JP5845645B2 - Information processing apparatus, method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a print data control technique, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus, method, program, and recording medium that can automatically change print instruction information such as print data print conditions.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a network system installed in a company, administrative organization, or educational institution, many users output various printed materials using a network printer connected to the network. The user sets the printing conditions related to the printing process at the discretion of each person, but in an environment where many users print, the cost of printing toner, paper, etc. increases, so the cost of the printing process should be reduced. Is desired.

  As a conventional technique for presenting print conditions in print processing, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 stores print frequency of use of specified print conditions, and provides print support suitable for a document to be printed at the time of printing execution to a user. An apparatus is disclosed. This printing support apparatus is intended to rank and present the frequently used printing conditions based on the usage frequency of the past printing conditions, and to allow the user to select the frequently used printing conditions.

  However, the printing support apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 simply presents the printing conditions based on the usage frequency of the printing conditions, and even if the user changes the initial printing conditions to the printing conditions, There is a problem that the cost for the printing process cannot always be reduced simply by performing the printing process under high printing conditions.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and promotes a change to a printing condition with a high cost reduction effect and can be selectively or forcibly changed to a printing condition with a high cost reduction effect. An object is to provide an information processing apparatus, method, program, and recording medium.

  The information processing apparatus of the present invention determines a recommended print condition corresponding to a print condition of print data requested by a client PC connected via a network, determines whether the print condition is appropriate, and recommends a recommended print condition. Is displayed to the user of the client PC, and the printing condition requested by the client PC is selectively changed to the recommended printing condition to execute the printing process. The information processing apparatus forcibly changes the print condition to the recommended print condition when it is determined that the print condition requested by the client PC is inappropriate. As a result, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention prompts a change to a printing condition with a high cost reduction effect in conjunction with the frequency of the printing condition that changes with the printing process, and selectively or forcibly reduces the cost effect. Printing conditions can be changed.

  The present invention also presents a recommended printing condition corresponding to the printing condition of the print data requested by the client PC to the user of the client PC, and selectively or forcibly changes the initial printing condition to the recommended printing condition. A method, a program, and a recording medium for executing print processing are provided.

1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a print processing system of the present invention. The figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the image processing apparatus of this invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment. 6 is a flowchart of processing executed by the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a printing condition determination process executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of print history information used by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of printing condition determination information by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a print condition confirmation screen displayed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a print condition setting screen displayed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a setting screen for print condition determination information displayed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. The figure which shows one Embodiment of the setting screen of the weighting of the printing history information which the image processing apparatus of other embodiment of this invention displays. 10 is a flowchart of processing executed by an image processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows embodiment of the forced change determination information table which registers the forced change determination information which the image processing apparatus of embodiment shown in FIG. 12 uses. The figure which shows one Embodiment of the printing condition confirmation screen which the image processing apparatus of embodiment shown in FIG. 12 displays. The figure which shows another embodiment of the printing condition confirmation screen which the image processing apparatus of embodiment shown in FIG. 12 displays. The flowchart of the process which the image processing apparatus of further another embodiment of this invention performs. 17 is a flowchart showing print condition determination processing executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a printing condition determination table that is printing condition determination information used by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. The figure which shows one Embodiment of the printing condition confirmation screen with a warning which the image processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment shown to FIGS. The figure which shows other embodiment of the printing processing system of this invention. The figure which shows the function structure of the image processing apparatus of embodiment shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, although this invention is demonstrated with embodiment, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned later. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a print processing system of the present invention. The print processing system 100 includes client PCs 112, 114, and 116 connected via a network 130, and an image processing apparatus 120.

  Each of the client PCs 112 to 116 is an information processing apparatus such as a PC used in an office, transmits a print request, print data, print setting information of the print data, and the like to the image processing apparatus 120, and converts the print data into an image. The processing device 120 is caused to print. Each of the client PCs 112 to 116 has a similar configuration, and each of the client PCs 112 to 116 has an application program (hereinafter referred to as “print application”) for creating data to be printed. Each of the client PCs 112 to 116 includes a CPU such as a single core or a multi-core, and includes a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk device, a network interface card (NIC), Windows (registered trademark), UNIX (registered trademark), LINUX (registered trademark). The image processing apparatus 120 is requested to perform print processing under an appropriate OS such as Mac OS (registered trademark).

  The image processing apparatus 120 is an information processing apparatus such as a printing apparatus that prints print data received from the client PCs 112 to 116 on a print medium such as print paper. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an MFP (Multiple Function Printer) is adopted as the image processing apparatus 120, but in other embodiments, a page printer such as a laser printer or an inkjet printer may be adopted.

  The network 130 is a network that can be configured to include a wireless network of standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark) such as 1000Base-T and 1000Base-TX, an optical network, and IEEE 802.11. The network 130 may include a wide area network such as the Internet constructed in a secure environment such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network) in addition to the LAN. The client PCs 112 to 116 and the image processing apparatus 120 perform mutual communication via the network 130 in accordance with a frame, TCP / IP protocol, or RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol).

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. The image processing apparatus 120 includes a CPU 202 such as a single core or a multi-core, a ROM 212, a RAM 214 that provides an execution space, and a hard disk device (HDD) 216, and includes Windows (registered trademark), UNIX (registered trademark), LINUX (registered trademark), and the like. The program of the present embodiment that can be executed by a device written in a programming language such as C, C ++, C #, Java (registered trademark), Java Script (registered trademark), etc. is expanded in the RAM 214 under the control of the OS By executing the function, each functional unit of the present embodiment described later can be realized on the image processing apparatus. The program of the present embodiment can be stored and distributed in a device-readable recording medium such as a hard disk device, CD-ROM, MO, DVD, flexible disk, EEPROM, EPROM, or the like in a format that can be read by other devices. Can be transmitted over the network.

  The image processing apparatus 120 also includes a scanner unit 204 that scans a document image and generates image data, a facsimile transmission unit 206 that transmits image data by fax via a telephone line or an Internet line, and image data or a network generated by the scanner unit 204. The print engine 208 is configured to print the print data received from the client PCs 112 to 116 via the communication unit 210 on a paper medium or the like. Further, the image processing apparatus 120 includes a display unit 218 such as an operation panel that provides an operation screen related to processing executed by the image processing apparatus 120, and can provide various notification and setting opportunities to the user. it can.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the functional configuration of the image processing apparatus 120 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image processing apparatus 120 includes a network communication unit 210, a print control unit 304, a determination unit 306, a screen control unit 308, a determination information storage unit 310, a determination information registration unit 312, and a print history information storage unit 314. The print engine 208 and the display unit 218 are included.

  The network communication unit 210 is means for performing data communication with the client PC 112 via the network 130. When the network communication unit 210 receives image data to be printed and print data including print bibliographic information such as print conditions and print attributes from the client PC 112, the network communication unit 210 passes them to the print control unit 304.

  The print control unit 304 is a functional unit that performs overall control of print processing executed by the image processing apparatus 120. The print control unit 304 appropriately uses each functional unit installed in the image processing apparatus 120 to determine whether print conditions for print data are appropriate, displays various UI screens on the display unit 218, and prints as necessary. Change the conditions to execute the printing process.

  The determination unit 306 is a functional unit that analyzes the print bibliographic information included in the print data transmitted by the client PCs 112 to 116 and determines whether or not the printing conditions that are the print bibliographic information are appropriate. Specifically, the determination unit 306 uses information (hereinafter referred to as “printing condition determination information”) that determines whether or not the printing conditions are stored in the determination information storage unit 310 to request the client PC. It is determined whether or not the printing conditions to be performed are appropriate. The printing condition determination information will be described later in detail.

  The screen control unit 308 is a functional unit that performs display control of the display unit 218. The screen control unit 308 displays UI screens such as a print condition confirmation screen, a print condition setting screen, a print condition determination information setting screen, and a weight setting screen on the display unit 218, and a user selects these UI screens. The information is provided to the print control unit 304. The print control unit 304 uses the information to execute various processes such as changing printing conditions and printing using each function unit.

  In the present embodiment, the UI screen is displayed on the display unit 218 of the image processing apparatus 120. However, in another embodiment, the screen control unit 308 may display the UI screen on the display devices of the client PCs 112 to 116. The UI screen displayed by the screen control unit 308 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  The determination information registration unit 312 is a functional unit that registers printing condition determination information in the determination information storage unit 310. In the present embodiment, the determination information registration unit 312 registers print condition determination information received from a management terminal or client PC via the network 130. In another embodiment, the determination information registration unit 312 may register printing conditions set by the user using the determination information setting screen displayed on the display unit 218.

  In the print history information storage unit 314, print history information related to print data actually printed is registered. The print history information will be described later in detail.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of processing executed by the image processing apparatus according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, processing executed when the image processing apparatus 120 receives print data together with a print request from the client PCs 112 to 116 will be described.

  The process shown in FIG. 4 starts from step S400 upon receiving a print request from the client PCs 112-116. In step S <b> 401, the print control unit 304 calls the determination unit 306, and the determination unit 306 executes a print condition determination process that determines the suitability of the print conditions described with reference to FIG. 5. In step S402, the print control unit 304 determines whether the print conditions transmitted by the client PCs 112 to 116 are appropriate based on the result of the print condition determination process. If the print control unit 304 determines that the print conditions are appropriate (yes), the process is performed. Branches to step S408. On the other hand, if it is determined that the printing conditions are inappropriate (no), the process branches to step S403.

  In step S <b> 403, the print control unit 304 calls the screen control unit 308, and the screen control unit 308 displays a print condition confirmation screen on the display unit 218. In step S404, the print control unit 304 determines whether an instruction issued by the user has been received from the screen control unit 308 using the print condition confirmation screen. If the instruction has not been received (no). The process of step S404 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if an instruction from the user is received (yes), the process branches to steps S405, S407, and S408 according to the contents of the instruction. Specifically, when an instruction to print under recommended printing conditions with high cost reduction effect is received, the process branches to step S407, and an instruction to print without changing the printing conditions is received. In that case, the process branches to step S408. If an instruction to change the printing conditions is received, the process branches to step S405.

  In step S405, the screen control unit 308 displays the display unit 218 print condition change screen. In step S406, the print control unit 304 determines whether an instruction to change the printing condition by the user has been received via the screen control unit 308. If the instruction has not been received (no), The process of step S406 is repeated. On the other hand, if a print condition change instruction has been received (yes), the process branches to step S407.

  In step S407, the print control unit 304 changes the print condition received from the print request source client PC. Specifically, when the user designates a print condition using the print condition change screen, the print control unit 304 stores the print condition in a RAM, a register, or the like as a print condition to be used in the printing process. When the user instructs printing using the recommended printing condition using the printing condition confirmation screen, the recommended printing condition is held in the RAM, the register, or the like as the printing condition to be used in the printing process.

  In step S408, the print control unit 304 updates the print history information in the print history information storage unit 314 using the print conditions to be used in the print process and the print attributes of the print data to be processed. In step S409, the print control unit 304 passes the print conditions and the image data included in the print data to the print engine 208, and the print engine 208 prints the image data on a print medium such as paper according to the print conditions. The process ends in S410.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a printing condition determination process executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the printing condition determination process executed by the image processing apparatus 120 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The process shown in FIG. 5 starts from step S500 when the determination unit 306 is called in step S401 shown in FIG. In step S <b> 501, the determination unit 306 determines recommended print conditions using print condition determination information and print history information based on the number of pages of print data, and print attribute information. In step S502, the determination unit 306 determines recommended printing conditions using printing condition determination information and printing history information based on the data size of the printing data, and printing attribute information. In step S503, the determination unit 306 determines recommended print conditions using print condition determination information and print history information based on the type of print application that created the image data to be printed, and print attribute information.

  In step S504, the determination unit 306 determines whether the printing conditions received from the client PCs 112 to 116 match the recommended printing conditions determined in steps S501 to S503 described above. In step S505, the determination unit 306 notifies the print control unit 304 of recommended printing conditions together with the determination result, and the process ends in step S506. In the present embodiment, when the print condition requested by the client PC matches the recommended print condition, the determination unit 306 determines that the print condition requested by the client PC is appropriate, and print control to that effect. Notification to the unit 304. On the other hand, when the printing condition requested by the client PC does not match the recommended printing condition, it is determined that the printing condition requested by the client PC is inappropriate, and a notification to that effect is given. To do.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an embodiment of print history information used by the image processing apparatus of this embodiment. Hereinafter, the print history information tables 610, 620, and 630 for registering print history information will be described with reference to FIG.

  The print history information table 610 is a data table for registering print history information based on the number of pages of print data. In the print history information table 610, the execution frequency of the print process according to the print conditions adopted by the image processing apparatus 120 is registered for the number of pages of the print data.

  For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the printing process in which the number of pages in the range of 11 to 20 sheets is designated is executed 20 times in total, of which the double-sided printing is executed 10 times, and the execution frequency is Is 50%. In addition, the number of execution times of monochrome printing is 3, and the execution frequency is 15%. Furthermore, the number of executions of the two-side consolidated printing for collecting and printing the two-sided image data on one side is 8, and the execution frequency is 40%. In the present embodiment, the execution frequency of the printing process that does not perform consolidated printing is 60%, but in other embodiments, other aggregation methods such as 4-sided aggregation and 8-sided aggregation may be employed.

  The print history information table 620 is a data table for registering print history information based on the data size of the print data. In the print history information table 620, the execution frequency of the print process according to the print conditions adopted by the image processing apparatus 120 is registered for the data size of the print data.

  For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the print processing for print data having a data size in the range of 0.5 to 2 MB is executed 15 times in total, of which the double-sided printing is executed 8 times. The execution frequency is 53%. In addition, the number of execution times of monochrome printing is 3, and the execution frequency is 20%. Further, the number of executions of the two-side consolidated printing is 10 times, indicating that the execution frequency is 67%.

  The print history information table 630 is a data table for registering print history information based on the type of print application. In the print history information table 630, for each print application, the execution frequency of the print process according to the print conditions adopted by the image processing apparatus 120 is registered.

  For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, printing processing for print data including image data created by Microsoft EXCEL (registered trademark), which is a printing application, is executed a total of 15 times. The number of executions is 8, and the execution frequency is 53%. In addition, the number of execution times of monochrome printing is 3, and the execution frequency is 20%. Further, the number of executions of the two-side consolidated printing is 10 times, indicating that the execution frequency is 67%.

  In this embodiment, the number of pages of print data, the data size, and the print application are adopted as print attributes. However, in other embodiments, the number of copies of printed matter, the document name, the print date, the department to which the user belongs, etc. The printing attribute may be adopted. In this embodiment, double-sided printing, monochrome printing, and two-side integrated printing are employed as printing conditions that can be specified by the client PC. In other embodiments, toner density and toner type used in the printing process are used. Other printing conditions such as paper type and paper size may be employed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the printing condition determination information by the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the print condition determination tables 710, 720, and 730 for registering the print condition determination information will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the print condition determination table 710, a threshold value for determining a recommended print condition is registered based on the number of pages of print data that is a print attribute. In the print condition determination table 710, the execution frequency of the print process according to each print condition is registered as the threshold for the number of pages of predetermined print data.

  In the print condition determination table 720, a threshold value for determining a recommended print condition is registered based on the data size of print data that is a print attribute. In the printing condition determination table 720, the execution frequency of the printing process according to each printing condition is registered as the threshold for the data size of predetermined print data.

  In the printing condition determination table 730, threshold values for determining recommended printing conditions based on the type of printing application that is a printing attribute are registered. In the printing condition determination table 730, the execution frequency of the printing process according to each printing condition is registered as the threshold value for a predetermined printing application.

  Note that the page number, data size, and print application of the print data shown in FIG. 7 are examples, and any other page number, data size, and print application can be used.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment uses the print history information table illustrated in FIG. 6 and the print condition determination table illustrated in FIG. 7 to determine a recommended print condition for the print condition requested by the client PC, and to perform the requested print. Determine whether the conditions are appropriate. Hereinafter, the number of pages of print data, which is a print attribute, is “15 pages”, the data size is “1 MB”, the print application is “Microsoft EXCEL (registered trademark)”, and the printing conditions are “single-sided printing” and “color printing”. A method for determining whether or not the printing condition requested by the client PC is appropriate when “no aggregate printing” is designated will be described.

  First, the image processing apparatus 120 refers to the print history information table 610 and the print condition determination table 710, and is registered in the record of the print history information table 610 related to the number of pages “15 pages” of print data that is the print attribute. The execution frequency is compared with the threshold value registered in the record of the print condition determination table 710, and the execution frequency registered in the record of the print history information table 610 is related to the number of pages in the print condition determination table 710. A printing condition having an execution frequency equal to or higher than a threshold value registered in the record is determined as a recommended printing condition. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the double-sided printing execution frequency registered in the record related to the print page number “15 pages” in the print history information table 610 is “50%”. Since it is the same as the double-sided printing threshold “50%” registered in the record related to the number of printed pages “15 pages” in the printing condition judgment table 710, it is judged that double-sided printing is a recommended printing condition.

  Next, the image processing apparatus 120 refers to the print history information table 620 and the print condition determination table 720 and executes the execution frequency registered in the record of the print history information table 620 that matches the data size “1 MB” that is the print attribute. And the threshold value registered in the record of the print condition determination table 720, and the recommended print condition is determined in the same manner as described above. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the execution frequency of double-sided printing registered in the record related to the data size “1 MB” in the print history information table 620 is “53%”, and execution of 2-sided aggregate printing is performed. The frequency is “67%”. Since these values are equal to or greater than the threshold value “50%” for double-sided printing and 2-sided integrated printing registered in the record related to the data size “1 MB” in the printing condition determination table 720, double-sided printing and 2-sided integrated printing Are determined to be the recommended printing conditions.

  Next, the image processing apparatus 120 refers to the print history information table 630 and the print condition determination table 730 and is registered in the record of the print history information table 630 that matches the print application “Microsoft EXCEL (registered trademark)” with the print attribute. The execution frequency is compared with the threshold value registered in the record of the print condition determination table 730, and the recommended print condition is determined in the same manner as described above. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the execution frequency of double-sided printing registered in the record related to the print application “Microsoft EXCEL (registered trademark)” in the print history information table 630 is “53%”. The execution frequency of the surface integration printing is “67%”. These values are equal to or greater than the threshold value “50%” for duplex printing and 2-sided aggregate printing registered in the record related to the printing application “Microsoft EXCEL (registered trademark)” in the printing condition determination table 730. In addition, it is determined that the two-side consolidated printing is a recommended printing condition.

  The image processing apparatus 120 uses the result of merging the recommended print conditions determined by the above-described method as the final recommended print condition, and determines whether the print conditions and the print conditions requested by the client PC match. By doing so, it can be determined whether or not the printing conditions requested by the client PC are appropriate.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a print condition confirmation screen displayed by the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment. The printing condition confirmation screen 800 displays recommended printing conditions determined by the image processing apparatus, a button 810 for instructing printing according to the recommended printing conditions, 812 for instructing printing without changing the printing conditions, and the user 814 for instructing the change of the printing conditions. The user can confirm a recommended printing condition with a high cost reduction effect on the printing condition confirmation screen 800 and can issue any instruction at the user's discretion. Thereby, it is possible to improve the cost reduction in the printing process.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a print condition setting screen displayed by the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment. The print condition setting screen 900 includes an object for setting a print method, a color mode, and an aggregation specification that are print conditions 910, and a button 912 for instructing print execution. The user can execute printing under the designated printing conditions by designating printing conditions to be set from these objects and selecting a button 912.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a print condition determination information setting screen displayed by the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The print condition determination information setting screen 1000 shown in FIG. 10 includes a field for inputting the range of the number of pages of print data, which is a print attribute, and a field for inputting a threshold value of each print condition related to the number of pages. Composed. The user can set / change the printing condition determination information by inputting arbitrary numerical values in these fields.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a print history information weighting setting screen displayed by an image processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, when the image processing apparatus 120 registers the print history information, the execution frequency of the printing process based on the employed printing conditions is registered in consideration of the weighting for each printing condition. For example, when monochrome printing is executed when the weight values shown in FIG. 11 are set, the execution frequency is registered as if printing processing by monochrome printing for four times was performed in one printing process.

  The print history information weight setting screen 1100 includes a field for inputting a weight value for each print condition. The user can set / change the weight of the print history information by inputting arbitrary numerical values in these fields, and can set a more flexible and elastic determination criterion.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of processing executed by the image processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, when the image processing apparatus 120 determines that the printing condition requested by the client PC is inappropriate, the number of times that the printing process has been executed without changing the printing condition is recorded, When the predetermined number of times is exceeded, the printing condition is forcibly changed to the recommended printing condition. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 12, the processing executed by the image processing apparatus 120 of the present embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the processing shown in FIG.

  The process shown in FIG. 12 starts from step S1200 by receiving print requests from the client PCs 112 to 116, and executes steps S1201 and S1202, which are the same processes as steps S401 and S402.

  In step S1203, the print control unit 304 has transmitted a print request using information for determining whether or not to forcibly change the printing conditions shown in FIG. 13 (hereinafter referred to as “forced change determination information”). By determining whether or not the number of times that the client PC has executed the printing process without changing the printing condition is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it is determined whether or not the printing condition must be forcibly changed. If it is determined in step S1203 that the print condition must be forcibly changed (yes), the process branches to step S1208, and the print control unit 304 receives the print request from the client PC in step S1208. Change the printing conditions to the recommended printing conditions. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1203 that it is not necessary to forcibly change the printing conditions (no), the process branches to step S1204.

  In step S 1204, the print control unit 304 calls the screen control unit 308, and the screen control unit 308 displays a print condition confirmation screen on the display unit 218. In step S1205, the print control unit 304 determines whether an instruction issued by the user is received from the display unit 218 using the print condition confirmation screen. If the instruction is not received (no), The process of step S1205 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if an instruction from the user is received (yes), the process branches to steps S1206, S1208, and S1209 according to the contents of the instruction. Specifically, if an instruction to execute the printing process with the recommended printing conditions is received, the process branches to step S1208, and an instruction to execute the printing process without changing the printing conditions is received. If so, the process branches to step S1209. If an instruction to change the printing conditions is received, the process branches to step S1206.

  In step S1206, step S1207, and step S1208, processing similar to that in step S405, step S406, and step S407 shown in FIG. 4 is executed.

  In step S1209, the print control unit 304 determines the number of times that the user has executed the print process without changing the print condition despite the inappropriate print condition, and the forced change determination information in which the forced change determination information is registered. Register in the information table. The forced change determination information table will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In step S <b> 1210, the print control unit 304 updates the print history information in the print history information storage unit 314 using the print conditions to be used in the printing process and the related print attributes. In step S1211, the print control unit 304 passes the print conditions and the image data included in the print data to the print engine 208, and the print engine 208 prints the image data on a print medium such as paper according to the print conditions. Processing ends in S1212.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a forced change determination information table for registering forced change determination information used by the image processing apparatus of the embodiment shown in FIG. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 13, forcible change determination used in the embodiment in which the print condition is forcibly changed when the number of times that the print process has been executed without changing the print condition is equal to or greater than the predetermined number in total. Information tables 1310 and 1312, and a forced change determination information table used in the embodiment for forcibly changing the printing conditions when the number of times that the printing process has been executed without changing the printing conditions is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times. 1320 and 1322 will be described.

  The forced change determination information table 1310 is a data table in which the number of executions, which is a lower limit value for forcibly changing the printing conditions, is registered as a threshold value. In the forcible change determination information table 1310, “5 times” is registered as a threshold value, and the image processing apparatus 120 has accumulated a total of “5 times” or more the number of times print processing has been performed without changing the printing conditions. In this case, the print condition requested by the client PC is forcibly changed to the recommended print condition. Thereby, it is possible to improve the cost reduction in the printing process.

  The forced change determination information table 1312 is a data table that registers the number of times print processing has been executed without changing print conditions for each request source of print processing. In the forced change determination information table 1320, information that can uniquely identify the client PC, such as the IP address and MAC address of the client PC transmitted together with the print request, can be registered as the request source of the print processing. In other embodiments, any identification information can be used as long as the requester of the printing process can be uniquely identified.

  The forced change determination information table 1320 is a data table in which the number of executions, which is a lower limit value for forcibly changing the printing conditions, is registered as a threshold value. In the forcible change determination information table 1320, “5 times” is registered as a threshold value, and the image processing apparatus 120 continuously executes the printing process without changing the printing conditions to “5 times” or more. In some cases, the printing conditions requested by the client PC are forcibly changed to recommended printing conditions. Thereby, it is possible to improve the cost reduction in the printing process.

  The forced change determination information table 1322 is a data table that registers the number of times print processing has been executed without changing print conditions for each request source of print processing. Similar to the forced change determination information table 1320, the forced change determination information table 1322 is information that can uniquely identify a client PC such as an IP address and a MAC address of the client PC transmitted together with the print request as a request source of the print processing. Can be registered.

  In the embodiment using the forced change determination information tables 1320 and 1322, the image processing apparatus 120 changes the recommended print condition for the print condition transmitted by the print request source client PC or the change of the user. When the number of times of continuous printing associated with the client PC in the forced change determination information table 1322 is cleared in the case of changing by an instruction, the number of times that the printing process has been executed without changing the printing conditions is continuously a predetermined number of times. The printing conditions can be forcibly changed when exceeding.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a print condition confirmation screen displayed by the image processing apparatus of the embodiment shown in FIG. The printing condition confirmation screen 1400 is used in an embodiment in which the printing condition is forcibly changed when the number of times that the printing process is executed without changing the printing condition is a predetermined number or more in total. On the printing condition confirmation screen 1400, a recommended printing condition determined by the image processing apparatus is displayed together with a warning message for notifying a forced change of the printing condition in advance. Similarly to the printing condition confirmation screen 800, the printing condition confirmation screen 1400 has a button 1410 for instructing printing under recommended conditions, an instruction 1412 for instructing printing without changing the printing conditions, and a change in printing conditions by the user. The user can issue either one of the instructions.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another embodiment of a print condition confirmation screen displayed by the image processing apparatus of the embodiment shown in FIG. The printing condition confirmation screen 1500 is used in an embodiment in which the printing condition is forcibly changed when the number of times that the printing process has been executed without changing the printing condition is continuously a predetermined number or more. A print condition confirmation screen 1500 displays a recommended print condition determined by the image processing apparatus, together with a warning message for notifying a forced change of the print condition in advance. Similarly to the printing condition confirmation screen 800, the printing condition confirmation screen 1500 has a button 1510 for instructing printing under recommended conditions, an instruction for printing 1512 without changing the printing conditions, and a change in printing conditions by the user. The user can issue either one of the instructions.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart of processing executed by the image processing apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 120 determines processing to be executed in addition to determining whether print conditions are appropriate. Hereinafter, processing executed by the image processing apparatus 120 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The description will focus on the differences from the processing in FIG.

  The process shown in FIG. 16 is started from step S1600 by receiving a print request from the client PCs 112 to 116, and the same processes as in steps S401 and S402 are executed in steps S1601 and S1602.

  In step S1603, the print control unit 304 branches the process according to the process to be executed from the process result of step S1601 described with reference to FIG. Specifically, if the process to be executed is presentation of a print condition or a print condition with a warning, the process branches to step S1604. In step S1604, the print control unit 304 calls the screen control unit 308, and the screen control unit 308 displays a print condition confirmation screen without a warning text or a print condition confirmation screen with a warning text as shown in FIG. To do.

  On the other hand, if the process to be executed is a forced change of the printing conditions, the process branches to step S1608. In step S1608, the print control unit 304 forcibly changes the print condition requested by the print request source client PC to the recommended print condition. Thereby, it is possible to improve the cost reduction in the printing process.

  In steps S1605 to S1611, processing similar to that in steps S404 to S410 shown in FIG. 4 is executed.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a printing condition determination process executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment shown in FIG. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 17, a printing condition determination process executed by the image processing apparatus 120 of the present embodiment will be described.

  The process shown in FIG. 17 starts from step S1700 when the determination unit 306 is called in step S1601 shown in FIG. In step S1701, the determination unit 306 determines recommended print conditions and processing to be executed using the print condition determination information and print history information based on the number of pages of print data illustrated in FIG. 18 and the print attribute information. To do. In step S <b> 1702, the determination unit 306 determines recommended print conditions using print condition determination information and print history information based on the data size of the print data, and print attribute information. In step S <b> 1703, the determination unit 306 uses the print condition determination information and print history information based on the type of print application that created the image data to be printed, and the print attribute information, and recommends the recommended print condition and to be executed. Determine processing.

  In step S1704, the determination unit 306 determines whether the print condition received from the print request source client PC matches the recommended print condition determined in steps S1701 to S1703 described above. In step S1705, the determination unit 306 notifies the print control unit 304 of recommended printing conditions and processing to be executed together with the determination result, and the processing ends in step S1706. In the present embodiment, when the print condition requested by the client PC matches the recommended print condition, the determination unit 306 determines that the print condition requested by the client PC is appropriate, and print control to that effect. Notification to the unit 304. On the other hand, when the printing condition requested by the client PC does not match the recommended printing condition, it is determined that the printing condition requested by the client PC is inappropriate, the fact is notified, and the recommended printing condition and execution are performed. Notify what to do.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a printing condition determination table that is printing condition determination information used by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. The print condition determination table 1800 is a data table in which print condition determination information for determining processing to be executed and determining whether print conditions are appropriate is registered, and is recommended based on the number of pages of print data that is a print attribute. A threshold value for determining the printing condition to be registered is registered in association with the process to be executed. In the print condition determination table 1800, the execution frequency of the print process according to each print condition is registered in association with the process to be executed as a threshold for determining the recommended print condition for the number of pages of the print data.

  In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, as a process to be executed, a print condition confirmation screen (a print condition confirmation screen without a warning text) that presents a recommended print condition, and the recommended print condition should be changed to the print condition. A display of a printing condition confirmation screen (a printing condition confirmation screen with a warning sentence) for displaying a warning message to that effect, and a process for forcibly changing the printing condition to a recommended printing condition. “Print condition presentation”, “presentation with warning” and “forced change” shown in FIG. 18 are respectively a display of a print condition confirmation screen without a warning text, a display of a print condition confirmation screen with a warning text, and a forced change of printing conditions. Indicates.

  For example, in the embodiment using the print history information table 610 shown in FIG. 6 and the print condition determination table 1800 shown in FIG. 18, the number of pages to be printed is “15 pages” and the print condition is “single sided”. When “print”, “color printing”, and “no aggregate printing” are specified, the image processing apparatus 120 performs the maximum execution frequency included in the record related to the page number “15 pages” in the print history information table 610. A value is extracted, and the maximum value is compared with a threshold value included in a record related to the page number “15 pages” in the printing condition determination table 1800, and the minimum value among the threshold values equal to or greater than the maximum value is included. Identify the record. Under this condition, the double-sided printing execution frequency “50%” that is a record corresponding to the page number “15 pages” in the print history information table 610 is the maximum value, and the page number “15 pages” in the print condition determination table 1800. Should be executed for records including the threshold value “50%” that is the minimum of the threshold values “50%”, “70%”, or “80%” that are greater than or equal to the maximum value “50%”. Since “print condition presentation” is associated with the process, the image processing apparatus 120 determines that the process to be executed is “print condition presentation” and displays a print condition confirmation screen without a warning text.

  In the present embodiment, processing such as presentation of recommended printing conditions and forced change of printing conditions is executed in conjunction with the printing frequency that changes with the printing process. As a result, in an environment where efforts are made to reduce costs in the printing process, it is possible to further promote the printing process using printing conditions that are frequently used and have an effect of reducing costs.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a printing condition confirmation screen with a warning displayed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. The print condition confirmation screen 1900 is displayed when the execution frequency which is the maximum value registered in the print history information table 610 is 70% or more and less than 80%.

  The print condition confirmation screen 1900 displays a recommended print condition determined by the image processing apparatus, together with a warning message for notifying a forced change of the print condition in advance. Also, the print condition confirmation screen 1900 is similar to the print condition confirmation screen 800 and the like, a button 1910 for instructing printing under recommended conditions, 1912 for instructing printing without changing the printing conditions, and the printing conditions by the user. 1914 for instructing the change, and the user can issue any instruction.

  FIG. 20 shows still another embodiment of the print processing system of the present invention. Hereinafter, the print processing system 2000 will be described with reference to FIG. 20 focusing on differences from the print system 100 described above.

  The print processing system 2000 includes a server device 2010, client PCs 2012, 2014, and 2016, and an image processing device 2020 connected via a network 2030. In this embodiment, each client PC 2012, 2014, 2016 transmits print data to the server apparatus 2010, and the server apparatus 2010 transmits print data to the image processing apparatus 2020 to execute print processing.

  The server apparatus 2010 is an information processing apparatus that performs overall print processing of the print processing system 2000, and includes a single-core or multi-core CPU, ROM, RAM that provides an execution space, a hard disk device, and the like. . The server apparatus 2010 includes C, C ++, C #, and Java (registered trademark) under the control of an OS such as a Windows (registered trademark) 200X server, UNIX (registered trademark), LINUX (registered trademark), and Solaris (registered trademark). Each function unit of the present embodiment can be realized on the server device by developing the program of the present embodiment that can be executed by the device described in a programming language such as Java Script (registered trademark) in the RAM and executing it. . The program of the present embodiment can be stored and distributed in a device-readable recording medium such as a hard disk device, CD-ROM, MO, DVD, flexible disk, EEPROM, EPROM, or the like in a format that can be read by other devices. Can be transmitted over the network.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 21, the functional configuration of the server apparatus 2010 will be described focusing on differences from the functional configuration of the image processing apparatus 120 illustrated in FIG.

  The server apparatus 2010 includes a network communication unit 2210, a print control unit 2304, a determination unit 2306, a screen display unit 2308, a determination information storage unit 2310, a determination information registration unit 2312, and a print history information storage unit 2314. Consists of including.

  The network communication unit 2210 is a means for performing data communication with the client PCs 2012, 2014, 2016 and the image processing apparatus 2020 via the network 2030. When the network communication unit 2210 receives print data including image data to be printed and print bibliographic information such as print conditions and print attributes from the client PCs 2012, 2014, and 2016, the network communication unit 2210 passes the print data to the print control unit 2304. Further, when the network communication unit 2210 receives print data from the print control unit 2304, the network communication unit 2210 transmits the print data to the image processing apparatus 2020.

  The print control unit 2304 is a functional unit that performs overall control of print processing executed by the server apparatus 2010. The print control unit 2304 appropriately uses each function unit mounted on the server apparatus 2010 to determine whether print conditions included in the print data are appropriate, and prints a print condition confirmation screen, a print condition setting screen, and print condition determination information. A UI screen such as a setting screen or a weighting setting screen is displayed on the display unit of the image processing apparatus 2020, and print data whose printing conditions are changed as necessary is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 2020 to execute the printing process.

  The screen display unit 2308 transmits information constituting various UI screens to the image processing apparatus 2020 via the network 2030 and causes the display unit to display the UI screen. The image processing device 2020 transmits the instruction content issued by the user using the UI screen to the server device 2010 via the network 2030, and the server device 2010 executes processing according to the instruction content.

  In the present embodiment, the server apparatus 2010 displays various UI screens on the display unit of the image processing apparatus 2020. However, in other embodiments, the UI screen may be displayed on the client PC that is the print request source.

  Although the present embodiment has been described so far, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the constituent elements of the present embodiment are changed or deleted, or the constituent elements of the present embodiment are changed to other configurations. It can be changed within a range that can be conceived by those skilled in the art, such as adding an element, and any aspect is included in the scope of the present invention as long as the effects of the present invention are exhibited.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Print processing system, 112, 114, 116 ... Client PC, 120 ... Image processing apparatus, 130 ... Network, 2000 ... Print processing system, 2010 ... Server apparatus, 2012, 2014, 2016 ... Client PC, 2020 ... Image processing apparatus , 2030 ... Network

JP 2007-241460 A

Claims (10)

An information processing apparatus that controls print processing requested by a client terminal connected via a network,
Each of a plurality of item values included in a classification item for classifying print data, a first printing condition for presenting a change to a user, and a threshold value used for determining whether or not to present the first printing condition Determination information storage means for storing determination information associated with
Print history information storage means for storing print history information of the print data for which the printing process has been executed;
When receiving the print processing request from the client terminal, the item value to which the print data of the print processing is classified in the classification item is specified, and the item value corresponding to the item value of the classification item in the determination information Of the print history information stored in the print history information storage unit, the first print condition and the threshold value, the print data classified into the item value of the classification item is the first print condition. Specifying means for specifying the first print condition for the print processing based on the printed print history information;
First determination means for determining whether or not the specified first print condition matches the second print condition in the print processing requested by the client terminal;
Presenting means for presenting the identified first print condition to a user when the first print condition and the second print condition do not match,
The classification item is an item of a print attribute that classifies the print data of the print process into a common item value according to the content of the print process when the print process is requested by a plurality of different users. An information processing device. The specifying means is:
Execution of the printing process in which the print data classified into the item value of the identified classification item among the printing history information stored in the printing history information storage unit is printed under the first printing condition. The first print condition is specified for the print process requested from the client terminal based on whether a frequency is equal to or higher than the threshold value corresponding to the item value and the first print condition. The information processing apparatus according to 1.   The specifying means is:
  When the execution frequency is equal to or higher than the threshold, the first print condition is specified for the print process requested from the client terminal,
  The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first printing condition is one of double-sided, monochrome, and double-sided printing conditions. The determination information storage means includes
For each of the plurality of classification items, the determination information in which the first printing condition for presenting a change to the user is associated with the threshold value used for determining whether or not to present the first printing condition. Remember
The specifying means is:
For each of the plurality of classification items, the first print condition is specified for the print processing requested from the client terminal,
The first determination means includes
Determining whether the first printing condition specified for each of the plurality of classification items matches the second printing condition;
The presenting means is
4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein all of the first printing conditions that do not match the second printing conditions are presented . 5. 5. The classification item according to claim 1, wherein the classification item includes one or a plurality of items among a number of pages, a data size, a printing application, the number of copies, a document name, a printing date and time, and a department to which the user belongs. The information processing apparatus described . The determination information storage means includes
Storing the determination information in which a plurality of threshold values are associated with one item value, and the presentation method of the first printing condition is designated for each of the plurality of threshold values;
The specifying means is:
Based on the print history information and the threshold value, the first print condition and the presentation method of the first print condition are specified for the print process requested from the client terminal,
The presenting means is
The said 1st printing conditions and the said 2nd printing conditions are shown to a user with the specified said presentation method when the said 1st printing conditions and the said 2nd printing conditions do not correspond. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 6 . The specifying means is:
Among the plurality of thresholds associated with the identified item value, the presentation method corresponding to the highest threshold is identified,
The presentation method includes a presentation method that allows a user to select whether or not to change to the first printing condition, and a presentation method that does not allow the user to select whether or not to change to the first printing condition. 6. The information processing apparatus according to 6 . A history for storing history information instructing execution of the printing process by the user without selecting a change when a selection screen for selecting whether to change to the first printing condition is presented by the presentation means Information storage means;
When the print process is requested from the client terminal and the first print condition is specified for the print process, the user performs a predetermined number of times based on the history information of the print process requested from the client terminal. Second determination means for determining whether or not the execution of the printing process is instructed without continuously selecting the change to the first printing condition,
The presenting means is
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein when the execution of the printing process is instructed without selecting the change continuously for the predetermined number of times, the selection is forcibly changed to the first printing condition without presenting the selection screen. The information processing apparatus described . An information processing method for controlling a printing process requested by a client terminal connected via a network, wherein the information processing apparatus includes:
  Each of a plurality of item values included in a classification item for classifying print data, a first printing condition for presenting a change to a user, and a threshold value used for determining whether or not to present the first printing condition Storing the determination information associated with
  Storing print history information of print data on which the print processing has been executed;
  When the print processing request is received from the client terminal, the item value by which the print data of the print processing is classified is specified in the classification item, and the print history information stored in the print history information storage unit is specified. Of these, the print history information in which the print data classified into the item value of the classification item is printed under the first printing condition, and the threshold corresponding to the item value and the first printing condition. Based on the first printing condition for the printing process,
  Determining whether the identified first print condition matches the second print condition in the print process requested by the client terminal;
  Presenting the identified first print condition to a user if the first print condition and the second print condition do not match,
  The classification item is an item of a print attribute that classifies the print data of the print process into a common item value according to the content of the print process when the print process is requested by a plurality of different users. There is an information processing method. A program capable of information processing for causing an information processing apparatus to function as the means according to any one of claims 1 to 8.