JP7024243B2 - Printing system, routing device, routing device control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing system and related techniques.

There is a technique for transmitting a print job from a user's external terminal (personal computer or the like) to a print output device using a transmission path via a server device (also referred to as a "server via route") (Patent Document 1). reference).

Further, there is also a technique for transmitting a print job from a user's external terminal to a print output device using a direct transmission path (also referred to as “direct path”) that does not go through a server device (see Patent Document 2). ).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-164273 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-262373

By the way, due to various circumstances, the administrator may want to use two routes, a direct route and a route via a server, for each of a plurality of users (or each of a plurality of external terminals). .. For example, the administrator makes the direct route used for print jobs by users belonging to one department and uses the server route for print jobs by users belonging to another department, based on the rules of each department in the company. Sometimes I want to let you.

In order to realize such a request, the following technologies (technologies related to comparative examples) can be considered.

Specifically, the administrator prepares a separate printer driver (dedicated to each route) for each route, and specifies the transmission route to be used in the print job by each user to correspond to the specified transmission route. Instruct each user of the installation contents of the printer driver by e-mail or the like. Then, each user installs the printer driver of the designated transmission path in his / her own external terminal based on the instruction by the administrator. Such technology can be considered in order to realize the above-mentioned request of the manager.

However, in the technique according to the above comparative example, it takes a lot of time and effort for the administrator, and it is not easy to properly use the two routes, the direct route and the route via the server.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a technique capable of relatively easily using two routes, a direct route and a route via a server.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1 is a printing system including a print output device, a server device, and a print instruction receiving device for receiving print instructions from users, and each print job by each of a plurality of users is provided. The above-mentioned plurality of permission / denial information stipulating whether or not to allow print output in the print output device based on a print command directly transmitted to the print output device without going through the server device. When the print instruction from one user is received by the storage means for storing predetermined permission / rejection information for each of the users and the print instruction receiving device, the print instruction receiving device to the print output device. A direct route, which is a transmission route for directly transmitting information to the print instruction receiving device, and a server route, which is a transmission route for transmitting information from the print instruction receiving device to the print output device via the server device. Among them, the usage route, which is the transmission route to be used in the print job corresponding to the printing instruction from the one user, is based on the permission / rejection information defined for the one user among the plurality of users. It is characterized by having a decision-making means for making a decision.

The invention of claim 2 is the printing system according to the invention of claim 1 , wherein the printing system further includes a plurality of printing instruction receiving devices including the printing instruction receiving device, and the storage means includes the print output device. It is characterized in that it is provided in any of the server devices.

The invention of claim 3 is characterized in that, in the printing system according to the invention of claim 1 , the storage means is provided in either the print output device or the server device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the printing system according to the first aspect, the storage means is provided in the print output device, and the determination means is at least one of the print output device and the server device. It is characterized in that it is provided in the print output device.

The invention of claim 4 is characterized in that, in the printing system according to the invention of claim 1 or 2 , the determination means is provided in both the server device and the print output device.

According to the invention of claim 5, in the printing system according to the invention of claim 4 , when the print instruction receiving device receives the print instruction, the use route determination request for requesting the determination of the use route is made by the direct route. By utilizing one of the two routes, that is, the route via the server, the print output device and the server device are transmitted to one of the two devices, and the determination means of the one device is transmitted. Is characterized in that the usage route is determined in response to the reception of the usage route determination request from the print instruction receiving device.

The invention of claim 6 is a determination that in the printing system according to the invention of claim 5 , the print instruction receiving device determines a route different from the one of the two routes as the utilization route. When the result is received from the one device, the utilization route determination request is also transmitted to the other device of the two devices.

The invention of claim 7 is the printing system according to the invention of claim 6 , wherein the print instruction receiving device uses one of the routes which is the same route as the transmission route used in the previous print job. The usage route determination request is transmitted to the one device, and the determination means of the one device is used in the previous print job if the permission / rejection information has not changed since the execution time of the previous print job. It is characterized in that the one route corresponding to the one device, which is the same route as the transmitted route, is determined as the utilization route in the current print job.

The invention of claim 8 is the printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the determination means is provided in at least the print output device of the print output device and the server device. The print output device further includes a first communication means for executing a communication operation with the print instruction receiving device, and the first communication means is orthogonal to the determination means of the print output device. When the route is determined as the usage route, a usage route determination notification to the effect that the direct route should be used is transmitted to the print instruction receiving device, and the server-routed route is set by the determination means of the print output device. When it is determined as the usage route, it is characterized in that a usage route determination notification indicating that the route via the server should be used instead of the direct route is transmitted to the print instruction receiving device.

The invention of claim 9 is the printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the determination means is provided in at least the server device of the print output device and the server device. The server device further includes a second communication means for executing a communication operation with the print instruction receiving device, and the second communication means has a route via the server by the determination means of the server device. When the route is determined as the usage route, a usage route determination notification indicating that the route via the server should be used is transmitted to the print instruction receiving device, and the direct route is used as the usage route by the determination means of the server device. When it is determined, it is characterized in that a usage route determination notification to the effect that the direct route should be used instead of the server route is transmitted to the print instruction receiving device.

The invention of claim 10 is the printing system according to the invention of claim 9 , wherein the second communication means is a network address of the print output device when the direct route is determined as the utilization route. The network address stored in the server device is also transmitted to the print instruction receiving device.

The invention of claim 11 is the printing system according to the invention of claim 1, wherein the determination means uses the direct route by the one user when the printing instruction from the one user is received. When it is not allowed, the route via the server is determined as the usage route, and when the use of the direct route by the one user is permitted, the direct route is determined as the usage route. ..

A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the printing system according to the first aspect of the present invention, in which the determination means acquires the communication load status of the server device and receives the printing instruction from the one user. When the use of the direct route by the one user is not permitted, the route via the server is determined as the usage route, and the use of the direct route by the one user is permitted in the server device. When the communication load is larger than a predetermined degree, the direct route is determined as the usage route, the use of the direct route by the one user is permitted, and the communication load in the server device is smaller than the predetermined degree. Occasionally, it is characterized in that the route via the server is determined as the utilization route instead of the direct route.

The invention of claim 13 is a printing system including a print output device, a server device, and a plurality of print instruction receiving devices for receiving print instructions from a user, and each of the plurality of print instruction receiving devices accepts the print system. This is permission / rejection information that defines whether or not to allow print output in the print output device based on a print command directly transmitted to the print output device without going through the server device for the print job. When the print instruction is received by a storage means for storing predetermined permission / rejection information for each of the plurality of print instruction receiving devices and a certain print instruction receiving device among the plurality of print instruction receiving devices, the above-mentioned Information is transmitted from the print instruction receiving device to the print output device via the server device and a direct route which is a transmission path in which information is directly transmitted from the print instruction receiving device to the print output device. Of the plurality of print instruction receiving devices, among the transmission routes via the server, the usage route which is the transmission route to be used in the print job corresponding to the print instruction in the print instruction receiving device is selected. The print instruction receiving device is provided with a determination means for determining based on the permission / rejection information defined for the print instruction reception device, and the determination means is provided in both the server device and the print output device, and the print instruction reception device is provided. When the device receives the print instruction, the apparatus prints the use route determination request requesting the determination of the use route by using one of the two routes, the direct route and the server route. It is transmitted to one of both the output device and the server device, and the determination means of the one device responds to the reception of the usage route determination request from the print instruction receiving device. When the print instruction receiving device receives a determination result from the one device to determine the usage route and determine the other route different from the one of the two routes as the usage route, the above-mentioned The usage route determination request is also transmitted to the other device of the two devices, and the print instruction receiving device uses the one route which is the same route as the transmission route used in the previous print job. , The usage route determination request is transmitted to the one device, and the determination means of the one device is the previous print job if there is no change in the permission / rejection information from the execution time of the previous print job. The same route as the transmission route used, and the one route corresponding to the one device, is used in the print job this time. It is characterized by determining as a route.

The invention of claim 14 is a printing system including a print output device, a server device, and a plurality of print instruction receiving devices for receiving print instructions from a user, and each of the plurality of print instruction receiving devices accepts the print system. This is permission / rejection information that defines whether or not to allow print output in the print output device based on a print command directly transmitted to the print output device without going through the server device for the print job. When the print instruction is received by a storage means for storing predetermined permission / rejection information for each of the plurality of print instruction receiving devices and a certain print instruction receiving device among the plurality of print instruction receiving devices, the above-mentioned Information is transmitted from the print instruction receiving device to the print output device via the server device and a direct route which is a transmission path in which information is directly transmitted from the print instruction receiving device to the print output device. Of the plurality of print instruction receiving devices, among the transmission routes via the server, the usage route which is the transmission route to be used in the print job corresponding to the print instruction in the print instruction receiving device is selected. The printing instruction receiving device is provided with a determination means for determining based on the permission / rejection information defined for the print instruction receiving device, and the determining means acquires the communication load status of the server device and prints on the print instruction receiving device. When the instruction is accepted and the use of the direct route by the print instruction receiving device is not permitted, the route via the server is determined as the usage route, and the printing instruction receiving device can use the direct route. When it is permitted and the communication load in the server device is higher than a predetermined level, the direct route is determined as the usage route, and the use of the direct route by the print instruction receiving device is permitted and the server device is used. When the communication load in the above is lower than the predetermined degree, the route via the server is determined as the utilization route instead of the direct route.

The invention according to claim 15 is a route determining device for determining a transmission route to be used in a print job in a printing system including a print output device, a server device, and a print instruction receiving device for receiving print instructions from a user. Then, information is transmitted from the print instruction receiving device to the print output device via the server device and a direct route which is a transmission path in which information is directly transmitted from the print instruction receiving device to the print output device. Of the transmission route via the server, which is the transmission route to be transmitted, the usage route determination request for requesting the determination of the usage route which is the transmission route to be used in the print job corresponding to the print instruction from one user. When the communication means received from the print instruction receiving device and the usage route determination request are received from the printing instruction receiving device, the print output device for each print job by each of the plurality of users without going through the server device. Of the permission / denial information predetermined for each of the plurality of users, which is the permission / denial information that stipulates whether or not to allow the print output by the print output device based on the print command directly transmitted to the user. The user is provided with a determination means for determining the usage route based on the permission / rejection information defined for the one user.

The invention of claim 16 is the route determination device according to the invention of claim 15 , wherein the determination means is the direct route by the one user when the utilization route determination request is received from the print instruction receiving device. When the use of the server is not permitted, the route via the server is determined as the usage route, and when the use of the direct route by the one user is permitted, the direct route is determined as the usage route. It is a feature.

The invention of claim 17 is the route determining apparatus according to the invention of claim 15 or 16 , wherein the communication means uses the direct route when the direct route is determined as the utilization route by the determining means. When the usage route determination notification to the effect of use is transmitted to the print instruction receiving device and the server route is determined as the server route by the determination means, the server route is to be used. It is characterized in that the decision notification is transmitted to the print instruction receiving device.

The invention of claim 18 is the route determination device according to the invention of claim 17 , wherein the route determination device is the print output device, and the communication means should use the direct route. In response to the above, the print output device receives the print job transmitted from the print instruction receiving device using the direct route, and the print output device further includes a print output means for printing out the received print job. It is characterized by that.

The invention of claim 19 is the route determination device according to the invention of claim 17 , wherein the route determination device is the server device, and the communication means should use the route via the server. In response to the above, the print job transmitted from the print instruction receiving device via the server route is received, and the received print job is transmitted to the print output device.

The invention of claim 20 is a control of a route determining device for determining a transmission route to be used in a print job in a printing system including a print output device, a server device, and a print instruction receiving device for receiving print instructions from a user. The method is a direct route, which is a transmission path in which information is directly transmitted from the print instruction receiving device to the print output device, and the server device from the print instruction receiving device to the print output device. Of the transmission routes through which information is transmitted via the server, the usage route that requests the determination of the usage route that should be used in the print job corresponding to the print instruction from one user. When the step of receiving the decision request from the print instruction receiving device and the usage route determination request are received from the print instruction receiving device, the print job by each of the plurality of users is described without going through the server device. It is permission / denial information that stipulates whether or not to allow print output in the print output device based on a print command sent directly to the print output device, and is predetermined permission / denial for each of the plurality of users. Among the information, it is characterized by comprising a step of determining the usage route based on the permission / rejection information defined for the one user.

The invention of claim 21 is characterized in that it is a program for causing a computer controlling the routing device to execute the control method according to the invention of claim 20 .

According to the inventions of claims 1 to 21 , it is possible to relatively easily use two routes, a direct route and a server-via route.

In particular, according to the invention of claim 2 , the storage means for storing the permission / rejection information is provided in either the print output device or the server device. Therefore, the administrator does not need to store the permission / rejection information in each of the plurality of print instruction receiving devices, and can manage the permission / rejection information in a single device. Therefore, the administrator can easily manage the permission / denial information.

Further, in particular, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the print output device is provided with the storage means for storing the permission / rejection information, and at least the print output device is provided with the determination means for determining the usage route. Therefore, the print output device can determine the usage route based on the permission / rejection information in the own device without inquiring the permission / rejection information to other devices. Therefore, it is possible to suppress communication between the print output device and another device.

Further, in particular, according to the inventions of claims 7 and 13, if the permission / rejection information has not been changed since the execution time of the previous print job, the transmission route is the same as the transmission route used in the previous print job. One route corresponding to one device is determined by the one device as the route used in the print job this time. Therefore, it is not necessary to send the usage route determination request to the other device as well. Therefore, it is possible to suppress communication between the other device and the print instruction receiving device.

Further, in particular, according to the invention of claim 10 , when the direct route is determined as the usage route, the network address of the print output device and the network address stored in the server device is also printed from the server device. It is sent to the instruction receiving device. Therefore, even if the network address of the print output device is not stored in advance in the print instruction receiving device, the print instruction receiving device can use the direct route.

It is a figure which shows the printing system. It is a figure which shows the functional block of the MFP. It is a figure which shows the functional block of a print server. It is a conceptual diagram which shows two routes of a direct route and a route via a server. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the route determination process in a print server. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the operation after the route determination processing in a print server. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the operation after the route determination processing in a print server. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the route determination processing in an MFP. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the operation after the route determination processing in the MFP. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the operation after the route determination processing in the MFP. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of an external terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of a print server. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the MFP. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the print server which concerns on the modification. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the MFP which concerns on a modification. It is a figure which shows the management table of the permission / disapproval information for each user.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<1-1. Configuration overview>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a printing system 1 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 includes an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) 10, a print server 90, and a plurality of external terminals 50 (50a, 50b, ...).

The elements 10, 50, and 90 in the system 1 are connected to each other so as to be communicable with each other via the network 108. The network 108 is composed of a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, and the like. Further, the connection mode to the network 108 may be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

The external terminal 50 is an information input / output terminal device (information terminal) capable of network communication with other devices (print server 90, MFP 10, etc.). The external terminal 50 is also referred to as a "print instruction receiving device" that receives a print instruction (print job execution instruction, etc.) from the user. Here, a so-called personal computer is exemplified as the external terminal 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the external terminal 50 may be a tablet type terminal or the like. Further, here, it is assumed that each of the plurality of users in the printing system 1 has one external terminal 50 (external terminal 50 dedicated to itself). For example, it is assumed that the user U1 has an external terminal 50a and the user U2 has an external terminal 50b.

The printing system 1 has "direct path R1" and "direct path R1" as transmission paths (also referred to as information transmission paths) used when information (print job or the like) is transmitted from the external terminal 50 to the MFP 10. There are two routes, "route via server R2" (see FIG. 4). Since the transmission route is also a route used for transmitting a print job (print command), it is also referred to as a print command route or a job transmission route.

The direct route R1 is a direct transmission route from the external terminal 50 to the MFP 10 (a transmission route that does not go through the print server 90). The direct route R1 is also referred to as a "direct route" or the like. For example, when the direct path R1 is used in a print job, the print job is directly transmitted from the external terminal 50 to the MFP 10 (without going through the print server 90).

On the other hand, the server route R2 is a transmission route from the external terminal 50 to the MFP 10 via the print server 90. The route R2 via the server is also referred to as an "indirect route" or the like. For example, when the route R2 via the server is used in the print job, the print job is transmitted from the external terminal 50 to the MFP 10 (indirectly) via the print server 90. Specifically, the external terminal 50 transmits a print job to the print server 90, and the print server 90 transmits (transfers) the print job received from the external terminal 50 to the MFP 10. The network address of the MFP 10 is registered in the print server 90 in advance, and the print server 90 transmits a print job (a print job from the external terminal 50) to the MFP 10 based on the network address.

Further, in this printing system 1, application software (specifically, a printer driver) capable of using the two transmission paths is installed in each external terminal 50 (each external terminal 50 of a plurality of users). ing. The printer driver transmits a print job to the MFP 10 by using the transmission route determined by the print server 90 or (and) the MFP 10 out of the two routes of the direct route R1 and the server route R2.

As will be described later, the transmission route to be used in the print job corresponding to the print instruction from a certain user is the permission or disapproval defined for the certain user (the execution instruction user of the print job) among a plurality of users. It is determined based on the information (described below) (FIG. 16).

The permission / rejection information (also referred to as direct permission / rejection information) is transmitted to the MFP 10 (from any of the plurality of external terminals 50) without going through the print server 90 for each print job by the plurality of users (U1, U2, ...). This is information that defines whether or not to allow print output by the MFP 10 based on a print command that is directly transmitted. In other words, the direct permission / rejection information is information that defines whether or not each user can use the direct path R1. The direct permission / rejection information is predetermined by the administrator of the printing system 1 for each of the plurality of users in the printing system 1. Further, the direct permission / rejection information is registered in the management table 200 in the MFP 10. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a management table 200 of direct permission / rejection information determined for each user.

Specifically, the administrator registers in advance in the management table 200 whether or not to allow the use of the direct route R1 for each of the plurality of users (U1, U2, ...). In other words, the administrator registers in advance whether or not to restrict the use of the direct route R1 for each of the plurality of users. Then, the direct permission / rejection information (direct permission / rejection information different for each user) defined for each user is stored in the MFP 10 (specifically, the management table 200) in association with the user identification information (for example, the user ID) of each user. To. For example, for the user U1, the fact that the use of the direct route R1 is not permitted (prohibited) (“prohibited”) is registered in the management table 200 in association with the user identification information (“userU1”) of the user U1. There is. Further, regarding the user U2, the fact that the use of the direct route R1 is permitted (“allowable”) is registered in the management table 200 in association with the user identification information (“userU2”) of the user U2. Similarly, for other users, the availability of the direct route R1 is registered in the management table 200 in association with the user identification information of each user.

<1-2. Configuration of MFP10>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional block of the MFP 10.

The MFP 10 is a device (also referred to as a multifunction device) having a scanning function, a copying function, a facsimile function, a box storage function, and the like. Specifically, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the MFP 10 includes an image reading unit 2, a print output unit 3, a communication unit 4, a storage unit 5, an operation unit 6, a controller (control unit) 9, and the like. By operating each of these parts in a complex manner, various functions are realized. The MFP 10 is also referred to as a print output device or an image forming device. The MFP 10 is also referred to as a "route determination device" that determines a transmission route to be used in a print job in the print system 1.

The image reading unit 2 is a processing unit that optically reads (that is, scans) a document placed in a predetermined position of the MFP 10 to generate image data (also referred to as original image data or scan data) of the original. Is. The image reading unit 2 is also referred to as a scanning unit.

The print output unit 3 is an output unit that prints and outputs an image on various media such as paper based on print target data.

The communication unit 4 is a processing unit capable of performing facsimile communication via a public line or the like. Further, the communication unit 4 can also perform network communication via the network 108. In this network communication, for example, various protocols such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) are used. By using the network communication, the MFP 10 can exchange various data with and from a desired destination (print server 90 or the like). The communication unit 4 has a transmission unit 4a for transmitting various data and a reception unit 4b for receiving various data.

The storage unit 5 is composed of a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and a semiconductor memory. For example, the storage unit 5 stores a management table 200 (FIG. 16) of direct permission / rejection information for each user.

The operation unit 6 includes an operation input unit 6a for receiving an operation input to the MFP 10, and a display unit 6b for displaying and outputting various information.

The MFP 10 is provided with a substantially plate-shaped operation panel portion 6c (see FIG. 1). Further, the operation panel unit 6c has a touch panel 25 (see FIG. 1) on the front side thereof. The touch panel 25 functions as a part of the operation input unit 6a and also as a part of the display unit 6b. The touch panel 25 is configured by embedding various sensors and the like in a liquid crystal display panel, and is capable of displaying various information and receiving various operation inputs from the operator.

The controller 9 is a control device built in the MFP 10 and collectively controls the MFP 10. The controller 9 is configured as a computer system including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (also referred to as a microprocessor or a computer processor) and various semiconductor memories (RAM and ROM). The controller 9 realizes various processing units by executing a predetermined software program (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a program) stored in a ROM (for example, EEPROM (registered trademark)) in the CPU. The program (specifically, a program module group) may be recorded on a portable recording medium such as a USB memory, read from the recording medium, and installed in the MFP 10. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded via the network 108 or the like and installed in the MFP 10.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the controller 9 includes various types including a communication control unit 11, an input control unit 12, a display control unit 13, a job control unit 14, and a determination unit 15 by executing the program. Realize the processing unit.

The communication control unit 11 is a processing unit that controls communication operations with other devices (print server 90, external terminal 50, etc.) in cooperation with the communication unit 4, etc. For example, the communication control unit 11 receives from the external terminal 50 a usage route determination request requesting determination of a transmission route (usage route) to be used in a print job corresponding to a print instruction from a user. Further, when the direct route R1 is determined as the usage route by the determination unit 15, the communication control unit 11 transmits a usage route determination notification to the effect that the direct route R1 should be used to the external terminal 50. Further, the communication control unit 11 notifies the external terminal 50 of the use route determination that the server route R2 should be used instead of the direct route R1 when the server route R2 is determined by the determination unit 15. Send.

The input control unit 12 is a control unit that controls an operation of receiving an operation input from a user to the operation input unit 6a (touch panel 25 or the like).

The display control unit 13 is a processing unit that controls the display operation on the display unit 6b (touch panel 25 or the like). The display control unit 13 displays an operation screen or the like for operating the MFP 10 on the touch panel 25.

The job control unit 14 is a processing unit that controls the execution operation of various jobs (print jobs, etc.) in the MFP 10.

The determination unit 15 determines the transmission route (usage route) to be used in the print job corresponding to the print instruction from the user (the possessing user of a certain external terminal 50) among the direct route R1 and the server route R2. It is a processing unit that executes a process for determining (route determination process P10 (FIG. 5)) and the like. Specifically, the determination unit 15 is based on the direct permission / rejection information (direct permission / rejection information in the management table 200 in the MFP 10) defined for the possessing user (the user who is instructed to execute the print job) among the plurality of users. Determine the usage route.

Here, an embodiment in which the above-mentioned various operations are executed mainly by executing a software program on the CPU of the controller 9 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the MFP 10 (details, details). , The inside or outside of the controller 9) may be used to execute the above-mentioned various operations. For example, all or part of the communication control unit 11, the input control unit 12, the display control unit 13, the job control unit 14, the determination unit 15 (FIG. 2), and the like are realized by using one or more dedicated hardware. May be good.

<1-3. Configuration of print server 90>
Next, the configuration of the print server 90 will be described.

The print server 90 is a server device (external server device) different from the MFP 10 and the external terminal 50. The print server 90 is also referred to as a relay device that relays (mediates) data transmission (specifically, transmission of a print job) from the external terminal 50 to the MFP 10. The print server 90 is also referred to as a "route determination device" that determines a transmission route to be used in a print job in the print system 1.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the print server 90.

As shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 3, the print server 90 includes a communication unit 94, a storage unit 95, a controller 99 (control unit), and the like, and by operating each of these units in a complex manner, various types of print servers 90 are provided. Realize the function.

The communication unit 94 can perform network communication via the network 108. In this network communication, for example, various protocols such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) are used. By using the network communication, the print server 90 can exchange various data with and from a desired destination (external terminal 50, MFP 10, etc.). The communication unit 94 has a transmission unit 94a for transmitting various data and a reception unit 94b for receiving various data.

The storage unit 95 is composed of various storage devices ((volatile and / or non-volatile) semiconductor memory and / or hard disk drive (HDD), etc.).

The controller 99 is a control device built in the print server 90 and collectively controls the print server 90. The controller 99 is configured as a computer system including a CPU and various semiconductor memories (RAM and ROM). The controller 99 realizes various processing units by executing a predetermined program stored in the storage unit 95 in the CPU. The program (specifically, a program module group) may be recorded on a portable recording medium such as a USB memory, read from the recording medium, and installed on the print server 90. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded via the network 108 or the like and installed on the print server 90.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the controller 99 realizes various processing units including the communication control unit 81 and the determination unit 82 by executing the program or the like.

The communication control unit 81 is a processing unit that cooperates with the communication unit 94 to control the communication operation with other devices (MFP10, external terminal 50, etc.). For example, the communication control unit 81 receives a usage route determination request requesting the determination of the usage route from the external terminal 50. Further, the communication control unit 81 inquires of the MFP 10 and acquires the direct permission / rejection information defined for the user who is instructed to execute the print job among the plurality of users. Further, when the server-via route R2 is determined as the usage route by the determination unit 82, the communication control unit 81 transmits a usage route determination notification to the effect that the server-via route R2 should be used to the external terminal 50. Further, when the direct route R1 is determined as the usage route by the determination unit 82, the communication control unit 81 transmits a usage route determination notification to the external terminal 50 that the direct route R1 should be used instead of the server route R2. do.

The determination unit 82 determines the transmission route (usage route) to be used in the print job corresponding to the print instruction from the user (the possessing user of a certain external terminal 50) among the direct route R1 and the server route R2. It is a processing unit that executes a process for determining (route determination process P40 (FIG. 8)) and the like. Specifically, the determination unit 82 is based on the direct permission / rejection information (direct permission / rejection information in the management table 200 in the MFP 10) defined for the possessing user (the user who is instructed to execute the print job) among the plurality of users. Determine the usage route.

Here, an embodiment in which the above-mentioned various operations are executed mainly by executing the software program on the CPU of the controller 99 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the print server 90 (details). The above-mentioned various operations may be executed by using dedicated hardware or the like provided inside or outside the controller 99. For example, all or part of the communication control unit 81, the determination unit 82 (FIG. 3), and the like may be realized by using one or more dedicated hardware.

<1-4. Operation>
When a certain external terminal 50 among a plurality of external terminals 50 receives a print instruction from a user possessing the own device 50, a usage route (a transmission route to be used in a print job corresponding to the print instruction). First, the usage route determination request requesting the determination of is transmitted to either the device of the MFP 10 or the print server 90. Then, the device (print server 90 or MFP 10) that receives the usage route determination request from the certain external terminal 50 determines the usage route. Depending on the determination result of the one device, the usage route determination request may be transmitted to the other device as described later. After that, the certain external terminal 50 transmits a print job to the MFP 10 using the determined utilization route.

In the following, first, the usage route determination process (route determination process P10 (FIG. 5)) in the print server 90 and the usage route determination process (route determination process P40 (FIG. 8)) in the MFP 10 will be described. Then, the operation in various situations will be described.

<Route determination processing in the print server 90, etc.>
First, the process of determining the route to be used in the print server 90 (route determination process P10 (FIG. 5)) and the like will be described.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the external terminal 50, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print server 90 (specifically, the operation at the time of receiving the usage route determination request). Further, FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the route determination process P10 in the print server 90, and FIGS. 6 and 7 are conceptual diagrams showing the operations (post-route determination processes P20 and P30) after the route determination process P10. be.

Specifically, prior to the flowchart of FIG. 11, the user activates the printer driver in his / her external terminal 50 with the print target file opened by a certain application. Then, the user specifies the output destination device (MFP10) of the print target file using the operation screen (not shown) of the printer driver, and makes various settings related to the print job. After that, the user gives an execution instruction of the print job by pressing the print start button or the like in the operation screen.

When a print instruction from the user is given by the external terminal 50 in this way, the flowchart of FIG. 11 is started.

Specifically, in steps S11 to S14, as will be described later, the external terminal 50 prints the usage route determination request by using one of the two routes, the direct route R1 and the server route R2. Transmission is performed to one of the devices of the server 90 and the MFP 10 (step S13 or step S14). The usage route determination request is a request for determining the usage route in the print job corresponding to the print instruction. The usage route determination request includes user identification information (user ID, etc.) of the execution instruction user of the print job (user possessing the external terminal 50) and job identification information (job ID, etc.) of the print job. ..

Then, in the device (print server 90 or MFP 10) that has received the usage route determination request, the usage route determination process (route determination process) or the like (FIG. 12 or FIG. 13) is executed.

In the following, when the usage route determination request is transmitted to the print server 90 using the server route R2 (see steps S14 and FIG. 5), and when the usage route determination request is transmitted to the MFP 10 using the direct route R1 (see step S14 and FIG. 5). The operation of the print server 90 in the former case of step S13 and FIG. 8) will be described with reference mainly to FIG.

The print server 90 proceeds from step S21 to step S22 in response to the reception of the usage route determination request from the external terminal 50 (step S21 (FIG. 12)).

In steps S22 to S25, a route for determining a usage route (a transmission route among the direct route R1 and the server route R2 that should be used in the print job corresponding to the print instruction from the user who possesses the external terminal 50). The determination process P10 (see FIG. 5) is executed on the print server 90. Then, when the usage route is determined, the operation after the route determination process P10 (the route determination post-processing P20 (FIG. 6) or P30 (FIG. 7)) is executed by the print server 90 (step S26 or S27). ..

Specifically, first, in step S22, the print server 90 determines whether or not to allow the user (user who is instructed to execute the print job) of the external terminal 50, which is the request source of the usage route determination request, among the plurality of users. The information is obtained by inquiring to the MFP 10 (see FIG. 5).

More specifically, the print server 90 transmits the transmission request of the direct permission / rejection information of the execution instruction user and the user identification information of the execution instruction user to the MFP 10. Then, the MFP 10 specifies the direct permission / rejection information of the execution instruction user from the management table 200 (FIG. 16) of the direct permission / rejection information determined for each user based on the user identification information. After that, the MFP 10 transmits the specified direct permission / rejection information (direct permission / rejection information defined for the execution instruction user) to the print server 90, and the print server 90 acquires the direct permission / rejection information of the execution instruction user from the MFP 10.

Then, the process proceeds from step S22 to step S23.

In step S23, the print server 90 determines whether or not the use of the direct route R1 by the execution instruction user is permitted based on the direct permission / rejection information defined for the execution instruction user of the print job among the plurality of users. Is determined.

For example, if the use of the direct route R1 by the print job execution instruction user is not permitted (prohibited), the process proceeds from step S23 to step S24, and the print server 90 uses the server route R2. To be determined as. Then, the process proceeds from step S24 to step S26.

In step S26, the print server 90 transmits a usage route determination notification to the effect that the server route R2 should be used to the external terminal 50 (external terminal 50 that requests the usage route determination request). Specifically, the print server 90 permits (allows) the use of the server route R2 among the direct route R1 and the server route R2 in the print job related to the usage route determination request. Is transmitted to the external terminal 50 as a notification of determining the usage route to the effect that the route R2 via the server should be used (see FIG. 6). In other words, the print server 90 transmits a job transmission request requesting transmission of the print job related to the usage route determination request to the print server 90 to the external terminal 50. Further, the print server 90 stores the job identification information included in the usage route determination request in the own device 90 as reception permission information to the effect that reception of the print job having the job identification information should be permitted.

When the external terminal 50 receives the route use permission notification (in other words, the job transmission request) (step S15 (FIG. 11)), the external terminal 50 transmits the print job to the MFP 10 using the determined use route (step S16). ..

Here, the external terminal 50 sends a print job to the MFP 10 using the server route R2 in response to the route use permission notification from the print server 90 (notification that the use of the server route R2 is permitted). (Step S16) (see FIG. 6).

Specifically, the external terminal 50 transmits a print job from the execution instruction user to the print server 90. The print server 90 matches the job identification information of the print job from the external terminal 50 with the job identification information included in the usage route determination request, and prints the job identification information included in the usage route determination request as reception permission information. Receiving the print job is permitted on condition that it is stored in the server 90. Then, the print server 90 receives the print job and transmits (transfers) it to the MFP 10. The MFP 10 executes a print job transmitted from the print server 90 (that is, a print job transmitted from the external terminal 50 (via the print server 90) using the server route R2). The print job reception process and the print job transfer process to the MFP 10 on the print server 90 are executed by a subroutine (not shown) different from the subroutine shown in the flowchart of FIG.

Then, the external terminal 50 stores the transmission route (here, the route via the server R2) used in this print job (step S17).

Returning to the description of step S23 in FIG. 12 again.

If the user who is instructed to execute the print job is allowed to use the direct route R1, the process proceeds from step S23 to step S25, and the print server 90 determines the direct route R1 as the usage route instead of the server route R2. (Step S25). Then, the process proceeds from step S25 to step S27.

In step S27, the print server 90 sends a usage route determination notification to the external terminal 50 that the direct route R1 should be used instead of the server route R2. In other words, the determination result that the print server 90 determines the other route (here, the direct route R1) different from the server route R2 among both the direct route R1 and the server route R2 as the usage route. Is transmitted to the external terminal 50. Specifically, the print server 90 notifies that the use of the route R2 via the server is not permitted (allowed) among the two routes as a route use disapproval notification that the direct route R1 should be used. It is transmitted to the external terminal 50 (see FIG. 7). Further, the print server 90 transmits the network address of the MFP 10 (the network address stored in the print server 90) to the external terminal 50 together with the route use permission notification.

When the external terminal 50 receives the route use disapproval notification (step S18 (FIG. 11)), the external terminal 50 makes a use route determination request in the other device (step S13 or step S14) of the two devices. It is also transmitted to a device different from the transmitted device) (step S19).

Here, the external terminal 50 makes a usage route determination request to the MFP 10 (the other device) based on the route usage disapproval notification from the print server 90 (notification that the use of the server-via route R2 is not permitted among both routes). ) Also (step S19). Specifically, the external terminal 50 transmits the usage route determination request to the MFP 10 based on the network address (network address of the MFP 10) acquired from the print server 90.

Then, as will be described later, this time, the MFP 10 executes the process of determining the route to be used (route determination process P40 (FIG. 8)) and the process P60 (FIG. 10) after the route determination process P40. As a result, the direct route R1 is determined as the utilization route in the MFP 10, and the print job is transmitted from the external terminal 50 to the MFP 10 using the direct route R1.

In this way, when the usage route determination request is transmitted from the external terminal 50 to the print server 90, the route determination process P10 (FIG. 5) is executed in the print server 90, and the determination in the route determination process P10 is performed. The process (process P20 (FIG. 6) or process P30 (FIG. 7)) according to the result is executed.

<Route determination process P40 in MFP10>
Next, the process of determining the route to be used in the MFP 10 (route determination process P40) and the like will be described.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the MFP 10 (specifically, the operation at the time of receiving the usage route determination request). Further, FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the route determination process P40 in the MFP 10, and FIGS. 9 and 10 are conceptual diagrams showing the operation (post-route determination process P50, P60) after the route determination process P40.

Specifically, the MFP 10 proceeds from step S31 to step S33 in response to the reception of the usage route determination request from the external terminal 50 (step S31).

In steps S33 to S35, the MFP 10 determines a route (a transmission route among the direct route R1 and the route via the server R2 that should be used in the print job corresponding to the print instruction from the execution instruction user). Process P40 (see FIG. 8) is executed. Then, when the usage route is determined, the operation after the route determination process P40 (the route determination post-processing P50 (FIG. 9) or P60 (FIG. 10)) is executed by the MFP 10 (step S36 or S37).

Specifically, the MFP 10 is the execution instruction user based on the direct permission / rejection information defined for the possession user (execution instruction user of the print job) of the external terminal 50 that is the request source of the usage route determination request among the plurality of users. It is determined whether or not the use of the direct route R1 by the above is permitted (step S33). More specifically, the MFP 10 has a management table 200 (FIG. 16) of direct permission / rejection information predetermined for each user based on the user identification information (user identification information included in the usage route determination request) of the execution instruction user. The direct permission / rejection information of the execution instruction user is specified from the information. Then, the MFP 10 determines whether or not the use of the direct route R1 by the execution instruction user is permitted based on the specified direct permission / rejection information (direct permission / rejection information defined for the execution instruction user).

For example, when the use of the direct route R1 by the execution instruction user of the print job is permitted, the process proceeds from step S33 to step S35, and the MFP 10 determines the direct route R1 as the usage route (step S35). Then, the process proceeds from step S35 to step S37.

In step S37, the MFP 10 transmits a usage route determination notification to the effect that the direct route R1 should be used to the external terminal 50 (external terminal 50 that requests the usage route determination request). Specifically, the MFP 10 directly sends a route use permission notification to the effect that the print job related to the use route determination request permits (allows) the use of the direct route R1 among the direct route R1 and the server via route R2. It is transmitted to the external terminal 50 as a usage route determination notification to the effect that the route R1 should be used (see FIG. 10). In other words, the MFP 10 transmits a job transmission request requesting transmission (direct transmission) of the print job related to the usage route determination request to the MFP 10 to the external terminal 50. Further, the MFP 10 stores the job identification information included in the usage route determination request in the own device 10 as reception permission information to the effect that reception of the print job having the job identification information should be permitted.

When the external terminal 50 receives the route usage permission notification (in other words, the job transmission request) (step S15 (FIG. 11)), the external terminal 50 transmits the print job to the MFP 10 using the determined usage route as described above. (Step S16).

However, here, the external terminal 50 sends a print job to the MFP 10 using the direct route R1 in response to the route use permission notification (notification to the effect that the use of the direct route R1 is permitted) from the MFP 10 (step). S16) (see FIG. 10). Specifically, the external terminal 50 directly transmits the print job to the MFP 10 (without going through the print server 90). Then, the external terminal 50 stores the transmission path (here, the direct path R1) used in this print job (step S17).

The MFP 10 matches the job identification information of the print job transmitted from the external terminal 50 using the direct route R1 with the job identification information included in the usage route determination request, and the job identification information included in the usage route determination request. Is stored in the MFP 10 as reception permission information, and reception of the print job is permitted. Then, when the MFP 10 receives the print job, the MFP 10 executes the print job. The print job reception process, the print job execution process, and the like in the MFP 10 are executed by a subroutine (not shown) different from the subroutine shown in the flowchart of FIG.

Returning to the description of step S33 in FIG. 13 again.

If the use of the direct route R1 by the print job execution instruction user is not permitted (prohibited), the process proceeds from step S33 to step S34, and the MFP 10 uses the server route R2 instead of the direct route R1. It is determined as a route (step S34). Then, the process proceeds from step S34 to step S36.

In step S36, the MFP 10 transmits a usage route determination notification to the external terminal 50 that the server route R2 should be used instead of the direct route R1. In other words, the MFP 10 externally determines the determination result that the other route (here, the server via route R2) different from the direct route R1 is determined as the usage route among both the direct route R1 and the server via route R2. Send to the terminal 50. Specifically, the MFP 10 is an external terminal as a route use disapproval notification indicating that the use of the direct route R1 is not permitted (allowed) among the two routes, and as a usage route determination notification indicating that the server route R2 should be used. It is transmitted to 50 (see FIG. 9).

When the external terminal 50 receives the route use disapproval notification (step S18 (FIG. 11)), as described above, the external terminal 50 makes a use route determination request (second use route determination request) to the other of the two devices. It is also transmitted to the device (a device different from the device that sent the usage route determination request in step S13 or step S14) (step S19). Here, the external terminal 50 also transmits a usage route determination request to the print server 90 based on the route usage disapproval notification from the MFP 10 (notification that the use of the direct route R1 is not permitted among both routes).

Then, in response to the usage route determination request, the print server 90 executes the usage route determination process (route determination process P10 (FIG. 5)) as described above. As a result, the server route R2 is determined as the usage route in the print server 90, and the print job is transmitted from the external terminal 50 to the MFP 10 using the server route R2.

In this way, when the usage route determination request is transmitted from the external terminal 50 to the MFP 10, the route determination process P40 (FIG. 8) is executed in the MFP 10, and the determination result in the route determination process P40 is met. The process (process P50 (FIG. 9) or process P60 (FIG. 10)) is executed.

As described above, in this printing system 1, when a printing instruction from a certain user among a plurality of users is received, the plurality of transmission routes to be used in the print job corresponding to the printing instruction are the plurality. It is automatically determined based on the direct permission / denial information specified for the certain user among the users of. Therefore, the administrator does not need to prepare a separate printer driver (printer driver dedicated to each route) for each route, and instructs each user to install a printer driver for the transmission route to be used by each user. Does not need. As a result, the labor of the administrator is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to relatively easily use the two routes, the direct route R1 and the server route R2.

Further, in the print system 1, when the direct route R1 is determined as the usage route instead of the server route R2 in the print server 90, the network address of the MFP 10 (the network address stored in the print server 90) is the print server. It is transmitted from 90 to the external terminal 50. Therefore, even if the network address of the MFP 10 is not stored (set) in advance in the external terminal 50, the external terminal 50 knows the network address of the MFP 10 and thereby provides a direct route R1 with direct access to the MFP 10. It is possible to use it.

Now, in the following, the operation in various situations will be described on the premise that the usage route in the print job is determined by the print server 90 and / or the MFP 10 as described above.

<Operation at the time of initial printing after installing the printer driver>
For example, if the first print instruction is received after the printer driver is installed in the external terminal 50, the following operation is executed.

Specifically, in step S11 of FIG. 11, the external terminal 50 determines whether or not there is a printing record (printing experience) after the printer driver is installed.

For example, if the first print instruction is received after the printer driver is installed, it is determined in step S11 that the print record is not available. Then, the process proceeds from step S11 to step S14, and the external terminal 50 transmits a usage route determination request to the print server 90 using the server route R2 (see also FIG. 5). Not limited to this, if there is no printing record, a usage route determination request may be transmitted to the MFP 10 using the direct route R1.

The print server 90 executes the above-mentioned route determination processing P10 (steps S22 to S25) (see FIG. 5), and also executes an operation (FIG. 6 or FIG. 7) according to the determination result of the usage route.

For example, when the print instruction (first print instruction) from the user U1 is received by the external terminal 50a, the print server 90 has the direct permission / rejection information (“prohibited”) of the user U1 among the plurality of users (FIG. 16). Based on (see), it is determined in step S23 that the use of the direct route R1 by the execution instruction user is not permitted. Then, the print server 90 determines the route via the server R2 as the usage route (step S24), and transmits a route usage permission notification to the effect that the use of the route via the server R2 is permitted to the external terminal 50a (step S26) (FIG. FIG. 6). After that, the external terminal 50a sends a print job to the MFP 10 using the route R2 via the server in response to the route use permission notification from the print server 90 (step S16) (see FIG. 6).

On the other hand, for example, when the print instruction (first print instruction) from the user U2 is received by the external terminal 50b, the print server 90 has the direct permission / rejection information (“permissible”) of the user U2 among the plurality of users. 16), it is determined in step S23 that the use of the direct route R1 by the execution instruction user is permitted. Then, the print server 90 determines the direct route R1 as the usage route (step S25), and transmits a route usage disapproval notification to the effect that the use of the server-via route R2 is not permitted to the external terminal 50b (step S27) (FIG. FIG. 7). After that, the external terminal 50b sends a usage route determination request (second usage route determination request) to the other device (in this case, the MFP 10) in response to the route usage disapproval notification from the print server 90 (step). S19).

Then, the MFP 10 executes the route determination process P40 (see FIG. 8).

Specifically, in step S33 (FIG. 13), the MFP 10 indicates that the use of the direct path R1 by the execution instruction user U2 is permitted based on the direct permission / rejection information (“allowable”) of the execution instruction user U2. To judge. Then, the MFP 10 determines the direct route R1 as the usage route (step S35), and transmits a route usage permission notification to the effect that the use of the direct route R1 is permitted to the external terminal 50b (step S37) (see FIG. 10). After that, the external terminal 50b sends a print job to the MFP 10 using the direct route R1 in response to the route use permission notification from the MFP 10 (step S16) (see FIG. 10).

<Operation at the time of printing from the next time onward>
After that, when the external terminal 50 receives the second and subsequent print instructions from the user, the following operations are executed. Here, it is assumed that the direct permission / rejection information (specifically, the direct permission / rejection information of the user who is instructed to execute the print job) has not been changed.

Specifically, when the second and subsequent printing instructions are received after the printer driver is installed, the external terminal 50 determines in step S11 (FIG. 11) that there is a printing record. Then, the process proceeds from step S11 to step S12.

In steps S12 to S14, the external terminal 50 is used by using the same route as the transmission route used in the previous print job (one of both the direct route R1 and the server route R2). Send a routing request.

Specifically, in step S12, the external terminal 50 determines whether or not the transmission route used in the previous print job is the direct route R1.

For example, when the second print job from the user U1 is accepted by the external terminal 50a, the step is that the transmission route used in the previous print job is not the direct route R1 (the route via the server R2). It is determined in S12.

Specifically, as described above, when the first print instruction from the user U1 is received by the external terminal 50a, the server route R2 is used in the print job corresponding to the first print instruction. .. After that, when the second print job from the user U1 is accepted by the external terminal 50a, the transmission route used in the previous print job is not the direct route R1 (it is the route via the server R2). Is determined in step S12.

Then, the process proceeds from step S12 to step S14, and the external terminal 50a transmits a usage route determination request to the print server 90 using the server-via route R2 (see FIG. 5).

After that, the print server 90 executes the route determination process P10 (FIG. 5) in the same manner as described above.

Specifically, the print server 90 determines the route via the server R2 as the usage route based on the direct permission / rejection information (“prohibited”) of the print job execution instruction user U1 (step S24). More specifically, if there is no change in the direct permission / rejection information (“prohibited”) of the print job execution instruction user U1 from the time of the previous print job execution, the print server 90 is used in the previous print job. The same route as the transmission route (transmission route corresponding to the print server 90) is determined as the route used in the print job this time. Then, the print server 90 transmits a route use permission notification to the effect that the use of the route R2 via the server is permitted to the external terminal 50a (step S26).

In response to the route use permission notification from the print server 90, the external terminal 50a transmits a print job to the MFP 10 using the server route R2 (the same route as the transmission route used in the previous print job) (the same route as the transmission route used in the previous print job). Step S16) (see FIG. 6).

When the third and subsequent print jobs from the user U1 are received by the external terminal 50a, the usage route determination request is similarly transmitted to the print server 90 using the server route R2, and the server route is also used. R2 is determined as the usage route.

In this way, when the server-routed route R2 is used in the previous print job on a certain external terminal 50 (here, the external terminal 50a), the direct route R1 is not used in the current print job. , The server route R2 will continue to be used.

According to this, if the direct permission / rejection information (direct permission / rejection information of the execution instruction user) has not been changed since the execution time of the previous print job, the route is the same as the route used in the previous print job on the print server 90. Moreover, the server-routed route R2, which is the route corresponding to the print server 90, is determined as the route used in the print job this time. Therefore, the external terminal 50 does not need to transmit the usage route determination request (second usage route determination request) to the other device (here, the MFP 10) (step S19 (FIG. 11)). Therefore, it is possible to suppress communication between the other device (MFP10) and the external terminal 50.

Further, for example, when the second print job from the user U2 is accepted by the external terminal 50b, it is shown in step S12 (FIG. 11) that the transmission path used in the previous print job is the direct path R1. Is judged.

Specifically, as described above, when the first print instruction from the user U2 is received by the external terminal 50b, the direct route R1 is used in the print job corresponding to the first print instruction. After that, when the second print job from the user U2 is accepted by the external terminal 50b, it is determined in step S12 that the transmission path used in the previous print job is the direct path R1. To.

Then, the process proceeds from step S12 to step S13, and the external terminal 50b transmits a usage route determination request to the MFP 10 using the direct route R1 (see also FIG. 8).

After that, the MFP 10 executes the routing process P40 (FIG. 8) in the same manner as described above.

Specifically, the MFP 10 determines the direct route R1 as the usage route based on the direct permission / rejection information (“allowable”) of the print job execution instruction user U2 (step S35). More specifically, if there is no change in the direct permission / rejection information (“permissible”) of the print job execution instruction user U2 from the time of the previous print job execution, the MFP 10 uses the transmission path used in the previous print job. The same route (transmission route corresponding to the MFP 10) is determined as the route used in this print job. Then, the MFP 10 transmits a route use permission notification to the effect that the use of the direct route R1 is permitted to the external terminal 50b (step S37).

In response to the route use permission notification from the MFP 10, the external terminal 50b transmits a print job to the MFP 10 using the direct route R1 (the same route as the transmission route used in the previous print job) (step S16). (See FIG. 10).

When the third and subsequent print jobs from the user U2 are accepted by the external terminal 50b, the usage route determination request is similarly transmitted to the MFP 10 using the direct route R1, and the direct route R1 is used as the usage route. Is determined as.

In this way, when the direct route R1 is used in the previous print job on a certain external terminal 50 (here, the external terminal 50b), the server-route route R2 is not used in the current print job. , The direct route R1 will continue to be used.

According to this, when the direct permission / rejection information (direct permission / rejection information of the execution instruction user) has not been changed since the execution time of the previous print job, the route is the same as the route used in the previous print job in the MFP10 and the relevant route is concerned. The direct route R1 which is the route corresponding to the MFP 10 is determined as the route used in the print job this time. Therefore, the external terminal 50 does not need to transmit the usage route determination request (second usage route determination request) to the other device (here, the print server 90) (step S19 (FIG. 11)). Therefore, it is possible to suppress communication between the other device (print server 90) and the external terminal 50.

<Operation when the setting of direct permission / rejection information is changed>
Now, due to various circumstances (for example, changing the rules of the department to which a certain user belongs), the administrator may want to change the transmission route used in the print job by a certain user. Between the previous print instruction by a certain user (when the previous print job is executed) and the current print instruction (when the print instruction is given), the setting of permission or disapproval of the direct route R1 by the certain user is changed. If so, the following operations are performed.

For example, when the direct permission / rejection information of the user U1 is changed from "prohibited" (see FIG. 16) to "allowed", the following operation is performed.

Specifically, when a new print instruction is received by the external terminal 50a of the user U1, the external terminal 50a makes a usage route determination request using the same transmission route used in the previous print job. Send. Here, in the previous print job, the server route R2 is used based on the direct permission / rejection information (“prohibited”) of the execution instruction user U1, and the external terminal 50a determines the usage route using the server route R2. The request is transmitted to the print server 90 (step S14) (see FIG. 5).

Then, the print server 90 executes the route determination process P10 (steps S22 to S25) (see FIG. 5).

However, here, the direct permission / rejection information of the user U1 is changed from "prohibited" to "allowed" between the time when the user U1 executes the previous print job and the time when the current print instruction is given. Therefore, the print server 90 uses the direct route R1 (not the server route R2) as the usage route (the usage route in this print job) based on the new direct permission / rejection information (“allowable”) of the user U1. Determine (step S25). Then, the print server 90 transmits a route use disapproval notification to the effect that the use of the route R2 via the server is not permitted to the external terminal 50a of the user U1 (step S27) (see FIG. 7).

After that, the external terminal 50a responds to the route use disapproval notification from the print server 90 and transmits the use route determination request to the MFP 10 using the other transmission route (here, the direct route R1) (step S19). (See also FIG. 8).

Then, the MFP 10 executes the route determination process P40 (steps S33 to S35) (see FIG. 8). Here, the MFP 10 determines the direct route R1 as the usage route based on the new direct permission / rejection information (“allowable”) of the execution instruction user U1 (step S35). Then, the MFP 10 transmits a route use permission notification to the effect that the use of the direct route R1 is permitted to the external terminal 50a (step S37), and the external terminal 50a transmits a print job to the MFP 10 using the direct route R1 (step S37). Step S16) (see FIG. 10).

If the next and subsequent print instructions from the user U1 are received after the direct permission / rejection information of the user U1 is changed to "allowable", the usage route determination request is transmitted to the MFP 10 instead of the print server 90. At the same time, the direct route R1 is determined as the utilization route (FIGS. 8 and 10).

Further, for example, when the direct permission / rejection information of the user U2 is changed from "allowable" (FIG. 16) to "prohibited", the following operation is performed.

Specifically, when a new print instruction is received by the external terminal 50b of the user U2, the external terminal 50b requests the use route determination using the same route as the transmission route used in the previous print job. To send. Here, in the previous print job, the direct route R1 is used based on the direct permission / rejection information (“allowable”) of the execution instruction user U2, and the external terminal 50b makes a usage route determination request using the direct route R1. It is transmitted to the MFP 10 (step S13) (see FIG. 8).

Then, the MFP 10 executes the route determination process P40 (steps S33 to S35) (see FIG. 8).

However, here, the direct permission / rejection information of the user U2 is changed from "allowable" to "prohibited" between the time when the previous print job is executed by the user U2 and the time when the current print instruction is given. Therefore, the MFP 10 determines the server route R2 (not the direct route R1) as the usage route based on the new direct permission / rejection information (“prohibited”) of the user U2 (step S34). Then, the MFP 10 transmits a route use disapproval notification to the effect that the use of the direct route R1 is not permitted to the external terminal 50b of the user U2 (step S36) (see FIG. 9).

After that, the external terminal 50b responds to the route use disapproval notification from the MFP 10 and transmits the use route determination request to the print server 90 using the other transmission route (here, the server route R2) (step S19). ) (See Fig. 5).

Then, the print server 90 executes the route determination process P10 (steps S22 to S25) (see FIG. 5). Here, the print server 90 determines the route via the server R2 as the usage route based on the new direct permission / rejection information (“prohibited”) of the execution instruction user U2 (step S24). Then, the print server 90 transmits a route use permission notification to the effect that the use of the route R2 via the server is permitted to the external terminal 50b (step S26), and the external terminal 50b uses the server route R2 to perform a print job on the MFP10. (Step S16) (see FIG. 6).

If the next and subsequent print instructions from the user U2 are received after the direct permission / rejection information of the user U2 is changed to "prohibited", the usage route determination request is transmitted to the print server 90 instead of the MFP 10. At the same time, the server route R2 is determined as the usage route (FIGS. 5 and 6).

Here, in the technique according to the comparative example described in the above problem column, the administrator is installed on the external terminal 50 of the user by using e-mail or the like when changing the route to be used in the print job by the user. Notify the user of the instruction to uninstall the existing printer driver and install the printer driver of the route to be newly used. Then, based on the instruction from the administrator, the user uninstalls the printer driver (printer driver before change) currently installed in his / her external terminal 50, and at the same time, the printer driver of the newly specified transmission path. Is installed on its own external terminal 50.

However, in the technique according to such a comparative example, it takes a lot of time and effort for the administrator and the user to change the transmission route used in the print job by the user.

On the other hand, in this printing system 1, even if the direct permission / rejection information (specifically, the direct permission / rejection information of the user who is instructed to execute the print job) is changed, the direct permission / rejection information after the change is used as the basis for the change. The transmission route to be used in the print job from the execution instruction user is automatically determined.

Therefore, the administrator does not need to notify the user of the instruction, and only needs to change the direct permission / rejection information of the execution instruction user in the MFP 10. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the trouble of the administrator when changing the direct permission / rejection information.

Further, the execution instruction user does not need to perform the work of uninstalling the printer driver of the transmission path before the change and the work of installing the printer driver of the transmission path after the change on his / her external terminal 50. Therefore, it is possible to save the trouble of the user of the external terminal 50 when the direct permission / rejection information is changed.

<1-5. Modification example>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described above.

<Variation example regarding the conditions for determining the usage route>
For example, in the above embodiment, the usage route may be further determined in consideration of the communication load status in the print server 90.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print server 90 (operation at the time of receiving the usage route determination request) according to this modified example. In this modification, as shown in FIG. 14, the process of step S41 (described later) is executed between steps S23 and S25. The processing contents other than steps S41 in FIG. 14 (processing contents in steps S21 to S27) are the same as the processing contents in steps S21 to S27 in FIG.

Further, FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the MFP 10 (operation at the time of receiving the usage route determination request) according to this modified example. In this modification, as shown in FIG. 15, the process of step S51 (described later) is executed between steps S33 and S35. The processing contents other than step S51 in FIG. 15 (processing contents in steps S31 to S37) are the same as the processing contents in steps S31 to S37 in FIG.

Specifically, when the print server 90 (or the MFP 10) receives the usage route determination request from the external terminal 50, the print server 90 (or the MFP 10) is concerned based on the direct permission / rejection information of the execution instruction user in the same manner as in the above embodiment. It is determined whether or not the use of the direct route R1 by the execution instruction user is permitted (step S23 (step S33 in the case of the MFP 10)).

For example, when the use of the direct route R1 by the execution instruction user is not permitted, the process proceeds from step S23 (S33) to step S24 (S34), and the route R2 via the server is used, as in the above embodiment. Determined as a route. Then, a usage route determination notification indicating that the server route R2 should be used is transmitted from the print server 90 (or the MFP 10) to the external terminal 50 (step S26 (S36)), and the external terminal 50 sends the print job to the server route. It is transmitted to the MFP 10 using R2 (step S16 (FIG. 11)).

On the other hand, when the use of the direct path R1 by the execution instruction user is permitted, the process proceeds from step S23 (S33) to step S41 (S51).

In step S41 (S51), it is determined whether or not the communication load of the print server 90 (the communication load at present (when the usage route determination request is received)) is larger than a predetermined level.

Specifically, in step S41 (FIG. 14), the print server 90 acquires a communication load status indicating whether or not the communication load (current communication load) of the own device 90 is larger than a predetermined level. Then, the print server 90 determines whether or not the communication load of the own device 90 is larger than a predetermined level based on the acquired communication load status.

Further, in step S51 (FIG. 15), the MFP 10 inquires of the print server 90 and acquires the communication load status of the print server 90. Then, the MFP 10 determines whether or not the communication load of the print server 90 is larger than a predetermined level based on the communication load status acquired from the print server 90.

For example, when the communication load of the print server 90 is larger than a predetermined level, the process proceeds from step S41 (S51) to step S25 (S35), and the direct route R1 is determined as the usage route. In other words, when the use of the direct route R1 by the user instructing the execution of the print job is permitted and the communication load on the print server 90 is larger than a predetermined level, the direct route R1 is determined as the usage route. Then, a usage route determination notification indicating that the direct route R1 should be used is transmitted from the print server 90 (or the MFP 10) to the external terminal 50 (step S27 (S37)), and the external terminal 50 sends the print job to the direct route R1. It is transmitted to the MFP 10 using (step S16 (FIG. 11)).

On the other hand, when the communication load of the print server 90 is smaller than a predetermined level, the process proceeds from step S41 (S51) to step S24 (S34), and the server route R2 is determined as the usage route. In other words, even if the user who is instructed to execute the print job is allowed to use the direct route R1, when the communication load on the print server 90 is smaller than a predetermined level, the route R2 via the server is not the direct route R1. Is determined as the usage route. Then, a usage route determination notification indicating that the server route R2 should be used is transmitted from the print server 90 (or the MFP 10) to the external terminal 50 (step S26 (S36)), and the external terminal 50 sends the print job to the server route. It is transmitted to the MFP 10 using R2 (step S16 (FIG. 11)).

In this way, the usage route may be determined in consideration of the communication load status of the print server 90.

<Variation example of direct permission / rejection information>
Further, in the above-described embodiment and the like, the direct permission / rejection information is defined for each of the plurality of users (for each user), but the information is not limited thereto. For example, the direct permission / rejection information may be set for each of the plurality of external terminals 50 (50a, 50b, ...) (In other words, for each external terminal 50).

Specifically, the administrator registers in advance in the MFP 10 whether or not the direct route R1 is allowed for each of the plurality of external terminals 50. Then, the direct permission / rejection information defined for each external terminal 50 is stored in the MFP 10 in association with the terminal identification information (for example, IP address and / or MAC address) of each external terminal 50.

After that, when the print instruction is received by the external terminal 50, the external terminal 50 transmits a usage route determination request using the direct route R1 or the server route R2 as in the above embodiment (step S13 or). Step S14 (FIG. 11). Then, in the print server 90 or the MFP 10, the usage route in the print job corresponding to the print instruction is determined.

Specifically, the print server 90 inquires of the MFP 10 and acquires the direct permission / rejection information defined for the external terminal 50 that is the request source of the usage route determination request among the plurality of external terminals 50. Then, the print server 90 determines the usage route based on the acquired direct permission / rejection information (direct permission / rejection information regarding the external terminal 50 of the request source) (step S24 or step S25). For example, if there is no change in the direct permission / rejection information of the external terminal 50 that is the request source of the usage route determination request from the time of execution of the previous print job, the print server 90 is the same as the transmission route used in the previous print job. The route is determined as the route used in this print job.

Further, the MFP 10 determines a usage route based on the direct permission / rejection information (direct permission / rejection information in the MFP 10) defined for the external terminal 50 of the request source among the plurality of external terminals 50 (step S34 or step S35). .. For example, if there is no change in the direct permission / rejection information of the external terminal 50 that requested the usage route determination request from the time of execution of the previous print job, the MFP 10 uses the same transmission route as that used in the previous print job. , Determined as the usage route for this print job.

In this way, the direct permission / rejection information may be defined for each of the plurality of external terminals 50.

According to this, when a print instruction is received by the external terminal 50, the transmission route to be used in the print job corresponding to the print instruction is determined for the external terminal 50 among the plurality of external terminals 50. It is automatically determined based on the direct permission / rejection information. Therefore, the administrator does not need to prepare a separate printer driver (printer driver dedicated to each route) for each route, and installs the printer driver for the transmission route to be used by each external terminal 50 at each external terminal 50. It is not necessary to instruct the user who owns the printer. As a result, the labor of the administrator is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to relatively easily use the two routes, the direct route R1 and the server route R2.

<Modification example of storage destination of direct permission / rejection information>
Further, in the above embodiment and the like, the management table 200 (direct permission / rejection information for each user or each external terminal 50) (FIG. 16) is stored in the MFP 10 (only), but the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, the management table 200 may be stored in the print server 90 (only). In this case, the print server 90 identifies and identifies the direct permission / rejection information of the print job execution instruction user (or the external terminal 50 that requests the usage route determination request) from the management table 200 in the own device 90. The usage route in the print job is determined based on the direct permission / rejection information. Further, the MFP 10 inquires of the print server 90 for the direct permission / rejection information of the print job execution instruction user (or the external terminal 50 of the request source of the usage route determination request), and obtains the direct permission / rejection information acquired from the print server 90. Based on this, the usage route in the print job is determined.

In this way, the management table 200 may be stored in the print server 90 (only).

Alternatively, the management table 200 (direct permission / rejection information for each user or each external terminal 50) may be stored in each of the plurality of external terminals 50 (not stored in the MFP 10 and the print server 90). good.

However, it is more preferable that the management table 200 is stored in only one of the apparatus of the MFP 10 and the print server 90. In other words, it is more preferable that the management table 200 is stored in a single device.

Specifically, when the management table 200 is stored in a single device (MFP10 or print server 90), the administrator does not need to store the management table 200 in each of the plurality of external terminals 50. It is possible to manage the management table 200 (direct permission / rejection information for each user (or each external terminal 50)) in one device. Therefore, the administrator can easily manage the direct permission / rejection information.

Further, it is more preferable that the management table 200 is stored in an apparatus (MFP10 and / or a print server 90) having a determination unit for determining a usage route.

Specifically, when the management table 200 is stored in the MFP 10 (the device having the determination unit 15 (FIG. 2)), the MFP 10 is based on the direct permission / rejection information in the own device 10 (in short, simply speaking). It is possible to determine the usage route (self-contained). In other words, when determining the usage route, the MFP 10 does not need to inquire of another device for the direct permission / rejection information of the print job execution instruction user (or the external terminal 50 that requests the usage route determination request). Therefore, when determining the usage route, it is possible to suppress communication between the device having the determination unit for determining the usage route and another device.

<Modification example of the route used to send the usage route determination request to one device>
Further, in the above embodiment, in the external terminal 50, the usage route determination request is sent to one of the devices of the print server 90 and the MFP 10 by using the transmission path used in the previous print job. Although transmitted (steps S12 to S14 (FIG. 11)), the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the external terminal 50, the usage route determination request may be transmitted using a randomly selected transmission route.

<Modification example of transmission of usage route determination request to the other device (step S19)>
Further, in the above-described embodiment or the like, in one of the two devices (the device that receives the usage route determination request transmitted in step S13 or step S14), the transmission path corresponding to the other device (the other). When the transmission route) is determined as the usage route, the usage route determination request is also transmitted from the external terminal 50 to the other device (step S19), but the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, when the other transmission route is determined as the usage route in the one device, the usage route determination request may not be transmitted to the other device.

Specifically, when the other transmission route is determined as the usage route in the one device, the other transmission route should be used (instead of the usage route determination request being transmitted to the other device). An operation or the like in which a usage route determination notification to that effect is transmitted to the other device may be executed.

More specifically, for example, in the print server 90, when the direct route R1 is determined as the usage route instead of the server route R2, the print server 90 notifies the usage route determination that the direct route R1 should be used (server). A route use disapproval notification to the effect that the use of the route R2 is not permitted) is transmitted not only to the external terminal 50 but also to the MFP 10. Further, the print server 90 receives that the job identification information (job identification information included in the usage route determination request) of the print job related to the usage route determination request should be permitted to receive the print job having the job identification information. It is transmitted to the MFP 10 as permission information. Then, in response to the route use disapproval notification from the print server 90, the external terminal 50 transmits a print job (not a usage route determination request) to the MFP 10 using the direct route R1. The MFP 10 permits the reception of the print job transmitted from the external terminal 50 using the direct route R1 based on the route use disapproval notification from the print server 90 and the job identification information (reception permission information). .. Then, the MFP 10 executes the print output of the received print job.

In this way, when the other transmission route is determined as the usage route in the print job in one of the two devices, even if the usage route determination request is not transmitted from the external terminal 50 to the other device. good.

<Modification example related to the determination part>
Further, in the above-described embodiment or the like, a determination unit (determination unit 15 (FIG. 2) and determination unit 82 (FIG. 3)) for determining a usage route is provided on both the print server 90 and the MFP 10. However, the determination unit may be provided only in one of the print server 90 and the MFP 10.

For example, the determination unit may not be provided in the MFP 10 but may be provided only in the print server 90. In this case, the external terminal 50 always transmits the usage route determination request to the print server 90 using the server route R2 (without considering the usage route in the previous print job).

On the contrary, the determination unit may not be provided in the print server 90 but may be provided only in the MFP 10. In this case, the external terminal 50 always transmits the usage route determination request to the MFP 10 using the direct route R1.

As described above, the determination unit for determining the usage route may be provided only in one of the devices of the print server 90 and the MFP 10.

Alternatively, a determination unit for determining the usage route may be provided in the external terminal 50 (only). Specifically, when the external terminal 50 receives the print instruction, the external terminal 50 may acquire the direct permission / rejection information of the execution instruction user (or the direct permission / rejection information of the own device 50) from the MFP 10 and determine the usage route. Then, the external terminal 50 may transmit the print job to the MFP 10 using the determined usage route.

10 MFP (print output device)
50 External terminal (print instruction receiving device)
90 Print server (server device)
R1 direct route R2 route via server

Claims (21)

A printing system including a print output device, a server device, and a print instruction receiving device for receiving printing instructions from a user.
It is specified whether or not to allow print output by the print output device based on a print command directly transmitted to the print output device without going through the server device for each print job by each of a plurality of users. A storage means for storing the permission / rejection information predetermined for each of the plurality of users, and a storage means for storing the permission / rejection information.
When the print instruction from one user is received by the print instruction receiving device, the direct route, which is a transmission route in which information is directly transmitted from the print instruction receiving device to the print output device, and the above. In the print job corresponding to the print instruction from the one user among the server route which is the transmission route in which the information is transmitted from the print instruction receiving device to the print output device via the server device. A determination means for determining a usage route, which is a transmission route to be used, based on the permission / rejection information defined for the one user among the plurality of users.
A printing system characterized by being equipped with. In the printing system according to claim 1,
The printing system further includes a plurality of printing instruction receiving devices including the printing instruction receiving device.
A printing system characterized in that the storage means is provided in either the print output device or the server device. In the printing system according to claim 1 ,
The storage means is provided in the print output device, and the storage means is provided in the print output device.
The printing system, wherein the determination means is provided in at least the print output device of the print output device and the server device. In the printing system according to claim 1 or 2 .
The printing system, wherein the determination means is provided in both the server device and the print output device. In the printing system according to claim 4 ,
When the print instruction receiving device receives the print instruction, the print instruction receiving device uses one of the two routes, the direct route and the server route, for the usage route determination request requesting the determination of the usage route. Then, it is transmitted to one of both the print output device and the server device.
The printing system, wherein the determination means of the one device determines the usage route in response to receiving the usage route determination request from the printing instruction receiving device. In the printing system according to claim 5 ,
When the print instruction receiving device receives from the one device a determination result that the other route different from the one route is determined as the utilization route, the printing instruction receiving device makes the utilization route determination request. A printing system characterized by transmitting to the other of both devices. In the printing system according to claim 6 ,
The print instruction receiving device transmits the usage route determination request to the one device by using the one route which is the same route as the transmission route used in the previous print job.
If the permission / rejection information has not changed since the execution time of the previous print job, the determination means of the one device is the same route as the transmission route used in the previous print job, and the one of the determination means. A printing system characterized in that one of the routes corresponding to the apparatus is determined as the usage route in the current print job. In the printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 .
The determination means is provided in at least the print output device of the print output device and the server device.
The print output device is
A first communication means for executing a communication operation with the print instruction receiving device,
Have more
The first communication means is
When the direct route is determined as the usage route by the determination means of the print output device, a usage route determination notification to the effect that the direct route should be used is transmitted to the print instruction receiving device.
When the server route is determined as the usage route by the determination means of the print output device, the print instruction receiving device is notified of the usage route determination that the server route should be used instead of the direct route. A printing system characterized by sending. In the printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 .
The determination means is provided in at least the server device of the print output device and the server device.
The server device is
A second communication means for executing a communication operation with the print instruction receiving device,
Have more
The second communication means is
When the server route is determined as the usage route by the determination means of the server device, a usage route determination notification to the effect that the server route should be used is transmitted to the print instruction receiving device.
When the direct route is determined as the usage route by the determination means of the server device, a usage route determination notification to the effect that the direct route should be used instead of the server via route is transmitted to the print instruction receiving device. A printing system characterized by that. In the printing system according to claim 9 ,
In the second communication means, when the direct route is determined as the usage route, the network address of the print output device and the network address stored in the server device is also used in the print instruction receiving device. A printing system characterized by sending. In the printing system according to claim 1,
The determination means receives the print instruction from the one user when the print instruction is received.
When the use of the direct route by the one user is not permitted, the route via the server is determined as the use route.
A printing system characterized in that when the use of the direct route by the one user is permitted, the direct route is determined as the used route. In the printing system according to claim 1,
The determination means is
While acquiring the communication load status of the server device,
When the print instruction from the one user is received,
When the use of the direct route by the one user is not permitted, the route via the server is determined as the use route.
When the use of the direct route by the one user is permitted and the communication load in the server device is larger than a predetermined level, the direct route is determined as the used route.
When the use of the direct route by the one user is permitted and the communication load in the server device is smaller than the predetermined degree, the route via the server is determined as the usage route instead of the direct route. Printing system. A printing system including a print output device, a server device, and a plurality of print instruction receiving devices for receiving print instructions from a user.
For each print job received by each of the plurality of print instruction receiving devices, the print output of the print output device based on the print command directly transmitted to the print output device without going through the server device is output. A storage means for storing permission / rejection information that defines whether or not to allow, and that stores predetermined permission / rejection information for each of the plurality of print instruction receiving devices.
When the print instruction is received by a certain print instruction receiving device among the plurality of printing instruction receiving devices, information is directly transmitted from the print instruction receiving device to the print output device by a transmission route. Of a certain direct route and a route via a server which is a transmission route in which information is transmitted from the print instruction receiving device to the print output device via the server device, the print instruction in the print instruction receiving device is used. A determination means for determining a usage route, which is a transmission route to be used in a corresponding print job, based on the permission / rejection information defined for the print instruction reception device among the plurality of print instruction reception devices.
Equipped with
The determination means is provided in both the server device and the print output device.
When the print instruction receiving device receives the print instruction, the print instruction receiving device uses one of the two routes, the direct route and the server route, for the usage route determination request requesting the determination of the usage route. Then, it is transmitted to one of both the print output device and the server device.
The determination means of the one device determines the usage route in response to the reception of the usage route determination request from the print instruction receiving device.
When the print instruction receiving device receives a determination result from the one device that the other route different from the one route is determined as the utilization route, the printing instruction receiving device makes the utilization route determination request. Send to the other of both devices,
The print instruction receiving device transmits the usage route determination request to the one device by using the one route which is the same route as the transmission route used in the previous print job.
If the permission / rejection information has not changed since the execution time of the previous print job, the determination means of the one device is the same route as the transmission route used in the previous print job, and the one of the determination means. A printing system characterized in that one of the routes corresponding to the apparatus is determined as the usage route in the current print job. A printing system including a print output device, a server device, and a plurality of print instruction receiving devices for receiving print instructions from a user.
For each print job received by each of the plurality of print instruction receiving devices, the print output of the print output device based on the print command directly transmitted to the print output device without going through the server device is output. A storage means for storing permission / rejection information that defines whether or not to allow, and that stores predetermined permission / rejection information for each of the plurality of print instruction receiving devices.
When the print instruction is received by a certain print instruction receiving device among the plurality of printing instruction receiving devices, information is directly transmitted from the print instruction receiving device to the print output device by a transmission route. Of a certain direct route and a route via a server which is a transmission route in which information is transmitted from the print instruction receiving device to the print output device via the server device, the print instruction in the print instruction receiving device is used. A determination means for determining a usage route, which is a transmission route to be used in a corresponding print job, based on the permission / rejection information defined for the print instruction reception device among the plurality of print instruction reception devices.
Equipped with
The determination means is
While acquiring the communication load status of the server device,
When the print instruction is received by the print instruction receiving device,
When the use of the direct route by the print instruction receiving device is not permitted, the route via the server is determined as the use route.
When the use of the direct route by the print instruction receiving device is permitted and the communication load in the server device is higher than a predetermined level, the direct route is determined as the used route.
When the use of the direct route by the print instruction receiving device is permitted and the communication load in the server device is lower than the predetermined degree, it is determined that the route via the server is determined as the usage route instead of the direct route. Characterized printing system. A route determining device for determining a transmission route to be used in a print job in a printing system including a print output device, a server device, and a print instruction receiving device for receiving print instructions from a user.
Information is transmitted from the print instruction receiving device to the print output device via the server device and a direct route which is a transmission path in which information is directly transmitted from the print instruction receiving device to the print output device. The printing of the usage route determination request requesting the determination of the usage route, which is the transmission route to be used in the print job corresponding to the print instruction from one user, among the transmission routes via the server. Communication means received from the instruction receiving device and
When the usage route determination request is received from the print instruction receiving device, the print command is directly transmitted to the print output device without going through the server device for each print job by each of the plurality of users. Based on the permission / permission information that defines whether or not print output by the print output device is permitted, and among the permission / permission information predetermined for each of the plurality of users, the permission / permission information specified for the one user is used. Based on the determination means for determining the usage route,
A routing device comprising. In the routing apparatus according to claim 15 ,
When the usage route determination request is received from the print instruction receiving device, the determination means is used.
When the use of the direct route by the one user is not permitted, the route via the server is determined as the use route.
A route determination device, characterized in that when the use of the direct route by the one user is permitted, the direct route is determined as the used route. In the routing apparatus according to claim 15 or 16 .
The communication means is
When the direct route is determined as the usage route by the determination means, a usage route determination notification indicating that the direct route should be used is transmitted to the print instruction receiving device.
When the server route is determined as the server route by the determination means, the route determination device is characterized by transmitting a usage route determination notification to the effect that the server route should be used to the print instruction receiving device. .. In the routing apparatus according to claim 17 ,
The route determination device is the print output device.
The communication means receives the print job transmitted from the print instruction receiving device using the direct route in response to the usage route determination notification that the direct route should be used.
The print output device is
A print output means for printing out the received print job,
A routing device characterized by further comprising. In the routing apparatus according to claim 17 ,
The routing device is the server device.
The communication means receives and receives the print job transmitted from the print instruction receiving device using the server route in response to the usage route determination notification that the server route should be used. A routing device, characterized in that the print job is transmitted to the print output device. It is a control method of a route determining device that determines a transmission route to be used in a print job in a printing system including a print output device, a server device, and a print instruction receiving device that receives a print instruction from a user.
Information is transmitted from the print instruction receiving device to the print output device via the server device and a direct route which is a transmission path in which information is directly transmitted from the print instruction receiving device to the print output device. Among the transmission routes via the server, the usage route determination request for requesting the determination of the usage route, which is the transmission route to be used in the print job corresponding to the print instruction from one user, is described above. Steps to receive from the print instruction reception device and
When the usage route determination request is received from the print instruction receiving device, the print command is directly transmitted to the print output device without going through the server device for each print job by each of the plurality of users. Based on the permission / permission information that defines whether or not print output by the print output device is permitted, and among the permission / permission information predetermined for each of the plurality of users, the permission / permission information specified for the one user is used. Based on the step of determining the usage route and
A method of controlling a routing device, comprising: A program for causing a computer controlling the routing device to execute the control method according to claim 20 .

Images