JP4136424B2 - Print order receiving system and print management apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a print order receiving system in which one of a plurality of print management apparatuses receives an order from a client to a central management apparatus via a network and causes the printing apparatus to perform print processing. as well as Print management equipment In place Related.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a print order receiving system in which one of a plurality of print servers (print management apparatuses) receives a print order placed from a client computer user via a Internet to a center server (central management apparatus) and causes the printing apparatus to perform print processing. Once the data is sent from the center server to the print server, even if there is an error in the print data, the order cancellation process for canceling the order could not be performed in the sequence of processing. .
[0003]
Further, when order cancellation processing is performed, database operation processing by an administrator who has grasped the configuration of the center server is required.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional system as described above, when the print server operator cancels an order, it is necessary to contact the center server administrator in a separate system, and the order cancel process can be performed in a series of processing flows. could not.
[0005]
In addition, it is necessary to contact the user who has placed the order in a separate system, and it has not been possible to communicate cancellation notification in a series of processing flows.
[0006]
In addition, special knowledge is required to update the database of the center server accompanying the order cancellation process.
[0007]
The present invention Eliminates the administrator's hassle by deleting the print order information and notifying the availability of printing in a series of processing steps for print orders via the Internet For the purpose.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a central management device that receives print order information from a client device via a network, and a print management device that causes the printing device to execute print processing based on the print order information. A print order receiving system including the central management device Seal A transfer unit that transfers the print order information from the client device to the print management device, the print management device receiving the print order information transferred by the transfer unit, and the reception unit receiving the print order information. Storage means for storing the print order information, Above A determination input unit that inputs a result and a reason for determining whether or not printing based on the print order information received by the receiving unit is possible by the printing device, and a determination reason that is input by the determination input unit A creation means for creating reason information, and a determination result input by the determination input means Indicates that printing is not possible A notification means for notifying the central management device of the determination reason information created by the creating means, and a result of the judgment input by the judgment input means Before the notification by the notification means And deletion means for deleting the print order information stored in the storage means.
[0009]
To achieve the above object, the present invention receives print order information from a client device via a network via a central management device, and causes the printing device to execute print processing based on the print order information. A storage unit for storing print order information received from the central management device, the print management device; Above A determination input means for inputting a result and a reason for determining whether or not printing based on the received print order information is possible by the printing apparatus, and determination reason information from the reason for the determination input by the determination input means. Creation means to create and the result of determination input by the determination input means Indicates that printing is not possible A notification means for notifying the central management device of the determination reason information created by the creating means, and a result of the judgment input by the judgment input means Before the notification by the notification means And deletion means for deleting the print order information stored in the storage means.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0013]
First, the configuration and operation of a printing system in which a center server receives a print order from a user of a client computer via a network and the print order is processed by any of a plurality of print servers will be described.
[0014]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram for explaining a printing system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a client computer 101, a center server 102, and print servers 103 (1), 103 (2), ..., 103 (N) are connected via a network 100 such as the Internet.
[0015]
Since the print servers 103 (1), 103 (2),..., 103 (N) have the same configuration, a plurality of print servers 103 (1), 103 (1), When the print server specified in 103 (2),..., 103 (N) is indicated, it is referred to as print server 103 (X). Further, when all of the plurality of print servers 103 (1), 103 (2),..., 103 (N) are indicated, they are simply referred to as the print server 103.
[0016]
As will be described later, the center server 102 and the print server 103 are configured by a CPU, ROM, RAM, HDD, and the like, and are configured by an information processing apparatus (computer) operated by a dedicated operator. The client computer 101 is configured by a general information processing apparatus (computer) having a network browsing means. In the present embodiment, the network 100 will be described using the Internet as an example, but may be another network system such as a LAN (Local Area Network).
[0017]
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a flow of control and information in the printing system. In FIG. 2, a user (orderer) who has created print order data in the client computer 101 transmits the print order data to the center server 102 using the network browsing means 201 that can browse the Internet. In addition, by connecting to the center server 102 using the network browsing means 201, it is possible to inquire about the print processing status of the ordered print order data.
[0018]
Next, the order processing means 202 of the center server 102 receives the print order data from the client computer 101 and stores it in the print order information storage unit 209 in the database 203. The print order receiving unit 204 of the print server 103 (1) extracts and acquires the corresponding print order data from the print order information storage unit 209 in the database 203 of the center server 102. The status registration unit 205 registers the print processing status so that the orderer can browse the printing device availability information storage unit 210 in the database 203 of the center server 102, and the print server 103 (X) searches the status. Register the availability of the printing device so that you can.
[0019]
The status reference unit 206 of the print server 103 (1) refers to the printing device availability information storage unit 210 in the database 203 of the center server 102 for the printing device availability of the other print server 103 (X). Further, the external print request unit 207 requests the print server 103 (X) to print the print order data via the network 100 based on the empty status obtained from the center server 102 by the status reference unit 206. On the contrary, when the print server (1) is requested to perform a printing proxy from the print server (X), the corresponding print order data is fetched using the bringing-in means 208.
[0020]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the print server 103 and the printer. As shown in FIG. 3, a print management apparatus 301 corresponding to the print server 103 and printing apparatuses 303 (1), 303 (2),..., 303 (N) managed by the print management apparatus 301 are connected via a network 302. Always connected. Since the printing devices 303 (1), 303 (2),..., 303 (N) have the same configuration, a plurality of printing devices 303 (1), 303 (1), When referring to the printing device 303 specified in 303 (2),..., 303 (N), it is referred to as a printing device 303 (X). In addition, when referring to all of the plurality of printing apparatuses 303 (1), 303 (2),..., 303 (N), they are simply referred to as the printing apparatus 303. The network 302 is a general network system, and a LAN (Local Area Network) is used in the present embodiment. However, any other network system may be used as long as it can be always connected.
[0021]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of the print management apparatus 301. In the figure, reference numeral 401 denotes a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU) that controls processing and control of the information processing device. Reference numeral 402 denotes a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as “RAM”), which functions as a main memory of the CPU 401, an execution program area, an execution area of the program, and a data area.
[0022]
Reference numeral 403 denotes a read-only memory (hereinafter referred to as a ROM) that stores an operation processing procedure of the CPU 401. The ROM 403 includes a program ROM that records basic software (OS), which is a system program for controlling the equipment of the information processing apparatus, and a data ROM that records information necessary for operating the system. Further, an HDD 409 described later may be used instead of the ROM 403.
[0023]
Reference numeral 404 denotes a network interface (NETIF), which performs control for transferring data between information processing apparatuses via the network and diagnoses connection status. Reference numeral 405 denotes a video RAM (VRAM), which develops an image to be displayed on the screen of the CRT 406 indicating the operating state of the information processing apparatus to be described later, and controls its display.
[0024]
Reference numeral 406 denotes a display device such as a display (hereinafter referred to as CRT). Reference numeral 407 denotes a controller (hereinafter referred to as KBC) for controlling an input signal from the external input device 408. Reference numeral 408 denotes an external input device (hereinafter referred to as KBC) for accepting an operation performed by the user, and a pointing device such as a keyboard or a mouse is used, for example.
[0025]
Reference numeral 409 denotes a hard disk drive (hereinafter referred to as HDD), which is used for storing application programs and various data. The application program in the present embodiment is a software program that executes various processing means in the present embodiment.
[0026]
Reference numeral 410 denotes an external input / output device (hereinafter referred to as FDD), which inputs / outputs a removable disk such as a floppy disk drive or a CDROM drive, and is used for reading from the medium of the application program described above.
[0027]
Reference numeral 413 denotes a magnetic recording medium (for example, Zip, floppy disk or external hard disk) read by the FDD 410, an optical recording medium (for example, CD-ROM), a magneto-optical recording medium (for example, MO), a semiconductor recording medium (for example, for example). A removable data recording device (removable medium) such as a memory card (hereinafter referred to as FD). Note that application programs and data stored in the HDD 409 can be stored in the FDD 410 and used.
[0028]
Reference numeral 411 denotes a controller (hereinafter referred to as PRTC) for controlling an output signal to the PRT 412 described later. Reference numeral 412 denotes a printing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as PRT), for example, an LBP (Laser Beam Printer) or the like. Reference numeral 400 denotes a transmission bus (address bus, data bus, input / output bus, and control bus) for connecting the above-described units.
[0029]
FIG. 5 illustrates a processing unit group that operates in the print management apparatus 301, a storage apparatus group that stores information, an overview of control and information flow between the processing unit group and the storage apparatus group, and the print management apparatus 301 and printing. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of the control between apparatuses 303, and the flow of information. In the figure, reference numerals 204 to 208, 502, and 503 denote processing means, and the components described in FIG. These processing means are modules that are read from the ROM 403, HDD 409, or FDD 410 shown in FIG. 4 and are expanded in the RAM 402 and used as a part of the program used by the CPU 401.
[0030]
In FIG. 5, reference numeral 501 denotes a print order information storage device, and reference numeral 504 denotes an external print request information storage device. At least one of the HDD 409, the RAM 402, and the FDD 410 in the print management device 301 is stored using a file system or a database system. To store information. In addition, the information stored in the information storage devices 501 and 504 can be directly accessed with specific keys and conditions.
[0031]
The arrows shown in FIG. 5 represent main ones among the control between the processing means and the information flow. A flow across the print management apparatus 301 and the printing apparatus 303 is transmitted to the printing apparatus 303 when connected via the network 302 through the NETIF 404. The other flow across the print management apparatus 301 and the printing apparatus 303 is transmitted to the PRT 412, that is, the printing apparatus 303 via the PRTC 411. The difference between the printing apparatus 303 and the PRT 412 is only the connection form with the print management apparatus 301. That is, when the print management apparatus 301 and the printing apparatus 303 are directly connected, the printing apparatus 303 and the PRT 412 are the same apparatus.
[0032]
The relationship between the information processing apparatus (print management apparatus 301) and the processing means and information storage apparatus therein is expanded in the RAM 402 as necessary through the KBC 407 and transmitted to the CPU 401 through the KBC 407 according to information and instructions input from the KB 408 by the user. . The processing means calculated by the CPU 401 and the information stored in the information storage device are expanded from the ROM 403, HDD 409, FDD 410, RAM 402, etc. to the RAM 402 and transmitted to the CPU 401. The information of the calculation result is written in an information storage device existing in the FDD 410 or the like. At the same time, if the result calculated by the CPU 401 is necessary, the result information is displayed on the CRT 406 via the VRAM 405. Transmission among the CPU 401, RAM 402, ROM 403, NETIF 404, VRAM 405, KBC 407, HDD 409, and FDD 410 is performed through the transmission bus 400.
[0033]
Hereinafter, each processing means and information storage device will be described in detail. In the present embodiment, the operator (operator) who executes the print output process operates the print management apparatus 301. The print order receiving unit 204 shown in FIG. 5 is a processing unit that operates in the print management apparatus 301, sets the order number in the order number of the order information for the ordered print order data, The order number and the print data number are set in the order number and associated with the print data, and stored in the print order information storage device 501 in the print management apparatus 301.
[0034]
The order information is information in which items such as a print management apparatus number, an orderer number, an order date, and a print status are collected using the order number as a key. The print information is information regarding print data in which items such as a print service type, the number of copies, the number of copies, the number of pages, and a printer number are collected using the order number and the print data number as keys. A plurality of pieces of print information can be associated with one piece of order information. The print order information storage device 501 has a function of storing a plurality of order information.
[0035]
The print order receiving unit 204 is automatically activated by an external unit or activated by an operator's operation. In response to an operator instruction, the printing unit 502 has a function of extracting print data stored in the print order information storage device 501 and transmitting the print data to the printing device 303 (X) and instructing the printing device 303 (X) to perform printing. Have. The print order information management unit 503 has a function of listing the status of print order data stored in the print order information storage device 501 by an operator's operation.
[0036]
The status registration unit 205 registers the availability of the printing device 303 (acceptable, temporary suspension, etc.) in the printing device availability information storage unit 210 in the database 203 of the center server 102 in accordance with an operator's instruction, and prints that have been ordered. The data processing status (print standby, print end, etc.) is registered in the print order information storage unit 209 in the database 203 of the center server 102.
[0037]
The external print request unit 207 activated from the print order information management unit 503 in response to an operator instruction uses the status search unit 206 to print the printer availability information from the printer availability information storage unit 210 in the database 203 of the center server 102. , Select the print server 103 (X) that can make an external print request, and bring the print order data selected from the print order data stored in the print order information storage device 501 to the external print request information storage device 504 The file is compressed and converted into a package file, the file is sent to the selected print server 103 (X) using a known electronic mail system or the like, and the external print request information storage device 504 stores the external print request information. The print order information management unit 503 displays that the print order data has a status of “external print request”, and restricts the print processing of the print order data.
[0038]
The printing device availability information is information in which items such as a printer status and an e-mail address are collected using a printing management device number and a printer code as keys. The external print request information is information in which items such as a request destination print management apparatus number and a request date are collected using an order number as a key. The external print request information storage device 504 has a function of storing a plurality of print order data and external print request information taken out from the print order information storage device 501.
[0039]
Bring-in means 208 activated from print order information management means 503 according to an operator's instruction decompresses / decompresses data sent by a known e-mail system or the like, and print orders stored in external print request information storage device 504 It has a function of storing data in the print order information storage device 501.
[0040]
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the external print request process. The print order information storage device 501, the external print request unit 207, and the external print request information storage device 504 in FIG. 5 are described in detail. The print order information storage device 501 includes an order information storage unit 601 in the HDD 409 that has an order number, a print management device number, an orderer number, an order date, a print status, and the like, and stores order information. A print-related information storage unit 602 having a format such as a number, a print data number, a print service type, the number of copies, the number of orders, the number of pages, a printer number, and the like, and storing print information, and a print output by the printing device 303 The print data storage unit 603 stores data.
[0041]
The external print request unit 207 is a program that can be used by being read from the program ROM 403 into the RAM 402, a data acquisition processing unit 604, a data storage processing unit 605, and an external print request in the external print request information storage device 504 described later. A data deletion processing unit 606 that deletes external print information from the information storage unit 610.
[0042]
The external print request information storage device 504 includes an order number / print management in the FDD 410 or the HDD 409 in which the print order data extracted from the print order information storage device 501 by the data acquisition processing unit 604 is stored by the data storage processing unit 605. An order information storage unit 607 that stores the order information with the format of device number, orderer number, order date, print status, etc., and the order number, print data number, print service type, number of copies, number of copies, page A print-related information storage unit 608 having a format such as number / printer number and storing printing information, a print data storage unit 609 storing print data to be printed out by the printing apparatus 303, and an HDD 409. Requested external printing with the format of order number, request destination print management device number, request date, etc. And an external print request information storage unit 610 Metropolitan that stores information over data.
[0043]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the format of the external print request information storage unit 610. The external print request information table 700 includes an order number 701 for storing the order number of print order data requested for external print, and a request destination print management apparatus number 702 for determining which print management apparatus has requested printing. The request date 703 stores the date when the external print request processing was performed, and the comment 704 stores arbitrary information related to the external print request.
[0044]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a database image of the external print request information storage unit 610. Here, a file image 800 is shown when the database information is expanded into a file so that the above-described format diagram stored in the database can be easily understood.
[0045]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the formats of the order information storage unit 601 in the print order information storage device 501 and the order information storage unit 607 in the external print request information storage device 504. One table is created for each order unit. Is done. The difference between 601 and 607 is that 601 is in the HDD 409, and 607 is what is extracted from 601 and stored in the HDD 409 or FD 413. The order information table 900 includes an order number 901 for storing the order number of the print order data, a print management apparatus number 902 for determining which print management apparatus has accepted the print order, and a person for placing an order. Orderer number 903, order date 904 for storing the date of accepting the order, printing for storing status such as “print standby”, “printing completed”, “external print request” to determine the status of the printing process In the case of a system in which the price is paid for the status 905 and the print order, the price 906 stores the price.
[0046]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the formats of the print-related information storage unit 602 in the print order information storage device 501 and the print-related information storage unit 608 in the external print request information storage device 504. A table is created. The difference between 602 and 608 is that 602 is in the HDD 409, and 608 is what is extracted from the 602 and stored in the HDD 409 or FD 413. The print related information table 1000 can include an order number 1001 for storing the order number of the print order data associated with the order number 901 of the order information table 900, and a plurality of print data for each order unit. A print data number 1002 for storing a number for distinguishing print data, a print service type 1003 for distinguishing with what kind of margin the print data is printed, and the number of print copies for storing how many copies are actually printed 1004, an order number 1005 for storing the number of requested copies, a page number 1006 for storing the number of pages of the print data document, and a printer number 1007 for distinguishing printers to be printed out Is done.
[0047]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the format of the printing device availability information storage unit 210 in the database 203 of the center server 102. The number of printing devices is created. The printing device availability information table 1100 includes a printing management device number 1101, a printer code 1102 for distinguishing the printing device connected to the printing management device, and a printer status 1103 for registering the printing device availability (available / unavailable state). The e-mail address 1104 is used as a contact address when an external print request is made and when the requested processing is notified.
[0048]
FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the bringing-in process, and describes the external print request information storage device 504, the bringing-in means 208, and the print order information storage device 501 in FIG. 5 in detail. The external print request information storage device 504 stores the order information having the format of the order number, print management device number, orderer number, order date, print status, etc. of the print data requested to be externally printed by another print management device. An order information storage unit 607, and a print-related information storage unit having a format such as an order number, print data number, print service type, number of copies, number of copies, number of pages, printer number, etc., and storing printing information 608 and a print data storage unit 609 that stores print data to be printed out by the printing apparatus 303.
[0049]
The bringing-in means 208 includes a data acquisition processing unit 1201 that is a program that is read from the program ROM 403 into the RAM 402 and can be used, and a data storage processing unit 1202.
[0050]
The print order information storage device 501 includes an order information storage unit 601 in the HDD 409 that has an order number, a print management device number, an orderer number, an order date, a print status, and the like, and stores order information. A print-related information storage unit 602 having a format such as a number, a print data number, a print service type, the number of copies, the number of orders, the number of pages, a printer number, and the like, and storing print information, and a print output by the printing device 303 The print data storage unit 603 stores data.
[0051]
FIG. 13 shows an example of a screen image that is operated when the operator performs external print request processing by the external print request unit 207. FIG. 14 shows an example of a screen image that is operated when the operator performs a carry-in process by the carry-in means 208.
[0052]
Hereinafter, an outline of a series of processes will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 15 illustrates a process in which an operator in charge of a print management apparatus requests print processing to another print management apparatus, and FIG. 16 prints print request data requested by the operator from another print management apparatus. FIG. 17 illustrates processing when an operator receives a notification that processing that has been requested for external printing from another printing management apparatus has been completed.
[0053]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing operation at the time of an external print request. The operator takes out the print data of the print order information storage device 501 to the external print request information storage device 504 by the external print request unit 207, and performs other print management. This represents processing for requesting printing to the apparatus.
[0054]
The print order received by the print order receiving means 204, which is a program that is read from the program ROM 403 into the RAM 402 by the print order information management means 503, which is a program that can be read from the program ROM 403 into the RAM 402 and used by the operator. A list of data (information in the order information table 900 and the print related information table 1000) is displayed on the CRT 406 (step S1). Here, from the list of print order data displayed on the CRT 406 in step S1 described above, the operator selects an order to be subjected to an external print request (step S2). Then, when the operator selects an external print request process according to the screen display displayed on the CRT 406, an external print request process screen is displayed on the CRT 406 (step S3).
[0055]
Next, the status search unit 206, which is a program that is read from the program ROM 403 into the RAM 402 and becomes available, selects a printing device that matches the printer number 1007 of the print related information table 1000 related to the external print request target order in the center server 102. A search is performed by comparing with the print management apparatus number 1101 of the printing apparatus availability information table 1100 of the printing apparatus availability information storage unit 210, and the external print request destination candidate is displayed on the external print request processing screen on the CRT 406 (step S4). ).
[0056]
Here, in accordance with the operator's instruction, a folder to which external print request information is taken out is selected (step S5), and when an external print request destination is selected from the external print request destination candidates displayed in step S4 described above ( In step S6), a screen for allowing the operator to select whether or not to start external print request processing is displayed on the CRT 406 by the external print request means 207, which is a program that is read from the program ROM 403 into the RAM 402 and becomes available ( Step S7) If the operator does not wish to start the external print request process, a series of external print request processes are stopped. If the operator wishes to start the external print request process, an order number folder is created as a data storage location in the take-out destination folder selected in step S5 (step S8).
[0057]
The data acquisition processing unit 604 reads the order information of the selected order from the order information storage unit 601 in the HDD 409 onto the RAM 402 (step S9), and the data storage processing unit 605 reads the folder created in step S8 described above. The order information is stored in the order information storage unit 607 (step S10).
[0058]
The data acquisition processing unit 604 reads into the RAM 402 the print related information of the selected order from the print related information storage unit 602 in the HDD 409 and the print data of the selected order from the print data storage unit 603 in the HDD 409. (Step S11), the data storage processing unit 605 stores the printing related information in the printing related information storage unit 608 of the folder created in the above step S9, and stores the printing data of the folder created in the above step S9. Print data is stored in the unit 609 (step S12).
[0059]
The data storage processing unit 605 compresses the folder storing the order information storage unit 607, the print related information storage unit 608, and the print data storage unit 609 into a package file (step S13), and the center server 102 in step S4 described above. The package file is transmitted using the known electronic mail system to the request destination selected in the above-described step S6 from the printing device availability information acquired from (step S14). The data storage processing unit 605 receives the order information read in step S9, the printing related information read in step S11, and the request destination printing apparatus information selected in step S6. Based on this, it is stored in the external print request information table 700 of the external print request information storage unit 610 in the HDD 409 (step S15).
[0060]
From step S3 described above, the external print request screen displayed on the CRT 406 is closed (step S16), and the external print request unit 207 is also ended. Upon receiving the end of the external print request unit 207, the print order information management unit 503 sets the print status 905 of the order information table 900 of the order information storage unit 601 for which the external print request process has been performed to “external print request”. The print status of the list of print order data displayed on the CRT 406 (information in the order information table 900 and the print related information table 1000) is also displayed as “external print request” (step S17), and the print is requested. In order to prevent double printing with the other print management apparatus, the print processing is restricted for the order on the screen (step S18).
[0061]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation for bringing print data requested from another print management apparatus. An operator of another print management apparatus sends the print order data stored in the print order information storage device 501 to the external print request unit 207. Represents a process of bringing the print order data taken out to the external print request information storage device 504 and sent by e-mail to the print order information storage device 501 by the bring-in means 208.
[0062]
A list of print order data (information in the order information table 900 and the print related information table 1000) received by the print order receiving unit 204 is displayed on the screen displayed on the CRT 406 by the print order information management unit 503 (step S21). Next, in accordance with the screen display displayed on the CRT 406 by the operator, the bring-in process 208 is loaded on the CRT 406 by the bring-in means 208 that is a program that is read from the program ROM 403 into the RAM 402 and becomes available. It is displayed (step S22).
[0063]
Next, the package file received from another print management apparatus by e-mail or the like is expanded and decompressed to be an external print request information storage apparatus 504 (step S23). A data acquisition processing unit 1201 in the bringing-in means 208 reads a list of data requested to be printed on the RAM 402 from the order information storage unit 607 in the external print request information storage device 504, and a bring-in processing screen displayed on the CRT 406. Is displayed in the list of data to be printed (step S24).
[0064]
By the operator's instruction, an order to be brought in is selected on the screen displayed on the CRT 406, and a screen for allowing the operator to select whether or not to start the carry-in processing is displayed according to the screen displayed on the CRT 406. When displayed on the CRT 406 (step S25) and the operator does not wish to start the carry-in process, the series of carry-in processes is stopped. When the operator wishes to start the carry-in process, the data acquisition processing unit 1201 in the carry-in means 208 receives the order information of the selected order from the order information storage unit 607 in the external print request information storage device 504. The data is stored in the RAM 402 (step S26), and the data storage processing unit 1202 stores the order information such as the print management apparatus number of the print request source in the order information storage unit 601 in the HDD 409 (step S27).
[0065]
Next, the data acquisition processing unit 1201 reads the print-related information of the selected order from the print-related information storage unit 608 in the external print request information storage device 504 onto the RAM 402, and prints the selected order print data. The data storage processing unit 1202 reads the print related information from the print data storage unit 609 in the external print request information storage device 504 into the RAM 402 (step S28), stores the print related information in the print related information storage unit 602 in the HDD 409, and stores the print related information in the HDD 409. The print data is stored in the print data storage unit 603 (step S29).
[0066]
From step S22 described above, the carry-in screen displayed on the CRT 406 is closed (step S30), and the carry-in means 208 is also terminated. Upon receiving the end of the bringing-in means 208, the print order information management means 503 refers to the order information storage unit 601 and the print-related information storage part 602 of the order that has been brought in, and prints displayed on the CRT 406. A list of order data (information in the order information table 900 and the printing related information table 1000) is updated and displayed, the order that has been brought in by the operator is selected (step S31), and the screen displayed on the CRT 406 is displayed. A screen that allows the operator to select whether or not to start the printing process is displayed on the CRT 406 by the printing unit 502 that is a program that is read from the program ROM 403 into the RAM 402 and becomes available (steps S32 and S33). If you did not wish to start the printing process, It is aborted.
[0067]
When the operator desires to start the printing process, the print data in the print data storage unit 603 is transferred to the printing device 303 (X) based on the information in the print related information storage unit 602 in the print order information storage device 501. And print processing is performed (steps S34 and S35). From step S32 described above, the print screen displayed on the CRT 406 is closed (step S36), and the printing unit 502 is also terminated. Upon receiving the end of the printing unit 502, the print order information management unit 503 displays the print processing status on the list of print order data (information on the order information table 900 and the print related information table 1000) displayed on the CRT 406. Is updated to “printing end” and displayed (step S37).
[0068]
In response to an operator's instruction, a print request is made using a known electronic mail system, and the other print management apparatus requesting the received print request order is notified that printing has ended (step S38). The requested print order that has been brought in is deleted (step S39). The operator sends the printed matter printed in the above-described step S35 by mail or the like to an administrator of another print management apparatus that is an external print request source or an orderer who has ordered printing using the client computer 101. (Step S40).
[0069]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing processing for confirming completion when receiving a notification that printing has been completed from another print management apparatus to which an external print request has been made. This represents processing for deleting data from the external print request information storage unit 610 and registering “printing completed” in the center server 102 by the status registration unit 205 so that the orderer can discriminate.
[0070]
When a notification indicating that the printing process has been completed is received from another print management apparatus that has requested printing by a known electronic mail system (step S41), the data deletion processing unit 606 in the external print requesting unit 207 causes the HDD 409 to delete it. The corresponding order information is deleted from the external print request information table 700 of the external print request information storage unit 610 in the external print request information storage device 504 (step S42). Then, the print order information management unit 503 changes the print status 905 in the order information table 900 of the order information storage unit 601 in the HDD 409 of the corresponding order from “external print request” to “print standby” and displays it on the CRT 406. The print status displayed as “External print request” for the corresponding order in the list of print order data (information in the order information table 900 and the print related information table 1000) on the displayed screen is updated to “print finished” and displayed. In step S43, the print processing restricted on the screen to prevent double printing with another print management apparatus that has requested printing is canceled (step S44).
[0071]
Next, the print order information 209 in the database 203 in the center server 102 is updated by the status registration means 205 which is a program that is read from the program ROM 403 into the RAM 402 by the print order information management means 503 and can be used. The print processing status of the print order is set to “printing completed” so that the orderer using 101 can determine the print processing status (step S45).
[0072]
According to the present embodiment, it is possible to request printing to another print management apparatus in a situation where the printing apparatus cannot be used, and it is possible to manage the list of print data that is being requested for external printing, and other requests can be received. It is also possible to prevent double printing with other print management apparatuses.
[0073]
Next, after the data is sent from the center server 102 to the print server 103 (X), it is determined whether printing is possible based on the data, and if possible, the order is confirmed. If printing is not possible due to the fact that the data cannot be handled due to too many orders from the data, the operator of the print server 103 (X) cancels the order and sends it to the center server 102 together with the cancellation information. The process of notifying the user will be described.
[0074]
FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a processing unit group operating in the center server (central management apparatus) 102, a storage device group for storing information, control between the processing unit group and the storage device group, and an information flow. FIG. In the figure, reference numerals 202, 1801, 1802 and 1803 denote processing means, which are denoted by the same reference numerals as those described with reference to FIG. 2 and the server order processing means 202 shown in FIG. 18 are the same as those described as the order receiving processing means 202 in FIG. These processing means are modules that are read from the ROM 403, HDD 409, or FDD 410 shown in FIG. 4 and expanded in the RAM 402 and operate as part of the program used by the CPU 401.
[0075]
18, reference numeral 209 denotes a print order information storage device, 210 denotes a print server information storage device, and 1804 denotes an orderer information storage device, which are denoted by the same reference numerals as those described in FIG. The print order information storage unit 209 briefly described in FIG. 2 is described in detail in FIG. 18 as the print order information storage unit 209. In FIG. 2, the print order availability information storage unit 210 is described. Is the print server information storage device 210 in FIG. 18, and the printing device availability information storage unit 1815 stores the printing device availability information in FIG.
[0076]
These information storage devices store information using at least one of the HDD 409, the RAM 402, and the FDD 410 in the central management device 102 of the center server using a file system or a database system. The information stored in the information storage devices 209, 210, and 1804 can be directly accessed with specific keys and conditions. Moreover, the arrows shown in FIG. 18 represent main ones among the control between the processing means and the information flow.
[0077]
The relationship between the information processing device (the central management device 102 of the center server) and the internal processing means and information storage device is expanded in the RAM 402 as needed through the KBC 407 according to information and instructions input from the KB 408 by the user. It is transmitted to the CPU 401. The CPU 401 calculates the necessary processing means and information stored in the information storage device from the ROM 403, HDD 409, FDD 410, RAM 402, etc. to the RAM 402 and transmits the information to the CPU 401. Information of the calculation result is written in an information storage device existing in the HDD 409, the FDD 410, or the like. At the same time, if the result calculated by the CPU 401 is necessary, the result information is displayed on the CRT 406 via the VRAM 405. Transmission among the CPU 401, RAM 402, ROM 403, NETIF 404, VRAM 405, KBC 407, HDD 409, and FDD 410 is performed through the transmission bus 400.
[0078]
Hereinafter, each processing means and information storage device will be described in detail. Here, an administrator (operator) who manages the center server operates the central management device (center server) 102. The server order processing means 202 shown in FIG. 18 is a processing means that operates in the central management apparatus 102, and is represented by the Internet when a user who wants to place a print order uses the browser browsing apparatus 201 of the client computer 101. Based on the data sent through the network 100, the orderer information is confirmed by comparing with the data in the orderer information storage unit 1813 in the orderer information storage unit 1804 in the central management unit 102, and the ordered print order is made. The order number is set in the order number of the order information for the data, stored in the order information storage unit 1810 of the print order information storage device 209 in the central management apparatus 102, and the order number and the order number in the print related information The print data number is set and associated with the print data, and the print order information storage device in the central management device 102 is stored. The print-related information 209 print-related information storage unit 1811 has a function of storing print data in the print data storage unit 1812.
[0079]
Here, the order information is information in which items such as an orderer number, order date, order status, and price are collected using the order number as a key, and is stored in the order information storage unit 1810 in the print order information storage device 209. . The print-related information is information about print data in which items such as print service type, number of copies, number of copies, number of pages, job status, print management device number, etc. are collected using the order number and print data number as keys. In the print order information storage device 209, the print-related information storage unit 1811 stores the print data, and the print data storage unit 1812 stores the print data. A plurality of pieces of print related information can be associated with one order information. The print order information storage device 209 has a function of storing a plurality of order information.
[0080]
Note that the server order processing means 202 is automatically activated by an external means, or activated by an operator's operation.
[0081]
The distribution processing unit 1801 is a processing unit that operates in the central management apparatus 102 and includes a print order notification processing unit 1805 and a print order data distribution processing unit 1806. First, the print order notification processing unit 1805 prepares distribution data to the print management apparatus related to the specified order number and print data according to an instruction from the server order processing means 202, and uses the print management apparatus number of the print related information as a key. By retrieving the print management device information storage unit 1814 in the print server information storage device 210, the e-mail address of the contact address of the print server 103 (X) including the print management device of the data distribution destination is acquired, and the print order is obtained. Notify that there is a known e-mail mechanism. Further, the print order data distribution processing unit 1806 responds to the request from the print order receiving unit 204 of the print management apparatus 301 of the print server 103 (X) notified from the print order notification processing unit 1805, and performs print order notification processing. The corresponding distribution data prepared by the unit 1805 is distributed.
[0082]
Note that the distribution processing unit 1801 is automatically activated by an external unit, or activated by an operator's operation.
[0083]
On the other hand, the processing status management unit 1802 is a processing unit that operates in the central management apparatus 102, and includes a processing status reference processing unit 1807, a processing status registration processing unit 1808, and a processing status notified processing unit 1809. And manage job status. This order status is a processing status related to orders such as server orders, printing site orders, delivery completed, printing site order cancellation, etc., from when the user places an order until the printed output is delivered. It is stored in the order information storage unit 1810 of the print order information storage device 209. This status can be referred to by the user using the browser browsing apparatus 201 of the client computer 101.
[0084]
Job status refers to server reception completed, server distribution standby, server distribution, server distribution completed, print base received, print base print standby, print base printing, from user order to delivery of printed output. This is a processing status relating to a print job such as print base printing completion, and is stored in the print related information storage unit 1811 of the print order information storage device 209 in the central management apparatus 102. Since a plurality of pieces of print related information can be associated with one order information, the associated order status is advanced as the plurality of associated job statuses progress.
[0085]
The processing status reference processing unit 1807 receives the order status of the corresponding order from the order information storage unit 1810 of the print order information storage device 209 based on an instruction requested by the user through the network 100 by using the browser browsing device 201 of the client computer 101. Refer to and return. The processing status notified processing unit 1809 is notified of the processing status from the status registration unit 205 of the print management apparatus 301 of the print server 103 (X), and receives processing status data. When the received processing status is “print base order cancellation”, the cancel information describing the reason why the print server 103 (X) cannot accept the order is received together with the processing status data.
[0086]
The processing status registration processing unit 1808 registers the processing status data received by the processing status notified processing unit 1809 in the corresponding job status in the print related information storage unit 1811 of the print order information storage device 209, and orders if necessary. The order status in the information storage unit 1810 is updated. When the received processing status is “print base order cancellation”, the processing status data is registered and the cancel information notification unit 1803 is activated.
[0087]
Note that the processing status management unit 1802 is automatically activated by an external unit, or activated by an operator's operation.
[0088]
The cancellation information notification unit 1803 is a processing unit that operates in the central management apparatus 102 and notifies the user of cancellation information. The cancellation information notification unit 1803 is activated by the processing status management unit 1802 and receives cancellation information. The e-mail address of the corresponding user is acquired from the orderer information storage unit 1813 of the orderer information storage device 1804 using the orderer number of the delivered cancellation information as a key, and the cancellation information is obtained using a known e-mail mechanism. Notice.
[0089]
FIG. 19 shows an overview of a processing unit group that operates in the print management apparatus 301 that is the print server 103 (X), a storage device group that stores information, a control between the processing unit group and the storage unit group, and an information flow. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a control and information flow between the print management apparatus 301 and the printing apparatus 303, and mainly describes a print order confirmation process. In FIG. 19, reference numerals 204, 205, 502, 503, and 1901 denote processing means, which are denoted by the same reference numerals as those described with reference to FIGS.
[0090]
The processing of the status registration unit 205 described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5 is equivalent to the processing of the printer status registration processing unit 1909 in the status registration unit 205 in FIG. These processing means are modules that are read from the ROM 403, HDD 409, or FDD 410 shown in FIG. 4, expanded in the RAM 402, and used as a part of the program used by the CPU 401.
[0091]
In FIG. 19, reference numeral 501 denotes a print order information storage device, and 1907 denotes a temporary print information storage device. Information is obtained using at least one of the HDD 409, RAM 402, and FDD 410 in the print management device 301 using a file system or database system. Store. Information stored in the information storage devices 501 and 1907 can be directly accessed with specific keys and conditions. The arrows shown in FIG. 19 represent main ones among the control between the processing means and the information flow. A flow across the print management apparatus 301 and the printing apparatus 303 is transmitted to the printing apparatus 303 when connected via the network 302 through the NETIF 404. The other flow across the print management apparatus 301 and the printing apparatus 303 is transmitted to the PRT 412, that is, the printing apparatus 303 via the PRTC 411.
[0092]
The difference between the printing apparatus 303 and the PRT 412 is only the connection form with the print management apparatus 301. That is, when the print management apparatus 301 and the printing apparatus 303 are directly connected, the printing apparatus 303 and the PRT 412 are the same apparatus.
[0093]
The relationship between the information processing apparatus (print management apparatus 301) and the processing means and information storage apparatus therein is expanded in the RAM 402 as needed through the KBC 407 and transmitted to the CPU 401 according to information and instructions input from the KB 408 by the user. The CPU 401 calculates the necessary processing means and information stored in the information storage device from the ROM 403, HDD 409, FDD 410, RAM 402, etc. to the RAM 402 and transmits the information to the CPU 401. Information of the calculation result is written in an information storage device existing in the HDD 409, the FDD 410, or the like. At the same time, if the result calculated by the CPU 401 is necessary, the result information is displayed on the CRT 406 via the VRAM 405. Transmission among the CPU 401, RAM 402, ROM 403, NETIF 404, VRAM 405, KBC 407, HDD 409, and FDD 410 is performed through the transmission bus 400.
[0094]
Hereinafter, each processing means and information storage device will be described in detail. Here, the operator (operator) who executes the print output process operates the print management apparatus 301. A print order receiving unit 204 shown in FIG. 19 is a processing unit that operates in the print management apparatus 301 and includes a print order information reception processing unit 1902 and a print order data reception processing unit 1903. First, the print order information reception processing unit 1902 receives an email indicating that there is a print order from the distribution processing unit 1801 of the central management apparatus 102 of the center server, and interprets the content of the received email. The print order data reception processing unit 1903 requests distribution of print order data corresponding to the distribution processing unit 1801 of the central management apparatus 102 of the center server based on the information obtained by interpreting the email received by the print order information reception processing unit 1902. And the received print order data is stored in the temporary print order information storage device 1907 in the print management apparatus 301.
[0095]
The temporary print order information storage device 1907 has the same configuration as the print order information storage device 501, and stores the received print order data until the operator performs an order confirmation process.
[0096]
Note that the print order receiving means 204 is automatically activated by an external means, or activated by an operator's operation.
[0097]
19 is a processing unit that operates in the print management apparatus 301, and includes a print order data confirmation processing unit 1904, a print order confirmation processing unit 1905, and a print order cancellation processing unit 1906. . The operator uses the print order data confirmation processing unit 1904 to determine whether or not an order can be received from the contents of the order information and printing related information stored in the temporary print information storage device 1907, and the print order data confirmation processing unit 1904. The printing unit 502 started from the printer performs partial temporary printing of the print data in the temporary printing information storage device 1907, and determines whether printing is possible from the printing result.
[0098]
If the operator determines that the print order data confirmation processing unit 1904 can accept the corresponding print order data, the print order confirmation processing unit 1905 is used to express the intention of “order”. Then, the print order confirmation processing unit 1905 moves the corresponding print order data temporarily stored in the temporary print information storage device 1907 to the print information storage device 501, and sets the job status to “print base print standby” and the order status. Is set to “print base order” and notified to the status registration means 205.
[0099]
If the operator determines that the order of the corresponding print order data cannot be received using the print order data confirmation processing unit 1904, the operator intends to cancel using the print order cancel processing unit 1906 and communicates it to the user. Create “cancellation information” that describes the reason for cancellation. Then, the print order cancel processing unit 1906 deletes the corresponding print order data temporarily stored in the temporary print information storage device 1907, sets the order status to “print base order cancel”, and the status along with “cancel information”. The registration unit 205 is notified. The print order determination means 1901 is activated by an operator's operation.
[0100]
A status registration unit 205 illustrated in FIG. 19 is a processing unit that operates in the print management apparatus 301 and includes a processing status registration processing unit 1908 and a printer status registration processing unit 1909. The processing status registration processing unit 1908 displays the “processing status” related to the print order data notified from the print order determination unit 1901 in response to an instruction from the operator or an instruction from the print order determination unit 1901 and the cancel processing. The “cancellation information” is notified to the processing status management means 1802 of the central management apparatus 102 of the center server. The printer status registration processing unit 1909 notifies the processing status management unit 1802 of the central management device 102 of the center server of the availability of the printing device 303 (acceptable, temporary suspension, etc.) according to an operator instruction.
[0101]
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the format of the order information storage unit 1810 in the print order information storage device 209 of the center server (central management device) 201, and one table is created for each order unit. The order information table 2000 includes an order number 2001 for storing the order number of the print order data, an orderer number 2002 for distinguishing the user who placed the order, an order date 2003 for storing the date and time when the order is received, and the user places an order. Order status 2004 for storing processing status related to orders such as “server order”, “print site order”, “delivery completed”, “print site order cancellation”, etc. In the case of a system in which the price is paid, the price 2005 stores the price.
[0102]
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a format of the print related information storage unit 1811 in the print order information storage device 209 of the center server (central management device) 102, and a plurality of tables are created for each order unit. The print related information table 2100 can include an order number 2101 for storing the order number of the print order data associated with the order number 2001 of the order information table 2000, and a plurality of print data for each order unit. A print data number 2102 for storing a number for distinguishing print data, a print service type 2103 for distinguishing with what margin the print data is printed, and the number of print copies for storing how many copies are actually printed 2104, the number of copies 2105 for storing the number of copies requested for printing, the number of pages 2106 for storing how many pages the document of the print data is composed, and the time from when the user places an order until the printed output is delivered. "Server received", "Server delivery standby", "Server delivery in progress", "Server delivery complete" Job status 2107 for storing the processing status relating to the print job such as “print base received”, “print base print standby”, “print base printing in progress”, “print base print completed”, etc., print output request destination print management apparatus For example, a print management apparatus number 2108.
[0103]
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the format of the print management device information storage unit 1814 in the print server information storage device 210 of the center server (central management device) 102, and the number of print management devices is created. In FIG. 11, it has been described that 210 is a printing device availability information storage unit, but for further detailed explanation, 210 is divided into a printing management device information storage unit 1814 and a printing device availability information storage unit 1815. What is described as the printing apparatus availability information table 1100 in FIG. 11 corresponds to the printing apparatus availability information storage unit 1815 in FIG.
[0104]
The print management apparatus information table 2200 is a print management apparatus number 2201, a print management apparatus status 2202 for registering the operation status (available / unusable state) of the print management apparatus, and a contact for notifying print order information. -mail address 2203, a print management apparatus is installed, and is composed of a location 2204 as a delivery source when the print output result is delivered to the user.
[0105]
In performing the above-described external print request process, when the status reference unit 206 in the print management apparatus 301 of the print server 103 selects another print management apparatus, it is most important to suppress the delivery fee to the user. This location 2204 is also used as information when selecting a print management apparatus close to the address.
[0106]
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the format of the printing device availability information storage unit 1815 in the print server information storage device 210 of the center server (central management device) 102, and is created for the number of printing devices. In FIG. 11, it has the same meaning as that described as the printing apparatus availability status information table 1100.
[0107]
The printing device availability information table 2300 includes a printing management device number 2301, a printer code 2302 for distinguishing the printing device connected to the printing management device, and a printing device status for registering the operating status (available / unusable state) of the printing device. 2303, a printable service type 2304 indicating a type of print service that can be printed by the printing apparatus, and the like.
[0108]
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the format of the orderer information storage unit 1813 in the orderer information storage device 1804 of the center server (central management device) 102, and stores information on users who use the print order system according to this embodiment. To do.
[0109]
The orderer information table 2400 includes an orderer number 2401 for uniquely identifying a user, an orderer name 2402 for storing the user's name, and cancel information when a print order canceling process is performed on the print management apparatus side. An e-mail address 2403 for storing a notification destination when a notification is sent from the notification means 1803 by e-mail, an expiration date 2404 for storing an expiration date of the orderer number 2401, and the like.
[0110]
Hereinafter, an outline of a series of processes will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. Here, a process in which the operator of the print management apparatus 301 that is the print server 103 (X) confirms the print order and a process in the central management apparatus 102 that is the center server after confirming the print order will be described.
[0111]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the processing operation when a print order is received in the print management apparatus 301. The operator confirms the print order using the print order determination means 1901 and confirms the order, or cancels the order. To express.
[0112]
First, when the print order information management means 503, which is a program that can be read and used from the program ROM 403 to the RAM 402, is activated by the operator of the print management apparatus 301 (step S101), the program is read and used from the program ROM 403 to the RAM 402. The print order information reception processing unit 1902 of the print order order receiving unit 204 activated by the print order information management unit 503 is an e-mail from the print order notification processing unit 1805 of the distribution processing unit 1801 of the central management apparatus 102. The electronic mail to the effect that there is a print order is received and the contents are interpreted (step S102).
[0113]
Next, the print order data reception processing unit 1903 that has received an instruction from the print order information reception processing unit 1902 connects to the print order data distribution processing unit 1806 of the distribution processing unit 1801 of the central management apparatus 102, and the corresponding print order data is received. Receive (step S103). In step S104, the print order data reception processing unit 1903 has the same configuration as that of the print order information storage device 501, and corresponds to the temporary print information storage device 1907 that temporarily stores the print order data until an order is confirmed. The received print order data is arranged.
[0114]
The operator is a program that is read from the program ROM 403 into the RAM 402 and can be used. Temporary printing displayed on the CRT 406 by the print order data confirmation processing unit 1904 of the print order determination unit 1901 activated by the print order information management unit 503. The order information of the corresponding print order data stored in the information storage device 1907 and the print related information are confirmed (step S105). When the operator determines that the corresponding order cannot be received from the order contents displayed on the screen on the CRT 406 in step S105 because the number of copies of the order is too large to be handled, the operator displays on the displayed screen. The “order cancel” button is pressed, and the process proceeds from step S106 to step S118. This order cancellation process will be further described later.
[0115]
If it is determined in step S106 that the order can be received, the “provisional printing” button on the displayed screen is pressed, and the process proceeds to step S107 to be read from the program ROM 403 into the RAM 402 and used. Using the printing unit 502 activated by the print order determination unit 1901, the operator issues an instruction to temporarily print out the corresponding print data, and the activated printing unit 502 activates the temporary printing information storage device 1907. The corresponding print data is extracted from the print data, and a print output instruction for the extracted print data is issued to the printing apparatus 303. The operator takes out the printed output result from the printing apparatus 303.
[0116]
Then, the operator cannot receive the corresponding order because there is a clear error in the data output from the print result output in step S107 or the output result desired by the user is clearly different. If it is determined, the “order cancel” button on the screen displayed on the CRT 406 is pressed, and the process proceeds from step S108 to step S118. This order cancellation process will be further described later.
[0117]
If it is determined in step S108 that the corresponding order can be received, the "order confirmation" button on the displayed screen is pressed to proceed to step S109, and the print order confirmation processing unit 1905 performs provisional printing. The corresponding print order data temporarily stored in the information storage device 1907 is moved to the print order information storage device 501. As a result, the contents of the corresponding print order data are displayed on the print order data list screen displayed on the CRT 406 by the print order information management means 503. Then, the print order confirmation processing unit 1905 sets the job status of the corresponding print order data to “print base print standby”, sets the order status to “print base order”, is read from the program ROM 403 into the RAM 402 and used. The status registration unit 205, which is a possible program, is activated, and the processing status is notified to the processing status registration processing unit 1908 (step S110).
[0118]
Next, the processing status registration processing unit 1908 that has received the notification from the print order confirmation processing unit 1905 processes the corresponding print order data with respect to the processing status notified processing unit 1809 of the processing status management unit 1802 of the central management apparatus 102. The status is notified (step S111). Next, when the operator selects the corresponding print order data from the print order data list screen displayed on the CRT 406 by the print order information management unit 503 and presses the “print” button, the printing unit 502 is started and started. The printed printing unit 502 extracts the corresponding print data from the print order information storage device 501, and issues a print output instruction for the extracted print data to the printing device 303. Thereafter, when the print output in the printing apparatus 303 is completed, the operator takes out the print output result (step S112).
[0119]
Next, the printing unit 502 that has recognized the end of the print output in the printing apparatus 303 notifies the print order information management unit 503 that the print output has ended, and the print order information management unit 503 that has received the notification The job status of the print order data is set to “print base printing completed”, the status registration unit registration unit 205 is activated, and the processing status is notified to the processing status registration processing unit 1908 (step S113). On the other hand, the processing status registration processing unit 1908 that has received the notification from the print order information management unit 503 gives the processing status of the corresponding print order data to the processing status notified processing unit 1809 of the processing status management unit 1802 of the central management apparatus 102. Is notified (step S114).
[0120]
Next, the operator takes an action of delivering the printed output result printed in step S112 to the user according to the method selected by the user who has placed the print order such as mailing, home delivery or direct delivery (step S115). Next, on the screen displayed on the CRT 406 by the print order information management means 503, the operator selects the corresponding print order data and presses the “delivered” button, so that the order status of the corresponding print order data is displayed. Set to “delivered” and the print order information management means 503 sets the status Climbing The recording unit 205 is activated to notify the processing status registration processing unit 1908 of the processing status (step S116). Next, the processing status registration processing unit 1908 that has received the notification from the print order information management unit 503 processes the corresponding print order data with respect to the processing status notified processing unit 1809 of the processing status management unit 1802 of the central management apparatus 102. By notifying the status, a series of processes for receiving the print order data is completed (step S117).
[0121]
In step S106 or S108 described above, when the operator determines that the corresponding order cannot be received and presses the “order cancel” button on the screen displayed on the CRT 406, the print order cancel processing unit 1906 displays the screen. In accordance with the instruction displayed above, “cancellation information” describing the reason that the order cannot be received is created (step S118). Next, in step S119, the print order cancellation processing unit 1906 deletes the corresponding print order data temporarily stored in the temporary print information storage device 1907 (step S119).
[0122]
Next, the print order cancellation processing unit 1906 sets the order status of the corresponding print order data to “print base order cancellation”, activates the status registration unit 205, and sends the processing status and “cancellation information” to the processing status registration processing unit 1908. The processing status registration processing unit 1908 notifies the processing status notification processing unit 1809 of the processing status management unit 1802 of the central management apparatus 102 of the processing status of the corresponding print order data and “cancellation information”. Thus, a series of processes when canceling the order of the print order data is finished (step S120).
[0123]
FIG. 26 shows processing when a processing status is sent from the print management apparatus 301 after distributing print order data to the print management apparatus 301 as the print server 103 (X) in the center server (central management apparatus) 102. 10 is a flowchart showing processing operations centered on status management means 1802;
[0124]
First, the processing status management unit 1802, which is a program that is automatically started by an external unit or read from the program ROM 403 to the RAM 402 and activated by an operator's operation, is used. Is received from the processing status registration processing unit 1908, and the received processing status information is read (step S201). Next, the print status registration processing unit 1808 instructed from the processing status notified processing unit 1809 determines the received processing status, and if the order status is “print order received” or “delivered”. Proceeding from step S202 to step S203, the processing status registration processing unit 1808 updates the corresponding order status 2004 in the order information storage unit 1810 of the print order information storage device 209 to “print base order” or “delivered”, The corresponding job status 2107 in the print related information storage unit 1811 is updated to “print base print standby” or “print base print end” according to the received job status. If the job status is “print base printing completed”, the series of processing is completed by setting the number of printed copies based on the information received together with the processing status in the number of printed copies 2104 of the printing related information storage unit 1811. (Step S203).
[0125]
If the received order status is “print base order cancellation” in step S202, the process proceeds to step S204, and the processing status notified processing unit 1809 receives “cancellation information” sent together with the processing status data. (Step S204). Then, the processing status registration processing unit 1808 updates the corresponding order status 2004 in the order information storage unit 1810 of the print order information storage device 209 to “print base order cancellation” (step S205). Next, the processing status registration processing unit 1808 receives the “cancellation information” received by the processing status notified processing unit 1809 in step S204 described above, is read from the program ROM 403 into the RAM 402, and is canceled information that can be used. The notifying unit 1803 is activated and “cancellation information” is delivered (step S206).
[0126]
As a result, the cancellation information notification unit 1803 extracts the orderer number from the “cancellation information” delivered from the processing status registration processing unit 1808, and the orderer number from the orderer information storage unit 1813 in the orderer information storage device 1804. The e-mail address of the user corresponding to is acquired (step S207). Then, the cancellation information notification means 1803 creates an e-mail addressed to the e-mail address acquired in step S207 describing the contents of the above-mentioned “cancellation information”, and uses the known e-mail mechanism to send the e-mail. Is sent to end the series of processes (step S208).
[0127]
As described above, according to the embodiment, after the data is sent from the center server to the print server, it is possible to cancel the order received by the print server operator in a series of processes. It is possible to convey the information to the user.
[0128]
[Other Embodiments]
Software program for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments for an apparatus or a computer in the system connected to the various devices so that the various devices are operated to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. What is implemented by supplying a code and operating various devices in accordance with a program stored in a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is also included in the scope of the present invention.
[0129]
In this case, the program code of the above-described software itself realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself constitutes the present invention. As a transmission medium of the program code, a communication medium (wired line or wireless line such as an optical fiber) in a computer network (LAN, WAN such as the Internet, wireless communication network, etc.) system for propagating and supplying program information as a carrier wave Etc.) can be used.
[0130]
Furthermore, means for supplying the above program code to the computer, for example, a recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Here, as a recording medium for storing the program code, for example, a magnetic disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.
[0131]
Further, when the computer executes the supplied program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS (operating system) or other application in which the program code is running on the computer. Needless to say, the program code is included in the present invention even when the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized in cooperation with software or the like.
[0132]
Further, after the supplied program code is stored in the memory provided in the function expansion board of the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit based on the instruction of the program code Needless to say, the present invention also includes a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by performing part or all of the actual processing.
[0133]
It should be noted that the shapes and structures of the respective parts shown in the above-described embodiments are merely examples of specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention, and these limit the technical scope of the present invention. It should not be interpreted. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit or the main features thereof.
[0134]
【The invention's effect】
As explained above, according to the present invention, The print order information is deleted and the printability notification is sent in the flow of a series of processes for print orders via the Internet, saving the administrator's trouble. be able to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram for explaining a printing system.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram for explaining an overview of control and information flow in a printing system.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the print server 103 in detail.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a specific configuration of a print management apparatus.
FIG. 5 illustrates a processing unit group that operates in the print management apparatus 301, a storage unit group that stores information, an overview of control and information flow between the processing unit group and the storage unit group, and the print management apparatus 301 and printing. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of the control between apparatuses 303, and the flow of information.
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining external print request processing, and is a diagram for explaining the print order information storage device 501, the external print request unit 207, and the external print request information storage device 504 in detail.
7 is a diagram illustrating a format of an external print request information storage unit 610. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a database image of an external print request information storage unit 610;
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a format of order information storage units 601 and 607;
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a format of print-related information storage units 602 and 608;
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a format of a printing apparatus availability information storage unit.
FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram for explaining bringing-in processing, and is a diagram for explaining in detail the external print request information storage device 504, the bringing-in means 208, and the print order information storage device 501;
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen image operated when external print request processing is performed.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen image operated when carrying-in processing is performed.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation when an external print request is made.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for bringing print data requested from another print management apparatus.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing processing for confirming completion when receiving a notification that printing has been completed from another print management apparatus to which an external print request has been made.
FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a processing unit group that operates in the center server (central management apparatus) 102, a storage device group that stores information, an overview of control and information flow between the processing unit group and the storage device group; FIG.
FIG. 19 illustrates a processing unit group that operates in the print management apparatus 301 that is the print server 103 (X), a storage device group that stores information, an overview of control between the processing unit group and the storage unit group, and an information flow. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an outline of control and information flow between the print management apparatus 301 and the printing apparatus 303.
20 is a diagram showing a format of an order information storage unit 1810 in a print order information storage device 209 of a center server (central management device) 201. FIG.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a format of a print related information storage unit 1811 in the print order information storage device 209 of the center server (central management device) 102.
22 is a diagram illustrating a format of a print management apparatus information storage unit 1814 in the print server information storage apparatus 210 of the center server (central management apparatus) 102. FIG.
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a format of a printing device availability information storage unit 1815 in the print server information storage device 210 of the center server (central management device) 102.
24 is a diagram showing a format of an orderer information storage unit 1813 in the orderer information storage device 1804 of the center server (central management apparatus) 102. FIG.
FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation when a print order is received in the print management apparatus.
FIG. 26 shows processing when a processing status is sent from the print management apparatus 301 after distributing print order data to the print management apparatus 301 as the print server 103 (X) in the center server (central management apparatus) 102. 10 is a flowchart showing processing operations centered on status management means 1802;

Claims (10)

A print order receiving system including a central management device that receives print order information from a client device via a network, and a print management device that causes the printing device to execute print processing based on the print order information,
The central management device is:
Previous Kishirushi printing managing apparatus includes a transfer means for transferring the print order information from the client device,
The print management apparatus includes:
Receiving means for receiving the print order information transferred by the transferring means;
Storage means for storing print order information received by the receiving means;
A determination input means for inputting the result and the reason is determined whether or not it is possible to print based on the received print order information by the receiving means by the printing device,
Creating means for creating determination reason information from the reason for determination input by the determination input means;
A notification means for notifying the central management device of the determination reason information created by the creation means when the result of the judgment input by the judgment input means indicates that printing is impossible ;
A deletion unit that deletes the print order information stored in the storage unit before the notification by the notification unit when the determination result input by the determination input unit indicates that printing is not possible. Print ordering system characterized by that.   The print order receiving system according to claim 1, wherein the reason for the determination input by the determination input unit relates to the number of prints designated by the print order information. Provisional printing processing means for causing the printing apparatus to execute printing based on the printing order information;
The print order receiving system according to claim 1, wherein the reason for the determination input by the determination input unit relates to a print result by the temporary print processing unit.   The print order receiving system according to claim 1, wherein the central management device further includes a transmission unit that transmits the determination reason information notified by the notification unit to the client device via the network.   The print order receiving system according to claim 4, wherein the transmission unit transmits the determination reason information as an electronic mail.   The print order according to claim 1, wherein the print management apparatus includes a transfer instruction input unit that inputs an instruction to transfer the print order information received by the receiving unit to another print management apparatus. system. A print management apparatus that receives print order information from a client apparatus via a network via a central management apparatus, and causes the printing apparatus to execute print processing based on the print order information,
Storage means for storing print order information received from the central management device;
A determination input means for inputting the result and the reason is determined whether or not it is possible to print based on the received print order information by the printing apparatus,
Creating means for creating determination reason information from the reason for determination input by the determination input means;
A notification means for notifying the central management device of the determination reason information created by the creation means when the result of the judgment input by the judgment input means indicates that printing is impossible ;
A deletion unit that deletes the print order information stored in the storage unit before the notification by the notification unit when the determination result input by the determination input unit indicates that printing is not possible. A print management apparatus. The print management apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the reason for the determination input by the determination input unit relates to the number of prints instructed by the print order information. Provisional printing processing means for causing the printing apparatus to execute printing based on the printing order information;
The print management apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the reason for the determination input by the determination input unit relates to a print result by the temporary print processing unit. The print management apparatus according to claim 7 , further comprising a transfer instruction input unit that inputs an instruction to transfer the print order information received by the reception unit to another print management apparatus.

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