JP2012208886A - Print system, print instruction terminal, print server, method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve compatibility between image quality of a print result and lead-time optimal for a user.SOLUTION: A print system comprises: print method selecting means 702 which allows a user to select a print method to be applied to an output target file in response to a print instruction from the user; first print request means 703 which makes print job information storage means 701 store the output targe file which is converted to print data, when a speed priority print method is selected; second print request means 704 which makes the print job information storage means 701 store the output target file as it is, when a quality priority print method is selected; and data conversion means 706 for on-demand printing which converts the output target file to print data by using a printer driver to which designated output equipment corresponds, if the print data has not been stored when a designation of the output equipment for a print job is received from the user.

Description

  The present invention relates to a network-type printing system that prints data via a network, a print instruction terminal, a print server, a printing method, and a printing program used therefor.

  With the widespread use of portable electronic devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs (personal computers), it is expected that the scenes of office work in public places such as outside the company will expand. However, with the spread of electronic devices, the use of presentations using electronic data is increasing, but there are still many cases where materials printed on paper are still used in meetings with customers.

  Also, when considering a cloud-type printing service, it is considered that the demand for a printing service capable of printing anywhere will increase by taking advantage of the fact that data can be used anytime and anywhere. Therefore, instead of a method of storing print data in an output device such as a printer or a multifunction peripheral, the print data is stored in a network environment (such as a storage device on the network) and transmitted to the output device immediately before printing. Such a system can be expanded.

  By the way, when a user tries to arbitrarily specify an output destination from a plurality of output devices, the output target file can be converted into print data with a common specification using a common driver, etc. In general, the data is converted into intermediate format data that can be handled by the device and then transmitted to a server on the network.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133830 discloses a method of not creating print data in advance, in which a printing apparatus determines whether print data received from a client has been rasterized, and if it is not rasterized, Web A printing method for finding and rasterizing a conversion service unit corresponding to an output device designated using a service is described.

  For example, Patent Document 2 describes a print mediation method for realizing practical printing between an arbitrary client connected to a network and a printer. In the print relay method described in Patent Document 2, a client transmits a print request including print data and an identification number for specifying an output destination printer to the mediation system, and the mediation system sends the printer on the network from the identification number. , And confirm the operating status and display the confirmation information on the client. Then, in response to a print agreement input from the client, print data is converted into printer data and output to a designated printer using a driver corresponding to the model of the printer, and printing is performed.

JP 2011-31616 A JP 2009-259292 A

  However, the method of using the common driver etc. to convert the data to the print data of the common specification or the intermediate format and store it in the server is not possible to use the individual specifications depending on the output device, and depending on the output destination device However, there is a problem that a desired quality such as a layout is not obtained.

  If the methods described in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 are used, individual specifications depending on the output device can be used, and desired quality can be obtained. However, Patent Document 1 does not describe at all times when print data that has not been rasterized is output on the client side.

  In both methods described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, an output device must be specified at the time of a print instruction, and the user can arbitrarily specify an output device later after the print instruction. There is no consideration given to making it possible.

  For example, in a cloud-type printing service, when a user wants to perform printing, it is assumed that it is not possible to know where an available printer is installed and what model. There is also a demand to avoid carrying data on the go due to security issues. So, before you go out, you can give a print instruction to the file that needs to be printed without specifying the output destination printer, and at the destination, just authenticate the installed output device. It is considered that a printing procedure is required in which a file for which a printing instruction has been issued to the output device is printed.

  Considering such a printing procedure, for example, in the method of converting an output target file into print data on demand according to the designated output device, authentication type printing that designates the output device at the time of print instruction Compared to the method, there is a concern that the lead time from when the output device is authenticated to when it is actually printed becomes longer.

  On the other hand, as described above, in the method of storing the data in the server after converting it into common printing data and intermediate format data in advance, when the output device is specified, the intermediate format data is Since it is not optimal data conversion, there is a possibility that a desired quality cannot be obtained in the image quality of the printing result. For example, because the specified output device does not support the common specifications, there is a possibility that the layout may be misaligned due to the difference in the margin setting or the image may protrude when actually printing. Conceivable. In addition, there is a possibility that a function or setting that is desired to be used cannot be used because it is a function or setting that is implemented in the specified output device but is not included in the intermediate format data.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a printing system, a printing instruction terminal, a printing server, and a printing system that can achieve both the image quality of the printing result and the lead time, which are optimal for the user, in a network type printing system that prints data via a network. An object is to provide a printing method and a program.

  The printing system of the present invention includes a print job information storage unit that stores information of a received print job, and a print method selection that allows the user to select a print method to be applied to an output target file in response to a print instruction from the user. And when the speed priority printing method is selected as the printing method, the output target file is converted into print data using a predetermined printer driver, and the converted print data or information indicating the location on the network is displayed. Information including information indicating the output target file or the location on the network when the quality priority printing method is selected as the printing method. A second print request unit stored in the print job information storage unit, and a print job stored in the print job information storage unit. Output device designation accepting means for accepting designation of the output device from the user, and when the output device designation accepting means accepts the designation of the output device, the print job information storage means stores the print data or its location on the network. On-demand printing data conversion means for converting an output target file into printing data using a printer driver corresponding to the designated output device when the indicated information is not stored.

  The printing system of the present invention includes a desktop service providing server that provides a desktop environment to a thin client terminal operated by a user, a file server that stores a user data file in response to a request from the desktop service providing server, and a desktop A print server that performs processing for printing in response to a request from the service providing server. The desktop service providing server causes the user to apply a print instruction to a data file to the output target file. When the speed priority printing method is selected as the processing for selecting the printing method, and the printing method is selected, the output target file is converted into printing data using a predetermined printer driver, and the converted printing data or its network Print request including location information A desktop environment that performs processing to send to the print server and processing to send to the print server a print request including information indicating the location of the output target file on the network when the quality priority printing method is selected as the printing method. A desktop environment providing means provided to the client terminal may be included.

  Further, the print instruction terminal according to the present invention selects a print method selection unit that allows a user to select a print method to be applied to an output target file in response to a print instruction from the user, and a speed priority print method as the print method. If the output target file is converted into print data using a predetermined printer driver, information including the converted print data or information indicating the location on the network is stored on the network. Information indicating the output target file or its location on the network when the first print requesting means for storing the received print job information in a predetermined storage means and the quality priority printing method as the printing method are selected. And a second print request means for storing information including the information in the storage means.

  Also, the print server according to the present invention receives a print request for which an output device is not specified from a user terminal, and print job information on a network based on the print request received by the print request reception unit. A print job information registration unit to be stored in the storage unit, an output device designation receiving unit for receiving designation of an output device from a user for the print job stored in the storage unit, and an output device designation receiving unit for specifying the output device. First print execution means for outputting print data acquired based on the print data stored in the storage means or information indicating the location on the network to the designated output device when received; When the output device designation accepting means accepts the output device designation, the printer driver corresponding to the designated output device is used for recording. Output target file stored in the means The conversion request is sent to the data conversion means for on-demand printing that converts the output target file acquired based on the information indicating the location on the network to the print data, and the conversion request result conversion And a second print execution means for outputting the printed data to a designated output device.

  Also, the printing method according to the present invention allows a user to select a printing method to be applied to an output target file in response to a printing instruction from the user, and when a speed priority printing method is selected as the printing method, Information on the print job received by the storage means on the network that converts the output target file into print data using the printer driver, and includes information indicating the converted print data or the location on the network. When the quality priority printing method is selected as the printing method, information including information indicating the output target file or its location on the network is stored in the storage device. When an output device specification is received from the user for a stored print job, it is stored when an output device specification is received. If printing data or information indicating the location on the network is stored in the column, the printing data acquired based on the printing data stored in the storage means or the information indicating the location on the network Is output to the specified output device, and if the storage means does not store the print data or the information indicating the location on the network, the output target file stored in the storage means is stored on the network. Sending a conversion request to the on-demand printing data conversion means that converts the output target file acquired based on the indicated information into printing data, and outputting the converted printing data as a result of the conversion request to the specified output device It is characterized by.

  Also, the printing program according to the present invention is a process in which a computer selects a printing method to be applied to an output target file in response to a printing instruction from the user, and a speed priority printing method is selected as the printing method. In addition, the output target file is converted into print data using a predetermined printer driver, and the information including the converted print data or information indicating the location on the network is received by the storage unit on the network. When the quality priority printing method is selected as the processing for storing the print job information in a predetermined storage unit and the printing method, information including information indicating the output target file or the location on the network is stored in the storage unit. It is characterized by executing a process to be stored.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the network type printing system which prints data via a network, it becomes possible to make compatible the image quality of a printing result and lead time optimal for a user.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the user terminal of 1st Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structural example of the output device unit of 1st Embodiment on a functional surface. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structural example of the data center of 1st Embodiment on a functional surface. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of operation | movement of each apparatus concerning a printing request. It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of each device according to a print execution request. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of operation | movement of each apparatus concerning a printing request. It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of each device according to a print execution request. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a print setting screen. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the printing system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the user terminal of 2nd Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structural example of the data center of 2nd Embodiment on a functional surface. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a print setting screen. It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the other structural example of the printing system of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system according to the present invention and a configuration example of each apparatus configuring the printing system. It is a block diagram which shows the other structural example of the printing system of this invention, and the structural example of each apparatus which comprises the said printing system. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of this invention.

Embodiment 1. FIG.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system according to the first embodiment of this invention. The printing system shown in FIG. 1 includes a user terminal 1, a data center 2, and an output device unit 3. The data center 2 refers to a cloud type network server group for providing a predetermined function on the network 500. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the data center 2 includes a file server 21, a spool server 22, an authentication server 23, and a conversion server 24, but the device configuration is not limited to this, and the function provided by each server is a network. 500 may be implemented. The output device unit 3 is a unit configuration in which an output device 31 that provides at least a printing function, an authentication terminal 32 that provides a user authentication function, and a display device 33 that provides a list display function are combined. The device configuration is not limited to this, and the functions provided by each device (including a terminal or a device) may be implemented as one output device unit. When the output device itself has all these functions, the output device itself is treated as an output device unit. Hereinafter, the output device unit 3 may be simply expressed as “output device” particularly when referring to a printing function.

  The user terminal 1 is a computer such as a personal computer (PC), a notebook PC, a tablet PC, or a smartphone that is operated by a user, and is a terminal capable of browsing, editing, and printing instructions for an output target file. It is assumed that the common driver 11 is installed in the user terminal 1. The common driver 11 is a printer driver including a conversion function that converts an output target file into print data corresponding to a predetermined common specification corresponding to a plurality of output devices, generally called a “common driver”.

  In general, a printer driver refers to software including a print request function that makes a print request to a specified output device in addition to a conversion function. Hereinafter, in the case of the common driver 11, at least a conversion function for converting to print data conforming to a predetermined common specification supported by a plurality of output devices and a method selected by the user for the data center 2 are used. Software including a print request function for making a corresponding print request is indicated.

  In the present invention, two types of printing methods of “quality priority” and “speed priority” are provided to the user. “Quality priority” printing method is a printing method that gives priority to the image quality of the print result over the processing speed, and is specified by the output device without conversion to print data at the timing when the user issues a print instruction. In this printing method, print data is created by applying a driver corresponding to the output device to the output target file at the specified timing, and the created print data is output to a designated output device for printing. On the other hand, the “speed priority” printing method is a printing method in which the processing speed is given priority over the image quality of the printing result, and print data is created using a common driver at the timing when the user gives a print instruction. This is a printing method that is held on the server and prints by outputting the held print data to the designated output device regardless of which output device is designated at the timing when the output device is designated.

  In the present embodiment, the “output target file” refers to data itself for which a print instruction has been given. That is, raw data before being converted into print data. “Print data” refers to data converted from an output target file into a format that can be recognized by the output device using a printer driver or the like. It can be said that the output target file is data that can be edited by a user operation, and the print data is data that cannot be edited by a user operation. The format of printing data is basically determined for each output device, but if there is a common specification for each manufacturer or series, or if the output device is compatible with a common driver, There are common specifications for functions and settings that are common among them, and they are standardized. However, in order to make full use of device-specific functions and print settings, conversion by a printer driver dedicated to the device is necessary.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the user terminal 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 1 includes a common driver 11 and an OS or application 12 (hereinafter referred to as OS / application 12) that issues a print instruction to the common driver 11 in response to a user operation. The common driver 11 may include a printing method selection unit 111, a data conversion unit 112, a user ID acquisition unit 113, and a print request unit 114.

  When the printing method selection unit 111 receives a print instruction specifying an output target file from the user via the OS / application 12, the printing method performed for the print request is set to either “quality priority” or “speed priority”. Let the user choose whether to do.

  For example, the printing method selection unit 111 may add an input interface (such as a selection box) for selecting a printing method to a screen for performing print settings, and allow the user to input a selection result. Note that a default value (information indicating which selection method to use when no selection is performed) may be given in advance.

  The data conversion unit 112 converts the designated output target file into print data using a common driver for a print request for which the “speed priority” printing method is selected.

  The user ID acquisition unit 113 acquires a user ID that is an identifier for identifying a user who is using the user terminal 1. In addition, the acquisition method of user ID is not ask | required. For example, it may be input directly from the user, or may be read out from a file unique to the user specified by a login operation when starting up the user terminal 1.

  The print request unit 114 makes a print request to the data center 2 according to the selected printing method. In the present embodiment, the print request is information indicating that the user has requested print processing. More specifically, the print request is sent to the spool server 22 as one print job (print command). Is information that requests to be accepted. At this time, the output device may not be specified. Therefore, the print job information is held until the output device is designated or canceled. Note that when an output device is specified, the print data may be immediately output to the specified output device.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the print request includes a user ID for identifying the requesting user and information on the target file. The target file information includes the output target file itself or its location information, or the print data itself or its location information. In addition, for example, information indicating print settings designated by the user may be included.

  When the “quality priority” printing method is selected, the print request unit 114 uploads and saves the output target file to the file server 21 and then outputs the output target file information such as the storage destination and the user ID. Is sent to the spool server 22 (more specifically, a print job management unit 221 described later). If the user terminal 1 is a thin client terminal and the output target file is already in the cloud (on the network), the upload process is omitted. In addition, accumulation in the file server 21 may be performed on the data center 2 side. In such a case, the print request unit 114 may transmit a print request including the user ID and the output target file to the print job management unit 221. Alternatively, the output target file itself may be held in the spool server 22 as print job information regardless of whether or not the file server 21 stores it.

  By using the desktop service, the user can edit data anywhere in an environment connected to a network. In addition, it is allowed that the user terminal that edits data is different from the user terminal that issues a print instruction. The user terminal may be any terminal that can receive and display screen information from a desktop service providing server or the like, and is freed from terminal restrictions.

  Further, when the “speed priority” printing method is selected, the print request unit 114 converts the designated output target file into print data using the common driver 11 at the timing when the print instruction is received. To do. Then, a print request including the converted print data and the user ID is transmitted to the spool server 22 (more specifically, the print job management unit 221). In this method, the print data converted by the common driver 11 as information indicating the target file of the print job before the output device is specified need only be held on the data center 2 side. 1 may not perform data conversion. For example, conversion of the output target file into print data can be performed on the data center 2 side that has received a print request from the user terminal 1. Also, the print data can be separately stored in the file server 21 and the spool server 22 can store the location information of the print data.

  Note that the printing method selection unit 111 is realized by, for example, an input / output device such as a mouse, a keyboard, and a display, and an information processing device such as a CPU that operates according to a program. The data conversion unit 112 and the user ID acquisition unit 113 are realized by an information processing apparatus such as a CPU that operates according to a program, for example. The print request unit 114 is realized by, for example, a communication device with various servers on the network and an information processing device such as a CPU that operates according to a program.

  The output device unit 3 is connected to the data center 2 via a network, and includes an output device 31 such as a multifunction peripheral having at least a printer and a printing function. The manufacturer and model of the output device 31 are not limited. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that an authentication terminal 32 associated with the output device 31 is installed beside the output device 31. The authentication terminal 32 includes a display device 33.

  The authentication terminal 32 is an operation terminal having an input / output device with a user such as a card reader I / F, a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, and a display, for example, and a user who issues a print instruction using a card reader or the like. The user ID for specifying the user ID is read from the authentication card held by the user, and the user authentication is requested to the data center 2, and a list of print jobs is displayed based on the user authenticated information. A print job and an output device are designated according to a user operation, and a print execution request is made to the data center 2.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the output device unit 3 in terms of functions. As shown in FIG. 3, the output device unit 3 includes a printing unit 311, a device ID storage unit 321, a user ID acquisition unit 322, a user authentication unit 323, a print job designation unit 324, and a print execution request unit 325. And may be included.

  The device ID storage unit 321 holds (stores) information related to the output device 31 included in the output device unit 3 (hereinafter simply referred to as the output device 31). For example, when the data center side holds output device information (model, model number, driver information, etc.) on the data center side, the device ID storage unit 321 stores the device ID associated with the information (the output concerned) An identifier for identifying the device 31 may be held. Note that the information itself of the output device 31 may be held. Further, as a function for dealing with each output device, a device cooperation means (not shown) may be further provided. For example, for a print job of the “quality priority” printing method, the device cooperation unit displays a menu for performing print settings that can be specified for the output device 31 and sets / changes print parameters. The setting / changing of the print parameter can be executed by including the information in the print execution request, for example.

  Further, when the output device and the authentication terminal are implemented as different devices, the device cooperation unit periodically sends the information stored in the device ID storage unit 321 to the output device 31 in order to keep the information in the latest state. It may have a function of inquiring and acquiring information. In this case, a plurality of output devices 31 may be associated with the authentication terminal. In such a case, a function that allows the user to select an output device together with the designation of a print job, or a function that selects an output device 31 that automatically performs print processing from the output device 31 according to the output status. May be included.

  The printing unit 311 is a unit that executes a printing process, and may be the same as a general output device.

  The user ID acquisition unit 322 acquires the user ID of the user who requests the output device 31 to output the requested print job (print processing). The user ID acquisition unit 322 may read the user ID through a card reader that reads the user ID from an authentication card possessed by the user, for example. The user ID acquisition method is not particularly limited. For example, the user may input directly via a keyboard or the like.

  The user authentication unit 323 requests user authentication from the authentication server 23 based on the user ID acquired by the user ID acquisition unit 322. In this embodiment, when a user is authenticated as a result of user authentication, a list of print jobs requested by the user is received. Note that the user authentication unit 323 may transmit, for example, a print job list request including a user ID to the spool server 22 instead of the user authentication request. In such a case, user authentication may be performed when the data center 2 receives the print job list request.

  The print job designation unit 324 displays a list of print jobs of the user received as a result of user authentication by the user authentication unit 323 and allows the user to designate a print job to be printed by the output device 31. Note that when only one print job is held, the print job designation process can be omitted. The list of print jobs may be displayed on, for example, the display device 33 (the display unit 331 in FIG. 3) provided in the authentication terminal 32. The display device 33 may be integrated with the authentication terminal 32 and the output device 31, or may exist alone. That is, when the authentication terminal is provided with a display device, it may be displayed on the display device. When the output device is provided with a display device, it may be displayed on the display device. When the terminal is provided independently of the output device, it may be displayed on the display device.

  The print execution requesting unit 325 associates the print job ID for identifying the print job designated by the print job designation unit 324 with the output device 31 (the output device unit 3 is associated with the plurality of output devices 31). If there is, a print execution request including the device ID of the output device 31) that actually performs the print processing is transmitted to the spool server 22 (more specifically, the print job management unit 221) via the network. To do. Note that the print execution request is information indicating that the user requests execution of the print processing previously requested, and print data to the specified output device for the specified print job to the spool server 22. Is information requesting to be output. In the present embodiment, the print execution request includes a user ID for identifying the requesting user, a print job ID, and an output destination device ID. In addition, for example, information indicating print settings designated by the user may be included. Note that the user ID may be omitted if the print job can be specified only by the print job ID. If the data center 2 does not hold output device information, the output device information may be directly included instead of the output destination device ID.

  The display unit 331 is an output device such as a display that displays a list of print jobs, menu display, and the like.

  Note that the device ID storage unit 321 is realized by a storage device, for example. The user ID acquisition unit 322 is realized by, for example, a card reader connected to the output device unit 3 and an information processing apparatus such as a CPU that operates according to a program. Further, the user authentication unit 323, the print execution request unit 325, and the output device cooperation unit (not shown) are realized by, for example, a communication device and an information processing device such as a CPU that operates according to a program. The print job designation unit 324 is realized by an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard and an information processing device such as a CPU that operates according to a program. The display unit 331 is realized by a display device such as a display.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the data center 2 in terms of functions. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the data center 2 may include, for example, a print job management unit 221, a print job data storage unit 222, an authentication unit 231, and a data conversion unit 242.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the print job management unit 221 is realized by, for example, the spool server 22. The print job data storage unit 222 is realized by the spool server 22 and the file server 21, for example. The authentication unit 231 is realized by the authentication server 23. The data conversion unit 242 is realized by the conversion server 24.

  The print job management unit 221 receives a print request from the user terminal 1 and stores the print request content indicated by the received print request in the print job data storage unit 222 as information related to the print job. Also, a print execution request is received from the output device unit 3, and the specified print is performed based on the print job ID specified by the received print execution request and the print job information held in the print job data storage unit 222. Perform job print execution processing.

  The print job management unit 221 outputs, as print execution processing, specifically, if print data is held as target data of the print job, the print data is output to the designated output device as it is, and the print data is held. If the output target file is held, the data conversion unit 242 is requested to convert to print data. When conversion to print data is performed, the converted print data is output to a designated output device. When a plurality of data conversion units 242 are provided, the data conversion unit 242 performs conversion into print data using a printer driver (hereinafter referred to as a dedicated driver 241) corresponding to the designated output device. Request.

  The print job data storage unit 222 stores the contents of the print request received by the print job management unit 221 as print job information. The print job information includes, for example, a print job ID, a requesting user ID, an output target file or its location information, print data or its location information, and information about the print data (used driver information or the like). Information including print settings and request date and time may be used. Here, the output target data or its location information, the print data or its location information, the information about the print data, and the information indicating the print setting are stored if included in the print request, respectively, otherwise NULL. And it is sufficient. Hereinafter, when expressed as “print job target data”, the output target file or the print data stored or indicated in the print job information is pointed out without distinction.

  The authentication unit 231 authenticates the requesting user and the output device when accessing the data center 2 from the user terminal 1 or the output device unit 3. For example, when a print request is transmitted from the user terminal 1 to the spool server 22, the authentication unit 231 authenticates the requesting user from the user ID included in the request. Further, for example, when a user authentication request is transmitted from the output device unit 3 to the authentication server 23 or when a print job list request is transmitted to the spool server 22, the request source is determined from the user ID included in the request. Authenticate users. For example, when a print execution request is transmitted from the output device unit 3 to the spool server 22, the requesting output device is authenticated from the device ID included in the request. Here, “authentication” means at least specifying which user or output device the requesting user or output device is, and further includes a function of verifying that the received information is correct. Also good.

  The data conversion unit 242 converts the designated output target file into print data based on a request from the print job management unit 221. At this time, the data is converted into print data using a printer driver corresponding to the designated output device. The printer driver corresponding to each output device may be prepared in advance, or may be obtained by searching on the network after the output device is designated.

  In addition to the data conversion unit 242, the conversion server 24 may have a dedicated driver management function. For example, the conversion server 24 is a dedicated driver storage unit that stores a printer driver specific to the output device, and a dedicated driver storage unit that stores the printer driver specific to the output device included in the printing system together with information about the output device. And driver registration means. For example, the data conversion unit 242 searches the dedicated driver storage unit for a printer driver specific to the output device based on information on the designated output device, and uses the searched printer driver to convert the output target file into print data. Convert it.

  The print job management unit 221, the authentication unit 231, and the data conversion unit 242 are realized by an information processing apparatus such as a CPU that operates according to a program, for example. The print job data storage unit 222 is realized by a storage device such as a database system.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. First, the flow of data to be printed and the flow of device designation in each printing method will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, the flow of data to be printed and the flow of device designation in each printing method are indicated by arrows with the order of the methods.

  That is, in the case of the circle 1: “quality priority” printing method, when the user designates an output target file on the user terminal 1 and issues a print instruction, the user terminal 1 stores the output target file in the file server 21. (Circle 1-1), and a print request including the user ID and information of the output target file such as the storage destination is transmitted to the spool server 22 (circle 1-2).

  When the spool server 22 receives the print request, the spool server 22 associates the user ID included in the print request, the print job ID assigned to the print request, and information on the request contents (storage information of the output target file, etc.). Then, it is stored in the storage device as print job information.

  Thereafter, the user holds the authentication card over the authentication terminal portion (authentication terminal 32) of a certain output device unit 3 and performs user authentication. At this time, the output device unit 3 transmits the user ID read from the authentication card to the authentication server 23 (circle 1-3), and the authentication server 23 is based on the authenticated user ID information and the device information. A conversion instruction is transmitted to the conversion server 24 (circle 1-4). A process of displaying a list of print jobs of the user held in the spool server 22 between the user authentication and the conversion instruction, causing the user to select a print job, and making a print execution request to the spool server 22 Is included.

  The conversion server extracts an output target file from the file server 21 based on the authenticated user ID information (circle 1-5). Also, based on the information of the designated output device, print data is generated using the dedicated driver 241 corresponding to the designated output device (circle 1-6).

  When the print data is generated, the spool server 22 transmits the generated print data to the designated output device unit 3 (circle 1-7). The output device unit 3 performs printing based on the received print data.

  Also, in the case of the round 2: “speed priority” printing method, when the user designates an output target file on the user terminal 1 and issues a print instruction, the user terminal 1 uses the installed common driver 11. Then, the output target file designated in this step is converted into print data, and a print request including the user ID and the converted print data is transmitted to the spool server 22 (circle 2-1).

  When the spool server 22 receives the print request, the spool server 22 associates the user ID included in the print request, the print job ID assigned to the print request, and information (such as the storage location of the print data) about the request contents. Then, it is stored in the storage device as print job information.

  Thereafter, the user holds the authentication card over the authentication terminal portion (authentication terminal 32) of a certain output device unit 3 and performs user authentication. At this time, the output device unit 3 transmits the user ID read from the authentication card to the authentication server 23 (circle 2-2), and issues a print execution instruction including the authenticated user ID information and device information to the spool server 22. (Circle 2-3). It should be noted that the process from the user authentication to the print execution instruction includes a process of displaying the user's print job list held in the spool server 22 and allowing the user to select a print job.

  The spool server 22 transmits the held print data of the user to the designated output device unit 3 based on the inherited user ID information (circle 2-4). The output device unit 3 performs printing based on the received print data.

  As described above, the user can select the printing method, and according to the selected printing method, by switching the print data conversion timing from the output target file and the driver to be used, the optimum image quality and processing speed for the user can be obtained. Can be made compatible.

  Next, the operation of each device (each terminal or each server) in the present embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

  First, the operation of each apparatus when the “quality priority” printing method is selected will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. The operation of each apparatus is roughly divided into an operation related to a print request and an operation related to a print execution request. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of each apparatus according to a print request when the “quality priority” printing method is selected. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of each apparatus according to a print execution request when the “quality priority” printing method is selected.

  Referring to FIG. 5, when the common driver 11 of the user terminal 1 receives a print instruction specifying an output target file (step S101), for example, the print method selection unit 111 displays the print setting screen and is designated. The user is allowed to select a printing method to be executed for the output target file (step S102). For example, the print setting screen may be implemented as a property screen for performing print settings for the common printer for the printing system. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen displayed on the user terminal 1. As shown in FIG. 9, the printing method selection unit 111 displays a property screen including a selection box 1111 for selecting a printing method in addition to the items on the printing property screen of the normal printer. May select the printing method.

  If the selected printing method is the “quality priority” method, the print request unit 114 outputs the specified output target file to the file server 21 and stores it (steps S111 and S112). ), A print request including the user ID of the request source acquired by the user ID acquisition unit 113, information indicating the storage location of the output target file, and the print setting information designated by the user is transmitted to the spool server 22 ( Step S113). The print request may be received by the authentication server 23 first, and may be transmitted to the spool server 22 after the authentication unit 231 performs user authentication.

  In the spool server 22, the print job management unit 221 receives a print request from the user terminal 1, and spools the print job based on the received print request (step S114). For example, the print job management unit 221 assigns a print job ID, associates the assigned print job ID, the user ID, and the requested content, and stores them in the print job data storage unit 222. Thus, the process related to the print request is completed. In the case of this example, the print job data storage unit 222 stores an output target file (or its location information) as target data of the print job.

  Next, an operation example of each apparatus according to a print execution request when the “quality priority” printing method is selected will be described. Referring to FIG. 6, when the user holds the authentication card over the authentication terminal 32 of the output device unit 3, the user ID acquisition unit 322 reads the user ID from the authentication card (step S201).

  When the user ID acquisition unit 322 reads the user ID, the user authentication unit 323 makes an authentication request including the read user ID to the authentication server 23 (step S202).

  In the authentication server 23, the authentication unit 231 performs user authentication in response to the authentication request (step S203), and when the user is authenticated, the spool server 22 displays the print job list of the user as the output device unit of the authentication request source. 3 (step S204). In the output device unit 3, the print job designation unit 324 causes the display device 33 to display the print job list information received from the spool server 22 (step S205), and causes the user to designate a print job to be printed.

  When the user designates a print job, the print execution request unit 325 of the output device unit 3 prints a print execution request including the user ID, the device ID of the output device 31, and the print job ID of the specified print job. Is transmitted to the spool server (step S206). Note that the print execution request may be received by the authentication server 23 first, and may be transmitted to the spool server 22 after the authentication unit 231 performs device authentication and user authentication.

  When the print job management unit 221 of the spool server 22 receives the print execution request from the output device unit 3, the print job management unit 221 confirms the target data of the designated print job based on the received print execution request (step S207).

  Here, if the print data is not held as the target data of the designated print job but the output target file is held, a conversion request for the output target file is made to the conversion server 24 (step S211). The conversion request includes output device information and print setting information. Note that default print setting information for each user may be set and held in advance.

  The data conversion unit 242 of the conversion server 24 receives the conversion request for the output target file, converts the specified output target file into print data using the dedicated driver 241 corresponding to the specified output device, and outputs the data. (Step S212).

  When the conversion process to the print data is completed, the print job management unit 221 of the spool server 22 transmits the converted print data to the designated output device (the output device unit 3 of the print execution request source) ( Step S213). The output device that has received the print data (the output device 31 of the output device unit 3) performs printing (actual printing processing on paper or the like) (step S214). Thus, the process related to the print execution request is completed.

  As described above, when the “quality priority” printing method is selected, at the timing when a print request is made to the spool server 22 according to the user's print instruction, the print target file is printed without being converted into print data. Since the job is spooled and converted to print data using the dedicated driver corresponding to the specified output device at the specified timing, the user outputs a high quality (common driver) It is possible to obtain a print result). For example, it is possible to print a binding (for example, screen layout, imposition, stapling, color output, etc.) that makes full use of the function of the designated output device.

  Next, the operation of each apparatus when the “speed priority” printing method is selected will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of each apparatus according to a print request when the “speed priority” printing method is selected. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of each apparatus according to a print execution request when the “speed priority” printing method is selected. Note that the operations in steps S101 to S103 in FIG. 7 are the same as the operations in steps S101 to S103 shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 7, when the selected printing method is the “quality priority” method (step S103), the printing method selection unit 111 of the user terminal 1 requests the data conversion unit 112 to convert the output target file. I do. In response to a request from the printing method selection unit 111, the data conversion unit 112 converts the designated output target file into printing data using the common driver 11 (step S121).

  When the conversion process to the print data is completed, the print request unit 114 receives the request source user ID acquired by the user ID acquisition unit 113, the generated print data, and the print setting information specified by the user. The print request including the request is transmitted to the spool server 22 (step S122).

  In the spool server 22, the print job management unit 221 receives a print request from the user terminal 1, and spools the print job based on the received print request (step S123). Thus, the process related to the print request is completed. In this example, the print job data storage unit 222 stores print data (or location information) as target data for the print job.

  Next, an operation example of each apparatus according to a print execution request when the “speed priority” printing method is selected will be described with reference to FIG. The operations in steps S201 to S206 in FIG. 8 are the same as the operations in steps S201 to S206 shown in FIG.

  When the print job management unit 221 of the spool server 22 receives the print execution request from the output device unit 3, the print job management unit 221 confirms the target data of the designated print job based on the received print execution request (step S207).

  Here, if printing data is held as target data of the designated print job, the printing data is transmitted as it is to the designated output device (output device unit 3 of the print execution request source) (step S221). ). The output device that has received the print data (the output device 31 of the output device unit 3) performs printing (actual printing processing on paper or the like) (step S222). Thus, the process related to the print execution request is completed.

  As described above, when the “speed priority” printing method is selected, the print job is converted into print data using a common driver at the timing when a print request is made to the spool server 22 according to the print instruction of the user. When the output device is specified, the spooled print data is output to the specified output device, so the user can print with the print data converted using the common driver. You can get results quickly. If the output device is compatible with the common driver, the main print settings can be reflected.

  In the above description, an example in which a print job is managed for each user ID has been described. However, the user ID is not used, and the print job ID (ID for identifying the print job) issued by the spool server 22 is directly used. A management method is also possible. For example, the print request unit 114 of the user terminal 1 accepts a print job ID as a response to the print request made to the data center 2 and presents the accepted print job ID to the user. On the output device side, the user ID acquisition unit 322 acquires the print job ID instead of the user ID when the user inputs the print job ID presented at the time of the print request to the output device unit 3, and the acquired print job The print execution request unit 325 may make a print execution request including the ID and the device ID of the output device to the spool server 22. When the spool server 22 receives the print execution request, the spool server 22 authenticates the print job ID included in the received print execution request, and executes the print execution according to the print method based on the print job information indicated by the authenticated print job ID. What is necessary is just to process.

  Further, in the above description, when the “speed priority” printing method is selected, an example of converting to print data using the common driver 11 has been described. However, the conversion function by the common driver 11 does not necessarily include a plurality of output. It does not have to conform to a predetermined common specification that the device supports. For example, depending on the setting, data conversion may be performed using a conversion function of another printer driver (for example, a printer driver corresponding to a normally used printer). Further, for example, when the “speed priority” printing method is selected, both the print data and the output target file information may be held as print job information. In such a case, even if the specified output device does not support the converted print data, the printer driver is applied on demand from that point to convert the output target file into the print data. Can be converted and the printing process can be completed.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, as an auxiliary function at the stage of selecting a printing method, the installation location and performance of the output device corresponding to this system are displayed.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system according to the second embodiment of this invention. The printing system shown in FIG. 10 is different from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that an output device management server 25 is further provided as a server constituting the data center 2.

  The output device management server 25 is a server that implements a Web service that provides information about output devices compatible with this system. Note that the output device corresponding to this system does not necessarily have a special function in the output device itself. For example, the output device is associated with the authentication terminal 32 as one output device unit 3. It is sufficient that at least a function for making a print execution request is provided.

  In FIG. 10, as an output device search flow, position information is transmitted to the output device management server 25 before a print request is made, and output corresponding to the present system installed in the vicinity of the transmitted position information. An example of receiving device information is shown (circle 1-0, circle 2-0).

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the user terminal 1 of the present embodiment. The example shown in FIG. 11 is different from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 in that it further includes position information acquisition means 115 and output device search means 116.

  The position information acquisition unit 115 acquires position information as a search condition for the output device. The location information acquisition unit 115 may input the current location of the user terminal 1 using, for example, GPS (Global Positioning System). Moreover, you may make a user input directly. Further, for example, if it is possible to link with a QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark) or a database in which RFID and address information are linked, proxy input may be performed based on QR code or RFID.

  Based on the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 115, the output device search unit 116 is closer to the data center 2 (more specifically, the output device management server 25) than the position indicated by the position information. Queries the installed output device, receives information (installation position, performance, operating status, etc.) regarding the corresponding output device and presents it to the user.

  FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of the data center 2 of the present embodiment. The configuration example shown in FIG. 12 is different from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 in that output device data management means 251 is provided.

  The output device data management unit 251 holds information related to the output device corresponding to this system, and in response to a search request including the position information, information related to the output device installed near the position indicated by the position information. Output.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen displayed on the user terminal 1. As shown in FIG. 13, in this embodiment, for example, a printer search box 1112 for displaying a list of output devices compatible with the printing system and detailed information is added to the print setting screen. For example, the output device search unit 116 may display a list of corresponding output devices received as a result of the search request on the print setting screen. Then, in response to an operation for selecting an output device in the list from the user, the performance of the corresponding output device may be displayed. In FIG. 13, as a printer search box 1112, a radio box for selecting a position information input method, a text input box, a search button for instructing a search based on position information input thereby, and a search result are acquired. An example including a box for displaying a list of the nearest printers and a box for displaying a processing speed such as an installation location, a waiting time until the start of printing, and the number of output sheets / minute are shown as information on the selected printer. These pieces of information are information collected and held by the output device data management unit 251.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to present to the user information on the output device installed at a location close to the current position or a position designated by the user, so that the user has to search for the printer himself / herself. In addition, it is possible to select an optimum printing method according to the situation based on the presented information. For example, it is possible to know in advance whether or not the binding and processing speed intended by the user can be realized.

  In the present embodiment, the method for searching for the nearest output device from the position information has been described. However, the search condition is not limited to the position information. For example, an output device having a predetermined function may be searched. Is possible. In such a case, an interface that allows the user to select a search condition may be added. It is possible to present information on an output device that meets a user's desire to print with a special binding or to finish a large amount of printing within a predetermined time.

  Next, the outline of the present invention will be described. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an outline of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14, the printing system according to the present invention includes a print job information storage unit 701, a printing method selection unit 702, a first print request unit 703, a second print request unit 704, and an output device designation. A receiving unit 705 and an on-demand printing data conversion unit 706 are provided.

  The print job information storage unit 701 stores information on received print jobs. Note that the print job information storage unit 701 is shown as the print job data storage unit 222 in the above embodiment.

  In response to a print instruction from a user, the print method selection unit 702 causes the user to select a print method to be applied to the output target file. Note that the printing method selection unit 702 is shown as the printing method selection unit 111 in the above embodiment.

  When the speed priority printing method is selected as the printing method, the first print request unit 703 converts the output target file into printing data using a predetermined printer driver, and the converted printing data or its network Information including information indicating the above location is stored in the print job information storage unit 701. The first print request unit 703 is shown as the print request unit 114 in the above embodiment.

  The second print request unit 704 causes the print job information storage unit 701 to store information including information indicating the output target file or its location on the network when the quality priority printing method is selected as the printing method. The second print request unit 704 is shown as the print request unit 114 in the above embodiment.

  The output device designation accepting unit 705 accepts designation of an output device from the user for the print job stored in the print job information storage unit 701. The output device designation receiving unit 705 is shown as the print job management unit 221 in the above embodiment.

  On-demand print data conversion means 706 stores print data or information indicating its location on the network in print job information storage means 701 when output device designation accepting means 705 accepts designation of an output device. If not, the output target file is converted into print data using a printer driver corresponding to the designated output device. The on-demand printing data conversion unit 706 is shown as the data conversion unit 242 in the above embodiment.

  Also, the first print request unit 703 converts the output target file into print data using a common driver that performs conversion into print data that conforms to a predetermined common specification supported by a plurality of output devices. The print job information storage unit 701 may store information including the printed data or information indicating the location on the network.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the printing system of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 15, the printing system of the present invention may further include a user identifier input unit 711 and a print execution request unit 712. Further, an output device search condition acquisition unit 721, an output device search unit 722, and an output device information display unit 723 may be provided. Further, dedicated driver storage means 601 and dedicated driver registration means 602 may be provided.

  The user identifier input unit 711 inputs a user identifier of the user in response to a user operation to an output device unit including an output device having at least a printing function. The user identifier input unit 711 is shown as the user ID acquisition unit 322 in the above embodiment.

  Based on the user identifier input via the user identifier input unit 711, the print execution request unit 712 specifies the output device or the output device associated with the authentication terminal for the print job of the user. Make a print execution request. The print execution request unit 712 is shown as the print execution request unit 325 in the above embodiment. For example, the print execution request unit 712 displays a list of print jobs of the user based on the user identifier input via the user identifier input unit 711, and prints according to a user operation on the displayed print job list. A print execution request specifying a job and an output device may be made.

  In such a configuration, the output device designation accepting unit 705 accepts a print execution request from the print execution request unit 712, thereby outputting an output device from the user for the print job stored in the print job information storage unit 701. May be accepted.

  Further, the output device search condition acquisition unit 721 acquires information as a search condition for the output device. The output device search condition acquisition unit 721 is shown as the position information acquisition unit 115 in the above embodiment.

  The output device search unit 722 searches for the output device on the condition of the information acquired by the output device search condition acquisition unit 721. The output device search unit 722 is shown as the output device search unit 116 in the above embodiment.

  The output device information display unit 723 displays information including the location of the output device searched by the output device search unit 722. The output device information display unit 723 is shown as the output device search unit 116 in the above embodiment.

  In addition, when the print method selection unit 702 receives a print instruction specifying the output target file from the user, the print method selection unit 702 uses the print setting screen for performing the print setting to be displayed according to the user operation, to the user. A printing method to be applied to a specified output target file may be selected.

  The dedicated driver storage unit 601 stores a printer driver unique to the output device. The dedicated driver registration unit 602 causes the dedicated driver storage unit 601 to store a printer driver specific to the output device included in the printing system together with information about the output device.

  In such a configuration, the data conversion unit for on-demand printing 706 searches the dedicated driver storage unit 601 for a printer driver specific to the output device based on the specified output device information, and finds the searched printer driver. The output target file may be converted into print data.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the printing system of the present invention. FIG. 16 is also a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a print instruction terminal, a print server, a conversion server, and an output device unit constituting the printing system. As shown in FIG. 16, the printing system according to the present invention includes a print instruction terminal operated by a user, a print server, a conversion server, and at least one output device unit including an output device having at least a print function. You may have.

  The print instruction terminal (for example, user terminal 1) may include, for example, the above-described print method selection unit 702, first print request unit 703, and second print request unit 704.

  The print server (for example, the spool server 22 and the authentication server 23) includes, for example, a print request reception unit 801, a print job information registration unit 802, an output device designation reception unit 705, and a first print execution unit 803. , Second print execution means 804 may be provided. Note that the print request reception unit 801, the print job information registration unit 802, the output device designation reception unit 705, the first print execution unit 803, and the second print execution unit 804 are all the print job management unit 221 in the above embodiment. Is shown as

  The print request accepting unit 801 accepts a print request for which no output device is designated from the user terminal.

  The print job information registration unit 802 stores print job information in a storage unit (for example, the print job information storage unit 701) on the network based on the print request received by the print request reception unit 801. The storage unit may be provided with the storage unit.

  When the output device designation receiving unit 705 receives the designation of the output device, the first print execution unit 803 acquires the data based on the print data stored in the storage unit or the information indicating the location on the network. Output the print data to the specified output device.

  When the output device designation receiving unit 705 receives the designation of the output device, the second print execution unit 804 uses the printer driver corresponding to the designated output device to output the output target file stored in the storage unit A conversion request is made to the on-demand print data conversion means 706 for converting the output target file acquired based on the information indicating the location on the network into print data, and the print data converted as a result of the conversion request is designated. Output to the specified output device.

  Further, the conversion server (for example, the conversion server 24) may include, for example, the above-described on-demand print data conversion unit 706.

  Each output device unit (for example, the output device unit 3) may include the above-described user identifier input unit 711 and print execution request unit 712.

  FIG. 17 is also a block diagram showing another configuration example of the printing system according to the present invention and configuration examples of a print instruction terminal, a print server, a conversion server, and an output device unit constituting the printing system. As shown in FIG. 17, a printing system according to the present invention includes a desktop service providing server that provides a desktop environment to a thin client terminal, a file server that stores a user data file in response to a request from the desktop service providing server, A configuration including a print server that performs processing for printing in response to a request from the desktop service providing server may be employed.

  In such a configuration, the desktop service providing server, in response to a print instruction from a user for a data file, causes the user to select a print method to be applied to the output target file. When selected, a process for converting an output target file into print data using a predetermined printer driver, and transmitting a print request including the converted print data or information indicating the location on the network to the print server And a desktop environment that provides a thin client terminal with a desktop environment for processing to send a print request including information indicating the location of the output target file on the network to the print server when the quality priority printing method is selected as the printing method. An environment providing means may be included.

  The conversion server may further include the dedicated driver storage unit 601 and the dedicated driver registration unit 602 described above.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an outline of the printing method according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 17, in the printing method according to the present invention, in response to a printing instruction from a user, the user selects a printing method to be applied to the output target file (step S701), and speed priority is given to the printing method. When the printing method is selected, the output target file is converted into print data using a predetermined printer driver, and the information including the converted print data or the information indicating the location on the network is transferred to the network. A storage unit that stores information of a received print job in a predetermined storage unit (steps S702 and S703), and when a quality priority printing method is selected as a printing method, an output target file or its network Storing information including information indicating the above location in the storage means (step S704) Receiving the designation of the output device from the user for the print job stored in the storage means (step S705), and when the designation of the output device is accepted, the storage means stores the print data or its network If the information indicating the location is stored, the printing data stored in the storage means or the printing data acquired based on the information indicating the location on the network is output to the designated output device. When the step (Step S706) and the designation of the output device are accepted, if the data for printing or the information indicating the location on the network is not stored in the storage unit, it is stored in the storage unit. Output target file An option to convert the output target file obtained based on the network location information into print data. It performs conversion request to demand the print data conversion unit, the step of outputting the result converted output device designated the print data of the conversion request (Step S707, S 708) and may contain.

  By providing such a configuration, it is possible to achieve both the image quality of the printing result and the lead time which are optimal for the user.

  The present invention can be suitably applied to any printing system including one or more output devices connected via a network without depending on the model.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 User terminal 11 Common driver 111 Printing method selection means 112 Data conversion means 113 User ID acquisition means 114 Print request means 115 Position information acquisition means 116 Output device search means 12 OS / Application 2 Data center 21 File server 22 Spool server 221 Print job Management unit 222 Print job data storage unit 23 Authentication server 231 Authentication unit 24 Conversion server 241 Dedicated driver 242 Data conversion unit 25 Output device management server 251 Output device data management unit 3 Output device unit 31 Output device 311 Printing unit 32 Authentication terminal 321 Output Device ID storage means 322 User ID acquisition means 323 User authentication means 324 Print job designation means 325 Print execution request means 33 Display device 331 Display means 500 Network 601 Dedicated driver storage unit 602 Dedicated driver registration unit 701 Print job information storage unit 702 Print method selection unit 703 First print request unit 704 Second print request unit 705 Output device designation reception unit 706 Data conversion unit for on-demand printing 711 User identifier input means 712 Print execution request means 721 Output device search condition acquisition means 722 Output device search means 723 Output device information display means 801 Print request reception means 802 Print job information registration means 803 First print execution means 804 Second Printing execution means

Claims (13)

Print job information storage means for storing information of the received print job;
In response to a print instruction from the user, the print method selection means for allowing the user to select a print method to be applied to the output target file;
When the speed priority printing method is selected as the printing method, the output target file is converted into print data using a predetermined printer driver, and the converted print data or information indicating the location on the network is included. First print requesting means for storing information in the print job information storage means;
A second print request unit that stores information including information indicating the output target file or the location on the network in the print job information storage unit when a quality priority printing method is selected as a printing method;
An output device designation accepting unit for accepting designation of an output device from a user for a print job stored in the print job information storage unit;
When the output device designation accepting unit accepts the designation of the output device, if the print job information storage unit does not store the print data or the information indicating the location on the network, the designated output device is A printing system comprising: on-demand printing data conversion means for converting an output target file into printing data using a corresponding printer driver. The first print requesting unit converts the output target file into print data using a common driver that performs conversion to print data in accordance with a predetermined common specification supported by a plurality of output devices, and the converted print The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the print job information storage unit stores information including business data or information indicating a location on the network. A user identifier input means for inputting a user identifier of the user in response to a user operation to at least an output device having a printing function or an authentication terminal associated with the output device;
Print execution that issues a print execution request designating the output device or the output device associated with the authentication terminal for the user's print job based on the user identifier input via the user identifier input means A request means,
The output device designation accepting unit accepts designation of an output device from a user for a print job stored in the print job information storage unit by receiving a print execution request from the print execution request unit. Item 3. The printing system according to Item 2. Output device search condition acquisition means for acquiring information as output device search conditions;
An output device search means for searching for an output device on the condition that the information acquired by the output device search condition acquisition means,
The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising: an output device information display unit that displays information including a location of the output device searched by the output device search unit. The printing system according to claim 4, wherein the output device information display unit displays information including a location and performance of the output device. The print method selection unit uses a print setting screen for performing print settings to be displayed in response to a user operation when a print instruction specifying an output target file is received from the user. The printing system according to claim 5, wherein a printing method to be applied to the output target file is selected. Dedicated driver storage means for storing a printer driver specific to the output device;
The dedicated driver storage means includes dedicated driver registration means for storing a printer driver specific to the output device included in the printing system together with information on the output device,
The on-demand printing data conversion means searches the dedicated driver storage means for a printer driver specific to the output device based on the information of the designated output device, and prints the output target file using the searched printer driver. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the printing system is converted into data. A desktop service providing server that provides a desktop environment to a thin client terminal operated by a user, a file server that stores the user data file in response to a request from the desktop service providing server, and a request from the desktop service providing server And a print server that performs processing for printing according to
The desktop service providing server includes:
In response to a print instruction from a user for a data file, a process for causing the user to select a print method to be applied to the output target file, and when a speed priority print method is selected as the print method, a predetermined printer driver is used. Processing for transmitting the output file to print data, sending the print request including the converted print data or information indicating the location on the network to the print server, and the quality priority print method is selected as the print method And a desktop environment providing means for providing the thin client terminal with a desktop environment for performing a process of transmitting a print request including information indicating the location of the output target file on the network to the print server. And printing system. Including at least one output device unit including an output device having at least a printing function;
Each output device unit is
User identifier input means for inputting the user identifier of the user in response to a user operation;
Print execution requesting means for making a print execution request designating an output device included in the output device unit for the print job of the user based on the user identifier input via the user identifier input unit. The printing system according to claim 8. In response to a print instruction from the user, the print method selection means for allowing the user to select a print method to be applied to the output target file;
When the speed priority printing method is selected as the printing method, the output target file is converted into print data using a predetermined printer driver, and the converted print data or information indicating the location on the network is included. First print requesting means for storing information in a predetermined storage means for storing information of a received print job, which is storage means on the network;
And a second print requesting means for storing information including information indicating the output target file or its location on the network in the storage means when a quality priority printing method is selected as the printing method. The print instruction terminal. Print request accepting means for accepting a print request for which no output device is designated from the user terminal;
Print job information registration means for storing print job information in a storage means on a network based on the print request received by the print request reception means;
Output device designation accepting means for accepting designation of an output device from a user for a print job stored in the storage means;
When the output device designation accepting means accepts the designation of the output device, the print data stored in the storage means or the print data acquired based on the information indicating the location on the network is designated. First print execution means for outputting to an output device;
When the output device designation accepting unit accepts the designation of the output device, the output target file stored in the storage unit using the printer driver corresponding to the designated output device is information indicating the location on the network. A conversion request is made to the data conversion means for on-demand printing that converts the output target file acquired based on the data to print data, and the print data converted as a result of the conversion request is output to the designated output device. A print server comprising: 2 print execution means. In response to a print instruction from the user, the user selects a print method to be applied to the output target file,
When the speed priority printing method is selected as the printing method, the output target file is converted into print data using a predetermined printer driver, and the converted print data or information indicating the location on the network is included. The information is stored in a predetermined storage unit that stores the information of the received print job, which is a storage unit on the network,
When a quality priority printing method is selected as the printing method, information including information indicating the output target file or the location on the network is stored in the storage unit,
Accepting designation of an output device from the user for the print job stored in the storage means;
If printing data or information indicating the location on the network is stored in the storage means when the designation of the output device is received, the printing data stored in the storage means or the network thereof Output the print data acquired based on the information indicating the above location to the specified output device,
When the designation of the output device is accepted, if the storage means does not store the print data or the information indicating the location on the network, the output target file stored in the storage means on the network An output device that makes a conversion request to the on-demand print data conversion means that converts the output target file acquired based on the information indicating the location of the print data into print data, and the print data converted as a result of the conversion request is designated A printing method characterized by outputting to a printer. On the computer,
A process for allowing the user to select a printing method to be applied to the output target file in response to a print instruction from the user;
When the speed priority printing method is selected as the printing method, the output target file is converted into print data using a predetermined printer driver, and the converted print data or information indicating the location on the network is included. When the quality priority printing method is selected as a process for storing information in a predetermined storage unit that stores information of a received print job, which is a storage unit on the network, and the output target file or its A printing program for executing processing for storing information including information indicating a location on a network in the storage unit.

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