JP4307208B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing apparatus control method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a print service server for managing print data of a print service, order input / management, etc. with a plurality of clients, such as an in-company print system using a network and a public print system using the Internet, and print data The present invention relates to an information processing technique used in the print service field including a shop system that manages a plurality of printers that perform the printing process.

  Conventionally, in print services, the order information for the first printing and the information such as the print format set by the user are managed on the print service server side, and the print data from the client is previously based on the information. When performing again, it is necessary to log in to the server once and perform selection, input processing, and the like many times.

Conventionally, Patent Document 1 has already been published as this type of prior art.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-118095 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-118095 discloses a process for registering a print job by monitoring a submission status on a folder created on a server.

  However, the information required for the printing process may differ for each job, and even if the submitted job is the same, it takes time and effort to repeat the same print settings. The problem that the operation burden by the operator on the side increases was pointed out.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide order information set by a user by a first printing process in a system for uploading print data on a client side. By setting the print format information as property information on any specific storage area, it is possible to switch the order / print format for each specific storage area. By providing a print service system and print processing method capable of freely constructing a print service processing environment capable of changing order information and print appearance information, a storage medium storing a computer-readable program, and a program is there.

  In addition, in the print service system using the network, in the system for uploading print data on the client side, it is possible to simplify the second and subsequent print requests by providing the function of the specific storage area. Another object of the present invention is to provide a print service system and print processing method capable of freely constructing a print service processing environment and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program and a program.

  Furthermore, in a system that processes print data files in a specific storage area on the client side in a print service system using a network, the function of the specific storage area includes not only a list display of print data files in the specific storage area. A print service system capable of confirming the order information and print appearance information set by the user as property information, and freely constructing a print service processing environment capable of confirming the preview of the print data file and the contents of the thumbnail, A print processing method and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program and a program are provided.

According to the present invention , in an information processing apparatus that processes print data using a hot folder, when the print data is input to the hot folder, a detection unit that detects the input of the print data and the print data are printed Setting means for setting print setting information to be used from the setting screen, hot folder creating means for instructing creation of a hot folder on the setting screen, and when the print data is input to the hot folder, A print control unit that performs a print process of the print data that has been input using print setting information; and a transfer unit that transfers the print data stored in the hot folder to an external print control device, the detection The setting screen is displayed and the setting unit is displayed when it is detected that the print data is input to the hot folder by the unit. The print setting information can be changed, and the setting screen is displayed when the detection unit detects that the print data is input to the hot folder, and the setting unit changes the print setting information. When the creation of a new hot folder is instructed by the hot folder creation means, a new hot folder associated with the print setting information whose setting has been changed is created .

  According to the present invention, in the system for uploading print data on the client side, the order information and print appearance information set by the user by the first printing process are used as property information in any specific folder (specific storage area). ) By setting the above, it is possible to switch the order / print format for each specific folder, and further, it is possible to change the default order information and print format information on the specific folder on the client side Service processing environment can be built freely.

  In addition, in the print service system using the network, in the system for uploading print data on the client side, it is possible to simplify the second and subsequent print requests by providing the function of the specific folder. A print service processing environment can be freely configured.

  Further, in a system that processes print data files in a specific folder on the client side in a print service system using a network, the function of the specific folder includes not only the list display of print data files in the specific folder but also the user. The set order information and printing style information can be confirmed as property information, and a print service processing environment in which the print data file preview / thumbnail content can be confirmed can be freely constructed.

  Accordingly, a print service that allows a server to make a print request in accordance with the print service attribute set in the specific folder by inputting the document information for requesting the print service into the specific folder created during the new print service processing. The effect is that the processing environment can be freely constructed.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a print service system to which the printing system showing the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the print service system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of client host computers 400-1 and 400-2 (no limit on the number) that create printing data connected on a network NET. Similarly, one or more print service servers 700 that perform print data management, order input / management, and the like connected to the network NET, and a plurality of printers 1-1 and 1 that perform print data print processing. -2 and a plurality of shop systems 800-1 and 800-2 that perform actual printing processing. For the sake of explanation, when the client host computers 400-1 and 400-2 are collectively referred to as the client computer 400, the shop systems 800-1 and 800-2 may be collectively referred to as the shop system 800.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the client computer 400 shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, a client computer 400 includes a network controller 407 for exchanging various data with a print service server having a Web function, an operating system (OS) 405 for central control, application data, and print service document data. A hard disk 451 for temporary storage and storage of various data, a hard disk controller 450 for controlling it, a ROM / RAM memory 406, an instruction input means from the operator, a mouse 431, a keyboard 441 and their controllers 430, color display 412 for layout / editing / menu display, display memory 411, display controller 410, and client computer 400 A graphic manager 413 that performs various image processing, display processing, graphic creation processing, and the like, and data from an application program on the client computer 400 are printed via the graphic manager 413 for print service. Print service driver 461 that performs conversion processing to service document data 351, port monitor / spooler 460 that spools the converted print service document data, and hot folders 300-1 to 300- that temporarily store the data. N (generally described as a hot folder 300), manages data from the hot folder, performs connection processing with the print service server, and uploads various data It consists of Yobusabumitta 420..

  The hot folder 300 is displayed as a folder icon on the client computer 400, and not only the print service document data from the print service driver 461 but also arbitrary application data can be directly stored in the hot folder 300 by the user. It is possible to drag and drop.

  A plurality of 1 to N hot folders 300 can be created as shown in the figure, and are managed by the job submitter 420 using the hot folder profile management data 100.

  FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram showing the configuration of the print service server 700 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, the print service server 700 includes the following various managers.

  Web service manager 770 that performs general Web services, print service manager 701 that mainly manages the entire print service server, client manager 702 that performs various settings and management of print services from a plurality of clients, and print services from clients An order management manager 704 that manages requests in units of orders, a job management manager 705 that manages a plurality of print data as one print job, and one order may be composed of a plurality of jobs.

  A job combination manager 706 that merges a plurality of print data uploaded from the client computer 400 into one print data and performs a combination process, a job processing manager 707 that performs a print data preview process and a thumbnail creation process, and uploads from a client Print data 753, combined print data 753, a plurality of registered order information (orders) 750-1 to 750-N, and one or more job information (jobs) 752-1 to 752- N includes a storage manager 708 that manages storage data 780 linked to one or more print data 753-1 to 753-N for one job information.

  The storage manager 708 also stores the user name / user ID of the client and the user information 755 of the corresponding password.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the print shop printing system 800 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 4, the print shop printing system 800 can be configured in a plurality of locations, and the configuration on one shop side is a shop gateway 801 that communicates with the print service server 700 and performs overall management on the shop side. A process manager 802 for managing the print information, assigning a process to the management operator 830 for performing the print process, and managing the progress, and a print manager 803 for managing the print end / error process by performing printing on the printer 820. The shop gateway 801 is composed of a delivery manager 806 that manages delivery processing of printed and bound prints, and each operator assigned to a print job process performs print processing and input processing on the same shop network. A plurality of operators 810-1 to 81 to be performed -N, actual printing comprising a plurality of performing printer 820-1820-N are connected. The print result printed by one of the printers 820-1820-N is delivered as a printed matter to the print service requester by, for example, a delivery service. Note that the scope of the present invention is also applicable to the case where a charging process is involved.

  5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the types and functions of the hot folders shown in FIG. 2. In the present embodiment, there are two types of hot folders, and order information for the hot folders is shown. / The default hot folder 305 in which no print format information property is set, and the hot folder in which the print service up to printing is performed once and the order information / print format information property set on the print service is set There are 300. FIG. 5 corresponds to the configuration of the default hot folder 305, and FIG. 6 corresponds to the configuration of the hot folder 300.

  Only one default hot folder 305 shown in FIG. 5 exists in the client computer 400, and the general hot folder 300 can be created in an arbitrary number corresponding to the property of the order information / print format information set by the user. It has become.

  The default hot folder 305 is displayed as an icon on the client's host computer, and any number of existing application data 350 or print service document data 351-1 is used by using the mouse. By dragging and dropping onto the upper icon, the data is copied into the default hot folder, and the data is put into the folder.

  As another method, the user selects the print service driver 461 from the application and performs print processing.

  Thus, as described above, the print service driver 461 converts the data 350-1 from the application program into the print service document data 351-1 for the print service via the graphic manager 413, and the conversion is performed. The print service document data 350-1 to 350-3 are stored in the default hot folder via the port monitor / spooler 460.

  Further, the default hot folder 305 includes an original folder 301 and an error in the default hot folder 305 to which the data input by the above means is moved when the data is normally uploaded to the print service server 700. An error folder 302 that moves the target data when the error occurs, and a log folder 303 that stores log information of the processed print service.

  With these operations, the port monitor / supra 460 calls the job submitter 420 at the same time as the data is copied into the default hot folder 305.

  Here, the job submitter 420 displays the window of the default hot folder dialog 600 shown in FIG. 7 on the display 412.

  FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating an example of the default folder dialog displayed on the display 412 illustrated in FIG. 2, which is displayed on the display 412 by the job submitter 420.

  In FIG. 7, the name assigned to the folder is displayed in the title part 601, a menu part 602 in which menu processing such as general end is incorporated, a HotFolder property setting button 604 for setting hot folder properties, A list display unit 605 of data files input into the default hot folder, an information display unit 606 for displaying various information, and an upload button 607 for starting uploading data in the default hot folder to the print service server. .

  In the list display section 605 of the input data file, the file name of each file, the document name for identifying it, the data size, and the update date and time are displayed.

  Further, by clicking one file in the data file list display section 605 with the mouse 431, as shown in FIG. 8, a thumbnail display 611 of the data and document information 612 of the data file are displayed in the information display section. 606 is displayed.

  On the other hand, the general hot folder 300 is configured as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, and is the same as the default hot folder 305, and the same is applied to the data input method.

  The difference here is that the job submitter 420 shown in FIG. 5 holds and manages the order / print appearance property information 150 corresponding to each hot folder in the hot folder profile management data 421.

  Similarly to the default hot folder 305, when data is input into the hot folder 300, a hot folder dialog window shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display 412.

  9 to 11 are diagrams showing examples of the hot folder dialog displayed on the display 412 shown in FIG. 2, and the same components as those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  A difference from the default hot folder 305 is that there is a button 603 for displaying an order / print format information property set in the hot folder 300.

  As shown in FIG. 10, even when a file in the data file list display unit 605 is clicked with the mouse 431, the thumbnail and document information of the data file are displayed in the same manner as the processing of the default hot folder.

  When the button 603 for displaying / changing the order / print style information property is pressed, the order / print style property information is displayed in the information display section of the hot folder dialog shown in FIG. 11, and the user performs printing. In addition, the number of copies 621, finishing paper size 622, double-sided / single-sided finishing classification 623, color / monochrome printing mode 624, paper type 625 such as standard paper / coated paper, and how many pages are laid out in one sheet It is possible to confirm and change the layout 626 to be performed, bookbinding processing 627 such as staple binding, bookbinding binding, and punching ring processing, and the delivery destination 628 / address 629 / phone number 630 necessary for setting as an order. ing. In addition, it is arbitrary to add a mail address of the mobile phone.

  Before uploading to the print service server 700, the order / print style property information 150 set in the hot folder can be confirmed, and the contents of the setting can be changed in advance on the client side hot folder.

  The operation procedure using the hot folder mechanism in the print service system configured as described above will be described below.

  Hereinafter, a series of processes including the first print service process from the hot folder 300 creation process will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Data creation process by print service document driver>
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a hot folder creation process in the print service system according to the present invention.

  In FIG. 12, the user activates an application program on the client computer 400 as in process (P1) 501, and converts the document data into print service document data 351 for the print service by the print service driver 461. And created in the default hot folder 305.

<Direct application data input processing>
Note that the document data is directly dragged and dropped into the default hot folder 305 using the mouse 431 when there is already document data of the application or when uploading without conversion to the print service document data 351 is desired. At this time, the document data can be one or more file data.

<Receiving job submitter data>
The job submitter 420 is called when the job is submitted to the default hot folder 305, and the default hot folder dialog (see FIG. 7) is displayed.

  The data file input in the default hot folder 305 is displayed on the list display unit 605 as described above, and by clicking the file portion regarding the contents of each file, confirmation of thumbnails and confirmation of document information are performed. Can do.

  Here, when the contents are confirmed, the user presses the upload button 607 of the default hot folder dialog.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a login authentication screen displayed on the display shown in FIG.

<Login dialog display and authentication>
When the upload button 607 is pressed, the job submitter 420 displays a login dialog 650 shown in FIG. 13 on the display 412, and the user inputs a user name 651 or a user ID assigned in advance, and a password. Enter 652 and press the OK button BT1.

  At this time, by checking the save check box 653 so that the user name / password does not need to be input again, the job submitter 420 encrypts the information and saves it in the hot folder property management data 421. .

  Thereafter, the job submitter 420 sets and calls the login authentication Web address of the print service uniquely determined in advance by the process (P2) 502 to the address of the Web browser application.

  As a result, the Web service manager 770 of the print service server receives the user name / password from the job submitter 420 using the http protocol, and the client manager 702 manages the contents of the user name / password in the storage manager 708. It is determined whether the user information 755 matches.

  When user authentication is confirmed by the client manager 702, the web service manager 770 returns uniquely determined information indicating that authentication has been performed to the job submitter 420. Thereby, the job submitter recognizes that it has been authenticated.

<Uploading data>
The job submitter 420 uploads the data in the default hot folder 305 to the print service server side after confirming the authentication.

  The uploaded data is temporarily held in the storage manager 708 by the client manager 702.

<Print format settings>
In this way, when the upload is completed, the window of the web browser application is opened, and the process proceeds to the web processing of the print service.

  Here, for the uploaded data, as shown in FIG. 14, a web page for setting the print format is displayed on the web browser.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print service setting screen displayed on the display 412 illustrated in FIG. 2, and corresponds to a case where it is displayed on a web browser on the client computer 400.

  Here, in order to perform printing, the user performs printing 901, finishing paper size 902, double-sided / single-sided finishing classification 903, color / monochrome printing mode 904, standard paper / coated paper type 905, and one sheet. The number of pages to be laid out in the sheet of paper 906, and bookbinding processing 907 such as stapling, bookbinding, and punching ring processing are set in the web page. When going to the next process, the button 911 for the next process is pressed.

  At this time, the client manager 702 generates the job ID uniquely determined in the print service server and the input print format property information data with respect to the job management manager 705, and the job data is stored in the storage data 780. The data 752 is temporarily stored.

<Order setting>
Thus, after setting the print style, the user sets the order on the browser shown in FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the print service setting screen displayed on the display 412 illustrated in FIG. 2, and corresponds to an example of the order setting Web display displayed on the web browser on the client computer 400.

  As shown in FIG. 15, a delivery address 950, an address 951, a telephone number 952, and the like necessary for setting as an order are input.

  Then, after inputting the item, the button 911 for the next process is pressed. At this time, the client manager 702 requests the order management manager 704 to create order property information, generates an order ID code uniquely determined in the print service server 700, and is input by the user. Along with the user name / delivery destination / delivery destination address / delivery destination telephone number, the order property information data is linked to the previously stored job data to create the order data 750 in the storage data.

  The user displays a web page that displays the created order ID with the button 911 for the next process, and the user stores the ID. Here, a series of order processing of the print service is completed.

<Hot folder creation process>
If you want to create these settings as a hot folder on the client when entering print style settings or order settings, press the HotFolder creation button 913 on the print style settings and order settings screen on the screen shown in FIG. It becomes possible.

  At that time, the name 912 of the hot folder is input. Also, when creating a hot folder at the time of order setting, it is possible to specify with the check box 915 whether to include the contents of the print format set before that.

  As the hot folder property information specified by the user, the client manager 702 converts the order property and print format property information data 150 and hot folder name information on the client in the process (P6) 506 as shown in FIG. Transfer to job submitter 420.

  At this time, depending on the timing set by the user as described above, there may be a case where only the print appearance property is included or the information data 150 includes only the order property.

  As the process (P7) 507 shown in FIG. 12, the job submitter 420 creates the hot folder 300 on the client from the order / print appearance property information 150 transmitted from the print service server 700 and the hot folder name information. .

  At this time, the job submitter manages the hot folder property management data by linking with the hot folder created by adding the downloaded order / print appearance property information 150 as new hot folder information. As a result, a hot folder icon having contents designated by the user is created on the client.

<First print service processing>
After confirming the order ID issued on the print service server as described above, the shop manager 703 sends the order / print appearance property information 150 to the shop gateway 801 as the process (P3) 503 shown in FIG. Information such as order ID and job ID is transmitted.

<Print service processing at the shop>
Based on the information transmitted from the print service server 700, the process manager 802 of the shop gateway 801 allocates a job including designation of a printer for printing to an operator in the shop 800.

  The assigned operator designates the designated order ID / job ID on the web page from the operator PC to the shop manager 703 of the print service server 700, and the job data including the corresponding print data is stored on the shop. Download on the operator PC.

  At this time, the print data is print service document data or application data uploaded by the job submitter to the print service server.

  Each operator uses the printer driver on each operator PC 810 based on the print appearance property information instructed by the process manager to perform print processing on the printer 820 instructed by the process manager 802.

  At that time, the printer driver prints to the designated printer via the print manager 803, and the print manager always checks the completion of printing and confirmation processing such as the occurrence of an error, and receives the information. The process manager monitors the progress of printing as needed.

  When the bookbinding process is necessary offline when printing is completed, each operator performs the bookbinding process offline and inputs the progress to the process manager 802 via the operator PC 810. When the bookbinding process is completed and the printed matter is completed, the delivery process is performed. When the bookbinding process is completed, the operator PC inputs completion to the shop gateway delivery manager as described above.

  As a result, as shown in the process (P5) 505 shown in FIG. 12, the process manager returns the status of delivery completion to the print service server, and the shop manager 703 orders the corresponding order ID on the print service server 700. Update the status of information.

  Thereby, the first print service process of the user is completed.

  16 and 17 are flowcharts showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the print service system according to the present invention, and correspond to a series of processing procedures including a hot folder creation process and an initial print service process. In addition, (1601)-(1620) shows each step. As shown in FIG. 12, this process includes a step on the client computer 400 side, a step on the print service server 700 side, and a step on the shop 800 side. Then, a series of processing is executed.

  First, in step (1601), it is determined whether or not there is already data. If it is determined that there is no data, the user is in step (1603) and the client computer 400 is in process (P1) 501 as shown in FIG. The above application program is started, and in step (1604), the document data is converted into print service document data 351 for the print service by the print service driver 461, and is created in the default hot folder 305. Step (1605) Go to).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1601) that there is already application document data, or if it is desired to upload without converting to print service document data 351, the document data is directly defaulted in step (1602). Drag and drop to the hot folder 305 using the mouse 431. At this time, the document data can be one or more file data.

  In step (1605), when the job submitter 420 receives the data, the job submitter 420 is called when the data is input to the default hot folder 305, and the default hot folder dialog (see FIG. 7) is displayed.

  The data file input in the default hot folder 305 is displayed on the list display unit 605 as described above, and by clicking the file portion regarding the contents of each file, confirmation of thumbnails and confirmation of document information are performed. Can do.

  Here, when the contents are confirmed, the user presses the upload button 607 of the default hot folder dialog.

  When the upload button 607 is pressed, in step (1606), the job submitter 420 displays the login dialog 650 shown in FIG. 13 on the display 412, and the user can select a previously assigned user name 651 or user. Enter the ID, enter the password 652, and press the OK button BT1.

  At this time, the user name / password is received from the job submitter 420, and the client manager 702 performs user authentication to check whether the contents of the user name / password match the user information 755 managed by the storage manager 708.

  When user authentication is confirmed by the client manager 702, the web service manager 770 returns uniquely determined information indicating that authentication has been performed to the job submitter 420. Thereby, the job submitter recognizes that it has been authenticated.

  Next, in step (1607), the job submitter 420 uploads the data in the default hot folder 305 to the print service server side.

  The uploaded data is temporarily held in the storage manager 708 by the client manager 702. In this way, when the upload is completed, the window of the web browser application is opened and the process proceeds to the web processing of the print service.

  Next, in step (1608), as shown in FIG. 14, a web page for print format setting is displayed on the web browser for the uploaded data, and the print format setting is executed as described above.

  Then, after setting the print format, in step (1609), the user sets the order on the browser shown in FIG. Then, when the user presses the button 911 for the next process, a web page displaying the created order ID is displayed, and the user stores the ID. Here, a series of order processing of the print service is completed.

  When inputting print format settings or order settings, if you want to create these settings as hot folders on the client, create a HotFolder button 913 on the print format settings and order settings screen on the screen shown in FIG. When the button is pressed (1610), the client manager 702 converts the order property and print appearance property information data 150 and hot folder name information as hot folder property information designated by the user into a process (P6) as shown in FIG. ) In 506, the file is downloaded to the job submitter 420 on the client (1611).

  At this time, depending on the timing set by the user as described above, there may be a case where only the print appearance property is included or the information data 150 includes only the order property.

  Then, as a process (P7) 507 shown in FIG. 12, the job submitter 420 creates the hot folder 300 on the client from the order / print appearance property information 150 transmitted from the print service server 700 and the hot folder name information. Create (1612) and terminate the process.

  At this time, the job submitter manages the hot folder property management data by linking with the hot folder created by adding the downloaded order / print appearance property information 150 as new hot folder information. As a result, a hot folder icon having contents designated by the user is created on the client.

  On the other hand, when the first print service processing is started, after the set order job data is stored in the hot folder 300 (1613), the shop manager 703 executes the shop gateway as the process (P3) 503 shown in FIG. Order / print appearance property information 150 and information such as an order ID and a job ID are transmitted to 801 (1614).

  Then, the process manager 802 of the shop gateway 801 allocates a job including designation of a printer to perform printing to an operator in the shop 800 based on the information transmitted from the print service server 700 (1615). .

  Then, the assigned operator designates the designated order ID / job ID on the web page from the operator PC to the shop manager 703 of the print service server 700, and stores the job data including the corresponding print data in the shop. Download to the upper operator PC (1616).

  At this time, the print data is print service document data or application data uploaded by the job submitter to the print service server.

  Each operator uses the printer driver on each operator PC 810 based on the print appearance property information instructed by the process manager to perform print processing on the printer 820 instructed by the process manager 802 (1618).

  At that time, the printer driver prints to the designated printer via the print manager 803, and the print manager always checks the completion of printing and confirmation processing such as the occurrence of an error, and receives the information. The process manager 802 monitors the progress of printing as needed.

  When the bookbinding process is necessary offline when printing is completed, each operator performs the bookbinding process offline and inputs the progress to the process manager 802 via the operator PC 810. When the bookbinding process is completed and the printed matter is completed, a delivery process is performed (1619). When the bookbinding process is completed, the operator PC inputs completion to the delivery manager 806 of the shop gateway 801 as described above.

  As a result, as shown in the process (P5) 505 shown in FIG. 12, the process manager returns the status of delivery completion to the print service server, and the shop manager 703 orders the corresponding order ID on the print service server 700. The status of the information is updated (1620), and the process ends.

  Next, a process for using the created hot folder 300 will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Data input to the hot folder on the client>
FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a hot folder use process in the printing system according to the present invention, and the same components as those in FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In FIG. 18, as in the process (P11) 511, the user activates an application program on the client computer 400 in the same manner as in the default hot folder, and prints document data as print service document data for the print service. Conversion processing to 351 is performed by the print service driver 461. At this time, the user selects an arbitrary hot folder 300 on the UI of the print service driver, and the converted data is created in the hot folder.

  Similarly to the case of the default hot folder, when there is already document data of the application, or when you want to upload without converting to the print service document data 351, use the mouse directly to the hot folder 300. Then drag and drop.

<Check thumbnail / document information>
Then, the job submitter 420 is called when the job submitter 420 is input to the hot folder, and the hot folder dialog (see FIG. 9) is displayed.

  As with the default hot folder, the input data file can be checked for thumbnails and document information.

<Confirmation / change of order / print format information>
Next, when the user presses the button 603 for displaying / changing the order / print format information property, the order / print format property information is displayed in the information display section of the hot folder dialog shown in FIG. , Finishing paper size 622, double-sided / single-sided finishing classification 623, color / monochrome printing mode 624, paper type 625 such as standard paper / coated paper, etc. layout 626 of how many pages are laid out in one sheet In addition, it is possible to confirm or change the bookbinding processing 627 such as staple binding, bookbinding binding, and punching ring processing, and the delivery destination 628, address 629, and telephone number 630 necessary for setting as an order. .

  Before uploading to the print service server 700, the order / print appearance property information 150 set in the hot folder 300 is confirmed, and the setting contents are changed in advance on the client-side hot folder 300. Can do.

  If the user changes the default order / print appearance property information 150 here, the job submitter 420 treats the information as temporary, does not change the original order / print appearance property information, The temporarily stored order / print style property information is uploaded to the print service server.

  Here, when the content is confirmed / changed, the user presses the upload button 607 in the hot folder dialog.

<Login dialog display and authentication>
When the upload button 607 is pressed, the job submitter 420 displays the login dialog 650 shown in FIG. 13 on the display 412 as in the case of the default hot folder flow, and inputs the user name / password. The authentication confirmation is requested to the print service server, and the authentication is checked.

  If the save check box 653 is turned on so that the user name / password need not be input again, the login input process is omitted, and the subsequent authentication process can be performed.

<Uploading document data and property information>
The job submitter 420 is set in the document data 350/351 in the hot folder 300 and the hot folder 300 as shown in the process (P12) 512 shown in FIG. Alternatively, the order / print appearance property information 150 temporarily changed on the hot folder 300 is uploaded to the print service server 700 side.

  The uploaded data is temporarily held in the storage manager 708 by the client manager 702.

<Print format / confirmation of order information on the web>
Next, the client manager 702 displays the print format / order information on the web with the order / print format property information 150 set in the hot folder or temporarily changed in the hot folder as a default value. (Refer to FIGS. 14 and 15) and values are set. Therefore, the user does not need to perform the same setting again.

  If the user wants to change the value set on the hot folder, the value can be changed again on this web page.

  Then, as in the processing flow for the default hot folder, a new order ID is finally issued to the user, and thereafter, the shop gateway 801 as shown in the process (P13) 513 and the process (P14) 514 shown in FIG. Then, the print processing is performed on the shop side, and the print completion is notified to the print service server 700 as a process (P15) 515.

  Thereby, the order process and the print process based on the prescribed print setting using the hot folder are completed.

  19 to 21 are flowcharts showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the print service system according to the present invention, and correspond to a series of processing procedures including a hot folder creation process and an initial print service process. In addition, (1911)-(1931) show each step. As shown in FIG. 18, this process includes a step on the client computer 400 side, a step on the print service server 700 side, and a step on the shop 800 side. Then, a series of processing is executed.

  First, in step (1911), it is determined whether there is already data, and if it is determined that there is no data, the user is in the default hot folder as in process (P11) 511 shown in FIG. Similarly, the application program on the client computer 400 is started (1913), and the document data is converted into the print service document data 351 for the print service by the print service driver 461. At this time, the user prints An arbitrary hot folder 300 is selected on the service driver UI, and the converted data is created in the hot folder (1914), and the process proceeds to step (1915).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1911) that there is already application document data, or if it is desired to upload without conversion to the print service document data 351, the document data is directly defaulted in step (1912). Drag and drop to the hot folder 305 using the mouse 431. At this time, the document data can be one or more file data.

  Next, in step (1915), when the job submitter 420 receives the data, it is called when the data is input to the hot folder, and the hot folder dialog (see FIG. 9) is displayed (1916).

  As in the case of the default hot folder, the input data file is checked for thumbnails and document information (1917).

  Next, the user checks whether or not the button 603 for displaying / changing the order / print format information property has been pressed (1918), and if it is determined that the button has been pressed, the information display of the hot folder dialog shown in FIG. Order / print appearance property information is displayed on the copy, the number of copies 621, the finish paper size 622, the duplex / single-side finish classification 623, the color / monochrome print mode 624, the paper type 625 such as standard paper / coated paper, The number of pages to be laid out in a sheet of paper 626, bookbinding processing 627 such as staple binding, bookbinding binding, and punching ring processing, and the delivery destination 628, address 629, and telephone number 630 necessary for setting as an order Etc. is displayed (1920) and the process proceeds to step (1921).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1918) that the display / change button 603 has not been pressed, it is determined that the upload button 607 has been pressed, and the job submitter 420 determines the flow of the default hot folder. 13, the login dialog 650 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the display 412 (1919), the user name / password is input (1921), the authentication confirmation is requested from the print service server, and the authentication check is performed. (1922).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the job submitter 420 has confirmed the authentication (1923). If it has not been confirmed, an authentication error process is executed (1926), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1923) that the authentication has been confirmed, the document data 350/351 in the hot folder 300 and the hot folder 300 are stored in the process (P12) 512 shown in FIG. The order / print style property information 150 that has been set or temporarily changed on the hot folder 300 is uploaded to the print service server 700 (1924).

  The uploaded data is temporarily held in the storage manager 708 by the client manager 702.

  Then, it is determined whether or not all data and property information have been uploaded (1925). If it is determined that the upload has not been completed, the process returns to step (1924), and it is determined that the upload has been completed. Advances to step (1927).

  In steps (1927) to (1929), the client manager 702 sets the order / print appearance property information 150 that has been set in the hot folder 300 or temporarily changed in the hot folder as a default value. Display the print appearance / order information on the web (see FIGS. 14 and 15) and set values.

  Then, the data of the set order job is saved (1930), and a new order ID is finally issued to the user as in the processing flow at the time of the default hot folder. Thereafter, the process (P13) shown in FIG. ) At 513, the set order job data is transmitted to the shop gateway 801 (1931), and then the process proceeds to step (1615) shown in FIG.

  As described above, it is possible to simplify the second and subsequent printing requests by providing the hot folder function in the client-side print data upload mechanism in the print service system using the network. By setting the order information and print format information set by the user as property information in any hot folder in the first printing process, the order / print format can be switched for each hot folder. In addition, it is possible to realize an order / print format change for each hot folder on the client side.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  According to the above embodiment and the following embodiment, in the print service system using the network, in the mechanism of uploading print data on the client side, the function of the hot folder (specific folder) is provided, so that the second and subsequent times Printing requests can be simplified.

  In other words, it is possible to switch the order / print format for each hot folder by setting the order information and print format information set by the user in any hot folder as property information in the first printing process. In addition, it is possible to change the default order information and print appearance information on the client-side hot folder.

  Also, in the print service system using the network, in the mechanism of uploading the print data file by the hot folder on the client side, not only the list display of the print data file in the folder but also the user set in the hot folder function The order information and the print appearance information can be confirmed as property information, and the print data file preview / thumbnail content confirmation can be performed.

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the print service system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs readable by the print service system according to the present invention.

  Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIGS. 16, 17, and 19 to 21 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is stored in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

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

  Therefore, as long as it has the function of the program, the form of the program such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS is not limited.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD, etc. Can be used.

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

  As another program supply method, a browser of a client computer is used to connect to a homepage on the Internet, and the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is stored on a recording medium such as a hard disk from the homepage. It can also be supplied by downloading. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server, an ftp server, and the like that allow a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer are also included in the claims of the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer is actually executed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing a part or all of the process is included.

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

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.

  In the above embodiment, the print service system including the client computer 400, the print service server 700, and the shop system 800 has been described as an example. However, of course, the data processing apparatus, server, and service processing apparatus (printer and The present invention can also be applied to the control device), and the present invention can also be configured as each data processing device, server, and service processing device including means for configuring the print server system as described in claim 1. Needless to say, this is within the scope of disclosure of the invention.

1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a print service system to which a printing system showing a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the client computer shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print service server illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram explaining the detailed structure of the print shop printing system shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the classification and function of the hot folder shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the classification and function of the hot folder shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the default folder dialog displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the default folder dialog displayed on the display shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hot folder dialog displayed on the display shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hot folder dialog displayed on the display shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hot folder dialog displayed on the display shown in FIG. 2. It is a figure explaining the hot folder creation process in the print service system which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the login authentication screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print service setting screen displayed on the display illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print service setting screen displayed on the display illustrated in FIG. 2. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the print service system according to the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the print service system according to the present invention. It is a figure explaining the hot folder utilization process in the printing system which concerns on this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the print service system according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the print service system according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the print service system according to the present invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the storage medium which stores the various data processing program which can be read by the print service system which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

300 Hot folder (specific folder)
305 Default hot folder 400 Client computer 420 Job submitter 700 Print service server 800 Shop system

Claims (7)

In an information processing apparatus that processes print data using a hot folder,
Detecting means for detecting the input of the print data when the print data is input to the hot folder;
Setting means for setting print setting information used when printing the print data from a setting screen;
In the setting screen, hot folder creation means for instructing creation of a hot folder;
Print control means for performing print processing of the print data input using the print setting information when the print data is input to the hot folder;
Transfer means for transferring the print data stored in the hot folder to an external print control device;
When the detection unit detects the input of print data to the hot folder, the setting screen is displayed and the print setting information by the setting unit can be changed.
The setting screen is displayed upon detection of print data input to the hot folder by the detecting means, and when the print setting information is changed by the setting means, a new hot folder is created by the hot folder creating means. An information processing apparatus that creates a new hot folder associated with the print setting information whose settings have been changed when creation is instructed. The print control unit includes a holding unit that holds the hot folder and the print setting information in association with each other, and when the new hot folder is created, the holding unit stores the hot folder and the print setting information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an association between the print setting information whose setting has been changed and the new hot folder, separately from the association. The print control unit generates an event when the detection unit detects the input of print data, and causes the print data to be printed in response to the event. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a storage folder that moves and stores the print data that has been transferred by the transfer unit or has an error. A control method in an information processing apparatus that processes print data using a hot folder,
A detection step of detecting the input of the print data when the print data is input to the hot folder;
A setting step for setting print setting information used when printing the print data from a setting screen;
In the setting screen, a hot folder creation step for instructing creation of a hot folder;
A print control step for performing a printing process of the print data input using the print setting information when the print data is input to the hot folder;
A transfer step of transferring the print data stored in the hot folder to an external print control device,
When the detection step detects the input of print data to the hot folder, the setting screen is displayed and the print setting information in the setting step can be changed, and the print in the hot folder in the detection step can be changed. When the setting screen is displayed upon detection of data input, and when the print setting information is changed in the setting step, the creation of a new hot folder in the hot folder creation step is instructed. A control method characterized by creating a new hot folder associated with print setting information whose settings have been changed. The printing control step includes a holding step of holding the hot folder and the print setting information in association with each other, and when the new hot folder is created, the holding step includes the hot folder and the print setting information. 5. The control method according to claim 4, wherein the association between the print setting information whose setting has been changed and the new hot folder is maintained separately from the association. The print control step generates an event when the detection of the input of print data is detected by the detection step, and causes the print data to be printed in response to the event. The print control step includes a hot folder 6. The control method according to claim 4, further comprising: a storage folder that moves and stores the print data that has been transferred by the transfer step or has an error. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 4.

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