JP4587154B2 - Network system, print management apparatus, and print management method thereof - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a network system, a print management apparatus, and a print management method thereof, and in particular, a network system in which an image forming apparatus such as a printer is connected to a workstation, a personal computer, an information terminal, etc. used by a user, and printing. The present invention relates to a management apparatus and a print management method thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
By constructing a computer network (hereinafter simply referred to as a network) in which various computer systems and these peripheral devices are connected so that information can be communicated bidirectionally, a plurality of users can receive information on the network. It is possible to distribute the load of information processing while sharing information. Therefore, a dramatic improvement in productivity is expected due to the construction of the network, and the network technology has recently been attracting attention.
[0003]
The background of the progress of such network technology is the rapid performance improvement, miniaturization, and cost reduction of computers, so that even computers intended for personal use can be easily used as advanced and high-speed information processing means. The development of high-speed data communication technology by wire and wireless, and the penetration of distributed processing architecture.
[0004]
In addition, output devices such as copiers and printers, which have been mostly used as stand-alone devices or peripheral devices connected to a single host in the past, are also arranged as network components, allowing multiple users. The idea of sharing and using them has also become a factor in promoting network technology.
[0005]
Network technology makes it possible to connect mainframes, workstations, personal computers, other information terminals, etc., and share information stored in files and databases. In addition, connecting a copier, printer, facsimile, etc. to a network and sharing it as an information output device has also become a factor in dramatically improving productivity.
[0006]
This is because the output performance of such information output devices is often different from each other, and the output device capable of outputting color information and advanced functions such as sort function, stapling function, punch function, and bookbinding function are provided. Many of them have appeared, and organically coupling these devices via a network provides various conveniences to network users. Furthermore, because of the widespread use of networks, there are many output devices designed on the assumption that functions associated with these output devices can also be used via the network.
[0007]
Also, if the network is small and the number of output devices connected to the network is small, it is relatively easy for users to become familiar with the functions and performance of each output device, and some outputs It is relatively easy for the user to recognize whether or not the device is outputting another user, and for the user to find out if a problem occurs in the output device.
[0008]
The merit of building a network in this way is great, and it is spreading in various fields such as offices, factories, research laboratories and educational institutions.
Examples of a printer system using a network include those described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 6-4238, 6-103008, and 6-133124. This is a network system configured to connect an image forming apparatus to a network and sequentially record image data transmitted from a plurality of terminal apparatuses connected to the network. One image forming apparatus Is shared by multiple people. Further, a technique for maintaining confidentiality and department management of image (record) data for the image forming apparatus such as one printer is disclosed.
[0009]
Also, in recent offices that have introduced networks, the network scale is expected to increase, so users should be familiar with the performance and functions of all output devices (printers) connected to the network. To make it easier, the printers are grouped according to factors such as the performance and functions of the printers registered in the network server, the physical distance from the user, etc. A system has been proposed.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the network system described above is a system that shares a single image forming apparatus with respect to a plurality of terminal devices, and does not describe any system configuration that shares a plurality of image forming apparatuses on the same network.
[0011]
As described above, it is very advantageous to connect an image forming apparatus to a network and share it with a plurality of users. However, as the number of users connected to the network increases, the number of image forming apparatuses connected to the network increases in proportion to the number of users, and the network scale increases. And if the scale of a network becomes large, various bad effects will also arise in connection with it.
[0012]
For example, in a large-scale network, it is extremely difficult for a user to be familiar with the performance and functions of all image forming apparatuses connected to the network. Therefore, the efficient operation of the image forming apparatus connected to the network is not performed, and the work efficiency and productivity in the entire organization having the network may not be improved as planned.
[0013]
In a large-scale network, there is a high possibility that information for a printer that the user does not intend is output due to a user's mistake. The occurrence of such a misprint may impair the convenience and productivity of other users who use the same network. It is also a big problem from the viewpoint of maintaining confidentiality for the output information.
[0014]
On the other hand, considering the state of the image forming apparatus on the network, the user's output request is not always satisfied depending on the state of the image forming apparatus. Further, only information management based on grouping of output devices and grouping of users in a conventional network cannot always respond to user output requests depending on the status of the output devices. For example, if an output by another user, occurrence of a jam, failure of a stapling function, etc. occurs during inspection and maintenance, even if a user output request occurs, it is impossible to process the request immediately. . In this case, if the user correctly grasps the state of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to switch to another image forming apparatus that is operating normally and output it. It is not easy to grasp the state of an image forming apparatus that desires to make a request. In particular, if it is physically distant from the user, the tendency will increase.
[0015]
Furthermore, when an output request is made even when a printer having a function desired by the user does not exist in the network, or when all the printers in a specified group are unavailable, the conventional network The user had to know that the print job he requested was interrupted only after he reached the printer installation location. At this time, the user selects a usable printer again and restarts the print job, or returns the corresponding printer to end the job. This is very inefficient in terms of productivity.
[0016]
In addition, printers in the printer group that completely satisfy the functions desired by the user have not been recovered at present, but a printer in another printer group can sufficiently handle the execution of the print job requested by the user. In addition, it is inefficient to wait for output until the printer in the printer group desired by the user is restored.
[0017]
To solve these problems, some servers, workstations and personal computer operating systems are equipped with a printer output support system, but multiple systems and different types of image formation on the network When an apparatus is operated, there is a problem such as compatibility, and the function is not necessarily sufficient.
[0018]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional example, and is a network system that can flexibly respond to printer status, user requests, and the like, and can perform efficient printer output. Print management device, And a print management method.
[0019]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the network system of the present invention has the following configuration.
[0020]
That is, a plurality of printer devices and a plurality of client devices Print management device Are connected to each other via a network, and each of the printer devices has its own device. Input to enter identification information Means Print management device The plurality of printer devices Printer Storage means for grouping and storing information on the group; Accepting means for accepting designation of a printer group for printing out image data from any of the plurality of client devices, and a first printer device among the printer devices included in the designated printer group. Receiving means for receiving the identification information from the first printer device, and transfer means for transferring the image data to the first printer device based on the identification information received by the receiving means. Each of the plurality of client devices includes a printer group that prints out image data. The There is provided a network system characterized by having designation means for designating.
[0021]
Here, it is desirable that the predetermined standard is determined according to the installation location of each of the plurality of printer apparatuses and the function of each of the plurality of printer apparatuses. The functions include a color print function, a monochrome print function, and a bookbinding function. , Shift sort function, staple punch function, double-sided print function, and the like.
[0035]
According to another invention, there is provided a print management apparatus connected to a plurality of printer apparatuses and a plurality of client apparatuses via a network, wherein the plurality of printer apparatuses are connected to a plurality of printer apparatuses. Printer Group to group and store the grouping information 1 Storage means; Accepting means for accepting designation of a printer group for printing out image data from any of the plurality of client devices, and a first printer device among the printer devices included in the designated printer group. Receiving means for receiving the identification information from the first printer device, and transfer means for transferring the image data to the first printer device based on the identification information received by the receiving means. And a print management apparatus.
[0036]
According to still another invention, there is provided a management method for a print management apparatus connected to a plurality of printer apparatuses and a plurality of client apparatuses via a network, wherein the plurality of printer apparatuses are connected to a plurality of printer apparatuses. Printer A storage step of grouping into groups and storing the grouping information in a storage unit; An accepting step of accepting designation of a printer group for printing out image data from any one of the plurality of client devices, and a first printer device among the printer devices included in the designated printer group. Receiving step for receiving identification information from the first printer device, and a transfer step for transferring the image data to the first printer device based on the identification information received in the receiving step. And a print management method.
[0041]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0042]
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network system which is a typical embodiment of the present invention.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 1, a network 11 arranged in a certain space includes a computer 111, a workstation 112, a copier or printer 101-102 used as an output device, which is a preferred example of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention, 201 to 203, 301 to 303, 401 to 402, and a server 501 used for a plurality of data processing, which is a preferred example of the print management apparatus according to the present invention, are interconnected and information is transmitted between them.
[0044]
In this network, the printer management server function is built in as a subsystem of the server 501, and the server 501 provides a server service in the network together with other functions. The computer 111 and the workstation 112 used by the user are client devices that output a printer information and printer group information acquisition request to the server 501.
[0045]
In addition, devices connected to the network are arranged in different places in the space where the network is installed, and the output devices 101 to 102, the computer 111, and the workstation 112 belong to block 1 and are blocks that are different areas. The output devices 201 to 203 are arranged in 2, the output devices 301 to 303 are arranged in the block 3, and the output devices 401 to 402 are arranged in the block 4, respectively.
[0046]
The performance and functions of the output devices connected to this network are different, and the status and usage status of each output device are changing every moment. However, it has been difficult for users who are connected to the network to grasp all the information of these output devices.
In the case of the network of this embodiment, by installing and operating a print management server in the server 501, various information about output devices connected to the network are collected and managed and stored. Further, the server 501 provides information on the output device to the user, so that the user can browse the information on each printer from the client devices 111 to 112.
[0047]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a record format for storing printer group information obtained by classifying and grouping printer information. Here, an example is shown in which output devices are classified by function.
[0048]
In FIG. 2, 1001 is a printer group ID, 1002 is a printer group name, and 1003 is a printer ID.
In this record format, as shown in FIG. 2, printer group IDs 1001 are assigned and organized by function. Further, a printer group name 1002 is defined as a key for identifying a specific function of each group in a one-to-one relationship with the group ID. In addition, a table capable of storing a plurality of printer IDs 1003 classified for each function is provided.
[0049]
By providing such a record format, the network user can quickly search for printers belonging to the group ID 1001.
[0050]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the internal functional configuration of the printer management system.
[0051]
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 1101 denotes a printer management server mechanism built in the server 501, which manages printer information, printer group information, and user information.
[0052]
The printer management server mechanism 1101 includes three databases, a user information database (DB) 1102, a printer information database (DB) 1103, and a printer group (Grp.) Information database (DB) 1104, and a database (DB) for integrated management of the databases. Through the management unit 1105 and the database management unit 1105, an information update unit 1106 having a function of updating various types of information managed and stored in each database, and a function of searching for various types of information managed and stored in each database Information search unit 1107, a system management unit 1108 that manages these and serves as an interface with an external device via a network, user information (identification information (ID / password, etc.)) identification verification unit 1109, and image data storage unit 1110 Or It is configured.
In this embodiment, the database management unit 1105 and the user information identification unit 1109 are expressed as separate configurations, but the user information identification unit 1109 may be included in the database management unit 1105.
[0053]
In the user information database 1102, information of each network user such as a user ID and a password as identification information is stored. Similarly, the printer information database 1103 stores information about each output device connected to the network, such as the printer ID 1003. The printer group information database 1104 stores printer group information obtained by classifying the printer information database 1103 by each printer group ID 1001 in accordance with the record format shown in FIG. Each printer group is also classified and stored in the printer group information database 1104.
[0054]
The printer management server mechanism 1101 receives a request for searching / inquiring / updating information from each printer and each network user via the network, and receives and processes the request by the system management unit 1108. The system management unit 1108 accesses information managed in each database via the information update unit 1106 and the information search unit 1107 as necessary.
[0055]
Next, the configuration of the output device will be described.
[0056]
The output device 301 includes an operation display unit 1121, a key input unit 1122, a card reading unit 1123, an identification information (ID / password, etc.) transmission unit 1124, an image data output unit 1125, and internal control of the output device or via a network. The control unit 1120 is an interface with an external device.
[0057]
Since the other output devices 101 to 102, 201 to 203, 302 to 303, and 401 to 402 have the same internal configuration, the description thereof is omitted. Further, the card reading unit 1123 is not necessarily provided.
[0058]
Identification information (ID / password) is selected without selecting a specific output device from the printer information group (for example, block 3 grouped for each area) received by the workstation 111, which is one of the client devices, from the server 501. When the print output request is generated (detailed description will be described later), the server 501 receives the identification information and the image data, the identification information is stored in the user information database 1102, and the image data is stored in the image data storage unit 1110. To store.
[0059]
Note that the identification information and the image data may be stored in the image data storage unit 1110 together rather than in separate storage units. Further, in FIG. 3, the user information database 1102, the printer information database 1103, the printer group information database 1104, and the image data storage unit 1110 are expressed as separate storage units. For example, one large capacity memory (hard disk Etc.) may be configured for each sector or directory.
[0060]
Thereafter, when the user inputs identification information (ID / password, etc.) from the key input unit 1122 of any output device (eg, output device 301) in the printer information group (eg, block 3), the identification information (ID / The password 1) sending unit 1124 sends the input identification information to the server 501. On the other hand, the server 501 collates identification information (ID / password, etc.) with a user information identification collation unit 1109. If the identification information stored in the server 501 matches the identification information sent from the output device, the image data corresponding to the identification information stored in the image data storage unit 1110 is output by sending the identification information. Output to the device 301. In this way, image data corresponding to the identification information is printed out from the image data output unit 1125.
[0061]
FIG. 4 is a view showing a display example of a window screen in which printer group list information is displayed on the client device.
[0062]
In FIG. 4, reference numeral 1201 denotes a menu bar for selecting a group classification. In this example, a function is selected. In this window screen, each item menu of printer group information registered in the management server grouped by function is displayed.
[0063]
In this window screen, the information display unit 1202 displays the number of printers registered in each printer group information item. Reference numeral 1203 denotes a button for displaying printer information registered in each printer group information item. A pointer cursor 1204 shown in FIG. 4 is operated by a user using a pointing device such as a mouse, and moves on the display screen of the client apparatus in synchronization with the pointing device. When the button 1203 is indicated by the pointer cursor 1204 and the mouse is clicked, the window screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed.
[0064]
A group output button 1208 is a button for instructing that output can be performed from any output device in this group without selecting a specific output device from this group.
[0065]
FIG. 5 shows the window 120 of the client device in which the button 1203 for displaying the shift sort item in FIG. 4 is pointed with the pointer cursor and the mouse is clicked to notify the server of the group information search request and the search result is displayed. It is a figure which shows an example.
[0066]
In this window, a list of printers registered in the printer group information stored in the server is displayed. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 1205 denotes the group classification (here, “area”) selected by the group classification selection menu bar 1201 shown in FIG. Reference numeral 1206 denotes a menu for further selecting a group registered in the selected group classification.
[0067]
When a group (area group in FIG. 5) is selected by the user in the selection menu 1206, the management server 1101 is requested to request a list of printer information registered in the selected printer group information. When the response is received, a printer list as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed.
[0068]
Reference numeral 1207 denotes a button attached to each printer information. When this button is selected by the user, the software of the client device performs processing for selecting the printer as an output destination.
[0069]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the printer agent that monitors the status of the printer. The printer agent built in each output device connected to the network of this embodiment always operates while the output device functions as a network component, monitors the status of the output device, and does not change anything. If there is, the printer management server 1101 is notified.
[0070]
First, in step S101, the status of the printer device is checked, for example, whether the recording paper has run out or the recording paper is jammed. After the check, the process checks the output status of the printer in step S102. In addition to simply checking whether the device is outputting a print, this check also collects information such as the scheduled end time of the job being output if it is being output. After the end, the process proceeds to step S103.
[0071]
In step S103, the printer device status and output status check results obtained in steps S101 to S102 are compared with the previous check results to check whether the status has changed. Here, if there is a change in the state compared to the previous time, the process proceeds to step S104, and if there is no change, the process returns to step S101 to continue the state monitoring.
[0072]
In step S104, the printer management server 1101 is notified that the printer status has changed. The processing on the server side at this time will be described in detail later.
Thereafter, the process returns to step S101.
[0073]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing on the server side that receives a notification from the printer agent.
[0074]
When the management server is notified of an information update request in step S104 in FIG. 6 as an information update request, the server executes the following processing.
[0075]
That is, in step S201, the management server 1101 searches for printer information by the information search unit 1107 based on the notification source printer ID. After the search process ends, the process proceeds to step S202.
[0076]
In step S202, the information update unit 1106 updates the printer information acquired in step S201 to information indicating the latest printer device state transmitted from the printer agent. After updating, the process proceeds to step S203.
[0077]
In step S203, based on the update result of the information in step S202, when the update is normally completed, status information indicating that the update has been normally completed is notified to the printer agent that is the update request source. Further, depending on the update contents, the status may be notified to the system management unit.
[0078]
As described above, in this embodiment, a plurality of users and a plurality of output devices connected to the network are grouped by the printer management server to realize management. Also, the printer agent built in each output device constantly monitors the status of the output device, notifies the management server only when a status change occurs, and updates the server information almost in real time. By using this printer agent, the latest printer information can be notified to the user who has notified the management server of the printer information request.
[0079]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of printer group list information that can be output and displayed on the client device.
[0080]
As shown in FIG. 8, the menu bar 1201 displays “area” as the selected group classification. In the window screen, each item menu of printer group information registered in the management server is displayed for each area. That is, the information display unit 1202 displays the number of printers registered in each printer group information item, and a button 1203 next to it displays a window displaying a list of printers registered in the group and their detailed information. A group output button 1208 is displayed below the button.
[0081]
When the mouse is operated and the button 1208 is pointed and clicked with the pointer cursor 1204, the client apparatus determines that the printer group output has been requested by the user, and transfers image data and the like to the management server 501.
[0082]
Note that the input of identification information in the output device is not only input using the key input unit 1122 and the operation display unit 1121, but also a memory card or the like in which identification information (ID / password, etc.) is input to a card reading unit 1123. You may input it by reading by. Further, an audio signal, a fingerprint, a retina pattern, or the like may be used as identification information.
[0083]
Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, the server 501 has a function as a print management server, collects various information about output devices connected to the network, stores them, and stores them as necessary. By querying the information, the user of the client device can obtain the latest printer information from the server. Therefore, the user can select a desired printer or a printer group based on the latest printer information and perform print output.
[0084]
For example, since a plurality of printers can be grouped for each installation area as the printer group, even if a printer in the group cannot be printed due to a failure, print output can be obtained from a printer in the same area. Can do. Therefore, the user does not have to specify another printer and re-output due to a printer failure, and does not need to collect his / her print output in another area, thus improving work efficiency.
[0085]
In the above description, the management server 1101 has been built in the server 501, but for example, the output device 402 having a large-capacity memory may be provided with a printer management server mechanism such as the management server 1101. In this case, although not described again, the image data corresponding to the identification information is temporarily stored in the memory in the output device 402. For example, when the identification information is input by the output device 301, the identification information Are transferred from the memory of the output device 402 to the output device 301 via the network, and output from the image data output unit 1125 of the output device 301.
[0086]
<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the method of outputting the image data from the output device by inputting the identification information to one output device on the network, for example, the output device 301 has been described. A method will be described in which identification data is input to a plurality of output devices, for example, two output devices 301 and 302, and image data is output from these output devices. Here, it is assumed that the output device 301 is a monochrome printer and the output device 302 is a color printer.
[0087]
For example, as a method of using an output device of a user of the computer 111, a part of the color image data transferred from the computer 111 is color-printed on OHP paper for presentation of a presentation such as a meeting. In particular, when there are a large number of people, printing a plurality of copies for distribution is too costly, so a plurality of copies may be printed in black and white for distribution.
[0088]
In this case, in the conventional method, the user first transfers the color image data from the computer 111 to the output device (color printer) 302 to output the color, and then outputs the same color image data to the output device (monochrome printer) 301 again. Transfer and output in black and white.
[0089]
On the other hand, in this embodiment, the user transfers the color image data from the computer 111 to the server 501 with identification information (ID / password, etc.) added only once. The identification information and the image data corresponding to the identification information are stored in the image data storage unit 1110 as described in the first embodiment.
[0090]
Next, when the user inputs identification information to the output device 302, the identification information is transferred to the server 501, and it is checked whether or not it matches the identification information added to the image data. If a match is obtained by the collation, the image data is transferred from the server 501 to the output device 302, and only one color print is output. Further, when the same identification information is input to the output device 301, the same identification information is collated, and the image data is transferred from the server 501 to the output device 301 to output a plurality of sets of monochrome prints. As a result, image data transfer from the computer 111 is performed only once. Further, since the identification information is input to the output device and the collation is not performed, the printout is not performed.
[0091]
The identification information may be input from the key input unit of the output device, or may be transmitted from the client device to each output device via a network.
[0092]
As a method of setting the number of copies, a desired numerical value may be input to each output device, or, of course, a desired numerical value may be transferred from the computer as a client device to the server for each output device. In addition to setting the number of copies, it is possible to designate color printing as single-sided printing and monochrome printing as double-sided printing.
[0093]
That is, in this embodiment, the image data corresponding to the identification information stored in the image data storage unit 1110 of the management server 1101 is an arbitrary output device in the printer group in which the identification information is input, for example, Even if it is transferred to the output device 302, it is controlled so that it is not erased from the image data storage unit 1110 (there is no need to add the identification information again from the client and issue a print output request). If identification information (ID / password, etc.) is input to another output device to which the identification information belongs, for example, the output device 301, image data corresponding to the identification information is transferred to the output device to which the identification information is input. .
[0094]
The image data stored in the image data storage unit 1110 is actually erased by the following method.
[0095]
(1) Instructions from the display panel
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the operation display unit 1121.
[0096]
As shown in FIG. 9, this deletion instruction is managed by touching a “delete stored image data” button 1301 displayed on the display panel 1300 of the output device 301 or 302 to which the identification information is actually input. Sent to the server 1101. The management server 1101 deletes the image data in response to this instruction. Of course, the image data to be erased is only the image data corresponding to the same identification information as that input to the output device.
[0097]
(2) Instruction from client device
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a client window screen.
[0098]
As shown in FIG. 10, by selecting the “delete” button 1209 of the stored image data on the displayed window screen, the client apparatus sends this deletion instruction to the management server 1101, and the management server 1101 displays the instruction. Follow the steps below to erase the image data.
[0099]
(3) Automatic erasure after a predetermined time
The image data is automatically erased after a predetermined time in response to an instruction from the client device or server.
[0100]
For example, as shown in the window display screen of FIG. 10, an instruction button 1210 for “erasing” 30 minutes after image data transmission, a specific time (in the example of FIG. 10, January 1, 2000, 18:00 ) Is selected, the image data is automatically deleted at the selected time.
[0101]
The set deletion time information may be transferred from the client to the server side at the time of selection, managed on the server side, and the image data may be deleted at the set time, or the client device side And erasing image data may be instructed to the server at the set time.
[0102]
In FIG. 10, reference numerals 1212 and 1213 denote an “erase release” button for releasing the set time and an “erase release” button for releasing the set date and time, respectively.
[0103]
The system may be provided with all of the above-mentioned three erasing methods, or may be able to select an erasing method suitable for the user.
[0104]
Therefore, according to the embodiment described above, by inputting identification information to a plurality of output devices on the network, the user can flexibly perform print output using the plurality of output devices.
[0105]
In addition, print output using a plurality of output devices on the network can be performed efficiently in consideration of the print output performance (speed) of each device and / or the number of output devices used. It can be performed.
[0106]
For example, when the user adds the identification information (ID / password, etc.) once from the computer 111 and transfers it to the server 501, the identification data and the image data corresponding to the identification information are image data as described above. Stored in the storage unit 1110. At this time, if two output devices 302 and 303 are used, the user first inputs identification information to the output device 302 and prints it out, and then inputs the same identification information to the output device 303 and prints it. Output.
[0107]
For setting the number of output copies, a desired numerical value may be input to each output device, or a desired numerical value may be sent from the client device to the server for each output device.
[0108]
Also, when the client device simply sends the required number of copies (N) to the server and prints out to the second output device, the first output device that is already outputting and the second device that will start outputting now The server automatically calculates from the print output performance (speed) of each output device so that the number of copies to be assigned to the output device is optimized (so that the output of the first and second units ends almost simultaneously). May be.
[0109]
For example, if the first output device has a printing speed twice as high as that of the second output device, the first output device outputs two copies when printing to the second output device. Then, since the remaining is (N-2) parts, the second unit is {(N-2) ÷ 3} so that the remaining {(N-2) × 2 ÷ 3} parts are output. Control may be performed so that partial output is performed.
[0110]
Again, the image data corresponding to the identification information stored in the image data storage unit 1110 of the server 501 is sent to any output device in the printer group to which the identification information has been input, for example, the output device 302. The image data storage unit 1110 is not erased (there is no need to issue a print output request with identification information added again from the client), and another output device in the printer group, for example, output If identification information is input to the device 303, image data corresponding to the identification information is also sent to the output device.
[0111]
<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an internal functional configuration of the management server 1101 according to the third embodiment. 11 is the same as the internal configuration of the management server 1101 shown in FIG. 3 described in the first embodiment, except that the user information identification verification unit 1109 and the image data storage unit 1110 are not provided. Since there is, the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0112]
FIG. 12 is a view showing a display example of a window screen in which printer group list information is displayed on the client device according to the third embodiment. 12 is the same as the display example of the window screen shown in FIG. 4 described in the first embodiment except that the group output button 1208 is not displayed.
[0113]
In this embodiment as well, it is assumed that printer agent processing similar to that described in the first embodiment is executed in each output device.
[0114]
Next, printer management processing according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
[0115]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing processing on the server side that receives a notification from the printer agent. When the management server is notified as an information update request in step S104 in FIG. 6 that the printer status has changed, the following processing is executed on the server side. Note that the step reference numbers in FIG. 13 are assigned the same reference numbers for the same processing steps as those described in FIG. 7 of the first embodiment.
[0116]
That is, in step S201, the management server 1101 searches for printer information by the information search unit 1107 based on the notification source printer ID. After the search process ends, the process proceeds to step S201a.
[0117]
In step S201a, it is checked whether there is a status error (down, error, etc.) in the output device belonging to the selected printer group (first priority group). If there is no status abnormality, the process proceeds to step S201c. If there is a status abnormality, the process proceeds to step S201b to search for an alternative printer having no status abnormality.
[0118]
Here, a method for searching for an alternative printer will be described in detail.
[0119]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing search processing for an alternative printer. This process is executed when an information retrieval request is received from the client device or when the management server needs to determine an alternative printer.
[0120]
In step S 401, in response to the printer group output request from the client apparatus, the printer group information database 1104 is searched using the information search unit 1107 for the output request destination printer group. After this search ends, the process proceeds to step S402.
[0121]
As alternative printer candidate search methods, there are a plurality of methods described below.
[0122]
(A) First search method
Search for a printer that matches the functions required for printing or scheduled processing from the priority group. If it does not exist, search again from other than the priority group under the same conditions. If it still does not exist, perform printing or scheduled processing. Search from within the priority group on condition that one function is deleted from the functions required for the function (hereinafter referred to as function limitation) and that there is no status error. . If a printer that satisfies the conditions is still not found, the function limitation is further advanced, and the search process is repeated until there is a printer that satisfies the conditions.
[0123]
Taking a specific example of a network system composed of three groups of printer groups I to III as shown in FIG. 15, the search is executed as follows.
[0124]
When the user selects the function “color print, punch, duplex printing, shift sort” and initially selects the printer A belonging to the printer group I having the function, and the printer A is down, the management server 1101 searches the printer group I for printers other than the printer A that have the functions of “color print, punch, double-sided print, shift sort” and have no status abnormality as a first search. If there is no printer that satisfies the conditions, a printer having a function of “color print, punch, duplex printing, shift sort” and having no status abnormality is searched from the printer groups II to III as the second search.
[0125]
Again, if there is no printer that satisfies the conditions, as a third search, one function is removed from the above functions (1) “color print, punch, duplex printing”, (2) “color print, punch, shift” Search for a printer having a function of “sort”, (3) “color print, double-sided print, shift sort” or (4) “punch, double-sided print, shift sort” and having no status abnormality from the printer group I. The alternative printer group is reconstructed for each search result (1) to (4).
[0126]
If there is no printer that satisfies the conditions, the printer group II-III is searched with the search conditions (1) to (4) as the fourth search, and an alternative printer group is reconstructed for each search result.
[0127]
If there is still no printer that satisfies the conditions, one function is further removed from the above four search conditions (1) to (4) (5) “Color print, duplex printing”, (6) “Color print” , Punch ”, (7)“ double-sided print, shift sort ”, (8)“ punch, double-sided print ”, (9)“ punch, shift sort ”, (10)“ color print, shift sort ” The alternative printer groups (5) to (10) are reconstructed from I.
[0128]
If there is no printer that satisfies the conditions, a printer having the functions of search conditions (5) to (10) and having no status abnormality is searched from the printer groups II to III as the fifth search. The alternative printer group is reconstructed for each search result of (5) to (10).
[0129]
The same search process is repeated until a printer that satisfies the search conditions is found.
[0130]
In the network system shown in FIG. 15, when there is an abnormality in the printer A having the functions of “color printing, punching, double-sided printing, shift sorting” belonging to the group I, the search process is executed to find an alternative printer. The following results are obtained.
[0131]
The printers B and C in group I do not satisfy the function condition “color printing, punching, duplex printing, shift sorting” (first search). In addition, there is no printer that satisfies the functional condition “color printing, punching, duplex printing, shift sorting” in the printer groups II to III (second search).
[0132]
A printer B satisfying the functional condition “punch, duplex printing, shift sort” exists in group I (third search).
[0133]
As a result, the management server 1101 notifies the client of the printer B as an alternative printer and its specifications. Then, with permission from the user, the process proceeds to print execution processing.
[0134]
(B) Second search method
This is a method in which a deletion function item is set in advance by the user in relation to the first search method. For example, in the specific example of the first search method, if the deletion function item is set to “shift sort”, the function-limited search is only “color print, punch, duplex printing”.
[0135]
(C) Third search method
This is a method of setting a deletion function item uniquely by the server in relation to the second search method. For example, in the specific example of the first search method, the server sets the deletion function item as “punch” or “shift sort” depending on the situation (for example, suppression of power consumption, supplementing with a similar function). As a result, search conditions with limited functions are defined.
[0136]
(D) Fourth search method
In this method, the search priority is set in advance by the user for each printer group. For example, if all the printers in the first priority group are down, the printer in the second priority group is searched. If all the printers in the second priority group are down, the printer in the third priority group is searched. The group with the highest priority is searched in order.
[0137]
For example, in a specific example of the first search method, the user has a printer having the function of “color print, punch, double-sided print, shift sort” as the first priority group, and “color print, punch, double-sided” as the second priority group. Priority is given to printers with "print and staple" functions, printers with "punch, duplex printing, shift sort" as the third priority group, and printers with "double-sided printing" function as the fourth priority group If the order is set, this priority order becomes the search priority order when the status is abnormal.
[0138]
(E) Fifth search method
In the first search method, when there are a plurality of alternative printers in the first search, the search method is a method in which a printer that is physically close to the client is further preferentially selected.
[0139]
Needless to say, the above-described search methods can be combined and processed.
[0140]
When the search is completed using the search method as described above, in step S402, the printer information database is searched using the information search unit 1107 for all printers belonging to the searched printer group from the printer group search result. The printer information is acquired by searching 1103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S403.
[0141]
In step S403, the printers belonging to the searched printer group are rearranged based on the priority setting preset by the user. After this sort process ends, the process proceeds to step S404.
[0142]
In step S404, a response is made to the client that has requested the output destination printer by using the prioritized printer as an alternative candidate printer.
[0143]
After the response confirmation is completed, the process ends.
[0144]
As described above, the alternative printer group search in the processing step S201b ends.
[0145]
Thereafter, in step S201c, the process notifies the client of a printer candidate obtained by performing printer information search or alternative printer group search, and waits for authentication from the user. Here, if the authentication is “acknowledge (OK)”, the alternative printer is determined and the process proceeds to step S202. If the authentication is “rejected”, the process returns to step S201 to perform the print information search process again. Do.
[0146]
In addition, you may perform the process which progresses to step S202 automatically (that is, entrusts a process to the management server 1101), without performing the user authentication process by step S201c. At this time, if there are a plurality of alternative printer candidates, the alternative printer is uniquely determined according to the priority order of the group printers set in advance by the user as described above, or uniquely by the server.
[0147]
In step S202, the confirmed printer information is updated to information indicating the state of the latest printer device transmitted from the printer agent. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S203 ′.
[0148]
In step S203 ′, if the update is normally completed based on the update result in step S202, status information indicating that the update has been completed is notified to the printer agent that is the update request source, and the output destination is changed. Notify the client. Further, depending on the update contents, the status may be notified to the system management unit.
[0149]
The client device that has received the notification of the change of the output destination executes the processing shown in FIG.
[0150]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing print output destination change processing in the client apparatus.
[0151]
First, in step S 301, a print output destination determination request request is transmitted to the management server 1101 using the printer group selected by the user as the printer group output. An output request request is also made when an output destination change notification is received in the event of an abnormal situation where a status abnormality has occurred, as described above. Thereafter, in step S302, the process waits for a response from the management server 1101.
[0152]
If there is a response from the management server 1101, the process proceeds to step S 303, the print output destination included in the response is extracted from the management server 1101, and a print output request is made to the output device determined by the management server 1101. .
[0153]
Thereafter, in step S304, the user is notified that a printer output request has been made to the output device determined by the management server 1101. This notification is performed by displaying a predetermined dialog or the like on the window screen.
[0154]
Thereafter, the normal print output process is resumed, and the print process by the client apparatus continues.
[0155]
Therefore, according to the embodiment described above, when a user makes an output request to a printer group, if a status error occurs in a printer in the group, the server automatically selects a candidate printer as an alternative output destination. And the server can automatically print to the alternative printer according to the final judgment of the user.
[0156]
By managing a plurality of users and a plurality of output devices connected to the network in this way by grouping them with the printer management server, it is possible to constantly monitor the status of the output device from the printer agent built in each output device. Thus, when the state changes, it is possible to promptly and flexibly take action according to the network situation, such as notifying the client of an alternative printer or changing the output destination.
[0157]
In the above-described embodiment, when a status error occurs in a printer in a printer group, an alternative printer is searched unconditionally. However, it is assumed that all errors in the printer group are based on the assumption that the user cancels the error. If the printer status is abnormal, the output image data is transferred from the client to the server without searching for an alternative printer, and the output image data is stored in the server or output device until the error is cleared. It is also possible to perform processing so that the print output processing is interrupted (this is called forced execution).
[0158]
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state of forced execution.
[0159]
Here, FIG. 17A shows a state in which the output image data is stored in the server and the print output process is interrupted, and FIG. 17B shows the case where the data is further transferred from the server to the printer in which an abnormality has occurred. The output image data is stored in the storage unit of the printer and the print output process is interrupted. In both cases, the output is resumed as soon as the abnormality is cleared by the user.
[0160]
In particular, when the number of print copies to be output is small, even if the user goes to the location of the output printer and clears the error and then executes the output process, there is not much burden on the user (such as waiting time) and the original desired function Such a forced execution has an advantage if it can be executed. Also, if error processing is not performed after a certain period of time (user setting) when forced execution is performed, it is regarded as a timeout, and the server cancels the output request to the printer agent and notifies the user through the client to that effect. It is desirable that the job be canceled.
[0161]
Further, the printer inquiry information itself that notifies the client of the printer in which an abnormality has occurred may be deleted.
[0162]
<Fourth embodiment>
Here, a description will be given of processing when an abnormality occurs in a printer group when the priority printer group is selected to include only printers that satisfy the user's desired functions.
[0163]
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a network system including three groups of printer groups I ′ to III ′.
[0164]
In this system, the priority printer group I ′ is set to all printers having the “4 in 1 (function to reduce four originals and output them on one sheet) bookbinding” function. In other words, it can be said that the priority printer group I ′ is a printer group in which, for example, the copy speed and the installation position are ignored in addition to this function.
[0165]
In such an environment, when an abnormality occurs in the printer A ′ belonging to the priority printer group I ′ selected by the user, the printer agent transmits status information together with the printer ID of the printer A ′ to the server, and the printer. Notify that there is an abnormality. By this notification, the server recognizes from the printer ID that an abnormality has occurred in the printer group to which the printer A ′ belongs (in this case, the printer group I ′). First, all printer status information other than the printer A ′ belonging to the printer group I ′ is searched to find a normal printer from the priority printer group I, and an attempt is made to construct an alternative printer group.
[0166]
When there is a normal printer in the priority printer group I ′, that is, as shown in FIG. 12A, the server notifies the client of a printer B ′ that satisfies the condition as an alternative printer.
[0167]
On the other hand, when there is no normal printer in the priority printer group I ′, that is, as shown in FIG. 12B, the server sets a condition for the priority printer group I ′ from the result of the search process described above. Judging that there is no satisfactory printer, it is a printer that is functioning normally and has the function of the search condition (1 ′) “4 in 1” or (2 ′) “bookbinding” with limited functions. The printer is searched from the priority printer group 1 ', and the alternative printer group is reconstructed.
[0168]
The server notifies the client of the printer D ′ or printer J ′ belonging to the reconstructed alternative printer group.
[0169]
Thereafter, processing similar to that described in the third embodiment is performed.
[0170]
Therefore, according to the embodiment described above, since the user-desired grouping is performed, even if an abnormality occurs in the printer in the group, there is a high possibility that an alternative printer is first found in the same group. Therefore, it is possible to provide a print output with higher user satisfaction.
[0171]
Also, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) that records a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and to perform computer (or CPU or CPU) of the system or apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved when the MPU) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. 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. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running 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.
[0172]
Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the expansion card 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.
[0173]
In the above example, the program processing has been described. However, the program processing may be performed by hardware.
[0174]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, there is an effect that a user of a network can select a desired output device and perform print output flexibly while grasping the status of the printer device. Even if the operation of the selected output device is abnormal and cannot be output, an alternative printer is searched and output from the printer becomes possible.
[0175]
In addition, by grouping printer devices, for example, by grouping them in view of their installation location and functions, and by relating this group to the priority of search for alternative printers, a printer that is close to the original user's request can be substituted. Therefore, there are advantages in terms of user satisfaction and print output efficiency.
[0176]
Further, when the user makes an output request to the printer group from the client device, the user inputs identification information (ID / password, etc.) to any of the multiple printer devices in the group. Until then, printing is not output, so confidentiality can be maintained, as long as it is a printer device in the group, printing may be performed on any output device, and further print generation for users using multiple printer devices A highly efficient and efficient print processing system can be realized.
[0177]
Further, the present invention can be applied to department management such as the number of prints and operation modes for each identification information (ID / password, etc.).
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network system according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a record format for storing printer group information in which printer information is classified and grouped.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of an internal functional configuration of a printer management system.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a window screen in which printer group list information is displayed on a client device.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a window screen of a client device on which a search result corresponding to a group information search request is displayed.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a printer agent that monitors the status of a printer.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating processing on the server side that receives a notification from the printer agent.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of printer group list information that can be output and displayed on a client device.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the operation display unit 1121 according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a client window screen according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an internal functional configuration of a management server 1101 according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a view showing a display example of a window screen displaying printer group list information on the client device according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing on the server side that receives a notification from the printer agent.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing search processing for an alternative printer.
FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network system including three groups of printer groups I to III.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating print output destination change processing in the client device.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state of forced execution.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a network system including three groups of printer groups I ′ to III ′.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Network
101, 102 Printer
111, 112 client devices
201-203 Printer
301-303 Printer
401-402 Printer
1001 Printer group ID
1002 Printer group name
1003 Printer ID
1101 Management server
1102 User information database
1103 Printer Information Database
1104 Printer group information database
1105 Database management department
1106 Information update unit
1107 Information Management Department
1108 System Management Department
1109 User information identification verification unit
1110 Image data storage unit
1120 Control unit
1121 Operation display section
1122 Key input part
1123 Card reader
1124 Identification information sending unit
1125 Image data output unit
1201 Group classification selection menu
1202 Printer group information
1203 Printer list display button
1204 Pointer cursor
1205 Group classification
1206 Printer group selection menu
1207 Printer output button
1208 Printer group output button

Claims (12)

A network system in which a plurality of printer devices, a plurality of client devices, and a print management device are connected to each other via a network,
Each of the printer devices
Having input means for inputting identification information of the own device;
The print management apparatus includes:
Storage means for grouping the plurality of printer devices into a plurality of printer groups and storing information on the groups;
Accepting means for accepting designation of a printer group for printing out image data from any of the plurality of client devices;
Receiving means for receiving, from the first printer device, identification information input to the first printer device among the printer devices included in the designated printer group;
Transfer means for transferring the image data to the first printer device based on the identification information received by the receiving means ;
Each of the plurality of client devices is
Network system, characterized in that it comprises a specifying means for specifying a printer group for printing out the image data. A print management apparatus connected to a plurality of printer apparatuses and a plurality of client apparatuses via a network,
First storage means for grouping the plurality of printer devices into a plurality of printer groups, and storing the grouping information;
Accepting means for accepting designation of a printer group for printing out image data from any of the plurality of client devices;
Receiving means for receiving, from the first printer device, identification information input to the first printer device among the printer devices included in the designated printer group;
A print management apparatus comprising: transfer means for transferring the image data to the first printer apparatus based on the identification information received by the receiving means . Second storage means for storing information on the operating state of each of the plurality of printer apparatuses;
Updating means for updating information on the operating state of each of the plurality of printer devices stored in the second storage means with information on the operating state notified from each of the plurality of printer devices;
And a notification unit configured to notify an inquiry source client device of operation states of the plurality of printer devices stored in the second storage unit in response to a query from the plurality of client devices. Item 3. The print management apparatus according to Item 2. Each of the plurality of client devices is
Display means for displaying on the screen the operating status of each of the plurality of printer devices notified by the notification means;
The print management apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the reception unit receives designation of a print destination via a screen displayed on the display unit. The print management apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the plurality of printer apparatuses are grouped according to an installation location of each of the plurality of printer apparatuses and a function of each of the plurality of printer apparatuses . The print management apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the functions include a color print function, a monochrome print function, a bookbinding function, a shift sort function, a staple punch function, and a double-sided print function. The print management apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the reception unit receives image data to be printed out together with designation of the printer group. The print management apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising third storage means for temporarily storing the image data. The image processing apparatus further comprises control means for controlling to hold the image data stored in the third storage means without erasing after transferring the image data transferred by the transfer means to the first printer device. The print management apparatus according to claim 8 . The receiving means receives the identification information input by a different second printer from the printer for said second and said first printer,
It said transfer means, the print management apparatus according to the image data stored in said third memory means to claim 9, characterized that you transfer to the second printer. 11. The print management apparatus according to claim 10 , further comprising calculation means for optimizing the number of print outputs to be assigned to the first printer apparatus that is already printing and the second printer apparatus to be printed. . A management method of a print management apparatus connected to a plurality of printer apparatuses and a plurality of client apparatuses via a network,
A storage step of grouping the plurality of printer devices into a plurality of printer groups and storing the grouping information in a storage unit;
An accepting step of accepting designation of a printer group for printing out image data from any of the plurality of client devices;
A receiving step of receiving, from the first printer device, identification information input to the first printer device among the printer devices included in the designated printer group;
And a transfer step of transferring the image data to the first printer device based on the identification information received in the reception step .

Images