JP5418019B2 - PRINT CONTROL SYSTEM, PRINT CONTROL SERVER, PRINTING DEVICE, PRINT CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, AND PRINT CONTROL PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a print control system that controls print processing in a printing apparatus by performing user authentication. More specifically, the present invention relates to a print control system that displays a print data list related to an authenticated user on a printing apparatus and prints print data selected from the print data list.

In recent years, user authentication is performed in a printing apparatus, and a printing request for print data accumulated on a print server is issued from the printing apparatus, so that printing data is printed in the printing apparatus by so-called “pull printing (accumulated printing)”. A printing system has been proposed. The security can be improved by printing the print data corresponding to the authenticated user from the printing apparatus.
For example, in [Patent Document 1], an IC card authentication process is performed by a multi-function peripheral, print data of an authenticated user is specified by a print management server, and a print command is stored in a print server storing the specified print data. A print system is disclosed in which print data of a user who has been authenticated by transmitting the print data is printed by a desired printer. This print system is a system that stores print data and bibliographic information data received from an application program in a print server and a print server, and performs printing according to an output instruction in a desired printing apparatus.

  On the other hand, [Patent Document 2] discloses a print control system that enables a plurality of printers to be efficiently used in a print control system that uses a plurality of printers connected to a network. In this print control system, the print server generates a virtual job based on a processing request from the print instruction apparatus, and sends a processable response to the print instruction apparatus when the virtual job becomes a processable state. The print object transferred from the print instruction apparatus in response to the possible response is output.

JP 2006-99714 A JP-A-11-53134

  However, in the print system described in [Patent Document 1], printing using IC card authentication is possible to improve the security of the system, but it takes time to display a list for issuing a print instruction on a desired printing apparatus. There is a problem that requires. Specifically, the print system manages print data based on bibliographic information data, but waits for the completion of transmission of print data, and generates a bibliographic information file when it is determined that the transmission is completed. This is because the bibliographic information in the bibliographic information file includes the name of the print data, the owner name (sender's computer name), the number of pages, etc. For example, the number of pages is not known unless reception is completed. Even if the printer driver assigns the number of pages of the entire print data as the attribute information of the print data, if the print server (print data storage server) does not complete the reception of the print data, the print data is formally Therefore, the creation of the bibliographic information file is currently waiting for completion of reception of the print data. The printing apparatus displays a list of print data that can be output by receiving the bibliographic information file. For this reason, when printing print data with a large number of pages or data capacity, if print data spooling and transmission (reception on the print server side) are not completed, a list display regarding the print data is displayed on the printing apparatus. It is not possible to give a print instruction. The user does not know the timing from when the printing operation is performed on the user side application until the list display on the printing apparatus. Accordingly, a list of desired print data is not displayed on the printing apparatus, and the user needs to wait at the installation location of the printing apparatus and repeatedly reload the list display screen.

  In [Patent Document 2], a virtual job is used, and when the virtual job becomes printable, a processable response is sent to the print instruction apparatus, and print data is sent from the print instruction apparatus to the printing apparatus according to the processable response. Output. This technique is a technique for finding a printing apparatus whose processing turns faster among a plurality of printing apparatuses by transmitting a virtual job to each printing apparatus. Therefore, unlike the pre-print system, it is not necessary to perform an operation procedure of displaying a list of desired print data on a desired printing apparatus and selecting the desired print data. Therefore, there is no problem that bibliographic information must be created on the print server until the information necessary for displaying the information for specifying the print data in the list display is prepared. In the technique of Patent Document 2, A virtual job is generated after the print server receives the print job. For this reason, the virtual job is not generated until the print server receives the print job, and the printing apparatus cannot recognize that the print preparation is ready.

As described above, the conventional technique and the combination thereof have a problem that the print data cannot be displayed on the printing apparatus as a list of print data until the print data transmitted from the client terminal is completely received by the print server.
However, it is assumed that a user who has issued a print data print instruction from the client terminal requests a print data list from the printing apparatus and issues a print instruction without waiting for completion of reception of the print data by the print server.
In addition, when a print instruction is issued from a client terminal for a plurality of print data, it is desired to instruct from the operation unit of the printing apparatus to print the third print data before the print data list is displayed. However, it cannot be realized by the conventional technology.
Furthermore, although the order of the print data instructed to be printed from the client terminal is not known, even when the user remembers the characteristics of the document (print data) to be printed, the reception of the print data is completed at the print server, Before the print data list is displayed on the printing apparatus, there is a problem that the print data cannot be specified and a print instruction cannot be given.
Also, even if you want to instruct the deletion of print data first for print data that is not displayed as a list on the printing device in this way, delete the print data until the list of print data is displayed. There was a problem that could not be done.
As described above, for print data that is not displayed as a list on the printing apparatus, it is assumed that it is desired to perform job control such as a print instruction or a delete instruction before the list is displayed, but there is a problem that there is no mechanism for realizing it. is there.
The present invention aims to provide a mechanism that allows the deletion for the print data that is not the list in the printing device.

In order to achieve the above-described object, the first invention provides a print control server that manages print data information that uniquely indicates print data and a print device that can print the print data via a network. In the control system, the print control server includes a list information transmission unit configured to transmit the list information of the print data information to the printing apparatus, and the list information newly added by the printing apparatus from the printing apparatus. Print data managed by the print control server after the list information is transmitted by the list information transmitting unit, the job control instruction information receiving unit receiving job control instruction information including a deletion instruction, print data information not included Print data specifying means for specifying print data information corresponding to the above information, and job control instruction information received by the job control instruction information receiving means Delete control means for controlling to delete the print data of the print data information specified by the print data specifying means in accordance with the included delete instruction, and the printing apparatus receives the print data information received from the print control server Information display means for displaying the list information including the print data information adding means for adding the print data information to delete the print data not included in the list information, and the addition added by the print data information adding means Job control instruction information transmitting means for transmitting job control instruction information including print data information and a deletion instruction to the print control server is provided.
Further, the list information display means additionally displays print data information not included in the newly added list information, and enables deletion setting to the additionally displayed print data information.
The print control server includes a storage unit that associates and stores the added additional print data information and the print data information of the print data specified by the print data specifying unit, and the print data stored by the storage unit. Print data information transmitting means for transmitting information to the printing apparatus together with the additional print data information, and the printing apparatus transmits the print data information transmitted by the print data information transmitting means and the additional print data information. The print data information receiving means to receive, the additional print data information received from the print data information receiving means, and the print data information additionally displayed by the list information display means are compared. Using the print data information received from the information receiving means, the marks displayed on the matching list information display means are displayed. And additional print data display changing means for changing the data information
It is characterized by providing.
The printing apparatus further includes a condition setting unit that sets a predetermined condition for the added print data, the job control instruction information includes the predetermined condition, and the print data specifying unit includes the print data specifying unit, Print data not included in the list information that matches a predetermined condition is specified.
Further, the print data information adding means can add print data information so as to print print data not included in the list information, and the job control instruction information transmitting means further includes a print instruction. It is possible to transmit job control instruction information including

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mechanism that allows the deletion for the print data that is not a display list in the printing device.

Configuration diagram of print control system 1 Hardware configuration diagram of information processing apparatus applicable to print management server 100, print server 200, authentication server 300, print control server 400, and client terminal 500 Hardware configuration diagram of printing apparatus 600 Schematic diagram showing the basic operation of the print control system 1 The figure which shows the print data information 110 which the print server 200 memorize | stores FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a print data list request 120 transmitted from the printing apparatus 600 to the print management server 100. The figure which shows the print data list 130 produced based on the print data information 110 FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a print instruction 140 transmitted from the printing apparatus 600 to the print management server 100. The figure which shows the print job list 150 which the print management server 100 produces and memorize | stores. The figure which shows the normal job list 160 which the printing management server 100 produces and memorize | stores The figure which shows the virtual job (additional print data) list | wrist 170 which the print management server 100 produces and memorize | stores. The figure which shows the print execution command 180 transmitted to the print server 200 from the print management server 100 A flowchart showing the overall operation of the print control system 1 A flowchart showing details of the print instruction process (step S1008 in FIG. 13). Flowchart showing details of normal job processing (step S1011 in FIG. 13) Flowchart showing details of virtual job (additional print data) processing (step S1012 in FIG. 13) The figure which shows the print data list screen 5000 The figure which shows the print data list screen 6000 The figure which shows the print data list screen 7000 The figure which shows the virtual job setting screen 10000 Flowchart showing the overall operation of the print control system 1 when logging out by the printing apparatus 600 A flowchart showing details of virtual job processing for canceling (deleting) printing that is not displayed in the list

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 relates to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a print control system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to components having substantially the same functional configuration, and redundant description will be omitted.

(1. System configuration)
First, the configuration of a print control system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the print control system 1.
Note that the configuration of the print control system 1 in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and various configurations can be employed according to applications and purposes.

  In the print control system 1, a print management server 100, a print server 200, an authentication server 300, one or a plurality of client terminals 500, and a printer 600 as a printer communicate via a network 3 such as a LAN (local area network). Connected and configured.

The print management server 100 is a device that manages printing of print data stored in the print server 200. Specifically, print data information (which will be described later with reference to FIG. 5), which is bibliographic information of print data accumulated in the print server 200, is stored. This print data information is, for example, owner information of the print data. It is a table in which (user identification information indicating a user) and print data (document data identification information) are associated with each other. “Print” indicates output processing in the printing apparatus 600, and includes output processing such as preview display as well as printing on a paper medium.
The print management server 100 searches the print data information (FIG. 5) in response to the print data list request transmitted from the printing apparatus 600, and corresponds to the user identification information (owner information) included in the print data list request. Returns the print data list. The print data information is attribute information of the print data, and is managed by a bibliographic information database (bibliographic information storage unit) provided in the print server 200. Based on the print instruction from the printing apparatus 600, the print management server 100 issues a print execution instruction for the print data specified by the print instruction to the print server 200 storing the print data instructed to print. Send.

  The print server 200 is a device that temporarily stores print data received from the client terminal 500. The print server 200 generates print data information that is attribute information of the print data from the print data received from the client terminal 500 and transmits the print data information to the print management server 100. The print management server 200 may also include a bibliographic information database that manages the print data information. Then, based on the print execution command transmitted from the print management server 100, the print server 200 transmits the print data specified by the print execution command to the printing apparatus 600.

  The authentication server 300 is a device that performs authentication when the user of the client terminal 500 logs into the printing apparatus 600. As the authentication information (user identification information), a user name, a password, or a card number is used. At least one of the authentication information (user identification information) is stored in the IC card 700, and the user holds the IC card 700 over the card reader of the printing apparatus 600, whereby the authentication information (user identification information) is stored in the printing apparatus 600. May be entered. Further, the user may directly input authentication information (user identification information) via the operation unit of the printing apparatus 600. The authentication server 300 stores an IC card authentication table, and when the card information of the IC card is received from the printing apparatus 600, the authentication server 300 performs authentication processing using the IC card authentication table. The user can use the printing apparatus 600 after being authenticated by the authentication server 300.

  The client terminal 500 is a terminal device used by a user. A document printing program is installed in the client terminal 500. The document printing program is a program for printing a document via a printer driver installed in the client terminal 500. The document printing program is, for example, a word processor, spreadsheet software, or form printing software. The client terminal 500 creates data to be printed using a document printing program, converts this data into print data using a printer driver, and transmits the print data to the print server 200.

  The printing apparatus 600 is an apparatus that prints print data. The printing apparatus 600 has a screen such as a liquid crystal screen in the operation unit. The printing apparatus 600 has an input interface that allows operations such as printing instructions on the screen of the operation unit. The screen may be provided on the operation unit of the printing apparatus 600, or the screen may be externally connected to the printing apparatus 600.

The print management server 100 stores an execution program, an OS (operating system) program, and the like in a RAM or an external memory.
The print server 200 stores print data information, print data, an execution program, an OS program, and the like in a RAM or an external memory.
The authentication server 300 stores an IC card authentication table, an execution program, an OS program, and the like in a RAM or an external memory.
The printing apparatus 600 stores a print program, an authentication program, an OS program, and the like in a RAM or HDD (hard disk drive).

Note that the print management server 100, the print server 200, and the authentication server 300 may have independent device configurations (separate cases), or may be configured as one server as the print control server 400 (same case). . The functions of the print management server 100, the print server 200, and the authentication server 300 may be separate processes, and the processes may be executed in cooperation with each other. In this embodiment, the data transmission process and the reception process are described as separate enclosures. However, the present invention is not limited to this form, and it is sufficient that data communication can be performed between the processes. Furthermore, the functions of the print management server 100, the print server 200, and the authentication server 300 can be realized as one application (one process). It is possible to distribute the load by realizing it by a plurality of processes, and it is possible to prevent the processing delay. However, since the load is not so large for SOHO, it may be realized by one application (one process). It also includes it.
The bibliographic information database for managing print data information may be provided on the print server 200 side or on the print management server 100 side.

(2. Hardware configuration)
Next, the hardware configuration of the print management server 100, the print server 200, the authentication server 300, the client terminal 500, and the printing apparatus 600 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an information processing apparatus applicable to the print management server 100, the print server 200, the authentication server 300, the print control server 400, and the client terminal 500.
The CPU 201 comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. The ROM 202 and the external memory 211 store a basic input / output system (BIOS) that is a control program of the CPU 201, an OS, and various programs necessary for realizing the functions executed by each server or each client terminal. . The RAM 203 functions as a main memory and work area for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program necessary for execution of processing into the RAM 203 and executing the program.

  The input controller 205 controls input from a pointing device such as a keyboard 209 or a mouse (not shown). The video controller 206 controls display on a display device such as the CRT 210. The display device may be a liquid crystal display as well as a CRT display. These are used by the administrator as needed. The present invention is not directly related.

  The memory controller 207 is stored in a hard disk (HD), floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD), or PCMCIA card slot that stores a boot program, browser software, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like. Controls access to an external memory 211 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory connected via an adapter. The communication I / F controller 208 is connected to and communicates with an external device via a network, and executes communication control processing on the network. For example, Internet communication using TCP / IP is possible.

For example, the CPU 201 can perform display on the CRT 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 203. In addition, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 210.
A program for realizing the present invention is recorded in the external memory 211 and is executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 203 as necessary. In addition, definition files and various information tables used when executing the program are also stored in the external memory 211.

FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the printing apparatus 600.
The printing apparatus 600 includes a controller unit 316, an operation unit 308, a card reader 319, a printer unit 312, and a scanner unit 314. The controller unit 316 controls the operation of the operation unit 308, the card reader 319, the printer unit 312 and the scanner unit 314.

A device arranged on the system bus 309 will be described.
The CPU 301 is a processor that controls the entire system. A system work memory for the RAM 302 and the CPU 301 to operate. The RAM 302 is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.
The ROM 303 is a memory that permanently stores data. The ROM 303 stores a system boot program and various control programs.
The HDD 304 is an external storage device (hard disk drive). The HDD 304 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like. The HDD 304 stores an authentication program and a printing program.

  An operation unit I / F 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit 308. The operation unit I / F 307 outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 308 to the operation unit 308. The operation unit I / F 307 notifies the CPU 301 of information (for example, a user name, a card number, and a password) input by the user from the operation unit 308. The operation unit 308 is provided with a screen 330 that is a display unit having a touch panel. Various instructions are performed when the user presses the button displayed on the screen 330 (touches with a finger or the like).

  A network I / F 305 is a network interface. A network I / F 305 is connected to a network such as a LAN to input / output data. The MODEM 306 is a modem. The MODEM 306 is connected to a public line to input / output data such as FAX transmission / reception. The external I / F 318 is an external interface. The external I / F 318 is an interface unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, and RS-232C. A card reader 319 for reading information of the IC card 700 is connected to the external I / F 318. The CPU 301 can control reading of information from the IC card 700 by the card reader 319 via the external I / F 318, and can acquire information read from the IC card 700.

  The IMAGE BUS I / F 320 is an image bus interface. The IMAGE BUS I / F 320 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed, and converts the data structure. The image bus 315 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394.

A device arranged on the image bus 315 will be described.
The RIP 310 is a raster image processor. For example, the RIP 310 expands vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image. A printer I / F 311 is a printer interface. A printer I / F 311 connects the printer unit 312 and the controller unit 316, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner I / F 313 is a scanner interface. A scanner I / F 313 connects the scanner unit 314 and the controller unit 316, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 317 is a device that performs image processing. The image processing unit 317 corrects, processes, and edits input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. Further, the image processing unit 317 performs rotation of image data, and performs compression / decompression processing such as JPEG and binary image data for multi-valued image data such as JBIG, MMR, and MH.

  The scanner unit 314 is a scanner mechanism. The scanner unit 314 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder. When the user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 gives an instruction to the scanner unit 314, and the original feeder feeds original sheets one by one, and an original image reading operation is performed.

  The printer unit 312 is a printing mechanism. The printer unit 312 converts raster image data into an image on paper. The conversion method includes an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, an ink jet method in which an ink is ejected from a minute nozzle array and an image is printed directly on a sheet, and any conversion method is used. Also good. Activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 301. The printer unit 312 is provided with a plurality of paper feed stages and paper cassettes corresponding to these paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected.

The operation unit 308 is used to input an operation instruction from the user or display an operation status. The operation unit 308 has a screen 330 such as a liquid crystal display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the liquid crystal display unit. The operation unit 308 displays the operation screen of the system, and when a displayed button or key is touched, notifies the CPU 301 of the position information via the operation unit I / F 307.
The operation unit 308 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, and a reset key as various operation keys. The start key is a key used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there is a two-color LED of green and red, and the color indicates whether or not the start key can be used. The stop key is a key having a function of stopping an operation in operation. The ID key is a key used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is a key used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  The card reader 319 reads information stored in the IC card 700 under the control of the CPU 301 and notifies the CPU 301 of the read information via the external I / F 318. As the IC card 700, for example, FeliCa (registered trademark) manufactured by Sony Corporation (FeliCa (registered trademark)) may be used.

  With the configuration described above, the printing apparatus 600 can transmit the image data read from the scanner 314 to the network 3 and print the print data received from the network 3 by the printer unit 312. Further, the printing apparatus 600 can send the image data read from the scanner unit 314 by FAX on the public line using the MODEM 306, and print the image data received by FAX from the public line by the printer unit 312.

(3. Basic operation of print control system 1)
Next, the basic operation of the print control system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the basic operation of the print control system 1.

(S11) The user performs a printing operation from an application program executed on the client terminal 500. On the client terminal 500, application programs such as a word processor, spreadsheet software, and form printing software operate, and print data is created via a printer driver.
(S12) The client terminal 500 transmits print data to the print server 200 via the network via the port of the printer driver. The print server 200 operates as a virtual printing device for the client terminal 500.
(S13) The print server 200 receives the print data and stores (accumulates) it in the storage unit of the print server.
(S14) The print server 200 creates and stores the print data information 110 that is attribute information of the print data. In FIG. 4, the print data information 110 is stored on the print server 200 side, but may be stored on the print management server 100 side. The print data information 110 will be described later with reference to FIG.

(S21) When the user holds the IC card 700 over the card reader 319 connected to the printing apparatus 600, the IC card authentication process is started. The authentication process is not limited to the authentication process using an IC card, and an authentication means such as keyboard authentication or biometric authentication may be used.
(S22) The printing apparatus 600 reads the card information of the IC card 700 from the card reader 319 and transmits it to the authentication server 300.
(S23) Upon receiving the card information from the printing apparatus 600 via the network, the authentication server 300 checks the authentication table and transmits the authentication result and the authentication information (user identification information) to the printing apparatus 600.

(S31) The printing apparatus 600 receives the authentication result from the authentication server 300. If the authentication fails, the printing apparatus 600 displays an error message and terminates the process. If the authentication is successful, the printing information 600 (authentication information (user identification information)). Based on the above, a print data list request 120 is transmitted to the print management server 100. The print data list request 120 will be described later with reference to FIG.
(S32 and S33) Upon receiving the print data list request 120 from the printing apparatus 600, the print management server 100 searches the print data information 110 stored in the print server 200 and acquires the print data list 130. The print data list 130 is a list of print data related to authenticated users. The print data list 130 will be described later with reference to FIG.
(S34) The print management server 100 transmits the acquired print data list 130 to the printing apparatus 600. The printing apparatus 600 displays the received print data list 130 on the screen 330 of the operation unit 308.

(S41) The user confirms the print data list 130 displayed on the screen 330 of the operation unit 308 of the printing apparatus 600, designates the print data, and issues a print instruction. The print instruction is performed using a touch panel or a keyboard of the operation unit 308. When receiving a print instruction from the user, the printing apparatus 600 transmits a print instruction 140 to the print management server 100. The print instruction 140 will be described later with reference to FIG.
(S42) Upon receiving the print instruction 140 from the printing apparatus 600, the print management server 100 transmits a print execution command 180 to the print server 200. The print execution command 180 will be described later with reference to FIG.
(S43) Upon receiving the print execution command 180 from the print management server 100, the print server 200 extracts the stored print data and transmits the print data to the printing apparatus 600 via the network.
(S44) The printing apparatus 600 executes printing of the print data and outputs a printed matter.

The functional units that execute the processes of S11 to S44 are provided in the client terminal 500, the printing apparatus 600, the print server 200, the print management server 100, and the authentication server 300.
More specifically, the client terminal 500 includes a print instruction unit (for example, a printer driver) that executes S12, the printing apparatus 600 includes an authentication input unit that executes S21, a print data list request unit that executes S31, and S34. A print data list receiving unit that receives a print data list, a print data list display unit that displays a print data list, a print instruction unit that executes S41, and prints the print data received in S43 (S44). Reference numeral 200 denotes a print data reception unit and print data storage unit that execute S13, a print data information storage unit that executes S14, a print execution command reception unit that receives a print execution command through S42, and a print data transmission unit that executes S43. The print management server 100 executes the print data list request receiving unit received in S31, S34. A print data list transmission unit, a print instruction reception unit received in S41, a print data acquisition unit that executes S32 and acquires a print data list in S33, and a job that stores lists 150 to 170 for managing print data to be printed The authentication server 300 includes a list storage unit and an authentication processing unit that receives card information from S22 and transmits an authentication result in S23.
The functional units of the print server 200, the print management server 100, and the authentication server 300 may be combined into one server.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to add a virtual job and issue a print instruction for print data not displayed in the print data list (reserved printing). The reservation printing will be described later. The print management server 100 creates and stores a print job list 150 based on the acquired print data list 130. Information relating to the added virtual job is also recorded in the print job list 150. The print management server 100 extracts print jobs related to normal printing and reserved printing from the print job list 150 and stores them as a normal job list 160 and a virtual job list 170, respectively. The print job list 150, the normal job list 160, and the virtual job list 170 reserved printing will be described later with reference to FIGS.

(4. Information transmitted and received between devices and information stored)
Next, information transmitted / received between the print management server 100, the print server 200, the authentication server 300, and the printing apparatus 600 and stored information will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, regarding the information transmitted / received between each apparatus, it is not necessary to transmit / receive about all the items, You may make it transmit / receive only about a required item.

(4-1. Print data information 110)
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the print data information 110 stored in the print server 200.
The print data information 110 is print data attribute information. The print data information 110 includes a print data identifier (print data identification information) 111, owner information (user identification information of a printable user) 112, a document name 113, a print state 114, a reception state 115, a reception date 116, a document Each item of data identification information 117, the number of pages 118, the number of copies 119, etc. is recorded.

The print data identifier (print data identification information) 111 is an identifier for uniquely managing the print data information 110.
The owner information (user identification information) 112 is a character string indicating the owner information (user identification information) of the print data. Owner information (user identification information) 112 is acquired from the print data. The owner information (user identification information) 112 needs to match the user name of the authentication information (user identification information) transmitted from the authentication server 300.
The document name 113 is a character string indicating the document name of the print data. The document name 113 is acquired from the print data. The document name 113 is normally determined by the application program of the client terminal 500 where the printing operation has been performed.

The print status 114 indicates the print status of print data in the printing apparatus 600. The print state 114 is, for example, “0: not printed”, “1: printing”, “2: printed”.
The reception status 115 indicates the reception status of print data in the print server 200. The reception state 115 is, for example, “0: receiving” “1: received”.
The reception date and time 116 is the date and time when the print server 200 received the print data.

The document data identification information 117 is information for identifying the print data body. When the print data main body is stored in the database, an identifier (for example, ID) for specifying the print data in the database is recorded in the document data identification information 117. When the print data main body is stored in the file system, identification information (for example, a path name) for specifying the print data in the file system is recorded in the document data identification information 117.
The page number 118 is the number of pages of print data. The page number 118 is acquired from the print data.
The number of copies 119 is the number of copies of the print data. The number of copies 119 is acquired from the print data.

(4-2. Print Data List Request 120)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a print data list request 120 transmitted from the printing apparatus 600 to the print management server 100. 6A shows items recorded in the print data list request 120, and FIG. 6B shows a specific example.
In the print data list request 120, items such as user information 121 and printing apparatus identification information 122 are recorded.

The user information 121 is a user name of authentication information (user identification information) transmitted from the authentication server 300. The user information 121 is, for example, “tanaka”.
The printing apparatus identification information 122 is identification information of the printing apparatus 600 that has transmitted the print data list request 120. Position information on the network such as an IP address may be used as the printing apparatus identification information 122.

(4-3. Print Data List 130)
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a print data list 130 created in the print management server 100 based on the print data information 110 received from the print server 200. The print data list 130 is transmitted from the print management server 100 to the printing apparatus 600.
In the print data list 130, items such as a print data identifier (print data identification information) 131, a print data name 132, a page number 133, a number of copies 134, and a date / time 135 are recorded.

A print data identifier (print data identification information) 131 is an identifier of print data.
The print data name 132 is a document name of the print data.
The page number 133 is the number of pages of print data.
The number of copies 134 is the number of copies of the print data.
The date and time 135 is the date and time when print data is received by the print server 200.

(4-4. Print instruction 140)
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a print instruction 140 transmitted from the printing apparatus 600 to the print management server 100.
The print instruction 140 includes processing 141, print data identifier (print data identification information) 142, print data name 143, virtual job identifier (additional print data identification information) 144, virtual job (additional print data) name 145, and printing apparatus identification. Each item such as information 146 and reception date / time 147 is recorded.

A process 141 indicates a processing mode of print data. The process 141 is, for example, “0: print” “1: delete”.
The print data identifier (print data identification information) 142 is an identifier of print data.
The print data name 143 is a document name of the print data.
The virtual job identifier (additional print data identification information) 144 is an identifier of a virtual job (additional print data) used in reserved printing.
The virtual job (additional print data) name 145 is the name of a virtual job (additional print data) used in reserved printing.
The printing apparatus identification information 146 is identification information of the printing apparatus 600 that has transmitted the print data list request. Position information on the network such as an IP address may be used as the printing apparatus identification information 146.
The reception date / time 147 is date / time information when the printing apparatus 600 receives a print instruction.

(4-5. Print Job List 150)
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a print job list 150 created and stored by the print management server 100.
The print job list 150 includes a print data identifier (print data identification information) 151, a print data name 152, a virtual job identifier (additional print data identification information) 153, a virtual job (additional print data) name 154, a reception date and time 155, and a reception. Each item such as the status 156, the process 157, and the printing apparatus identification information 158 is recorded.

The print data identifier (print data identification information) 151 is an identifier of print data.
The print data name 152 is a document name of the print data.
The virtual job identifier (additional print data identification information) 153 is an identifier of a virtual job (additional print data) used in reserved printing.
The virtual job (additional print data) name 154 is the name of a virtual job (additional print data) used in reserved printing.
The reception date and time 155 is date and time information when a printing instruction is received by the printing apparatus 600.
The reception status 156 indicates the reception status of print data in the print server 200. The reception state 156 is, for example, “0: receiving” “1: received”.
A process 157 indicates the processing mode of the print data. The process 157 is, for example, “0: print” “1: delete”.
The printing apparatus identification information 158 is identification information of the printing apparatus 600 that has transmitted the print data list request. Position information on the network such as an IP address may be used as the printing apparatus identification information 158.
In FIG. 9, virtual job 1 and virtual job 2 are generated according to job control instruction information instructed to be set from a display screen displayed on the display unit of the printing apparatus shown in FIGS. Note that there is no actual print data at the timing when the virtual job is created, and when the print control server 400 (print server 200) receives print data from the client terminal 500 thereafter, the virtual job and print data are allocated. Is done.

(4-6. Normal job list 160)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a normal job list 160 created and stored by the print management server 100. The normal job list 160 is obtained by extracting a job list other than a virtual job (additional print data) from the print job list 150.
Print data identifier (print data identification information) 161 of normal job list 160, print data name 162, virtual job identifier (additional print data identification information) 163, virtual job (additional print data) name 164, reception date and time 165, reception state 166 , Processing 167, printing device identification information 168, print data identifier (print data identification information) 151, print data name 152, virtual job identifier (additional print data identification information) 153, virtual job (additional), respectively. Print data) name 154, reception date and time 155, reception state 156, processing 157, and printing apparatus identification information 158.

(4-7. Virtual Job (Additional Print Data) List 170)
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a virtual job (additional print data) list 170 created and stored by the print management server 100. The virtual job (additional print data) list 170 is obtained by extracting a job list of virtual jobs (additional print data) from the print job list 150. Here, the virtual job list 170 may be generated independently, but the print job list 150 may be generated, and the virtual job list 170 may be extracted or read from there as necessary.
Print data identifier (print data identification information) 171, print data name 172, virtual job identifier (additional print data identification information) 173, virtual job (additional print data) name 174, reception date and time in the virtual job (additional print data) list 170 175, reception state 176, processing 177, and printing apparatus identification information 178 are the print data identifier (print data identification information) 151, print data name 152, and virtual job identifier (additional print data identification information) 153 of the print job list 150, respectively. , Virtual job (additional print data) name 154, reception date and time 155, reception status 156, processing 157, and printing apparatus identification information 158.

(4-8. Print execution instruction 180)
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a print execution command 180 transmitted from the print management server 100 to the print server 200. 12A shows items recorded in the print execution instruction 180, and FIG. 12B shows a specific example.
The print execution command 180 records items such as a print data identifier (print data identification information) 181, a virtual job (additional print data) name 182, printing device identification information 183, and a process 184.

A print data identifier (print data identification information) 181 is an identifier of print data. The print data identifier (print data identification information) 181 is, for example, “00000004”.
The virtual job (additional print data) name 182 is the name of a virtual job (additional print data) used in reserved printing. The virtual job (additional print data) name 182 is, for example, “virtual job 1”.
The printing apparatus identification information 183 is identification information of the printing apparatus 600 that has transmitted the print data list request. Position information on the network such as an IP address may be used as the printing apparatus identification information 183. The printing apparatus identification information 183 is, for example, “192.168.1.1”.
A process 184 indicates a processing form of the print data. The process 184 is, for example, “0: print” “1: delete”.

(5. Operation of print control system 1)
Next, the operation of the print control system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(5-1. Overall operation)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the print control system 1.
13, the CPU 201 of the print management server 100 executes an execution program stored in the external memory 211 on the RAM 203, and the CPU 301 of the printing apparatus 600 executes an execution program stored on the HDD 304 on the RAM 302. It is realized by doing.

(Step S1001) When the user holds the IC card 700 over the card reader 319 connected to the printing apparatus 600, the IC card authentication process is started. The printing apparatus 600 reads the card information of the IC card 700 from the card reader 319 and transmits it to the authentication server 300. When the authentication server 300 receives the card information from the printing apparatus 600 via the network, the authentication server 300 checks the authentication table and transmits the authentication result and the authentication information (user identification information) to the printing apparatus 600. The printing apparatus 600 acquires a user authentication result and authentication information (user identification information). When authentication is successful, authentication success information (authentication result) and authentication information (user identification information) are acquired from the authentication server 300. In addition to the authentication using the IC card 700, this authentication is performed by inputting user identification information (for example, a user name, password, and domain name) from the operation unit 308 of the printing apparatus 600 and performing authentication according to the input information. Also good.

(Step S1002) Based on the authentication information (user identification information), the printing apparatus 600 transmits a print data list request 120 related to the authenticated user to the print management server 100 (user identification information transmission). In this embodiment, the print data list request 120 is configured to include the user information 121 (user identification information) and the printing apparatus identification information 122. However, the print data request 120 may include only the user information 121 (user identification information). In this case, the printing apparatus identification information 122 may be configured to acquire the printing apparatus identification information 122 (for example, an IP address) on a TCP / IP protocol.
(Step S1003) The print management server 100 receives the print data list request 120. (Receiving user identification information)
(Step S1004) The print management server 100 sets the print data matching the owner information (user identification information) matching the user information 121 (user identification information) included in the print data list request 120 to the print data information 110 shown in FIG. The print data list 130 is acquired by searching from (information for managing print data in association with user identification information and print data). More specifically, the print management server 100 creates a search expression based on the print data list request 120 (print data list creation), and acquires the print data list 130 related to the authenticated user. It should be noted that a search expression for collating the match between the owner information (user identification information) 112 of the print data information 110 and the user information 121 of the print data list request 120 is created. The print management server 100 stores the date and time when the print data list 130 is acquired. The date and time when the print data list 130 is acquired is used in the process of step S4004 in FIG. This can be realized even if all items 131 to 135 of FIG. 7 are not transmitted to the print data list 130. In this case, the print data identifier (print data identification information) is at least necessary, and the print data name is also transmitted so that the user can easily identify the print data on the screen 330.

(Step S1005) The print management server 100 transmits the print data list 130 to the printing apparatus 600.
(Step S1006) The printing apparatus 600 receives the print data list 130. This print data list is stored in the RAM 302 of the printing apparatus 600.
(Step S1007) The printing apparatus 600 displays the print data list 130 on the screen 330 of the operation unit 308 (print data list display) (see FIG. 17).

(Step S1008) The user confirms the print data list 130 (FIG. 17) displayed on the screen 330 of the operation unit 308 of the printing apparatus 600, selects print data (print data selection means), and prints the print data. Give instructions. The printing apparatus 600 transmits a print instruction 140 (print instruction information) to the print management server 100 (print instruction information transmission). The print instruction is performed using a touch panel, a keyboard, or the like of the operation unit 308 of the printing apparatus 600. Details of the print instruction process will be described later with reference to FIG.
(Step S1009) The print management server 100 receives the print instruction 140 (reception of print instruction information). The print management server 100 acquires information from the print data information 110 based on the print instruction 140 (print data identifier (print data identification information) and virtual job identifier (additional print data identification information)), and displays the print job list 150 in the print job list 150. create. In the order in the print job list 150, the received data actually stored on the print server 200 is prioritized, and the virtual job (additional print data) is listed from the end of the received data. The print job list 150 is held in the storage area of the RAM 203 or the external memory 211 of the print management server 100. In accordance with the print job list 150, print data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 600 to which the print instruction 140 has been transmitted.

(Step S1010) The print management server 100 extracts a print job related to a normal job from the print job list 150 to create a normal job list 160, and extracts a print job related to a virtual job (additional print data) from the print job list 150. A virtual job (additional print data) list 170 is created. Whether the print job is a normal job or a virtual job (additional print data) is determined based on the virtual job identifier (additional print data identification information) 153 and the virtual job (additional print data) name in the print job list 150. The determination is made based on the presence / absence of 154 recording. The normal job list 160 and the virtual job (additional print data) list 170 are held in the storage area of the RAM 203 or the external memory 211 of the print management server 100.

(Step S1011 and Step S1012) The print management server 100 performs the normal job processing of Step S1011 for the print job of the normal job, and the virtual job (additional print data of Step S1012 for the print job of the virtual job (additional print data)). ) Process. Details of the normal job process and the virtual job (additional print data) process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, respectively.

(5-2. Details of print instruction processing)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing details of the print instruction process (step S1008 in FIG. 13).
Processing in each step of FIG. 14 is realized by the CPU 301 of the printing apparatus 600 executing an execution program stored in the HDD 304 on the RAM 302.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a print data list screen 5000.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a print data list screen 6000.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a virtual job setting screen 10000.

13, the printing apparatus 600 displays a print data list screen 5000 on the screen 330 of the operation unit 308.
The document name 5001, the number of pages 5002, the number of copies 5003, and the date and time 5004 are displayed on the print data list screen 5000 in FIG.

(Step S2001) In the print data list screen 5000 of FIG. 17, one print data is displayed in one line (print data list display). On this print data list screen 5000, print data can be selected by a touch panel method. It is determined whether print data is specified on the print data list screen of FIG. If the print data is designated by the user, the process proceeds to step S2002. If the print data is not designated, the process proceeds to step S2003.

(Step S2002) The currently focused line 5020 is highlighted with the background color reversed. For the selected line, a box 5005 at the head of “document name” is selected. Selection / non-selection is a toggle type, and if the selected row is designated again, the box at the top of the “document name” becomes non-selected. A button 5006 (“select all”) is a button for selecting all the print data displayed on the print data list screen 5000.
A button 5007 (“cancel selection”) is a button for deselecting all print data displayed on the print data list screen 5000. A button 5011 is a button for scrolling the print data list screen 5000.

(Step S2003) A button 5009 ("reserved printing") is a button for instructing reserved printing (addition of print data) (print data addition instruction). Reserved printing (addition of print data) is print data that is not displayed on the print data list screen 5000 because print data accumulation has not been completed in the print server 200 or print data does not exist. This is a function for giving a print instruction in advance. It is determined whether or not this button 5009 has been pressed. If the button 5009 is pressed, the process moves to step S2004. If the button 5009 is not pressed (when another button is pressed), the process moves to step S2007.

(Step S2004) When the button 5009 is pressed, the printing apparatus 600 displays a virtual job setting screen 10000 on the screen 330 of the operation unit 308.
On this virtual job setting screen 10000, a virtual job for performing reserved printing is set. When the setting is performed by the user, the process proceeds to step S2005.

On the virtual job setting screen 10000 in FIG. 20, it is possible to set a virtual job for performing reserved printing by a touch panel method.
In the reserved print type 10001, the use purpose (type) of the virtual job is set, and “print” or “delete” is selected. Only one of the buttons 10006 and 10007 can always be selected, and when one is selected, the selection of the other is canceled.
In the document type 10002, the type of print document to be linked to the virtual job is set. Select from the choices in the drop-down list 10008.
In the document name 10003, the document name of the print document linked to the virtual job is set. Enter the document name in the input box 10009. A drop-down list 10010 selects a comparison condition (complete match, partial match, forward match, backward match, etc.) for character string comparison of print document names.
When any of the input boxes 10009, 10011, and 10012 is selected and the focus moves, the printing apparatus 600 displays a software keyboard for character input on the screen 330 of the operation unit 308. The user inputs character strings, numbers, etc. using a software keyboard. When inputting numbers, the hardware keyboard of the operation unit 308 can be used.
A button 10015 is displayed next to the input box for inputting numbers. When the up button is pressed, the number in the input box is incremented and displayed. When the down button is pressed, the number in the input box is decremented by one and displayed.
The document order 10004 sets the order of print documents to be associated with the virtual job. In the input box 10011, an order (number) is input.
In the document number 10005, the number of print documents to be associated with the virtual job is set. In the input box 10012, a number (number) is input.
Selection / non-selection of the box 10014 at the head of 10001, 10001, 10003, 10004, and 10005 is a toggle type, and when the selected box is selected again, the box becomes non-selected. Only the selected setting is valid. When a plurality of selected settings are selected, the setting of the virtual job is a logical product (AND) of the selected settings.
When a button 10013 is pressed, the virtual job setting for performing reserved printing is validated, and the process proceeds to step S2005.
When a button 10014 is pressed, the screen is returned to the initial state of the virtual job setting screen 10000.

(Step S2005) A virtual job (additional print data) is added each time the button 5009 is pressed in step S2003 and the button 10013 is pressed in step S2004 (additional display). In this case, information on the virtual job (additional print data) is added to the print data list in the RAM 302 of the printing apparatus 600 (addition of additional print data). Information to be added includes a virtual job (additional print data) name and a virtual job identifier (additional print data identification information). The virtual job identifier (additional print data identification information) is a virtual job assigned by the printing apparatus 600. Note that the virtual job identifier (additional print data identification information), which is an identifier assigned to each, can be obtained from the printing apparatus 600 to the print management server to obtain a virtual job identifier (additional print data identification information). is there.

  (Step S2006) Each time the button 6009 ("Reserved printing") is pressed on the print data list screen 6000 in FIG. 18 and the button 10013 is pressed on the virtual job setting screen 10000 in FIG. A line 6020 indicating (print data) is added to change the focus (additional display). The row 6020 is highlighted with the background color reversed. In the virtual job (additional print data) row 6020, the top box 6005 of “document name” is added in a selected state in advance.

(Step S2007) A button 5010 and a button 6010 (“print”) are buttons for instructing printing of the selected print data. It is determined whether button 5010 or button 6010 has been pressed. When the button 5010 or the button 6010 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S2008. When the button 5010 or the button 6010 is not pressed, the process waits for pressing (instruction) of various buttons, and the process proceeds to step S2001.

(Step S2008) The printing apparatus 600 transmits a print instruction 140 to the print management server 100. Note that, as described above, the print instruction 140 is added from the print data list stored in the RAM 302 of the printing apparatus 600 in step S2002 or the virtual job selected in step S2005 and selected in step S2006. The identifier of (additional print data) is transmitted to the print management server 100 (print data information transmission). Further, as shown in FIG. 8, information related to information other than the identifier may be added and transmitted.
A button 5008 and a button 6008 (“delete”) are buttons for instructing deletion of the selected print data. When the button 5008 or the button 6008 is pressed, the printing apparatus 600 transmits a print instruction 140 (deletion instruction) for deleting print data to the print management server 100. The print instruction and the delete instruction are identified by the process 141 of the print instruction 140.

(5-3. Details of normal job processing)
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of normal job processing (step S1011 in FIG. 13).
15, the CPU 201 of the print management server 100 and the print server 200 executes an execution program stored in the external memory 211 on the RAM 203, and the CPU 301 of the printing apparatus 600 stores the execution program stored in the HDD 304. This is realized by executing on the RAM 302.

(Step S3001) The print management server 100 creates the normal job list 160 from the print job list 150 in the process of step S1010 of FIG.
(Step S3002) The print management server 100 identifies the top job list of the normal job list 160.
(Step S3003) The print management server 100 sends a print execution instruction 180 including the print data identifier (print data identification information) of the specified job list and the IP address of the printing apparatus 600 to which the print instruction 140 is transmitted to the print server 200. Send (print data output). If the print data stored in the storage unit of the print server is print data that has been converted into the printer description language by the printer driver of the client terminal 500, an LPR (Line Printer) is assigned to the IP address of the printing apparatus identification information 183. daemon protocol) A command to execute printing is transmitted. If the print data has not been converted into the printer description language, the printer driver information of the printing apparatus corresponding to the IP address of the printing apparatus identification information 183 is designated, and printing is performed via the designated printer driver. Configure to send commands.
When there are a plurality of print servers 200 and print data is stored in the storage units of the respective print servers, the print data information 110 stores, for example, the server name of the previous print server 200 stored therein. Yes. In this case, a print execution command 180 is transmitted to this print server.

(Step S3011) The print server 200 receives the print execution command 180.
(Step S3012) The print server 200 extracts (identifies and acquires) print data corresponding to the print data identifier (print data identification information) included in the print execution instruction 180. The print data may not be specified by the print data identifier (print data identification information), and the print execution command may include path information in which the print data is stored. In this case, the print data information 110 includes print data storage destination path information.
(Step S3013) The print server 200 transmits the extracted print data to the printing apparatus 600 according to the printing apparatus identification information (IP address) included in the print execution instruction 180 (print data output). This print data is transmitted by, for example, LPR (Line Printer Daemon protocol) printing.
(Step S3014) The printing apparatus 600 receives (acquires) print data from the print server 200.
(Step S3015) The printing apparatus 600 executes printing (output) of the received print data. When printing is performed, in the printing apparatus 600, the print data is subjected to various image processing by the image processing unit 317, and printing is performed on the recording medium by the printer unit 312.

(Step S3004) The print management server 100 updates the print data information 110 according to the print data identifier (print data identification information) for which the print execution command 180 has been issued in step S3003. Specifically, the value of the print state 114 of the print data information 110 is “2: printed”.
(Step S3005) The print management server 100 deletes the first job list that has been printed from the normal job list 160.
(Step S3006) The print management server 100 repeats the processing from step S3002 until the processing is completed for all job lists in the normal job list 160.

(5-4. Details of Virtual Job (Additional Print Data) Processing)
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing details of the virtual job (additional print data) process (step S1012 in FIG. 13).
16, the CPU 201 of the print management server 100 and the print server 200 executes an execution program stored in the external memory 211 on the RAM 203, and the CPU 301 of the printing apparatus 600 stores the execution program stored in the HDD 304. This is realized by executing on the RAM 302.

(Step S4001) The print management server 100 creates a virtual job (additional print data) list 170 (FIG. 11) from the print job list 150 in the process of step S1010 of FIG. As described above, a virtual job is generated in accordance with job control instruction information set and instructed from the display screen displayed on the display unit of the printing apparatus shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, and the virtual job list 170 is a list of virtual jobs. It is. For example, only the virtual job column is extracted from the print job list 150 and is generated as a list.
(Step S4002) The print management server 100 identifies the top job list in the virtual job (additional print data) list 170. If the virtual job list 170 independent of the print job list 150 is not created, the first virtual job in the print job list 150 may be specified.
(Step S4003) The print management server 100 compares the reception date / time 175 of the virtual job (additional print data) list 170 with the date / time information acquired from the system (OS), and checks whether a timeout has occurred. The timeout occurs, for example, in the following cases (1) to (3).

(1) When the print server 200 has not received print data within a predetermined time. That is, when the print data of the user corresponding to the virtual job has not been newly received from the client terminal 500 within a predetermined time after the virtual job is created.
(2) When the print data information 110 cannot be acquired due to a network or database trouble.
(3) When the user logs out (including automatic logout) in the printing apparatus 600.

  If the timeout has not occurred, the virtual job (additional print data) process is continued (NO in step S4003). If the timeout has occurred, the virtual job (additional print data) process (for example, output in step S4010). Is canceled (YES in step S4003). The timeout period is defined by a setting file stored in the print management server 100. When a timeout occurs, information indicating that the virtual job (added print data) is not printed may be transmitted to the printing apparatus 600 that has received the print instruction 140.

(Step S4004) The print management server 100 corresponds to the user authenticated by the printing apparatus 600 added after acquisition (or generation) of the print data list 130 based on the virtual job setting set in step S2004 of FIG. Compare whether the print data matches the virtual job settings. More specifically, the print management server 100 compares the date and time (creation date and time) stored when the print data list 130 is acquired in the process of step S1004 in FIG. 13 with the reception date and time 116 of the print data information 110, and prints. The print data after the date and time when the data list 130 is acquired is specified (print data specification). When the specified print data and the virtual job (additional print data) are linked, only the job that matches the virtual job setting set in S2004 in FIG. 14 is linked. The association between the print data and the virtual job (additional print data) is print data printed by the same user (owner) as the user who has logged into the printing apparatus 600 to which the virtual job (additional print data) has been added. . Therefore, the print data and the virtual job are associated based on the date and time, the user information, and the virtual job setting set in step S2004 of FIG.
When the print server 200 receives print data from the client terminal 500, the print server 200 generates print data information 110 (FIG. 5) including the reception date and time 147 in which the user identification information (112) and the document name (113) are associated with each other. To do. Then, the print management server 100 that has received the print data information from the print server 200 generates the print data list 130, and the value of each item having the identification information of the newly generated print data is the reserved print in FIG. It is determined whether the condition of the value of each setting item made on the setting screen is satisfied. Specifically, the print data name 132 has a file extension. From this file extension, it can be determined whether the document type 10008 is satisfied. Whether name 1009 is satisfied can be determined. In addition, after the virtual job is generated, the order of the print data of the user who has been received by the print server 200 corresponds to the document order 10011.
In this way, it is determined whether the newly received print data satisfies the virtual job setting condition. If the virtual job setting and the print data match (satisfy), the process moves to step S4005 to print. Data and virtual jobs are associated. If they do not match (the condition is not satisfied), the process moves to step S4006. If the condition is not satisfied, the document order of the print data of the corresponding user who has completed reception next is not incremented.

(Step S4005) The print management server 100 is the print data stored in the print data information 110, and the print data corresponding to the user authenticated by the printing apparatus 600 added after the print data list 130 is acquired (or generated). Of these, the job determined to match the virtual job setting in step S4004 is stored in association with the virtual job (additional print data). The print data (print data identifier (print data identification information)) is associated with a virtual job (virtual job identifier (additional print data identification information)).
The print data information 110 includes print data bibliographic information (items 112, 113, 118, and 119 of the print data information 110) received by the print server 200 prior to the print data (substance). Is provided with a reception status flag 115 for identifying whether or not reception is completed. The print data identifier (print data identification information) 111 is uniquely given when added to the print data information 110.

(Step S4007) The number of documents 10005 of the virtual job setting set in step S2004 of FIG. 14 is compared with the number of print data linked to the virtual job. If it matches the setting of the number of documents 10005, the process proceeds to step S4008. If the number of linked print data does not reach the setting of the document number 10005, the process proceeds to step S4006, and the document order of the print data for which reception is completed next is incremented by one.

(Step S4008) The print management server 100 transmits the association information to the printing apparatus 600 in order to notify the user how the virtual job (additional print data) and the print data are associated with each other. More specifically, the association information for updating the print data list display including the print data identifier (print data identification information) and the print data name of the print data associated with the virtual job identifier (additional print data identification information) is transmitted. To do.
(Step S4021) The printing apparatus 600 receives the association information.
(Step S4022) The printing apparatus 600 updates the print data list 130 displayed on the screen 330 of the operation unit 308 based on the association information. The virtual job identifier (additional print data identification information) stored in the print data list 130 is compared with the virtual job identifier (additional print data identification information) included in the association information, and the matching virtual job identifier (additional print data) The display position information corresponding to the (identification information) is changed in a format in which the virtual job name and the print data name are associated (additional print data display change) (see FIG. 19).

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a print data list screen 7000.
The printing apparatus 600 is notified that the print data name 132 in the print data list 130 has been updated with the association information. The printing apparatus 600 updates the display on the screen 330 of the operation unit 308 to the print data list screen 7000 based on the association information. In the display 7001 of the print data list screen 7000, “virtual job 1” is updated to “DOC-F (virtual job 1)” and displayed. A display 7002 indicating that the print data is being received is also displayed. While the print data is being received, this indicates the state of the reception state 176 in the virtual job (additional print data) list 170. When the print data is completely received by the print server 200 (after reception is complete), the virtual job (additional) The reception state of the (print data) list 170 is also changed to “1 (received)”, the reception state is also transmitted to the printing apparatus 600, and 7002 in FIG. 19 is changed again to reception.

  It is desirable that automatic logout is not performed until all virtual job (additional print data) names ("virtual job 1" and "virtual job 2" in FIG. 19) are displayed in association with the print data names. Further, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the virtual job (additional print data) name is displayed in association with the print data name, automatic logout may be performed and the print management server 100 notified. In this case, it is determined that a timeout has occurred in the process of step S4003 of FIG.

Regarding the transmission of the association information in step S4008, the print data list 130 updated by associating the virtual job (additional print data) with the print data may be transmitted, or only the items that have been updated (for example, The print data identifier (print data identification information) 131 and the print data name 132) may be transmitted. In this case, the display of the print data list 130 in the printing apparatus 600 is updated only for the items that have been updated.
Further, based on the reception status 115 of the print data information 110, information related to the reception status of the print data corresponding to the virtual job (additional print data) is transmitted from the print management server 100 to the printing apparatus 600, and the display 7002 in FIG. As described above, the image may be displayed on the screen 330 of the operation unit 308 of the printing apparatus 600.

(Step S4009) The print management server 100 checks the reception status of the print data associated with the virtual job (additional print data) and branches the process. Specifically, the print management server 100 inquires whether the print data has been received by the print server 200 and receives the answer, or has received the print data actively transmitted from the print server 200. It is determined whether or not a notification of that has been received. If the print server has not received all the print data added as virtual jobs, the process proceeds to step S4006. If reception of all print data added as a virtual job has been completed (after completion of reception), the process proceeds to step S4010.
In the present embodiment, after reception of print data for a virtual job (additional print data) is completed (after completion of reception), association with the next virtual job (additional print data) is performed. Although it is configured, the present invention is not limited to this. When there is print data that can be associated with a virtual job (additional print data) (exist in the print data information), it is associated even if the reception of the print data is not completed. (Step S4005) and transmission of association information (Step S4008) may be performed.

(Step S4006) The print management server 100 waits for reception of print data corresponding to a virtual job (additional print data) after performing a wait process for a predetermined time. The time for performing the wait process is defined in a setting file stored in the print management server 100.

  The processes in steps S4010 (print data output) to step S4013, steps S4031 to S4033 (print data output), and steps S4034 to S4035 related to the virtual job (additional print data) list 170 in FIG. Since it is the same as the processing of step S3003 to step S3006 and step S3011 to step S3015 related to the job list 160, description thereof will be omitted.

  In the above-described embodiment, the normal job list 160 and the virtual job (additional print data) list 170 are extracted from the print job list 150, the normal job processing (FIG. 15) is executed for the normal job list 160, and the virtual job list 160 is extracted. The job (additional print data) list 170 has been described as performing virtual job (additional print data) processing (FIG. 16), but is not limited thereto. Even for a print job related to a virtual job (additional print data), with reference to the reception state 156 of the print job list 150, a print job for which print data associated with the virtual job (additional print data) has been received Or, normal job processing (FIG. 15) may be executed.

(5-5. Details of processing when logging out)
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the overall operation of the print control system 1 when the user performs a logout operation (including automatic logout) using the operation unit 308 of the printing apparatus 600.
The processing from step S8001 (acquisition of authentication information) to step S8009 (reception of printing instruction 140) in FIG. 21 is the same as the processing of step S1001 (acquisition of authentication information) to step S1009 (reception of printing instruction 140) in FIG. Therefore, explanation is omitted.

(Step S <b> 8010) When the user performs a logout operation using the operation unit 308 of the printing apparatus 600 (including automatic logout), the printing apparatus 600 transmits logout information to the print control server 100.

(Step S8011) The print management server 100 receives logout information. The logout information may include user identification information that is logged in. If the user identification information that is logged in is not included, the print management server 100 may manage the logged-in user. In other words, the print management server 100 can recognize which user will cease to log in by receiving logout information.

(Step S8012) The print management server 100 acquires the virtual job list 170 corresponding to the user identification information of the logged out user.
(Step S8013) The print management server 100 identifies the head job list of the virtual job list 170.
(Step S8014) The print management server 100 deletes the head virtual job specified from the virtual job list 170. The identification and deletion of the virtual job is performed for an unallocated virtual job. In other words, when print data that has actually been received is assigned to a virtual job, the virtual job is deleted from the virtual job list. In this way, virtual jobs to which print data has already been assigned are not deleted upon logout.
(Step S8015) The print management server 100 repeats the processing from step S8013 until the processing is completed for all job lists in the virtual job list 170.
As described above, when the print management server 100 of the print control server 400 receives logout information indicating that the login corresponding to the user identification information is terminated from the printing apparatus, among the virtual jobs, an unassigned virtual job is displayed. Deletion is performed (virtual job deletion means).

(5-6. Details of virtual job (print data deletion job) processing for canceling (deleting) printing not displayed in the list)
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating details of virtual job processing for canceling (deleting) printing of a print job that is not displayed in the list on the screen 330 of the printing apparatus 600.
In FIG. 16, the virtual job (additional print data) and the print data are associated with each other and the print process is performed. Here, the print data associated with the virtual job is deleted. As a result, it is possible to issue an instruction to cancel (delete) printing of a print job that is not displayed in the list on the screen 330 of the printing apparatus 600.
In order to cancel (delete) printing of a print job that is not displayed in the list on the screen 330 of the printing apparatus 600, when the user sets a virtual job in step S2004 in FIG. Delete 10007 is selected for type 10001.

  Step S9001 (creation of virtual job list 170) to step S9009 (reception of print data completed), step S9011 (update of print data information 110) to step 9013 (end of all job list), and step S9021 (association) in FIG. Information reception) to step S9022 (update display of the print data list 130) are performed in steps S4001 (creation of the virtual job list 170) to step S4009 (print data reception completion) and step S4011 (print data information) in FIG. 110 update) to step 4013 (end of all job lists) and step S4021 (reception of association information) to step S4022 (update display of print data list 130), and therefore, description thereof is omitted.

(Step S9010) The print management server 100 transmits a print execution instruction 180 including the print data identifier (print data identification information) of the specified job list to the print server 200. At this time, “1: delete” is set in the process 184 of the print execution command 180 (transmission of a delete command).

(Step S9031) The print server 200 receives the print execution command 180 (reception of a deletion command).
(Step S9032) The print server 200 extracts (identifies and acquires) print data corresponding to the print data identifier (print data identification information) included in the print execution instruction 180. The print data may not be specified by the print data identifier (print data identification information), and the print execution command may include path information in which the print data is stored. In this case, the print data information 110 includes print data storage destination path information.
(Step S9033) The print server 200 deletes the extracted print data.

(6. Effects, etc.)
As described above in detail, in the print control system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the printing apparatus displays the print data list received from the print management server, and the virtual job (not shown in the print data list) related to the print data ( (Additional print data) is added and sent to the print management server. The print management server associates a virtual job (additional print data) received from the printing apparatus with print data not included in the print data list. The printing apparatus transmits a print data print request associated with the virtual job (additional print data) to the print management server. The print management server causes the printing apparatus to execute print processing of the print data based on a print request for print data associated with the virtual job (additional print data) received from the printing apparatus.

  When a virtual job (additional print data) is added to the printing device and a print instruction is received from the printing device, the print management server monitors the reception status of the print data, completes reception of the print data, and can print At that time, a print execution command is transmitted to the print server. Even if print data is not created or transmitted to the print server at the client terminal, a reserved print can be instructed by adding a virtual job (additional print data) in the printing apparatus.

  As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, in the printing apparatus, it is possible to add a virtual job (additional print data) related to print data that is not displayed in the print data list and instruct reserved printing. Regardless of the generation of print data and the start of transmission, it is possible to perform reserved printing from the printing apparatus and perform print control using a virtual job (additional print data). It is not necessary to wait at the place where the printing apparatus is installed and repeatedly reload the list display screen, and it is possible to increase the efficiency and speed of the printing instruction by the user.

Even when print data spooling and transmission are not completed, such as when printing print data with a large number of pages, and even when a list display regarding this print data is not displayed on the printing device, a virtual job is not displayed on the printing device. (Additional print data) can be added to issue a print instruction.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to instruct job control even for print data that is not displayed as a list on the printing apparatus, and by specifying information for specifying the print data, the job control instruction can be appropriately performed. It is possible to provide a print control system that enables the above.

  Note that the present invention can take, for example, a system, an apparatus, a method, a program for causing a computer to execute, a storage medium, and the like, and can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices. Alternatively, the present invention may be applied to an apparatus composed of one device.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, or a storage medium. You may apply to the system comprised from an apparatus, and may apply to the apparatus which consists of one apparatus.
Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in.
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.
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 (basic system or operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, 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 in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Print control system 3 ... Network 100 ... Print management server 200 ... Print server 300 ... Authentication server 400 ... Print control server 500 ... Client terminal 600 ... Printing device (Printer)
700... IC card 110... Print data information 120... Print data list request 130... Print data list 140 ... print instruction 150 ... print job list 160 ... normal job list 170 ... ... Virtual job list 180 ... Print execution command 201 ... CPU
203 ......... RAM
211 ......... External memory 301 ......... CPU
302 ......... RAM
304 ... HDD
308... Operation unit 316... Controller unit 330... Screen 319... Card reader 700 ... IC card 5000, 6000, 7000 ... Print data list screen 5009, 6009. Reserved printing ")
5010, 6010 ...... button ("Print")
10000 ... Virtual job setting screen 10013 ... ... button ("Setting")

Claims (13)

A print control system capable of communicating via a network with a print control server that manages print data information that uniquely indicates print data and a printing device that prints the print data,
The print control server
List information transmitting means for transmitting list information of the print data information to the printing apparatus;
Job control instruction information receiving means for receiving, from the printing apparatus, print data information not included in the list information newly added by the printing apparatus, and job control instruction information including a deletion instruction;
Print data specifying means for specifying print data information corresponding to the print data information managed by the print control server after the list information is transmitted by the list information transmitting means;
Delete control means for controlling to delete the print data of the print data information specified by the print data specifying means in accordance with a delete instruction included in the job control instruction information received by the job control instruction information receiving means,
The printing apparatus includes:
List information display means for displaying list information including print data information received from the print control server;
Print data information adding means for adding print data information to delete print data not included in the list information;
A print control system comprising: job control instruction information transmitting means for transmitting job control instruction information including additional print data information added by the print data information adding means and a delete instruction to the print control server. The list information display means additionally displays print data information not included in the newly added list information, and enables deletion setting to the additionally displayed print data information. The printing control system described. The print control server
Storage means for storing the added additional print data information in association with the print data information of the print data specified by the print data specifying means;
Print data information transmitting means for transmitting print data information stored in the storage means to the printing apparatus together with the additional print data information;
The printing apparatus includes:
The print data information transmitted by the print data information transmitting means, and the print data information receiving means for receiving the additional print data information;
The additional print data information received from the print data information receiving means is compared with the print data information additionally displayed by the list information display means, and if they match, the print data received from the print data information receiving means 3. The print control system according to claim 2 , further comprising: additional print data display change means for changing print data information displayed on the matched list information display means using information. The printing apparatus further includes condition setting means for setting a predetermined condition for the added print data,
The job control instruction information includes the predetermined condition,
The print data specifying means, the print control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein identifying the print data that is not included in the list information that matches the predetermined condition. The print data information adding means includes
Furthermore, print data information can be added to print print data not included in the list information,
The print control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the job control instruction information transmission unit can further transmit job control instruction information including a print instruction. A print control server that can communicate with a printing apparatus that prints print data via a network and manages print data information that uniquely indicates the print data,
List information transmitting means for transmitting list information of the print data information to the printing apparatus;
Job control instruction information receiving means for receiving, from the printing apparatus, print data information not included in the list information newly added by the printing apparatus, and job control instruction information including a deletion instruction;
Print data specifying means for specifying print data information corresponding to the print data information managed by the print control server after the list information is transmitted by the list information transmitting means;
Delete control means for controlling to delete the print data of the print data information specified by the print data specifying means in accordance with a delete instruction included in the job control instruction information received by the job control instruction information receiving means. A print control server. A print control method in a print control system in which a print control server that manages print data information uniquely indicating print data and a printing apparatus that prints the print data can communicate via a network,
The print control server is
A list information transmission step of transmitting list information of the print data information to the printing apparatus;
A job control instruction information receiving step for receiving, from the printing apparatus, print data information not included in the list information newly added by the printing apparatus, and job control instruction information including a deletion instruction;
A print data specifying step for specifying print data information corresponding to the print data information managed by the print control server after the list information is transmitted in the list information transmitting step;
A deletion control step for controlling to delete the print data of the print data information specified in the print data specifying step according to the delete instruction included in the job control instruction information received in the job control instruction information receiving step,
The printing device is
A list information display step for displaying list information including print data information received from the print control server;
A print data information adding step for adding print data information to delete print data not included in the list information;
Print control of a print control system, comprising: a job control instruction information transmission step of transmitting additional print data information added in the print data information addition step and job control instruction information including a deletion instruction to the print control server Method. A print control method in a print control server capable of communicating via a network with a printing apparatus that prints print data and managing print data information uniquely indicating the print data,
The print control server is
A list information transmission step of transmitting list information of the print data information to the printing apparatus;
A job control instruction information receiving step for receiving, from the printing apparatus, print data information not included in the list information newly added by the printing apparatus, and job control instruction information including a deletion instruction;
A print data specifying step for specifying print data information corresponding to the print data information managed by the print control server after the list information is transmitted in the list information transmitting step;
A deletion control step for controlling to delete the print data of the print data information specified in the print data specifying step in accordance with a delete instruction included in the job control instruction information received in the job control instruction information receiving step. A print control method for a print control server. A print control program executed by a print control system capable of communicating via a network between a print control server that manages print data information that uniquely indicates print data and a printing apparatus that prints the print data,
The print control server;
List information transmitting means for transmitting list information of the print data information to the printing apparatus;
Job control instruction information receiving means for receiving, from the printing apparatus, print data information not included in the list information newly added by the printing apparatus, and job control instruction information including a deletion instruction;
Print data specifying means for specifying print data information corresponding to the print data information managed by the print control server after the list information is transmitted by the list information transmitting means;
According to the deletion instruction included in the job control instruction information received by the job control instruction information receiving means, function as a deletion control means for controlling to delete the print data of the print data information specified by the print data specifying means,
The printing device;
List information display means for displaying list information including print data information received from the print control server;
Print data information adding means for adding print data information to delete print data not included in the list information;
Print control of a print control system, which functions as job control instruction information transmitting means for transmitting job control instruction information including additional print data information added by the print data information adding means and a deletion instruction to the print control server program. A print control program of a print control server capable of communicating via a network with a printing apparatus that prints print data and managing print data information uniquely indicating the print data,
The print control server;
List information transmitting means for transmitting list information of the print data information to the printing apparatus;
Job control instruction information receiving means for receiving, from the printing apparatus, print data information not included in the list information newly added by the printing apparatus, and job control instruction information including a deletion instruction;
Print data specifying means for specifying print data information corresponding to the print data information managed by the print control server after the list information is transmitted by the list information transmitting means;
According to a deletion instruction included in the job control instruction information received by the job control instruction information receiving unit, function as a deletion control unit that controls to delete the print data of the print data information specified by the print data specifying unit. A print control program executed by the print control server. A printing apparatus capable of managing print data information uniquely indicating print data and communicating via a network with a print control server that enables deletion of print data not displayed in a list information display of print information ,
List information display means for displaying list information including print data information received from the print control server;
Print data information adding means for adding print data information to delete print data not included in the list information;
Job control instruction information including additional print data information added by the print data information adding means and a deletion instruction to delete the print data managed by the print control server after the list information is transmitted by the print control server A printing apparatus comprising: job control instruction information transmission means for transmitting a message to the print control server. Print control in a printing apparatus capable of managing print data information uniquely indicating print data and deleting print data not displayed in the list information display of the print information via a network with a print control server A method,
The printing device is
A list information display step for displaying list information including print data information received from the print control server;
A print data information adding step for adding print data information to delete print data not included in the list information;
Job control instruction information including additional print data information added in the print data information addition step and a deletion instruction in order to delete the print data managed by the print control server after the list information is transmitted by the print control server A print control method for a printing apparatus, comprising: a job control instruction information transmission step for transmitting a message to the print control server. It is executed by a printing device that manages print data information that uniquely indicates print data and can communicate with a print control server that enables deletion of print data that has not been displayed in the print information list information display via a network. A print control program,
The printing device;
List information display means for displaying list information including print data information received from the print control server;
Print data information adding means for adding print data information to delete print data not included in the list information;
Job control instruction information including additional print data information added by the print data information adding means and a deletion instruction to delete the print data managed by the print control server after the list information is transmitted by the print control server A print control program for causing the print control server to function as job control instruction information transmission means.

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