JP2018018301A - Output system, output method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To notify that a printed matter related to a print job distributed on the basis of a rule has been output.SOLUTION: In an output system having information processing devices and output devices, the information processing devices include: a setting unit that holds settings for output destinations according to output conditions; a selection unit that selects the output devices as the output destinations according to the conditions responding to an output request from a user; and a transmission unit that transmits notification information indicating a notification manner of notification devices and data to be output, to the output devices selected by the selection unit. The output device includes: a printing unit that prints the data to be output; a generation unit that generates a notification command according to the notification information; and a control unit that controls notification in the notification devices according to the notification command.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an output system, an output method, and a program.

  Conventionally, a technique for distributing a print job to an image forming apparatus according to a predetermined condition is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Using this technology, for example, in a medical field, when a doctor requests a predetermined print from a terminal in the examination room, the print job is distributed to an output device in each ward based on a predetermined rule (keyword, time, etc.). Can do.

  However, the conventional technique has a problem in that it may be left without noticing that a printed matter related to a print job distributed based on a rule has been output.

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a technique capable of notifying that a printed matter related to a print job distributed based on a rule has been output.

  In the information processing apparatus and the output system including the output apparatus, the information processing apparatus includes: a setting unit that holds a setting of an output destination according to an output condition; and an output destination according to the condition according to an output request from a user A selection unit that selects the output device, notification information indicating a mode of notification in the notification device, and a transmission unit that transmits data to be output to the output device selected by the selection unit, The output device includes: a printing unit that prints the output target data; a generation unit that generates a notification command according to the notification information; a control unit that controls notification in the notification device according to the notification command; Is provided.

  According to the disclosed technology, it is possible to notify that a printed matter related to a print job distributed based on a rule has been output.

1 is a configuration diagram of an example of a printing system according to an embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram of an example of the computer which concerns on embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram of an example of the output device which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the functional block of a client terminal and an output device. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of a process of a printing system. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process of a client terminal. It is a figure explaining the parameter for information control. It is a figure which shows an example of print data. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process of an output device. It is a figure which shows an example of an alerting | reporting control table. It is a figure which shows an example of an alerting | reporting command. It is a figure explaining the transmission method of an alerting | reporting command. It is a processing block diagram of an example of a client terminal before the software package concerning this embodiment is installed. It is a block diagram of an example of the software package which concerns on this embodiment. It is a processing block diagram of an example of a client terminal after the software package concerning this embodiment is installed. It is a processing block diagram of an example of an output control plug-in. It is a processing block diagram of an example of a rule-based printing control unit. It is a processing block diagram of an example of a document registration plug-in. It is an image figure of an example of an environment setting screen. It is an image figure of the other example of an environment setting screen. It is an image figure of an example of a scenario management screen. It is an image figure of an example of a scenario setting screen. It is an image figure of an example of a rule setting screen. It is an image figure of an example of a setting screen when the kind of condition is print setting. It is an image figure of an example of a setting screen when the kind of condition is a document name. It is an image figure of an example of a setting screen when the kind of condition is a keyword. It is an image figure of an example of a setting screen when the kind of condition is the number of pages. It is an image figure of an example of a setting screen when the kind of condition is time and a day of the week. It is an image figure of the other example of a rule setting screen. FIG. 10 is an image diagram of an example of a setting screen when the action type is “print”. FIG. 6 is an image diagram of an example of a setting screen for setting printer options. FIG. 10 is an image diagram of an example of a setting screen when the action type is “change print setting”. It is an image figure of an example of a setting screen when the kind of action is "message notification". 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an overall outline of a printing process. It is an example screen transition diagram (1/3) concerning this embodiment. It is an example screen transition diagram (2/3) concerning this embodiment. It is an example screen transition diagram (3/3) concerning this embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of output destination distribution processing when priority is given to print settings of a virtual printer driver. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of output destination distribution processing when priority is given to print settings of an actual printer driver. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the handling of print setting values in a print mode.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of a printing system (an example of an “output system”) according to the embodiment. 1 includes a client terminal 10 connected via a network N1, such as a LAN, output devices 20-1, 20-2,... ”), Notification devices 30-1, 30-2,... Connected to the respective output devices 20-1, 20-2,. Device 30 ”).

  The client terminal 10, the output device 20, and the notification device 30 have wireless or wired communication means.

  Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which there is one client terminal 10, a plurality of client terminals 10 may be provided.

  The client terminal 10 is an information processing apparatus such as a PC used by a user. The client terminal 10 is a terminal device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a PC. The output device 20 is an image forming apparatus such as a printer connected to the network N1 by wired or wireless communication.

  The output device 20 may be an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, a multifunction peripheral, a laser printer, or a 3D printer.

  The notification device 30 is linked to the control of the output device 20 to notify surrounding users by light or voice. Accordingly, for example, it is possible to notify surrounding users that the output operation of the output device 20 or the panel operation of the output device 20 by the user has been performed.

<Hardware configuration>
≪Client terminal≫
The client terminal 10 in FIG. 1 is realized by a computer having a hardware configuration shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a computer according to the present embodiment.

  A computer 500 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes an input device 501, a display device 502, an external I / F 503, a RAM 504, a ROM 505, a CPU 506, a communication I / F 507, an HDD 508, and the like. . Note that the input device 501 and the display device 502 may be connected and used when necessary.

  The input device 501 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like, and is used by a user to input each operation signal. The display device 502 includes a display and the like, and displays a processing result by the computer 500.

  A communication I / F 507 is an interface for connecting the computer 500 to the network N1. Thereby, the computer 500 can perform data communication via the communication I / F 507.

  The HDD 508 is an example of a nonvolatile storage device that stores programs and data. The stored programs and data include an OS, which is basic software for controlling the entire computer 500, and application software (hereinafter simply referred to as an application) that provides various functions on the OS. The computer 500 may use a drive device (for example, a solid state drive: SSD) that uses a flash memory as a storage medium instead of the HDD 508.

  The external I / F 503 is an interface with an external device. The external device includes a recording medium 503a. Accordingly, the computer 500 can read and / or write the recording medium 503a via the external I / F 503. The recording medium 503a includes a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, an SD memory card, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, and the like.

  The ROM 505 is an example of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 505 stores programs and data such as BIOS, OS settings, and network settings that are executed when the computer 500 is started up. The RAM 504 is an example of a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that temporarily stores programs and data.

  The CPU 506 is an arithmetic device that realizes control and functions of the entire computer 500 by reading a program and data from a storage device such as the ROM 505 and the HDD 508 onto the RAM 504 and executing processing.

  The client terminal 10 according to the present embodiment can implement various processes as described later by the hardware configuration of the computer 500 described above.

<< Output device 20 >>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an example of the output device 20 according to the embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the output device 20 according to the present embodiment includes a controller 201, an operation panel 202, an external I / F 203, a communication I / F 204, and a plotter 205. The controller 201 includes a CPU 211, a RAM 221, a ROM 231, an NVRAM 241, and an HDD 251.

  The ROM 231 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory that stores various programs and data. The RAM 221 is a volatile semiconductor memory that temporarily stores programs and data. The NVRAM 241 stores setting information, for example. The HDD 251 is a nonvolatile storage device that stores various programs and data.

  The CPU 211 reads programs, data, setting information, and the like from the ROM 231, NVRAM 241, HDD 251, and the like onto the RAM 221 and executes processing based on the programs and data, thereby performing control of the entire output device 20 and other functions. Device.

  The operation panel 202 includes an input unit that receives input from the user and a display unit that performs display. The external I / F 203 is an interface with an external device. The external device includes a recording medium 203a. The output device 20 can read and write to the recording medium 203a via the external I / F 23. Examples of the recording medium 203a include an IC card, a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, an SD memory card, and a USB memory.

  The communication I / F 204 is an interface that connects the output device 20 to the network N. The output device 20 can perform communication via the communication I / F 204. The plotter 205 is a printing device that prints print data.

  The output device 20 according to the present embodiment has the hardware configuration shown in FIG.

<Functional configuration>
Next, functional configurations of the client terminal 10 and the output device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the client terminal 10 and the output device 20.

≪Functional configuration of client terminal≫
The client terminal 10 includes a control unit 11, a setting unit 12, a selection unit 13, and a transmission unit 14. Each of these units is realized by processing that one or more programs installed in the client terminal 10 cause the CPU of the client terminal 10 to execute.

  Upon receiving a print instruction from the user, the control unit 11 performs control such as outputting a print job to the output device 20.

  The setting unit 12 holds, as a rule, data in which an output condition and an output device 20 that is an output destination are associated with each other in accordance with an operation from a user, for example. As output conditions, for example, conditions such as print settings relating to output, document name to be output, keywords included in output target data, the number of pages to be output, output time, or output day of the week are set.

  The selection unit 13 selects the output device 20 that is the output destination according to the output condition according to the output request from the user and the rule set in the setting unit 12. For example, the selection unit 13 selects the output device 20 that is an output destination associated with an output condition such as an output target document name in an output request from the user.

  The transmission unit 14 transmits the notification information indicating the notification mode in the notification device 30 and the output target data to the output device 20 selected by the selection unit 13.

≪Functional structure of output device≫
The output device 20 includes a printing unit 21, a generation unit 22, and a control unit 23. Each of these units is realized by a process in which one or more programs installed in the output device 20 are executed by the CPU of the output device 20.

  The printing unit 21 prints output target data received from the client terminal 10.

  The generation unit 22 generates a notification command corresponding to the notification information received from the client terminal 10.

  The control unit 23 controls notification in the notification device according to the notification command generated by the generation unit 22.

  Further, the output device 20 has a notification control table 221. The notification control table 221 is realized using, for example, an auxiliary storage device.

<Processing>
Next, processing of the printing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing of the printing system 1.

  In step S101, the setting unit 12 of the client terminal 10 sets a rule for printing on the output device 20 in accordance with, for example, an operation from the user.

  Subsequently, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 receives a print instruction from the user (step S102).

  Subsequently, the selection unit 13 of the client terminal 10 determines a keyword included in the file instructed to be printed and a time at which the printing is instructed (step S103).

  Subsequently, the transmission unit 14 of the client terminal 10 assigns a notification control parameter (an example of “notification information”) to the print data according to the determined keyword and time (step S104), and transmits the print data to the output device 20. (Step S105).

  Subsequently, the generation unit 22 of the output device 20 analyzes the header portion of the received print data (step S106).

  Subsequently, the printing unit 21 of the output device 20 executes printing (step S107).

  Subsequently, the generation unit 22 of the output device 20 generates a notification command corresponding to the notification control parameter (step S108).

  Subsequently, the control unit 23 of the output device 20 transmits a notification command to the notification device 30 connected to the output device 20 at the start of printing, during printing, or when printing is completed (step S109).

  Note that the output device 20 and the notification device 30 may be connected via a network instead of the USB.

  Subsequently, the notification device 30 performs a notification operation according to the notification command (step S110).

  Thereby, for example, a doctor examines a patient in an examination room, and instructs to print a file having a predetermined file name without instructing an output destination from the client terminal 10 in the examination room. Then, the file is printed by, for example, the nurse station or the medicine unit output device 20 determined on the rule base according to the file name and time.

  According to the embodiment, when the file is printed, the output of the print job assigned to the output device 20 on the rule base is completed before the printed matter of the file is mixed with other printed matter. For example, it is possible to notify a user of a nurse station or a medicine department.

  After that, for example, the user of the nurse station performs a procedure such as blood collection according to an instruction from the doctor with a printed matter of the file on the patient who has moved to a predetermined location.

≪Client terminal processing≫
Next, processing of the client terminal 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the client terminal 10.

  In step S201, the setting unit 12 of the client terminal 10 sets a rule for printing on the output device 20 in accordance with, for example, an operation from the user. A detailed example of this setting process will be described later.

  Subsequently, the control unit 11 of the client terminal 10 receives a print instruction from the user (step S202).

  Subsequently, the selection unit 13 of the client terminal 10 determines conditions such as a keyword included in the file instructed to print and a time instructed to print (step S203).

  Subsequently, the selection unit 13 of the client terminal 10 selects the output device 20 that is the output destination among the output devices 20-1, 20-2,. Step S204).

  Subsequently, the transmission unit 14 of the client terminal 10 assigns the notification control parameter to the print data according to the determined keyword, time, and other conditions (step S205), and transmits the print data to the selected output device 20 (step S206). ).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining notification control parameters.

  The notification control parameter is information indicating a notification mode in the notification device 30 and includes, for example, items of rule presence / absence, buzzer sound, lamp, and buzzer sound / lamp stop condition.

  The presence / absence of a rule is a parameter indicating that it is a rule-based printing instruction. The buzzer sound is a parameter for designating a sound to be notified to the notification device 30 at the time of printing. The lamp is a parameter for designating a light emission pattern to be notified to the notification device 30 during printing. The buzzer sound / lamp stop condition is a parameter for designating a condition for stopping the buzzer sound or lamp notification.

  In addition, as another example of the parameter for notification control, a parameter related to a request for notification control by the output device 20 or a notification method of the notification device 30 may be settable. The notification control parameter may be a parameter that matches the control of the output device 20 or the notification device 30 to be used, or may be a general-purpose parameter. In the case of general-purpose parameters, the configuration may be such that the user can freely set the type and content of notification control parameters from the client terminal 10 or the like.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of print data.

  The header section 601 of the print data is provided with notification control parameters used for determination of the printing conditions and the printing method, and information of the print image is set in the print data main body section 602.

<< Processing of output device >>
Next, processing of the output device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the output device 20.

  In step S301, the generation unit 22 of the output device 20 analyzes the header portion of the received print data.

  Subsequently, the printing unit 21 of the output device 20 executes printing (step S302).

  Subsequently, the generation unit 22 of the output device 20 determines whether or not the notification device 30 is connected to the output device 20 (step S303).

  If the notification device 30 is not connected (NO in step S303), the process ends.

  When the notification device 30 is connected (YES in step S303), the generation unit 22 of the output device 20 refers to the notification control table 221 and determines whether to perform notification control according to the notification control parameter. (Step S304).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the notification control table 221.

  The output device 20 generates a notification command according to the notification control parameter given to the header portion of the print data received from the client terminal 10 and the notification control table 221. In the example of FIG. 10, when “[A] = 1” is included in the notification control parameter, the notification command is generated and the notification device 30 is notified.

  Thereby, the notification control parameter notified from the client terminal 10 is converted into a notification command by the output device 20 based on the notification control table 221. For this reason, the parameter for notification control can be converted into a notification command according to the specification of the notification device 30 connected to the output device 20 (for example, an existing command of the notification device 30).

  If notification control is not performed (NO in step S304), the process ends.

  When performing the notification control (YES in step S304), the generation unit 22 of the output device 20 refers to the notification control table 221 and generates a notification command according to the notification control parameter (step S305).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification command.

  The notification device 30 rewrites the value of the notification control register based on the notification command from the output device 20.

  The notification command “BUZZER_STAT” 611 designates a buzzer sound pattern, “LED_STAT” 612 designates a lamp lighting / flashing pattern, and “STOP_TIM” 613 designates a notification stop time of the buzzer or lamp.

  Subsequently, the control unit 23 of the output device 20 transmits a notification command to the notification device 30 connected to the output device 20 at the start of printing, during printing, or when printing is completed (step S306).

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a method for transmitting a notification command.

  In the example of FIG. 12, the output device 20 is a USB specification compliant host, and the notification device 30 is a USB specification compliant target. The output device 20 acquires the target descriptor by plug and play and recognizes the notification device 30. When the output device 20 determines that a notification request is to be made, data transfer is performed to the notification device 30 by bulk OUT transfer.

  More specifically, by issuing a bulk OUT transaction from the output device 20 to the notification device 30, packets are transmitted and received in the order of the token packet 631, the data packet 632, and the handshake packet 633.

  The token packet 631 transmitted from the output device 20 has a synchronization pattern (SYNC) at the beginning, a bulk OUT as a packet identifier (PID), a USB target address (ADRx), an endpoint (EPy), and finally a packet error detection. Send CRC.

  Next, in the data packet 632 transmitted from the output device 20, a notification command (a value set in the notification control register) is set in the data portion 634.

  The notification device 30 returns a handshake packet 633, detects an event by interruption or the like, acquires the value set in the notification control register by a notification command, and performs notification control.

[About rule base]
Next, detailed examples of the setting unit 12 and the selection unit 13 will be described. The setting unit 12 and the selection unit 13 perform the setting of the printing rule in step S201 and the selection of the output device 20 corresponding to the file instructed to be printed in step S204 by the following configuration and processing.

<Software configuration>
<Client terminal>
The client terminal 10 before the software package according to the present embodiment is installed is realized by a processing block as shown in FIG. 13, for example. FIG. 13 is a processing block diagram of an example of a client terminal before the software package according to the present embodiment is installed.

  The client terminal 10 illustrated in FIG. 13 implements a document creation application 101, a virtual printer driver 102, a real printer driver 103, a plug-in 104, a platform API 105, a platform 106, and a storage unit 107 by executing a program.

  One or more plug-ins 31 can be mounted on the plug-in 104. The platform 106 includes a display control (UI control) unit 41, a setting unit 42, and a communication unit 43. The document creation application 101 is an example of an application that receives a print request from a user. The document creation application 101 is an example and may be any application that accepts an output request such as printing from the user.

  The virtual printer driver 102 is a printer driver that converts application data into intermediate print data independent of the model and outputs the intermediate print data. The intermediate print data is print data that does not depend on the model of the output device 20. Data in the XPS (XML Paper Specification) format is an example of intermediate print data. Application data is an example of output target data. The virtual printer driver 102 may include a virtual printer driver for the plug-in 31 for using the plug-in 31, for example.

  The actual printer driver 103 converts the intermediate print data into actual print data in a format that can be printed by the output device 20 and outputs it. RAW format data is an example of actual print data.

  The plug-in 104 is software that operates on the platform 106. The plug-in 104 can use the functions of the platform 106 by using the platform API 105.

  The platform API 105 is an interface for the plug-in 104 to use the functions of the platform 106. The platform API 105 is a predefined interface provided for the platform 106 to receive a request from the plug-in 104, and is configured by a function, a class, or the like, for example.

  The display control unit 41 of the platform 106 controls the display of the display device 502 based on a request from the document creation application 101, the plug-in 104, or the like. The setting unit 42 sets the plug-in 104. The communication unit 43 executes communication with other devices. The storage unit 107 stores settings and the like.

  The client terminal 10 consolidates the processing by consolidating the functions commonly used by the plug-in 104 into the platform 106. It should be noted that the classification form of the processing block diagram of FIG. 13 is an example, and it is not essential to be classified in the hierarchy as shown in FIG.

  Further, the plug-in 104 can be installed using, for example, the software package shown in FIG. 14 from an external application server or the like, and the setting data related to each plug-in 104 can be similarly installed. .

  FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of an example of a software package according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the software package 50 includes a function plug-in 51, a main body 52, and a virtual printer driver 102a.

  The function plug-in 51 includes a document registration plug-in A61, a document registration plug-in B62, and a document registration plug-in C63. The main body 52 includes an output control plug-in 64. The document registration plug-in A61, the document registration plug-in B62, and the document registration plug-in C63 can be added and used as appropriate. That is, it is not essential that the document registration plug-in A61, the document registration plug-in B62, and the document registration plug-in C63 are all provided, and only a desired plug-in can be selected and provided as a software package. It is.

  The software package 50 shown in FIG. 14 includes three plug-ins: a document registration plug-in A61, a document registration plug-in B62, and a document registration plug-in C63, but it is sufficient that one or more plug-ins are included.

  The document registration plug-in A61, document registration plug-in B62, and document registration plug-in C63 have a function of registering a document (outputting electronic data) in the client terminal 10 or the like. The output control plug-in 64 has a function of performing rule-based printing (outputting print data). The output control plug-in 64 has a function of instructing the document registration plug-in A61 and the like to execute document registration to the client terminal 10 and the like.

  14 shows an example in which the function plug-in 51 and the main body 52 are separated, it is not essential to separate them as shown in FIG. The software package 50 may be provided by one plug-in, or the plug-in may be configured by a method other than that shown in FIG. For example, the software package 50 may treat the main body 52 as a plug-in in parallel with the function plug-in 51. The virtual printer driver 102 a is not essential for the software package 50 and may be provided separately from the software package 50.

  Further, the client terminal 10 after the software package 50 according to the present embodiment is installed is realized by a processing block as shown in FIG. 15, for example. FIG. 15 is a processing block diagram of an example of a client terminal after the software package according to the present embodiment is installed. A client terminal 10 shown in FIG. 15 represents an example in which the software package 50 of FIG. 14 is mounted on the client terminal 10 shown in FIG.

  The client terminal 10 shown in FIG. 15 has a configuration in which a virtual printer driver 102a, a document registration plug-in A61, and an output control plug-in 64 are added to the client terminal 10 shown in FIG.

  The virtual printer driver 102a is an example of a virtual printer driver for using the document registration plug-in A61 and the output control plug-in 64 shown in FIG. The virtual printer driver 102a converts the application data into intermediate print data independent of the model and outputs it.

  The output control plug-in 64 performs rule-based printing based on rules (conditions and actions) for the intermediate print data generated by the virtual printer driver 102a. The output control plug-in 64 instructs the document registration plug-in A61 to execute document registration to the client terminal 10 or the like.

  For example, the output control plug-in 64 performs processing such as changing print settings on the intermediate print data based on the rule, and performs control to output actual print data from the output device 20 using the actual printer driver 103.

  Note that the plug-in 104 can be appropriately installed and used by the administrator or the user, and is not necessarily limited to the configuration shown in FIG.

《Output control plug-in》
The output control plug-in 64 of the client terminal 10 is realized by the processing block shown in FIG. 16, for example. FIG. 16 is a processing block diagram of an example of the output control plug-in. The output control plug-in 64 in FIG. 16 includes a rule-based print control unit 71, a document registration execution instruction unit 72, and a display control unit 73.

  The rule-based printing control unit 71 provides a rule-based printing function among the functions provided by the output control plug-in 64. For example, the rule-based print control unit 71 performs rule-based printing based on the rules for the intermediate print data generated by the virtual printer driver 102a.

  The document registration execution instruction unit 72 provides a function for document registration execution instruction among the functions provided by the output control plug-in 64. For example, the document registration execution instructing unit 72 instructs the document registration plug-in A61 to execute document registration to the client terminal 10 or the like. The display control unit 73 uses the display control unit 41, for example, to display various setting screens described later on the display device 502.

  The rule base print control unit 71 is realized by, for example, the processing block shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a processing block diagram of an example of the rule-based printing control unit. The rule-based print control unit 71 in FIG. 17 includes a print flow control unit 81, a print mode selection unit 82, a condition determination unit 83, an output destination distribution unit 84, a setting unit 85, and a setting information holding unit 86.

  The print flow control unit 81 controls execution of a print flow (processing flow). The print mode selection unit 82 determines print settings according to the print mode at the time of printing. The condition determination unit 83 determines conditions for output destination distribution such as time and print page. The output destination distribution unit 84 distributes print jobs to the output device 20 or the like.

  When the setting unit 85 receives various setting information from the rule-based print control unit 71, the setting unit 85 causes the setting information holding unit 86 to hold the setting information. The setting information holding unit 86 holds various setting information of the rule base print control unit 71.

《Document Registration Plug-in》
The document registration plug-in A61 of the client terminal 10 is realized by the processing block shown in FIG. 18, for example. FIG. 18 is a processing block diagram of an example of a document registration plug-in. The document registration plug-in 61 illustrated in FIG. 17 includes a document registration execution instruction receiving unit 91, a document registration execution control unit 92, a setting unit 93, and a setting information holding unit 94.

  The document registration execution instruction receiving unit 91 receives a document registration execution instruction from the document registration execution instruction unit 72 of the rule-based print control unit 71. The document registration execution control unit 92 controls execution of document registration in the client terminal 10 and the like, and performs document registration in the client terminal 10 and the like. When receiving the various setting information of the document registration plug-in 61, the setting unit 93 causes the setting information holding unit 94 to hold the various setting information. The setting information holding unit 94 holds various setting information of the document registration plug-in 61.

<Various settings>
The printing system 1 according to the present embodiment receives various settings from various setting screens.

"Environmental setting"
FIG. 19 is an image diagram of an example of the environment setting screen. The client terminal 10 receives the print mode setting from the environment setting screen 1000 as shown in FIG. In the environment setting screen 1000 of FIG. 19, “Priority is given to the print setting of the virtual printer driver” or “Priority is given to the print setting of the actual printer driver” can be selected.

  When “Priority is given to the print setting of the virtual printer driver” is selected, the print mode (virtual printer driver priority mode) in which the print setting set in the virtual printer driver 102a is prioritized is selected. When “prioritize print settings of actual printer driver” is selected, the print mode (actual printer driver priority mode) in which the print settings set by the actual printer driver 103 are prioritized is selected.

  In the virtual printer driver priority mode, the print setting value set by the user in the virtual printer driver 102 a during printing has priority over the default print setting value of the actual printer driver 103. In the actual printer driver priority mode, the default print setting value of the actual printer driver 103 is prioritized over the print setting value set by the user in the virtual printer driver 102a during printing.

  Note that one print mode may be set on the client terminal 10, may be set for each virtual printer driver 102a, or may be set for each output device 20 as a distribution destination.

  Further, when the actual printer driver priority mode is selected, as shown in the environment setting screen 1000 in FIG. 20, items that prioritize the default print setting values of the actual printer driver 103 may be limited as priority setting items. Good. FIG. 20 is an image diagram of another example of the environment setting screen.

  The environment setting screen 1000 of FIGS. 19 and 20 also displays a scenario name, a scenario setting button, and a scenario import button. The scenario name displayed on the environment setting screen 1000 is the name of the set scenario. The button for setting a scenario is a button for starting a scenario management screen for setting a scenario. The scenario management screen is displayed, for example, when started in the administrator mode. The scenario import button is a button for starting a file selection screen for importing a scenario.

  An administrator can set a scenario from the scenario management screen. Details of the scenario will be described later. The user may select a file from the activated file selection screen and import a scenario using the file.

《Scenario setting》
FIG. 21 is an image diagram of an example of a scenario management screen. The scenario management screen 1020 in FIG. 21 is displayed, for example, when the administrator presses a button for setting a scenario on the environment setting screen 1000. The administrator can set the following scenario for realizing the output workflow from the scenario management screen 1020.

  A scenario is a combination of one or more rules. A rule is a definition of an action based on a condition. Conditions include keywords, print settings, and time. Actions include printing, changing print settings, and linking with other systems. Note that rules can be defined only with unconditional (unconditional) actions. The administrator can distribute the defined scenario to the client terminal 10 using, for example, a remote setting function.

  For example, when the client terminal 10 performs printing using the virtual printer driver 102a from the document creation application 101, an output workflow is executed according to the scenario, and output to the output device 20 or the like is performed.

  The scenario management screen 1020 in FIG. 21 includes a scenario list, a new button, an edit button, a delete button, a copy button, a button that uses this scenario, an import button, and an export button.

  In the scenario list, a list of created scenarios is displayed. The new button is a button for opening a scenario setting screen and creating a new scenario. The edit button is a button for opening a scenario setting screen and editing a scenario selected in the scenario list. The delete button is a button for deleting a scenario from the scenario list. The copy button is a button for duplicating a scenario selected in the scenario list. The import button is a button for importing a scenario. Export is a button for exporting a scenario.

  FIG. 22 is an image diagram of an example of a scenario setting screen. The scenario setting screen 1030 shown in FIG. 22 includes a scenario name, a rule list, an up button, a down button, a delete button, a new button, an edit button, and a copy button.

  As the scenario name, a scenario name displayed in the scenario list on the scenario management screen 1020 is displayed. In the rule list, one or more rules are displayed in the order in which the rules are applied (priority order). A rule displayed in the rule list is represented by a rule name and information indicating whether or not to end when the rule is executed. The information on whether or not to end if executed indicates whether or not to end without executing the next rule when this rule is applied (when a condition defined in the rule is matched).

  The up button and the down button are buttons for changing the order (priority order) of the rules displayed in the rule list. The delete button is a button for deleting a rule displayed in the rule list. The new button is a button for opening a rule setting screen and creating a new rule. The edit button is a button for opening a rule setting screen and editing a rule selected in the rule list. The copy button is a button for duplicating the selected rule in the rule list.

  FIG. 23 is an image diagram of an example of a rule setting screen. The rule setting screen 1040 in FIG. 23 includes a rule name, a check box for ending the scenario when executed, a condition setting screen and an action setting screen that are switched by a tab. The rule name is a rule name displayed in a rule list on the scenario setting screen 1030.

  The check box for ending the scenario when executed sets whether to end the scenario without executing the next rule when this rule is applied when a plurality of rules are included in the scenario. In the rule setting screen 1040, either the condition setting screen or the action setting screen may be displayed first.

  The condition setting screen is used to set rule conditions. The condition setting screen includes a radio button for selecting an association between conditions, a list of set conditions, a drop-down list of condition types, an up button, a down button, an edit button, a delete button, and an add button.

  A radio button for selecting an association between conditions sets whether to execute an action when all the conditions are satisfied, or to execute an action when any of the conditions is satisfied. In the set condition list, the condition type, comparison method, value, and the like are displayed for each condition.

  The types of conditions are print setting, document name, keyword, number of pages, time / day of the week, and the like. The comparison method is a method for comparing conditions such as partial match, complete match, or a specified number or more. The value varies depending on the type of condition and is a comparison value of the condition.

  The notification condition is a setting item for buzzer sound and lamp notification and stop conditions according to the rule conditions.

  The notification condition may be set automatically. For example, if the print time condition is night, set the buzzer sound to “No sound”. If the number of printed pages reaches several tens of pages, set the notification time (stop time) to a relatively long time. May be.

  The up button and the down button are buttons for changing the order of the conditions displayed in the set condition list. The edit button is a button for opening a setting screen and editing a selected condition in a list of set conditions. The delete button is a button for deleting a condition from the set condition list.

  The condition type drop-down list is used to add a condition. In the condition type drop-down list, available condition types are displayed as options. The add button is used to open a setting screen corresponding to the condition type selected in the condition type drop-down list. In the case of a rule having no condition, an explanation such as “the action is executed unconditionally if no condition is added” may be displayed in the set condition list.

  When “print setting” is selected as the condition type and the add button is pressed, or when the condition type “print setting” is selected from the list of set conditions and the edit button is pressed, the rule setting screen 1040 is displayed. Transitions to a setting screen 1050 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 24 is an image diagram of an example of a setting screen when the condition type is print setting. 24 includes a drop-down list for selecting a print setting, a comparison method, and a value. By using the setting screen 1050 in FIG. 24, the administrator can set a rule on the condition of print setting.

  Also, select “Document name” as the condition type and click the add button, or select the condition whose condition type is “document name” from the list of set conditions and click the edit button to set the rule. The screen 1040 changes to a setting screen 1060 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 25 is an image diagram of an example of a setting screen when the condition type is a document name. The setting screen 1060 of FIG. 25 includes a keyword input field, a drop-down list for selecting a comparison method, and a “not case sensitive” check box. The character string input in the keyword input field of the setting screen 1060 becomes a value displayed in the list of conditions set in the rule setting screen 1040. The case-insensitive check box sets whether or not to distinguish between uppercase and lowercase letters when comparing the character string input in the keyword input field and the document name with the selected comparison method.

  For example, in the setting screen 1060 of FIG. 25, a condition “if the document name includes a character string of invoice” is set. As described above, by using the setting screen 1060 of FIG. 25, the administrator can set a rule based on the document name.

  Also, select “Keyword” as the condition type and press the add button, or select the condition whose condition type is “Keyword” from the list of set conditions and press the edit button. 1040 transitions to a setting screen 1070 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 26 is an image diagram of an example of a setting screen when the condition type is a keyword. The setting screen 1070 of FIG. 26 includes a keyword input field, a setting field for setting a page for searching for a keyword and a position, and a check box for setting case sensitivity and blank ignore at the time of keyword search.

  The character string input in the keyword input field of the setting screen 1070 becomes a value displayed in the list of conditions set in the rule setting screen 1040. In the setting screen 1070 of FIG. 26, a condition “if the upper part of all pages of the intermediate print data is searched and the character string“ invoice ”is included” is set. In this way, by using the setting screen 1070 of FIG. 26, the administrator can set a rule based on a keyword.

  When “Number of pages” is selected as the condition type and the add button is pressed, or when the condition type is “Number of pages” from the list of set conditions and the edit button is pressed, the rule setting screen 1040 is displayed. Transitions to a setting screen 1080 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 27 is an image diagram of an example of a setting screen when the condition type is the number of pages. The setting screen 1080 in FIG. 27 includes a page number input field and a drop-down list for selecting a comparison method. By using the setting screen 1080 in FIG. 27, the administrator can set a rule based on the number of pages. In the setting screen 1080 of FIG. 27, a condition “if the number of pages of intermediate print data is larger than 50 pages” is set.

  Select “Time / Day of the Week” as the condition type and press the Add button, or select the condition type of “Time / Day of Week” from the list of set conditions and press the Edit button to set the rule The screen 1040 changes to a setting screen 1090 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 28 is an image diagram of an example of a setting screen when the type of condition is time / day of the week. The setting screen 1090 in FIG. 28 includes a drop-down list for selecting a comparison method, and a designation field for designating a day / time or a date. The setting screen 1090 shown in FIG. 28 is used when an action such as printing is to be changed depending on the day of the week / time or date when printing is performed. The “Import date button” and “Export date button” included in the specification field for specifying the date are used when the date is imported from or written to the file.

  By using the setting screen 1090 in FIG. 28, the administrator can set a rule based on day of the week / time or date. In the setting screen 1090 of FIG. 28, the condition “if it is between 8:00 and 17:00 from Monday to Sunday” is set.

  The rule setting screen 1040 in FIG. 23 transitions to a rule setting screen 1040 as shown in FIG. 29 in which the action setting screen is displayed by tabs, for example. FIG. 29 is an image diagram of another example of the rule setting screen.

  The action setting screen of the rule setting screen 1040 in FIG. 29 sets an action to be executed when the conditions set on the condition setting screen in FIG. 23 are met. The rule setting screen 1040 of FIG. 29 includes a list of actions, a drop-down list of action types, an up button, a down button, an edit button, a delete button, and an add button.

  Actions are displayed in the action list. The up button and the down button are buttons for changing the order of actions displayed in the set action list. Actions are executed in the order displayed in the action list.

  The edit button is a button for opening a setting screen and editing an action selected in the action list. The delete button is a button for deleting an action from the action list. The action type drop-down list is used when adding an action. The action type drop-down list displays available action types as options.

  The add button is used to open a setting screen corresponding to the type of action selected in the action type drop-down list. Note that the type of action includes printing, changing print settings, and message notification.

  When “print” is selected as the action type and the add button is pressed, or when “print” is selected from the action list and the edit button is pressed, the rule setting screen 1040 transitions to a setting screen 1100 as shown in FIG. To do. FIG. 30 is an image diagram of an example of a setting screen when the action type is “print”.

  The setting screen 1100 in FIG. 30 includes an output destination printer selection field and an option selection field. The output destination printer selection column is a combo box for selecting an output destination printer at the time of rule execution. The option choices include a check box for selecting a printer each time a rule is executed, a check box for limiting printer choices, a check box for allowing change of print settings, and a check box for notifying print completion / error. included. The option choice includes an option designation button.

  When the option designation button is pressed, the setting screen 1100 in FIG. 30 transitions to a setting screen for setting printer options in FIG.

  FIG. 31 is an image diagram of an example of a setting screen for setting printer options. The administrator can set printer options that can be selected when a check box for limiting printer options is checked from the setting screen of FIG.

  In addition, when “Change Print Setting” is selected as the action type on the rule setting screen 1040 in FIG. 30 and the Add button is selected, or “Change Print Setting” is selected from the action list and the edit button is pressed, the rule setting is performed. The screen 1040 changes to a setting screen 1120 as shown in FIG. FIG. 32 is an image diagram of an example of a setting screen when the action type is “change print setting”.

  The setting screen 1120 in FIG. 32 includes a print setting and a drop-down list of values. The print setting drop-down list is used to select a print setting to be changed. The value drop-down list is used to select a print setting value to be changed. The value drop-down list changes according to the selected print setting.

  By using the setting screen 1120 in FIG. 32, the administrator can set an action for changing the print setting. In the setting screen 1120 of FIG. 32, the value of the print setting “color / monochrome” is changed to black and white. For example, by placing an action to print after an action to change the print setting, the administrator can set forced monochrome printing.

  Also, when “message notification” is selected as the action type on the rule setting screen 1040 in FIG. 30 and an add button is selected or “message notification” is selected from the action list and an edit button is pressed, the rule setting screen 1040 is displayed as shown in FIG. The screen transitions to a setting screen 1130 like FIG. FIG. 33 is an image diagram of an example of a setting screen when the action type is “message notification”.

  33 includes a radio button for selecting a notification method, a setting field for setting notification contents, a drop-down list for selecting an icon, and a radio button for selecting a button type.

  The radio button for selecting the notification method is for selecting a balloon or a message box as the notification method. A setting field for setting notification contents is for setting a title and a text. The setting column for setting the notification content includes an “insert variable” button. The “Insert Variable” button is used to display a dialog in which a document name, a printer name, print settings, and the like can be selected as variables. The variable selected in this dialog is inserted at the cursor position in the text.

  The drop-down list for selecting an icon is for selecting an icon displayed in a balloon or a message box. The radio button for selecting the button type is for selecting an OK-type or OKCancel-type message box. By using the setting screen 1130 of FIG. 33, the administrator can set an action for message notification.

  In the present embodiment, it is possible to perform a consistency check as a rule other than the check performed on the setting screen of individual conditions or individual actions. For example, if there is an action for changing print settings and the “Allow change of print settings” check box is ON in the print action, an error is assumed. This is to prevent an inconsistent state in which the print setting can be changed after the print setting is changed by the rule. As described above, in this embodiment, the consistency as a rule is checked to prevent an inconsistent state.

<Details of processing>
Below, the detail of the process of the printing system 1 which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated.

<Overview>
The client terminal 10 in which the software package 50 according to the present embodiment is installed starts a printing process as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall outline of the printing process. In step S1, the document creation application 101 receives a print request from the user. In step S <b> 2, the document creation application 101 determines whether the virtual printer driver 102 a of the print application has been selected from a printer selection field on the print setting screen described later. If a print application other than the virtual printer driver 102a is selected, the document creation application 101 proceeds to step S11, and notifies the printer event such as the virtual printer driver 102 selected by the user of a print event. Therefore, the user can start print processing (pull print or the like) according to the selected printer driver.

  When the print application virtual printer driver 102a is selected, the document creation application 101 transmits a print event to the print application virtual printer driver 102a. The virtual printer driver 102a transmits a print event to the rule-based print control unit 71 of the output control plug-in 64. The virtual printer driver 102a converts application data into intermediate print data.

  In step S3, the rule-based print control unit 71 determines whether a set scenario exists. If there is no scenario, the rule-based print control unit 71 ends the print process of FIG. If the scenario exists, the rule-based print control unit 71 proceeds to step S4 and substitutes 1 for N. In step S5, the rule-based print control unit 71 attempts to acquire the Nth rule.

  If the rule-based printing control unit 71 cannot acquire the Nth rule, the printing process shown in FIG. 34 is terminated. If the Nth rule can be acquired, the rule-based printing control unit 71 determines whether there is a condition set in the Nth rule.

  If there is a condition set in the Nth rule, the rule base print control unit 71 determines whether or not the condition is met. If the condition is met, the rule-based printing control unit 71 proceeds to step S8 and performs an action process for executing an action. If the condition is not met, the rule-base print control unit 71 proceeds to step S10, adds 1 to N, and then returns to step S5.

  If there is no condition set in the Nth rule in step S6, the rule base print control unit 71 proceeds to step S8 and performs action processing. After the action process of step S8, the rule base print control unit 71 proceeds to step S9. In step S9, the rule-based printing control unit 71 determines whether or not the Nth rule is set to end without executing the next rule when executed.

  If the Nth rule is set to end without executing the next rule, the rule-based print control unit 71 ends the printing process shown in FIG. If the N-th rule is not set to end without executing the next rule when it is executed, the rule-base print control unit 71 proceeds to step S10, adds 1 to N, and then returns to step S5.

  In step S3, if the set scenario does not exist, the user may be notified of this by, for example, displaying a message.

  For example, in the case of a rule in which an unconditional print setting change (color setting = black and white) action and a print (to printer A) action are defined, since there is no condition, both of the rules defined in the rule in step S8. Perform action processing. This rule is an example of forced black and white printing.

  Also, in the case of a scenario where there is a condition and a rule with a setting that terminates without executing the next rule when executed, and a rule that does not have a condition, action processing when the condition is met and other actions Processing can be separated.

  For example, it is assumed that a rule for setting to finish without executing the next rule when it is executed defines a condition (the number of pages is 50 or more) and an action for printing (to the printer A). It is assumed that a rule with no condition defines an action for printing (to printer B).

  In this case, in step S5, a rule in which conditions (the number of pages is 50 or more) and printing (to printer A) actions are defined is acquired. If the condition (the number of pages is 50 or more) is met, the rule-based print control unit 71 performs an action process for printing (to the printer A) defined in the rule in step S8. Then, in step S9, the rule-based print control unit 71 is a setting rule that ends without executing the next rule when it is executed, and thus ends the processing of FIG.

  If the condition (the number of pages is 50 or more) is not met, the rule-based print control unit 71 returns to step S5, and acquires a rule in which an action for unconditional printing (to the printer B) is defined. Since there is no condition, the rule-based print control unit 71 performs an action process for printing (to the printer B) defined in the rule in step S8.

  Also, in the case of a scenario in which a plurality of rules are defined that have conditions and are terminated without executing the next rule when executed, the action process can be divided according to the conditions.

  For example, by using different keywords as conditions and printing on different printers for each condition as an action, the rule-based print control unit 71 can assign print destinations based on, for example, descriptions in the document. The condition may be a mixture of keywords and time / day of the week. In this case, according to the priority order of the rules, it is possible to distribute the printing destination to the printer Y if it is a business time zone, and to distribute the printing destination according to the description in the document if it is not a business time zone.

"Screen transition"
FIG. 35 to FIG. 37 are screen transition diagrams of an example according to this embodiment. For example, the user can start the printing process by operating the document creation application 101 to open the print setting screen 2000 of FIG. 35 and selecting the virtual printer driver 102a of the printing application from the printer selection field 2001.

  Note that, from the print setting screen 2000 shown in FIG. 35, the virtual printer driver 102 for using other software such as the plug-in 31 can be selected in addition to the virtual printer driver 102a of the printing application according to the present embodiment. . By selecting the virtual printer driver 102 and requesting printing, the user can start processing according to the selected virtual printer driver 102. The user can request printing by pressing an “OK” button 2002 on the print setting screen 2000.

  When the user selects the virtual printer driver 102a and requests printing, the document creation application 101 of the client terminal 10 transmits a print event from the user to the virtual printer driver 102a of the printing application. The virtual printer driver 102 a transmits a print event to the output control plug-in 64. The virtual printer driver 102a converts application data into intermediate print data.

  The output control plug-in 64 performs an action process for outputting to the output device 20 or the like when the rules described above are applied.

  When an action process for outputting to the output device 20 or the like is performed, if the output control plug-in 64 causes the user to select an output destination printer, the printer selection screen 2010 shown in FIG. Let them choose. Note that the output control plug-in 64 does not display the printer selection screen 2010 unless the user selects an output destination printer. Further, if the output control plug-in 64 notifies the user of a message, the output control plug-in 64 notifies the message using the balloon 2011 or the message box 2012 shown in FIG.

  For example, the document registration plug-in A61 displays a document type selection dialog 2021 in FIG. 37 to allow the user to select a document type. Thereafter, the document registration plug-in A61 performs a search according to the document type for the document instructed to be printed. The document registration plug-in A61 generates bibliographic information of the document based on the search result, and displays a confirmation dialog 2022 reflecting the contents. Using the confirmation dialog 2022, the user can confirm, modify, and add bibliographic information retrieved from a document instructed to be printed.

<< Output destination distribution process >>
The output control plug-in 64 performs an output destination distribution process as shown in FIG. 38 or FIG. 39 according to the setting of the print mode received on the environment setting screen 1000 of FIG. FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating an example of output destination distribution processing when priority is given to print settings of the virtual printer driver.

  The virtual printer driver 102a transmits the print ticket holding the print setting value set by the user and the intermediate print data generated from the application data to the rule-based print control unit 71 of the output control plug-in 64. Here, an example is shown in which the print settings of the virtual printer driver 102a are color / monochrome “black and white”, aggregation “2 in 1”, double-sided “no”, and printing method “standard printing”.

  The print flow control unit 81 of the rule-based print control unit 71 requests the condition determination unit 83 to determine the conditions for output destination distribution. The condition determination unit 83 performs an action “output to output device A” that satisfies the condition from the rule “output to output device A when the time is in the afternoon” and the rule “output to output device B when the time is in the afternoon”. Alternatively, “output to output device B” is selected.

  When the action “output to output device A” is selected, the output destination distribution unit 84 selects the actual printer driver A23 of the output device A17 as the distribution destination of the print job. The output destination distribution unit 84 refers to the set print mode, and determines that “prioritize the print setting of the virtual printer driver” is selected as the print mode.

  The output destination distribution unit 84 gives priority to the print setting value set by the virtual printer driver 102a over the print setting value of the actual printer driver A23. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 38, the aggregation of print settings is “2 in 1”.

  When the action “output to output device B” is selected, the output destination sorting unit 84 selects the actual printer driver B23 of the output device B17 as the sort destination of the print job. The output destination distribution unit 84 refers to the set print mode, and determines that “prioritize the print setting of the virtual printer driver” is selected as the print mode.

  The output destination distribution unit 84 gives priority to the print setting value set by the virtual printer driver 102a over the print setting value of the actual printer driver B23. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 38, the aggregation of print settings is “2 in 1”.

  FIG. 39 is a diagram for explaining an example of output destination distribution processing when priority is given to the print setting of the actual printer driver. Since the processing up to the condition determination unit 83 is the same as the processing in FIG. 38, description thereof is omitted.

  When the action “output to output device A” is selected, the output destination distribution unit 84 selects the actual printer driver A23 of the output device A17 as the distribution destination of the print job. The output destination distribution unit 84 refers to the set print mode, and determines that “prioritize print setting of actual printer driver” is selected as the print mode.

  The output destination distribution unit 84 gives priority to the print setting value set by the actual printer driver A23 over the print setting value of the virtual printer driver 102a. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 39, the print setting aggregation is “NO”.

  When the action “output to output device B” is selected, the output destination sorting unit 84 selects the actual printer driver B23 of the output device B17 as the sort destination of the print job. The output destination distribution unit 84 refers to the set print mode, and determines that “prioritize print setting of actual printer driver” is selected as the print mode.

  The output destination distribution unit 84 gives priority to the print setting value set by the actual printer driver B23 over the print setting value of the virtual printer driver 102a. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 39, the aggregation of the print settings is “16 in 1”.

  Note that when the rule “Change print settings” is applied, the print setting value of the action “Change print settings” is not changed even if the print mode “Prefer print settings of the actual printer driver” is selected. have priority.

  When the rule of the action “change print setting” is applied, the output control plug-in 64 holds the print setting value of the action “change print setting”. Then, the output destination distribution unit 84 reflects the print setting value of the action “change print setting” before distributing the print job to the actual printer driver 103.

  For example, the output destination distribution unit 84 can try to acquire the print setting value of the action “change print setting” before distributing the print job to the actual printer driver 103, and can acquire the print setting value of the action “change print setting”. If this happens, the value is reflected in the print job.

  Further, the print setting items of the virtual printer driver 102a and the actual printer driver 103 do not necessarily match. In any print mode, the print setting value of the actual printer driver 103 is valid for print setting items that are in the actual printer driver 103 but not in the virtual printer driver 102a.

  FIG. 40 is a diagram for explaining the handling of print setting values in the print mode. As shown in FIG. 40, print setting items possessed only by the virtual printer driver 102a are ignored during printing. For the print setting item possessed only by the actual printer driver 103, the print setting value of the actual printer driver 103 is valid. Also, the print setting items that both the virtual printer driver 102a and the actual printer driver 103 have have different print setting values depending on the print mode.

<Summary>
According to the above-described embodiment, the client terminal 10 selects the output device as an output destination according to conditions such as output target data and time. Then, the broadcast information and output target data are transmitted to the selected output device 20. The output device 20 prints data to be output, generates a notification command corresponding to the notification information, and controls notification in the notification device 30 according to the notification command.

  Thereby, the user of the client terminal 10 can output with the output device 20 according to conditions, without performing operation which designates the output device 20 of an output destination. In addition, it is possible to notify the user on the output device 20 side that the printed matter related to the print job distributed according to the condition has been output.

  It should be noted that the system configuration in the above-described embodiment is an example, and it goes without saying that there are various system configuration examples depending on the application and purpose.

  For example, each functional unit of the client terminal 10 may be realized by cloud computing including, for example, one or more computers.

  Further, when the output device 20 is a 3D printer, for example, the following processing may be performed. When a print job is input from a remote client terminal 10, one of a plurality of output devices 20 having different image formation qualities and installation locations based on a print target file name and a print time condition (rule). The output device 20 is selected. Then, the print job is input to the selected output device 20. Based on the condition, the notification device 30 is notified of the completion of output. Accordingly, it is possible to notify a business operator or the like who operates the 3D printer that the job input on the rule base is completed.

1 Printing System 10 Client Terminal (Example of “Information Processing Device”)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Control part 12 Setting part 13 Selection part 14 Transmission part 20 Output device 21 Printing part 22 Generation part 23 Control part 101 Document creation application 102, 102a Virtual printer driver 103 Real printer driver 104 Plug-in 105 Platform API
106 platform 107 storage unit 31 plug-in 41 display control (UI control) unit 42 setting unit 43 communication unit 50 software package 51 function plug-in 52 main body 61-63 document registration plug-ins A to C
64 Output control plug-in 71 Rule-based print control unit 72 Document registration execution instruction unit 73 Display control unit 81 Print flow control unit 82 Print mode selection unit 83 Condition determination unit 84 Output destination allocation unit 85 Setting unit 86 Setting information holding unit 91 Document Registration execution instruction reception unit 92 Document registration execution control unit 93 Setting unit 94 Setting information holding unit

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-215825

Claims (8)

An output system having an information processing device and an output device,
The information processing apparatus includes:
A setting unit that holds the setting of the output destination according to the output condition;
According to the condition according to the output request from the user, a selection unit that selects the output device of the output destination,
A transmitter that transmits notification information indicating a mode of notification in the notification device and data to be output to the output device selected by the selection unit;
With
The output device is
A printing unit for printing the data to be output;
A generating unit that generates a notification command according to the notification information;
A control unit that controls notification in the notification device in response to the notification command;
An output system comprising: The output system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the notification information according to the condition. The broadcast information is
Including a sound pattern to be notified to the notification device, a light emission pattern to be notified to the notification device, or information indicating a condition for stopping the notification,
The output system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The selection unit is configured to output the output destination according to a print setting related to output, a document name to be output, a keyword included in output target data, the number of pages to be output, an output time, or an output day of the week. 4. The output system according to claim 1, wherein an output device is selected. The output system according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit converts the notification information according to a rule set according to the notification device, and generates the notification command. . The output system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit causes a register of the notification device to set a value corresponding to the notification command by a data packet of bulk OUT transfer. . An information method in an output system having an information processing device and an output device,
The information processing apparatus is
A setting unit that holds the setting of the output destination according to the output condition;
Selecting the output device of the output destination according to the condition according to the output request from the user;
Transmitting notification information indicating a mode of notification in the notification device and output target data to the selected output device;
Run
The output device is
Printing the data to be output;
Generating a notification command according to the notification information;
Controlling the notification in the notification device in response to the notification command;
The notification method characterized by performing. On the computer,
A step of holding the output destination setting according to the output condition;
Selecting an output device as an output destination according to the condition according to the output request from the user;
Transmitting notification information indicating a mode of notification in the notification device and output target data to the selected output device;
A program that executes

Images