JP5966659B2 - Information processing apparatus and print control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a print control program.

  Conventionally, intermediate data is generated using the printer driver of the virtual printer, and various additional printing functions such as processing of print data, change of print settings, preview display, and output destination distribution using the generated intermediate data There is technology to provide. When providing an additional function of printing, as one aspect, a form of issuing a license according to the number of client PCs (Personal Computers) that use the system can be considered.

  In general, it is prohibited to use one license on a plurality of client PCs. This is the same even when the virtual printer is used as a shared printer. In other words, even when a virtual printer is used as a shared printer, if the license management is not performed, the virtual printer can be used even if the number of licensed clients is exceeded. For this reason, it is not preferable to provide a virtual printer as a shared printer unless license management is suitably performed.

  Even in a mode in which a virtual printer is used as a shared printer, it is conceivable to provide a separate server for managing licenses in order to perform license management appropriately. However, if a separate server is provided, a maintenance cost is required. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for analyzing a print job and determining whether or not it has a license without separately providing a license management server.

  However, the above-described conventional technique has a problem that the printing process becomes complicated. For example, in the prior art, license management is performed by analyzing a print job at the time of executing the print process, so that the processing load at the time of executing the print process increases and the print process becomes complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and a print control program capable of appropriately managing licenses and efficiently executing print processing. .

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention provides a network connection state between a user device used by a user and a shared resource shared and used by the user device. The monitoring unit that monitors and acquires the identification information of the user device connected to the shared resource, and the identification information acquired in the identification information list that holds the identification information of the user device that uses the shared resource When not registered, a registration unit that registers the acquired identification information in the identification information list, and when a print request is received from the user device, the shared resource is used based on the identification information list. It is determined whether or not the number of user usage that represents the number of user devices to be used is equal to or less than the upper limit number that can be used that represents the upper limit number of user devices that can use the shared resource That has a determination section, when the user use number is determined to be less than the available maximum number, and a print control unit that controls the printing process in response to the print request.

  Further, a print control program according to the present invention is a print control program for causing a computer to function, and a user device used by a user and a shared resource used shared by the user device. A monitoring unit that monitors a connection state of the network and acquires identification information of the user device connected to the shared resource, and an identification information list that holds identification information of the user device that uses the shared resource. A registration unit for registering the acquired identification information in the identification information list when the identification information is unregistered and a print request received from the user device based on the identification information list. The number of user usages representing the number of user devices that use the shared resource is the number of user devices that can use the shared resource. A determination unit that determines whether or not the upper limit number that can be used representing the limit number is less than or equal to, and when it is determined that the user use number is less than or equal to the upper limit number that can be used, print processing is performed in response to the print request. It functions as a print control unit to be controlled.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that the license can be appropriately managed and the printing process can be executed efficiently.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of information held by the identification information list according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating details of the print control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the monitoring process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of print processing control according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed flow of the print control process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of information held by the identification information list according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of monitoring processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of print processing control according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a status browsing screen according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of monitoring processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary flow of a monitoring process according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of information held by the identification information list according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the monitoring process according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of registration deletion processing according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information processing device according to one aspect of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list update screen according to one aspect of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of print processing control according to one aspect of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating that the print control program is realized using a computer.

  Embodiments of an information processing apparatus and a print control program according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by the following embodiment. Moreover, each embodiment can be combined suitably as long as the content is not contradicted.

(Embodiment 1)
[System configuration]
The configuration of the printing system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the printing system 10 includes an information processing apparatus 100, client PCs 12a to 12c, and printers 13a to 13c. Among these, the information processing apparatus 100, the client PCs 12a to 12c, the printer 13b, and the printer 13c are connected to the network 11. The printer 13a is not connected to the network 11, but is connected to the information processing apparatus 100 by a cable or the like. The client PCs 12a to 12c are examples of user devices used by the user.

  The printers 13a to 13c may be image forming apparatuses such as an MFP (Multi Function Printer) having at least a printer function among a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The information processing apparatus 100 is an information processing apparatus such as a server apparatus. Although the printing system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a case where three client PCs and three printers are included, the number is not limited to the number shown. Each client PC can share and use the logical printer generated on the information processing apparatus 100 via the network 11. That is, the logical printer generated on the information processing apparatus 100 is a shared resource of the client PC 12a to the client PC 12c.

[Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus According to Embodiment 1]
Next, the configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus 100 includes an identification information list 111, a monitoring unit 121, a registration unit 122, a determination unit 123, and a print control unit 124. In the information processing apparatus 100, a logical printer that is a shared resource shared and used by each client PC is generated.

  The monitoring unit 121 monitors a network connection state between a client PC used by a user and a logical printer which is a shared resource used by the client PC. For monitoring the connection status, for example, in Windows (registered trademark), a logical printer generated on the information processing apparatus 100 is shared by a client PC by using an SMB (Server Message Block) service with a port number “445”. Processing is in progress. In such a case, the monitoring unit 121 uses the port number “445” to monitor the network connection state between the client PC and the logical printer.

  Here, even if a plurality of logical printers are generated on the information processing apparatus 100, the monitoring unit 121 does not know which logical printer the client PC is trying to connect to. In other words, the monitoring unit 121 grasps that the client PC is trying to connect to any of the logical printers by using the port number as described above, and thereby monitors the connection state. Then, the monitoring unit 121 acquires identification information of the client PC connected to the logical printer. The identification information is, for example, the host name or IP (Internet Protocol) address of the client PC. Hereinafter, a case where a host name is used as an example of identification information will be described as an example.

  The registration unit 122 identifies the host name when the host name acquired by the monitoring unit 121 is not registered in the identification information list 111 that holds the host name that is identification information of the client PC that uses the logical printer. Register in the information list 111. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of information held by the identification information list 111 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, in the identification information list 111, host names “host name 1”, “host name 2”, “host name 3”, and the like are registered. That is, if the host name of the client PC whose connection to the logical printer is detected by the monitoring unit 121 is not registered in the identification information list 111, the host name is registered in the identification information list 111 by the registration unit 122. The

  Here, when a plurality of logical printers are generated, there is an identification information list 111 corresponding to each logical printer. As described above, since the monitoring unit 121 does not know which logical printer is to be connected, the registration unit 122 stores the acquired host in each identification information list 111 corresponding to each logical printer. The name will be registered.

  When the determination unit 123 receives a print request from the client PC, the number of registrations in the identification information list 111 is set as the number of user usages indicating the number of client PCs using the logical printer, and the user usage number is the logical printer. It is determined whether or not it is less than or equal to the available upper limit number representing the upper limit number of available client PCs. Then, the determination unit 123 outputs a determination result as to whether or not the user usage number is equal to or less than the upper limit number that can be used to the print control unit 124.

  The print control unit 124 performs print processing in response to a print request. Here, the details of the print control unit 124 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating details of the print control unit 124 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the print control unit 124 includes a library group 124a, a plug-in group 124b, an intermediate file storage unit 124c, an information registration unit 124d, a determination unit 124e, a control unit 124f, and an execution unit 124g. And have.

  The library group 124a stores libraries representing plug-in components that are programs for executing print processing. For example, the library group 124a includes a job editing library, a print setting library, an image generation library, a data access library, an output control library, and the like. In customization of print settings using these libraries, as one aspect, customization relating to logical printers, physical printers, print data, print settings, and output is possible.

  Among these, the job editing library is a library that provides an interface for changing or deleting the job output order. The print setting library is a library that provides an interface for acquiring the current print setting or print setting capability and performing print setting. The image generation library is a library that provides an interface for generating image files such as BMP (Bit MaP) and JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) from print data. The data access library is a library that provides an interface that analyzes text information of print data and determines whether or not a specified text exists. The output control library is a library that provides an interface for acquiring output destination information and setting an output destination.

  The plug-in group 124b includes one or a plurality of libraries, and stores plug-ins that are programs for executing print processing. Each plug-in stored in the plug-in group 124b is associated with a workflow definition file, a plug-in attribute file, and a print rule file, which are files indicating the configuration information of each plug-in.

  Specifically, the workflow definition file defines a workflow definition that defines the timing and order of execution of plug-ins. In the plug-in attribute file, plug-in attributes that are plug-in attributes are defined. The print rule file defines a process and a print rule that is a condition for performing the process. A plug-in may have a plurality of plug-in attributes and a plurality of printing rules for one workflow definition. Such a plug-in implements various printing functions using the library. Note that the plug-in execution process is not limited, and a form in which the plug-in is added into one process may be employed, or a form in which each process is an independent process may be employed.

  The intermediate file storage unit 124c stores an intermediate file including image data to be printed and print setting information for the image data. For example, the intermediate file storage unit 124c stores an intermediate file including image data such as BMP, EMF (Enhanced Meta File) or XPS (XML Paper Specification) that does not depend on the printer driver, and print setting information for the image data. .

  In general, when printing is performed by an application operating on a PC, application data is drawn on a graphic engine, and the drawn data is passed to a printer driver. The printer driver converts the printer driver into a code that can be recognized by the printer, such as PDL (Page Description Language). Thereafter, the converted data is accumulated in the spooler, and printing is executed by transmitting the data to the printer by the spooler. In Windows (registered trademark), the graphic engine is called GDI (Graphic Device Interface) and is provided by an OS (Operation System). A spooler is also provided by the OS. That is, in the present embodiment, the printer driver converts drawing data from the application into image data that does not depend on the printer driver. As a result, the intermediate file storage unit 124c stores the image data converted by the printer driver independent of the printer driver together with the print setting information.

The information registration unit 124d performs plug-in workflow settings, and registers the plug-in combined with the library in the plug-in group 124b. To perform workflow settings, information registration unit 124d includes a workflow registration unit 124d _1, a plug-in attribute registering unit 124d _2, a rule registration section 124d _3.

Workflow registration unit 124d ₁ has a print workflow that includes information relating to the processing order and the output destination of the print is registered in the plugins 124b as a workflow definition file. In addition, the plug-in attribute registration unit 124d ₂ registers a plug-in attribute including information on the plug-in attribute in the plug-in group 124b as a plug-in attribute file. Further, rule registration section 124d ₃ is a print rules containing information about conditions or treatment of printing, and registers the plug-ins 124b as print rule file. The registration of various types of information by the information registration unit 124d is executed by a user operation performed on a predetermined setting screen of the information processing apparatus 100. In this way, a plurality of plug-in attribute files and a plurality of print rule files are registered in the plug-in group 124b with respect to one workflow definition file for each plug-in by processing by the information registration unit 124d. Is done.

  The determination unit 124e determines whether or not the printing process can be executed for the plug-in. For example, the determination unit 124e determines whether or not the plug-in can be executed by determining whether or not there is a contradiction in the processing order and the print setting for each plug-in workflow registered by the information registration unit 124d. To do. For example, the determination unit 124e determines whether there are a plurality of plug-ins that perform color setting change processing, whether there are a plurality of plug-ins that perform double-side setting change processing, and plug-ins that perform printer setting change processing. It is determined whether there is a plurality of items, whether printing can be realized with the function of the designated output destination printer, whether there is a contradiction in the order of various settings, and the like. If the determination unit 124e determines that printing cannot be executed, a warning message or the like that indicates the cause of the failure to output is output, and the plug-in is registered again. That is, the information registration unit 124d registers only plug-ins that are determined to be executable by the determination unit 124e.

  The control unit 124f controls the printing process according to the accepted print request when the determination unit 123 determines that the user usage number is equal to or less than the upper limit number that can be used. The execution of the printing process is performed by the execution unit 124g. On the other hand, the control unit 124f cancels the accepted print request when the determination unit 123 determines that the user usage number is larger than the upper limit number of available users. The usable upper limit number corresponds to the number of issued licenses.

Execution unit 124g includes a generating unit 124g _1, a plug-in execution unit 124g _2, and an output section 124g _3. Generator 124 g ₁ generates an intermediate file. For example, generator 124 g _1, the print setting when printing by applications running on the information processing apparatus 100 is performed, to the image data and the image data to be printed generated through a logical printer selected by the user Generate an intermediate file containing information. Here, the printing workflow is fixedly determined according to the virtual printer, and it is determined which plug-in is executed when a logical printer is selected by the user. The generation unit 124 g ₁ stores the generated intermediate file into an intermediate file storage unit 124c. Since the image data included in the intermediate file generated in this way is converted into image data that does not depend on a specific printer driver, it can be output by any printer.

Plug-in execution unit 124g ₂ is, to run the plug-in. For example, the plug-execution unit 124 g _2, the plug-in workflow definition file stored in the plugins 124b, executes the plug-in based on the plug-in attribute file and print rules file. At this time, the plug-in execution unit 124 g ₂ is in an intermediate file storage unit 124c print setting information stored intermediate file to reflect the print settings of that particular plug.

The output unit 124 g ₃ outputs an intermediate file to the destination printer. For example, the output unit 124 g ₃ includes a print setting information print setting in the execution of the plug-in using a plug-in execution unit 124 g ₂ is reflected, and an intermediate file comprising the image data to be printed, output to the output destination printer To do. In parallel by the output unit 124 g ₃ and an output of the intermediate file, the plug-execution unit 124 g ₂ may run the plug. That is, the plug-in execution unit 124 g _2, even when the image data included in the intermediate file is printed by the printer, there is a case of executing the plug.

[Monitoring process flow according to Embodiment 1]
Next, the flow of the monitoring process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the monitoring process according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when monitoring is started (Yes in step S101), the monitoring unit 121 monitors the network connection state between the client PC and the logical printer, and hosts the client PC connected to the logical printer. A name is acquired (step S102). On the other hand, when the monitoring is not started (No at Step S101), the monitoring unit 121 enters a monitoring start waiting state. Such monitoring is started when the information processing apparatus 100 is turned on or at a timing preset by an administrator or the like.

  Also, the registration unit 122 determines whether or not the host name acquired by the monitoring unit 121 is unregistered in the identification information list 111 (step S103). At this time, if the registration unit 122 determines that it is not registered in the identification information list 111 (Yes in step S103), it registers an unregistered host name in the identification information list 111 (step S104). On the other hand, when the registration unit 122 determines that the information has been registered in the identification information list 111 (No at Step S103), the process at Step S105 is executed.

  Then, the information processing apparatus 100 continues the above monitoring process while the monitoring is not finished (No at Step S105). On the other hand, when the information processing apparatus 100 ends the monitoring (Yes at Step S105), the information processing apparatus 100 ends the monitoring process. Similar to the start of monitoring, the monitoring is ended when the information processing apparatus 100 is powered off or at a timing set in advance by a supervisor or the like.

[Printing Process Control Flow According to Embodiment 1]
Next, the flow of print processing control according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of print processing control according to the first embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the determination unit 123 receives a print request from the client PC (Yes in step S201), the number of user uses, which is the number registered in the identification information list 111, is equal to or less than the upper limit number that can be used. Whether or not (step S202). Further, when the determination unit 123 has not received a print request from the client PC (No in step S201), the determination unit 123 enters a state of waiting for reception of the print request.

At this time, the control unit 124f of the print control unit 124 performs the printing process according to the accepted print request when the determination unit 123 determines that the user usage number is equal to or less than the upper limit number of usable services (Yes in step S202). Is controlled (step S203). Note that the execution of the printing process is performed by the execution unit 124g (the generation unit 124g ₁ , the plug-in execution unit 124g ₂ , and the output unit 124g ₃ ).

  On the other hand, the control unit 124f of the print control unit 124 cancels the print processing for the accepted print request when the determination unit 123 determines that the user usage number is larger than the upper limit number of usable services (No in step S202). (Step S204). In canceling the printing process, for example, the client PC is notified that the printing process has been canceled.

[Detailed Flow of Print Control Processing According to Embodiment 1]
Next, a detailed flow of the print control process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed flow of the print control process according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, generator 124 g ₁ accepts the print request from the client PC, and the image data to be printed generated via the logical printer, the intermediate file containing the print setting information for the image data Generate (step S301). Also, the plug-in execution unit 124 g ₂ are determined in the plug-in that is determined by the fixed in accordance with the logical printer, whether editing plug there representing the plug-in configuration to keep the print settings before the output of the printing (Step S302).

At this time, the plug-in execution unit 124 g _2, when it is determined that the editing plug-in there (Yes at step S302), executes the processing of the editing plug-in (step S303). For each processing execution editing plug, the plug-execution unit 124 g ₂ is the print setting information of the intermediate file, will reflect the print settings according to the performed editing plug-in. Then, the plug-execution unit 124 g ₂ determines whether plug there is an unprocessed (step S304). Such an unprocessed plug-in refers to both an edit plug-in and an output plug-in described later.

At this time, the plug-in execution unit 124 g _2, when it is determined that the plug there is an unprocessed (step S304: Yes), executes the process of step S302 again. On the other hand, when the plug-in execution unit 124g ₂ determines that there is no editing plug-in (No at Step S302), or when it is determined that there is no unprocessed plug-in (No at Step S304), the process of Step S305 is performed. Run. As a result, when all the editing plug-in processes are executed, all the print settings by the executed editing plug-in are reflected in the print setting information of the intermediate file.

Subsequently, the plug-execution unit 124 g ₂ is (step S305 negative) when the destination printer of the intermediate file is determined not to be determined, to set the printer to be set by default as the output destination (step S306) . On the other hand, the plug-execution unit 124 g _2, when the output destination printer of the intermediate file is determined to be determined (step S305, Yes), executes the process of step S307.

Thereafter, the plug-execution unit 124 g ₂ determines whether or not the output plug representing the plug there to be executed when printing in the printer (step S307). At this time, if it is determined that there is no output plug (step S307 negative), the output unit 124 g ₃ outputs the intermediate file instructs the print output destination printer (step S308). When it is determined that there is no output plug-in in step S307, it is determined that there is no editing plug-in in the first process in step S302, or there is no unprocessed plug-in in step S304. This is the case. However, even if it is determined that there is no editing plug-in in the first process in step S302, it is not always true that there is no output plug-in.

On the other hand, if the plug-in execution unit 124g ₂ determines that there is an output plug-in (Yes at Step S307), the plug-in execution unit 124g ₂ executes the processing of the output plug-in (Step S309) and outputs the output via the output unit 124g _3. The intermediate file is output to the previous printer and printing is instructed (step S308). Also, the plug-in execution unit 124 g _2, in an arbitrary timing, it is determined whether or not the output plug there is an unprocessed (step S310). Arbitrary timing is, for example, when a certain output plug-in process is completed.

At this time, the plug-in execution unit 124 g _2, together if it is determined that the output plug there is an unprocessed (Step S310, Yes), executes the processing of the output plug (step S309), the output portion 124 g ₃ Then, the intermediate file is output to the output destination printer to instruct printing (step S308). On the other hand, the plug-execution unit 124 g _2, when it is determined that there is no output plug unprocessed (step S310 negative), the printing process at the output destination printer, thereby terminating the process if terminated.

  That is, the output plug-in is executed in parallel with the printing process by the printer, and there are one that is executed during the printing process and another that is executed sequentially. For example, the output plug-in that is executed continuously is an output plug-in that monitors whether the printing process is normally performed. Also, the output plug-in that is executed sequentially, for example, when the printing process has stopped for some reason or when only specific data is switched to a different printer for output, etc. An output plug-in or the like for performing

[Effects of Embodiment 1]
As described above, when the information processing apparatus 100 registers the host name of the client PC connected to the logical printer in the list and receives a print request from the client PC, the information processing apparatus 100 uses the number of users registered in the list. If the number is equal to or less than the upper limit of available numbers corresponding to the number of licenses, the printing process is controlled in response to the print request. As a result, when the logical printer is used as a shared printer, the information processing apparatus 100 can suitably manage licenses and efficiently execute print processing. In other words, the information processing apparatus 100 executes print processing if the number of client PCs connected to the logical printer does not exceed the number of licenses, and therefore performs license management by analyzing the print job when executing the print processing. In addition, it is possible to manage licenses more efficiently and to execute printing processes efficiently than in the prior art in which printing processes are complicated.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the case where the host name of the client PC connected to the logical printer is registered in the list has been described. In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the availability information of a client PC that uses a logical printer is further registered in a list.

[Configuration of Information Processing Device According to Embodiment 2]
The configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 8, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the same components may be omitted. In the second embodiment, the function, configuration, and processing of each unit other than the identification information list 211, the registration unit 222, and the determination unit 223 described below are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8, the information processing apparatus 200 includes an identification information list 211, a monitoring unit 121, a registration unit 222, a determination unit 223, and a print control unit 124. As in the first embodiment, the information processing apparatus 200 generates a logical printer that is a shared resource that is shared and used by each client PC.

  The registration unit 222 determines whether or not the host name acquired by the monitoring unit 121 is unregistered in the identification information list 211 that further holds the logical printer availability information in association with the host name. Then, when the registration unit 222 determines that the information is not registered in the identification information list 211, if the available number indicating the number that the availability information is “usable” is equal to or greater than the available upper limit number, The availability information and the host name “unusable” are registered in the identification information list 211. Further, if the available number is less than the upper limit available number, the registration unit 222 registers the availability information and the host name as “usable” and the host name in the identification information list 211.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of information held by the identification information list 211 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, in the identification information list 211, the host name “host name 1” and the availability “usable” indicating the availability information are registered in association with each other. In the identification information list 211, the host name “host name 5” and the availability “unusable” are registered in association with each other.

  In other words, the host name of the client PC whose connection to the logical printer is detected by the monitoring unit 121 is not registered in the identification information list 211, and the availability of the identification information list 211 is “usable”. Is registered in the identification information list 211 by the registration unit 222 together with the host name as “usable”. Further, even if the host name of the client PC whose connection to the logical printer is detected by the monitoring unit 121 is not registered in the identification information list 211, if the available number is equal to or greater than the upper limit number, Is registered in the identification information list 211 by the registration unit 222 together with the host name.

  When the determination unit 223 receives a print request from the client PC, the number of user usages in the usage availability information registered in the identification information list 211 is defined as the number of user usages. It is determined whether or not the upper limit number is available. Then, the determination unit 223 outputs a determination result as to whether or not the user usage number is equal to or less than the upper limit number that can be used to the print control unit 124. The detailed print control process of the print control unit 124 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[Monitoring process flow according to Embodiment 2]
Next, the flow of monitoring processing according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of monitoring processing according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the monitoring is started (Yes in step S401), the monitoring unit 121 monitors the network connection state between the client PC and the logical printer, and hosts the client PC connected to the logical printer. A name is acquired (step S402). On the other hand, when the monitoring is not started (No in step S401), the monitoring unit 121 enters a monitoring start waiting state.

  Further, the registration unit 222 determines whether or not the host name acquired by the monitoring unit 121 is unregistered in the identification information list 211 (step S403). At this time, when the registration unit 222 determines that the ID is not registered in the identification information list 211 (Yes in step S403), the registration number 222 indicates the number of times the availability of the identification information list 211 is “usable”. Is greater than or equal to the available upper limit number (step S404). On the other hand, when it is determined by the registration unit 222 that the information has been registered in the identification information list 211 (No at Step S403), the process at Step S407 is executed.

  When the registration unit 222 determines that the available number is equal to or greater than the available upper limit number (Yes in step S404), the registration unit 222 identifies the unregistered host name and the availability information indicating that the availability is “unusable”. Register in the information list 211 (step S405). If the registration unit 222 determines that the available number is less than the available upper limit number (No in step S404), the registration unit 222 identifies the unregistered host name and the availability information indicating that the availability is “usable”. Register in the information list 211 (step S406). Thereafter, the information processing apparatus 200 continues the above monitoring process while the monitoring is not ended (No at Step S407). On the other hand, when the information processing apparatus 200 ends the monitoring (Yes at Step S407), the information processing apparatus 200 ends the monitoring process.

[Printing Process Control Flow According to Second Embodiment]
Next, the flow of print processing control according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of print processing control according to the second embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, when the determination unit 223 receives a print request from the client PC (Yes in step S501), the determination unit 223 represents the number of pieces of use availability information registered as “usable” in the identification information list 211. Using the available number as the user usage number, it is determined whether or not the user usage number is equal to or less than the available upper limit number (step S502). In addition, when the determination unit 223 has not received a print request from the client PC (No in step S501), the determination unit 223 is in a state of waiting for reception of the print request.

At this time, the control unit 124f of the print control unit 124 performs the printing process according to the received print request when the determination unit 223 determines that the number of user usage is equal to or less than the upper limit number (step S502). Control is performed (step S503). Note that the execution of the printing process is performed by the execution unit 124g (the generation unit 124g ₁ , the plug-in execution unit 124g ₂ , and the output unit 124g ₃ ).

  On the other hand, the control unit 124f of the print control unit 124 cancels the print processing for the accepted print request when the determination unit 223 determines that the number of user usage is larger than the upper limit number of available usage (No in step S502). (Step S504).

[Effects of Embodiment 2]
As described above, when the information processing apparatus 200 registers an unregistered host name together with logical printer availability information and receives a print request from a client PC, the availability information in the list is “usable”. If the number of user usages, which is the number of available licenses, is less than or equal to the upper limit of usable numbers corresponding to the number of licenses, the printing process is controlled in response to a print request. As a result, when the logical printer is used as a shared printer, the information processing apparatus 200 can suitably manage licenses and efficiently execute print processing.

(Embodiment 3)
In the second embodiment, the case where the host name of the client PC connected to the logical printer and the logical printer availability information are registered in the list has been described. In the third embodiment, a case will be described in which status change processing is executed in response to a status change indicating logical printer status information.

[Configuration of Information Processing Device According to Embodiment 3]
The configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 12, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the same components may be omitted. In the third embodiment, the function, configuration, and processing of each unit other than the status changing unit 325 described below are the same as those in the first and second embodiments.

  As illustrated in FIG. 12, the information processing apparatus 300 includes an identification information list 211, a monitoring unit 121, a registration unit 222, a determination unit 223, a print control unit 124, and a status change unit 325. As in the first embodiment, the information processing apparatus 300 generates a logical printer that is a shared resource that is shared and used by each client PC.

  The status change unit 325 executes status change processing when the status representing the status information of the logical printer is changed in accordance with the processing by the registration unit 222. More specifically, the status changing unit 325 determines whether or not the upper limit number has been reached by executing registration processing of the host name and the availability information in the identification information list 211 by the registration unit 222. To do. At this time, if the status changing unit 325 determines that the usable upper limit has been reached, the status changing unit 325 detects that the number of client PCs that can be connected to the logical printer is “0” with respect to the status of the corresponding logical printer. To do.

  Similarly, the status changing unit 325 determines whether or not the upper limit number of usable items has been exceeded by executing registration processing of the host name and the usable / unusable information in the identification information list 211 by the registering unit 222. At this time, if the status change unit 325 determines that the usable upper limit has been exceeded, the status change unit 325 detects that the connection to the logical printer is not possible with respect to the status of the corresponding logical printer.

  Then, the status change unit 325 notifies each client PC of status change information of the detected logical printer. A client PC that has received notification of status change information can view the status of each logical printer. The user may select the logical printer to be used by browsing the status of each logical printer.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a status browsing screen according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, on the status screen of each logical printer that can be viewed on the client PC, a “name” indicating the printer name of the logical printer, a “document” indicating the number of documents being processed, and the use of the logical printer A “state” indicating state information regarding the “comment” and a “comment” are displayed. Among these, the logical printer “printer 1” is in the state of “Ready—the remaining number of clients that can be connected is 0”, so that it can be seen that the upper limit number is reached. The logical printer “Printer 2” has a status of “unusable (exceeded the number of clients)”, which means that the upper limit of the usable number is exceeded. Further, since the logical printer “Printer 3” is in the “ready” state, it can be seen that there is still a margin in connection.

[Monitoring process flow according to Embodiment 3]
Next, the flow of the monitoring process according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of monitoring processing according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 14, the description of the same processing as the monitoring processing according to the second embodiment may be omitted. Specifically, Steps S601 to S606 and Step S609 are the same as the processes in Steps S401 to S406 and Step S407.

  As illustrated in FIG. 14, the status change unit 325 determines whether the status of the logical printer has been changed according to the processing by the registration unit 222 (step S <b> 607). It should be noted that the status change determination is performed as to whether or not the usable upper limit number has been reached and whether or not the usable upper limit number has been exceeded. At this time, if the status changing unit 325 determines that the status of the logical printer has changed (Yes in step S607), the status changing unit 325 executes status change processing (step S608). On the other hand, if the status change unit 325 determines that the status of the logical printer has not been changed (No at step S607), the process at step S609 is executed. In the status change process, each client PC is notified that the upper limit number of usable logical printers has been reached and that the upper limit number of usable logical printers has been exceeded.

[Effects of Embodiment 3]
As described above, the information processing apparatus 300 appropriately changes the status of the logical printer that can be browsed on each client PC, so that it is possible to suppress connection to a logical printer that cannot be used by the user.

(Embodiment 4)
In the second embodiment, if the available number is equal to or larger than the upper limit number, the availability information and the host name that are “unusable” are registered in the list, and if the available number is less than the upper limit number that can be used. An explanation has been given of the case of registering the availability information and the host name as “usable” in the list. In the fourth embodiment, a case where the user is notified when the usable upper limit number is exceeded or when the usable upper limit number is approached will be described.

[Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus According to Embodiment 4]
The configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 15, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and the detailed description of the same components may be omitted. In the fourth embodiment, the function, configuration, and processing of each unit other than the notification unit 426 described below are the same as those in the first and second embodiments.

  As illustrated in FIG. 15, the information processing apparatus 400 includes an identification information list 211, a monitoring unit 121, a registration unit 222, a determination unit 223, a print control unit 124, and a notification unit 426. As in the first embodiment, the information processing apparatus 400 generates a logical printer that is a shared resource that is shared and used by each client PC.

  When the registration unit 222 determines that the available number is equal to or greater than the upper limit number, the notification unit 426 determines whether the available number exceeds the upper limit number. When the notification unit 426 determines that the available number exceeds the available upper limit number, the notifying unit 426 notifies the client PC that the available upper limit number is exceeded.

  Further, when the registration unit 222 determines that the available number is less than the upper limit number, the notification unit 426 determines whether the available number is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio of the upper limit number. . If the notification unit 426 determines that the available number is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio of the available upper limit number, the notification unit 426 notifies the client PC that the available number is equal to or greater than the predetermined ratio of the available upper limit number. The predetermined ratio is, for example, 80%. In addition, the number of available numbers may be specified instead of the predetermined ratio. Note that the notification to the client PC by the notification unit 426 is performed, for example, by sending an e-mail.

[Monitoring process flow according to Embodiment 4]
Next, the flow of the monitoring process according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary flow of a monitoring process according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 16, the description of the same processing as the monitoring processing according to the second embodiment may be omitted. Specifically, steps S701 to S705 are the same as the processes in steps S401 to S405. Step S707 is the same as the process in step S406, and step S710 is the same as the process in step S407.

  As illustrated in FIG. 16, when the registration unit 222 determines that the available number is equal to or larger than the available upper limit number (Yes in step S704), the unregistered host name and the availability information indicating “unusable”. Are registered in the identification information list 211 (step S705). After these, the notification unit 426 notifies the client PC that the usable number exceeds the usable upper limit number if the usable number exceeds the usable upper limit number (step S706).

  Further, when the registration unit 222 determines that the available number is less than the upper limit number (No in step S704), the unregistered host name and the availability information set as “usable” are identified in the identification information list. It registers in 211 (step S707). After these, the notification unit 426 determines whether or not the available number is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio of the available upper limit number (step S708). At this time, when the notification unit 426 determines that the usage rate is equal to or greater than the predetermined rate (Yes in step S708), the notification unit 426 notifies the client PC that the available number is equal to or greater than the predetermined rate of the available upper limit number (step S709). ). On the other hand, when the notification unit 426 determines that the ratio is less than the predetermined ratio (No at Step S708), the process of Step S710 is executed. In addition, about the process in step S706 and step S709, only either one of notification may be performed.

[Effects of Embodiment 4]
As described above, the information processing apparatus 400 notifies the use status of the logical printer to each client PC, so that it is possible to prevent the user from trying to connect to a logical printer that cannot be used.

(Embodiment 5)
In the second embodiment, the case where the host name of the client PC connected to the logical printer and the logical printer availability information are registered in the list has been described. In the fifth embodiment, a case where the last access date of a client PC using a logical printer is further registered in the list will be described.

[Configuration of Information Processing Device According to Embodiment 5]
The configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 17, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and detailed description of the same components may be omitted. In the fifth embodiment, the function, configuration, and processing of each unit other than the identification information list 511, the registration unit 522, and the registration deletion unit 527 described below are the same as those in the first and second embodiments.

  As illustrated in FIG. 17, the information processing apparatus 500 includes an identification information list 511, a monitoring unit 121, a registration unit 522, a determination unit 223, a print control unit 124, and a registration deletion unit 527. As in the first embodiment, the information processing apparatus 500 generates a logical printer that is a shared resource that is shared and used by each client PC.

  The registration unit 522 accepts that the client PC has connected to the logical printer as monitored by the monitoring unit 121, and registers the connection as the last access date in the identification information list 511 in association with the host name. If the host name has been registered in the identification information list 511, the registration unit 522 updates the last access date corresponding to the host name.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of information held by the identification information list 511 according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, in the identification information list 511, the host name “host name 1”, the availability “usable”, and the last access date “2012/2/1” are registered in association with each other. . In the identification information list 511, the host name “host name 4”, the availability “usable”, and the last access date “2011/12/1” are registered in association with each other.

  The registration deletion unit 527 deletes the host name of the corresponding client PC from the identification information list 511 when a predetermined number of days have passed since the last access date held in the identification information list 511. The predetermined number of days is, for example, one month. That is, when there is no access for one month or more from the last access date, the registration deletion unit 527 deletes the information of the corresponding client PC from the identification information list 511, assuming that the sharing of the logical printer is canceled in the corresponding client PC. . The process by the registration deletion unit 527 may be executed at an arbitrary timing such as once a day.

  Here, the information stored in the identification information list 511 shown in FIG. 18 will be described as an example, assuming that the processing by the registration deletion unit 527 is performed on February 2, 2012. For example, the registration deletion unit 527 obtains the last access date “2011/12/1” corresponding to the host name “host name 4”, and the access by the client PC corresponding to the host name “host name 4” is one month or more. Since there is not, the information of the host name “host name 4” is deleted. Similarly, the registration deletion unit 527 acquires the last access date “2011/11/1” corresponding to the host name “host name 10”, and the access by the client PC corresponding to the host name “host name 10” is one month. Since there is no more, the information of the host name “host name 10” is deleted. However, regarding the information for the host name “host name 10”, the availability information is “unusable” and does not affect the upper limit number of usable information, so it may not be deleted.

[Monitoring process flow according to Embodiment 5]
Next, the flow of the monitoring process according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the monitoring process according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 19, the description of the same processing as the monitoring processing according to the second embodiment may be omitted. Specifically, steps S801 to S804 are the same as the processes in steps S401 to S404. Step S808 is the same as the processing in step S407.

  As illustrated in FIG. 19, when the registration unit 522 determines that the available number is equal to or greater than the available upper limit number (Yes in step S804), the unregistered host name and the availability information indicating “unusable”. And the last access date are registered in the identification information list 511 (step S805). If the registration unit 522 determines that the available number is less than the available upper limit number (No in step S804), the unregistered host name, the availability information indicating “available”, and the last access date Are registered in the identification information list 511 (step S806). When the registration unit 522 determines that the host name acquired by the monitoring unit 121 has been registered in the identification information list 511 (No in step S803), the registration unit 522 corresponds to the host name registered in the identification information list 511. The last access date is updated (step S807).

[Registration Deletion Processing Flow According to Embodiment 5]
Next, the flow of the registration deletion process according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of registration deletion processing according to the fifth embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 20, the registration deletion unit 527 refers to the identification information list 511 and acquires the last access date corresponding to the host name whose availability information is “usable” (steps S901 and S902). . Then, the registration deletion unit 527 determines whether or not one month or more has elapsed from the acquired last access date (step S903). At this time, when it is determined that one month or more has passed (Yes in step S903), the registration deletion unit 527 deletes the information of the corresponding client PC from the identification information list 511 (step S904).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that one month or more has not elapsed (No at Step S903), the registration deletion unit 527 executes the process at Step S905. In addition, if the last access date corresponding to all the acquired host names has not been confirmed (No in step S905), the registration deletion unit 527 executes processing for confirming the last access date corresponding to all the host names. Then, when the registration deletion unit 527 confirms the last access date corresponding to all the acquired host names (Yes in step S905), the processing is ended.

[Effects of Embodiment 5]
As described above, the information processing apparatus 500 deletes the information of the corresponding client PC from the list when the access from the client PC to the logical printer has not been made for a predetermined number of days. As a result, the information processing apparatus 500 can effectively use a limited license.

(Embodiment 6)
Although the embodiments of the information processing apparatus 100 to the information processing apparatus 500 according to the present invention have been described so far, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms other than the above-described embodiments. Therefore, (1) update of list, (2) control of printing process, (3) notification to client PC, (4) registration and update of last access date, (5) configuration, (6) program, different implementations Will be described.

(1) List Update In the fifth embodiment, the host name of the client PC connected to the logical printer, the logical printer availability information, and the last access date of the client PC using the logical printer are registered in the list. As described above, the administrator can update such a list.

  FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information processing device according to one aspect of the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 21, the same components as those in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the fifth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the same components may be omitted. In FIG. 21, functions, configurations, and processes of each unit other than the display unit 628, the reception unit 629, and the list update unit 630 described below are the same as those in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the fifth embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 21, the information processing apparatus 600 includes an identification information list 511, a monitoring unit 121, a registration unit 522, a determination unit 223, a print control unit 124, a display unit 628, a reception unit 629, A list updating unit 630. As in the first embodiment, the information processing apparatus 600 generates a logical printer that is a shared resource that is shared and used by each client PC.

  The display unit 628 displays and outputs a list update screen for updating the information held in the identification information list 511. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list update screen according to one aspect of the sixth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 22, the list update screen includes “usable number” indicating the number of “usable” in the identification information list 511 and “remaining” indicating the number of remaining licenses. Is displayed. In the example of FIG. 22, the available number is “98”, the remaining is “2”, and the total number of licenses is “100”.

  In the list update screen, as with the identification information list 511, the host name, availability, and last access date are displayed. Among these, as for availability, if the check box is checked, it means “available”, and if the check box is not checked, it means “not available”. .

  The administrator uses such a list update screen to manage the availability of each client PC that accesses the logical printer. Specifically, the administrator adjusts the available number and the rest by checking or unchecking the check box and pressing the “Apply” button. Further, the administrator presses the “Cancel” button when returning the check of the check box to the original state, and presses the “OK” button when reflecting the change and ending the operation. Note that the administrator's operation may be realized by an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse or a touch panel display.

  The accepting unit 629 accepts the host name to be updated in the identification information list 511 and the availability information that are input in response to the above operation by the administrator. Further, the list update unit 630 updates the identification information list 511 based on the host name received by the receiving unit 629 and the availability information. As a result, the information processing apparatus 600 can suitably use a limited license.

(2) Control of print processing In the second embodiment and the like, when a print request is received from a client PC, the number of user usages is defined as the number of usage availability information “usable”. In the above description, the print processing is controlled according to the received print request if the number is less than or equal to the usable upper limit number. In the control of the printing process, it may be further determined whether or not the availability information is “usable”.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of print processing control according to one aspect of the sixth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 23, when the determination unit 223 receives a print request from the client PC (Yes in step S1001), the determination unit 223 represents the number of pieces of use availability information registered as “usable” in the identification information list 211. Using the available number as the user usage number, it is determined whether or not the user usage number is equal to or less than the upper limit number (step S1002). Further, when the determination unit 223 has not received a print request from the client PC (No in step S1001), the determination unit 223 enters a state of waiting for the print request.

  At this time, when the determination unit 223 determines that the user usage number is equal to or less than the upper limit number of use (Yes in step S1002), the identification unit 223 refers to the identification information list 211 and uses the host name of the client PC that has made the print request. It is determined whether the availability information is “usable” (step S1003).

Then, when the determination unit 223 determines that the availability information is “usable” (Yes in step S1003), the control unit 124f of the print control unit 124 controls the printing process according to the received print request. (Step S1004). Note that the execution of the printing process is performed by the execution unit 124g (the generation unit 124g ₁ , the plug-in execution unit 124g ₂ , and the output unit 124g ₃ ).

  On the other hand, the control unit 124f of the print control unit 124 determines that the user usage number is larger than the upper limit number of available usage by the determination unit 223 (No in step S1002), or that the availability information is “unusable”. If it is determined (No at Step S1003), the printing process is stopped for the accepted print request (Step S1005).

  As a result, the information processing apparatus 200 cancels the print request of the client PC that has been made “unusable” by the administrator, and thus can more suitably manage the use of the client PC for the license.

(3) Notification to client PC In the fourth embodiment, the case where the client PC is notified when the usable upper limit number is exceeded or the usable upper limit number is approached has been described. However, even when there is a margin up to the upper limit of the usable number, the client PC may be notified that there is a margin.

(4) Registration and Update of Last Access Date In the fifth embodiment, it is accepted that the client PC has connected to the logical printer through monitoring by the monitoring unit 121, and this connection is used as the last access date and corresponds to the host name. In addition, the case of registering in the identification information list 511 has been described. The last access date may be updated when the determination unit 223 receives a print request. For example, the registration unit 522 receives from the determination unit 223 that the client PC has connected to the logical printer in response to a print request, and registers (or updates) the connection in the identification information list 511 in association with the host name as the last access date. )

(5) Configuration In addition, information including processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, various data, parameters, and the like shown in the document and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. For example, the information held in the identification information list is not limited to the above example, and can be appropriately changed according to the scene to which the printing system 10 is applied.

  Each component of the illustrated information processing apparatus is functionally conceptual and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution or integration of each device is not limited to the illustrated one, and all or a part thereof is functionally or physically distributed or arbitrarily distributed in arbitrary units according to various burdens or usage conditions. Can be integrated. For example, the monitoring unit 121 is distributed into a “connection monitoring unit” that monitors the network connection between the client PC and the logical printer, and an “identification information acquisition unit” that acquires the host name of the client PC connected to the logical printer. May be.

(6) Program FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating that the print control program is realized using a computer. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, a computer 1000 as the information processing apparatus 100 includes a control device such as a CPU 1001, a storage device such as a ROM 1002 and a RAM 1003, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 1004, which are connected via a bus 1009. An external storage device such as a disk drive 1005, a display device such as a display 1006, and input devices such as a keyboard 1007 and a mouse 1008 are provided, and has a hardware configuration using a normal computer.

  The printing control program executed by the information processing apparatus 100 is, as one form, a file in an installable or executable format, such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Or the like recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The print control program executed by the information processing apparatus 100 may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. The print control program executed by the information processing apparatus 100 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Further, the print control program may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The print control program executed by the information processing apparatus 100 has a module configuration including the above-described units (the monitoring unit 121, the registration unit 122, the determination unit 123, and the print control unit 124). (Processor) reads out and executes the print control program from the storage medium, whereby the above-described units are loaded onto the main storage device, and the monitoring unit 121, the registration unit 122, the determination unit 123, and the print control unit 124 are loaded on the main storage device. To be generated.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Information processing apparatus 111 Identification information list 121 Monitoring part 122 Registration part 123 Judgment part 124 Print control part

JP 2010-188660 A

Claims (11)

A monitoring unit that monitors a connection state of a network between a user device used by a user and a shared resource shared and used by the user device, and acquires identification information of the user device connected to the shared resource; ,
A registration unit that registers the acquired identification information in the identification information list when the acquired identification information is not registered in the identification information list that holds the identification information of the user device that uses the shared resource. When,
When a print request is received from the user device, based on the identification information list, the user usage number indicating the number of the user devices that use the shared resource is an upper limit of the user device that can use the shared resource. A determination unit for determining whether or not the available upper limit number representing the number is less than or equal to,
An information processing apparatus comprising: a print control unit that controls print processing in response to the print request when it is determined that the user use number is equal to or less than the available upper limit number.   2. The determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the number of user usages is equal to or less than the upper limit number of available users, with the number registered in the identification information list as the number of user usages. Information processing device. The registration unit can use the availability information when the acquired identification information is unregistered in the identification information list that further holds the availability information of the shared resource in association with the identification information. The availability information and the identification information are determined to be unusable if the available number representing the number is equal to or greater than the available upper limit number, and usable if the available number is less than the available upper limit number. Are registered in the identification information list,
The determination unit determines whether or not the number of usable users is equal to or less than the upper limit number of usable numbers, with the usable number being the number of usable users among the availability information registered in the identification information list. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. A receiving unit that receives input of the identification information and the availability information;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a list update unit that updates the identification information list based on the received identification information and the availability information. The determination unit further determines whether or not the availability information corresponding to the identification information of the user device that has made the print request is registered in the identification information list as available;
The print control unit responds to the print request when it is determined that the availability information corresponding to the identification information of the user device that has made the print request is registered in the identification information list as available. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein printing processing is controlled in response. 4. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: a status changing unit that executes the status changing process when a status representing the status information of the shared resource is changed in accordance with processing by the registration unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. When the registration unit determines that the available number is equal to or more than the available upper limit number, if the available number exceeds the available upper limit number, the available upper limit number is exceeded. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the user apparatus of the fact. When the registration unit determines that the available number is less than the available upper limit number, if the available number is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio of the available upper limit number, the predetermined upper limit number is used. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a notification unit that notifies the user apparatus that the ratio is equal to or greater than the ratio. The registration unit further registers the date of the last connection of the user device to the shared resource in the identification information list in association with the identification information;
A registration deletion unit that deletes the identification information of the corresponding user device from the identification information list when a predetermined number of days have passed since the last connection date held in the identification information list; The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The print control unit
A generation unit that generates an intermediate file including image data to be printed and print setting information for the image data;
A plug-in execution unit that executes a plug-in that is a program for executing a printing process related to printing, and reflects the print setting by the plug-in in the print setting information;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an intermediate file output unit that outputs an intermediate file including the image data and the print setting information reflecting the print setting by the plug-in. A print control program for causing a computer to function,
The computer,
A monitoring unit that monitors a connection state of a network between a user device used by a user and a shared resource shared and used by the user device, and acquires identification information of the user device connected to the shared resource; ,
A registration unit that registers the acquired identification information in the identification information list when the acquired identification information is not registered in the identification information list that holds the identification information of the user device that uses the shared resource. When,
When a print request is received from the user device, based on the identification information list, the user usage number indicating the number of the user devices that use the shared resource is an upper limit of the user device that can use the shared resource. A determination unit for determining whether or not the available upper limit number representing the number is less than or equal to,
A print control program for causing a user to function as a print control unit that controls a print process in response to the print request when it is determined that the number of user uses is equal to or less than the upper limit of available numbers.

Images