JP3861671B2 - Print job management method and printing system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, a scanner capable of collecting printer function information from a server or printer via a network (hereinafter referred to as “high function scanner”) and printer function information from a server or printer via a network can be collected. The present invention relates to a printing system including an impossible scanner (hereinafter referred to as “low function scanner”).
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, there is a printing system that includes a high-function scanner that can collect printer function information from a server or printer via a network and a low-function scanner that cannot collect printer function information from a server or printer via a network. .
[0003]
Specifically, a high-function scanner can acquire information on paper, finishing information, and the like that the printer currently has from a server or printer via a network, and can give an appropriate instruction to the printer.
[0004]
On the other hand, a low-function scanner cannot collect printer function information from a server or printer via a network. For this reason, such a low-function scanner adopts a configuration in which an instruction template called a job template is read, scanned according to the instruction, and transferred to the server.
[0005]
By the way, this job template is not created every time it is scanned, but is created in advance, and therefore does not reflect the current printer status.
[0006]
Therefore, if scanning is performed with such a low function scanner with a job template instruction, there is a possibility that the current printer may not print due to an invalid instruction.
[0007]
Conventionally, when such a case occurs, 1. The server rejects and discards the job. 2. The server throws a print instruction to the printer without permission, and the printer ignores the designated print instruction information. One of the operations of staying at the server without being thrown by the printer is performed.
[0008]
1 above. In this case, the scanning operation itself is wasted, and 2. In this case, paper is wasted because printing is not intended by the user, and 3. In this case, since there is no particular information and the server only stays, it is unknown to the user why the print is not performed.
[0009]
Here, as conventional prior art, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-240550 (hereinafter referred to as “prior art 1”), Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-240551 (hereinafter referred to as “prior art 2”), and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei. 10-240552 (hereinafter referred to as “prior art 3”).
[0010]
That is, in the prior arts 1 to 3 of each of these publications, (1) a designated device cannot perform the designated processing at all due to a failure or a lack of function, and (2) if it cannot be completely completed, As a method for solving the problem that the ordered processing cannot be achieved as intended by the user, and (3) even if there is a more appropriate device than the device instructed by the user, the processing can be performed only by the device instructed by the user. A technical method is disclosed in which an inquiry is made to the user, and if there is an alternative, the alternative is presented and selected.
[0011]
However, in this method, there is a possibility that the result desired by the user is not listed in the alternative, and there is a case where the user who directly gives a print instruction from the scanner does not have a client that can present the alternative.
[0012]
If the system cannot receive a response from the user, there is a possibility that the result is unintended by the user, such as discarding the job or sending it to an alternative printer.
[0013]
In other words, the prior art patents are premised on a rich environment where there is a sophisticated scanner capable of displaying alternatives and a client PC dedicated to the user who can receive a response from the system.
[0014]
That is, in the methods of the prior arts 1 to 3 that are based on the environment as described above, a print request from a low-function scanner that does not have the function of collecting the printer function information and the function of presenting an alternative is invalidated. When the above-mentioned 1. ~ 3. The inconvenience caused by performing the processing operation cannot be solved.
[0015]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in the related art, when a print request from a low-function scanner that does not have a function of collecting printer function information and a function of presenting an alternative is invalidated, the above-described 1. ~ 3. The inconvenience caused by the processing operation cannot be solved.
[0016]
Therefore, in view of the above situation, the present invention, when a print request from a low-function scanner is invalidated, causes the server to reject the job, and the scan operation is wasted, and the server arbitrarily instructs the printer to print. Throwing and ignoring the specified print instruction information by the printer will cause the print to be unintended by the user, resulting in wasted printing paper, and it will not be thrown by the printer and will remain on the server without any particular information. Print control method that can prevent the occurrence of a case where the user does not know why the print job has occurred and can grasp the reason why the print job remains on the server even if the user does not have a dedicated client terminal And a printing system.
[0017]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is a high-function scanner having a function of collecting printer capability information via a network, and a low-function scanner having no function of collecting printer capability information via the network. Printing in a printing system comprising: a server that accepts a print request from the high-function and low-function scanners and makes a print request to the corresponding printer; and a printer that executes printing in response to the print request from the server In the job management method, when the server receives a print request from the low-function scanner, the server determines whether printing is enabled or not according to the user print instruction set in the print instruction received when the print request is received. Check the print invalidity, and if the result of the check is print invalid, do not reject the corresponding print job, Invalid reason indicating that printing instruction is invalid and sets held in association with the print job, characterized by pause the print job.
[0018]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the server notifies the user of the invalid reason for the setting and retention so as to be grasped.
[0019]
Further, in the invention of claim 3, in the invention of claim 2, when the server receives a print instruction setting change and a reprint request from the user in response to the notification, the print by the changed print instruction is effective. Whether the print job is invalid or invalid is checked again, and only when it is valid, the stop of the print job is canceled and reprinting is performed.
[0020]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the low function scanner causes the server to recognize in the print instruction to be transferred to the server that it is a low function scanner. It is characterized by adding information.
[0021]
The invention of claim 5 is a high-function scanner having a function of collecting printer capability information via a network, a low-function scanner not having a function of collecting printer capability information via the network, the high function and the In a printing system comprising a server that receives a print request from a low-function scanner and makes a print request to a corresponding printer, and a printer that executes printing in response to a print request from the server, the server When a print request is received from the functional scanner, an analysis unit that analyzes the user print instruction set in the print instruction received when the print request is received, and the print instruction is set based on the analysis result of the analysis unit. Checking means for checking whether printing is possible or not, and whether the printing according to the user print instruction is If the result of the check by the check means is that the print is invalid, the print job is not rejected, the invalid reason indicating that the print instruction is invalid is set in association with the print job, and the print job is temporarily stored. And a job management means for stopping.
[0022]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the server further includes notification means for notifying the user of the invalid reason set and held by the job management means. .
[0023]
The invention of claim 7 is the invention of claim 6, wherein the server further comprises setting change accepting means for accepting a print instruction setting change and a reprint request from a user in response to the notice of the notifying means, The check unit rechecks whether the printing according to the changed print instruction received by the setting change reception unit is valid or invalid, and the job management unit determines that the result of the check by the check unit is changed. Only when printing according to the print instruction is valid, job management is performed so as to cancel the stop of the corresponding print job and perform reprinting.
[0024]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the invention, the low function scanner causes the server to recognize in the print instruction to be transferred to the server that it is a low function scanner. Flag information adding means for adding information is provided.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0026]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system 100 to which the present invention is applied.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 100 is configured by connecting a scanner 1 (a, b), a client terminal 2, a server 3, and a plurality of printers 4 (a to n) to a network 5. ing.
[0028]
Here, the scanner 1 (a, b) scans the document X, and transmits the print instruction of the user together with the scanned document data to the server 3 set in advance.
[0029]
As a precondition of this system, the scanner 1 includes a scanner (A) 1a (hereinafter referred to as “high”) having a capability of collecting printer function information from the server 3 and the printers 4 (a to n) via the network 5. And a scanner (B) 1b (hereinafter referred to as “low function scanner”) that does not have the ability to collect printer function information from the server 3 or the printers 4 (a to n) via the network 5. is there.
[0030]
Specifically, since the high-function scanner (A) 1a can acquire information on paper, finishing information, and the like currently held by the printer 4 (a to n), the printer 4 (a to n) Can give appropriate instructions.
[0031]
Further, since the low function scanner (B) 1b does not have the ability to collect printer function information from the server 3 or the printers 4 (a to n) via the network 5, an instruction template called a job template (JobTemplate) is read, Scan according to the instruction and send data to the server 3.
[0032]
Note that this job template is not created every time it is scanned, but is created in advance, so it does not reflect the current printer status.
[0033]
For this reason, when scanning is performed with the low function scanner (B) 1b with an instruction of the job template, there may be a case where the current printer has an invalid instruction and is not printed.
[0034]
The client terminal 2 is a terminal dedicated to the user, and can instruct printing by the printer 4 and list jobs on the server 3. Specifically, it is composed of a personal computer (P / C) or the like.
[0035]
The server 3 controls and manages printing in this system. For example, the server 3 receives a print request from the scanner 1 and the client terminal 2, and responds to the print designation with one or a plurality of printers 4. Print using the table. Specifically, the server 3 is configured by a workstation (W / S), a personal computer (P / C), or the like.
[0036]
Further, the printer 4 (4a to 4n) executes printing in accordance with the print instruction transmitted from the server 3.
[0037]
The computer network 5 is a communication network for mutually communicating and connecting the components of the system, and is configured by, for example, a local area network (LAN).
[0038]
Next, processing operations according to the present invention in the low-function scanner (B) 1b and the server 3 in the printing system 100 described above will be described.
[0039]
First, the processing operation of the low function scanner (B) 1b will be described.
[0040]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing operation procedure of the low-function scanner (B) 1b shown in FIG.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 2, first, in the low function scanner (B) 1b, after scanning of the document is completed (step S101), the “low function”, that is, from the server 3 or the printer 4 (an) to the network 4 via the network 5. Then, flag information indicating that the printer function information is not collected is added to the print instruction (step S102).
[0042]
Thereafter, the scanned document data is transmitted to the server 3 together with the print instruction to which the flag information is added (step S103), and the process here ends.
[0043]
With this process, when the print instruction is analyzed on the server 3 side, if the flag information is added, the server can recognize that the print instruction is from the low function scanner.
[0044]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing operation procedure of the server 3 shown in FIG.
[0045]
As shown in FIG. 3, first, when the server 3 receives a print instruction request from the scanner 1 (step S201), it is checked whether or not a low function flag is set in the received print instruction (step S201). Step S202).
[0046]
If the low function flag is set (YES in step S202), then a check (Validation Check) is performed to determine whether the print instruction is valid. That is, the user's print instruction request specified in the print instruction is analyzed, and it is checked whether printing according to the user's print instruction can be executed (step S203).
[0047]
If the print instruction is invalid, that is, if printing cannot be executed as requested by the user (NO in step S203), a print job suspension process corresponding to the print instruction is performed, and the job "Reason for suspension (for example, information indicating" instruction error ")" is set (step S204). At this time, the server 3 may notify the client terminal 2 of the reason for the job suspension set above (“instruction error”).
[0048]
Thereafter, the server 3 monitors whether or not there is a request for changing the print instruction of the temporarily stopped job and a reprint from the user (step S205).
[0049]
Here, when the setting change of the print instruction of the paused job and the reprint request are made by the user (YES in step S205), it is determined whether the print instruction after the change of the setting is valid, that is, the print instruction after the change. It is checked whether printing can be executed in accordance with the print instruction request of the designated user (step S206).
[0050]
Here, if the print instruction after the setting change is valid, that is, if printing can be executed as requested by the user's print instruction specified in the print instruction after the change (YES in step S206), the corresponding print job Is suspended (step S207).
[0051]
Thereafter, a print request is made to the corresponding printer based on the print instruction after the setting change (step S208), and the process here is terminated.
[0052]
In the process of step S206 described above, if the print instruction after the setting change is invalid, that is, if printing cannot be executed according to the user's print instruction request specified in the print instruction after change (NO in step S206), The suspension of the corresponding job is not canceled, and the job suspension state is maintained as it is (step S209).
[0053]
If the low-function flag is not set in the received print instruction in the process of step S202 described above, that is, if the print instruction is from the high-function scanner (NO in step S202), then the print instruction A check (validation check) is performed to determine whether or not is valid (step S210).
[0054]
If the print instruction is valid (YES in step S210), the process returns to the above-described step S208, and the same processing is performed thereafter. That is, a print request is made to the corresponding printer based on the received print instruction, and the process here ends.
[0055]
If the received print instruction is invalid in step S210 described above (NO in step S210), the request is rejected and a notice to that effect is sent to the high function scanner (step S211). Note that the high function scanner has the ability to collect printer function information from the server 3 and the printer, so that the job suspension process and the release process when the print instruction from the low function scanner is invalid are not performed. .
[0056]
After the notification of the request rejection, the process here is terminated.
[0057]
By performing such processing, when the print request from the low-function scanner becomes invalid, the server rejects the job and the scan work is wasted, and the server arbitrarily sends a print instruction to the printer. If the printer ignores the specified print instruction information and executes printing, the user's unintended printing will result in wasted printing paper, and the user will not be thrown at the printer and will remain on the server without any particular information. It is possible to prevent a case where the user does not know why printing is not performed, and in particular, it is possible to grasp the reason why a print job remains on the server even if the user does not have a dedicated client terminal.
[0058]
In addition, a change in print instruction setting for a paused job and a request for reprinting are accepted from the user. If the print instruction after the change in setting is valid, the job is temporarily stopped and reprinted. Therefore, it is possible to follow a reprint after a print invalidation that cannot be performed in accordance with the print instruction of the user in a print request from the low function scanner.
[0059]
Next, a configuration in which the user grasps the reason for invalidation of the paused job and a configuration in which the user changes the setting of the print instruction of the paused job and instructs reprinting will be described.
[0060]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the job list screen 310 displayed on a display screen such as a display of the server 3 or the client terminal 2.
[0061]
In FIG. 4, the job list screen 310 is a screen for displaying a list of print jobs managed by the server 3.
[0062]
Using this screen 310, the user can check the processing progress status of his print job. Specifically, by checking the job name displayed in the job name display field 311 shown in FIG. 4 to search for the own job and pressing the status display button 312 associated with the job name. Job progress status can be checked.
[0063]
In this example, the case where the user presses the status display button 312 of the job B (shaded portion in the figure) is shown.
[0064]
In addition, this screen 310 includes an up / down cursor button 313 for moving the display in the vertical direction when searching for a job name displayed in the job name display field 311 and a previous screen (for example, a main screen). A return button 314 for returning to the menu screen, a forward button 315 for proceeding to the next screen, and a close button 316 for terminating the operation of the screen and returning to the main menu screen. Yes.
[0065]
Then, the user transitions from the screen 310 to a screen where it is possible to grasp that the print instruction as shown in the above flow is invalid and the job is paused.
[0066]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of the job status display screen 320 displayed on the display screen when the status display button 312 of the job list screen 310 shown in FIG. 4 is pressed. This example shows a display example of the job status when the designated job is suspended because the print instruction is invalid.
[0067]
In FIG. 5, the job status display screen 320 shows a display example when the user presses the job B status display button 312 on the job list screen 310 described above.
[0068]
Specifically, in this example, “Job B” is displayed in the job name display field 321 for displaying the job name designated by the user, and the job status explanation display field 322 for displaying the status explanation of the designated job. The text information “Stopped because it cannot be output with the specified settings” is displayed.
[0069]
In addition, in the setting change instruction display field 323 for displaying the operation procedure when changing the print instruction setting of the job, the text information “Do you want to change the setting? Press the setting change button.” Is displayed. Yes.
[0070]
This screen 320 is used when a setting change button 324 used when changing the print instruction setting of a job, a return button 325 used when returning to the previous screen, and a step forward. It includes a forward button 326 and a close button 327 that is used when the operation on this screen is terminated and the screen returns to the main menu screen.
[0071]
That is, the user can use this screen 320 to grasp that his / her print instruction is invalid and the print job is temporarily stopped on the server 3 side.
[0072]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the folder designation screen 330 displayed on the display screen when the user presses the “change setting” button 324 on the job status display screen 320 shown in FIG. .
[0073]
In FIG. 6, in the folder designation screen 330, “store job” is displayed in a folder designation instruction display field 331 for displaying character information that prompts the user to designate a folder for storing a job for changing the setting of the print instruction. Please specify the destination folder. "Is displayed.
[0074]
In addition, on this screen 330, a folder name display field 332 for displaying a folder name designated by the user, a return button 333 used for returning to the previous screen, and a case of proceeding one step are used. Are displayed, a close button 335 used when the operation of this screen is terminated and the main menu screen is returned, and an OK button 336 used when OK is set in this screen. .
[0075]
In this case, the display example in the folder name display field 332 shows a state in which the user designates “folder B” as the folder name.
[0076]
That is, a user's operation on the screen 330 stores the paused print job in the reprint folder so that it can be handled as a reprint file.
[0077]
FIG. 7 is a view showing a display example of the reprint menu screen 340 displayed on the display screen of the server 3 or the client terminal 2.
[0078]
In FIG. 7, on the reprint menu screen 340, “reprint instruction display field 341 for displaying the operation procedure related to reprint to the user“ designates the folder storing the job to be reprinted and changes the setting. Please display "text information.
[0079]
In addition, the screen 340 includes a folder name display field 342 for displaying a selection candidate folder name for allowing the user to select and specify a folder in which a job to be reprinted is stored, and a folder name display field 342. A setting change button 343 that is provided for each displayed folder and is pressed when the user wants to change the setting of the print instruction of a desired job, and the folder name displayed in the folder name display field 342 are searched vertically. The up / down cursor 344 used for the case, the back button 345 used for returning to the previous screen, the forward button 346 used for moving forward, the operation on this screen is terminated, and the main A close button 347 used for returning to the menu screen is provided.
[0080]
In other words, the user can use this screen 340 to specify the folder in which the job to be reprinted is stored and shift to the print instruction setting change screen.
[0081]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a print instruction setting change screen 350 displayed on the display screen when the setting change button 343 of the reprint menu screen 340 shown in FIG. 7 is pressed.
[0082]
In FIG. 8, the print instruction setting change screen 350 designates, for example, a copy designation part 351 for designating the number of copies as an instruction candidate for changing the print instruction setting, and color printing or monochrome printing. Color / monochrome designating unit 352 for selecting, paper selection designating unit 353 for selecting and designating the type of paper, duplex / single-sided selecting unit 354 for designating duplex printing and single-sided printing, and sorting specification for instructing sorting as post-processing A unit 355, a staple specifying unit 356 for instructing staple as post-processing, and a punch specifying unit 357 for instructing punch as post-processing.
[0083]
In addition, the screen 350 includes a display field 358 indicating an operation procedure when reprinting to the user. In this example, press the “OK” button for reprinting in this display field 358. "Is displayed.
[0084]
Further, this screen 350 is used when an OK button 359 that is pressed when OK is performed with settings on this screen, a return button 360 that is used when returning to the previous screen, and a step forward. It includes a forward button 361 and a close button 362 used when the operation on this screen is terminated and the screen returns to the main menu screen.
[0085]
That is, the user can perform reprinting by reviewing and changing the print instruction of the job in which the print job is suspended due to the invalid reason for the print instruction using the screen 350.
[0086]
In the above-described embodiment, the operation procedure is such that the user temporarily stores the data file of the print job that has been paused, and then performs the reprint output by changing the setting of the print instruction on the reprint menu screen or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to change the setting of the print instruction without storing the data file and to perform reprint output.
[0087]
In the above embodiment, the reason why the suspended job is invalid is displayed, and the display unit of the server 3 and the client terminal 2 is used as an example of a place for displaying a screen for instructing reprinting by changing the print instruction setting. Although it is inconvenient if the client terminal 2 is not dedicated to the user, if the job on the server 3 can be listed, the setting change and suspension release can be performed from anywhere. To do.
[0088]
Although not described in the above embodiment, character information such as which instruction of the user is invalid and the job is paused may be displayed and recognized by the user.
[0089]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when a print request from a low-function scanner causes a print invalidity that cannot satisfy the print in accordance with the user's print instruction, the print job is rejected. The server rejects the job when the print request from the low-function scanner becomes invalid because the reason for invalidation of printing can be notified to the user even if the user does not have a dedicated client terminal. The scan operation is wasted, or the server sends a print instruction to the printer without permission, and the printer ignores the designated print instruction information and executes the print, resulting in unintended printing by the user and wasted printing paper. Or do not know why the user is not printed by staying on the server without any particular information being thrown to the printer, It is possible to say cases are prevented from being generated, and the user can grasp why remains the print job to the server without having a dedicated client terminal.
[0090]
In addition, according to the present invention, a request for changing a print instruction for a paused job and a request for reprinting are received from the user. Therefore, it is possible to follow the reprint after changing the print instruction setting when the print invalidity that cannot be printed in accordance with the print instruction of the user occurs in the print request from the low function scanner.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing operation procedure in the low-function scanner shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing operation procedure in the server shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of a job list screen displayed on a display screen such as a display of a server or a client terminal.
FIG. 5 is a view showing a display example of a job status display screen displayed on the display screen when the status display button on the job list screen shown in FIG. 4 is pressed.
6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a folder designation screen displayed on the display screen when the user presses a “change setting” button on the job status display screen shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of a reprint menu screen displayed on a display screen of a server or a client terminal.
8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a print instruction setting change screen displayed on the display screen when a setting change button on the reprint menu screen shown in FIG. 7 is pressed. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Printing system, 1 (a, b) ... Scanner, 2 ... Client terminal, 3 ... Server, 4 (a-n) ... Printer

Claims (8)

A high-function scanner having a function of collecting printer capability information via a network, a low-function scanner having no function of collecting printer capability information via the network, and accepting print requests from the high-function and low-function scanners A print job management method in a printing system in which a server that issues a print request to a printer corresponding to the print request and a printer that executes printing according to the print request from the server are connected via a network;
The server
When receiving a print request from the low-function scanner, check whether printing is enabled or disabled as to whether printing is possible according to the user print instruction set in the print instruction received when the print request is received,
If the result of this check is that the print is invalid, the corresponding print job is not rejected, the invalid reason indicating that the print instruction is invalid is set and held in association with the print job, and the print job is suspended. And a print job management method. The server
The print job management method according to claim 1, wherein the user is notified of the invalid reason for which the setting is held. The server
Upon receiving a print instruction setting change and a reprint request from the user in response to the notification, the print job after the change is checked again whether it is valid or invalid, and only if the print job is valid 3. The print job management method according to claim 2, wherein reprinting is performed after canceling the stop. The low function scanner is:
2. The print job management method according to claim 1, wherein flag information for causing the server to recognize that the own apparatus is a low-function scanner is added to a print instruction to be transferred to the server. A high-function scanner having a function of collecting printer capability information via a network, a low-function scanner having no function of collecting printer capability information via the network, and accepting print requests from the high-function and low-function scanners A printing system in which a server that issues a print request to a printer corresponding to the print request and a printer that executes printing according to the print request from the server are connected via a network;
The server
Analyzing means for analyzing a user print instruction set in the print instruction received when the print request is received when the print request is received from the low-function scanner;
Checking means for checking whether printing is valid or invalid as to whether printing according to the user printing instruction set in the printing instruction is possible based on the analysis result of the analyzing means;
If the result of the check by the check means is that the print is invalid, the print job is not rejected, the invalid reason indicating that the print instruction is invalid is set and held in association with the print job, and the print job is A printing system comprising: a job management means for temporarily stopping. The server
6. The printing system according to claim 5, further comprising notification means for notifying the user of the reason for invalidity set and held by the job management means. The server
A setting change accepting unit for accepting a change in print instruction setting and a reprint request from the user in response to the notification from the notifying unit;
The checking means includes
Check again whether the printing according to the changed printing instruction received by the setting change accepting means is valid or invalid,
The job management means includes:
7. The job management for canceling the suspension of the corresponding print job and performing reprinting only when printing by the print instruction after the change is valid as a result of the check by the check unit. Printing system. The low function scanner is:
6. The printing according to claim 5, further comprising flag information adding means for adding flag information for causing the server to recognize that the self-machine is a low-function scanner in a print instruction to be transferred to the server. system.

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