JP4532723B2 - Information processing apparatus, printing system, information processing method, and printing method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a network print system that generates form print data via a network and prints the form.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Along with the rapid development of the Internet and the establishment of a web server, the use of web for business processing is being promoted. The personal computer connected to the network is equipped only with the Web browser 101 capable of displaying information and inputting information, and business processing by the Web browser 101 and the Web server is widely performed. At this time, information necessary for business processing is exchanged between the Web server and the Web browser 101.
[0003]
The Web server receives information input from the Web browser 101, processes the information in the server, and transmits the processed information to the Web browser 101 again. The Web server displays the processed information. These operations are repeatedly performed to execute the business.
[0004]
However, what has become a problem in business processing by the Web browser 101 and the Web server is a portion related to print processing that is indispensable for business processing. Especially beautiful prints according to the format such as forms could not be performed.
[0005]
Although the normal Web browser 101 provides a print function, this function uses a hard copy of an image displayed on the Web browser 101 as a printer under the Web browser 101 (or the Web browser 101 is activated). A printer under a computer). In this printing method, when printing an image exceeding the paper size or an image extending over a plurality of pages, there is a problem of how to divide the page, and the printing desired by the user is often not performed.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As a method for solving this, a print system server having a Web server generates print data (for example, form print data) in response to an instruction from the Web browser 101, and this is used as a client on which the Web server is activated. A print system that distributes to the printer can be considered. In this print system, the server always generates print data for each instruction and sequentially returns it to the client.
[0007]
In particular, in the printing system as described above, the flow of printing is the following (1) or (2). (1) Print data is distributed to each client that has requested printing, and the data is sent from the client to the printer. (2) The form form and data are distributed to the individual clients that have requested printing, and the form form and the data are superimposed on the client to generate print data.
[0008]
However, in (1), since each client needs to perform data transmission and print management regarding printing, each client must have a data transmission processing capability of a certain level or more.
[0009]
In (2), the amount of transmission data can be reduced compared to (1). On the other hand, since each client has to superimpose the form and data, There was a drawback that it had to have the processing ability.
[0010]
Accordingly, the present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and distributes data necessary for generating print data not to the client but to the output server, and the output server is distributed. By converting the received data into data that can be processed by the printer, the printing process can be efficiently performed without imposing a burden on the client.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In an information processing apparatus that communicates with the first external device and the second external device, receiving means for receiving a print request from the first external device, first variable data based on the print request received by the receiving means, and A template for inserting image data, which is second variable data different from the first variable data, and first and second variable data to be inserted into the template. An acquisition unit for acquiring information, a template for generating print data corresponding to the display screen displayed on the first external device using the information acquired by the acquisition unit, and the template inserted into the template First variable data, first identification information for identifying the first variable data, and second identification information for identifying the image data that is the second variable data. And when the image data identified by the second identification information identified by the identifying means is in the information processing apparatus, the first variable data identified by the identifying means, and the first The identification information, the image data as the second variable data, and the template are transmitted to the second external device so as to be combined in a second external device different from the first external device, and the specifying means If there is no image data identified by the second identification information specified by the information processing apparatus, the first identification information, the first variable data, the second identification information, and the template An information processing apparatus comprising: a transmission control unit configured to transmit the second external apparatus to be combined; Is disclosed.
[0012]
In this print system, the display screen is a page screen displayed on a Web browser, and a request from the external device is communicated between the Web browser of the external device and the Web server of the first information processing device. It is characterized by being.
[0013]
The print system further includes a generation unit that generates print data in the second information processing apparatus based on the template and the data transmitted by the transmission control apparatus.
[0014]
In addition, the printing system includes an acquisition unit that acquires a part of the data inserted into the template by the second information processing apparatus.
[0015]
The print system further includes a determination unit that determines whether there is data that is inserted into the template and is not transmitted by the transmission control unit.
[0016]
The print system may further include an acquisition unit that acquires data inserted into the template that is not in the second information processing apparatus from the third information processing apparatus.
[0017]
An information processing apparatus in this print system is inserted into the template for generating print data corresponding to a display screen displayed on the external apparatus in response to a request from the first external apparatus. Identifying means for identifying the data to be
Transmission control means for transmitting the template and data specified by the specifying means to a second external device different from the first external device is provided.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
<Form printing system>
FIG. 1 is a functional configuration diagram of a form printing system. Reference numeral 100 denotes an information processing apparatus such as a PC, which is a client (hereinafter abbreviated as a client) of the form print system. Reference numeral 101 denotes a Web browser 101. The Web browser 101 is an application program having a function of displaying a document data file (Web document) described in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) or the like, and displays a Web document received from a Web server. In addition, the Web browser not only displays a Web document, but also has a function of inputting data on a screen and returning it to a Web server in accordance with the description of HTML. The Web browser acquires a Web document from the server according to the input URL.
[0019]
Reference numeral 102 denotes a data input / output unit that inputs / outputs data to / from a server (hereinafter abbreviated as “server”) of the form print system. The data input / output unit 102 exchanges data with the server 106 via a network 105 such as a telephone line or a LAN, and performs processing at a layer lower than HTTP. The print output unit 103 converts the print data described in a predetermined format into a data format according to an output format dependent on the printer and outputs the data from the printer 104. In addition, the printer output format data received from the server or the like is output. The printer 104 enters the spool and prints it.
[0020]
A print output unit 103 converts an image displayed on the Web browser 101 into standard print data in accordance with an instruction from the Web browser 101. This print output unit is mainly called a print driver.
[0021]
Reference numerals 104 and 113 denote printing apparatuses. A network 105 connects the server and the client. Network forms include a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, and wireless. Here, it is assumed that the network 105 corresponds to a communication procedure (for example, TCP / IP protocol or HTTP protocol) in the Web environment.
[0022]
Reference numeral 106 denotes an information processing apparatus that is a server. Reference numeral 107 denotes a network communication control unit having a Web server function. Here, the Web server function is a function that supports HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), and the like, and is specified by URL (Uniform Resource Locator), HTML (Hyper. A document data file (Web document) described in Text Markup Language) or the like can be transmitted to a client on the network in response to a request.
[0023]
A form template storage unit 108 stores a form template (or form template data) indicating a form form for printing used in form printing. The form template storage unit 108 stores a form template for performing form printing. A form template corresponds to each Web document read by the client from the server. Therefore, when the server transmits a Web document associated with the form template to the client, the server stores an identifier corresponding to the We document. In addition, the identifier of the corresponding Web document is associated with the form template stored in the form template storage unit as the form template identifier.
[0024]
Reference numeral 109 denotes a data storage unit constructed by a database, which stores business data. This data is stored in a database in advance, and data input by a Web browser may be directly applied to the data storage unit. A data processing unit 110 performs data processing in accordance with each business application program.
[0025]
An image generation unit 111 generates form print data according to a predetermined format. The image generation unit 111 creates the form print data in a predetermined format that can be interpreted by the print output unit 112 by combining the form form and the data overlaid thereon. A print output unit 112 converts the data created by the image generation unit into a format that can be output by the printer, and is generally called a printer driver.
[0026]
A data management unit 114 efficiently saves the form print data once created and transmits the save destination to the client. In particular, it plays a role of generating new form print data for the changed print form and informing the user to that effect.
[0027]
FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram showing the configuration of the client and the server. Each unit (102, 103, 107, 110 to 112, 114) in FIG. 1 is realized by loading a corresponding program into the memory 303 and executing it by the CPU 302 of the computer. These programs, the data storage unit 109, or the form template storage unit 108 are stored in an external memory 305 such as a hard disk. The external memory 305 may use a removable storage medium such as a floppy disk or a CD-ROM. On the display 304, a Web browser and an image are displayed. The I / O interface 306 is a port for connecting to an external device such as the network 105 or the printer 104. In addition, the user performs necessary input using the keyboard and the pointing device 301.
[0028]
<Display on Web browser>
Next, a print instruction from the Web browser 101 will be described. The data processing unit 110 communicates with the data input / output unit 102 to receive and analyze data input by the Web browser 101, search for data according to the received data, and return a search result to the data input / output unit. Is called. The web browser 101 displays buttons according to the web document distributed from the data processing unit 110, and when the user presses the button, various requests are sent to the server via the data input / output unit 102. This button is displayed on a computer display, and is selected and pressed by an input from a pointing device such as a mouse or a keyboard.
[0029]
In particular, the print button in this form print system is provided in the image display area of the Web browser 101. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a business processing page displayed on a general Web browser 101. Reference numeral 201 denotes a window of the Web browser 101 displayed on the client monitor or display device. A window title is displayed in the area 202. In the areas 203 and 204, commands that the Web browser 101 has are displayed. There is also a command for printing the image displayed on the Web browser 101. Reference numeral 205 denotes a text field for inputting an address (URL: Uniform Resource Location) of the server to be accessed.
[0030]
Reference numerals 206 and 207 denote fields in which the user can select each item. Reference numeral 208 denotes a display button. When this display button is pressed, the items selected by the user in 206 and 207 are transmitted to the server, and a response from the server is awaited. Then, the server generates form display data based on the form name selected in 206 and the person name selected in 207, and transmits it to the client. The Web server displays a form image such as 209 based on the form display data. In the case of FIG. 2, the server retrieves data related to the current working status of Masanori Masaoka by searching the data storage unit 109, and forms display data (here, an image of the form is displayed) based on the data. Web document to be generated) and transmitted to the client. Then, a monthly form is displayed on the web browser 209. Reference numeral 210 denotes a print button in the form print system.
[0031]
When reading a server form page from a client, the Web browser 101 is activated on the client. If the user inputs http: //202.228.102 as shown in FIG. 2, a Web document including fields 206 to 210 is sent from the server to the Web browser.
[0032]
<Generation and output of print data by server>
An operation when the print button 210 is pressed is shown. In printing, data is inserted into a print form template corresponding to a format identifier, and a document to be printed is created. When the print button is pressed, information indicating that the print button has been pressed is transmitted to the server. The server searches the form template stored in the form template storage unit 108 based on the identifier attached to the Web document (form page) transmitted to the client that has requested printing. Each form template is stored so that it can be searched from the format identifier.
[0033]
FIG. 4 is an example of a form template used for printing. The graphic data in the form template is classified into fixed data and variable data (form data). A character string 401 of a form title, a number 402 indicating a frame and date, a character string and a frame 403 are fixed data. Further, values (form data) retrieved from a database or the like are embedded in s1, n1 to n12, n50, and n51 in areas 404 and 405.
[0034]
On the other hand, FIG. 5 is a table of variable data to be embedded in the graphic data of FIG. This table is prepared for each form template, and is provided with a form template identifier 504 so that it can be understood which form template it belongs to. In the table of FIG. 5, for each variable data s1, n1 to n51, the index (501) of the variable data, the character size (502) displayed by the variable data, and the actual value (number sequence or character string) of the variable data ) (503) is stored. The form template shown in FIG. 4 and the values of the variable data shown in FIG. 5 are merged based on the index, thereby creating form print data.
[0035]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process in which the server actually generates and outputs form print data. This process is executed in the server when the server receives information indicating that the print button 210 has been pressed. In this process, steps S601 to S604 are performed by the data processing unit 110, steps S605 to S606 are performed by the image generation unit 111, and step S607 is performed by the print output unit 112. In the process of FIG. 6, printing is performed by the printing device 113.
[0036]
First, in step S601, when the server receives that the button has been pressed, in step S602, a form template to be used is searched. The form template to be used can be searched based on the identifier of the Web document already transmitted to the client.
[0037]
In step S603, the position of the column of variable data to be incorporated in the form template detected by the search is detected. In step S604, index data is created. That is, the value of the variable data in the table of FIG. 5 is described so as to match the position of the column of the variable data extracted in step S603 according to the index. In this way, index data describing the variable data portion is created.
[0038]
In step S605, the image generation unit 111 merges the fixed data portion of the form template obtained in step S602 and the index data created in step S604. In step S606, the image generation unit 111 creates form print data described in an actual image format, that is, a format interpretable by the print output unit 112, from the data merged in step S605.
[0039]
In step S607, the print output unit 112 converts the form print data created in step S606 into, for example, a page description language print image that can be output by a printer, and outputs the print image to the print spool. In this way, a print image based on the form print data is printed out by the printing apparatus 113.
[0040]
<Generation and transfer of print data by server>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process in which the server actually generates the form print data and transmits it to the client. This process is executed in the server when the server receives information indicating that the print button 210 has been pressed. In this processing, steps S701 to S704 are performed by the data processing unit 110, steps S705 to S706 are performed by the image generation unit 111, and step S707 is performed by the network communication control unit 106. In the process of FIG. 7, printing is performed by the printing apparatus 104.
[0041]
First, in step S701, when the server receives that the button has been pressed, in step S702, a form template to be used is searched. The form template to be used can be searched based on the identifier of the Web document already transmitted to the client.
[0042]
In step S703, the position of the column of variable data to be incorporated in the form template detected by the search is detected. In step S704, index data is created. That is, the value of the variable data in the table of FIG. 5 is described so as to match the position of the column of the variable data extracted in step S703 according to the index. In this way, index data describing the variable data portion is created.
[0043]
In step S705, the image generation unit 111 merges the fixed data portion of the form template obtained in step S702 with the index data created in step S704. In step S706, the image generation unit 111 creates form print data described in an actual image format, that is, a format interpretable by the print output unit 112, from the data merged in step S705.
[0044]
In step S707, the form print data created in step S706 is transmitted to the client. In this step, the data is sent to the client for simplicity of explanation. However, the created form print data itself is not actually sent to the client, and the data file of the created form print data is not sent. Send the URL to the client. The client automatically requests transmission of the data file using FTP instead of HTTP using the URL received by the Web browser, and receives the data file from the server.
[0045]
<Reception and output of print data by client>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing by the client that has received the form print data transmitted by the server in step S707 of FIG.
[0046]
First, in step S801, the print output unit analyzes the received form print data and finds a printer suitable for the received form print data. In FIG. 1, since there is only one printer, the printer 104 is selected. In step S <b> 802, the print output unit 103 generates a print image that can be output by the printer 104 based on the analysis result. It is stored in the print spool in step S803. Then, the printer 104 sequentially outputs them. The above is repeated until all the received form print data is analyzed and converted into a print image.
[0047]
With the above procedure, output data can be designated from a client using a Web browser, and printing can be performed in an appropriate format. Also, by printing a form using a form template created for printing, unlike when printing a displayed form, an image created using a Web browser can be output as a high-quality printed matter. . In addition, a high-quality form can be printed according to the convenience of the user from either the server or the client. In addition, since only the server holds the form template, and the data is also synthesized by the server, the client prints a high-quality form from the server as long as a commercially available Web browser is prepared. it can. For this reason, it is possible to use an inexpensive personal computer or a portable information terminal having only a Web browser function with a light client load and low processing capability.
[0048]
<Output server making>
In the above form print system, the server generates the form print data. However, the server sends the necessary form form and form data to the client site output server in response to a request from the client. It is also possible for the output server to generate form print data. This is called an output server making function.
[0049]
FIG. 9 is a functional configuration diagram of a form printing system that can provide an output server making function. In this print system, there is a new output server 900. The output server includes a data input / output unit 901, a form template storage unit 902, a data storage unit 903, an image generation unit 904, and a print output unit 905. Otherwise, the functional configuration is the same as in FIG.
[0050]
The data input / output unit 901 inputs / outputs data to / from the server. A form template storage unit 902 stores a form template for printing a form. A data storage unit 903 stores data for form printing. The image generation unit 904 creates form print data according to a determined format. The print output unit 905 converts the data created by the image generation unit 904 into a format that can be output by the printer, and is generally called a printer driver. Reference numeral 910 denotes a printing apparatus such as a printer.
[0051]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a form template. Here, a form template slightly different from the form template of FIG. 4 will be described.
[0052]
Reference numeral 1001 denotes an area representing the entire form template, and usually corresponds to one page of paper for printing. Such a form template is stored in the form template storage unit 108. In addition, in the form template, which form template is used is determined in conjunction with the selection of the table.
[0053]
In FIG. 10, graphic data on a form template is classified into fixed figures and variable data (form data). A frame line indicated by 1002, a number indicating a date and the like, and a character string indicated by 1003 are fixed data, and always have the same graphic at the time of printing.
[0054]
A portion indicated by N1, N2, name, X1, and Y1 indicated by 1004 is variable data. The variable data has names N1, N2, name, X1, Y1, etc. (this name is referred to as an index of variable data), and the data value retrieved from the data storage unit 109 and the data processing unit 110 are located at each location. The data value processed by is inserted.
[0055]
The area indicated by 1005 is tagged as image, which indicates that image data is inserted into the area.
[0056]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a table storing the index of variable data to be inserted and its data value. In this table, for each variable data, a name (index) 1101 of the variable data on the form template 1001 and a data value 1102 to be inserted at a corresponding position on the form template 1001 of the variable data are stored. Yes. The data processing unit 110 creates the set shown in FIG. 11 with reference to a business processing database or the like.
[0057]
Form print data is created by merging the graphic data shown in the form template of FIG. 10 with the data values corresponding to the respective indexes with reference to the table of FIG. In FIG. 11, CA. It is shown that image data that can be searched under the name jpg is used.
[0058]
FIG. 12 shows the form print data after the variable data of FIG. 11 is inserted into the form template of FIG. 1201 includes CA. Image data searched under the name jpg is inserted.
[0059]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of data sent from the server 106 to the output server 900. Data A on the left is CA. This is a case where image data searchable under the name jpg was searchable on the server 106, and all the contents of the form template data and the image data are attached to the transferred data. Data B on the right side is CA. Image data searchable under the name jpg is not searched on the server 106, and the contents of the image data are not attached to the transferred data, but only the form template data is attached.
[0060]
<Server processing in output server making>
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a process in which a server that receives a print request from a client generates data to be transferred to the output server and transmits the data to the output server. This flowchart is executed when the print button 210 in FIG. 2 is pressed.
[0061]
First, in step S1401, a notification that the print button has been pressed is received. Therefore, the request (HTTP request) received from the Web browser 101 is analyzed. In step S1402, it is determined which form is necessary for generating the form print data requested by the client, and the form form of the form is specified.
[0062]
In step S1403, the form template data is retrieved and read to recognize the variable data pattern. In step S1404, each index and data value are extracted with reference to the table of FIG. 11, and index data is generated by adding the data value to the index.
[0063]
Then, the index data generated in step S1404 and the form template data are combined to generate data such as data B in FIG. 13 and transmit it to the output server. Alternatively, when the image data can be retrieved by the server, the image data is further combined to generate data such as data A in FIG. 13 and transmit it to the output server.
[0064]
<Output server processing in output server making>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the output server that receives data from the server generates form print data and prints it on the print.
[0065]
In step S1501, when data from the server is received, index data and form template data are extracted from the data. In step S1502, the content of the extracted data is checked to check whether there is insufficient data that has not been sent from the server.
[0066]
In step S1503, if the investigation result in step S1502 is YES, that is, if there is insufficient data, in step S1504, the output server searches for the insufficient data and acquires the insufficient data. For example, when data such as data B in FIG. Jpg is determined to be insufficient, and in step S1504, CA. Search for data using the name jpg.
[0067]
In step S1505, index data and searched image data are inserted into the form template, and final form print data is created in step S1506. In step S1507, the form print data is converted into data suitable for the printer, and the converted data is output to the printer.
[0068]
In FIG. 9, one output server is used, but there may be a plurality of output servers. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example when there are two output servers. In the figure, there are an output server 900A and an output server 900B, and the server 106 selects one of these output servers and transfers data. Each of the output server 900A and the output server 900B includes a data storage unit 903A and a data storage unit 903B.
[0069]
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a data storage method in the data storage unit 903A and the data storage unit 903B of FIG. Reference numeral 1701 denotes an example of data stored in the data storage unit 903A of the output server 900A. Reference numeral 1702 denotes an index used when searching stored data. Reference numeral 1703 denotes a value corresponding to each index, which in this example is a file name indicating the position of data in the file system in the output server. Similarly, reference numeral 1711 indicates an example of data stored in the data storage unit 903A of the output server 900A. Reference numeral 1712 denotes an index used when searching stored data. Reference numeral 1713 denotes a value corresponding to each index, which in this example is a file name indicating the position of data in the file system in the output server. In FIG. 17, the output server 900A has an index CA. The data indicated by jpg does not exist, and the output server 900B has an index CA. It is shown that there is data indicated by jpg. These pieces of information can be accumulated during processing from when the output server starts up to the previous request. It can also be realized by setting directly on the output server.
[0070]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing in detail the process for acquiring deficient data in step S1504. The operations in the flowchart are performed by a program that operates on the output server.
[0071]
First, in step S1801, the missing data is searched on the output server that is the output target. In step S1802, it is determined whether data has been found based on the search result. For example, the index of the missing data is CA. Assuming that the information in the data storage unit of the output server is in a state such as 1701 in FIG. jpg, B.M. jpg, C.I. Since only jpg is present, the corresponding data cannot be found. For example, the index of the missing data is CA. If the data storage unit information is 1702 in FIG. Since jpg exists, the corresponding data is found.
[0072]
If data is found, the process proceeds to step S1803. If no data is found, the process proceeds to step S1804. In step S1803, data is acquired in order to use the found data for creating a form image.
[0073]
In step S1804, it is searched whether there is another output server accessible on the network so that data corresponding to the deficient data can be acquired from the other output server. A general network search method such as broadcast may be used for the search. In step S1805, it is determined whether another output server has been found based on the search result. If there is a usable server, the process proceeds to step S1807, and if there is no usable server, the process proceeds to step S1806.
[0074]
In step S1807, the deficient data is searched using another found output server. The search is performed by the data input / output unit of the output server 900A and the data input / output unit of the output server 900B communicating with each other. For example, when the output server 900A issues a search request for insufficient data to the output server 900B, the output server 900B performs an actual search and transmits the search result to the output server 900A through the network.
[0075]
In step S1808, it is determined whether missing data has been found again. If found, the data is acquired in step S1803. If not found, the process returns to step S1804 to search for another output server and find the missing data. However, output servers for which it is already known that the missing data do not exist are excluded.
[0076]
In step S1806, it means that there is no output server to be finally searched, and it is assumed that insufficient data cannot be found. In this case, no data is inserted into the created form, or no image is generated as an error.
[0077]
<Program code and recording medium>
The program code and related data according to the present invention are stored in a floppy disk (FD) or CD-ROM, and are supplied to the computer from there. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a memory map in a state where a program according to the present invention is loaded into the memory 303 and can be executed by the CPU 302. Program codes corresponding to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 to 8, 14, 15, and 18 are stored.
[0078]
Further, the object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (FIG. 19) in which a program code of software (control program) realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a computer as shown in FIG. The apparatus (CPU 302) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.
[0079]
As a method of supplying the program and data shown in FIG. 19 to a computer, a method of storing the program and data in the floppy disk FD 20000 and supplying it to the computer main body 2002 (via the floppy disk drive 2001) as shown in FIG. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0080]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, a ROM, etc. are used in addition to a floppy disk and a hard disk. Can do. 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 based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included. Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into 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 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 above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0081]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, data necessary for generating print data is distributed not to the client but to the output server, and the output server converts the distributed data into data that can be processed by the printer. As a result, the printing process can be efficiently performed without imposing a burden on the client.
[0082]
The output server can also print data that the server does not have by searching a part of data necessary for generating print data via the network.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional configuration diagram of a form print system.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a page for business processing displayed on a general Web browser.
FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram showing configurations of a client and a server.
FIG. 4 is an example of a form template used for printing.
FIG. 5 is a table of variable data to be embedded in graphic data.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing in which a server actually generates and outputs form print data.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating processing in which the server actually generates form print data and transmits it to the client.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing by a client that has received the form print data transmitted by the server.
FIG. 9 is a functional configuration diagram of a form print system capable of providing an output server making function.
FIG. 10 shows a form template.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a table storing the index of variable data to be inserted and its data value.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating form print data after variable data is inserted into a form template.
13 is a diagram showing an example of data sent from the server 106 to the output server 900. FIG.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a server that receives a print request from a client generates data to be transferred to the output server and transmits the data to the output server.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which an output server that receives data from a server generates form print data and prints it on a print.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example when there are two output servers.
17 is a diagram illustrating a data storage method in the data storage unit 903A and the data storage unit 903B of FIG.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing in detail a process for acquiring insufficient data.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a memory map in a state in which a program is loaded into a memory and can be executed by a CPU.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a method of supplying a program and data to a computer.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Print system client
101 Web browser
102 Data input / output section
103 Print output section
104 Printer
105 network
106 Print system server
107 Network communication control unit
108 Form template storage
109 Data storage
110 Data processing unit
111 Image generator
112 Print output section
113 Printer
301 keyboard
302 CPU
303 memory
304 display
305 External memory
306 I / O interface

Claims (7)

In the information processing apparatus communicating with the first external apparatus and the second external apparatus, receiving means for receiving a print request from the first external apparatus;
Based on the print request received by the receiving means, the template for inserting the first variable data and the image data which is the second variable data different from the first variable data, and the template to be inserted Acquisition means for acquiring information for specifying image data that is first variable data and second variable data;
Using the information acquired by the acquisition means, a template for generating print data corresponding to the display screen displayed on the first external device, first variable data inserted into the template, first Specifying means for specifying first identification information for identifying variable data and second identification information for identifying image data that is the second variable data;
When the image data identified by the second identification information identified by the identification means is in the information processing apparatus, the first variable data identified by the identification means, the first identification information, and the second variable and image data that is data, in order to synthesize the different second external device and with said template said first external device, transmitted to the second external device, the second identification information specified by the specifying means If the image data identified by is not in the information processing apparatus, the first external information, the first variable data, the second identification information, and the template should be combined in the second external apparatus. An information processing apparatus having transmission control means for transmitting.   The template, the first variable data, and the second variable data are combined to generate distribution data, and the transmission control unit transmits the distribution data to the second external device. Item 4. The information processing apparatus according to Item 1.   The display screen is a page screen displayed on a Web browser, and a request from the first external device is communicated between the Web browser of the first external device and the Web server of the information processing device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.   4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the template is a form form, and each of the first variable data and the second variable data is variable data of form data. A printing system comprising a first information processing device, a second information processing device for causing the printing device to perform printing, and an output information processing device,
The output information processing apparatus receives a print request from the first information processing apparatus, first variable data based on the print request received by the reception means, and a first variable data different from the first variable data. A template for inserting image data that is two variable data, an acquisition means for acquiring information for specifying first variable data and image data that is second variable data to be inserted into the template;
A template for generating print data corresponding to the display screen displayed on the first information processing apparatus using the information acquired by the acquisition means, first variable data inserted into the template, Specifying means for specifying first identification information for identifying one variable data and second identification information for identifying image data that is the second variable data;
When the image data identified by the second identification information identified by the identification means is in the output information processing apparatus, the first variable data identified by the identification means, the first identification information, and the first identification information In order to synthesize the image data which is two variable data and the template in a second information processing apparatus different from the first information processing apparatus, the image data is transmitted to the second information processing apparatus and specified by the specifying means. If the image data identified by the second identification information is not in the output information processing apparatus, the first identification information, the first variable data, the second identification information, and the template are included in the first information. 2. A printing system comprising: a transmission control means for transmitting the information to be combined in the information processing apparatus. A printing method executed by an output information processing apparatus that communicates with a first information processing apparatus and a second information processing apparatus that causes the printing apparatus to perform printing,
A receiving step of receiving a print request from the first information processing apparatus;
Based on the print request received in the receiving step, the first variable data and a template into which image data that is second variable data different from the first variable data are to be inserted, and inserted into the template An acquisition step of acquiring information for specifying the image data that is the first variable data and the second variable data to be performed;
A template for generating print data corresponding to the display screen displayed on the first information processing apparatus using the information acquired by the acquisition means, first variable data inserted into the template, 1st identification information for identifying the variable data and 2nd identification information for identifying the second identification information for identifying the image data that is the second variable data, and the second identification information identified by the identification step If the image data is in the output information processing apparatus, said first variable data, and the first identification information, and image data is the second variable data, and said template and said first information processing apparatus Are transmitted to the second information processing device to be combined in different second information processing devices, and the second specified by the specifying step If the image data identified by a separate information is not within the output information processing apparatus, said a first identification information, the a first variable data, said second identification information, the second information and the template printing method characterized in that it comprises a transmission control step of transmitting to be synthesized in the equipment. A computer-readable storage medium storing a control program for causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 6 .

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