JP4322090B2 - Print management server, print management program, and image forming method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a print management server , a print management program, and an image forming method , and has, for example, a printer function or a copy function installed in a convenience store or a station for printing information such as contents instructed from a portable terminal or a personal computer. The present invention relates to what is to be printed by a printer device.

  Recently, a user or a related party registers file information (print reservation) from a mobile terminal or a personal computer to a print management server, or transfers and registers file information from a content providing apparatus to a print management server. A print network system that can print file information by using a remote print terminal connected to a print management server via a network when away from home is provided. In such a print network system, a file information storage unit and a printing unit thereof in a single image printing apparatus may be provided separately from each other.

As a single image printing apparatus, an apparatus for automatically selecting a compression ratio of a print image in accordance with a user's budget has already been proposed (see Patent Document 1), and such a technique can be applied to a print network system. Conceivable.
JP 2000-211111 A

  By the way, remote printing terminals, which are elements of a printing network system, are provided in various places, and the models and communication environments are also different. Therefore, the transmission speed of file information from the print management server to each remote printing terminal is not uniform, and some conventional print network systems have a compression function as transmission information, but the file information compression function Is not provided. Since the remote printing terminal model and communication environment are different, changing the compression rate according to the budget as in Patent Document 1 cannot be applied.

  For example, when the download time from the print management server to each remote printing terminal is long, some busy users are dissatisfied. Such users are concerned about download time rather than budget.

  Also in the print network system, it is preferable that the user can select the quality of the print image like a single copy machine. However, in a print network system, the content provided by the content providing server may be reserved for printing as file information to be printed. In the case of such file information (content), the specific contents of the file information are included. Since the user does not know, it is often difficult to determine how to select the image quality.

  Therefore, there is a demand for a print management server and a print management program that have further enhanced the download function from the print management server to each remote printing terminal or the print quality selection function to improve user convenience.

In order to solve this problem, the print management server according to the first aspect of the present invention captures and stores file information to be printed in response to a print reservation instruction from a user using the file registration instruction apparatus, A print management server that transfers file information to be printed to a remote printer terminal according to a print instruction from a user using an arbitrary remote printer terminal, and determines a compression process to be applied before receiving the print instruction. A prediction condition including at least the time required for the printing process in the remote printer terminal after receiving a print instruction when applying a compression process determined based on the acquired compression condition. an output time calculation means for calculating an output time, before receiving the print instruction, the output time calculation hand Sending means for sending display information to be displayed on the remote printer terminal including the expected output time to the remote printer terminal, and file information based on the compression conditions acquired from the remote printer terminal when a print instruction is received. Compression processing means for performing compression processing, and file information communication means for transmitting file information processed by the compression processing means to a remote printer terminal .

The print management program of the second aspect of the present invention captures and stores file information to be printed in response to a print reservation instruction from a user using a file registration instruction apparatus, and uses any of a plurality of remote printer terminals. In a print management program installed in a print management server that transfers file information to be printed to a remote printer terminal in accordance with a print instruction from a user who has received the print management server before receiving the print instruction , to get the compression condition for determining the compression process to be applied from a remote printer terminals, printing in at least a remote printer terminals from receiving the print instruction when applying the compression processing are determined on the basis of the acquired compression condition output time calculating means for calculating an expected output time including the time required for processing, prior to receiving a print instruction Fraud and mitigating risk display information for displaying the remote printer terminals including the expected output time by the output time calculation means sending means for sending to the remote printer terminals, when receiving the print instruction, in compressed condition acquired from the remote printer terminals A compression processing unit that performs compression processing on the file information based on the file information; and a file information communication unit that transmits the file information processed by the compression processing unit to the remote printer terminal. According to a third aspect of the present invention, a print management method stores file information to be printed in response to a print reservation instruction from a user using a file registration instruction device, and at the same time from a user using a remote printer terminal. In the image forming method for transferring file information to be printed from the print management server to the remote printer terminal according to the print instruction, and before receiving the print instruction , obtaining the compression condition set by the operation means; A step of displaying, on the display means of the remote printer terminal, an expected output time including at least the time required for the printing process at the remote printer terminal from the print instruction when the compression process determined based on the acquired compression condition is applied; and printing after receiving the instruction, based on the compression condition set by the operation means, Compressing the file information by the compression processing means, transmitting the file information processed by the compression processing means to the remote printer terminal, and printing the file information by the remote printer terminal. Features.

  According to the print management server and the print management program of the present invention, whether to compress the file information reserved for printing and transfer it to the remote printer terminal, and / or the compression mode to be applied is determined by the remote printer terminal from the transfer instruction Since the information output time until the end of printing is determined based on the expected indirect or direct total time or partial time, or print quality, and the file information is appropriately compressed and transferred, the information output time or User convenience can be improved in terms of print quality.

(A) First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a print management server and a print management program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(A-1) Configuration of First Embodiment As shown in FIG. 1, a print network system according to the first embodiment includes a file registration instruction device 2, a content providing server 3, a print on demand server 4, and a print file. It has a database 5, a printer device 6, and a printer controller 7, and a file registration instruction device 2, a content providing server 3, a print on demand server 4, and a printer controller 7 are connected via a communication network 1 such as the Internet. Here, a print file database 5 is provided in association with the print on demand server 4, and a printer device 6 is provided in association with the printer controller 7.

  In FIG. 1, all elements 2 to 4 and 7 having a function of connecting to a communication network are shown to be connectable via the same communication network 1, but a communication network related to connection between two elements May differ depending on the combination between the two elements.

  In FIG. 1, each element 2 to 7 is shown one by one. However, a plurality of elements may exist, and a plurality of file registration instruction devices 2, content providing servers 3, printer devices 6, printer controllers 7, etc. It is assumed that it exists.

  The print management server of the present invention may correspond to the print on demand server 4, may correspond to the content providing server 3, and may correspond to both the print on demand server 4 and the content providing server 3. . In the following description, it is assumed that the print on demand server 4 mainly corresponds to the print management server. In the case of the first embodiment, a set of the printer device 6 and the printer controller 7 is a remote printing terminal.

  The file registration instruction device 2 corresponds to an information processing terminal related to a user. The file registration instruction device 2 may be a personal computer or a portable terminal having a data communication function such as a cellular phone. The file registration instruction device 2 needs to have a browser function if the communication network 1 is the Internet.

  The file registration instruction apparatus 2 registers (print reservation) file information to be printed by the printer device 6 with respect to the print on demand server 4. The file information to be registered may be transmitted from the file registration instruction apparatus 2 or may be transferred from the content providing server 3 to the print on demand server 4. In the latter case, the content providing server 3 may be accessed from the file registration instruction device 2 and given to the print on demand server 4.

  The content providing server 3 corresponds to, for example, a server of a content providing company (content provider), and receives content (file information) that the user desires to print by exchanging data with the file registration instruction device 2 or the print on demand server 4. The print on demand server 4 is provided. In the description of operations described later, it is assumed that content (file information) is requested from the print on demand server 4 to the content providing server 3, and the content (file information) is transmitted to the print on demand server 4 at that time. Yes.

  The print-on-demand server 4 is a server that integrally performs file information registration, accounting for file information printing, user management, security management, printer controller (including printer device) management, print history management, and the like. It provides a print network service.

  The print-on-demand server 4 is installed with various programs (print management programs) 4P for executing characteristic operations to be described later, and performs the various types of management described above. The print management program 4P may be stored in the program ROM or may be installed in the print on demand server 4 via a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. It may be installed on the print on demand server 4 by downloading, or may be installed on the print on demand server 4 by key input or the like.

  The print file database 5 is a database that stores file information for printing. In the case of the first embodiment, the print file database 5 is controlled by the print on demand server 4.

  The printer device 6 is a printer installed in a convenience store, a station, or the like, or a device having a print function (multifunction device, FAX, copier, etc.), and prints file information for printing under the control of the printer controller 7. Is.

  The printer controller 7 corresponds to, for example, an MMK (multimedia kiosk) terminal, controls the printer device 6, and causes the printer device 6 to print out print file information given from the communication network 1 side. The printer controller 7 may be included in the printer device 6 as a function in the printer device 6. One printer controller 7 may control a plurality of printer devices 6 as will be described later.

  Since the file registration instructing device 2 is a portable terminal having a data communication function such as a personal computer or a mobile phone, a detailed description of its configuration is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the content providing server 3 includes a control unit 3a that controls the whole, an information output device 3b, an information input device 3c, a database 3d, an information communication unit 3e connected to the communication network 1, and the like.

  The control unit 3a corresponds to, for example, a CPU, ROM, RAM, software executed by the CPU, etc., and analyzes the communication information received by the information communication unit 3e, or contents (file information) required by the user in the database 3d. For example, the information may be taken out and transmitted from the information communication unit 3e.

  The information output device 3b corresponds to, for example, a printer, a display, an access unit of an external storage device, and the like, and outputs content, a journal, and the like stored in the database 3d to a maintenance worker or the like.

  The information input device 3c corresponds to, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, an OCR, an access unit of an external storage device, and the like, and inputs contents to be stored in the database 3d, update information thereof, and the like.

  The database 3d corresponds to, for example, an external storage device, and stores various contents and journals.

  The information communication unit 3e corresponds to, for example, a communication board or communication software, receives communication information supplied from the print-on-demand server 4 via the communication network 1, contents taken out from the database 3d, and a control unit The transmission information from 3a is transmitted to the print-on-demand server 4 via the communication network 1 or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the print-on-demand server 4 includes a control unit 4a that controls the whole, a management memory 4b, an information communication unit 4c connected to the communication network 1, a storage unit 4d, a compression module 4e, and the like. In addition, an information input device and an information output device for input / output of management information and the like are also provided.

  The control unit 4a corresponds to, for example, a CPU, ROM, RAM, software executed by the CPU (print management program 4P), etc., and performs predetermined processing by analyzing communication information supplied from the information communication unit 4c. The received file information is registered in the print file database 5, the necessary file information is read from the print file database 5 and stored in the storage unit 4d, or the file information is extracted from the storage unit 4d and transmitted from the information communication unit 4c. It is something to do. The control unit 4a performs file registration processing (print reservation processing) based on the file registration request received from the file registration instructing device 2, and generates a printing identification number required when printing is instructed. The correspondence between the identification number for use, the identification number of the user (or the identification number of the file registration instruction apparatus 2), and the specific information of the print file information is registered in the print management table 4b2 of the management memory 4b. is there.

  The management memory 4b corresponds to, for example, an external storage device, and includes a registration location table 4b1, a print management table 4b2, a user management table 4b3, a determination table 4b4, and the like. In addition, it also has a memory unit that manages payment amount information to the content provider.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the registration location table 4b1 stores the correspondence between the storage location information of each file information in the print file database 5 and the specific information (for example, file name) of the file information. .

  As illustrated in FIG. 5 and as described above, the print management table 4b2 specifies the print identification number, the user identification number (or the identification number of the file registration instruction apparatus 2), and the file information for printing. It stores the correspondence with information.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the user management table 4 b 3 includes an identification number of a user who can receive the printing service in the embodiment (or an identification number of the file registration instruction apparatus 2), a user's name and address, and the like. It stores the correspondence between information and the journal of usage status.

  The determination table 4b4 stores information for the compression module 4e to determine the compression method and the like when transferring file information to the printer device 6 side. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the determination table 4b4 is divided into a page size table 4b41, an image data compression method determination table 4b42, a printer controller table 4b43, a printer device table 4b44, and the like.

  The page size table 4b41 includes information for predicting the compressed size described later. That is, for each combination of paper size, resolution, and color / monochrome, an expected compression size and a compression method (print data storage format (for example, JPEG)) when created with raster data are described.

  The image data compression method determination table 4b42 includes raster data specific compression methods and compression parameters for each combination of the resolution and color / monochrome of the printer device 6 used for printing and the print data storage format (compression method). Is described. The second line in FIG. 7 is, for example, when the printer device 6 is a 600 dpi color printer and raster data to be printed is stored in JPEG, JPEG is used as the compression method, and the resolution is set to 300 dpi as the compression parameter. (Thus reducing the compression ratio to 1/30).

  The printer controller table 4b43 is provided for each printer controller 7 and is linked to the printer device table 4b44 related to the printer device 6 connected to the printer controller 7. The printer controller table 4b43 includes line speed, compression priority, connected printer device 6 and the like, and the printer device table 4b44 includes printing speed, resolution, color / monochrome correspondence, and the like. The compression priority may be one of a plurality of levels (for example, three levels) based on system factors such as the line speed of the printer controller 7 or business factors such as the printer controller 7 being frequently used. Set to

  The information communication unit 4c corresponds to, for example, a communication board or communication software, and executes communication with the file registration instruction device 2, the printer controller 7, and the content providing server 3 side.

  The storage unit 4d corresponds to, for example, a semiconductor memory group, and temporarily stores file information to be transferred to the printer device 6 side. In other words, the storage unit 4d functions as a storage unit for the compression queue.

  The compression module 4e may be configured by, for example, hardware dedicated to compression, and may be a CPU, ROM, RAM (may be the same as that configuring the control unit 4a), or software executed by the CPU (compression program) (A part of the print management program 4P)), and whether or not the file information to be transferred to the printer device 6 is compressed is determined by referring to the determination table 4b4, and the compression is executed as appropriate. Is.

  The print file database 5 corresponds to, for example, an external storage device provided in association with the print on demand server 4 and its access configuration, but a detailed description of the configuration is omitted.

  The file information for printing stored in the print file database 5 includes information on the file size, the number of print pages, resolution, and color / monochrome in addition to the print data main body as illustrated in FIG. The print data body described in PDL or PDF is normally described for each page, as shown in FIG. 9, and includes a drawing command for each page. The drawing command is a mixture of vector data such as line and text and raster data such as Bitmap: JPEG.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of the printer device 6 and the printer controller 7.

  The printer controller 7 is used as a distributed processing server, and has a control unit 7a for controlling the whole as shown in FIG. The control unit 7a includes a network interface 7b connected to the communication network 1, an HDD (or other storage device) 7c in which file information to be printed is appropriately stored, and one or more printer devices 6 accommodated therein. Are connected to printer interfaces 7d-1, 7d-2 that perform a communication interface via a data transfer bus (for example, a SCSI bus), an operation display unit 7e, and a decompression module 7f that decompresses compressed file information as necessary. ing.

  FIG. 10 shows a case where two printer devices 6 can be accommodated by one printer controller 7. The printer device 6 may be a pure printer, a copying machine, or a multifunction machine. FIG. 10 shows the case of a copying machine. The operation display unit 7e may be separated into an operation unit and a display unit, or may be a unit in which an operation unit such as a touch panel and a display unit are combined. If the expansion module 7f is realized by software, the expansion module 7f may be configured to be integrated with the control unit 7a.

  On the other hand, the printer device 6 corresponding to the copying machine is also provided with a control unit 6a for controlling the whole. The control unit 6a includes a CPU that controls the operation, a ROM that stores software for the operation of the printer device 6, a RAM that temporarily stores image data and other operational data, and the like.

  An automatic document feeder (ADF) 6b, a scanner unit 6c, a printer unit 6d, an operation panel 6e, an HDD 6f, and a controller interface 6g are connected to the control unit 6a.

  The automatic document feeder 6b and the scanner unit 6c are general ones as a copying machine. The printer unit 6d not only prints the original read image data by the scanner unit 6c, but also prints the print image data given from the printer controller 7.

  The operation panel 6e is used as a display input unit that includes a liquid crystal display unit with a built-in touch panel and hard keys such as a numeric keypad. Instructions such as various operations and settings are input by the touch panel and the hard keys, and the liquid crystal display unit The operation guidance and the error content guidance at the time of error are displayed. An operation for printing the file information may be performed on the operation display unit 7e of the printer controller 7.

  The HDD 6f is an external storage device represented by a hard disk in which data to be printed is stored, and print image data is also stored as appropriate. The compressed file information may be expanded by the printer device 6. In this case, after the compressed file information is stored in the HDD 6f, the expansion is executed.

  The controller interface 6g is connected to the printer controller 7 via a data transfer bus, and exchanges file information.

(A-2) Operation of First Embodiment Next, the operation of the print network system having the above configuration will be described with reference to the drawings.

(A-2-1) Registration operation of file information to be used for printing First, the system operation when the user registers (print reservation) file information to be printed by the printer device 6 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG. While explaining.

  The print file information to be printed by the printer device 6 may be transmitted by the user from the file registration instruction device 2 or may be extracted from the content providing server 3. The following description will be made assuming that the latter is the latter.

  The user performs an operation of taking out the file registration Web page related to the print on demand server 4 with respect to the file registration instruction device 2, and the file registration instruction device 2 selects the file registration Web page selected on the communication network 1 side. A transmission request (for example, URL) is transmitted (S1), the print-on-demand server 4 returns a file registration Web page to the file registration instruction apparatus 2 (S2), and the file registration instruction apparatus 2 receives the file registration Web page. Is displayed (S3).

  The user inputs information for authenticating himself (for example, the user identification number) in a predetermined input field of the file registration Web page to instruct transmission, and the file registration instructing apparatus 2 performs authentication. Information is transmitted (S4), and the print-on-demand server 4 authenticates the user (S5). If the authentication is OK, the print-on-demand server 4 transmits if the file information to be registered is transmitted by the user, and if the file information to be registered is provided by the content providing server 3 Authentication OK information including a message for requesting transmission of specific information is returned (S6), and the file registration instruction apparatus 2 displays the received information (S7). Although omitted in FIG. 11, if the authentication is NG, the print-on-demand server 4 returns that fact.

  FIG. 10 shows a case where the file information to be registered is file information (content) provided by the content providing server 3 as described above.

  When the user wants to register the content of the content providing server 3 as print file information, the user inputs information specifying the content providing server 3 and the content, and the file registration instruction device 2 specifies the content providing server 3 and the content. The registered file instruction information including the information to be transmitted is transmitted to the print on demand server 4 (S8).

  The print-on-demand server 4 that has received the registered file instruction information extracts the content providing server 3 and the information for specifying the content, and sends a content transmission request including the content specifying information to the content providing server 3 (S9). ), The received content is received (S10).

  Although omitted in FIG. 11, when a content transmission request is sent, a timer that manages the allowable reception time is started and content cannot be received within that time, or there is no corresponding content. When a reply is received from the providing server 3, the file registration instructing device 2 is notified to that effect, and the series of processing ends.

  Further, when the file information to be printed is given from the file registration instruction apparatus 2 instead of taking out the file information (content) to be printed from the content providing server 3, the processing part of the above-described steps S8 to S10 includes the file The file information is transmitted from the registration instruction device 2 to the print on demand server 4.

  When the content is received, the print-on-demand server 4 generates a printing identification number (S11), stores the received content in the print file database 5 (S12), and stores the registration location table 4b1, the print management table 4b2, and the like this time. Is updated according to the print reservation (S13).

  Finally, the print-on-demand server 4 transmits a registration completion notification including the generated print identification number to the file registration instruction apparatus 2 (S14). The file registration instruction device 2 displays a registration completion notification including the received printing identification number (S15). The user records the displayed printing identification number on paper or the like for later printing, or stores the information in the file registration instruction device 2 (for example, a portable terminal).

(A-2-2) File Information Printing Operation Next, the operation when printing registered file information will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

  The user goes to the vicinity of one of the printer devices 6 (and the printer controller 7) at an appropriate timing, and operates the operation display unit 7g of the printer controller 7 to register (print reservation) the file information print service mode. And information for authenticating itself is input (S21). At this time, the printer controller 7 transmits information for authentication to the print on demand server 4 (S22), and the print on demand server 4 performs authentication and returns an authentication result to the printer controller 7 (S23).

  Although omitted in FIG. 12, when the authentication result is NG, the printer controller 7 displays that fact and ends the series of processing. Note that user authentication may be omitted during such printing.

  When the authentication result is OK, the user inputs the printing identification number from the operation display unit 7g of the printer controller 7 (note that the printing identification number is stored in the portable terminal and the data transfer function allows Thus, the printer controller 7 may send the given print identification number to the print-on-demand server 4 (S24). The print-on-demand server 4 refers to the print management table 4b2 based on the received print identification number, and further refers to the registration location table 4b1, retrieves the corresponding file information from the print file database 5, and stores the storage unit 4d. Are buffered (S25), and a compression process described later is performed (S26). Thereafter, the compressed file information is transmitted to the printer controller 7 (S27).

  In practice, file information requests from many printer controllers 7 arrive at the print-on-demand server 4 almost simultaneously. Further, even if a plurality of compression modules 4f are provided, there may be a plurality of file information that must be processed by one compression module 4f. Although omitted in FIG. 12, the print-on-demand server 4 adjusts the processing order of file information to be compressed according to the compression priority of the printer controller 7 to form a compression queue, and in accordance with the order, Executes information compression processing.

  The printer controller 7 (and the printer device 6) develops the received compressed file information as necessary, and then causes the printer device 6 to print (S28). Thereafter, the printer controller 7 notifies the print-on-demand server 4 of the end of the printing process (S29), and the print-on-demand server 4 deletes the corresponding information from the print management table 4b2, or receives the file information from the storage unit 4d. Processing at the end, such as erasing or updating the journal and billing information in the user management table 4b3, is performed (S30).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the compression processing in step S26 described above, which is executed by the print on demand server 4.

  When the print-on-demand server 4 (the compression module 4e) starts the process shown in FIG. 13, it first takes out unprocessed data for one page (see FIG. 9) (S40). Thereafter, the extracted page data is scanned (the vector data portion uses the necessary size and position information), and the size (vertical and horizontal size) of the page is calculated (S41). In addition, the resolution and color / monochrome information is extracted from the printer device table 4b44 related to the printer device 6 that executes printing this time, and the expected compression size is calculated by referring to the page size table 4b41 using these pieces of information (S42). .

  Thereafter, the obtained size of the page is compared with the expected compressed size (S43). If the page size is larger than the expected compression size, the compression method and compression parameters are acquired and compressed for each raster data rendering command of the page with reference to the image data compression method determination table 4b42 (S44 to S46). ).

  On the other hand, if the page size is less than or equal to the expected compression size, the page data is converted to raster data (S47). Here, if the converted size is larger than the expected compression size, the page is compressed using the converted raster data as page data according to the page size table 4b41 and the image data compression method determination table 4b42 (S48). If the converted size is equal to or smaller than the expected compression size, step S48 is omitted.

  The processing in units of pages as described above is repeated until there are no unprocessed pages (S49). When there are no more unprocessed pages, the series of processes in FIG.

  When sending the compressed file information obtained in this way (which may be uncompressed) to the printer controller 7, the printer device 6 sends all print data from the beginning of the transfer to the head side. Information on the expected output time until printing is completed may be included and displayed by the printer controller 7. The expected output time is obtained from the transfer time determined by the data amount of the compressed file information and the line speed of the printer controller 7, the print time determined by the data amount of the compressed file information, the number of pages, and the print speed of the printer device 6 and the like. be able to.

  Depending on the type of compression method, the printer controller 7 may require decompression processing, but when the printer controller 7 receives file information compressed by such a compression method, the decompression module 7f. Will be printed after unfolding. In general, the amount of information is smaller than the original information even if it is developed.

(A-3) Effect of First Embodiment According to the first embodiment, the priority of compression is set for each printer controller, and the file information compressed at the compression timing corresponding thereto is transferred to the printer controller. As a result, when the compression priority is set by the line speed, the operating rate of the printer controller, or the like, the compression transfer according to the status of the printer controller can be performed. Also, since it is determined based on the amount of information before and after compression whether each page is compressed or transferred as it is, a reduction in transfer time can be expected.

(B) Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the print management server and print management program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The overall configuration of the print network system according to the second embodiment can also be represented by FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment. However, in the case of the second embodiment, the functions of the print on demand server 4 and the printer controller 7 are slightly different from those of the first embodiment. That is, in the first embodiment, the print-on-demand server 4 automatically determines the compression method and the like without depending on the instruction from the user. However, in the second embodiment, the user instructs the compression method and the like. In accordance with this, the functions of the print on demand server 4 and the printer controller 7 are slightly changed from those of the first embodiment.

  In the case of the second embodiment, the print-on-demand server 4 has an option formation table 4b5 as shown in FIG. 14 instead of the determination table 4b4 of the first embodiment. The option formation table 4b5 stores information used for option formation in a selection image (see FIG. 15 described later) that allows the user to select a compression method and the like. The option formation table 4b5 includes a printer controller table 4b51, a printer device table 4b52, a compression parameter range table 4b53, a compression parameter default range table 4b54, and the like.

  Since the printer controller table 4b51 and the printer device table 4b52 are the same as the correspondence tables 4b43 and 4b44 in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. The compression parameter range table 4b53 and the compression parameter default table 4b54 are linked to the printer controller table 4b51. The compression parameter range table 4b53 describes compression parameters (ranges) selectable by the user, which are determined by the capabilities of the printer controller 7 related to the printer controller table 4b51 and the printer device 6 connected thereto. For example, resolution and color / monochrome are described for each time zone. “Not compressed” is also prepared as a kind of compression parameter range table 4b53. The compression parameter default table 4b54 describes default values of compression parameters that can be selected by the user. For example, resolution and color / monochrome are described for each time zone.

  In the example of FIG. 14, the range that can be selected is shown depending on the capabilities of the printer controller 7 and the printer device 6 connected thereto, but in addition to this, the attributes of the file information used for compression are also shown. A selectable range may also be defined depending on (resolution, color / monochrome, etc.). For example, if the resolution of file information to be compressed is 1200 dpi, 1200, 600, or 300 dpi can be selected, and if the resolution of file information to be compressed is 600 dpi, 600 or 300 dpi can be selected. Further, the compression parameter range table 4b53 and the compression parameter default table 4b54 may be linked to the “compression priority” of the printer controller table 4b51 instead of the printer controller table 4b51.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a compression method selection image PIC presented to the user by the operation display unit 7 e of the printer controller 7. In the example of the selection image PIC shown in FIG. 15, the user can specify the resolution and color (color / monochrome), and “300”, “600”, or “not compressed” is set as the resolution (unit is dpi). The color can be selected, and “color” or “monochrome” can be selected as the color. The resolution and color options that are currently candidates are displayed in reverse video, and the expected output time determined by the combination of the resolution and color is also displayed on the selection image PIC. For example, the method of the third embodiment to be described later can be applied to the method of calculating the expected output time, and information on the priority of compression is also used as appropriate (used to determine the insertion position in the compression queue). ) The information of the selection image PIC includes all expected output times determined by the combination of resolution and color, and the expected output time is switched every time the combination of options is changed. The “OK” icon indicates that the user has selected a combination of resolution and color options that are currently candidates.

  Although related to FIG. 14, the user may also be able to select a specific compression method type in the selection image PIC.

  Next, the operation in the second embodiment when printing registered (print reservation) file information will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. In FIG. 16, the same and corresponding parts as those in FIG. 12 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  Also in the second embodiment, the processing (S21 to S25) until the print-on-demand server 4 extracts the corresponding file information from the print file database 5 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  In the case of the second embodiment, after that, the print-on-demand server 4 forms information (including expected output time information) of a selection image for allowing the user to select a compression method (resolution and color), and the printer controller. 7 (S31, S32), the printer controller 7 displays a selection image, captures the user's selection, and returns the selection to the print-on-demand server 4 (S33 to S35). As a result, the print-on-demand server 4 compresses the file information so as to conform to the user's selection content (S36). This compression process is different from the first compression process because the compression method is not automatically determined. Note that the timing of the compression processing by the compression queue depends on the compression priority related to the printer controller 7.

  The subsequent processing (S27 to S30) for transmitting the compressed file information obtained as described above to the printer controller 7 is the same as in the first embodiment.

  According to the second embodiment, the user can indirectly select a compression method, and further considers the expected output time determined according to the compression priority set reflecting the line speed, the operation rate, and the like. To select a compression method.

(C) Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the print management server and print management program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The overall configuration of the print network system according to the third embodiment can also be represented in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the print on-demand server 4 automatically determines whether or not the file information is compressed and transmitted, but the determination method is different from that in the first embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the determination table 4b4 includes a printer controller table 4b43 and a printer device table 4b44, and determines the page size table 4b41 and the image data compression method. The table 4b42 is not provided. The configurations of the printer controller table 4b43 and the printer device table 4b44 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Also in the case of the third embodiment, the overall processing flow for printing the registered (print reservation) file information with the printer device 6 can be represented in FIG. 12 as in the first embodiment. However, in the case of the third embodiment, the processes of steps S26 and S27 in FIG. 12 are different from those of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating processing corresponding to steps S26 and S27 performed by the print on demand server 4 according to the third embodiment.

  When the print-on-demand server 4 enters the processing shown in FIG. 18, first, the print processing time, the pre-compression transfer time, the post-compression transfer time, the server compression wait time, the server expected compression time, the pre-compression information output time, and the post-compression information The output time is calculated (S60).

  The print processing time is the time required for printing in the printer device 6. For example, the number of printing surfaces (representing double-sided printing, which is equal to the number of printed sheets in the case of single-sided printing) and the current printing is executed. This is appropriately determined by the product of the printing speed of the printer device 6.

  The pre-compression transfer time is a transfer time when the corresponding file information is transferred from the print-on-demand server 4 to the printer controller 7 without being compressed. For example, the size (or capacity (hereinafter the same)) of the file information. ) Multiplied by 8 (when the size is expressed in bytes, it needs to be multiplied by 8 but when the size is displayed in bits, 8 is not necessary), and divided by the line speed to the printer controller 7 Define in.

  The post-compression transfer time is a transfer time when the corresponding file information is compressed and transferred from the print-on-demand server 4 to the printer controller 7, and is defined by, for example, a value obtained by multiplying the pre-compression transfer time by the expected compression rate. To do. As the expected compression rate, for example, a fixed value such as 0.67 is applied. However, when it is known that the compression rate differs greatly depending on the file type or the user (for example, the past actual compression rate is obtained by statistical processing), an expected compression rate suitable for the compression rate is used. In addition, when the specific compression method to be applied differs depending on the type of file information (data format), and the compression rate differs depending on the type of file information, a fixed expected compression rate corresponding to the type of file information May be applied.

  The server compression waiting time is a waiting time until the print-on-demand server 4 starts the compression process of the corresponding file information. Transfer requests from many printer controllers 7 arrive at the print-on-demand server 4 almost simultaneously, and the print-on-demand server 4 corresponds to the compression priority of the printer controller 7 that issued the request. The compression order queue for file information is added to the compression queue (note that the addition process itself is step S63 described later). For this reason, there is often a queue of other file information to be compressed before the corresponding file information. Therefore, the server compression waiting time is, for example, a total value of expected compression times related to all other file information to be compressed before the corresponding file information.

  The expected server compression time is the time required for the print on demand server 4 to compress the corresponding file information, and is defined by, for example, the product of the size of the file information and the expected compression time coefficient. The expected compression time coefficient is a constant that is determined in advance by simulation or the like based on, for example, the processing capability of the server or the processing time of the compression method being used. By using the expected compression time coefficient, calculation of the server expected compression time is simplified.

  The pre-compression information output time is the time from when the file information is requested from the printer controller 7 until the printer device 6 finishes printing the file information transferred without compression. For example, the print processing time and the pre-compression It is defined as the sum of the transfer time. The print-on-demand server 4 has a large number of information communication units 4c so as to be compatible with a large number of printer controllers 7. On the other hand, only one or several compression modules 4e are provided, and a waiting for compression occurs. Therefore, when not compressing, it is possible to immediately start transmitting file information when requested, and the definition is made as described above.

  The post-compression information output time is the time from when the file information is requested from the printer controller 7 until the printer device 6 finishes printing the compressed and transferred file information. For example, the print processing time and post-compression It is defined as the sum of transfer time, server compression waiting time and server expected compression time.

  When the print-on-demand server 4 obtains the pre-compression information output time and the post-compression information output time as described above, the print-on-demand server 4 compares them (S61).

  If the pre-compression information output time is shorter than the post-compression information output time, the print-on-demand server 4 immediately sends the file information to the requested printer controller 7 without compressing the file information (S62).

  On the other hand, if the pre-compression information output time is equal to or greater than the post-compression information output time, the print-on-demand server 4 sets the queue associated with the file information in the compression queue according to the compression priority of the printer controller 7. , And compression is performed when the order of the file information is in the compression queue. Thereafter, the queue related to the file information is deleted from the compression queue, and the compressed file information is sent to the requested printer controller 7. (S63 to S66).

  In the above, a specific compression method was not mentioned, but a specific compression method to be applied may be changed according to the type of file information (data format), or once converted into print data. You may make it compress by the same compression method, after converting into the data which are not related to the kind of file information.

  The printer controller 7 to which the uncompressed file information or the compressed file information is given causes the printer device 6 to print the file information. Note that, depending on the compression method, it may be necessary to decompress with a decompression module. If a compression method that does not require expansion is applied, the expansion module 7f may not be provided in the printer controller 7.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the server compression waiting time, the server expected compression time, and the like are calculated, and it is determined whether the time until the final output is shorter or not. Since the determination is made and whether or not compression is necessary is determined and transferred, the user can quickly obtain the printed file information regardless of whether or not compression is performed.

(D) Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment of the print management server and print management program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The overall configuration of a print network system according to the fourth embodiment can also be represented by FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the user can indirectly specify the compression method.

  The fourth embodiment is characterized in that a sample image is presented to the user so that the compression method can be appropriately specified according to the user's preference. Therefore, the print-on-demand server 4 is provided with a function that can cope with the acquisition of a compression method by presenting a sample image. This function is realized by software (a part of the print management program P), for example, and will be clarified in the following operation description.

  FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing a general flow of processing for presenting a sample image to the user and designating a compression method.

  A user who comes to the position of the printer controller 7 in hope of printing the registered (print reservation) file information requests a sample image at an appropriate timing (S70). For example, when inputting and transmitting a printing identification number that defines registered file information, a request for a sample image may be sent at the same time (a sample image is displayed together with a screen for inputting a printing identification number). When the print-on-demand server 4 is given a printing identification number, the printer controller 7 is instructed to display an image asking whether a sample image is necessary. The printer controller 7 may request the sample image when the user instructs the sample image. In the latter case, when the printer controller 7 is instructed to display an image asking whether a sample image is necessary, the print-on-demand server 4 displays a sample image such as the size (capacity) of the corresponding file information. It is also possible to display information that serves as a reference when determining whether or not it is necessary.

  The print-on-demand server 4 given the request for the sample image forms print data (including parameters) including a plurality of sample images to which different compression methods are applied, and transmits the print data to the requested printer controller 7 (S71, S71). S72). A method for forming print data including a plurality of sample images will be described in detail.

  The printer controller 7 causes the printer device 6 to print the print data parameters (user character string and computer readable mark) and the print data in a layout or the like (S73, S74). The printing paper at this time is, for example, as shown in FIG. 21 described later, and corresponds to each of a plurality of sample images (character string; for example, “color, high definition”). )It is included.

  When the user determines a desired sample image based on the discharged printing paper, the scanner unit 6 c of the printer device 6 scans the printing paper, and the scanner data is transferred from the printer device 6 to the printer controller 7. (S75, S76).

  The printer controller 7 recognizes the type of printing paper from the data (for example, a two-dimensional code as will be described later) that defines the type of printing paper included in the scanner data by the optical mark reading (OMR) function. Then, a message asking which sample image to select the same compression method is displayed on the printer device 6 (or the printer controller 7) (S77, S78).

  In response to this, when the user selects one of the compression methods, the printer controller 7 sends data defining the compression parameters of the compression method (sample image) selected by the user to the print-on-demand server 4. The compressed data request including it is transmitted (S79, S80).

  Although omitted in FIG. 19, the print-on-demand server 4 compresses the file information in accordance with this, transfers it to the printer controller 7, and causes the printer device 6 to print it.

  FIG. 20 shows an example of one page of data with file information that is the basis of sample image formation, and FIG. 21 shows a print result including a plurality of sample images formed from the data of FIG. An example of (printing paper) is shown. FIG. 22 shows details of the processing in step S71 by the print-on-demand server 4 that forms data (sample images, parameters, and the like) that causes the printing results shown in FIG. 21 from the data shown in FIG. It is a flowchart.

  When the processing shown in FIG. 22 is started, the print-on-demand server 4 determines one page suitable for the sample image from each page of the file information (may be a part in one page), and sample print data Is prepared (S90). A region SM1 in FIG. 21 is the determined sample print data. For example, a color image in which the area of the raster data portion is larger than a threshold is selected on a page where raster data and text data are mixed. In such selection, confirmation is made from the first page, and the corresponding page is searched. If the file information is a monochrome image from the beginning, the search is performed only with the requirements of the first half. Further, it is not necessary to provide a condition for the size of the raster data portion area. In addition, since it is sufficient for a graphic part such as line data to be able to convey a rough shape, it is not included in the sample image in the fourth embodiment.

  When the page (data) of the sample image is determined as described above, an area having the highest frequency component in the raster data is extracted as a raster data area to be included in the sample image (S91). If the sample print data does not include raster data, step S91 is omitted. For example, if the original page is JPEG, the image (image by raster data) is divided into segments of 16 × 16 pixels, for example, by the JPEG algorithm, each segment is DCT and divided into frequency components, and then the frequency Compress ingredients. Thereby, the frequency component of each segment is easily obtained. The fact that high-frequency components are included in the frequency component means that the segment has complicated information. The high-frequency components included in each segment are examined, and the segment containing the most high-frequency components is the most complex. Judge. In the case of an image other than JPEG, determination is made after recompressing with JPEG once.

  A region OM1 in FIG. 20 is a region (segment) including the highest frequency component, and a region OM2 having a predetermined size surrounding this is determined as a raster data region included in the sample image.

  For text data, the print on demand server 4 searches for a character (text) having the largest JIS code with a small font size, and extracts an area including the character as a text data area to be included in the sample image ( S92). In text data, it is important that small, complex characters are not collapsed. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the font size and complexity. Note that the font size may be set as a condition when selecting a page to be used for a sample from file information used for printing. Since the JIS second level is arranged in the order of the number of strokes, the complexity of the character is determined by the character code.

  A region OM3 in FIG. 20 is a character “檬” having the largest character code, and a region OM4 having a predetermined size surrounding the character “檬” is determined as a text data region to be included in the sample image.

  Once the areas to be used in the sample image are set for the raster data and text data in this way, one sample compression parameter is extracted and compressed, and a virtual print process is performed to develop it into a print image. Are added to the sample print data (S93, S94). Such processing is performed only for the types of sample compression parameters (S95). The sample compression parameter is defined by, for example, resolution, color / monochrome, and the like. In the example of the sample print result of FIG. 21, four types of sample compression corresponding to the expressions (compression names) of “color, high definition”, “fastest fastest speed”, “character can be read”, and “monochrome, high definition” A parameter is used. The type of sample compression parameter to be used may be changed according to the file information to be printed. For example, in the case of monochrome from the beginning, three types of sample compression parameters corresponding to the compression names of “Hurry fastest”, “Character can be read”, and “Monochrome, high definition” are used.

  Thereafter, the document attributes (document identification number (ID), document name, user ID, user name, etc.) and compression attributes (compression name, parameters, etc.) are encoded and written in the sample print data and transferred to the printer controller 7. (S96, S97).

  When the printer controller 7 receives such sample print data, the following layout processing is performed. Place user and document information. The area SM2 in FIG. 21 is this area. Displays a thumbnail of the document and shows the area presented as a sample. The area SM1 in FIG. 21 is this area. An image when the sample area is printed with various types of compression methods and parameters is arranged together with raster data and text data, and a compression name character string defining the compression method and parameters is also displayed. Regions SM3 to SM6 in FIG. 21 are compressed samples (sample images), respectively. Document attribute and compression attribute are arranged with 2D code. The area SM7 in FIG. 21 is this area. The two-dimensional code is used to identify which print result when the print result (printing paper) is read again by the scanner, thereby allowing the user to perform key input for specifying a document or the like. Is made unnecessary.

  FIG. 23 is an example of a display screen that is displayed on the display panel unit when the user reads the print result with the scanner unit, and icons corresponding to all types of compression names are displayed. The printer controller 7 captures that the compression mode (compression method, parameter) is selected.

  Note that sample images that are not compressed may also be included in the display of sample images. Further, the post-compression information output time described in the third embodiment may also be written for each sample image.

  In the above, the display image in FIG. 23 shows the user selecting the compression mode, but the areas SM81 to SM82 in FIG. 21 are used as check boxes, and the compression mode in which the check box is checked (for example, black) is selected. You may make it capture with the thing. In this case, instead of FIG. 23, a confirmation screen indicating that the compression mode may be displayed may be displayed for final confirmation.

  According to the fourth embodiment, when a user selects a compression mode, the user can check and select a sample image, so that a desired compression mode is appropriately selected in consideration of both information output time and print quality. can do.

(E) Modified Embodiments In the description of each of the above embodiments, various modified embodiments have been referred to. However, modified embodiments as exemplified below can be cited.

  The compression in each of the above embodiments may be compression that reduces the size of an image or compression that reduces the amount of data without changing the size of the image. In the former case, Nin1 printing that integrates compressed images may be applied. As an example of the latter, it is possible to apply monochrome printing for a color image. Further, the compression method may be changed between raster data and vector data, or only one of them may be a compression target.

  For example, in PDF and PS, raster data can be increased in compression rate by changing the compression method (for example, JPEG (change compression rate), from JPEG to GIF), while vector data is printed at the time of printing. If it has data with a higher density than the resolution, it is converted to raster data and transferred (if 300 dpi, it should be 1 MByte in JPEG, but if it exceeds 1 MByte, it is converted to raster data and transferred). For example, even when performing monochrome printing, raster data can be increased in compression by changing the compression method in PDF or PS (for example, from JPEG to monochrome TIFF (MMR)), while vector data is If the data has higher density than the resolution at the time of printing, it is converted to raster data and transferred (if 300 dpi, it should be 200 Kbytes in monochrome TIFF (MMR), but if it exceeds that, it is converted to raster data. And transfer).

  In the first embodiment, the compression method is uniquely determined automatically. However, a plurality of types are determined, and the shortest information output time is selected as the final determination result. May be.

  In the case of selecting the compression mode as in the second embodiment, in addition to the combination of resolution and color, or in place of the combination of resolution and color, the compression mode type and / or information output time may be selected. good.

  When the compression mode is selected as in the second embodiment or the fourth embodiment, the information output time exceeding the threshold time may be excluded from the options. The threshold time in this case may be changed using a time zone, a user, a printer controller, or the like as a parameter.

  In addition, when an option is selected by presenting information output time or the like, it may be possible to instruct whether to execute download and print, or to perform only the download first and instruct a print command later. . In the latter case, a special number for a later print command is assigned and displayed, and the input of the special number is taken in as a print command, or a ticket for a later print command is printed out and the ticket is read. It may be taken in as a print command.

  When the post-compression information output time is calculated as in the third embodiment, the constant parameter value may be switched depending on the time zone, the user, the printer controller, or the like.

  When the compressed sample image is presented to the user as in the fourth embodiment, the page from which the sample image is formed may be fixed as the first page, or the user may designate the page. Anyway. When the user designates one or a plurality of areas used for forming the sample image may be designated. Further, the print-on-demand server 4 may determine a plurality of areas to be used for forming the sample image and allow the user to designate them. In addition, user designation such as raster data and vector data may be permitted.

  In addition, a compression mode for presenting a sample image may be set in advance for each printer controller (and / or printer device) or for each combination of the printer controller (and / or printer device) and a time zone. Furthermore, the compression mode for presenting the sample image may be changed according to the load on the print-on-demand server 4 (load on the compression module) at that time. For example, when the load is low, a plurality may be selected from those having a low compression rate, and at a high load, a plurality may be selected from those having a large compression rate.

  Conversely, a compression mode that prohibits application may be set for each printer controller (and / or printer device). This modification is the same for the first and third embodiments.

  In each of the above embodiments, when the printer controller retrieves file information registered (print reservation) from the print-on-demand server, the compression mode is determined and the compression mode is selected. You may make it perform the process in each embodiment mentioned above at the time of registration. In this case, the printer controller (and printer device) to be used is assumed to be the one most recently used by the user, the one most used from the viewpoint of past statistical information, or the time zone used is also the latest. It is sufficient to use what is assumed from past statistical information, and other parameters are also the same. Alternatively, information such as a printer controller to be used and a time zone may be designated at the time of registration.

  The functional grouping of devices such as each server is not limited to that of each of the above embodiments, and the number of devices is not limited to that of each of the above embodiments. For example, the content providing server 3 and the print file database 5 may be merged. For example, the content providing server 3 may be responsible for the function of the print on demand server 4.

  Conversely, a plurality of functions described as being handled by one device in each of the above embodiments may be handled by different devices. For example, a registration application (print reservation) related to the content may be made to the content providing server 3 and the file information may be registered in the print on demand server 4 via the content providing server 3.

  The term “print management server” in the claims is not limited to a print-on-demand server, but includes a device having a similar function in place of the print-on-demand server.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printing identification number is generated and the printing identification number is input to the printer controller to extract the file information. However, instead of or in addition to this, other information is also obtained. The file information may be extracted. For example, at the time of file registration, the user may input authentication information (for example, a password) and use this information.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print network system according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structural example of the content provision server of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structural example of the print on demand server of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the registration place table of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of a print management table according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the user management table of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the judgment table of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the file information of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the print data main body of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of a printer device and a printer controller according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation for registering print file information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating a printing operation according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the compression process of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the option formation table of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a selection image of the compression method of 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a printing operation according to a second embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the judgment table of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the compression process of 3rd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the sample image presentation of 4th Embodiment, and a compression mode selection process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of file information used as the origin of the sample image formation of 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a printing result containing the sample image of 4th Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating details of a process for forming print data including a sample image according to a fourth embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display image example for selection of the compression mode of 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... communication network,
2 ... File registration instruction device,
3. Content providing server,
4 ... Print on demand server,
5 ... Print file database,
6 ... Printer device,
7: Printer controller.

Claims (10)

Capture and store file information to be printed according to a print reservation instruction from a user using a file registration instruction apparatus, and print according to a print instruction from a user using any of a plurality of remote printer terminals. In the print management server for transferring the file information to be transferred to the remote printer terminal and printing it,
Before receiving the print instruction, the print instruction when acquired compressed condition for determining the compression process to be applied from the remote printer terminals, applying the compression processing are determined on the basis of the acquired compression condition Output time calculating means for calculating an expected output time including at least a time required for a printing process in the remote printer terminal since the reception ;
Transmitting means for transmitting display information to be displayed on the remote printer terminal including the estimated output time by the output time calculating means to the remote printer terminal before receiving the print instruction ;
Compression processing means for performing compression processing on the file information based on the compression conditions acquired from the remote printer terminal when the print instruction is received;
A print management server comprising file information communication means for transmitting the file information processed by the compression processing means to the remote printer terminal . A storage means for storing the processing attributes of each remote printer terminals,
The output time calculation means calculates at least the size of the file information, the expected output time compression process to determine in accordance with the process attribute and the compression condition of the remote printer terminals,
The transmission means transmits display information for display on the remote printer terminal including the expected output time newly calculated by the output time calculation means to the remote printer terminal in accordance with the change of the compression condition. The print management server according to claim 1. The output time calculation unit further calculates an information output time including a compression waiting time until the start of compression transfer according to a compression order related to compression processing as the expected output time. Print management server. The output time calculation means calculates the expected output time further including a waiting time until the compression processing according to the priority of the compression order related to the compression processing assigned to the remote printer terminal is started. The print management server according to claim 3 . Capture and store file information to be printed according to a print reservation instruction from a user using a file registration instruction apparatus, and print according to a print instruction from a user using any of a plurality of remote printer terminals. In the print management program installed in the print management server, the file information to be transferred is transferred to the remote printer terminal and printed.
The print management server;
Before receiving the print instruction, the print instruction when acquired compressed condition for determining the compression process to be applied from the remote printer terminals, applying the compression processing are determined on the basis of the acquired compression condition An output time calculating means for calculating an expected output time including at least a time required for a printing process in the remote printer terminal since the reception ;
Transmitting means for transmitting display information to be displayed on the remote printer terminal including the expected output time by the output time calculating means before receiving the print instruction ;
Compression processing means for performing compression processing on the file information based on the compression conditions acquired from the remote printer terminal when the print instruction is received;
File information communication means for transmitting the file information processed by the compression processing means to the remote printer terminal
A print management program that functions as a computer program. Storage means for storing processing attributes of each remote printer terminal;
The output time calculation means calculates an expected output time by determining a compression process according to at least the size of the file information, the processing attribute of the remote printer terminal and the compression condition,
The transmission means transmits display information for display on the remote printer terminal including the expected output time newly calculated by the output time calculation means to the remote printer terminal in accordance with the change of the compression condition. The print management program according to claim 5 . The output time calculation unit further calculates an information output time including a compression waiting time until the start of compression transfer according to a compression order related to compression processing as the expected output time. Print management program. File information to be printed is stored in the print management server in response to a print reservation instruction from the user using the file registration instruction device, and printing is performed from the print management server in accordance with a print instruction from the user using a remote printer terminal. In the image forming method for transferring the file information to be printed to the remote printer terminal and printing it,
Obtaining the compression condition set by the operating means before receiving the print instruction;
A step of displaying, on the display means of the remote printer terminal, an expected output time including at least the time required for the printing process in the remote printer terminal from the printing instruction when the compression process determined based on the acquired compression condition is applied. When,
After receiving the print instruction, performing a compression process on the file information by a compression processing unit based on a compression condition set by the operation unit;
Transmitting the file information processed by the compression processing means to the remote printer terminal;
The remote printer terminal printing the file information;
An image forming method comprising: The expected output time displayed on the display means is calculated based on at least the size of the file information, the processing attribute of the remote printer terminal, and the compression condition, and is displayed on the display means when the compression condition is changed. 9. The image forming method according to claim 8, wherein the expected output time is switched to a new expected output time and displayed . The expected output time displayed on the display means is calculated as the expected output time further including a waiting time until the compression processing according to the priority of the compression order related to the compression processing assigned to the remote printer terminal is started. the image forming method according to claim 9, characterized in that.

Images