
[0081]
However, as described above, the default priority order (1 to 6) of the route pattern is determined by the system, but can be changed to an arbitrary priority order by the user.
[0082]
[Selection of data transfer path according to the combination of device type and communication function]
Next, selection of a data transfer path according to the combination of the device type and the communication function in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0083]
FIG. 13 shows combinations of device types and communication functions managed by the device information table 290, and FIG. 14 shows data transfer paths that can be realized for each combination of FIG.
[0084]
The communication function includes a client function (communication function for executing transmission of data to other devices and acquisition of data from other devices) and a server function (reception of data from other devices and data from other devices). And a communication function that executes provision of data in response to an acquisition request). The server 14 in this embodiment possesses both a client function and a server function.
[0085]
M01 shown in FIG. 13 is a combination when both the workstation and the printer have a client function and a server function. As shown in FIG. 14, all the routes 1 to 6 in the data transfer path pattern of FIG. The print data can be communicated.
[0086]
M02 is a combination when the workstation has both the client function and the server function and the printer has only the server function, and as shown in FIG. 14, the route 2 and route 4 of the data transfer path pattern of FIG. , Communication of print data on route 6 can be performed.
[0087]
M03 is a combination in the case where the workstation possesses both the client function and the server function, and the printer possesses only the client function, and as shown in FIG. 14, the route 1 and route of the data transfer route pattern in FIG. 3. Communication of print data on route 5 can be performed.
[0088]
M04, M08, M12, and M16 are combinations when the printer has neither a client function nor a server function, and cannot communicate print data. In FIG. 14, it is described as NONE).
[0089]
M05, M06, M07, and M08 cannot transmit a reference from the workstation because the workstation has only the server function and does not have the client function regardless of the function of the printer. For this reason, this combination is excluded from the scope of the present embodiment (described as NONE in FIG. 14).
[0090]
M09 is a combination in which the workstation owns only the client function, and the printer possesses both the server function and the client function. As shown in FIG. 14, the data transfer route pattern shown in FIG. Communication of print data on the route 6 can be performed.
[0091]
M10 is a combination in which the workstation owns only the client function and the printer owns only the server function. As shown in FIG. 14, communication of print data in route 2 and route 6 in the data transfer route pattern of FIG. Can be performed.
[0092]
M11 is a combination in which the workstation owns only the client function and the printer owns only the client function. As shown in FIG. 14, the print data is communicated on the route 5 in the data transfer path pattern of FIG. Can do.
[0093]
M13, M14, and M15 cannot transmit a reference from the workstation because the workstation does not have a client function. For this reason, this combination is excluded from the scope of the present embodiment (described as NONE in FIG. 14).
[0094]
[Achievable combinations of devices for reference transmission / reception, print data transmission / reception, and print data acquisition and provision]
First, with reference to FIG. 15, a combination of a transmission device and a reception device that can be realized for reference transmission / reception operations will be described. FIG. 15 shows a combination of a transmission device for reference D2 created at a workstation and a device for receiving the reference.
[0095]
M20 shown in FIG. 15 is a combination in which the workstation transmits the reference D2 to the server, and M21 is a combination in which the workstation transmits the reference D2 to the printer.
[0096]
M22 is a combination in which the server that receives the reference D2 in M20 described above transfers the reference D2 to another server connected via the network. Further, M23 is a combination in which the server that receives the reference D2 in M20 described above transfers the reference D2 to the printer to be managed and output.
[0097]
Next, a combination of a transmission device and a reception device that can be realized with respect to print data transmission / reception operations will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 shows a combination of a transmission device for print data D1 created at a workstation and a reception device for receiving the print data D1.
[0098]
M30 shown in FIG. 16 is a combination in which the workstation transmits the print data D1 to the server, and M31 is a combination in which the workstation transmits the print data D1 to the printer.
[0099]
M32 is a combination in which the server that receives the print data D1 in M30 described above transfers the print data to another server connected via the network. M33 is a combination in which the server that has received the print data D1 in M30 described above transfers the print data D1 to the printer that is the target of management and output.
[0100]
Next, a combination of an acquisition device and a provision device that can be realized with respect to print data acquisition and provision operations will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 shows a combination of an acquisition device that acquires print data D1 created at a workstation and a provision device that provides the print data D1.
[0101]
M40 shown in FIG. 17 is a combination in which the server acquires the print data D1 accumulated by the workstation, and M41 connects the print data D1 acquired by the server in M40 described above to the server via the network. This is a combination acquired by other servers.
[0102]
M42 is a combination in which the printer acquires the print data D1 stored by the workstation. M43 is a combination in which the printer acquires the print data D1 acquired by the server in M40 from the server.
[0103]
[Overview of alternative request processing procedure]
FIG. 18 shows a flow of alternative server setting when a failure occurs in this embodiment. In the following, an example in which the server 24 is determined as an alternative server that replaces all the functions of the server 14 in which the failure has occurred, and a print request from the workstation 12W1 to the server 14 is replaced by the server 24 and printed by the printer 16P1. Will be described.
[0104]
When some failure occurs in the server 14 and the function as a print server cannot be performed at all, the server 14 determines the alternative server as the server 24 based on the alternative server selection condition in the device information table 290. Then, the management information (device information table 290, performance information table 292) stored in the server 14, all print requests that are being processed and unprocessed (reference D2), and print data D1 are transmitted to the server 24. As a result, an alternative request is made to the server 24.
[0105]
The server 24 updates the original management information stored in the server 24 based on the management information (device information table 290, performance information table 292) transmitted from the server 14. Further, the print request (reference D2) and the print data D1 transmitted from the server 14 are stored in the spool.
[0106]
Next, the server 24 notifies the workstation 12W1 that the destination server of the print data D1 and the reference D2 has been changed to the server 24. In addition, the server 24 notifies the printer 16P1 that the acquisition destination server when the print data D1 is to be acquired by the server has been changed to the server 24.
[0107]
As a result, the transmission destination or acquisition destination print server of the print data D1 is switched from the server 14 to the server 24, and the printing process of the print data D1 during printing or unprocessed is continued. This notification is made to all workstations and printers having client functions managed by the server 14.
[0108]
FIG. 19 shows the flow of print processing after the alternative server setting is completed.
[0109]
In the workstation 12W1, the print data D1 and the reference D2 corresponding to the print data D1 are newly generated and stored in the spool 160 in the workstation 12W1. Then, the workstation 12W1 is newly created in the server 24 determined as an alternative server of the server 14 that cannot be operated as a print server due to the occurrence of a failure, triggered by the end of storage of the print data D1 and the reference D2. Reference D2 is transmitted. As a result, a print processing request is made to the server 24 which is an alternative server.
[0110]
The server 24 analyzes the received reference D2, and determines a printer and a data transfer path pattern (see routes 1 to 6 shown in FIG. 11) that print out the print data D1 stored in the workstation 12W1. Then, the server 24 notifies the determined data transfer path pattern to the workstation 12W1 or the printer 16P1.
[0111]
Upon receiving the notification, the workstation 12W1 or the printer 16P1 follows the data transfer path from the server 24, and the workstation 12W1 transmits the print data D1 directly to the printer 16P1, or the printer 16P1 acquires the print data D1 from the workstation 12W1. Alternatively, the server 24 receives or acquires the print data D1 of the workstation 12W1 and transfers it to the printer 16P1, and the printer 16P1 performs print output.
[0112]
FIG. 20 shows the flow of the printing process when the server process is stagnant in this embodiment. In the following, an example will be described in which the print processing by the server 14 is stagnant due to the transmission / reception of spool full or a large amount of print data, and the server 24 temporarily substitutes (bypasses) the print processing.
[0113]
In the workstation 12W1, the print data D1 and the reference D2 corresponding to the print data D1 are generated and stored in the spool 160 in the workstation 12W1. Then, the workstation 12W1 makes a request for print processing to the server 14 by transmitting the reference D2 to the server 14 with the end of storage of the print data D1 and the reference D2 as a trigger.
[0114]
At this time, the spool 280 of the server 14 is full, or the server 14 is transmitting / receiving a large amount of print data, and the server 14 cannot immediately perform the print processing requested from the workstation 12W1. Based on the alternative server selection condition in the device information table 290, the server 14 determines the server 24 as an alternative server at the time of processing stagnation. The server 14 transfers the print request (reference D2) received from the workstation 12W1 and not yet processed to the server 24 determined as the alternative server at the time of the processing stagnation.
[0115]
The server 24 analyzes the received reference D2, and determines a printer and a data transfer path pattern (see routes 1 to 6 shown in FIG. 11) that print out the print data D1 stored in the workstation 12W1. Then, the server 24 notifies the determined data transfer path pattern to the workstation 12W1 or the printer 16P1.
[0116]
Upon receiving the notification, the workstation 12W1 or the printer 16P1 follows the data transfer path from the server 24, and the workstation 12W1 transmits the print data D1 directly to the printer 16P1, or the printer 16P1 acquires the print data D1 from the workstation 12W1. Alternatively, the server 24 receives or acquires the print data D1 of the workstation 12W1 and transfers it to the printer 16P1, and the printer 16P1 performs print output.
[0117]
As a result, the print request (reference D2) that has not been processed due to the function of the server 14 is processed by the server 24 instead of the server 24, so that the print process is performed promptly.
[0118]
[Operation of this embodiment]
Hereinafter, as an operation of the present embodiment, a communication control processing routine executed by each of the workstation, the server, and the printer when the print data D1 generated by the workstation is subjected to print processing will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that the print data D1 is generated by the workstation 12W1 and a print processing request for the print data D1 is made to the server 14 as an example.
[0119]
In the workstation 12W1, a control routine of FIG. 21 described below is executed. The workstation 12W1 monitors whether there is a print processing request from application software such as a word processor (S100 in FIG. 21).
[0120]
When there is a print processing request, the document data from the application software is converted into print data D1, and a reference D2 related to the converted print data D1 is generated (S101). The print data D1 generated here is stored in the spool 160 in the workstation 12W1. When the conversion to the print data D1 and the generation of the reference D2 are completed, the reference D2 is transmitted to the server 14 via the LAN 10, thereby making a print request using the reference D2 to the server 14 (S102). Since the reference D2 has a smaller data amount than the print data D1, there is an advantage that the data transmission amount (communication traffic amount) on the network at the time of the print request is reduced.
[0121]
After making a print request using such a reference D2, it waits for an instruction from the server 14 (S103). When an instruction is notified from the server 14, the instruction content is analyzed (S104). As a result of the analysis, if the instruction content is transmission of the print data D1 (in the case of routes 2, 5, and 6 in FIG. 11), information on the transmission destination to which the print data D1 is to be transmitted is obtained from the instruction content (S106). Then, the print data D1 stored in the spool 160 is transmitted to the acquired transmission destination (S107).
[0122]
On the other hand, as a result of analyzing the instruction content, when the instruction content is not transmission of the print data D1 (for example, when the server 14 or the printer 16P1 acquires the print data D1 stored in the spool 160 (= routes 1, 3, 4))), the workstation 12W1 releases the print job at that time, returns to S100, and waits for a new print processing request.
[0123]
When a failure occurs in the server 14, the workstation receives a server change notification described later from the server selected as the substitute server (for example, the server 24), and changes the above processing from the server 14 to the substitute server. And do it.
[0124]
Next, in the server 14, the control routine of FIG. 22 described below is executed.
[0125]
In S200 of FIG. 22, the server 14 monitors whether data is received from a device (workstation 12W1, 12W2, 12W3, 12W4 or printer 16P1, 16P2, 16P3, 16P4) connected via the network N1. . When the reception of data is detected in S200, the process proceeds to the next S201, where the data is received, and the received data (received data) is stored in the spool 280 in FIG.
[0126]
When the storage of the received data in the spool 280 is completed in S201, it is checked in S220 whether or not the server 14 is in a state of selecting an alternative server. If the server 14 functions normally, the process proceeds to S202, where some failure occurs in the server 14 and the function as a print server cannot be performed, or the spool 280 is full or a large amount If the print data is being transmitted / received and the print server function is stagnant, the process advances to step S221. In step 221, a sub-routine for substitution request processing, which will be described in detail later, is executed.
[0127]
In S202, it is checked whether or not the received data is the reference D2. If the received data is not the reference D2 but the print data D1, the process proceeds to S208, which will be described later. If the received data is the reference D2, the process proceeds to S203, and the output printer extraction process subroutine shown in FIG. 23 is executed.
[0128]
Here, the output printer extraction process of FIG. 23 will be described. In S400 of FIG. 23, an extraction printer table for storing extracted printer information, an extraction printer counter C1 for counting the number of extracted printers, and a search counter C2 for counting the number of searched devices are initialized. In step S401, the job attribute information 92 and the print attribute information 93 included in the reference D2 are read.
[0129]
In next step S402, whether or not the search / comparison (explained later) for extracting a printer from the device group managed by the server 14 is completed, whether or not the search counter C2 is equal to the total number of devices NT. When the search / comparison for all devices is completed, the processing of FIG. 23 is terminated and the process returns to the main routine of FIG.
[0130]
If the search / comparison for all the devices has not been completed yet, the process proceeds to S403, and it is checked whether or not the printer to be output is specified in the print service item of the job attribute information 92 of the reference D2. Here, if the printer to be output is not designated, the process proceeds to S406 described later.
[0131]
On the other hand, if the printer to be output is designated, the performance information table number of the designated printer is retrieved from the device information table 290 in S404, and the performance information of the printer corresponding to the performance information table number is obtained from the performance information. Obtained from table 292. In the next S405, the search counter C2 is set to (total number of devices NT-1). As a result, the search ends in the next search loop.
[0132]
In the next step S406, device information for one device is read from the device information table 290. Of course, when a printer is designated, the device information of the designated printer is read. In next step S407, it is determined whether or not the read device information is printer information. If the read device information is information other than that of the printer, the process proceeds to S413 to be described later.
[0133]
On the other hand, if the read device information is printer information, the process advances to step S408, and the printer performance information corresponding to the performance information table number of the read device information is read from the performance information table 292. In step S409, the print of FIG. The condition check processing subroutine is executed.
[0134]
In the print condition check process in S409, first, a flag F indicating whether or not the target printer is a compatible printer is initialized (turned off) in S410 in FIG. 23 (S500 in FIG. 24). When the flag F is on, it indicates that the target printer is a compatible printer, and when the flag F is off, it indicates that the target printer is not a compatible printer.
[0135]
Next, in S501 to S507, whether or not the target printer is a printer that satisfies various attributes specified by the print attribute information 93 of the reference D2 is determined for each individual attribute unit as follows. . If the attribute is not satisfied in each determination, the subroutine of FIG. 24 is terminated and the process returns to the routine of FIG.
[0136]
That is, in S501, it is determined whether or not the extracted printer is in an operable state. If it is in an operable state, the process proceeds to the next S502. In S502, it is determined whether or not a print language (PDL) condition is satisfied. If the PDL condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to the next S503.
[0137]
In S503, it is determined whether or not the print resolution condition is satisfied. If the print resolution condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to the next S504. In S504, it is determined whether or not the sheet condition is satisfied. If the sheet condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to the next S505.
[0138]
In S505, it is determined whether or not the printing surface condition (single-sided printing or double-sided printing) is satisfied. If the printing surface condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to the next S506. In S506, it is determined whether or not the scale condition is satisfied. If the scale condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to the next S507.
[0139]
In S507, it is determined whether or not the color condition is satisfied. If the color condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to the next S508. In S508, since all the conditions determined in S501 to S507 are satisfied, the flag F is turned on, the process is terminated, and the process returns to the routine of FIG.
[0140]
In this way, if the target printer is a compatible printer, the flag F is set on, and if the target printer is not a compatible printer, the flag F remains off.
[0141]
In step S410 in FIG. 23, it is determined based on the on / off state of the flag F whether or not the searched printer performance meets the printing conditions set in the printing attribute information 93 of the reference D2. If the searched printer performance does not match the printing conditions, the process proceeds to S413 described later.
[0142]
On the other hand, if the searched printer performance meets the printing conditions, the process proceeds to S411, and the extracted printer counter C1 is incremented by 1. In the next S412, the communication function of the extracted printer and the workstation that made the print request. Are set in the extraction printer table.
[0143]
In the next S413, the search counter C2 is incremented by one, and the process returns to S402 to repeat the processing.
[0144]
Thereafter, the processing of S402 to S413 is executed for each device information. When the processing for all the device information is completed and the search counter C2 becomes equal to the total number of devices NT, an affirmative determination is made in S402, and the subroutine of FIG.
[0145]
After completing the output printer extraction process in S203 of FIG. 22 as described above, in the next S204, a data transfer path pattern and printer selection process subroutine of FIG. 25 described below is executed.
[0146]
First, in S600 of FIG. 25, in the output printer extraction process, the printer extraction table in which the communication function of the extracted printer is set is read. In the next S601, the number of extracted printers is read from the extraction printer counter C1. In the next step S602, the job attribute information 92 included in the reference D2 is read. In the next step S603, it is determined whether or not the bypass output is designated by the designated job attribute information 92. If the detour output is designated here, the data transfer path of the print data D1 is set to the pattern 6 in FIG. 11 in S604, the process is terminated, and the process returns to the main routine in FIG.
[0147]
On the other hand, as a result of the determination of the job attribute information 92 in S602, if the bypass output is not specified, it is determined whether or not the divided output is specified in the job attribute information 92 in the next S605. If it is determined that divided output is designated, the process advances to step S606, and a printer capable of combining the pattern 4 or pattern 6 of the data transfer path is searched from the printer extraction table read in step S600. In the next S607, it is determined whether there is a printer that can be searched in S605. If there is a printer that can be searched, the process proceeds to S613 to be described later. If there is no printer that can be searched, error information indicating that the printer could not be searched is displayed on a display (not shown) in S608, the process is terminated, and the process returns to the main routine of FIG.
[0148]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S605 that the output is not divided output, the process advances to step S609 to determine whether or not the load balance is designated by the job attribute information 92. If the load balance is designated as a result of the determination, in S610, the printer having the lowest operating rate is selected from the printers in the printer extraction table read in S600, and the process proceeds to S613. As a result of the determination in S609, if the load balance is not specified, the process proceeds to S611, and it is determined whether or not the compatible printer is specified in the job attribute information 92. As a result of the determination, if a suitable printer is designated, a printer having the most advanced combination of communication functions (function pattern) is selected from the printer extraction table read in S600 in S612, and the process proceeds to S613.
[0149]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S611 that no suitable printer has been designated, it is assumed that the designated printer has been designated, and the process advances to step S613 without selecting a printer.
[0150]
In S613, a data transfer path having a higher priority is selected according to the priority table of the data transfer path shown in FIG. 12 from the printer selected in S606, S610, or S612 or the printer specified in the job attribute information 92. Then, the process ends, and the process returns to the main routine of FIG.
[0151]
The data transfer path and printer of the print data D1 are determined by the data transfer path pattern and printer selection process in S204 of FIG.
[0152]
Next, in S205 of FIG. 22, the determined data transfer pattern is notified to the workstation 12W1 that is requesting the printing process and the printer determined in S204 (for example, the printer 16P1).
[0153]
In next step S206, it is determined whether or not the determined data transfer path is a pattern for acquiring print data by the server (that is, route 3 and route 4 in FIG. 11). If the data transfer path is not a pattern for acquiring print data by the server, the process returns to S200 and waits for the next received data.
[0154]
On the other hand, if the data transfer path is a pattern for acquiring print data by the server (= route 3 and route 4 in FIG. 11), the print data location information of the print resource information 91 included in the reference D2 is referred to in S207. Print data is acquired from the workstation 12W1, and the acquired print data is stored in the spool 280 of FIG. In next step S208, it is determined whether or not the determined data transfer path is a pattern for transferring print data from the server (that is, route 4 in FIG. 11). If the data transfer path is not a pattern for transferring print data from the server (that is, route 3 in FIG. 11), the process returns to S200 and waits for the next received data.
[0155]
On the other hand, if the data transfer path is a pattern for transferring print data from the server, the process proceeds to S209, scheduling is performed to output the print data D1 from the printer determined in S204, and the printer determined in the next S210 is performed. Print data D1 is transmitted. Thereafter, the process returns to S200 and waits for the next received data.
[0156]
Next, a case where a failure occurs in the server 14 and normal print processing cannot be performed will be described.
[0157]
If a failure occurs in the server 14, an affirmative determination is made in the above-described S200, and the process proceeds to S221 to perform a substitution request process. In S221, the substitute process control unit 300 executes a substitute request process subroutine shown in FIG. Here, the alternative request process of FIG. 26 will be described.
[0158]
In S700 of FIG. 26, the device information table 290 (see FIG. 5) stored in the memory 221 is read. Next, information on the devices managed by the server 14 is acquired one by one from the upper device of the device information table 290, and the function column of the alternative server selection information is referred to from the acquired information in S702. Checks whether the server has the function of an alternative server. If the server does not have the function of an alternative server, the process proceeds to S703, where it is determined whether or not all devices managed by the server 14 have been checked. If there are unchecked devices, the process returns to S701.
[0159]
When a device having the function of the substitute server is searched, the substitute server selection condition of the device set in the device information table 290 is the state of the server 14 (an event in which the substitute server must be selected). A check is made to see if they match. If they do not match, the process proceeds to S703 described above. That is, the devices managed by the server 14 are sequentially checked one by one until a device having an alternative server function that matches the state of the server 14 is selected.
[0160]
If the alternative server is not selected even after all devices have been checked (Yes in S703), the process returns to the main routine of the print server process in FIG. In this case, although the server 14 is in a state of selecting an alternative server, there is no alternative server that performs the processing. Therefore, if a failure has occurred in the server 14, it is difficult to continue the printing process, and therefore appropriate error processing is performed. Further, when the print server function is stagnant, it is possible to continue the printing process, so the process is continued.
[0161]
On the other hand, when an apparatus having an alternative server function (hereinafter referred to as “alternative server”) that matches the state of the server 14 is selected (Yes in S704), the process proceeds to S705, and the range of the alternative function is checked.
[0162]
When a failure occurs in the server 14 and all functions are replaced by the alternative server (Yes in S705), the performance information table 292 is transmitted in S706 and the device information table 290 is transmitted from the server 14 to the alternative server in S707. In step S708, the print data D1 stored in the server 14 is transmitted. In step S709, all print requests (reference D2) being processed and not processed are transmitted to the alternative server. By transmitting these pieces of information, the server 14 requests the substitute server to substitute all functions. As a result, the route (routes 3 and 5) for the printer to acquire the print data D1 from the print server and the route for the print server to send the print data D1 to the printer are selected, and the print intermediate data stored in the spool 280 is being printed. The print processing of the print data D1 or the unprocessed print data D1 can be delegated to the alternative server.
[0163]
On the other hand, if the functions of the server 14 are stagnant and some of the functions are to be replaced (bypassed) with an alternative server (determination is negative in S705), the process proceeds to S709, and the new data sent from the workstation 12W1 Only the processing print request (reference D2) is transferred to the alternative server. As a result, the route (routes 3 and 5) from which the printer acquires the print data D1 to the print server and the route from which the print server transmits the print data D1 to the printer are selected and stored in a large amount in the spool 280. When the processing of the server 14 is delayed due to a large amount of data being transferred, a part of the processing of the server 14 (processing of an unprocessed print request) can be delegated to the alternative server. That is, at any time, it is possible to enjoy the advantage (preventing a decrease in throughput of the entire network system) by using the reference D2.
[0164]
Next, in the alternative server selected as the alternative server by the failed server 14 (substitution request server), the control routine of FIG. 27 described below is executed. Note that the alternative server may be operating as a print server of another printer group that is not managed by the server 14 or may stand by as a dedicated alternative print server. Hereinafter, an example in which the server 24 is selected as an alternative server for the server 14 will be described. The server 24 is operating as a printer server of another printer group that is not managed by the server 14, and the same processing as that of the server 14 described above is performed. In FIG. 27, the same processes as those in the server 14 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 22, and the description thereof is omitted here.
[0165]
In step S200, the server 24 receives data from devices connected via the network N2 (workstations 22W1, 22W2, 22W3, 22W4 or printers 26P1, 26P2, 26P3, 26P4) and other print servers (server 14). The presence or absence of reception is monitored. When the reception of data is detected in S200, the process proceeds to the next S201, where the data is received, and the received data (received data) is stored in the spool 280 in FIG.
[0166]
When the storage of the received data in the spool 280 is completed in S201, the process proceeds to S202, and it is checked whether or not the received data is the reference D2. Here, when the received data is the reference D2, the processing from S203 to S210 is performed as in the printing routine of the server 14. As a result, the processing of the server 14 stagnate, and the unprocessed reference D2 sent to the server 24 is processed in the same manner as the reference D2 from the workstation. That is, the server 24 performs an alternative (bypass) process of the server 14.
[0167]
On the other hand, if the received data is not the reference D2, the process proceeds to S230. In S230, it is checked whether the received data is an alternative request from another print server (server 14). That is, it is checked whether the received data includes the device information table 290 and the performance information table 292. If the device information table 290 and the performance information table 292 are included, it is determined that the request is a substitute request for all functions from another print server (server 14), and the process proceeds to S231 to process the substitute request. If it is not an alternative request from another print server (received data is only print data D1), the process proceeds to S208 as in the print routine of the server 14.
[0168]
In S231, the performance information table update processing subroutine shown in FIG. 28 is executed, and the performance information table 292 of the server 24 is updated based on the performance information table 292 of the server 14 sent in the substitute request.
[0169]
Here, the performance information table update processing of FIG. 28 will be described. In S901, the substitute processing control unit 300 acquires the performance information table 292 of the server 14 sent by the substitute request, and then in S902, the performance information table 292 of the server 24 is read.
[0170]
Subsequent processing (S903 to S905) is sequentially performed for each device registered in the performance information table 292 of the server 14 sent in the substitute request.
[0171]
In step S <b> 903, the apparatus (printer) registered in the acquired performance information table 292 of the server 14 is collated with all the apparatuses registered in the performance information table 292 of the server 24.
[0172]
If the same device is already registered in the performance information table 292 of the server 24 (Yes in S903), the next device registered in the performance information table 292 of the server 14 is checked.
[0173]
If there is no identical device among the devices registered in the performance information table 292 of the server 24 (No in S903), the process proceeds to S904, where the device is newly registered in the performance information table 292 of the server 24, and the server 24 performance information tables 292 are updated.
[0174]
When all the devices registered in the performance information table 292 of the server 14 are collated with the devices registered in the performance information table 292 of the server 24 and the update processing of the performance information table 292 of the server 24 is completed, FIG. Return to the main routine (S905).
[0175]
Returning to the main routine of FIG. 27, in the next S232, the apparatus information table update processing subroutine shown in FIG. 29 is executed, and based on the apparatus information table 290 of the server 14 sent in the substitute request, the server 24 The device information table 290 is updated.
[0176]
Here, the apparatus information table update process of FIG. 29 will be described. In SA01, the substitute processing control unit 300 acquires the device information table 290 of the server 14 sent by the substitute request, and then in SA02, the device information table 290 of the server 24 is read.
[0177]
Subsequent processing (SA03 to SA06) is performed one by one for the devices registered in the device information table 290 of the server 14 sent in the substitute request.
[0178]
In SA03, it is determined whether or not the device registered in the device information table 290 of the acquired server 14 is a printer device. If it is not a printer (negative determination), the next device registered in the device information table 290 of the server 14 is determined. If it is a printer device (positive determination), the process proceeds to SA04.
[0179]
In SA04, the acquired device (printer) registered in the device information table 290 of the server 14 is checked against all devices registered in the device information table 290 of the server 24.
[0180]
If the same device is already registered in the device information table 290 of the server 24 (Yes in SA04), the process returns to SA03, and is the next device registered in the device information table 290 of the server 14 a printer? Make a decision.
[0181]
If the same device is not registered in the device information table 290 of the server 24 (No in SA04), the process proceeds to SA05, and the device (printer) is newly registered in the device information table 290 of the server 24. Then, the device information table 290 of the server 24 is updated.
[0182]
Whether or not the devices are the same is determined based on the device name or network address in the device information table 290 shown in FIG.
[0183]
When all the devices registered in the device information table 290 of the server 14 are collated with the devices registered in the device information table 290 of the server 24 and the update processing of the device information table 290 of the server 24 is completed, FIG. Return to the main routine (SA06).
[0184]
Through the performance information table update process (main routine S231 in FIG. 27) and the apparatus information table update process (S232), all the terminal devices and printers managed by the server 14 are managed by the server 24. Can be put in.
[0185]
In the next S233, the print data D1 and the print request (reference D2) sent from the server 14 sent in the substitute request are stored in the spool 280 of the server 24. That is, the route (routes 3 and 5) from which the printer acquires the print data D1 to the printer server and the route from which the print server transmits the print data D1 to the printer are selected, and the print stored in the spool 280 of the server 14 is selected. Halfway or unprocessed print data D1 is stored in the spool 280 of the server 24. Further, an unprocessed print request (reference D2) of the server 14 is also stored in the spool 280. When the storage ends, the process proceeds to S234.
[0186]
In S234, the data transfer path is changed. That is, the server 14 obtains the location information (network address, etc.) from the server 14 to the server (routes 3 and 5) from which the printer acquires the print data D1 to the printer server and the route server from which the print server sends the print data D1 to the printer. Change to 24. In addition, a notification is sent to the workstation and printer whose data transfer path is to be changed. As a result, the print data D1 that was being printed after the print request (reference D2) was processed by the server 14 and the unprocessed (print standby) print data D1 can be continuously printed.
[0187]
When the server 24 is operating as a printer server of a printer group different from the printer group managed by the server 14, the above-described processing of S209 is performed in the same manner as the server 14, and the server 24 originally manages it. Scheduling to transmit the print data D1 to the printer group is already performed. In the next S235, rescheduling is performed so that the already scheduled print request and the print request sent as a substitute request from the server 14 are all appropriately printed.
[0188]
As described above, when the server 14 is in a state of selecting an alternative server, the server 24 can replace (detour) and process the request for replacement from the server 14. Note that, for convenience, the control of the substitute request server and the substitute server has been described separately, but these are performed by the same server. For example, when a failure occurs in the server 24 operating as a printer server of a printer group different from the printer group managed by the server 14, the server 24 becomes a substitute request server and substitutes for the server 14. It is also possible to make a request and have the server 14 replace the processing of the server 24.
[0189]
Next, in the printer, a control routine shown in FIG. 30 described below is executed. The printer (here, printer 16P1 as an example) checks in step S300 in FIG. 30 whether print data D1 has been received from workstations 12W1, 12W2, 12W3, 12W4 or server 14 connected via network N1. It is carried out. If print data D1 has not been received, it is checked in S302 whether a data acquisition instruction from the server 14 has been accepted. If the data acquisition instruction from the server 14 is not accepted in S302, the process returns to S300 and the reception check of the print data D1 is performed again.
[0190]
If it is determined in S302 that a data acquisition instruction from the server 14 has been received, the process proceeds to S303, and information on the print data acquisition destination (workstation or server) is obtained from the contents of the data acquisition instruction. In the next step S304, the print data D1 is acquired from the print data acquisition destination, and the acquired print data D1 is stored in a spool (not shown) provided in the print processing unit 340 of FIG. When the storage ends, the process proceeds to S305, and the stored print data D1 is printed out.
[0191]
On the other hand, when reception of the print data D1 is detected in S300, the process proceeds to S301, and the received print data D1 is stored in a spool (not shown) provided in the print processing unit 340 of FIG. When the storage is completed, the process proceeds to S305, and the stored print data D1 is printed out. In this way, the print data D1 is printed out in the printer.
[0192]
When a failure occurs in the server 14, the printer receives the change notification in the above-described S 234 from the server 24 selected as the alternative server, and changes the above processing from the server 14 to the server 24.
[0193]
In the present embodiment described above, the workstation uses the reference D2 having a smaller data amount than the print data D1 to request the server to print the print data D1, so that the data transferred from the workstation to the server at the time of the request. The amount is reduced, and the amount of data transmission (communication traffic amount) on the network can be reduced. In addition, since the amount of data to be stored in the server at the time of a print processing request is reduced, the server does not require an additional magnetic disk device or the like, and costs can be reduced.
[0194]
Further, the server receives a print processing request from the workstation using the reference D2, and determines an appropriate printer and print data transfer path. The print processing of the print data based on the appropriate transfer path can be realized by the control processing routine in each of the workstation, server, and printer described above.
[0195]
Further, when a failure occurs in the server and normal processing cannot be performed, an alternative server is automatically selected from the device information table 290 automatically. Further, the device information table 290 and the performance information table 292 are transmitted to the selected alternative server, and the setting on the alternative server side is automatically performed. Further, the processing of the server in which the failure has occurred due to the alternative server is taken over. As a result, it is possible to significantly reduce the operational load applied when a failure occurs in the network system, such as setting an alternative server and notifying the user.
[0196]
In addition, the processing that was or was scheduled to be performed on the server in which the failure occurred is substituted for the selected alternative server. As a result, even when a failure occurs, the printing process is continued by the alternative server without interrupting the printing process, so that a highly reliable network system can be constructed.
[0197]
Further, the processing of the print data D1 being processed by the server in which the failure has occurred is also taken over by the selected alternative server. As a result, it is not necessary to print the print data D1 that has been printed halfway from the beginning again, and wasteful use of resources (paper, toner, power, etc.) can be reduced.
[0198]
In addition, when a server process is stagnant due to spool full or a large amount of print data being sent / received (throughput of the entire network system is reduced), an alternative server is automatically selected from the device information table 290 and the process is delayed. Substitution request by the server and substitution processing by the substitution server are performed. Since these processes are performed using the reference D2 having a smaller data amount than the print data D1, the throughput of the entire network system is improved while preventing an increase in the data transmission amount (communication traffic amount) on the network. be able to.
[0199]
The operation of the above embodiment has been described on the assumption that the print data D1 is generated at the workstation 12W1 and a print processing request for the print data D1 is made to the server 14. However, the operation is limited to one network. Instead, the same communication control process as described above can be realized among all workstations, servers, and printers connected via the network.
[0200]
Further, although a case has been described in which a failure occurs in the server 14 and the server 24 that manages a printer group that is not managed by the server 14 is replaced in another network, the process is not limited to this. Substitution processing requests and processing similar to those described above can be realized among all servers connected via the network, and communication control processing similar to that described above can be realized among workstations, servers, and printers. Alternatively, an alternative print server connected via a network may be installed to wait for an alternative request from another server.
[0201]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention provides a network system, an alternative process control method, and a server that can dynamically select an alternative server and continue printing even when a failure occurs in the server. Can do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a network system in the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a workstation.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer.
FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of a device information table managed by a server.
FIG. 6 is a table showing an example of a printer performance information table managed by a server.
FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of a reference.
FIG. 8 is a table showing an example of detailed reference information.
FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a flow of printing.
FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a data communication route.
FIG. 11 is a list of data transfer path patterns.
FIG. 12 is a table showing priorities regarding data transfer paths;
FIG. 13 is a communication function matrix table of workstations and printers.
14 is a table showing data transfer paths for each communication function matrix of FIG.
FIG. 15 is a matrix table of reference transmission devices and reception devices.
FIG. 16 is a matrix table of a print data transmission device and a reception device.
FIG. 17 is a matrix table of print data acquisition apparatuses and provision apparatuses.
FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of setting an alternative server when a failure occurs.
FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of printing after completion of alternative server setting.
FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a print flow when processing is stagnant.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a communication control processing routine executed in the workstation.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a communication control processing routine executed in the server (alternate request server).
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of output printer extraction processing.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of print condition check processing.
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of data transfer path pattern and printer selection processing.
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of an alternative request process executed in an alternative request server.
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a communication control processing routine executed in the server (alternative server).
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of performance information table update processing executed in the alternative server.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of device information table update processing executed in an alternative server.
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a communication control processing routine executed in the printer.
[Explanation of symbols]
10, 20 LAN
12W1, 12W2, 12W3, 12W4 workstation
14 servers
24 servers
16P1, 16P2, 16P3, 16P4 Printer
22W1, 22W2, 22W3, 22W4 workstation
26P1, 26P2, 26P3, 26P4 Printer
D1 print data
D2 Reference (Print processing content information)
91 Printing Resource Information
92 Job attribute information
93 Print attribute information
100 network system
110 Data generator
120 Print Management Department
220 Device information management unit
221 memory (selection information storage unit, management information storage unit)
240 Print management unit (determination means, transfer control means)
260 Printer selection part
270 Data transfer path setting unit
280 spool
290 Device information table (management information, alternative server selection information)
292 Performance information table (management information)
300 Alternative process control unit (selection means, request means, alternative process control means)
340 Print processing unit

Claims (15)

A terminal device that generates print data and represents the content of print processing and generates print processing content information that is smaller in data amount than the print data, a printer that executes print processing based on print data, and manages the printer A network system configured to include:
The server
A determination unit for determining a printer for executing the print processing and a transfer path of the print data to the printer based on the print processing content information sent as a print processing request for the print data from the terminal device;
Transfer control means for controlling the print data to be transferred to the printer according to the transfer path determined by the determining means;
A selection means for selecting an alternative server for substituting the processing of the print processing request from the terminal device when a failure that cannot perform the processing for the print processing request occurs ;
Request means for requesting the server selected as the substitute server by the selection means to replace the print processing request received from the terminal device;
An alternative process control means for controlling to process a print process request from the terminal device when the server is selected as an alternative server by another server;
A network system comprising: The selection means includes a selection information storage unit that stores alternative server selection information configured to include location information of another server and alternative server activation conditions for activation as an alternative server, and the alternative server selection information Select an alternative server based on
The network system according to claim 1. The server is used to determine a printer suitable for execution of print processing in the determination unit, and management information storage for storing management information including location information and performance information of the terminal device and the printer managed by the server Further comprising
The request unit determines the print processing content information sent as a print request from the terminal device, the management information stored in the management information storage unit, and a transfer path for transfer via the server. A substitute request is made by sending at least one of the print data stored in the server being transferred from the printer to the printer to the substitute server;
The network system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The alternative process control means, when receiving the print processing content information as an alternative request from another server, controls the determination means to make a determination based on the received print processing content information;
The network system according to claim 3. When the replacement processing control unit receives the management information as a replacement request from another server, all the terminal devices and printers managed by the other server that has requested replacement based on the received management information Update the management information of the server so that the server is under the management of the server,
The network system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by the above. When the substitution control means receives the print data stored in the server that has requested substitution during transfer from the terminal device to the printer as a substitution request from another server, the substitution control means Notifying at least one of the servers that have requested replacement to change to a transfer path via the server, and controlling the transfer of print data to continue through the server,
The network system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the network system is characterized in that   When the processing of the server is stagnant, the request unit transmits the unprocessed print processing content information received from the terminal device to the alternative server, so that the unprocessed print received from the terminal device is transmitted. The network system according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein an alternative to the processing request is requested. When stopping the function of the server, the request unit transfers all print processing content information received from the terminal device regardless of whether it is in process or not processed, the management information, and the transfer transferred through the server by the determination unit. Requesting substitution of all print processing requests received from the terminal device by transmitting the print data stored in the server in the middle of transfer from the terminal device to the printer whose path has been determined to the substitute server ,
The network system according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that: The failure is defined as a stop or stagnation of print data transfer control by the transfer control means.
  The network system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the network system is characterized in that: A terminal device that generates print data and represents print processing content and generates print processing content information having a data amount smaller than the print data; a printer that executes print processing based on the print data; and the terminal device Based on the print processing content information transmitted as a print processing request for the print data, a printer suitable for execution of the print processing and a print data transfer path to the printer are determined, and the print data is transferred to the printer. In a network system configured to include a server that performs control, a print processing request received from the terminal device when a failure occurs in the server is sent to another server that configures the network together. An alternative processing control method to be substituted,
In the event of a failure that prevents the processing for the print processing request from occurring, the server is selected from among other servers that together constitute the network system based on pre-stored alternative server selection information. Selecting an alternative server for substituting the print processing request from the terminal device,
Print processing content information received from the terminal device, management information of the terminal device and printer managed by the server stored in advance, and a transfer path to be transferred via the server are determined and transferred from the terminal device to the printer Making a substitution request by transmitting at least one of the print data stored in the server on the way to the server selected as the substitution server;
The server selected as the substitute server receives the substitute request and controls to process the print processing request from the terminal device instead.
An alternative processing control method characterized by the above. The failure is a stop or stagnation of control of transfer of the print data to the printer.
  The alternative processing control method according to claim 10. A network is configured with a terminal device that generates print data and represents print processing content and generates print processing content information having a data amount smaller than the print data, and a printer that executes print processing based on the print data A server,
A determination unit for determining a printer for executing the print processing and a transfer path of the print data to the printer based on the print processing content information sent as a print processing request for the print data from the terminal device;
Transfer control means for controlling the print data to be transferred to the printer according to the transfer path determined by the determining means;
An alternative server that replaces the processing of the print processing request received from the terminal device when a failure that cannot perform the processing for the print processing request occurs is included in other servers that together constitute the network system. A selection means to select from,
Request means for requesting the replacement server selected by the selection means to replace the print processing request received from the terminal device;
An alternative process control means for receiving an alternative request from another server that constitutes the network together, and controlling to process a print processing request from the terminal device on behalf of the server that has requested the alternative;
The server characterized by having. The failure is defined as a stop or stagnation of print data transfer control by the transfer control means.
  The server according to claim 12. A terminal device that generates print data and print processing content information that represents the content of the print processing, a printer that executes print processing based on the print data, a management server that manages the printer, and processing of the management server A network system configured to include an alternative server for substituting
  The management server
  First determination means for determining a printer for executing the print processing and a transfer path of the print data to the printer based on the print processing content information sent as a print processing request for the print data from the terminal device; ,
  First transfer control means for controlling print data to be transferred to the printer according to the transfer path determined by the first determination means;
  A selection means for selecting an alternative server for substituting the processing of the print processing request from the terminal device when a failure that cannot perform the processing for the print processing request occurs;
  Requesting means for requesting substitution by transferring the print processing content information received from the terminal device to the substitution server selected by the selection means;
  The alternative server is
  Second determining means for determining a printer for executing the printing process and a transfer path of print data to the printer based on the printing process content information requested for replacement by the requesting means;
  Second transfer control means for controlling the print data to be transferred to the printer according to the transfer path determined by the second determination means;
  A network system comprising: The failure is set to stop or stagnation of print data transfer control by the first transfer control means.
  The network system according to claim 14, wherein:

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