JP3791112B2 - PRINT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, PRINT MANAGEMENT METHOD, COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM CONTAINING PRINT MANAGEMENT CONTROL PROGRAM, AND PRINTER DEVICE USED FOR PRINT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention includes a printer device capable of printing from a client device via a network, a print management system for managing print data in the printer device, a print management method, and a computer readable recording of a print management control program The present invention relates to a technical field of a recording medium and a printer device used in a print management system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  Conventionally, a printing system has been put into practical use in which data is transmitted from a plurality of client devices via a network, the data is received and processed by a printer device or print server device compatible with the network, and print output is performed in the printer device. ing.
[0003]
  In such a system, the network printer apparatus is often provided with a print spool function. The print spool function is a function that divides print data from each client device into management units called print jobs, manages whether or not each print job is output, print order, etc., and sequentially outputs the print data to the print output unit for printing. .
[0004]
  Each print job managed by the print spool function is displayed on each client device or network printer device, and is configured to be able to change the output order, stop printing, or temporarily stop printing.
[0005]
  In this case, each print job is identified by displaying information such as the identification information of the client device that has output each print job, the identification information called the print job name, the data capacity to be printed, or the reception time of the print job. It is done by.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, the print job name in the conventional system may be given only an ambiguous name depending on the application software that outputs the print data, and depending on the communication protocol used, the client device corresponding to each print job may have Sometimes it cannot be identified.
[0007]
  Therefore, it may be difficult to determine which print job corresponds to what print data, such as when checking or changing the contents of a print job.
[0008]
  In view of this, a method has been proposed in which a client device or a network printer device can display the print contents as an image before printing. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 62-291263, 6-110626, or 7-40608. And the like.
[0009]
  However, any of these methods is not a method that can display the contents of a plurality of print jobs as a list, and it is difficult to easily identify a plurality of print jobs.
[0010]
  Therefore, the present invention solves such problems and can easily identify the contents of a print job, a print management system, a print management method, a computer-readable recording medium on which a print management control program is recorded, and printing. It is an object to provide a printer device used in a management system.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The print management system according to claim 1, wherein, in order to solve the problem, at least one or more client devices that create print data, a printer device corresponding to a network, and a network that connects the client device and the printer device. A print management system comprising: the client device, the printer deviceBy converting to drawing dataPrintableprintingPrint data creation means for creating data, and the printer device via the networkSaidPrint data transmission means for transmitting print data, and information relating to a print job which is a print data management unit for the printerIs print job dataPrint job data requesting means for requesting transmission of data, and transmitted from the printer device via the networkSaidPrint job data receiving means for receiving print job data, and receivedOne or morePrint job data display means for displaying print job data, and the printer deviceOne or moreSent from the client device via the networkSaidPrint data receiving means for receiving print data, and the received print dataOne or morePrint data storage means for storing, outline image creation means for creating outline image data based on the received print data, and print data based on the created outline image dataOne or moreSummary image data storage means for storing and processing of print data from the one or more client devices are managed in units of print jobsIn turn, the image data is converted into the drawing data by a print data generating unit on the printer side, which is different from the schematic image generating unit, and the converted drawing data is printed by the printing unit.Print job management means, print job management information used for the management, and the schematic image dataOne or morePrint job data transmitting means for transmitting print job data in response to a request from the client device, wherein the print job management means outputs the schematic image data corresponding to the print data for which printing has been completed. It deletes from a memory | storage means, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
[0012]
    According to the print management system of claim 1, the print data created by the print data creation unit of the client device is transmitted to the printer device via the network by the print data transmission unit, and the print data reception unit of the printer device Received by. The received print data is temporarily stored in the print data storage means, and rough image data based on the print data is created by the rough image creation means. The approximate image data is stored in association with the print data used as the basis by the approximate image data storage means. Processing of print data received from at least one client device is managed in units of print jobs by the print job management unit. On the other hand, in the client device, a request for transmission of information regarding the print job to the printer device can be made. When the request is transmitted by the print job data request unit, the request is received by the printer device. In response to the request, the print job data transmission unit transmits print job data including print job management information used for management of the print job management unit and the schematic image data to the client device. In the client device, the print job data is received by the print job data receiving means, and the received print job data is displayed by the print job data display means. When printing is completed in the printer apparatus, the outline image data corresponding to the print data is deleted from the outline image data storage means by the print job management means. As a result, not only the print job management information but also summary image data is displayed, and each print job can be easily identified.
[0013]
  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the print management system according to the first aspect, the outline image creating means creates outline image data for each of a plurality of pages for print data for a plurality of pages. It is characterized by that.
[0014]
  According to the print management system of the second aspect, when the print page covers a plurality of pages, the outline image creating means creates outline image data for each of the plurality of pages. Therefore, even when common contents are included in the print jobs, the print jobs can be easily identified.
[0015]
  The print management system according to claim 3, wherein the client device is a schematic image data in the information related to the print job requested to be transmitted by the print job data requesting unit. And a print job data transmission unit of the printer device for transmitting the outline image data for the designated page.
[0016]
  According to the print management system of claim 3, when the designation unit of the client apparatus designates the display page of the schematic image data among the information related to the print job, and transmits the information designated by the print job data request unit. The image data for the designated page is transmitted by the print job data transmitting means of the printer apparatus. Therefore, only the minimum necessary outline image data is transmitted to the client apparatus, and the print job data is displayed at high speed.
[0017]
  The print management system according to claim 4 is the print management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the schematic image creation unit of the printer device generates the summary image data to be created, The print job management information is changed in accordance with information on the paper size.
[0018]
  According to the print management system according to claim 4, the outline image creation unit of the printer apparatus changes the outline image data in accordance with information on the paper size in the print job management information. The paper size output by the job is intuitively understood, and identification is further facilitated.
[0019]
  In order to solve the above problem, the print management method according to claim 5 transmits print data created by at least one client device to a printer device via a network, and manages the print data in the printer device. A print management method for transmitting information related to print data in response to a request from the client device via a network and displaying the information on the client device, wherein the printer deviceBy converting to drawing dataA step of creating printable data by a print data creation unit; and a printer that transmits print data to the printer device via the network.SaidA step of transmitting print data, and information relating to a print job which is a management unit of print data to the printer device by a print job data requesting unitIs print job dataRequesting transmission of the data, and the print job data receiving means transmits the data from the printer device via the network.SaidReceived by the step of receiving print job data and the step of receiving the print job dataOne or moreAnd a step of displaying the print job data by the print job data display means, and the print data receiving meansOne or moreThe print data storage means receives the print data received from the client device via the network and the print data received step.One or moreA rough image created by the rough image creating means based on the print data received by the step of storing, the print data received by the step of receiving the print data, and the rough image created by the step of creating the rough image data Corresponding to the print data based on the data by the rough image data storage meansOne or moreThe process of storing and the processing of print data from the one or more client devices are managed in units of print jobs by the print job management meansThen, different from the step of creating the rough image data, the printer-side print data creation means converts the drawing data into the drawing data, and the converted drawing data is printed by the printing means.Process, print job management information used for the management, and schematic image dataOne or moreA step of transmitting print job data in response to a request from the client device by a print job data transmission unit; and the storage of the schematic image data corresponding to the print data that has been printed by the print job management unit. And a step of deleting from the means.
[0020]
  According to the print management method of the fifth aspect, the print data created by the print data creating means is transmitted to the printer apparatus via the network by the print data transmitting means and received by the print data receiving means. The received print data is temporarily stored in the print data storage means, and rough image data based on the print data is created by the rough image creation means. The approximate image data is stored in association with the print data used as the basis by the approximate image data storage means. Processing of print data received from at least one client device is managed in units of print jobs by the print job management unit. Next, when a print job data requesting unit sends a request for transmitting information related to the print job to the printer apparatus, the print job data transmitting unit sends a print job used for management of the print job management unit in response to the request. Print job data including management information and the schematic image data is transmitted to the client device. The print job data is received by the print job data receiving unit, and the received print job data is displayed by the print job data display unit. When printing is completed in the printer apparatus, the outline image data corresponding to the print data is deleted from the outline image data storage means by the print job management means. As a result, not only the print job management information but also summary image data is displayed, and each print job can be easily identified.
[0021]
  A print management method according to a sixth aspect is the print management method according to the fifth aspect, wherein as the step of creating the summary image data by the summary image creation means, the print data for a plurality of pages is a plurality of pages. It is characterized by having a step of creating schematic image data for each.
[0022]
  According to the print management method of the sixth aspect, when the print page covers a plurality of pages, the outline image creating means creates outline image data for each of the plurality of pages. Therefore, even when common contents are included in each print job, each print job can be easily identified.
[0023]
  The print management method according to claim 7, in the print management method according to claim 6, designates a display page of outline image data in the information related to the print job requested to be transmitted by the print job data request unit. A step of specifying by the means, and as a step of sending the print job data by the print job data sending means in response to a request from the client device, the rough image data for the designated page is sent by the print job data sending means. A step of transmitting is provided.
[0024]
  According to the print management method of claim 7, when the designation unit designates the display page of the schematic image data among the information related to the print job and transmits the information designated by the print job data request unit, the printer device The image data for the designated page is transmitted by the print job data transmission means. Therefore, only the minimum necessary outline image data is transmitted to the client apparatus, and the print job data is displayed at high speed.
[0025]
  The print management method according to claim 8 is the print management method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the outline is created as a step of creating outline image data by the outline image creation means. The image data is changed in correspondence with information on the paper size in the print job management information.
[0026]
  According to the print management method of claim 8, since the outline image data is changed by the outline image creation unit in accordance with the information regarding the paper size in the print job management information, the output of each print job is performed. This makes it possible to intuitively understand the paper size to be identified and to perform identification more easily.
[0027]
[0028]
[0029]
[0030]
[0031]
  A computer-readable recording medium on which the print management control program according to claim 9 is recorded transmits information relating to print data to a computer via a network in response to a request from a client device in order to solve the problem. A computer-readable recording medium storing a print management control program to be transmitted, wherein the print management control program is transmitted from the client device to the computer via the networkPrintable by converting to drawing dataReceive print data and receive the received print dataOne or moreBased on the print data stored and receivedAs a rough image creation meansCreate outline image data and associate it with the print data based on the created outline image data.At least one image data storage meansStore and manage print data processing from one or more client devices on a print job basisThen, the drawing data is converted into the drawing data by a print data generation unit, which is different from the schematic image generation unit, and the converted drawing data is printed. Print on the stageThe print job management information used for the management and the schematic image data.One or morePrint job data is transmitted in response to a request from the client device, and the general image data corresponding to the print data for which printing has been completed is deleted from the general image data storage unit.
[0032]
  A computer-readable recording medium recording the print management control program according to claim 9 is read by a computer, whereby print data transmitted via a network is received, and the received print data is temporarily stored. Is done. Then, rough image data based on the print data is created, and this rough image data is stored in association with the print data used as a basis. Processing of print data received from at least one client device is managed in units of print jobs. When a transmission request for information relating to the print job is made from the client device, print job data including print job management information used for managing the print job and the schematic image data is sent to the client in response to the request. Sent to the device. When printing is completed in the printer apparatus, the outline image data corresponding to the print data is deleted from the outline image data storage means by the print job management means. As a result, not only the print job management information but also the general image data is transmitted to the client device, and each print job can be easily identified.
[0033]
  A computer-readable recording medium recording the print management control program according to claim 10 is a computer-readable recording medium recording the print management control program according to claim 9, wherein the print management control program is For the print data for a plurality of pages, the computer is caused to generate schematic image data for each of the plurality of pages.
[0034]
  When a computer-readable recording medium on which the print management control program according to claim 10 is recorded is read by a computer, outline image data is created for each of the plurality of pages when the print pages are over a plurality of pages. . The outline image data for the plurality of pages is transmitted to the client device as described above, and therefore, even when common contents are included in each print job, it is easy to identify each print job.
[0035]
  A computer-readable recording medium recording the print management control program according to claim 11 is a computer-readable recording medium recording the print management control program according to claim 10, wherein the print management control program is The computer is caused to transmit outline image data for a page designated by a client device.
[0036]
  12. A computer-readable recording medium on which the print management control program according to claim 11 is recorded is read by a computer, so that outline image data about a page designated by a client device is transmitted among information related to the print job. Therefore, only the minimum necessary outline image data is transmitted to the client apparatus, and the processing of print job data in the client apparatus is performed at high speed.
[0037]
  A computer-readable recording medium recording the print management control program according to claim 12 is a computer-readable recording medium recording the print management control program according to any one of claims 9 to 11. The print management control program causes the computer to change the outline image data in accordance with information relating to the paper size in the print job management information.
[0038]
  13. A computer-readable recording medium on which the print management control program according to claim 12 is recorded is read by a computer, so that the outline image data is changed in accordance with information on the paper size in the print job management information. Therefore, in the client device, the paper size output by each print job is intuitively understood, and identification is further facilitated.
  A printer device used in the print management system according to claim 13 includes at least one or more client devices that create print data, a printer device that supports a network, and a network that connects the client device and the printer device. A printer device for use in a print management system comprising:One or moreSent from the client device via the networkPrintable by converting to drawing dataPrint data receiving means for receiving print data, and the received print dataOne or moreCorresponding print data storage means for storing, outline image creation means for creating outline image data based on the received print data, and print data based on the created outline image dataOne or moreSummary image data storage means for storing and processing of print data from the one or more client devices are managed in units of print jobsIn turn, the image data is converted into the drawing data by a print data generating unit on the printer side, which is different from the schematic image generating unit, and the converted drawing data is printed by the printing unit.It comprises a print job management means, print job management information used for the management, and the schematic image data.One or morePrint job data transmitting means for transmitting print job data to the client apparatus for display by a display means provided in the client apparatus in response to a request from the client apparatus, and the print job management means Is characterized in that the outline image data corresponding to the print data for which printing has been completed is deleted from the outline image data storage means.
  15. The print management method according to claim 14, wherein print data created by at least one client device is transmitted to a printer device via a network, the print data is managed in the printer device, and a request from the client device is sent. In accordance with the print management method, the information related to the print data is transmitted via the network, and the information is displayed on the client device.One or moreSent from the client device via the networkIt becomes possible to print by converting to drawing dataThe printing data storage means receives the printing data received in the printing data receiving step and the printer device receiving the printing data.One or moreA step of storing, a step of creating a rough image data by a rough image creating unit based on the print data received by the printer device in a step of receiving the print data, and a step of creating the rough image data by the printer device. The outline image data storage means associates with the print data based on the outline image data created in the process of creatingOne or moreAnd storing the print data by the print job management means in units of print jobs.In turn, the image data is converted into the drawing data by a print data generating unit on the printer side, which is different from the schematic image generating unit, and the converted drawing data is printed by the printing unit.A process, and the printer apparatus includes print job management information used for the management and the schematic image data.One or moreA step of transmitting print job data to the client device for display by a display means provided in the client device in response to a request from the client device; and the schematic image corresponding to the print data for which printing has been completed. And a step of deleting data from the general image data storage means by the print job management means.
[0039]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a print management system according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a client device in the print system according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer device in a printing system according to an embodiment.
[0040]
  As shown in FIG. 1, the print management system of this embodiment includes client devices 1 and 2 such as personal computers that create print data, a network printer 3 that is a printer device corresponding to a network, and a network that connects them. 4 is provided.
[0041]
  In this print management system, print data output from the client apparatuses 1 and 2 is transmitted to the network printer 3 via the network, and is managed by the network printer 3 in units called print jobs. When there is a request for transmission of information regarding a print job from the client apparatuses 1 and 2 to the network printer 2, the outline image data together with the print job information is transmitted from the printer 3 to the client apparatuses 1 and 2 via the network. Is done.
[0042]
  The client apparatuses 1 and 2 are configured as shown in FIG. 2A in order to create such print data and send and receive various data. Note that the client device 1 and the client device 2 have the same configuration, and the description of the client device 2 is omitted.
[0043]
  As shown in FIG. 2A, the client device 1 includes a CPU 10, an input unit 11 for inputting data necessary for processing in the client device 1, a network connection unit 12, a ROM 13, a RAM 14, and a display. A display 15 as means and a bus 16 for connecting these components are provided.
[0044]
  The network connection unit 12 performs protocol conversion on the data output from the client device 1 and the data input to the client device 1 so that the client device 1 can transmit and receive data via the network.
[0045]
  The input unit 11 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and outputs data input by a user operation of the client device 1 to the CPU 10 or the like via the bus 16.
[0046]
  The ROM 13 is a read-only memory that stores a control program necessary for processing in the CPU 10, reads a necessary program at a predetermined timing, and outputs it to the bus 16.
[0047]
  The RAM 14 is actually composed of a storage device such as a hard disk device or the like, and a print management control program described below in the CPU 10 is installed. In addition, data necessary for processing in the CPU 10 is temporarily stored and output to the bus 16 as necessary.
[0048]
  Further, the display 15 displays necessary for processing in the CPU 10 and displays an image corresponding to display data described later.
[0049]
  Then, the CPU 10 performs its own arithmetic processing or the like based on the application program and printer driver program stored in the RAM 14, or controls each of the above-described constituent elements to cause the client device 1 to function as each unit described later.
[0050]
  Next, the configuration of the printer 3 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2B, the printer 3 includes a CPU 16, a network connection unit 17, a ROM 18, a RAM 19, an output engine 20, and a bus 21.
[0051]
  The network connection unit 17 performs protocol conversion on the data output from the printer 3 and the data input to the printer 3 to enable data communication between the printer 3 and the client devices 1 and 2 via the network.
[0052]
  The ROM 18 is a memory that stores a printer control program, and reads out a necessary program at a predetermined timing and outputs it to the bus 21.
[0053]
  Further, the RAM 14 temporarily stores data necessary for processing in the CPU 16 and outputs it to the bus 21 as necessary.
[0054]
  The output engine 20 includes a printing unit such as an ink jet method or a laser beam method, and performs a print output process under the control of the CPU 16.
[0055]
  Then, the CPU 16 performs arithmetic processing by itself based on a control program stored in the ROM 18 or controls each unit described above to cause the network printer 3 to function as each unit to be described later.
[0056]
  As described above, each of the client apparatuses 1 and 2 and the printer 3 includes a CPU, and is a means for realizing the print management system in the present embodiment based on an installed or prestored program. Configured to work.
[0057]
  FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the client device 1 and the printer 3 in terms of this function. In FIG. 3, the configuration of the client device 2 is the same as that of the client device 1, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
[0058]
  As shown in FIG. 3, the client device 1 executes a print data creation unit 1a, a print data transmission unit 1b, a print job data request unit 1c, a print job data by executing the installed application program and printer driver program. It functions as a receiving means 1d, a print job data display means 1e, and a print job operation instruction means 1f. Hereinafter, these means will be described in detail.
[0059]
  The print data creation unit 1a is a unit that creates image data created by the user of the client device 1 on an application program as print data that can be analyzed by the printer 3 such as a page description language.
[0060]
  The print data transmission unit 1b is a unit that transmits the print data created by the print data creation unit 1a to the network printer 3 via the network.
[0061]
  The print job data request unit 1c is a unit that transmits a request signal to the network printer 3 via the network connection unit 12 when the user selects a print job request using a mouse or the like.
[0062]
  The print job data receiving means 1d is means for receiving the print job data transmitted via the network and outputting it to the next print job data display means 1e. Details of the print job data will be described later.
[0063]
  The print job data display unit 1e is a unit for displaying the print job data transmitted from the print job data receiving unit 1d on the display 15.
[0064]
  The print job operation instructing unit 1f is a unit for instructing processing of print job data displayed on the display 15. For example, an instruction screen such as a switch box is displayed on the display 15, and the user performs a predetermined operation with a mouse or the like. This means is a means for transmitting the print job to the network printer 3 by selecting the print job.
[0065]
  Next, the network printer 3 executes the control program stored in the ROM 18 so that the print data receiving unit 3a, the print data storing unit 3b, the print job managing unit 3c, the print data creating unit 3d, the printing unit 3e, It functions as an outline image creation means 3f, an outline image storage means 3g, a print job data transmission means 3h, and a print job operation instruction reception means 3i. Hereinafter, these means will be described in detail.
[0066]
  The print data receiving unit 3a is a unit that receives print data transmitted from the client apparatuses 1 and 2 via the network and outputs the received print data to a print data storage unit 3b and a schematic image creation unit 3f described later. is there.
[0067]
  The print data storage unit 3b is a unit that stores the print data output from the print data reception unit 3a, and can store print data of a plurality of print jobs.
[0068]
  The print job management unit 3c is a unit that manages the print data stored in the print data storage unit 3b for each print job. The print job name, data size, and owner name transmitted along with each print data The print job execution order, execution status, and the like are managed using print job management information such as the total page and the reception time when the print job is received.
[0069]
  The print data creation unit 3d is a unit that converts print data managed and output by the print job management unit 3c into drawing data such as bitmap data, and expands it in a page memory or the like.
[0070]
  The printing unit 3e is a unit that executes printing based on the drawing data created by the print data creation unit 3d.
[0071]
  The functions realized by each means as described above are the same as those of a conventional network printer, and printing of print data transmitted from the client device is sequentially executed for each print job, and the print job from the client device is also performed. Regarding the management information transmission request, the execution status of each print job is transmitted in response to the request.
[0072]
  However, in the conventional system, the information transmitted from the printer to the client device is only the print job management information, so the user of the client device has to grasp the contents of the print job by the print job name or the like. Also, depending on the communication protocol, the print job name may not be identified on the client device side.
[0073]
  Therefore, in this embodiment, the outline image is created based on the print data of each print job, and the outline image data is transmitted to the client apparatus together with the print job management information, so that the contents of the print job can be easily identified. I did it.
[0074]
  The outline image data is created by, for example, reducing drawing data developed as bitmap data to a predetermined size, and is created by the outline image creation means 3f in the present embodiment.
[0075]
  The schematic image creating means 3f is a means for expanding and reducing the bitmap data based on the print data output from the print data receiving means 3a. For print data over a plurality of pages, the schematic image data for all pages. Create
[0076]
  The outline image data created in this way is stored in the outline image data storage means 3g. The summary image data storage means 3g stores the summary image data created by the summary image creation means 3f in association with the print data that is the basis, and each request is received from the print job data transmission means 3h. The general image data corresponding to the print data is output to the print job data transmission unit 3h.
[0077]
  In response to a request transmitted by the print job data request unit 1c of the client apparatus 1 or 2, the print job data transmission unit 3h receives the above-described print job management information from the print job management unit 3c, or a schematic image storage unit. The above-described general image data is received from 3g, and is transmitted as print job data to the print job data receiving means 1d of the client apparatuses 1 and 2.
[0078]
  Since the print management system in the present embodiment has the functions as described above, the print job data display unit 1e prints each print job together with print job management information such as a print job name or a print reception time. Since the summary image data created based on the data is displayed, the user of the client device can easily identify the contents of each print job.
[0079]
  As described above, the operation instruction item by the print job operation instruction unit 1f is displayed together with the display of the print job data. When the user selects any item, the print job operation instruction unit is displayed. The operation instruction is transmitted from 1 f and received by the print job operation instruction receiving means 3 i in the printer 3.
[0080]
  The print job operation instruction receiving unit 3i analyzes the received instruction content and transmits it to the print job management unit 3c. As a result, processing such as print job deletion and priority execution is performed.
[0081]
  Next, the operation of the print management system in this embodiment will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. In the following description, each means shown in FIG. 3 is used as needed.
[0082]
  First, when a print command is input in the client devices 1 and 2, print data in the page description language format is created by the print data creation means 1a (step S1), and the print data is sent to the printer 3 by the print data transmission means 1b. (Step S2). This print data is received by the print data receiving means 3a of the printer 3 and stored in the spool area by the print data storage means 3b (step S6). Then, the outline image creation means 3f creates outline image data based on the received print data (step S7), and the outline image data is stored in the outline image storage means 3g in association with the base print data. (Step S8). The print data is managed for each print job by the print job management means 3c and sequentially printed.
[0083]
  On the other hand, when a print job information request command is input to the client apparatuses 1 and 2, the print job data requesting unit 1c makes a print job data transmission request to the printer 3 (step S3). When this request is received by the print job data transmission unit 3h of the printer 3 (step S9), the print job data transmission unit 3h displays the print job management information relating to the print data stored in the spool area as the print job management unit 3c. And also receives the rough image data stored corresponding to each print data from the rough image storage means 3g, and transmits the print job management information and the rough image data as print job data to the client apparatuses 1 and 2. (Step S10).
[0084]
  The print job data is received by the print job data receiving unit 1d of the client apparatuses 1 and 2 (step S4), and is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. 5 by the print job data display unit 1e (step S5).
[0085]
  As shown in FIG. 5, a display area 5 for each print job is provided with a display area 6 for a schematic image together with display areas such as a print job name, a print reception time, a data size, an owner, and the total number of pages. A schematic image is displayed in the display area 6. Therefore, the user can easily identify the print job based on these data.
[0086]
  In this way, the printing process is continued in parallel with the transmission process of the print job data, and the print job management unit 3c applies the summary image data corresponding to the print data of the print job for which printing has been completed. It is deleted at any time (step S11).
[0087]
  Also, as shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, when the print data covers a plurality of pages, the outline image data is created for all pages, and all the outline images can be displayed on the screen.
[0088]
  Thereby, even when a plurality of print jobs have common print data, each print job can be reliably identified.
[0089]
  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a schematic image can be displayed only for a specified page among a plurality of pages. That is, together with the print job data request information from the client apparatuses 1 and 2, the general image designation information is transmitted to the printer 3, and the printer 3 transmits the general image of the designated page to the client apparatuses 1 and 2.
[0090]
  As described above, when the number of display pages is specified to be small, only the necessary minimum outline image is transmitted to the client device, so that print job information can be displayed at high speed.
[0091]
  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the print job operation instruction unit 1f is configured to display buttons 7 such as delete, pause, priority, etc. After a print job is designated by clicking on one of the print job display fields 5 indicated by the dotted lines, the processing of the print job can be designated by clicking on any button 7.
[0092]
  As described above, according to the present embodiment, for each print job, a summary image of print data is created and transmitted to the client device, and the client device displays the summary image in a print job list display. The contents of each print job can be easily identified, and the possibility of erroneous operations such as deleting a necessary print job by mistake is reduced.
[0093]
  In addition, since the print job can be identified by the outline image, the print job can be identified by the outline image even for a print job in which the print job name is not automatically added. There is no need to input a print job name on the apparatus.
[0094]
  (Modification) Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the above-described embodiment, the network printer 3 is configured to receive, store, manage print jobs, develop print data, create schematic image data, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, as shown in FIG. 6, the print server device 8 connected to the network 4 has the above-described functions, and actual printing is performed by the printers 9 a and 9 b connected to the print server device 8. You may comprise as follows.
[0095]
  Of course, such a print server device 8 and the network printer 3 of the above-described embodiment can be connected to the same network 4 for use.
[0096]
  Further, the display of the print job data is performed not only on the client devices 1 and 2 but also on the display of the print server device 8, and the print job operation instruction as described above is performed on the print server device 8. Also good.
[0097]
  Further, in the network printer 3 or the print server device 8 described above, the generated schematic image may be changed corresponding to the paper size specified in each print job.
[0098]
  As an aspect to be changed, for example, a shape in which the outline shape of the schematic image is changed according to the paper size, or a shape in which the size of the schematic image itself is changed in accordance with the paper size can be cited.
[0099]
  As a result, the paper size output by each print job can be intuitively understood, and identification is further facilitated.
[0100]
  The above-described print management control program for realizing the print management system of the present invention can be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a floppy disk that can be read by each of the client device and the printer. The print management system of the present invention is realized by installing and executing a print management control program in each of the client device and the printer using the CD-ROM or the like.
[0101]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the print management system of the first aspect, the rough image data is created based on the print data, and the rough image is displayed together with the print job management information. Can be easily and reliably identified. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation such as deleting a necessary print job by mistake. Also, even for a print job that does not automatically have a print job name added, the print job can be easily identified by the schematic image, so the user can assign a print job name to the print job. No need to enter.
[0102]
  Further, according to the print management system of the second aspect, the outline image data is created for each of the plurality of pages of the print data for a plurality of pages, so that common contents are included in each print job. Even in this case, each print job can be easily identified.
[0103]
  According to the print management system of the third aspect, the number of pages of the outline image is designated, and the outline image data is transmitted only for the designated page. Therefore, only the minimum outline image data is necessary. Is transmitted to the client device, and print job data can be displayed at high speed.
[0104]
  According to the print management system of claim 4, the outline image data to be created is changed in accordance with the information regarding the paper size in the print job management information. It is possible to intuitively understand the paper size to be identified, and it is possible to perform identification more easily.
[0105]
  According to the print management method of the fifth aspect, the rough image data is created based on the print data, and the rough image is displayed together with the print job management information. Therefore, each print job can be easily and reliably performed. Can be identified. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation such as deleting a necessary print job by mistake. Also, even for a print job that does not automatically have a print job name added, the print job can be easily identified by the schematic image, so the user can assign a print job name to the print job. No need to enter.
[0106]
  According to the print management method of the sixth aspect, since the outline image data is created for each of a plurality of pages for the print data for a plurality of pages, common contents are included in each print job. Even in this case, each print job can be easily identified.
[0107]
  According to the print management method of the seventh aspect, since the number of pages of the schematic image is specified and the schematic image data is transmitted only for the specified page, only the minimum required schematic image data is transmitted. Is transmitted to the client device, and print job data can be displayed at high speed.
[0108]
  According to the print management method of claim 8, since the outline image data to be created is changed in correspondence with the information regarding the paper size in the print job management information, the output of each print job It is possible to intuitively understand the paper size to be identified, and it is possible to perform identification more easily.
[0109]
[0110]
[0111]
  Further, by causing a computer to read a computer-readable recording medium in which the print management control program according to claim 9 is recorded, schematic image data based on print data is created. The print data processing is managed in units of print jobs, and print job data including print job management information and the general image data is transmitted to the client device. Therefore, not only the print job management information but also the summary image data is transmitted to the client device, and each print job can be easily identified.
[0112]
  In addition, by causing a computer to read a computer-readable recording medium on which the print management control program according to claim 10 is recorded, when a plurality of printed pages are generated, schematic image data is created for each of the plurality of pages. Therefore, even when common contents are included in each print job, each print job can be easily identified.
[0113]
  In addition, since the computer reads the computer-readable recording medium on which the print management control program according to claim 11 is recorded, the outline image data for the page designated by the client device is transmitted. Only limited outline image data is transmitted to the client device, and the print job data is processed at the client device at high speed.
[0114]
  According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer readable recording medium on which the print management control program according to claim 12 is recorded, so that the computer can read the rough image data corresponding to the information regarding the paper size in the print job management information. Therefore, the client apparatus can intuitively understand the paper size output by each print job, and can make identification easier.
  According to the printer device used in the print management system according to claim 13, the rough image data is created based on the print data, and the rough image is displayed together with the print job management information. It can be easily and reliably identified. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation such as deleting a necessary print job by mistake. Also, even for a print job that does not automatically have a print job name added, the print job can be easily identified by the schematic image, so the user can assign a print job name to the print job. No need to enter.
  According to the print management method of claim 14, the rough image data is created based on the print data, and the rough image is displayed together with the print job management information. Therefore, each print job can be easily and reliably identified. can do. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation such as deleting a necessary print job by mistake. Also, even for a print job that does not automatically have a print job name added, the print job can be easily identified by the schematic image, so the user can assign a print job name to the print job. No need to enter.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a print management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2A is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a client apparatus in a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer apparatus in the printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a client apparatus and a printer apparatus of the print management system according to an embodiment of the present invention from the viewpoint of functions.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a print management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job list display of the print management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a modification in one embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1,2 ... Client device
1a..Print data creation means
1b..Print data transmission means
1c .. Print job data request means
1d .. print job data receiving means
1e .. print job data display means
1f .. Print job operation instruction means
3. Network printer
3a .. Print data receiving means
3b..Print data storage means
3c .. Print job management means
3d ... Print data creation means
3e ... Printing means
3f .. Outline image creation means
3g · · Outline image storage means
3h · · Print job data transmission means
3i .. Print job operation instruction receiving means
4. Network
5. Print job display column
6 .. Outline image display column
7. Button
8. Print server device
9a, 9b ... Printer

Claims (14)

A print management system comprising at least one client device for creating print data, a printer device corresponding to a network, and a network for connecting the client device and the printer device,
The client device is
Print data creation means for creating print data that can be printed by the printer device converting into drawing data ;
A print data transmitting means for transmitting the print data to the printer apparatus via the network,
Print job data requesting means for requesting transmission of print job data , which is information relating to a print job, which is a print data management unit, to the printer device;
And print job data receiving means for receiving said print job data to be transmitted through the network from the printer apparatus,
Print job data display means for displaying one or more received print job data,
The printer device includes:
A print data receiving unit for receiving the print data transmitted via the network from the one or more client devices,
Print data storage means for storing one or more received print data;
A rough image creating means for creating rough image data based on the received print data;
Schematic image data storage means for storing at least one of the generated schematic image data in association with print data based on the generated image data;
The processing of print data from the one or more client devices is managed in units of print jobs , and sequentially converted into the drawing data by the print data creation unit on the printer side, which is different from the schematic image creation unit, and converted Print job management means for causing the printing means to print the drawing data ;
Print job data transmission means for transmitting one or more print job data composed of print job management information used for the management and the schematic image data in response to a request from the client device;
The print management system, wherein the print job management means deletes the outline image data corresponding to the print data for which printing has been completed from the outline image data storage means.   The print management system according to claim 1, wherein the outline image creating unit creates outline image data for each of a plurality of pages with respect to print data for a plurality of pages. The client device further includes a designation unit that designates a display page of the schematic image data in the information about the print job requested to be transmitted by the print job data request unit,
The print management system according to claim 2, wherein the print job data transmission unit of the printer device transmits schematic image data for the designated page.   4. The outline image creation unit of the printer apparatus changes the outline image data to be created in accordance with information related to a paper size in the print job management information. The print management system according to one item. Print data created by at least one client device is transmitted to a printer device via a network, and the print data is managed in the printer device, and information related to the print data is transmitted via the network in response to a request from the client device. A print management method for displaying the information on the client device,
A step of creating printable data by print data creation means by converting the printer device into drawing data ;
And transmitting the print data to the printer apparatus via the network by the print data transmission unit,
A step of requesting transmission of print job data , which is information relating to a print job, which is a print data management unit, to the printer apparatus by a print job data requesting unit;
Receiving said print job data to be transmitted through the network from the printer device by the print job data receiving means,
A step of displaying one or more print job data received by the step of receiving the print job data by a print job data display means,
Receiving print data transmitted from the one or more client devices via the network by a print data receiving unit;
Storing one or more print data received by the step of receiving the print data by a print data storage means;
Creating schematic image data by a schematic image creating means based on the print data received in the step of receiving the print data;
Storing at least one of the outline image data storage means in association with the print data based on the outline image data created by the step of creating the outline image data;
The processing of the print data from the one or more client devices is managed by the print job management means in units of print jobs, and the drawing is performed by the print data creation means on the printer side, which is different from the step of creating the general image data sequentially. Converting the data into data and causing the printing means to print the converted drawing data ;
Transmitting one or more print job data composed of print job management information used for the management and the schematic image data in response to a request from the client device by a print job data transmission unit;
Deleting the outline image data corresponding to the print data for which printing has been completed from the outline image data storage means by the print job management means;
A print management method comprising:   6. The step of creating outline image data by the outline image creating means includes the step of creating outline image data for each of a plurality of pages for print data for a plurality of pages. Print management method. A step of designating a display page of the schematic image data by designating means among information relating to the print job requested to be transmitted by the print job data requesting means;
As a step of transmitting print job data by a print job data transmission unit in response to a request from the client device, a step of transmitting schematic image data for the designated page by a print job data transmission unit is provided. The print management method according to claim 6.   6. The outline image data to be created by the outline image creation means is changed in accordance with information relating to paper size in the print job management information. Item 8. The print management method according to any one of Items 7. A computer-readable recording medium that records a print management control program that causes a computer to transmit information about print data via a network in response to a request from a client device,
The print management control program is stored in a computer.
Receiving print data that can be printed by converting into drawing data transmitted from the client device via the network;
Store one or more received print data,
Based on the received print data, let the rough image creation means create rough image data,
One or more summary image data is stored in the summary image data storage means in association with the print data based on the created summary image data,
Manages processing of print data from one or more of the client devices in units of print jobs , and sequentially converts the drawing data by the print data creation unit, which is different from the schematic image creation unit, and converts the converted drawing data Let the printing means print ,
One or more print job data consisting of print job management information used for the management and the schematic image data is transmitted in response to a request from the client device;
A computer-readable recording medium having a print management control program recorded thereon, wherein the general image data corresponding to print data for which printing has been completed is deleted from the general image data storage means. A computer-readable recording medium that records a print management control program that causes a computer to transmit information about print data via a network in response to a request from a client device,
The computer-readable recording medium storing the print management control program according to claim 9, wherein the print management control program causes the computer to create schematic image data for each of a plurality of pages for a plurality of pages of print data. Possible recording media. A computer-readable recording medium that records a print management control program that causes a computer to transmit information about print data via a network in response to a request from a client device,
The computer-readable recording medium recording the print management control program according to claim 10, wherein the print management control program causes a computer to transmit outline image data for a page designated by a client device. A computer-readable recording medium that records a print management control program that causes a computer to transmit information about print data via a network in response to a request from a client device,
The print management control program is stored in a computer.
12. The computer storing the print management control program according to claim 9, wherein the image data is changed in accordance with information on the paper size in the print job management information. A readable recording medium. A printer device used in a print management system comprising at least one or more client devices for creating print data, a printer device corresponding to a network, and a network connecting the client device and the printer device,
Print data receiving means for receiving print data that can be printed by converting into drawing data transmitted from the one or more client devices via the network;
Print data storage means for storing one or more received print data;
A rough image creating means for creating rough image data based on the received print data;
Schematic image data storage means for storing at least one of the generated schematic image data in association with print data based on the generated image data;
The processing of print data from the one or more client devices is managed in units of print jobs , and sequentially converted into the drawing data by the print data creation unit on the printer side, which is different from the schematic image creation unit, and converted Print job management means for causing the printing means to print the drawing data ;
In order to display one or more print job data composed of print job management information used for the management and the schematic image data by a display unit provided in the client device in response to a request from the client device Print job data transmission means for transmitting to the client device,
The printer apparatus used in a print management system, wherein the print job management unit deletes the schematic image data corresponding to print data for which printing has been completed from the schematic image data storage unit. Print data created by at least one client device is transmitted to a printer device via a network, and the print data is managed in the printer device, and information related to the print data is transmitted via the network in response to a request from the client device. A print management method for displaying the information on the client device,
The printer device receives the print data that can be printed by converting the drawing data transmitted from the one or more client devices to the drawing data transmitted via the network by a print data receiving unit;
A step of storing one or more print data received by the printer device in the step of receiving the print data by a print data storage means;
A step of creating a rough image data by a rough image creating means based on the print data received by the printer device in the step of receiving the print data;
The printer device stores at least one outline image data storage unit in association with print data based on the outline image data created by the step of creating the outline image data;
The printer device manages print data processing by print job management means in units of print jobs , and sequentially converts them into drawing data by a printer-side print data creation means, which is different from the schematic image creation means. Printing the rendered drawing data on a printing means ;
In response to a request from the client device, the printer device displays one or more print job data composed of the print job management information used for the management and the schematic image data by display means provided in the client device. Sending to the client device for display;
Deleting the outline image data corresponding to the print data for which printing has been completed from the outline image data storage means by the print job management means;
A print management method comprising:

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