JP6970651B2 - Servers, printers, and computer programs for servers - Google Patents

Description

This specification discloses a server connected to a terminal device and a plurality of printers having different executable printing conditions.

Patent Document 1 discloses a print server connected to a terminal device and a plurality of printers. In the technique of Patent Document 1, a user can use a specific screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal device to obtain an IP address of a specific printer, a specific content for causing the specific printer to perform printing, and a specific content. To specify. The terminal device transmits the IP address of the specific printer and the specific content described above to the print server. The print server uses the above-mentioned specific contents to generate print data having a format that can be interpreted by the above-mentioned specific printer. The print server sends the print data to the above-mentioned specific printer. The above-mentioned specific printer performs printing according to the print data. According to the above technique, the terminal device can cause the above-mentioned specific printer to perform printing without installing a printer driver for generating print data from the content to be printed in the terminal device.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-73462

In the above technique of Patent Document 1, the user cannot specify printing conditions such as paper size and printing color (color or monochrome). Therefore, it is not possible to realize printing according to the printing conditions desired by the user.

This specification discloses a technique for realizing printing of data to be printed without installing a driver program for generating final print data for causing a printer to perform printing on a terminal device. .. In particular, it provides a technique for realizing printing according to the printing conditions desired by the user.

The technology disclosed herein is a printer connected to a server. The printer includes first candidate condition information indicating a first candidate condition that is a candidate for a print condition that can be used by the printer, and printer identification information for identifying the printer. The first information supply unit to be supplied to the server, and the first candidate condition information is a first setting screen for setting a print condition to be used, which is a print condition to be used for printing. The information constituting the first setting screen provided from the server to the terminal device, the first candidate condition includes a specific print condition, and the use print condition is displayed on the first setting screen. The first information supply unit, which is capable of setting the specific print condition, and the second candidate condition, which is different from the first candidate condition after the first printer information is supplied to the server. The second candidate condition information is a second information supply unit that supplies the second printer information including the second candidate condition information indicating the candidate condition of the above and the printer identification information to the server, and the second candidate condition information is The second setting screen for setting the print conditions for use, which is information constituting the second setting screen provided from the server to the terminal device, and the second candidate condition is. The second information supply unit and the second information supply unit, which do not include the specific print condition and cannot be set as the use print condition on the second setting screen. A print data acquisition unit that acquires print data generated by the server after the printer information is supplied to the server, wherein the print data is displayed on the terminal device. Even if the print data acquisition unit, which is data conforming to the usage print conditions set via the setting screen, and the print control unit, which causes the print execution unit to execute printing using the print data, are provided. good.
Also, another technique disclosed herein is a computer program for a server connected to a printer. The computer program identifies the computer of the server from the following parts, that is, the first candidate condition information indicating the first candidate condition which is a candidate for the print condition available to the printer, and the printer. The first information acquisition unit that acquires the first printer information including the printer identification information from the printer, and the first candidate condition is the first information acquisition including a specific print condition. After the first printer information is acquired from the unit and the printer, the first candidate condition information is used to set a print condition to be used, which is a print condition to be used in printing. The first screen supply unit that supplies the setting screen of the above to the terminal device, and the specific printing condition can be set as the usage printing condition on the first setting screen. The screen supply unit, the second candidate condition information indicating the second candidate condition different from the first candidate condition after the first printer information is acquired from the printer, and the printer identification information. The second information acquisition unit that acquires the second printer information including, from the printer, and the second candidate condition includes the second information acquisition unit that does not include the specific print condition. After the second printer information is acquired from the printer, the terminal device is supplied with a second setting screen for setting the print conditions to be used by using the second candidate condition information. The second screen supply unit and the second screen supply unit, which is the second screen supply unit and cannot be set to the specific print condition as the use print condition on the second setting screen, and the second screen supply unit. After the setting screen of is supplied to the terminal device, the condition acquisition unit for acquiring the usage printing condition set via the second setting screen from the terminal device and the usage printing condition from the terminal device. Is acquired, it functions as a generation unit that generates print data that meets the usage print conditions, and a data supply unit that supplies the print data to the printer when the print data is generated. You may.
Another technique disclosed in the present specification is a server and the terminal device, the executable printing conditions are connected different and a plurality of printers, the. This server includes a storage control unit, an identification information acquisition unit, a target data acquisition unit, a screen data supply unit, a setting information acquisition unit, a print data generation unit, and a print data supply unit. The storage control unit stores in the memory the original data for providing the user of the terminal device with any one of the plurality of setting screens corresponding to the plurality of printers described above. Each of the plurality of setting screens described above is a screen that allows the user to specify the content of each setting item that matches the print conditions that can be executed by the corresponding printer. The identification information acquisition unit acquires specific printer identification information for identifying a specific printer among a plurality of printers from the terminal device. The target data acquisition unit acquires target data for printing. The screen data supply unit supplies the terminal device with specific setting screen data representing a specific setting screen corresponding to the specific printer identified by the acquired specific printer identification information based on the original data. The setting information acquisition unit acquires setting information indicating the contents of each specified setting item specified by the user via the above specific setting screen from the terminal device. The print data generation unit generates print data having a format that can be interpreted by a specific printer by using the contents of each designated setting item indicated by the setting information and the target data. The print data supply unit supplies print data to a specific printer.

In this configuration, in order for the server to generate print data in which the target data can be interpreted by a specific printer, it is not necessary to install a printer driver for generating print data using the target data in the terminal device. In addition, the server supplies the terminal device with specific setting screen data for designating the contents of each setting item that matches the print conditions that can be executed by the specific printer. For this purpose, the terminal device can display a specific setting screen by using the specific setting screen data. The user can specify the content of each setting item that matches the printing conditions that can be executed by a specific printer through a specific setting screen. The server generates print data using the contents of each setting item specified by the user and the target data, and supplies the print data to a specific printer. As a result, the specific printer uses the print data to perform printing. According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize printing according to the content of each setting item specified by the user (that is, the printing condition desired by the user).

The original data may include model print condition information indicating the model print condition, which is the print condition supported by the model, for each printer model. The screen data supply unit specifies the contents of each setting item that matches the specific model print condition indicated by the specific model print condition information based on the specific model print condition information corresponding to the specific printer model. The above-mentioned specific setting screen data representing the above-mentioned specific setting screen allowed to the user may be supplied to the terminal device.

The storage control unit may include a current print condition information acquisition unit that acquires current print condition information indicating the current print condition that is the print condition that the printer can currently execute from each of the above-mentioned plurality of printers. .. The original data may further include the current printing condition information of the printer associated with the printer identification information of the printer for each of the plurality of printers described above. The screen data supply unit determines the above-mentioned specific model printing conditions and the above-mentioned specific model printing conditions based on the above-mentioned specific model printing condition information and the specific current printing condition information associated with the acquired specific printer identification information. The above-mentioned specific setting screen data representing the above-mentioned specific setting screen that allows the user to specify the content of each setting item that matches the specific current printing condition indicated by the above-mentioned specific current printing condition information. , May be supplied to the terminal device. The print conditions that a printer can perform may change over time. For example, normally, even a printer capable of performing color printing and monochrome printing cannot perform color printing if there is no color material remaining for color printing. According to this configuration, the server can supply the terminal device with setting screen data for designating the contents of each setting item that matches the print conditions that the printer can currently execute. Therefore, the user can specify the content of each setting item that matches the print conditions that a specific printer can currently execute.

The screen data supply unit includes a setting field for the user to specify the content of each setting item that meets the above-mentioned specific current printing condition among all the setting items that meet the above-mentioned specific model printing condition. The above specific setting screen data representing the above specific setting screen, which does not include the setting field for the user to specify the content of each setting item that does not meet the above specific current printing conditions, is supplied to the terminal device. May be good. If the user can specify the content of each setting item that does not meet the print conditions that a specific printer can currently execute, that is, the content that a specific printer cannot currently execute (for example, color printing). Since printing according to the content is not executed (for example, monochrome printing is executed), it may cause discomfort to the user. According to the above configuration, the particular setting screen does not include a setting field for specifying the content of each setting item that does not meet the print conditions currently available for the particular printer. Therefore, although the user has specified a content that cannot be executed by a specific printer at present, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an event that causes discomfort to the user because printing according to the content is not executed.

When new current print condition information is acquired from each of the plurality of printers, the storage control unit is acquired from the printer in place of the current print condition information associated with the printer identification information of the printer. The new current print condition information may be stored in the memory. According to this configuration, the server can update the current print condition information and can supply the setting screen data based on the latest current print condition information.

The print condition information for each model is field data indicating a setting field for the user to specify the content of the setting item for each setting item that matches the model printing condition of the model, and the position where the setting field should be arranged. It may include position data indicating that. The screen data supply unit may include a generation unit that generates the above-mentioned specific setting screen data. The generation unit may generate the above-mentioned specific setting screen data by using each field data and each position data included in the above-mentioned specific model print condition information.

The print condition information for each model may include option information indicating options for the contents of each setting item that matches the model print conditions for the model. The screen data supply unit may include a generation unit that generates the above-mentioned specific setting screen data. The generation unit may generate the above-mentioned specific setting screen data by using the specific option information included in the above-mentioned specific model print condition information. According to this configuration, for example, specific setting screen data for the user to specify the content of each setting item from the options can be generated.

The storage control unit may include a default print condition information acquisition unit that acquires default print condition information indicating the default print condition currently set for the printer from each of the plurality of printers described above. The original data may include default print condition information of the printer associated with the printer identification information of the printer for each of the plurality of printers described above. The screen data supply unit may include a generation unit that generates the above-mentioned specific setting screen data. The generator is based on the specific default print condition information associated with the acquired specific printer identification information, and the above specific default print condition information indicates the specific default print condition described above. The above specific setting screen data representing the setting screen may be generated. According to this configuration, the user can specify the contents of each setting item while referring to the default printing conditions of a specific printer.

The present specification further discloses a printer connected to the above server. This printer includes a current print condition information supply unit, a print data acquisition unit, and a print execution unit. The current print condition information supply unit supplies the printer identification information of the printer and the current print condition information indicating the current print condition, which is the print condition that the printer can currently execute, to the server when the power of the printer is turned on. do. Further, the current print condition information supply unit supplies the printer identification information of the printer and new current print condition information indicating the changed current print condition to the server when the current print condition of the printer changes. The print data acquisition unit acquires print data from the server. The print execution unit executes printing using the print data.

The control method for realizing the above server, the computer program, and the computer-readable storage medium in which the computer program is stored are also new and useful. Further, a control method for realizing the above printer, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium in which the computer program is stored are also new and useful.

The configuration of the network system is shown. An example of model information is shown. An example of printer information is shown. An example of layout data is shown. The sequence diagram of the process executed by each device of a network system is shown. An example of the print specification screen is shown. The flowchart of the setting screen data generation process executed by the server is shown. An example of the setting screen is shown.

An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the network system 2 includes a server 10, a PC 60, and a plurality of printers 70, 80, 90. The server 10 is connected to the LAN 4. The PC60 is portable. The PC 60 is temporarily connected to a LAN 8 different from the LAN 4. The PC 60 is communicably connected to the server 10 via the LANs 4 and 8 and the Internet 6. The first printer 70, the second printer 80, and the third printer 90 are connected to the LAN 8. The printers 70, 80, and 90 are communicably connected to the server 10 via the LANs 4 and 8 and the Internet 6. The printer ID of the first printer 70 is "PRI70", the printer ID of the second printer 80 is "PRI80", and the printer ID of the third printer is "PRI90".

(Server configuration)
The server 10 includes a memory 20, a control unit 30, and a network interface 50. The control unit 30 executes various processes according to the server program 22 stored in the memory 20. When the control unit 30 executes the process according to the server program 22, the storage control unit 32, the identification information acquisition unit 36, the target data acquisition unit 38, the screen data supply unit 40, the setting information acquisition unit 44, the print data generation unit 46, Further, the function of the print data supply unit 48 is realized. The storage control unit 32 includes a current print condition information acquisition unit 34 and a default print condition information acquisition unit 35. The screen data supply unit 40 includes a generation unit 42.

The memory 20 stores the server program 22 executed by the control unit 30. The memory 20 includes a model information storage area 24, a printer information storage area 26, and a layout data storage area 28.

The model information storage area 24 stores a plurality of model information 110, 130 (see FIG. 2). One model information 110, 130 is information corresponding to one model of the printer. The storage control unit 32 of the control unit 30 acquires model information of each model from the server of the vendor of the printer of each model via the Internet 6, and stores the model information in the model information storage area 24, for example. Alternatively, the storage control unit 32 acquires model information from a medium that stores model information of each model, and stores the model information of each model in the model information storage area 24, for example. Alternatively, the storage control unit 32 acquires, for example, the model information of each model from each printer 70 to 90, and stores the model information of each model in the model information storage area 24.

(Contents of model information)
As shown in FIG. 2, in the model information 110, information regarding a printer of a model whose model name 112 is "AAA" is registered. The information registered in the model information 110 is classified into model print condition information 120, interpretable data format information 122, and layout data information 124. The model print condition information 120 is information indicating the print conditions supported by the model “AAA”. The model print condition information 120 is information in which the item 114, the option 116, and the content 118 are associated with each other.

In the model print condition information 120, for example, “YES” of option 116 is associated with “stapler” of item 114. This means that the printer of the model "AAA" can be equipped with equipment for performing a function of binding the print medium after printing with a stapler (stapler function). That is, it means that some printers of the model "AAA" are equipped with equipment for executing the stapler function, and some printers are not equipped with the equipment. Further, the content 118 indicates the content of each setting item of the printing conditions supported by the printer of the model "AAA", and means a choice that can be selected by the user. For example, "ON, OFF" of the content 118 associated with the "stapler" is a user-selectable option for printing (ON) that executes the stapler function and printing (OFF) that does not execute the stapler function. It means that there is. As will be described in detail below, the "user-selectable options" shown in the content 118 vary depending on the current state of each printer 70 or the like.

An option 116 "YES" is associated with an item that changes whether or not it can be executed by each printer, such as the stapler function described above. For example, the item 114 "double-sided printing" is also associated with the option 116 "YES". This means that the printer of the model "AAA" can be equipped with equipment for executing the double-sided printing function. Also, "single-sided, long-edge binding, single-sided binding" associated with "double-sided printing" means that various methods for performing the double-sided printing function are user-selectable options.

Conversely, item 114 ("color", "resolution", "original orientation", and "paper size") associated with option 116 "NO" provides special equipment for the model "AAA" printer. It is an item that can be executed by the printer of the model "AAA" without installing it. "Color, black and white" associated with "color" means that color printing and black and white printing are user-selectable choices. Similarly, for "300 dpi, 600 dpi, 1200 dpi" associated with "resolution", printing with a resolution of 300 dpi, printing with a resolution of 600 dpi, and printing with a resolution of 1200 dpi are user-selectable options. Means. Further, "horizontal, vertical" associated with "original orientation" means that horizontal printing of the print medium and vertical printing of the print medium are user-selectable options. The "LETTER, A4, B4" associated with the "paper size" allows the user to select the printing of the LETTER size printing medium, the printing of the A4 size printing medium, and the printing of the B4 size printing medium. It means that it is an option. The model print condition information 120 can also be said to be information indicating printing conditions that can be executed by the printer of the model "AAA".

Information indicating the data format that can be interpreted by the printer of the model "AAA" is registered in the content 118 associated with the interpretable data format information 122. A layout number for specifying layout data, which will be described later, is registered in the content 118 associated with the layout data information 124.

In the model information 130, information about a printer of a model whose model name 132 is "BBB" is registered. The information registered in the model information 130 is classified into model print condition information 140, interpretable data format information 142, and layout data information 144, similarly to the model information 110. Note that the model print condition information 140 does not include "stapler" and "double-sided printing", unlike the model print condition information 120 of the printer of the model "AAA". This means that the printer of the model "BBB" cannot be equipped with equipment for executing the double-sided printing function and the stapler function. As can be seen by comparing the model information 110 and the model information 130, the number of items is different between the printer of the model "AAA" and the printer of the model "BBB", and the contents of the items (that is, the options that the user can select) are also different. .. Therefore, the supported printing conditions are different between the model "AAA" and the model "BBB". Note that FIG. 2 shows only the model information 110 and 130 of the two types of models "AAA" and "BBB", but the model information storage area 24 further includes various other models (for example, "" CCC ") model information is stored.

The printer information storage area 26 (see FIG. 1) stores printer information of each printer 70 to 90. As will be described later, the storage control unit 32 acquires printer information from each printer 70 to 90 and stores the printer information of each printer 70 to 90 in the printer information storage area 26 (S606, 608, 616 in FIG. 5). , 618).

(Contents of printer information)
As shown in FIG. 3, the printer information 210 is the printer information of the first printer 70 whose printer ID is “PRI70”. The printer information 210 includes a printer ID "PRI70" and a model name "AAA" indicating a model of the first printer 70. The printer information 210 further includes the current print condition information 218 and the default print condition information 220.

The current print condition information 218 indicates the print conditions that the first printer 70 can currently execute. The current print condition information 218 is information in which the item 214 and the content 216 are associated with each other. The model of the first printer 70 is "AAA". Therefore, the model information of the first printer 70 is the model information 110 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, in the model print condition information 120 of the model “AAA”, the “double-sided printing” and the “stapler” of the item 114 are associated with the “YES” of the option 116. Therefore, it is not possible to know whether or not the first printer 70 can execute the double-sided printing function and the stapler function only from the model information 110. As shown in FIG. 3, in the current print condition information 218 of the first printer 70, the item 214 “double-sided printing” and the content 216 “yes” are associated with each other. This means that the first printer 70 is currently equipped with equipment for executing the double-sided printing function, and the first printer 70 can execute the double-sided printing function. On the other hand, in the current print condition information 218 of the first printer 70, the item 214 “stapler” and the content 216 “none” are associated with each other. This means that the first printer 70 is not currently equipped with equipment for executing the stapler function, and the first printer 70 cannot execute the stapler function.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, in the model print condition information 120 of the model “AAA”, the “paper size” of the item 114 and the “LETTER, A4, B4” of the content 118 are associated with each other. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, in the current print condition information 218 of the first printer 70, the “paper size” of the item 214 and the “A4, LETTER” of the content 216 are associated with each other. This is because the first printer 70 can print on LETTER, A4, and B4 size print media, but at present, only the LETTER and A4 size paper cassettes are set in the first printer 70. Indicates that a B4 size paper cassette is not set. That is, the first printer 70 is currently capable of printing only on LETTER and A4 size print media. In the case of "with A4 and with LETTER" associated with the "remaining number of sheets" in item 214, the A4 size print medium remains in the paper cassette and the LETTER size print medium is in the paper cassette. Indicates that it remains in.

The print conditions currently feasible for the first printer 70 can vary. For example, when the equipment for executing the stapler function is installed in the first printer 70, the first printer 70 can execute the stapler function. As will be described later, when the currently executable print condition changes, the first printer 70 supplies new current print condition information to the server 10 (see S612 in FIG. 5). When the server 10 acquires the new current print condition information, the server 10 updates the current print condition information 218 with the new current print condition information.

The default print condition information 220 indicates the default print condition currently set in the first printer 70. The default print condition information 220 is information in which the item 214 and the content 216 are associated with each other. The default print condition is a print condition specified in advance by the user for the first printer 70. That is, unless other printing conditions are specified at the time of printing, the first printer 70 executes printing according to the default printing conditions.

Although detailed illustration is omitted in FIG. 3, the printer information of the second printer 80 and the printer information of the third printer 90 are also stored in the printer information storage area 26. In this embodiment, the model of the second printer 80 is "BBB", and the model of the third printer 90 is "CCC".

The layout data storage area 28 (see FIG. 1) stores a plurality of layout data 310, 330 (see FIG. 4). One layout data 310, 330 is information corresponding to one model of the printer. The storage control unit 32 of the control unit 30 may store the layout data of each model acquired from the server in the layout data storage area 28 or acquire from the media, as in the case of the model information 110 and 130 described above. The layout data of each model may be stored in the layout data storage area 28, or the layout data of each model acquired from each printer 70 to 90 may be stored in the layout data storage area 28.

(Contents of layout data)
As shown in FIG. 4, the layout data 310 and 330 are numbered "1" and "2", respectively. This number corresponds to the layout data number shown in the layout data information 124, 144 (associated with the "layout data") included in the model information 110, 130 of FIG. That is, the layout data for the printer of the model "AAA" (for example, the first printer 70) is the layout data 310 of FIG. 4, and the layout data for the printer of the model "BBB" (for example, the second printer 80) is. , The layout data 330 of FIG. The layout data storage area 28 further stores layout data for another model (for example, "CCC").

The layout data 310 for the printer of the model "AAA" includes the field data 312 and the position data 318. The field data 312 is data in which the character string 314 of the item and the box type 316 are associated with each other. The item character string 314 is a character string indicating each item 114 of the model print condition information 120 of the corresponding model information (that is, the model information 110 of the model "AAA"). The item character string 314 further includes a character string "number of copies to be printed" that is not included in each item 114 of the model print condition information 120. The box type 316 is information indicating the type of the box displayed on the setting screen 500 (see FIG. 8) described later. In this embodiment, there are two types of boxes, a number selection type box and a character string selection type box. The numerical selection type box is a box for allowing the user to select an integer of 1 or more within a predetermined range. The character string selection type box is a box for allowing the user to select (designate) one option from two or more predetermined options. The position data 318 is data indicating the position of the related field data 312 on the setting screen 500.

Like the layout data 310, the layout data 330 includes field data 332 and position data 338. The field data 332 is data in which the character string 334 of the item and the box type 336 are associated with each other. The item character string 334 is a character string indicating each item of the model print condition information 140 of the corresponding model information (model information 130 (see FIG. 2) of the model "BBB"). However, the item character string 334 includes a character string "number of copies to be printed" that is not included in each item of the model print condition information 140. Further, the character string 334 of the item does not include the character string of the item for which two or more options do not exist. For example, the "color" of the model print condition information 140 is associated with "monochrome". That is, the printer of the model "BBB" can only perform monochrome printing. Therefore, the user cannot select anything other than monochrome printing (that is, there is no option). The character string of such an item is not included in the layout data 330.

(Printer configuration)
As shown in FIG. 1, the first printer 70 includes a control unit 72, a print execution unit 78, and a memory 77. The printer program 79 executed by the control unit 72 is stored in the memory 77. The control unit 72 executes various processes according to the printer program 79 stored in the memory 77. When the control unit 72 executes the process according to the printer program 79, the current print condition supply unit 74 and the print data acquisition unit 76 are realized. The print execution unit 78 prints an image represented by the print data acquired by the print data acquisition unit 76. The second printer 80 and the third printer 90 have the same configuration as the first printer 70. However, as described above, the printers 70, 80, and 90 have different models, and the feasible printing conditions are different.

(PC configuration)
The PC 60 includes an operation unit 62, a display unit 64, and a browser program 66. The operation unit 62 is composed of a keyboard and a mouse to be operated by the user. The display unit 64 is a display for displaying various information. The control unit (not shown) of the PC 60 can display various information acquired via the Internet 6 on the display unit 64 according to the browser program 66.

(Processes executed by each device in the network system)
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the processes executed by the server 10, the PC 60, and the first to third printers 70 to 90 will be described. The current print condition supply unit 74 (see FIG. 1) of the first printer 70 supplies printer information 604 to the server 10 when the power of the first printer 70 is turned on (S602). The printer information 604 includes the printer ID "PRI70" of the first printer 70, the current print condition information of the first printer 70 (see reference numeral 218 in FIG. 3), and the default print condition information (see reference numeral 220 in FIG. 3). including.

The storage control unit 32 (see FIG. 1) of the server 10 acquires the printer information 604 supplied from the first printer 70 (S606). Specifically, the current print condition information acquisition unit 34 (see FIG. 1) acquires the current print condition information included in the printer information 604, and the default print condition information acquisition unit 35 (see FIG. 1) is included in the printer information 604. Get the default print condition information. Next, the storage control unit 32 stores the printer information 604 acquired in S606 in the printer information storage area 26 (S608). As a result, the printer ID, the current print condition information, and the default print condition information are associated and stored in the printer information storage area 26. At this time, when the printer information including the printer ID acquired in S606 is already stored in the printer information storage area 26, the storage control unit 32 replaces the stored printer information (stored printer information). (Deleted), the printer information 604 acquired in S606 is stored in the printer information storage area 26.

As mentioned above, the current printing conditions of the first printer 70 may change. Further, for example, the first printer 70 cannot execute the double-sided printing function when the equipment for executing the double-sided printing function is removed (first example). Further, for example, when the color material (ink, toner, etc.) for color printing is exhausted, the first printer 70 can only perform monochrome printing (second example). Further, for example, the first printer 70 cannot print on the A4 size print medium when the A4 size print medium in the paper cassette is exhausted (third example). The current printing condition supply unit 74 of the first printer 70 updates the printer information registered in its own memory 77 when the current printing condition of the first printer 70 changes (S610). The current print condition supply unit 74 further updates the printer information registered in itself when the default print condition of the first printer 70 is changed by the user. Each time the current print condition supply unit 74 updates its own printer information, the updated printer information 614 of the first printer 70 is supplied to the server 10 (S612). In the first example above, the current print condition supply unit 74 supplies the server 10 with printer information 614 including the current print condition information in which the content associated with "double-sided printing" is "none". In the second example above, the current print condition supply unit 74 supplies the server 10 with printer information 614 including the current print condition information whose content associated with "color" is "monochrome". In the third example above, the current print condition supply unit 74 supplies the printer information 614 including the current print condition information that the content associated with the “number of remaining sheets” is “without A4, with LETTER” to the server 10. Supply to.

The storage control unit 32 of the server 10 acquires the printer information 614 supplied from the first printer 70 (S616), similarly to S606. Next, the storage control unit 32 stores the printer information 614 acquired in S616 in the printer information storage area 26 (S618). At this time, the storage control unit 32 uses S608 because the printer ID "PRI70" stored in the printer information 604 stored in S608 matches the printer ID "PRI70" included in the printer information 614 acquired in S616. Instead of the stored printer information 604, the printer information 614 acquired in S616 is stored in the printer information storage area 26.

It should be noted that the same processing as the above-mentioned processing of S602 to S618 is executed between the server 10 and the second printer 80, and also between the server 10 and the third printer 90.

By operating the operation unit 62 of the PC 60, the user can supply the request of the print instruction screen from the PC 60 to the server 10. Specifically, the user activates the browser program 66 by operating the operation unit 62. Next, the user specifies the URL of the server 10 by executing the operation according to the browser program 66. As a result, the PC 60 supplies the request 620 of the print instruction screen to the server 10.

When the control unit 30 of the server 10 acquires the request 620 of the print instruction screen, the control unit 30 supplies the print instruction screen data 624 to the PC 60 (S622). The print instruction screen data 624 is described in a data format that can be interpreted by the browser program 66 of the PC 60, and is described in, for example, HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), XML (Extensible Markup Language), or the like.

The PC 60 causes the display unit 64 (see FIG. 1) to display the print instruction screen 400 represented by the print instruction screen data 624 acquired from the server 10 according to the browser program 66 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 6, the print instruction screen 400 includes an area 402 for allowing the user to specify a printer ID, and areas 404 and 406 for designating a target file to be printed. By operating the operation unit 62, the user can input (designate) the printer ID of the printer to be printed in the area 402. The user can further specify the URL of the target file in the area 404 by operating the operation unit 62. For example, when the target file is a file stored in an external server, the user inputs the URL of the target file in the external server in the area 404. Further, for example, when the file stored in the PC 60 is the target file, the user inputs the URL of the target file in the PC 60. When the file stored in the PC 60 is the target file, the user can select the reference button in the area 406. In this case, the hierarchical relationship between each folder in the PC 60 and each file is displayed, and the user can select the target file based on the hierarchical relationship. In this case, the URL of the target file in the PC 60 selected by the user is automatically input to the area 406. The user can operate the "OK" button 408 after specifying the target file.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the "OK" button 408 is operated by the user, the PC 60 supplies the printer ID and the file information 626 specified by the user to the server 10. When the URL is input to the area 404 by the user, the PC 60 supplies the URL input by the user as the above file information to the server 10. On the other hand, when the URL is set in the area 406, the PC 60 acquires the target file in the PC 60 based on the URL input in the area 406. Next, the PC 60 supplies the acquired target file itself to the server 10 as the above file information.

The control unit 30 of the server 10 acquires the printer ID and the file information 626 supplied from the PC 60 (S628). Specifically, the identification information acquisition unit 36 (see FIG. 1) of the control unit 30 acquires the printer ID supplied from the PC 60. Further, the target data acquisition unit 38 (see FIG. 1) of the control unit 30 acquires the file information supplied from the PC 60. When the file information is the URL of the target file, in S628, the target data acquisition unit 38 accesses another server specified by the URL and acquires the file identified by the URL. When the file information is the target file itself, in S628, the target data acquisition unit 38 acquires the target file by acquiring the file information 626 supplied from the PC 60. Next, the generation unit 42 (see FIG. 1) of the server 10 executes the setting screen data generation process (S630). Subsequently, the screen data supply unit 40 (see FIG. 1) of the server 10 supplies the generated setting screen data 634 to the PC 60 (S632). The setting screen data 634 is also described in a data format that can be interpreted by the browser program 66 of the PC 60.

(Setting screen data generation process executed by the server)
The setting screen data generation process executed in S630 of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The generation unit 42 of the server 10 is a printer associated with the printer ID acquired in S628 of FIG. 5 from among a plurality of printer information 210 and the like (see FIG. 3) stored in the printer information storage area 26. Identify the information. In the following, the description will be continued by taking the case where the printer ID “PRI70” of the first printer 70 is acquired in S628 as an example. Therefore, the printer information 210 of the first printer 70 is specified. Next, the generation unit 42 identifies the content 216 (see FIG. 3) (that is, the model name) associated with the "printer model name" included in the specified printer information 210 (S702). By this. The model "AAA" of the first printer 70 is specified.

Next, the generation unit 42 is associated with the model name "AAA" specified in S702 from among the plurality of model information 110, 130, etc. (see FIG. 2) stored in the model information storage area 24. The model information 110 is specified (S704). Subsequently, the generation unit 42 identifies the layout number “1” associated with the “layout data” among the items included in the model information 110 specified in S704. Then, the generation unit 42 specifies the layout data 310 having the specified layout number "1" from the plurality of layout data 310, 330, etc. (see FIG. 4) stored in the layout data storage area 28. (S706). Next, the generation unit 42 edits the layout data using the printer information 210 specified in S702 (S708).

In the process of S708, specifically, the generation unit 42 edits the field data 312 of the layout data 310 by using the current print condition information 218 included in the printer information 210 of the first printer 70. Specifically, the generation unit 42 deletes items from the field data 312 that cannot provide options to the user, based on each information in the current print condition information 218. For example, in the current print condition information 218, since the item 214 “stapler” and the content 216 “none” are associated (that is, the first printer 70 cannot execute the stapler function), the generation unit 42 , The item character string "stapler" from the field data 312, the box type "character string selection" associated with "stapler", and the position data "fifth line" associated with "stapler". To delete. In this case, the generation unit 42 changes the "sixth line" of the position data 318 associated with the "paper size" of the item 314 to the "fifth line", and is associated with the "manuscript direction" of the item 314. The "7th line" of the existing position data 318 is changed to the "6th line". That is, the generation unit 42 corrects the position data 318 so that a blank cannot be created between other items even if the item "stapler" is deleted.

Further, for example, if the "color" of the item 214 and the "monochrome" of the content 216 are associated with each other in the current print condition information 218 (that is, when the first printer 70 can execute only monochrome printing). , The generation unit 42 deletes the item character string "color", the box type "character string selection", and the "second line" from the field data 312. In this case as well, the generation unit 42 corrects the position data 318 so that there is no blank between the items.

When S708 ends, the generation unit 42 receives the model information 110 (see FIG. 2) of the model "AAA" of the first printer 70 specified in S704 and the printer information 210 of the first printer 70 specified in S702 (FIG. 2). 3) and, for each item of the layout data 310 of the model "AAA" of the first printer 70, the options of the printing conditions that the printer can currently execute are described in the layout data 310 (S710).

Specifically, in the process of S710, the generation unit 42 first identifies one item (hereinafter referred to as “target item”) among the plurality of items of the layout data 310. Next, the generation unit 42 specifies the content (for example, color, monochrome) associated with the target item (for example, “color”) from the model print condition information 120 of the model information 110. Further, the generation unit 42 specifies the content (for example, color, monochrome) associated with the target item (for example, “color”) from the current print condition information 218 of the printer information 210. As a result, the generation unit 42 contains the contents of the items supported by the model "AAA" of the first printer 70 (for example, color, monochrome) and the contents currently executable by the first printer 70 (for example, color, monochrome). And you can know. In S710, the generation unit 42 selects, among the contents of each item supported by the model "AAA", the contents currently executable by the first printer 70, based on the information specified for each target item. Executes the process described as a character string of.

For example, when the target item is "color", "color, monochrome" is specified from both the model print condition information 120 of the model information 110 and the current print condition information 218 of the printer information 210. Therefore, the generation unit 42 can know that the first printer 70 is currently capable of performing both color printing and monochrome printing supported by the model "AAA" of the first printer 70. In this case, the generation unit 42 describes "color" and "monochrome" as the character strings of the options of the box type "character string selection" associated with the item "color" of the layout data 310.

Further, for example, when the target item is "double-sided printing", "single-sided, long-edge binding, single-sided binding" is specified from the model print condition information 120 of the model information 110, and the current print condition information 218 of the printer information 210 is specified. "Yes" is specified from. Therefore, the generation unit 42 can know that the first printer 70 is currently capable of performing the double-sided printing function supported by the model "AAA" of the first printer 70. In this case, the generation unit 42 describes "single-sided, long-side binding, single-sided binding" as the character string of the box options corresponding to the item "double-sided printing" of the layout data 310.

For example, when the target item is "paper size", "LETTER, A4, B4" is specified from the model print condition information 120 of the model information 110, and the current print condition information 218 to "A4" of the printer information 210 are specified. , LETTER "is specified. The generation unit 42 further identifies "with A4 and with LETTER" associated with "the number of remaining sheets of paper" from the current print condition information 218 of the printer information 210. By referring to this information, the generation unit 42 can currently use the first printer 70 among the print medium sizes "LETTER, A4, B4" supported by the model "AAA" of the first printer 70. You can know the size of the print medium "LETTER, A4". In this case, the generation unit 42 describes "LETTER, A4" as a character string of options corresponding to the box of the item "paper size" of the layout data 310, and the first printer 70 is currently unavailable for the print medium. Do not describe the size "B4".

Further, for example, when the target item is "original direction", "horizontal, vertical" is specified from the model print condition information 120 of the model information 110. However, the current print condition information 218 of the printer information 210 does not have an item corresponding to the "original direction". In this case, the generation unit 42 describes "horizontal, vertical" as a character string of the box choices corresponding to the item "original direction" of the layout data 310.

For example, when the target item is "number of copies to print", the box type associated with the item "number of copies to print" is "number selection" as shown in FIG. In this case, the generation unit 42 describes each integer of 1 or more as a character string of the box choices corresponding to the item “number of copies to be printed” of the layout data 310.

In S710, the generation unit 42 further reads the default print condition information 220 of the printer information 210. The generation unit 42 arranges the character string of the content indicated by the default print condition information 220 at the head of the character string of the options described for each of the above target items. For example, in the default print condition information 220, since "color" is "color", "color" among "color, monochrome" which is an option of "color" is arranged at the head. As a result, the setting screen 500 (see FIG. 8) is displayed with the "color" described in the box corresponding to the "color". Similarly, the generation unit 42 determines the arrangement of the character strings of the choices so that the boxes corresponding to the other items are also displayed with the default print conditions described.

When S710 is completed, the generation unit 42 generates setting screen data having a data format that can be interpreted by the browser program 66 of the PC 60 using the layout data changed in S706 and S708 (S712). That is, in the generation unit 42, the character string 314 of the item of the layout data after the change (see FIG. 4) and the character string of the options described in S710 are the position data 318 of the layout data after the change (see FIG. 4). ) Is placed at the position (row) indicated by) to generate the setting screen data.

FIG. 8 shows a setting screen 500 represented by the setting screen data generated in S712. A box 502 for selecting numbers is displayed at a position corresponding to the “number of copies” of the setting item 508. The user can specify the number of copies to print by operating the button of the box 502. Each box 504 for character string selection is displayed at each position corresponding to each item (for example, "color", "resolution", etc.) other than the "number of copies" of the setting item 508. In the initial state of the setting screen 500 (that is, the state in which the setting screen 500 is first displayed on the PC 60), each box 504 has the default printing conditions indicated by the default printing condition information 220, that is, the options described for each target item. The character string placed at the beginning of the character string of is displayed. When the user operates the button of the box 504, a list of options described in S710 of FIG. 7 is displayed on the setting screen 500. The user can select (designate) one option via the setting screen 500.

The PC 60 causes the display unit 64 to display the setting screen 500 (see FIG. 8) represented by the setting screen data 634 according to the browser program 66. The user can select (designate) the contents of each setting item by operating the operation unit 62. When the user operates the "OK" button 506 on the setting screen 500, the PC 60 supplies the setting information 636 to the server 10 as shown in FIG. The setting information 636 includes the content displayed on the setting screen 500 (that is, the content of each setting item selected by the user) when the "OK" button 506 is operated.

The setting information acquisition unit 44 (see FIG. 1) of the server 10 acquires the setting information 636 supplied from the PC 60 (S638). Next, the print data generation unit 46 (see FIG. 1) generates print data using the setting information 636 acquired in S638 and the target file acquired in S628 (S640). Specifically, the print data generation unit 46 first identifies the printer information 210 (see FIG. 3) stored in the printer information storage area 26 in association with the printer ID “PRI70” acquired in S628. Next, the print data generation unit 46 identifies the content "AAA" of the "printer model name" included in the specified printer information 210. Further, the print data generation unit 46 identifies the model information 110 (see FIG. 2) stored in the model print condition information storage area 24 in association with the specified printer model name “AAA”. Next, the print data generation unit 46 identifies the interpretable data format information 122 included in the model information 110. The print data generation unit 46 converts the target file acquired in S628 into image data having the data format indicated by the interpretable data format information 122 (that is, data having a data format interpretable by the first printer 70). Next, the print data generation unit 46 generates print data including the image data generated in S640 and the setting information 636 acquired in S638. Further, the print data generation unit 46 associates the generated print data with the printer ID “PRI70” acquired in S628 and stores them in the memory 20. If the target file acquired in S628 is already in a data format that can be interpreted by the printer, such as a PDF format file, the print data generation unit 46 does not convert the data format of the target file itself. The print data generation unit 46 generates print data including the target file acquired in S628 and the setting information 636 acquired in S628.

Each of the printers 70, 80, and 90 periodically inquires of the server 10 whether or not the data to be processed by the printer is stored in the server 10 (polling 644). The polling 644 includes the printer ID of the printer that is the source of the polling 644. When the server 10 acquires the polling 644, the server 10 determines whether or not the print data associated with the printer ID included in the polling 644 is stored in the memory of the server 10. If a positive determination is made in this determination process, the server 10 supplies information 646 indicating that there is a job to the printer that is the source of the polling 644 as a response to the polling 644. If the determination process is negative, the server 10 supplies information indicating no job (not shown) to the printer that is the source of the polling 644 as a response to the polling 644.

When the printer that is the source of polling 644 acquires the information 646 indicating that there is a job, it supplies the job request 648 including its own printer ID to the server 10. On the other hand, when the printer that is the source of polling 644 acquires the information indicating that there is no job, the job request 648 is not supplied to the server 10.

When the server 10 acquires the job request 648, the print data including the print data (image data generated in S640 and the setting information 363 acquired in S638) associated with the printer ID included in the job request 648. The print data stored in the memory 20 in S642) is supplied to the printer that is the source of the job request 648 (S649).

As a result, the print data acquisition unit 76 (see FIG. 1) of the first printer 70 acquires the print data stored in S642 (S651). The print execution unit 78 (see FIG. 1) of the first printer 70 executes printing using the print data acquired in S651. Specifically, the print execution unit 78 prints the image represented by the image data acquired in S651 on the print medium according to the setting information acquired in S651 (S652).

This embodiment has been described in detail. The server 10 generates print data including image data having a format that can be interpreted by the printer from the target file acquired from the PC 60 (S640 in FIG. 5). Therefore, printing of the target file can be realized without installing a printer driver for generating print data using the target data in the PC 60.

The server 10 generates setting screen data using model information 110 and 130, printer information 210, layout data and 310, 330, and supplies the setting screen data to the PC 60 (S632 in FIG. 5). The PC 60 can display the setting screen 500 using the supplied setting screen data. The user can specify the content of each setting item that matches the print conditions that can be executed by the printer through the setting screen 500. The server 10 generates print data using the contents of each setting item specified by the user and the target file (S640 in FIG. 5), and supplies the print data to the printer (S649 in FIG. 5). As a result, the printer executes printing using the print data. According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize printing according to the content of each setting item specified by the user (that is, the printing condition desired by the user).

When the printer information of each printer 70, 80, 90 is changed, the server 10 acquires the printer information (see S616 in FIG. 5). The server 10 stores the acquired printer information in the printer information storage area 26 (see S618 in FIG. 5). Therefore, the server 10 can supply the PC 60 with setting screen data for designating the contents of each setting item that matches the print conditions that can be currently executed by the printers 70, 80, and 90. Therefore, the user can specify the contents of each setting item that matches the print conditions that the printer can currently execute.

The server 10 displays the setting screen data representing the setting screen 500 that does not include a box for the user to specify the contents of each setting item (“stapler” in this embodiment) that does not meet the print conditions that the printer can currently execute. , Supply to PC60. If the user can specify the content of each setting item that does not meet the print conditions that the printer can currently execute, that is, the content that the printer cannot currently execute (for example, color printing), it depends on the content. It can be offensive to the user because the printing is not performed. According to this embodiment, the user specifies the content that cannot be executed by the printer at present, but the phenomenon that the user is uncomfortable due to the fact that printing according to the content is not executed is suppressed. Can be done.

The server 10 generates setting screen data including options for each item in the setting screen data generation process (see FIG. 7). As a result, the user can specify the content of each item by selecting one option from the two or more options via the setting screen 500. The user can easily specify the print conditions.

On the setting screen 500, the default print condition information is displayed in the initial state. Therefore, the user can specify the print condition while referring to the default print condition information.

The PC 60 is an example of a "terminal device". Model information 110, 130, printer information 210, and layout data 310, 330 are examples of "original data". The printer ID is an example of "printer identification information". Items 508 and boxes 502 and 504 on the setting screen 500 are examples of "setting fields". The model information specified in S704 of FIG. 7 is an example of "specific model information", and the current print condition information included in the printer information specified in S702 of FIG. 7 is an example of "specific current print condition information". The default print condition information included in the printer information specified in S702 of FIG. 7 is an example of "specific default print condition information".

(Modification example)
(1) Of the printer information 210, the server 10 may not store the current print condition information 218 and / or the default print condition information 220. In this case, the server 10 may generate setting screen data by using the model information 110 and the like and the layout data 310 and the like. That is, in this modification, since the setting screen data does not change according to the current printing conditions of each printer, the setting screen data corresponding to a plurality of printers of the same model are the same.

(2) In this embodiment, the server 10 arranges layout data of items 114 of model information 110 and 130 that cannot be currently implemented by the printer (“stapler” in this embodiment) according to the current print condition information 218. Remove from 310. However, the server 10 may generate setting screen data such that items that are not currently executable by the printer are displayed in a different manner than items that are currently executable by the printer. For example, setting screen data may be generated so that items that are not currently executable by the printer are displayed lighter than items that are currently executable by the printer. Also in this case, it is preferable that the setting screen data is generated so that the user cannot select the contents of the items that cannot be executed by the printer at present. The setting screen data of this modification also includes "a setting field for the user to specify the content of each setting item that matches the current printing conditions of the printer among all the setting items that match the model printing conditions indicated by the model information. It is included in "setting screen data representing a setting screen that does not include a setting field for the user to specify the content of each setting item that is included and does not match the current printing conditions of the printer".

(3) In this embodiment, the server 10 uses the layout data to generate setting screen data having a data format that can be interpreted by the browser program 66 (see FIG. 7). However, the server 10 may store setting screen data having a data format that can be interpreted by the browser program 66. In this example, the setting screen data may be stored for each printer model. In this case, the server 10 may supply the setting screen data corresponding to the model "AAA" of the first printer 70 to the first printer 70 without changing the setting screen data. In this example, the setting screen data for each model is an example of "original data". Further, the server 10 may edit the setting screen data corresponding to the model "AAA" of the first printer 70 by using the printer information 210 of the first printer 70. In this example, the setting screen data for each model and the printer information 210 and the like for each printer are examples of "original data". Alternatively, the server 10 may store the setting screen data for designating the contents of each setting item of the print conditions that the printer can currently execute for each printer. In this case, when the server 10 acquires each printer information from each printer, the server 10 may edit the setting screen data of each printer.

(4) In this embodiment, layout data for each model is stored in the server 10. However, the layout data may correspond to a plurality of models of printers. For example, one layout data including both the layout data 310 and the layout data 330 may be provided. In this case, reference numerals 124 and 144 in FIG. 2, which indicate layout data numbers, may be set to the same numbers. Further, the server 10 may store only one layout data common to all the models existing in the network system 2. This layout data may include all the items of the printing conditions supported by the printers of all the models existing in the network system 2. Then, in the item (for example, item 214) of the printer information (for example, printer information 210) shown in FIG. 3, all the items and option information of the print conditions currently executeable by the printer corresponding to the printer ID included in the printer information (for example, item 214). For example, information obtained by combining the model print condition information 120 and the current print condition information 218) may be included. Further, the printer information may include information regarding a data format that can be interpreted by the printer corresponding to the printer ID included in the printer information (for example, interpretable data format information 124). In this case, the server 10 does not have to store the model information as shown in FIG.

Further, the technical elements described in the present specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the techniques exemplified in the present specification or the drawings achieve a plurality of purposes at the same time, and achieving one of the purposes itself has technical usefulness.
(Item 1)
A server connected to a terminal device and multiple printers with different executable print conditions.
Original data for providing any one of the plurality of setting screens corresponding to the plurality of printers to the user of the terminal device, and each of the plurality of setting screens is executed by the corresponding printer. A storage control unit that stores the original data in a memory, which is a screen that allows the user to specify the contents of each setting item that meets the possible print conditions.
An identification information acquisition unit that acquires specific printer identification information for identifying a specific printer among the plurality of printers from the terminal device.
The target data acquisition unit that acquires the target data for printing,
Screen data supply to supply the terminal device with specific setting screen data representing a specific setting screen corresponding to the specific printer identified by the acquired specific printer identification information based on the original data. Department and
A setting information acquisition unit that acquires setting information indicating the contents of each designated setting item specified by the user via the specific setting screen from the terminal device, and a setting information acquisition unit.
A print data generation unit that generates print data having a format that can be interpreted by the specific printer by using the contents of the designated setting items indicated by the setting information and the target data.
A server including a print data supply unit that supplies the print data to the specific printer.
(Item 2)
The original data includes model print condition information indicating model print conditions, which are print conditions supported by the printer, for each printer model.
The screen data supply unit specifies the contents of each setting item that matches the specific model printing conditions indicated by the specific model printing condition information based on the specific model printing condition information corresponding to the specific printer model. The server according to item 1, which supplies the terminal device with the specific setting screen data representing the specific setting screen that allows the user to do so.
(Item 3)
The storage control unit includes a current print condition information acquisition unit that acquires current print condition information indicating current print conditions that are print conditions that the printer can currently execute from each of the plurality of printers.
The original data further includes, for each of the plurality of printers, the current print condition information of the printer associated with the printer identification information of the printer.
The screen data supply unit sets the specific model printing condition based on the specific model printing condition information and the specific current printing condition information associated with the acquired specific printer identification information. The specific setting screen data representing the specific setting screen that allows the user to specify the content of each setting item that conforms to the specific current printing condition indicated by the specific current printing condition information. Item 2. The server according to item 2, which is supplied to the terminal device.
(Item 4)
The screen data supply unit includes a setting field for the user to specify the content of each setting item conforming to the specific current printing condition among all the setting items conforming to the specific model printing condition. An item that supplies the terminal device with the specific setting screen data representing the specific setting screen, which does not include a setting field for the user to specify the content of each setting item that does not conform to the specific current printing condition. The server according to 3.
(Item 5)
When new current print condition information is acquired from each of the plurality of printers, the storage control unit replaces the current print condition information associated with the printer identification information of the printer with the current print condition information. Item 4. The server according to item 4, which stores the new current print condition information acquired from the printer in the memory.
(Item 6)
In the print condition information for each model, field data indicating a setting field for the user to specify the content of the setting item and the setting field are arranged for each setting item that matches the model printing condition of the model. Includes position data indicating the position to be
The screen data supply unit includes a generation unit that generates the specific setting screen data.
The server according to any one of items 2 to 5, wherein the generation unit generates the specific setting screen data by using each field data and each position data included in the specific model print condition information. ..
(Item 7)
The print condition information for each model includes option information indicating options for the contents of each setting item that matches the model print conditions for the model.
The screen data supply unit includes a generation unit that generates the specific setting screen data.
The server according to any one of items 2 to 6, wherein the generation unit generates the specific setting screen data by using the specific option information included in the specific model print condition information.
(Item 8)
The storage control unit includes a default print condition information acquisition unit that acquires default print condition information indicating default print conditions currently set for the printer from each of the plurality of printers.
The original data includes the default print condition information of the printer associated with the printer identification information of the printer for each of the plurality of printers.
The screen data supply unit includes a generation unit that generates the specific setting screen data.
The generation unit describes the specific default print condition indicated by the specific default print condition information based on the specific default print condition information associated with the acquired specific printer identification information. The server according to any one of items 1 to 7, which generates the specific setting screen data representing the setting screen of.
(Item 9)
A printer connected to the server according to any one of items 1 to 8.
Current printing that supplies the printer identification information of the printer and the current print condition information indicating the current print condition, which is the print condition that the printer can currently execute, to the server when the power of the printer is turned on. The server is a condition information supply unit, and when the current printing condition of the printer changes, the printer identification information of the printer and new current printing condition information indicating the changed current printing condition are provided to the server. The current printing condition information supply unit to be supplied to
A print data acquisition unit that acquires the print data from the server,
A printer including a print execution unit that executes printing using the print data.
(Item 10)
A computer program for a server connected to a terminal device and multiple printers with different executable print conditions.
To the computer installed in the server
Original data for providing any one of the plurality of setting screens corresponding to the plurality of printers to the user of the terminal device, and each of the plurality of setting screens is executed by the corresponding printer. A storage control process for storing the original data in a memory, which is a screen that allows the user to specify the contents of each setting item that meets the possible print conditions.
Identification information acquisition processing for acquiring specific printer identification information for identifying a specific printer among the plurality of printers from the terminal device, and
Target data acquisition process to acquire target data for printing,
Screen data for supplying specific setting screen data representing the specific setting screen corresponding to the specific printer identified by the acquired specific printer identification information to the terminal device based on the original data. Supply processing and
The setting information acquisition process of acquiring the setting information indicating the contents of each designated setting item designated by the user via the specific setting screen from the terminal device, and the setting information acquisition process.
A print data generation process for generating print data having a format that can be interpreted by the specific printer by using the contents of the designated setting items indicated by the setting information and the target data.
A print data supply process for supplying the print data to the specific printer, and
A computer program that runs.

2: Network system, 10: Server, 20: Memory, 22: Server program, 24: Model information storage area, 26: Printer information storage area, 28: Layout data storage area, 30: Control unit, 32: Storage control unit, 34: Current print condition information acquisition unit, 35: Default print condition information acquisition unit, 36: Identification information acquisition unit, 38: Target data acquisition unit, 40: Screen data supply unit, 42: Generation unit, 44: Setting information acquisition unit , 46: Print data generation unit, 48: Print data supply unit, 50: Network interface, 60: PC, 110, 130: Model information, 120: Model print condition information, 210: Printer information, 218: Current print condition information, 220: Default print condition information, 310, 330: Layout data

Claims (10)

A computer program for a server connected to a printer
The computer of the server is referred to as the following parts, that is,
The first candidate condition information indicating the first candidate condition that is a candidate for the print condition that can be used by the printer and the printer identification information for identifying the printer are provided without sending a request to the printer. A first information acquisition unit that acquires the first printer information including the printer from the printer,
After the first printer information is acquired from the printer, the first candidate condition is received from the terminal device without acquiring the first printer information again from the printer in response to receiving the screen request. A first screen supply unit for supplying a first setting screen for setting a usage print condition, which is a print condition to be used in printing, to the terminal device by using information, and the first screen supply unit. setting screen, when there are two or more choices for a specific item, comprising an image showing the specific items, and an image showing the two or more alternatives corresponding to the particular item On the first setting screen, the one option is set as the usage printing condition according to the user designating one option from the two or more options corresponding to the specific item. Ri can der, the first setting screen, when two or more option corresponding to the particular item does not exist, and the image of the show a particular item, the option corresponding to the particular item The first screen supply unit , which does not include the image shown,
After the first printer information is acquired from the printer, the second candidate condition information indicating the second candidate condition different from the first candidate condition without transmitting the request to the printer, and the above. A second information acquisition unit that acquires a second printer information including a printer identification information from the printer, and a second information acquisition unit.
After the second printer information is acquired from the printer, in response to receiving the screen request from the terminal device, the second printer information is not acquired again from the printer. It is a second screen supply unit that supplies a second setting screen for setting the usage print condition to the terminal device by using the candidate condition information, and the second setting screen is the specific. When there are two or more options corresponding to the item, the second image includes the image showing the specific item and the image showing the two or more options corresponding to the specific item. On the setting screen, it is possible to set the one option as the usage printing condition according to the user designating one option from the two or more options corresponding to the specific item. the second setting screen, when two or more option corresponding to the particular item does not exist, to indicate said image showing the specific item, the択肢selection that corresponds to said particular item and images free of a front Stories second screen supplying unit,
After the second setting screen is supplied to the terminal device, the condition acquisition unit for acquiring the usage print condition set via the second setting screen from the terminal device,
A generation unit that generates print data that meets the utilization print conditions after the utilization print conditions are acquired from the terminal device.
When the print data is generated, the data supply unit that supplies the print data to the printer and
A computer program that functions as. The second information acquisition unit responds to the change of the first candidate condition to the second candidate condition in the printer without transmitting a request to the printer, and the second candidate condition information. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the second printer information including the printer identification information and the printer identification information is acquired from the printer. The computer program according to claim 2, wherein the first candidate condition changes to the second candidate condition when the equipment related to printing is removed from the printer. The equipment, equipment for performing a duplex printing for printing on both sides of the print medium, and the printing medium after performing a printing facility for binding by the stapler, comprising at least one of, the claims 3 The listed computer program. When said colorant for color printing is eliminated in the printer, the first candidate condition is changed to the second candidate conditions, a computer program according to any one of claims 2 to 4. And a specific print media sheet size a medium accommodating portion of the printer, when eliminated from the medium accommodating portion for accommodating the print medium of the particular paper size, the first candidate condition the second The computer program according to any one of claims 2 to 5, which changes to a candidate condition. The computer program further
After the second printer information is acquired from the printer, the third candidate condition information indicating the third candidate condition different from the second candidate condition without transmitting the request to the printer, and the third candidate condition information. A third information acquisition unit that acquires a third printer information including a printer identification information from the printer, and a third information acquisition unit.
After the third printer information is acquired from the printer, in response to receiving the screen request from the terminal device, the third printer information is not acquired again from the printer, and the third printer information is obtained. A third screen supply unit that supplies a third setting screen for setting the usage print condition to the terminal device by using the candidate condition information, and the third setting screen is the specific. when the two or more options that correspond to the item exists, the comprising said image showing a particular item, and the image indicating the two or more alternatives corresponding to the particular item, the said first On the setting screen of 3, it is possible to set the one option as the usage printing condition according to the user designating one option from the two or more options corresponding to the specific item. Ah is, the third setting screen, when two or more option corresponding to the particular item does not exist, and the image of the show a particular item, and an image showing the option corresponding to the particular item The computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , which does not include, and functions as the third screen supply unit. The first information acquisition unit acquires the first printer information from the printer when the power of the printer is turned on, without transmitting a request to the printer, according to claims 1 to 7. The computer program described in any one of the items. The first screen supply unit supplies the terminal device with the first setting screen configured by using the model information corresponding to the printer identification information and the first candidate condition information. ,
The second screen supply unit supplies the second setting screen configured by using the model information and the second candidate condition information to the terminal device, according to claims 1 to 8. The computer program described in any one of the above. A server connected to a printer
The first candidate condition information indicating the first candidate condition that is a candidate for the print condition that can be used by the printer and the printer identification information for identifying the printer are provided without sending a request to the printer. A first information acquisition unit that acquires the first printer information including the printer from the printer,
After the first printer information is acquired from the printer, the first candidate condition is received from the terminal device without acquiring the first printer information again from the printer in response to receiving the screen request. A first screen supply unit for supplying a first setting screen for setting a usage print condition, which is a print condition to be used in printing, to the terminal device by using information, and the first screen supply unit. setting screen, when there are two or more choices for a specific item, comprising an image showing the specific items, and an image showing the two or more alternatives corresponding to the particular item On the first setting screen, the one option is set as the usage printing condition according to the user designating one option from the two or more options corresponding to the specific item. Ri can der, the first setting screen, when two or more option corresponding to the particular item does not exist, and the image of the show a particular item, the option corresponding to the particular item The first screen supply unit , which does not include the image shown,
After the first printer information is acquired from the printer, the second candidate condition information indicating the second candidate condition different from the first candidate condition without transmitting the request to the printer, and the above. A second information acquisition unit that acquires a second printer information including a printer identification information from the printer, and a second information acquisition unit.
After the second printer information is acquired from the printer, in response to receiving the screen request from the terminal device, the second printer information is not acquired again from the printer. It is a second screen supply unit that supplies a second setting screen for setting the usage print condition to the terminal device by using the candidate condition information, and the second setting screen is the specific. When there are two or more options corresponding to the item, the second image includes the image showing the specific item and the image showing the two or more options corresponding to the specific item. On the setting screen, it is possible to set the one option as the usage printing condition according to the user designating one option from the two or more options corresponding to the specific item. the second setting screen, when two or more option corresponding to the particular item does not exist, to indicate said image showing the specific item, the択肢selection that corresponds to said particular item and images free of a front Stories second screen supplying unit,
After the second setting screen is supplied to the terminal device, the condition acquisition unit for acquiring the usage print condition set via the second setting screen from the terminal device,
A generation unit that generates print data that meets the utilization print conditions after the utilization print conditions are acquired from the terminal device.
When the print data is generated, the data supply unit that supplies the print data to the printer and
A server.

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