WO2019215892A1

WO2019215892A1 - Printing control program, printing control method, and printing control device

Info

Publication number: WO2019215892A1
Application number: PCT/JP2018/018214
Authority: WO
Inventors: 将大川尻; 隼毅袴田; 悦誌藤田
Original assignee: 富士通株式会社
Priority date: 2018-05-10
Filing date: 2018-05-10
Publication date: 2019-11-14
Also published as: JPWO2019215892A1

Abstract

A printing control program according to an embodiment instructs a computer to perform a process for comparing and a process for transmitting. In the process for comparing, a print setting of printing data set in a terminal and received from the terminal is compared with a predetermined print setting or a print setting corresponding to a multifunction printer upon receiving, from the multifunction printer, a command to output a list of printing jobs or a command to output printing data. In the process for transmitting, a screen image when outputting on the basis of the print setting set in the terminal and a screen image when outputting on the basis of the predetermined print setting and the print setting corresponding to the multifunction printer are transmitted to the multifunction printer according to the comparison results.

Description

Print control program, print control method, and print control apparatus

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a print control program, a print control method, and a print control apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a print management system that intervenes between a terminal used by a user and a multifunction peripheral having a printing function, and manages printing on the multifunction peripheral through the transfer of print data from the terminal to the multifunction peripheral.

JP 2013-214243 A JP 2012-14274 A JP 2012-181776 A

However, in the above-described conventional technology, when print data set to perform color printing that is more expensive than 1-in-1 printing or monochrome printing, which increases the number of prints, the user does not notice the setting contents and prints as it is. There is a problem of being. For this reason, erroneous printing at a high cost may be executed as it is.

An object of one aspect is to provide a print control program, a print control method, and a print control apparatus that can suppress erroneous printing at a high cost.

In the first proposal, the print control program causes the computer to execute the process of comparing and the process of transmitting. The processing to be compared is the print data print setting set in the terminal received from the terminal when the print job list display instruction is received from the MFP or the print data output instruction is received. A predetermined print setting or a print setting corresponding to the MFP is compared. Depending on the comparison result, the transmission process outputs to the multifunction device based on the screen image when outputting based on the print settings set on the terminal and the print setting corresponding to the predetermined print setting or the multifunction device. If you want to send a screen image.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, erroneous printing at high cost can be suppressed.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the print management system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the print management system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the print management system according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a list screen. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of setting information. FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen image display screen. FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a screen image display screen. FIG. 6C is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen image display screen. FIG. 6D is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen image display screen. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the print management system according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example.

Hereinafter, a print control program, a print control method, and a print control apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment, configurations having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. Note that the print control program, the print control method, and the print control apparatus described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and do not limit the embodiments. In addition, the following embodiments may be appropriately combined within a consistent range.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the print management system according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a print management system 1 includes a PC 2 (PC: personal computer), a multifunction machine 3 having a printing function, and a print management server 100, such as a communication network (not shown) such as a LAN (Local Area Network). ) To be able to communicate with each other.

The PC 2 is an example of a terminal that is installed at a plurality of bases such as a branch office in addition to the head office and is used by a user at each base. The PC 2 may be a thin client terminal, for example.

The multifunction machine 3 is installed at a plurality of bases similarly to the PC 2 and has a plurality of functions such as a printing function, a display / operation function for browsing / operating a print job to be printed, and a scanning function. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the multifunction machine 3 has a printing function and a display / operation function for browsing and operating a print job.

The print management server 100 is an example of a print control apparatus that mediates transfer of print data 110 from the PC 2 to the multifunction device 3 and manages printing in the multifunction device 3 based on the print data 110.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the print management system 1 according to the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the PC 2 includes a print application 21 and a printer driver 22. The print application 21 is, for example, word processing software, spreadsheet software, or the like, and is an application that generates document data to be printed. The printer driver 22 generates print data 110 in which print contents are described in a page description language such as XPS (XML Paper Specification) based on the document data to be printed generated by the print application 21. The printer driver 22 transmits the generated print data 110 to the print management server 100.

The print management server 100 manages the print data 110 sent from the PC 2 after adding identification information such as a job ID as one print job. Specifically, the print management server 100 stores the print data 110 sent from the PC 2 in the storage unit 102 with a unique job ID. The print data 110 includes a document name, user name, date / time, file type (work profile, spreadsheet file,...), Print settings (monochrome / color / number of pages / number of copies) set on the PC 2, and location. Attribute information such as the base information shown is included. The print management server 100 may read the attribute information included in the print data 110 when storing it in the storage unit 102, and manage it after assigning a job ID as the print attribute 111.

The print management server 100 reads the print attribute 111 of the print job managed by the print management server 100 from the storage unit 102 in response to a print job browsing request via the Web browser 31 of the multifunction machine 3. Next, the print management server 100 displays a list screen for displaying a list of print jobs on the Web browser 31 based on the read print attributes 111, and issues a print job print instruction by a user 4 selection operation on the list screen. Accept.

When a print job print instruction is received via the Web browser 31 of the multifunction device 3, the print control unit 105 of the print management server 100 reads the print data 110 of the corresponding print job from the storage unit 102. Next, the print control unit 105 generates print data 110 a for printing in the multifunction device 3 via the printer driver 107 corresponding to the multifunction device 3 instructed to print, and transmits the print data 110 a to the multifunction device 3. In the multifunction device 3, printing based on the print data 110 a transmitted from the print management server 100 is executed. As a result, the user 4 can confirm a print job managed by the print management server 100 from the list screen of the multifunction machine 3 and execute printing of a predetermined print job.

Here, the functional configuration of the print management server 100 will be described in detail. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the print management server 100 includes a communication unit 101, a storage unit 102, a storage processing unit 103, a comparison unit 104, and a print control unit 105.

The communication unit 101 communicates with the PC 2 and the multifunction device 3. Specifically, the communication unit 101 receives print data 110 and a print attribute 111 of the print data 110 from the PC 2. The communication unit 101 displays display data of a list screen that displays a list of print jobs based on the print attributes 111 stored in the storage unit 102 in response to a browsing request from the PC 2 or the Web browser 31 of the multifunction machine 3. Is generated and transmitted to the request source (PC 2 or MFP 3). Further, the communication unit 101 receives a print instruction for a predetermined print job according to an operation instruction of the PC 2 or the Web browser 31 of the multifunction machine 3.

The storage unit 102 is a storage device such as the HDD 100b (see FIG. 9), and stores print data 110, print attributes 111, and setting information 112 from the PC 2.

The setting information 112 is setting data for managing network settings of the print management system 1 and various settings for each PC 2 or MFP 3, and is set in advance by an administrator of the print management system 1. For example, the setting information 112 includes print settings that are standard when printing with the multifunction machine 3. This print setting includes color / monochrome, single-sided / double-sided, layout (1 in 1/2, 1/4 in 1, etc.). Note that print settings may be prepared for each type of file (for example, a document file, a presentation file, a spreadsheet file, etc.) in the print application 21. The print setting may be prepared for each multifunction device 3 corresponding to a printer name indicating the multifunction device 3 or the like.

In addition, the setting information 112 includes a screen image related to a printed material when output with various print settings. Specifically, the setting information 112 is a screen corresponding to a case where output is performed with print settings for each print setting such as color / monochrome, single-sided / double-sided, layout (1 in 1/2 in 1/4 in 1 etc.). Contains image display data.

The storage processing unit 103 performs storage processing such as storage of data in the storage unit 102 and reading of data stored in the storage unit 102. Specifically, the storage processing unit 103 stores the print data 110 received from the PC 2 and the print attribute 111 sent together with the print data 110 with the same job ID in the storage unit 102. Further, the storage processing unit 103 reads out the print attribute 111 of each print job from the storage unit 102 and sends it to the communication unit 101 in response to a browsing request from the multifunction machine 3 via the communication unit 101. Further, the storage processing unit 103 reads the print attribute 111 and the comparison unit 104 in response to a request from the comparison unit 104 or the print control unit 105, and sends it to the request source.

When the communication unit 101 receives an instruction to output a print job list display from the multifunction machine 3, the comparison unit 104 prints the print data 110 received from the PC 2 and a predetermined print setting or combination in the setting information 112. The print setting corresponding to the machine 3 is compared. In addition, when the comparison unit 104 receives an instruction to output the print data 110 from the multifunction device 3, the comparison unit 104 corresponds to the print setting of the print data 110 received from the PC 2 and the predetermined print setting in the setting information 112 or the multifunction device 3. Compare print settings to use.

Specifically, the comparison unit 104 reads the print setting from the print attribute 111 in the storage unit 102 based on the job ID of the print job for the print job for which an output instruction has been issued from the multifunction device 3. Next, the comparison unit 104 reads the standard print setting from the setting information 112 or the print setting corresponding to the printer name of the multifunction machine 3 that has been instructed to output. Next, the comparison unit 104 compares the color / monochrome, single-sided / double-sided, and layout items for the read print setting.

In accordance with the comparison result of the comparison unit 104, the communication unit 101 outputs a screen image when outputting to the multifunction device 3 based on the print settings set by the PC 2, and a predetermined print setting or multifunction device in the setting information 112. A screen image for output based on the print setting corresponding to 3 is output. Specifically, the communication unit 101, based on the screen image for each print setting in the setting information 112, the screen image of the print setting set on the PC 2, and the print setting corresponding to the predetermined print setting or the multifunction device 3. Is output to the multifunction device 3.

Further, when receiving a print job from the PC 2 in which the printer driver 22 is installed, the comparison unit 104 corresponds to the print setting of the print data 110 received from the PC 2 and the predetermined print setting in the setting information 112 or the MFP 3. Compare print settings to use.

Specifically, the comparison unit 104 reads the print setting from the print attribute 111 for the print job received from the PC 2. Next, the comparison unit 104 reads the standard print setting or the print setting corresponding to the printer name of the multifunction device 3 that is the output destination from the setting information 112. Next, the comparison unit 104 compares the color / monochrome, single-sided / double-sided, and layout items for the read print setting.

In accordance with the comparison result of the comparison unit 104, the communication unit 101 outputs to the PC 2 a screen image when outputting based on the print settings set in the PC 2, and a predetermined print setting in the setting information 112 or the MFP 3. Outputs the screen image when outputting based on the corresponding print settings. Specifically, the communication unit 101, based on the screen image for each print setting in the setting information 112, the screen image of the print setting set on the PC 2, and the print setting corresponding to the predetermined print setting or the multifunction device 3. Is output to the PC 2.

In the comparison result, the comparison unit 104 indicates that the number of prints or the print cost of the print settings set in the PC 2 is set with respect to the print number or the print cost of the print settings corresponding to the predetermined print setting or the multifunction device 3 in the setting information 112. Instructs the communication unit 101 to output a screen image.

Specifically, for color / monochrome, the comparison unit 104 determines that the printing cost increases in the case of color printing compared to monochrome printing. Further, the comparison unit 104 determines that the printing cost increases for single-sided / double-sided printing in the case of single-sided printing as compared to double-sided printing. In addition, the comparison unit 104 determines that the layout costs in the order of 1 in 1 (maximum)> 2 in 1> 4 in 1 ... in the order of layout. Similarly, the comparison unit 104 determines that the number of printed sheets increases in the case of single-sided printing with respect to double-sided printing. In addition, the communication unit 101 is assumed to increase the number of printed sheets in the order of 1 in 1 (maximum)> 2 in 1> 4 in 1.

For example, when the comparison unit 104 compares the first print setting of color, double-sided, 1 in 1 and the second print setting of monochrome, double-sided, 2 in 1, the second print setting It is determined that the print setting of 1 increases the printing cost. Further, the comparison unit 104 determines that the first print setting increases the number of printed sheets with respect to the second print setting. Then, when the printing cost increases, the comparison unit 104 outputs the output of the print setting screen image set by the PC 2 and the print setting screen image corresponding to the predetermined print setting or the MFP 3 to the communication unit 101. To instruct. Therefore, when the printing cost increases, the communication unit 101 outputs a screen image to the PC 2 or the multifunction device 3.

Also, the comparison unit 104 instructs the communication unit 101 to output a selection screen as to which screen image is to be printed together with the screen image. As a result, the communication unit 101 generates display data of a display screen for selecting the print setting with an operation button or the like together with the screen image of the print setting, and transmits the display data to the PC 2 or the multifunction device 3.

Further, the comparison unit 104 instructs the communication unit 101 to output information on the number of printed sheets and the printing cost when printing is executed based on the print setting together with the screen image. Specifically, the comparison unit 104 displays the cost obtained by multiplying the number of printed sheets according to the print setting layout and the unit price per sheet in color printing or monochrome printing by the number of printed sheets. The communication unit 101 is instructed. As a result, the communication unit 101 generates display data for displaying the number of printed sheets and the cost together with the print setting screen image, and transmits the display data to the PC 2 or the multifunction peripheral 3.

The print control unit 105 controls printing on the multifunction machine 3 using the print data 110 stored in the storage unit 102. Specifically, the print control unit 105 prints data corresponding to the job ID from the print data 110 stored in the storage unit 102 based on a print instruction from the PC 2 or the multifunction peripheral 3 that specifies the job ID. 110 is read. Next, the print control unit 105 generates print data 110a corresponding to the multifunction device 3 via the printer driver 107 corresponding to the multifunction device 3 instructed to print, and the generated print data 110a is transmitted from the communication unit 101 to the multifunction device. 3 to send.

Here, details of the operation in the print management system 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the print management system 1 according to the embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation when an output is instructed from the multifunction device 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, the PC 2 opens a file with a printing application 21 such as a word processor or spreadsheet (S11), and performs print settings (monochrome / color, duplex / single-sided, layout, etc.) of the opened file (S12). Then, printing is executed (S13).

By executing this printing, the printer driver 22 of the PC 2 generates intermediate format data (print data 110) in the XPS format, for example, instructing printing according to the print settings (S14), and the generated print data 110 is sent to the print management server 100. Transmit (S15).

The communication unit 101 of the print management server 100 accepts the print data 110 transmitted from the PC 2 as a new print job (S16), and stores the accepted information in the print job database (S17). Specifically, the storage processing unit 103 assigns a job ID indicating a print job relating to the received print data 110 and then stores the print data 110 and the print attribute 111 included in the print data 110 in the storage unit 102. Remember.

The multifunction device 3 performs authentication (user authentication) with a user name and user ID by screen operation by the user 4 (S18). Next, the multifunction device 3 requests the print management server 100 to transmit user information (user name, user ID, etc.) received by authentication and to obtain a list of print jobs (S19).

Upon receiving a request from the multifunction device 3, the communication unit 101 obtains print job information to be displayed as a list from the print job database, generates display data for displaying the list of print jobs, and transmits the display data to the multifunction device 3. (S20). Specifically, the communication unit 101 acquires print job information from the storage unit 102 via the storage processing unit 103. At this time, the storage processing unit 103 refers to the print attribute 111 and selects and reads job ID information corresponding to the user information (user name, user ID, etc.) transmitted from the PC 2.

The Web browser 31 of the multifunction machine 3 displays print job list information based on the display data from the print management server 100 (S21), and accepts selection of a job to be printed by a screen operation by the user 4 (S21). S22).

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the list screen. As shown in FIG. 4, in the multifunction machine 3, a list of print jobs 33 managed by the print management server 100 is listed based on display data generated by the print management server 100 in response to a request from the Web browser 31 or the like. It is displayed as a screen 32. The user 4 instructs printing (output) of the print job 33 by selecting, for example, a predetermined print job 33 on the list screen 32.

The communication unit 101 that has received an output instruction for the print job 33 acquires information on the corresponding print job from the database via the storage processing unit 103 (S23). Specifically, the storage processing unit 103 refers to the print attribute 111 and reads the information (print setting) of the job ID corresponding to the instructed print job 33.

Next, the comparison unit 104 compares the print setting of the print job 33 with the predetermined print setting in the setting information 112 stored in the storage unit 102 (S24).

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the setting information 112. As shown in FIG. 5, the setting information 112 includes print settings such as color / monochrome, single-sided / double-sided, and layout for each file type such as a document file and a presentation file. Note that this print setting may be prepared for each printer name indicating the MFP 3. The comparison unit 104 refers to the setting information 112, so that the print setting corresponding to the file type in the print job 33, the print setting corresponding to the MFP 3 that transmitted the print job 33, and the print setting of the print job 33 are displayed. And compare.

Next, as a result of the comparison, the comparison unit 104 determines whether the print cost of the print job 33 is higher than the print setting of the setting information 112 (S25).

If the printing cost does not increase (S25: NO), the comparison unit 104 advances the process to S30. When the printing cost increases (S25: YES), the communication unit 101 instructs the multifunction device 3 based on the screen image based on the print setting of the print job 33 and the print setting of the setting information 112 stored in the storage unit 102. The display screen display data including the screen image is transmitted (S26). At this time, the communication unit 101 generates display data of a display screen for selecting the print setting with an operation button or the like together with the screen image of the print setting, and transmits the display data to the multifunction device 3.

FIGS. 6-1 to 6-4 are explanatory diagrams for explaining examples of screen image display screens. As shown in FIG. 6A, in the Web browser 31 or the like of the multifunction machine 3, a display screen 34 is displayed based on the display data from the print management server 100. The display screen 34 includes a screen image 34 a based on the print settings of the print job 33 and a screen image 34 b based on the print settings stored in the storage unit 102. Further, the display screen 34 includes

operation buttons

35a and 35b for instructing printing with print settings corresponding to the

screen images

34a and 34b.

The user 4 who operates the multifunction device 3 can easily confirm the contents of the print settings by using the display screen 34 having the screen image 34a and the screen image 34b. Therefore, the user 4 can find out an erroneous print setting at high cost. For example, by changing the print setting with the operation button 35b, high-cost printing can be prevented and the printing cost can be reduced.

Further, the communication unit 101 may generate display data for displaying the number of printed sheets and the cost together with the print

setting screen images

34 a and 34 b and transmit the display data to the multifunction device 3. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6B, the display screen 34 may include cost information 34c indicating the number of prints and the cost in the print settings of the

screen images

34a and 34b.

In addition, the communication unit 101 generates display data for displaying print images of a plurality of print jobs 33 side by side with a screen image for each print job and a screen image based on the print settings stored in the storage unit 102. It may be transmitted to the machine 3. 6C, the screen image 34d for each print job 33 and the screen image 34e based on the print settings stored in the storage unit 102 are displayed side by side on the display screen 34. Here, the user 4 operates the operation button 35c when outputting all the print jobs 33 as they are as shown in the screen image 34d. When all the settings are changed and output as in the screen image 34e, the operation button 35d is operated. When setting is determined for each print job 33, the operation button 35e is operated.

When determining the setting for each print job 33 by operating the operation button 35e, the multi function device 3 displays a screen for determining the setting by individually changing the setting of the print job 33. Specifically, a display screen 34 having the contents shown in FIG. 6-4 is displayed. The user 4 can individually change the setting contents of the print job 33 by selecting the predetermined print job 33 and operating the operation button 35f. In addition, the user 4 can confirm the setting contents and return to the previous screen (see FIG. 6C) by operating the operation button 35g.

The print control unit 105 corrects the intermediate format data (print data 110) to match the setting contents based on whether or not the setting is changed by the operation of the multifunction machine 3 (S28) (S29, S30).

Specifically, when the setting is changed (S28: YES), the print control unit 105 generates intermediate format data in which the print setting is changed for the print data 110 of the print job whose setting has been changed (S29). The process proceeds to S30. If the setting is not changed (S28: NO), the print control unit 105 advances the process to S30 without generating intermediate format data in accordance with the setting change.

In S30, the print control unit 105 collates the information of the MFP 3 (for example, the printer name) with the intermediate format data (print data 110) related to the print job to be printed (S30), and determines whether or not there is conversion (S31). ). Specifically, the print control unit 105 determines whether the intermediate format data corresponds to the multifunction device 3 (print data 110 = print data 110a). If conversion is necessary (S31: YES), the print control unit 105 generates intermediate format data (print data 110a) by the printer driver 107 corresponding to the multifunction device 3 (S31: YES). S32).

Next, the print control unit 105 transmits the intermediate format data (print data 110a) to the output destination multifunction device 3 (S33). As a result, the MFP 3 executes printing using the transmitted print data 110a (S34).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the print management system 1 according to the embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation when a print job is received from the PC 2.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the PC 2, the file is opened by the printing application 21 such as a word processor or spreadsheet (S41), and the print setting of the opened file (monochrome / color, duplex / single side, layout, etc.) is performed (S42). Then, printing is executed (S43).

By executing this printing, the printer driver 22 of the PC 2 generates intermediate format data (print data 110) in, for example, XPS format that instructs printing according to the print settings (S44), and the generated print data 110 is sent to the print management server 100. Transmit (S45).

The communication unit 101 of the print management server 100 receives the print data 110 transmitted from the PC 2 as a new print job (S46). Next, the comparison unit 104 compares the print settings of the received print job with the predetermined print settings in the setting information 112 stored in the storage unit 102 (S47).

Next, as a result of the comparison, the comparison unit 104 determines whether the print cost of the received print job is higher than the print setting of the setting information 112 (S48).

If the printing cost does not increase (S48: NO), the comparison unit 104 advances the process to S56. When the printing cost increases (S48: YES), the communication unit 101 causes the PC 2 to display a screen image based on the print setting of the print job and a screen image based on the print setting of the setting information 112 stored in the storage unit 102. The display data of the display screen including is transmitted (S49). At this time, the communication unit 101 generates display data of a display screen for selecting the print setting using an operation button or the like together with the screen image of the print setting, and transmits the display data to the PC 2.

The PC 2 displays a display screen 34 similar to that shown in FIGS. 6-1 to 6-4 based on the display data from the print management server 100 (S50). The PC 2 modifies the intermediate format data (print data 110) to match the setting contents based on whether or not the setting is changed by the operation of the user 4 (S51) (S52 to S54).

Specifically, when the setting is not changed (S51: NO), the PC 2 transmits the intermediate format data (print data 110) sent last time (S45) to the print management server 100 as it is (S52). When changing the setting (S51: YES), the PC 2 generates intermediate format data in which the print setting is changed for the print data 110 of the print job whose setting has been changed (S53), and print management is performed on the generated intermediate format data. It transmits to the server 100 (S54).

Next, the communication unit 101 of the print management server 100 receives the intermediate format data (print data 110) transmitted from the PC 2 (S55), and stores the received information in the print job database (S56). Specifically, the storage processing unit 103 assigns a job ID indicating a print job relating to the received print data 110 and then stores the print data 110 and the print attribute 111 included in the print data 110 in the storage unit 102. Remember.

The multifunction device 3 performs authentication (user authentication) with a user name or user ID by a screen operation by the user 4 (S57). Next, the multifunction machine 3 requests the print management server 100 to transmit user information (user name, user ID, etc.) received by authentication and to obtain a list of print jobs (S58).

Upon receiving a request from the multifunction device 3, the communication unit 101 obtains print job information to be displayed as a list from the print job database, generates display data for displaying the list of print jobs, and transmits the display data to the multifunction device 3. (S59). Specifically, the communication unit 101 acquires print job information from the storage unit 102 via the storage processing unit 103. At this time, the storage processing unit 103 refers to the print attribute 111 and selects and reads job ID information corresponding to the user information (user name, user ID, etc.) transmitted from the PC 2.

The Web browser 31 of the multifunction machine 3 displays print job list information based on the display data from the print management server 100 (S60), and accepts selection of a job to be printed by screen operation by the user 4 (S60). S61).

Upon receiving an output instruction for the print job 33, the communication unit 101 acquires information on the corresponding print job from the database via the storage processing unit 103 (S62). Specifically, the storage processing unit 103 refers to the print attribute 111 and reads the information (print setting) of the job ID corresponding to the instructed print job 33.

Next, the comparison unit 104 compares the print setting of the print job 33 with the predetermined print setting in the setting information 112 stored in the storage unit 102 (S63). Thereafter, the same processing as S25 to S29 described above may be performed.

Next, the print control unit 105 collates the information of the MFP 3 (for example, the printer name) with the intermediate format data (print data 110) relating to the print job to be printed (S64), and determines the presence or absence of conversion (S65). . When conversion is necessary (S65: YES), the print control unit 105 generates intermediate format data (print data 110a) by the printer driver 107 corresponding to the multifunction machine 3 (S66).

Next, the print control unit 105 transmits the intermediate format data (print data 110a) to the output destination multifunction device 3 (S67). As a result, the MFP 3 executes printing using the transmitted print data 110a (S68).

As described above, when the print management server 100 receives an instruction to output a list display of the print job 33 from the multifunction device 3 or receives an instruction to output the print data 110, the print management server 100 sets the PC 2 received from the PC 2. The print setting of the print data 110 thus set is compared with a predetermined print setting or a print setting corresponding to the multifunction device 3. The print management server 100 also displays a screen image 34a when outputting to the multifunction device 3 based on the print settings set by the PC 2 and a predetermined print setting or the multifunction device 3 according to the comparison result of the print settings. A screen image 34b in the case of outputting based on the print setting corresponding to is transmitted. The user 4 operating the multi-function device 3 can easily confirm the contents of the print settings based on the screen image 34a and the screen image 34b thus transmitted. Therefore, the user 4 can find out an erroneous print setting at a high cost. For example, by changing the print setting, high-cost printing can be prevented and the printing cost can be reduced.

Further, the print management server 100 determines, as a comparison result of the print settings, the number of prints when printing is performed with the print settings set by the PC 2 with respect to the print number or print cost when printing is performed with the predetermined print settings. Or, when the printing cost increases, the output of the

screen images

34a and 34b is instructed. As a result, the user 4 who operates the multi-function device 3 can confirm the contents of the print settings based on the screen image 34a and the screen image 34b transmitted when the number of printed sheets or the printing cost increases from a predetermined print setting. it can. Therefore, the user 4 can easily find out an erroneous print setting at a high cost.

Further, the print management server 100 instructs the output of the display screen 34 for selecting which screen image to execute printing together with the

screen images

34a and 34b. Thereby, the print management server 100 can prevent, for example, a mistake when the user 4 changes a high-cost print setting to a low-cost setting.

Also, the print management server 100 instructs the output of the cost information 34c regarding the number of printed sheets and the printing cost when printing is performed together with the

screen images

34a and 34b. From this cost information 34c, the user 4 can easily confirm the number of prints and the print cost in the print settings.

When the print management server 100 receives a print job from the PC 2 in which the printer driver 22 is installed, the print management server 100 print settings of the print data 110 received from the PC 2 and the print settings corresponding to the predetermined print settings or the multifunction machine 3. And compare. Next, the print management server 100 displays a screen image 34a when outputting to the PC 2 based on the print settings set on the PC 2 and a print setting corresponding to a predetermined print setting or the multifunction device 3 according to the comparison result. A screen image 34b in the case of outputting based on is transmitted. The user 4 operating the PC 2 can easily confirm the contents of the print settings by using the screen image 34a and the screen image 34b thus transmitted. Therefore, the user 4 can find out an erroneous print setting at a high cost. For example, by changing the print setting, high-cost printing can be prevented and the printing cost can be reduced.

The processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, information including various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. Further, the specific examples, distributions, numerical values, and the like described in the embodiments are merely examples, and can be arbitrarily changed.

Also, each component of each illustrated apparatus is functionally conceptual and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. That is, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to the illustrated one. That is, all or a part of them can be configured to be functionally or physically distributed / integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads or usage conditions. Further, all or any part of each processing function performed in each device may be realized by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or may be realized as hardware by wired logic.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example. As shown in FIG. 8, the print management server 100 includes a communication device 100a, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 100b, a memory 100c, and a processor 100d. 8 are connected to each other by a bus or the like.

The communication device 100a is a network interface card or the like, and communicates with other servers. The HDD 100b stores a program for operating the function units (the communication unit 101, the storage processing unit 103, the comparison unit 104, and the print control unit 105) illustrated in FIG. The HDD 100b is an example of a storage unit 102 that stores various types of information (print data 110, print attributes 111, and setting information 112) that are referred to when the program is executed.

The processor 100d reads from the HDD 100b a program that executes the same processing as the functional units (communication unit 101, storage processing unit 103, comparison unit 104, and print control unit 105) shown in FIG. Thus, the process for executing each functional unit is operated. That is, this process executes the same function as each function unit (communication unit 101, storage processing unit 103, comparison unit 104, and print control unit 105) included in the print management server 100. Specifically, the processor 100d reads a program having the same functions as those of the communication unit 101, the storage processing unit 103, the comparison unit 104, the print control unit 105, and the like from the HDD 100b. The processor 100d executes a process for executing the same processing as the communication unit 101, the storage processing unit 103, the comparison unit 104, the print control unit 105, and the like.

As described above, the print management server 100 operates as an information processing apparatus that executes print control of the multifunction machine 3 by reading and executing a program. The print management server 100 can also realize the same function as that of the above-described embodiment by reading the program from the recording medium by the medium reading device and executing the read program. The program is not limited to being executed by the print management server 100 described above. For example, the present invention can be similarly applied to a case where another computer, a server, or a cloud computer executes a program, or a case where these programs cooperate to execute a program.

Also, this program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, flexible disk (FD), CD-ROM, MO (Magneto-Optical disk), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and the like. It can be executed by being read.

1 ... Print management system 2 ... PC
3 ... MFP 4 ... User 21 ... Print application 22 ... Printer driver 31 ... Web browser 32 ... List screen 33 ... Print job 34 ...

Display screen

34a, 34b, 34d, 34e ... Screen image 34c ... Cost information 35a-35f ... Operation Button 100 ... print management server 100a ... communication device 100b ... HDD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100c ... Memory 100d ... Processor 101 ... Communication part 102 ... Storage part 103 ... Storage processing part 104 ... Comparison part 105 ... Print control part 107 ... Printer driver 110 ... Print data 110a ... Print data 111 ... Print attribute 112 ... Setting information

Claims

When receiving an instruction to output a list of print jobs from the multifunction device or when an instruction to output print data is received, the print setting of the print data received from the terminal and the predetermined print setting Or compare the print settings corresponding to the MFP,
Depending on the comparison result, output to the multifunction peripheral based on the screen image when outputting based on the print settings set on the terminal, and based on the predetermined print settings or the print settings corresponding to the multifunction peripheral. If you want to send a screen image,
A printing control program for causing a computer to execute processing.
As the comparison result, the terminal sets the number of prints or the print cost when printing is performed with the print settings stored in the storage unit or the print settings set in association with the MFP that outputs the print data. Instructing the output of the screen image when the number of printed sheets or the printing cost when printing is performed with the print settings selected;
The printing control program according to claim 1, which causes a computer to execute processing.
Along with the screen image, instructing the output of a selection screen to execute printing based on which screen image,
The print control program according to claim 1 or 2, which causes a computer to execute processing.
Instructing the output of information related to the number of printed sheets and printing cost when printing is performed based on the print settings set by the terminal and the print settings set in advance in the multifunction peripheral together with the screen image;
The printing control program according to claim 1, which causes a computer to execute processing.
When a print job is received from a terminal in which a printer driver is installed, the print setting of the print data set in the terminal received from the terminal is compared with the print setting corresponding to the predetermined print setting or the MFP. And
Depending on the comparison result, the terminal outputs the screen image based on the print settings set on the terminal and the print settings corresponding to the predetermined print settings or the multifunction peripheral to the terminal. If you send a screen image,
A printing control program for causing a computer to execute processing.
When receiving an instruction to output a list of print jobs from the multifunction device or when an instruction to output print data is received, the print setting of the print data received from the terminal and the predetermined print setting Or compare the print settings corresponding to the MFP,
According to the comparison result, output to the multifunction device based on the screen image when outputting based on the print settings set on the terminal, and based on the predetermined print settings or the print settings corresponding to the multifunction device. If you want to send a screen image,
A printing control method, wherein a computer executes a process.
As the comparison result, the terminal sets the number of prints or the print cost when printing is performed with the print settings stored in the storage unit or the print settings set in association with the MFP that outputs the print data. Instructing the output of the screen image when the number of printed sheets or the printing cost when printing is performed with the print settings selected;
The print control method according to claim 6, wherein the process is executed by a computer.
Along with the screen image, instructing the output of a selection screen to execute printing based on which screen image,
8. The print control method according to claim 6, wherein the process is executed by a computer.
Instructing the output of information related to the number of printed sheets and printing cost when printing is performed based on the print settings set by the terminal and the print settings set in advance in the multifunction peripheral together with the screen image;
The print control method according to claim 6, wherein the process is executed by a computer.
When a print job is received from a terminal in which a printer driver is installed, the print setting of the print data set in the terminal received from the terminal is compared with the print setting corresponding to the predetermined print setting or the MFP. And
Depending on the comparison result, the terminal outputs the screen image based on the print settings set on the terminal and the print settings corresponding to the predetermined print settings or the multifunction peripheral to the terminal. If you send a screen image,
A printing control method, wherein a computer executes a process.
When receiving an instruction to output a list of print jobs from the multifunction device or when an instruction to output print data is received, the print setting of the print data received from the terminal and the predetermined print setting Or a comparison unit that compares print settings corresponding to the multifunction device;
According to the comparison result, output to the multifunction device based on the screen image when outputting based on the print settings set on the terminal, and based on the predetermined print settings or the print settings corresponding to the multifunction device. A communication unit that transmits a screen image when
A printing control apparatus comprising:
The transmission unit, as the comparison result, with respect to the number of prints or the printing cost when printing is performed with the print settings stored in the storage unit or the print settings set in association with the MFP that outputs the print data, Instructing the output of the screen image when the number of printed sheets or the printing cost when printing is performed with the print settings set in the terminal increases.
The print control apparatus according to claim 11.
The transmission unit instructs the output of a selection screen to perform printing based on which screen image together with the screen image;
The print control apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the print control apparatus is a print control apparatus.
The transmission unit outputs information on the number of printed sheets and printing cost when printing is performed based on the print settings set by the terminal and the print settings set in advance in the multi-function peripheral together with the screen image. Instruct,
The print control apparatus according to claim 11.
When a print job is received from a terminal in which a printer driver is installed, the print setting of the print data set in the terminal received from the terminal is compared with the print setting corresponding to the predetermined print setting or the multifunction device. A comparison unit to
Depending on the comparison result, the terminal outputs the screen image based on the print settings set on the terminal and the print settings corresponding to the predetermined print settings or the multifunction peripheral to the terminal. A communication unit that transmits a screen image of the case,
A printing control apparatus comprising: