JP6852286B2 - Information processing equipment and information processing programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing program.

Patent Document 1 has an object of making it possible to shorten the time required for actual printing without wasting the output of normal test printing, and the server device is a printing device instructed by a client terminal. After executing the trial print in, when the instruction of the production print corresponding to the trial print is received from the client terminal, the production of the number of output copies obtained by subtracting the output number of the above trial print from the output number of the production print specified by the operator. It is disclosed that a print job is created and assigned to the corresponding printing device.

Patent Document 2 reliably detects when there is a high possibility that a defect will occur in the image formation status, confirms the presence or absence of the defect by the operator, recovers the print job, and suppresses waste of consumables such as paper. The task is to make it possible, and the print mode information using the state change portion of the image forming apparatus generated by the operator's work is recorded in the automatic sample print determining means, and the image forming control means determines the automatic sample print determining means. Depending on the result, for example, after the cyan toner bottle is installed, when the full-color print mode is first specified by the operation means, the sample print is executed, and in this sample print, the paper printed for the first time is sample-printed. It is disclosed that after executing the operation of ejecting paper to the tray, the second printing operation is stopped, the operator confirms the result of the sample print, and then instructs the operation means to restart or stop the print job.

Patent Document 3 has an object that when printing is performed by an image forming apparatus, printing output is completed at an early stage by simultaneously printing with a plurality of image forming apparatus, and another image forming by the image forming apparatus. The multiple image forming devices are connected to each other by a network, the paper feed accommodating units straddling the image forming devices are grouped, and the jobs are divided for simultaneous print output by a plurality of image forming devices connected by these networks. It is disclosed that the problem is solved by transmitting the image to the image forming apparatus of the stand and executing the problem, and similarly, the problem is solved by the method having the print server having the function of dividing and transmitting the job.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-350614 JP-A-2010-060739 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-259128

In some printing workflows, a test print (hereinafter, also referred to as a sample print) is performed, approval for the quality of the sample print is obtained from, for example, a print orderer, and then the actual print is performed. JDF (Job Definition Format) is known as an industry standard for describing printing workflows. It is possible to write a "print job with sample prints" using JDF, but even if you enter such a print workflow into a print device that supports JDF, the existing print device will print samples. It is treated as one print job, and the print job is terminated when the sample print is completed. In order for the existing printing apparatus to process the production print that should be performed following the sample print, it is necessary to instruct the processing of the production print as another print job. That is, in the existing printing apparatus, the print job involving the sample print is handled by the print job related to the sample print and the print job related to the production print, and it is not supported to be handled as one printing workflow. ..
In the case of "printing job with sample printing", there is a request to manage the cost of consumables required for sample printing in addition to the cost of consumables required for production printing, but the existing printing equipment prints related to sample printing. Since the job is divided into the print job related to the production print and the print job related to the production print, in the end, the user has to integrate the consumable cost required for the two print jobs into one.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention does not divide a print job with test printing into a plurality of print jobs or a plurality of print workflows, but inputs the print job or a print workflow into a printing system including a printing apparatus, and manages prints related to the print workflow. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing program that acquire information as one management information.

The gist of the present invention for achieving such an object lies in the inventions of the following items.
The invention according to claim 1 includes a storage means for storing print data received from a client device and print job information including instruction information regarding processing of the print data, and test print instruction information for instructing the print job information to perform test printing. When included, a printing device for requesting a print job related to a test print using a print job stored in the storage means is determined, and a test print request means for requesting the printing device, and the above-mentioned After the trial printing requesting means requests the trial printing, the printing device for requesting the printing job related to the production printing using the printing job stored in the storage means is determined, and the production printing requested to the printing device is determined. A print job in which the request means, the first identifier that identifies the print job requested by the test print request means, and the second identifier that identifies the print job requested by the production print request means are stored in the storage means, respectively. The first print management information received from the printing device that requested the print job related to test print printing and the second print management received from the printing device that requested the print job related to production printing in association with the print job identifier related to the information. The print management information specifying means that specifies the information by the first identifier and the second identifier, respectively, and the first print management information and the second print management information specified by the print management information specifying means are integrated. Setting printing options for the print management information output means to be output to the client device or the print management device and the workflow side approver based on the information of the workflow side approver included in the second print management information. If There has been changed, the presence or absence of change in the cost of production printing for each item that is the change, an information processing apparatus Yusuke display means for displaying, a.

The invention according to claim 2 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print job identifier is a print job name.

The invention according to claim 3 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print job identifier is a user name in which the print job information is registered.

The invention of claim 4, further comprising authorization information obtaining means for receiving authorization information regarding the approval by the printing apparatus side approvers for test printing, the authorization information obtaining unit the production print request unit after receiving the approval information production The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a print job related to printing is requested.

The invention of claim 5 is a storage means for storing print job information including print data received from a client device and instruction information regarding processing of the print data, and trial printing for instructing the print job information to make a trial print. When the instruction information is included, the printing device for requesting the printing job related to the test printing using the printing job stored in the storage means is determined, and the test printing requesting means for requesting the printing device. After the test printing requesting means requests the test printing, the printing device for requesting the printing job related to the production printing using the printing job stored in the storage means is determined, and the printing device is requested. The production printing requesting means to be performed, the first identifier that identifies the print job requested by the trial printing requesting means, and the second identifier that identifies the printing job requested by the production printing requesting means are stored in the storage means, respectively. The first print management information received from the printing device that requested the print job related to test print printing and the second printed device received from the printing device that requested the print job related to production printing in association with the print job identifier related to the print job information. The print management information specifying means for specifying the print management information by the first identifier and the second identifier, respectively, and the first print management information and the second print management information specified by the print management information specifying means. Printing is performed on the print management information output means that integrates and outputs to the client device or the print management device, and the workflow side approver based on the information of the workflow side approver included in the second print management information. If the optional settings have been changed, the presence or absence of change in the cost of production printing for each item that is the change, an information processing program for functioning as display means for displaying.

According to the information processing apparatus of claim 1, the print job accompanied by the test printing is input to the printing system including the printing apparatus as one printing job or printing workflow without dividing into a plurality of printing jobs or a plurality of printing workflows. , The print management information related to the print workflow is acquired as one management information.

According to the information processing apparatus of claim 2, the print job name is used as the print job identifier.

According to the information processing apparatus of claim 3, the user name in which the print job information is registered is used as the print job identifier.

According to the information processing apparatus of claim 4, after receiving the approval information for the test print, the print job of the production print is requested.

According to the information processing program of claim 5, the print job accompanied by the test print is not divided into a plurality of print jobs or a plurality of print workflows, but is input to a printing system including a printing device as one print job or a print workflow. , The print management information related to the print workflow is acquired as one management information.

It is a conceptual module configuration diagram about the configuration example of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the system configuration example by a workflow processing apparatus, a user terminal, a print management apparatus, a print control apparatus, and a printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the system configuration example using this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the processing example by a prior art. It is a flowchart which shows the processing example by this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the processing example by this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure example of the print information table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure example of the job ID correspondence table. It is a conceptual module configuration diagram about the configuration example in the job management module. It is a flowchart which shows the processing example by this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the processing example by this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display example of the sample print confirmation screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display example of the sample print confirmation screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display example of the sample print confirmation screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure example of an option table. It is a flowchart which shows the processing example by this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display example of the option change confirmation screen. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware configuration example of the computer which realizes this embodiment.

First, before explaining the present embodiment, the premise or background thereof will be described. It should be noted that this description is intended to facilitate understanding of the present embodiment.
There is a function for checking the result by ignoring the setting of the number of copies and printing only one copy before printing a large number of copies. This function is called test printing. Here, "ignore the setting of the number of copies" does not mean that the number of copies (a large number of copies) in the actual print (hereinafter, also referred to as the actual print or the actual print) is printed from the beginning, but a sample print that has nothing to do with the number of copies. Is meant to be done.
Generally, after visually checking the output output by the sample print, if there is a problem, correct various settings such as color adjustment and position adjustment of the print image on the recording paper (change of job options). And repeat the sample print with the modified settings, and if it is confirmed that there is no problem with the output, output all the copies (the number of copies initially set) as the actual print. Since the sample prints that have been confirmed to have no problem with the output are as good as the production prints, the number of copies of the production prints is regarded as a part of the production prints and the number of copies of the production prints is set to "(the number of copies initially set). It may be changed to -1 ”. In particular, in this case, in the variable print described later, the first record or the last record may be the target of the sample print. This is because by adding a sample print at the beginning or end of the production print (that is, eliminating the trouble of searching for a page in the middle), the entire printed matter is prepared. When performing sample printing of a plurality of pages, the number of copies of the actual print may be changed to "(the number of initially set copies) -N (the number of pages of the sample print)". Then, the first record or the records for a plurality of pages consecutive from the last record may be targeted for sample printing.

In the operation linked with the JDF workflow system, there is an operation method in which the production job is retransmitted from the JDF workflow system separately from the sample print job after the sample print is completed.
In this operation method, after notifying the JDF workflow system that the sample print job with the number of copies set to 1 has been completed, the JDF workflow system retransmits the job for production print with the desired number of copies set. It was.

In particular, information on consumables such as the number of printed jobs is an important factor in managing costs.
In a JDF-compliant system, information is managed using MIS (Management Information System), but it is not possible to manage even the print information of each printing device.
Further, regarding print information, when printing a job with one printing device, the number of printed sheets can be obtained, but one job such as sample printing using cut paper and a continuous book machine can be printed by a plurality of printing devices. When outputting using, it is not possible to manage the number of output sheets of each printing device separately.
In the case of the above-mentioned operation method, the cost information of the paper used for printing is different between the sample print and the production print. Therefore, in order to obtain the cost incurred for the entire job, the administrator corresponds to the production print job. You must identify which sample print job you have and add the cost information for each job.

Hereinafter, an example of a preferred embodiment for realizing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a conceptual module configuration diagram for a configuration example of the present embodiment.
The module generally refers to parts such as software (computer program) and hardware that can be logically separated. Therefore, the module in this embodiment refers not only to the module in the computer program but also to the module in the hardware configuration. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a computer program for functioning as those modules (a program for causing the computer to execute each procedure, a program for causing the computer to function as each means, and each function for the computer). It also serves as an explanation of the program), system and method for realizing the above. However, for convenience of explanation, words equivalent to "remember" and "remember" are used, but these words are stored in a storage device or stored when the embodiment is a computer program. It means that it is controlled so that it is stored in the device. Further, the modules may have a one-to-one correspondence with the functions, but in the implementation, one module may be configured by one program, a plurality of modules may be configured by one program, and conversely, one module may be configured. May be composed of a plurality of programs. Further, the plurality of modules may be executed by one computer, or one module may be executed by a plurality of computers by a computer in a distributed or parallel environment. In addition, one module may include another module. In addition, hereinafter, "connection" is used not only for physical connection but also for logical connection (data transfer, instruction, reference relationship between data, etc.). "Predetermined" means that it is determined before the target process, not only before the process according to the present embodiment starts, but also after the process according to the present embodiment starts. However, if it is before the target process, it is used with the intention that it is determined according to the situation / state at that time or according to the situation / state up to that point. When there are a plurality of "predetermined values", they may be different values, or two or more values (including all values, of course) may be the same. Further, the description having the meaning of "if A, do B" is used to mean "determine whether or not it is A, and if it is determined to be A, do B". However, this excludes cases where it is not necessary to determine whether or not it is A.
In addition, a system or device is configured by connecting a plurality of computers, hardware, devices, etc. by communication means such as a network (including a one-to-one correspondence communication connection), and one computer, hardware, device, etc. It also includes cases where it is realized by such means. "Device" and "system" are used as synonymous terms. Of course, the "system" does not include anything that is nothing more than a social "mechanism" (social system) that is an artificial arrangement.
In addition, for each process by each module or when multiple processes are performed in the module, the target information is read from the storage device, and after the processes are performed, the process results are written to the storage device. is there. Therefore, the description of reading from the storage device before processing and writing to the storage device after processing may be omitted. The storage device here may include a hard disk, a RAM (Random Access Memory), an external storage medium, a storage device via a communication line, a register in a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and the like.

The information processing device 100 according to the present embodiment integrates print management information in test printing and production printing, and as shown in the example of FIG. 1, the reception module 110, the sample print request module 120, and production printing. It has a request module 130, a print management information specific module 140, a print management information output module 150, and a print job storage module 160. The information processing device 100 is connected to the print control device 230 and the like, and will be described later with reference to the example of FIG. The information processing device 100 makes a trial printing request and a production printing request according to the print job information including the print data received from the user terminal 215, which is an example of the client device, and the instruction information regarding the processing of the print data. Integrate print management information from printing and print management information from production printing.

The reception module 110 receives print job information including print data and instruction information regarding processing of the print data from the client device.
The print job save module 160 saves the print job information received by the reception module 110.
When the print job information includes the test print instruction information for instructing the test print, the sample print request module 120 performs a print job related to the test print using the print job stored in the print job save module 160. Determine the printing device to be requested, and request the printing device.
The production print request module 130 determines a printing device that requests a print job related to production printing using the print job stored in the print job save module 160 after the sample print request module 120 requests a test print. Ask the printing device. The printing device in which the sample print request module 120 requests a print job related to test printing and the printing device in which the production print request module 130 requests a print job related to production printing may be different.
In addition, the production print request module 130 may receive approval information for the test print. Then, after receiving the approval information, a print job related to the actual printing may be requested.

The print management information identification module 140 has a print job storage module that specifies a first identifier that identifies the print job requested by the sample print request module 120 and a second identifier that identifies the print job requested by the production print request module 130, respectively. From the first print management information received from the printing device that requested the print job related to test print printing and the printing device that requested the print job related to production printing in association with the print job identifier related to the print job information saved in 160. The received second print management information is specified by the first identifier and the second identifier, respectively. In addition to the serial number, the print job name may be used as the print job identifier, or the user name in which the print job information is registered may be used.
The print management information output module 150 integrates the first print management information and the second print management information specified by the print management information identification module 140 and outputs the second print management information to the client device or the print management device. As a print management device, for example, there is the above-mentioned MIS.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a system configuration by the workflow processing device 200, the user terminal 215, the print management device 220, the print control device 230, and the printing device 270. This system is configured according to JDF. JDF is the main process of CIP4 (“The International Cooperation for the Integration of Processes in Press, Press and Postpress organization” (an international organization for the integration of processes in Prepress, Press, and Postpress)). The basic functions of JDF are the provision of metadata used to describe the entire print job process, the provision of methods for automating flexible workflows, and the execution of queries for workflows and MISs (Management Information Systems) to determine JDF functions for new devices. Providing a command language for directing devices in workflow and MIS system worksites.
Although FIG. 2 shows an example in which the number of printing devices 270 is one, the number of printing devices 270 may be two or more. Then, the printing device 270 for sample printing and the printing device 270 for production printing may be used properly.

The workflow processing device 200 includes a communication module 205 and a JMF transmission / reception module 210. The workflow processing device 200 may be configured as printing workflow software. Further, the print control device 230 may include the workflow processing device 200.
The workflow processing device 200 can transmit the sample print instruction 232 to the print control device 230. The sample print instruction 232 can include the sample print instruction. Further, the workflow processing device 200 can receive the information of the sample completion 234 from the print control device 230. Then, the workflow processing device 200 can transmit the print instruction 236 to the print control device 230.
The communication module 205 communicates with the user terminal 215, the print management device 220, or the print control device 230. The user terminal 215 is an example of a client device. The print management device 220 is, for example, MIS.
The JMF transmission / reception module 210 has an information processing device 100. That is, the JMF transmission / reception module 210 has the module configuration shown in the example of FIG. The JMF transmission / reception module 210 exchanges messages (sample print instruction 232, sample completion 234, main print instruction 236) between the workflow processing device 200 and the print control device 230. JMF (Job Messaging Format) is a communication format having a multi-level function, and is a command language that is a part of JDF. Like JDF, there is also a JMF element, which is the highest element in JDF. JMF is defined in the JDF specification.
The sample print instruction 232 is a “job ticket format print job” and corresponds to a “request for a print job related to test printing”. By receiving the sample completion 234, it is detected that the print job related to the test print has been completed. This print instruction 236 is a "job ticket format print job" and corresponds to a "request for a print job related to production printing". The print instruction 236 is also an example of "a response including information indicating approval for the test print".

The print control device 230 includes a JMF transmission / reception module 240, a user interface module 245, a job management module 250, a RIP module 255, and a print device control module 260.
The print control device 230 receives the sample print instruction 232 and the main print instruction 236 from the workflow processing device 200, and transmits the sample completion 234 to the workflow processing device 200.
The JMF transmission / reception module 240 exchanges messages (sample print instruction 232, sample completion 234, main print instruction 236) between the workflow processing device 200 and the print control device 230.
The user interface module 245 receives an operation by an operator or the like and outputs a processing result or the like. Accepts user operations using a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, voice, line of sight, gestures, etc., and combines voice output to a voice output device such as a speaker, vibration, etc. in addition to display on a display device such as a liquid crystal display. You may. The operator or the like in the workflow processing device 200 is generally a person who has a role as an administrator in printing, and the operator or the like in the print control device 230 is a worker of sample printing or production printing. Is common.

The job management module 250 controls the RIP module 255 and the printing device control module 260 in order to cause the printing device 270 to execute the sample printing or the production printing in accordance with the sample print instruction 232 or the main print instruction 236.
The RIP module 255 generates an image for sample printing or production printing under the control of the job management module 250. Of course, the image generated here is an image that can be printed by the printing apparatus 270, and is, for example, a bitmap image (raster image).
The printing device control module 260 is connected to the printing device 270. The printing device control module 260 passes the print image generated by the RIP module 255 to the printing device 270 and prints it under the control of the job management module 250.
The printing device 270 performs printing (sample printing or production printing) according to the instructions of the printing control device 230. For example, a printer for cut paper, a continuous book printer, a production printer, a multifunction device (an image processing device having any two or more functions such as a scanner, a printer, a copier, and a fax machine) and the like are applicable.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a system configuration using the present embodiment.
The workflow processing device 200A, the workflow processing device 200B, the user terminal 215A, the user terminal 215B, the print management device 220, the print control device 230A, and the print control device 230B are each connected via a communication line 390. The communication line 390 may be wireless, wired, or a combination thereof, and may be, for example, the Internet as a communication infrastructure, an intranet, or the like. Further, the user terminal 215 may be divided into a printing device manager, a progress manager, a printing device manager, and a progress manager.
The workflow processing device 200B is connected to the print control device 230C and the print control device 230D. The print control device 230C is connected to the workflow processing device 200B and the printing device 270C. The print control device 230D is connected to the workflow processing device 200B and the printing device 270D. The printing device 270C is connected to the printing control device 230C. The printing device 270D is connected to the printing control device 230D. The print control device 230A and the print device 270A are connected. The print control device 230B and the print device 270B are connected.

For example, the print job information is transmitted to the workflow processing device 200A by the user's operation on the user terminal 215A, and the integrated result of the print management information of the sample print and the print management information of the main print is received.
Then, the workflow processing device 200A selects the printing device 270A for sample printing, selects the printing device 270B for the main printing, uses the printing device 270A via the printing control device 230A, and uses the printing device 270A via the printing control device 230B. The printing device 270B is used.
Further, for example, the print job information is transmitted to the workflow processing device 200B by the user's operation on the user terminal 215B.
Then, the workflow processing device 200B selects the printing device 270C for sample printing, selects the printing device 270D for the main printing, uses the printing device 270C via the printing control device 230C, and uses the printing device 270C via the printing control device 230D. The printing device 270D is used.
Then, the print management device 220 receives from the workflow processing device 200B the integrated result of the print management information of the sample print corresponding to the print job information by the user terminal 215B and the print management information of the main print.
Further, a printer for cut paper may be used as the printing device 270A and the printing device 270C for sample printing, and a continuous book printer may be used as the printing device 270B and the printing device 270D for performing the main printing.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a processing example according to the prior art.
The user terminal 215 generates a sample print job 1-1 JDF411 and a main print job 1-2 JDF412 from the job 1 JDF410 by the user's operation (step A1).
The workflow control device 400 receives job 1-1 JDF411 and job 1-2 JDF412 (step A2).
The workflow control device 400 transmits the job 1-1 JDF411 to the print control device 230A (step A3). Then, the print control device 230A causes the printing device 270A to perform sample printing, and obtains print management information from the printing device 270A.
The print control device 230A transmits the print management information from the print device 270A to the workflow control device 400 as job 1-1 JMF421 (step A4).

The workflow control device 400 transmits the job 1-2 JDF412 to the print control device 230B (step A5). Then, the print control device 230B causes the printing device 270B to perform the main printing, and obtains print management information from the printing device 270B.
The print control device 230B transmits the print management information from the print device 270B to the workflow control device 400 as job 1-2 JMF422 (step A6).
The print management device 220 transmits a JMF (inquiry) 432 to the workflow control device 400, and obtains a job 1-1 JMF (response) 441 and a job 1-2 JMF (response) 442 from the workflow control device 400 (step). A7). Then, in the print management device 220, the operator extracts (confirms) the job 1-1 JMF (response) 441 and the corresponding job 1-2 JMF (response) 442, and sets the job 1-1 JMF (response) 441. Job 1-2 JMF (Response) 442 is integrated.
In this way, operations by the operator (generation of two jobs from one job, management of print management information by two jobs, integration, etc.) occur, and job management is difficult. In particular, when the operator of the user terminal 215 and the operator of the print management device 220 are different (generally, they are often different), it is difficult to identify the corresponding job.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to the present embodiment.
In step S502, the user terminal 215 transmits a job (JDF) to the workflow processing device 200.
In step S504, the workflow processing device 200 determines whether or not the sample print is specified, and if there is, the process proceeds to step S506, and if not, the process proceeds to step S514.
In step S506, the workflow processing device 200 instructs the print control device 230 to print the sample. The print control device 230 causes the printing device 270 to perform sample printing.
In step S508, the workflow processing device 200 receives and holds print information (number of prints, etc.) for sample printing from the print control device 230.
In step S510, the workflow processing device 200 determines whether or not the sample print is completed, and if it is completed, the process proceeds to step S512, and if not, the process returns to step S506.
In step S512, the print information in the sample print is aggregated in the JDF by the workflow processing device 200.

In step S514, the workflow processing device 200 instructs the print control device 230 to print the print. The print control device 230 causes the printing device 270 to perform the main printing.
In step S516, the print information for this print is received from the print control device 230, and the workflow processing device 200 integrates the print information into the JDF.
In step S518, the integrated print information is transmitted from the workflow processing device 200 to the print management device 220.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a processing example according to the present embodiment.
The user terminal 215 transmits the job 1 JDF610 to the workflow processing device 200 (step 1).
The workflow processing device 200 reads the contents of the job 1 JDF610 and determines whether or not the sample print is set (step 2). If the sample print is set, the job 1-1 JDF611 is transmitted to the print control device 230A (step 3). Then, the print control device 230A causes the printing device 270A to perform sample printing, and obtains print management information from the printing device 270A.
The print control device 230A transmits the print management information from the print device 270A to the workflow processing device 200 as job 1-1 JMF621 (step 4).

When the workflow processing device 200 receives the notification of the completion of the sample print from the print control device 230A, the workflow processing device 200 aggregates the jobs 1-1 JMF621 (print information) in the print information table 700 (step 5).
FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of the print information table 700. The print information table 700 has a job ID column 702, a printing device type column 704, a paper size column 706, a sample print column 708, a spoilage column 710, a main print column 712, and a total column 714. The job ID column 702 stores information (job ID: IDentification) for uniquely identifying a job in the present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 6, it is the job ID of job 1 JDF610. The type column 704 of the printing device stores the type of the printing device. The paper size column 706 stores the size of the paper. The sample print column 708 stores the number of prints in the sample print. The spoilage column 710 stores the number of spoiled sheets (paper that was wasted in the process of making printed matter). The print column 712 stores the number of prints in the print. The total column 714 stores the total number of prints (specifically, the total of the values in the sample print column 708, the spoilage column 710, and the main print column 712). The print information table 700 is generated each time the sample print is repeated.

Next, the workflow processing device 200 transmits the job 1-2 JDF612 to the print control device 230B (step 6). Then, the print control device 230B causes the printing device 270B to perform the main printing, and obtains print management information from the printing device 270B.
The print control device 230B transmits the print management information from the print device 270B to the workflow processing device 200 as job 1-2 JMF622 (step 7).

When the workflow processing device 200 receives the notification of the completion of this print from the print control device 230B, the workflow processing device 200 registers the job 1-2 JMF622 (print information) in the print information table 720, and fills the spoiler column 710 and the print information table 720. The print information table 740 is generated by integration (step 8). FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of the print information table 720. The print information table 720 has a data structure equivalent to that of the print information table 700. FIG. 7C is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of the print information table 740. The print information table 740 has a data structure equivalent to that of the print information table 700. The print information table 740 is an integration of the print information table 700 and the print information table 720. Specifically, the print information table 700 is combined with the first row, and the print information table 720 is combined with the second row. In addition, those with the same job ID are integrated.
The job ID of the job ID column 702 of the print information table 700 and the job ID of the job ID column 722 of the print information table 720 are set by using, for example, the job ID correspondence table 780. FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of the job ID correspondence table 780. The job ID correspondence table 780 has a job ID column 782, a sample print number column 784, a sample print job ID column 786, this print job ID column 790, and the like. The job ID column 782 stores the job ID. The job ID here is the job ID of the job (job 1 JDF610) received from the user terminal 215. The sample print number column 784 stores the number of sample prints. That is, the number of sample print job ID columns 786 is shown. Since the sample print can be performed a plurality of times, the sample print number column 784 is provided. However, even if the sample prints are repeated, the sample print number column 784 may not be required when the sample prints are treated as one job. The sample print job ID column 786 stores the job ID of the sample print. The job ID here is a job ID of a sample print job (job 1-1 JDF611) passed by the workflow processing device 200 to the print control device 230A. The print job ID column 790 stores the job ID of the print. The job ID here is the job ID of the print job (Job 1-2 JDF612) passed to the print control device 230B by the workflow processing device 200.
When the workflow processing device 200 receives a print job from the user terminal 215, it generates a job ID correspondence table 780, and each time it generates a sample print job or this print job, the sample print job ID column 786 or the present print job ID column 790. To store the job ID.
Then, using the job ID correspondence table 780, the job ID (sample print job ID, main print job) attached to the print management information (job 1-1 JMF621, job 1-2 JMF622) passed from the print control device 230. The job ID (job ID of job 1 JDF610 passed from the user terminal 215) corresponding to the ID) is extracted.

The print management device 220 transmits the JMF (inquiry) 632 to the workflow processing device 200, and obtains the job JMF (response) 642 from the workflow processing device 200 (step 9). The job JMF (response) 642 includes a print information table 740. The print management device 220 can manage the number of prints required for sample printing and the number of prints required for main printing.

The workflow processing device 200 causes one print job received from the user terminal 215 to perform sample printing as a print job for sample printing, and then causes the received print job to perform main printing as a print job for main printing. .. In this case, the job options may have been changed by the sample print. The job management module 250 may perform processing for responding to changes in job options.
FIG. 8 is a conceptual module configuration diagram for a configuration example in the job management module 250. The job management module 250 includes a reception module 810, a sample print instruction module 820, an option change module 830, a notification module 840, and a production print instruction module 850.
The reception module 810 receives a print job in the form of a job ticket from the workflow processing device 200, which is an example of the print workflow system.
As a result of analyzing the print job, the sample print instruction module 820 includes one of the print data included in the print job when the print job includes the fact that the test print related to the print job should be executed. The RIP module 255 and the printing device control module 260 are controlled so that the printing device 270 executes the test printing using the unit.
Further, the sample print instruction module 820 may set the number of output copies related to the print job to 1 as a test print. Since it is a test print, the number of output copies is generally 1, and the operator does not need to set the number of copies to print.
Further, when the print job is a variable print, the sample print instruction module 820 may print using one record of the print data included in the print job as a test print. Variable print is, for example, printed matter such as direct mail (DM), in which the position of an address or the like is the same, but the contents of the address or the like are different one by one, so the printed contents are changed and printed. The print content of one case here is recorded in one record. This is because in the case of variable print, there are a plurality of printed matter, and as a test print, only one of them may be printed. The selection of one record to be proof-printed may be a predetermined record (for example, the first record), a randomly selected record, or a record selected by an operator's operation. You may let me.

The option change module 830 changes the job options included in the print job. For example, when a visual operator performs an operation to change a job option as a result of test printing, the job option is changed according to the operation. Here, the "job option" is an output option related to the specification of the output mode. Job options include, for example, scaling ratio (including scaling with or without scaling), rotation, tilt correction, type of RIP (Raster Image Processor) for creating a print image, parameters for color adjustment, and the like. .. Job options will be described later with reference to the example of FIG.
"The fact that the test print should be executed" may be included in the print attribute in the print job accepted by the reception module 810, for example. In this case, as a result of analyzing the print attribute of the print job, the sample print instruction module 820 includes the fact that the test print related to the print job should be executed, if the print attribute includes the print job. The RIP module 255 and the printing device control module 260 are controlled so that the printing device 270 executes a test print using a part of the printed data. Then, the option change module 830 changes the job option included in the print attribute of the print job.

The notification module 840 notifies the workflow processing device 200 of information related to the test print when the test print instructed to be executed by the sample print instruction module 820 is completed.
Further, the notification module 840 may include the job option of the portion changed by the option change module 830 in the information related to the test printing.
The production print instruction module 850 is a response of the workflow processing device 200 to the notified information related to the test print, and when the response receives information indicating approval for the test print from the workflow processing device 200, the production print job Is instructed to the printing device 270 to execute. The printing device 270 to be instructed here does not have to be the same as the printing device 270 instructed to perform test printing. That is, the printing device 270 that performs test printing and the printing device 270 that performs production printing may be different.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to the present embodiment.
In step S902, the workflow processing device 200 sets, for example, the number of copies in this print according to the operation of the operator.
In step S904, the workflow processing device 200 transmits a job to the print control device 230. In addition, this job includes a sample print instruction.
In step S906, the print control device 230 receives the job from the workflow processing device 200.
In step S908, the print control device 230 executes a sample print. Ignore the number of copies setting and print only one copy.
In step S910, the print control device 230 notifies the workflow processing device 200 of the print information (including, for example, the number of prints) in the sample print.
In step S912, the workflow processing device 200 holds the print information in the sample print. For example, the print information table 700 is held.

In step S914, the operator of the print control device 230 visually confirms the print result.
In step S916, the print control device 230 changes the setting until the sample print result is OK, repeats the process from step S908, and prints. As a setting, for example, there is a change in the enlargement / reduction ratio.
In step S918, the print control device 230 presses the sample print completion button if there is no problem with the sample print result by the operator's operation. For example, the sample print confirmation screen 1100 is presented. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the sample print confirmation screen 1100. An approval button 1140 and a cancel button 1150 are displayed on the sample print confirmation screen 1100. Then, in the sample print confirmation screen 1100, for example, "Please press the approval button to approve the completion of the sample print. When the approval button is pressed, the notification destination is notified of the completion of the sample print." Is displayed. When the approval button 1140 is pressed, the sample print is completed and the process proceeds to the main print.

In step S920, the print control device 230 notifies the workflow processing device 200 that the sample print is complete and the changed options. For example, the option table 1400 is transmitted as an option. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of the option table 1400. The option table 1400 has a setting item column 1410 and a content column 1420. The setting item column 1410 stores the setting items. The content column 1420 stores the content. Setting items include "enlargement / reduction (may include enlargement / reduction ratio)", "RIP type", "number of copies", "paper feed method", "paper type", and "output destination setting" (for example, (1) Print, (2) Only RIP processing is performed, no printing is performed, (3) Reception is performed, only storage is performed, etc.), "Continuous printing is prioritized", "Specification in the file is prioritized" ( For example, whether to apply the option specification in the job or the option specification in the PostScript file). The item of the number of copies remains the same as the number of copies received in step S902. This is because it does not change depending on the result of the sample print. That is, even if the sample print is completed, this number of copies is not changed.
Also, only the changed options may be notified instead of the entire option table 1400.

In step S922, the workflow processing device 200 registers the completion of the sample print.
In step S924, the workflow processing device 200 aggregates the print information in the sample print into the JDF. For example, the number of prints of a plurality of print information tables 700 is totaled to form one print information table 700.
In step S926, the print control device 230 starts the main print.
In step S928, the print control device 230 completes the printing.
In step S930, the print control device 230 notifies the workflow processing device 200 of the completion of the print.
In step S932, the workflow processing device 200 registers the completion of this print.
In step S934, the workflow processing device 200 integrates the print information in this print into the JDF. For example, the print information table 720 of this print is generated, and the print information table 740 that integrates the print information table 700 and the print information table 720 is generated.
In step S936, information (including, for example, the print information table 740) is transmitted from the workflow processing device 200 to the print management device 220.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to the present embodiment.
In step S1002, the workflow processing device 200 sets, for example, the number of copies in this print according to the operation of the operator.
In step S1004, the workflow processing device 200 transmits a job to the print control device 230. In addition, this job includes a sample print instruction.
In step S1006, the print control device 230 receives the job from the workflow processing device 200.
In step S1008, the print control device 230 executes sample printing. Ignore the number of copies setting and print only one copy.
In step S1010, the print control device 230 notifies the workflow processing device 200 of the print information (including, for example, the number of prints) in the sample print.
In step S1012, the workflow processing device 200 holds the print information in the sample print. For example, the print information table 700 is held.

In step S1014, the operator of the print control device 230 visually confirms the print result.
In step S1016, the print control device 230 changes the setting until the sample print result is OK, repeats the process from step S1008, and prints. As a setting, for example, there is a change in the enlargement / reduction ratio.
In step S1018, in the print control device 230, if there is no problem in the sample print result by the operation of the operator, the approver name is input and the sample print completion button is pressed. For example, the sample print confirmation screen 1100 shown in FIG. 12 or the sample print confirmation screen 1100 shown in FIG. 13 is presented. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the sample print confirmation screen 1100. On the sample print confirmation screen 1100, an approver affiliation column 1220, an approver name column 1230, an approval button 1140, and a cancel button 1150 are displayed. That is, the approver affiliation column 1220 and the approver name column 1230 are added to the sample print confirmation screen 1100 shown in the example of FIG. In the approver affiliation column 1220, the organization to which the person who confirmed the print result of the sample print belongs is described, and in the approver name column 1230, the name of the person who confirmed the print result of the sample print is described. These description contents are transmitted to the workflow processing device 200 as the information of the sample completion 234, and the workflow processing device 200 manages (registers) the information. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the sample print confirmation screen 1100. On the sample print confirmation screen 1100, a notification destination column 1310, an approver affiliation column 1220, an approver name column 1230, an approval button 1140, and a cancel button 1150 are displayed. That is, the notification destination column 1310 is added to the sample print confirmation screen 1100 shown in the example of FIG. In the notification destination column 1310, the address (for example, a name or the like) of the workflow processing device 200 to which the sample completion 234 is transmitted is described. Sample completion 234 is transmitted according to the contents described in the notification destination column 1310. For example, it is used when the sample completion 234 is transmitted to the workflow processing device 200B other than the workflow processing device 200A that has transmitted the sample print instruction 232.

In step S1020, the print control device 230 notifies the workflow processing device 200 that the sample print is complete and the changed options. For example, the option table 1400 is transmitted as an option.
In step S1022, the workflow processing device 200 registers the completion of the sample print.
In step S1024, the workflow processing device 200 aggregates the print information in the sample print into the JDF. For example, the number of prints of a plurality of print information tables 700 is totaled to form one print information table 700.
In step S1026, the print control device 230 starts the main print.
In step S1028, the print control device 230 completes this print.
In step S1030, the print control device 230 notifies the workflow processing device 200 of the completion of the print.
In step S1032, the workflow processing device 200 registers the completion of this print.
In step S1034, the workflow processing device 200 integrates the print information in this print into the JDF. For example, the print information table 720 of this print is generated, and the print information table 740 that integrates the print information table 700 and the print information table 720 is generated.
In step S1036, information (including, for example, the print information table 740) is transmitted from the workflow processing device 200 to the print management device 220.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to the present embodiment.
In step S1502, the workflow processing device 200 sets, for example, the number of copies in this print according to the operation of the operator.
In step S1504, the workflow processing device 200 transmits a job to the print control device 230. In addition, this job includes a sample print instruction.
In step S1506, the print control device 230 receives the job from the workflow processing device 200.
In step S1508, the print control device 230 executes sample printing. Ignore the number of copies setting and print only one copy.
In step S1510, the print control device 230 notifies the workflow processing device 200 of the print information (including, for example, the number of prints) in the sample print.
In step S1512, the workflow processing device 200 holds the print information in the sample print. For example, the print information table 700 is held.

In step S1514, the operator of the print control device 230 visually confirms the print result.
In step S1516, the print control device 230 changes the setting until the sample print result is OK, repeats the process from step S1508, and prints. As a setting, for example, there is a change in the enlargement / reduction ratio.
In step S1518, in the print control device 230, if there is no problem in the sample print result by the operation of the operator, the name of the approver on the printer side is input and the sample print completion button is pressed.
In step S1520, the print control device 230 notifies the workflow processing device 200 that the sample print is complete and the changed options. For example, the option table 1400 is transmitted as an option.

In step S1522, the workflow processing device 200 registers the completion of the sample print.
In step S1524, the workflow processing device 200 aggregates the print information in the sample print into the JDF. For example, the number of prints of a plurality of print information tables 700 is totaled to form one print information table 700.
In step S1526, in the workflow processing device 200, the workflow side approver confirms the option changed on the printer side. For example, the option change confirmation screen 1600 is presented. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the option change confirmation screen 1600. The option change confirmation screen 1600 displays an option change result display area 1610, an approver affiliation column 1630, an approver name column 1640, an approval button 1650, and a cancel button 1660. Then, in the option change confirmation screen 1600, for example, "Sample printing is completed with the printer. Please confirm the changed print option. To execute the production print, press the approval button. Press the approval button. And this printing will start. ”Is displayed. The option table 1620 is displayed in the option change result display area 1610. The option table 1620 has a setting item column 1622, a content column 1624, a change column 1626, and a cost fluctuation column 1628. The setting item column 1622 displays the setting items. The content column 1624 displays the content. The change column 1626 indicates whether or not there is a change. The cost fluctuation column 1628 indicates the presence or absence of cost fluctuation. The cost here refers to a raw material cost related to a production print (including a sample print) calculated from, for example, a unit price of paper and a consumption amount of an image forming material such as toner. The setting item column 1622 and the content column 1624 correspond to the setting item column 1410 and the content column 1420 of the option table 1400. The change column 1626 displays a mark on the item changed by the sample print. The cost fluctuation column 1628 indicates that the cost fluctuates when the marked item changes. This is because if it is changed by the sample print, it becomes an important check item in terms of cost control. The organization to which the workflow side approver belongs is described in the approver affiliation column 1630, and the name of the workflow side approver is described in the approver name column 1640. The workflow processing device 200 manages (registers) this information. When the approval button 1650 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S1528.
Further, from the time of step S1504, it may be indicated whether or not the cost fluctuation in printing has occurred. Therefore, the cost in step S1504 may be calculated and recorded, the cost may be calculated again with the option received in step S1522, and both may be compared to determine whether or not the cost has fluctuated. The cost calculation formula is predetermined, and the value in the option table 1400 may be applied to the variable of the cost calculation formula.

In step S1528, the workflow processing device 200 instructs the print control device 230 to start the printing.
In step S1530, the print control device 230 starts the main print.
In step S1532, the print control device 230 completes the main print.
In step S1534, the print control device 230 notifies the workflow processing device 200 of the completion of the print.
In step S1536, the workflow processing device 200 registers the completion of this print.
In step S1538, the workflow processing device 200 integrates the print information in this print into the JDF. For example, the print information table 720 of this print is generated, and the print information table 740 that integrates the print information table 700 and the print information table 720 is generated.
In step S1540, information (including, for example, the print information table 740) is transmitted from the workflow processing device 200 to the print management device 220.

A hardware configuration example of the information processing device 100, the workflow processing device 200, and the print control device 230 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration shown in FIG. 17 is configured by, for example, a personal computer (PC) or the like, and shows an example of a hardware configuration including a data reading unit 1717 such as a scanner and a data output unit 1718 such as a printer.

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1701 includes various modules described in the above-described embodiment, that is, a reception module 110, a sample print request module 120, a production print request module 130, a print management information specific module 140, and a print management information output. Module 150, communication module 205, JMF transmission / reception module 210, JMF transmission / reception module 240, user interface module 245, job management module 250, RIP module 255, printing device control module 260, reception module 810, sample print instruction module 820, option change module It is a control unit that executes processing according to a computer program that describes an execution sequence of each module such as 830, notification module 840, and production print instruction module 850.

The ROM (Read Only Memory) 1702 stores programs, calculation parameters, and the like used by the CPU 1701. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 1703 stores a program used in the execution of the CPU 1701 and parameters that are appropriately changed in the execution. These are connected to each other by a host bus 1704 composed of a CPU bus or the like.

The host bus 1704 is connected to an external bus 1706 such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / Interface) bus via a bridge 1705.

A pointing device 1709 such as a keyboard 1708 and a mouse is a device operated by an operator. The display 1710 has a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or the like, and displays various types of information as text or image information. Further, a touch screen or the like having the functions of both the pointing device 1709 and the display 1710 may be used.

The HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 1711 has a built-in hard disk (which may be a flash memory or the like), drives the hard disk, and records or reproduces programs and information executed by the CPU 1701. The hard disk realizes a function as a print job storage module 160 or the like. Further, various other data (print information table 700, job ID corresponding table 780, option table 1400, etc.), various computer programs, and the like are stored.

The drive 1712 reads out the data or program recorded on the removable recording medium 1713 such as the mounted magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, and transfers the data or program to the interface 1707 and the external bus 1706. , Bridge 1705, and RAM 1703 connected via host bus 1704. The removable recording medium 1713 can also be used as a data recording area.

The connection port 1714 is a port for connecting an external connection device 1715, and has a connection portion such as USB or IEEE 1394. The connection port 1714 is connected to the CPU 1701 and the like via the interface 1707, the external bus 1706, the bridge 1705, the host bus 1704, and the like. The communication unit 1716 is connected to the communication line and executes data communication processing with the outside. The data reading unit 1717 is, for example, a scanner, and executes a document reading process. The data output unit 1718 is, for example, a printer, and executes a document data output process.

The hardware configuration of the information processing device and the like shown in FIG. 17 shows one configuration example, and the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 17, and the modules described in the present embodiment are used. Any configuration may be feasible. For example, some modules may be configured with dedicated hardware (for example, Applied Special Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc.), and some modules are in an external system and connected by a communication line. Further, a plurality of systems shown in FIG. 17 may be connected to each other by a communication line so as to cooperate with each other. In addition to personal computers, mobile information and communication devices (including mobile phones, smartphones, mobile devices, wearable computers, etc.), home information appliances, robots, copiers, fax machines, scanners, printers, multifunction devices (scanners, printers, etc.) It may be incorporated in an image processing device) having any two or more functions such as a copying machine and a fax machine.

The described program may be stored in a recording medium and provided, or the program may be provided by a communication means. In that case, for example, the program described above may be regarded as an invention of "a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded".
The "computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded" means a computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded, which is used for program installation, execution, program distribution, and the like.
The recording medium is, for example, a digital versatile disc (DVD), which is a standard established by the DVD Forum "DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, etc." and DVD + RW. Standards such as "DVD + R, DVD + RW, etc.", compact discs (CD), read-only memory (CD-ROM), CD recordable (CD-R), CD rewritable (CD-RW), etc., Blu-ray discs (CD-RW) Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), optical magnetic disk (MO), flexible disk (FD), magnetic tape, hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable and rewritable read-only memory (EEPROM (registered trademark)) )), Flash memory, random access memory (RAM), SD (Secure Digital) memory card and the like.
Then, the whole or a part of the program may be recorded on the recording medium and stored, distributed, or the like. Further, by communication, for example, a wired network used for a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, or wireless communication. It may be transmitted using a transmission medium such as a network or a combination thereof, or may be carried on a carrier.
Further, the program may be a part or all of other programs, or may be recorded on a recording medium together with a separate program. Further, the recording may be divided into a plurality of recording media. Further, it may be recorded in any mode as long as it can be restored, such as compression and encryption.

The above-described embodiment (particularly, the print control device 230 or the job management module 250 shown in the example of FIG. 8) may be grasped as follows. Then, it may be combined with the information processing apparatus 100 shown in the example of FIG.
[A] A reception means for accepting print jobs in the form of a job ticket from the print workflow system,
As a result of analyzing the print job, if the print job includes the fact that the test print related to the print job should be executed, the test print using a part of the print data included in the print job is performed. Test printing instruction means to instruct the printing device to execute,
Option change means to change the job options included in the print job, and
A notification means for notifying the printing workflow system of information related to the test printing when the test printing instructed to be executed by the test printing instruction means is completed.
Print control device equipped with.

[B] The print control device according to [A], wherein the test print instruction means sets the number of output copies related to the print job to 1 as a test print.

[C] The test print instruction means is characterized in that, when the print job is a variable print, the test print is printed using one record of print data included in the print job []. The print control device according to [A] or [B].

[D] Described in any one of [A] to [C], wherein the notification means includes the job option of the portion changed by the option changing means in the information related to the test printing. Print control device.

[E] When the response of the print workflow system to the notified information related to the test print and the response receives information indicating approval for the test print from the print workflow system, the execution of the production print job is instructed. The print control device according to any one of [A] to [D], further comprising a production print job instruction means.

[F] Computer
A reception means that accepts print jobs in the form of job tickets from the print workflow system,
As a result of analyzing the print job, if the print job includes the fact that the test print related to the print job should be executed, the test print using a part of the print data included in the print job is performed. Test printing instruction means to instruct the printing device to execute,
Option change means to change the job options included in the print job, and
A print control program for functioning as a notification means for notifying the print workflow system of information related to the test print when the test print instructed to be executed by the test print instruction means is completed.

The above-mentioned invention has the following effects.
According to the print control device of [A], even a print job accompanied by a test print is treated as one workflow, and confirmation / approval for the test print is also reflected in the workflow.

According to the print control device of [B], a test print is performed with the number of output copies being 1.

According to the print control device of [C], when the print job is a variable print, a test print is performed using one record of print data.

According to the print control device of [D], the job option of the changed part by performing the test print is notified.

According to the print control device of [E], when the information indicating the approval for the test print is received, the execution of the production print job is instructed.

According to the print control program of [F], even a print job accompanied by a test print is treated as one workflow, and confirmation / approval for the test print is also reflected in the workflow.

100 ... Information processing device 110 ... Reception module 120 ... Sample print request module 130 ... Production print request module 140 ... Print management information specific module 150 ... Print management information output module 160 ... Print job storage module 200 ... Workflow processing device 205 ... Communication module 210 ... JMF transmission / reception module 215 ... User terminal 220 ... Print management device 230 ... Print control device 232 ... Sample print instruction 234 ... Sample completion 236 ... This print instruction 240 ... JMF transmission / reception module 245 ... User interface module 250 ... Job management module 255 ... RIP module 260 ... Printing device control module 270 ... Printing device 390 ... Communication line 400 ... Workflow control device 810 ... Reception module 820 ... Sample printing instruction module 830 ... Option change module 840 ... Notification module 850 ... Production printing instruction module

Claims (5)

A storage means for storing print data received from the client device and print job information including instruction information regarding processing of the print data, and a storage means.
When the print job information includes the test print instruction information for instructing the test print, the printing device for requesting the print job related to the test print using the print job stored in the storage means is determined. Test printing request means to request the printing device and
After the trial printing requesting means requests the trial printing, the printing device for requesting the printing job related to the production printing using the printing job stored in the storage means is determined, and the production to be requested to the printing device is determined. Printing request means and
Printing related to print job information stored in the storage means with the first identifier that identifies the print job requested by the test print request means and the second identifier that identifies the print job requested by the production print request means. The first print management information received from the printing device that requested the print job related to test print printing and the second print management information received from the printing device that requested the print job related to production printing, respectively, are associated with the job identifier. The print management information specifying means specified by the identifier of 1 and the second identifier,
A print management information output means that integrates the first print management information and the second print management information specified by the print management information specifying means and outputs the print management information to the client device or the print management device.
When the setting of the print option is changed for the workflow side approver based on the information of the workflow side approver included in the second print management information, the actual printing is related to each of the changed items. and a display means that the presence or absence of the cost of change, to display,
Information processing device with. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print job identifier is a print job name. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the print job identifier is a user name in which the print job information is registered. Further comprising authorization information obtaining means for receiving authorization information regarding the approval by the printing apparatus side approvers for trial printing, ask the print job production print request means according to the production print the approval information acquisition means after receiving the approval information The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information processing apparatus is to be used. Computer,
A storage means for storing print data received from the client device and print job information including instruction information regarding processing of the print data, and a storage means.
When the print job information includes the test print instruction information for instructing the test print, the printing device for requesting the print job related to the test print using the print job stored in the storage means is determined. Test printing request means to request the printing device and
After the trial printing requesting means requests the trial printing, the printing device for requesting the printing job related to the production printing using the printing job stored in the storage means is determined, and the production to be requested to the printing device is determined. Printing request means and
Printing related to print job information stored in the storage means with the first identifier that identifies the print job requested by the test print request means and the second identifier that identifies the print job requested by the production print request means. The first print management information received from the printing device that requested the print job related to test print printing and the second print management information received from the printing device that requested the print job related to production printing, respectively, are associated with the job identifier. The print management information specifying means specified by the identifier of 1 and the second identifier,
A print management information output means that integrates the first print management information and the second print management information specified by the print management information specifying means and outputs the print management information to the client device or the print management device.
When the setting of the print option is changed for the workflow side approver based on the information of the workflow side approver included in the second print management information, the actual printing is related to each of the changed items. the information processing program for the presence or absence of change in the cost function as display means for displaying.

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