JP4024229B2 - Printing apparatus, printing apparatus control method, program thereof, and form distribution system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing apparatus capable of communicating with a form distribution apparatus, a control method for the printing apparatus, a program thereof, and a form distribution system .

  The form distribution is performed in a pull type (for example, a form server on the use department side retrieves form data created by a host) or a push type (for example, the host transmits form data to a printer).

  For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-243033) is a push type example, and even if the output device of the distribution destination is not specified each time, the distribution destination related to the data to be distributed is specified. A data distribution control device that can automatically specify an output device (printer or FAX) or a paper feed cassette for distribution is disclosed.

Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 6-187107) is also a push type example. Based on the form distribution output control information input from the input device, the terminal distribution symbol is generated by the form distribution output control table creating means. Create a form distribution output control table consisting of the output destination name, form name, application program name and distribution destination name that creates the form of this form name, and according to the output request consisting of the terminal identification symbol and form name, The control means retrieves information corresponding to the terminal identification symbol and form name from the form distribution output control table, and the form creation means executes the application program to create the form image data for the required number of copies. A form distribution output device that outputs to an output destination printing device corresponding to a terminal identification symbol of an output request by an output control means is disclosed.
JP 2001-243033 A JP-A-6-187107

  However, in the conventional push type as in Patent Document 1, for example, when a network device trouble occurs in some branch offices, the report delivery to the troubled branch office fails and retry is performed. However, there is a problem that the processing efficiency is reduced. The same problem occurs when a trouble occurs on the printer side or when the printer is not turned on.

  Also, as shown in Patent Document 2, when each printer receives a plurality of types of forms and the forms received by the printers are different, the host manages which form data is transmitted according to each printer. There is a problem that the management man-hour on the host side becomes large.

  On the other hand, when requesting delivery from each printer server to the host computer in pull-type form delivery, installation costs and maintenance costs are required because a server is required. There is a problem that the host side cannot grasp the status of the printer (paper jam, out of paper, toner out, etc.), and dedicated printer management software is required for the printer server side to grasp the status of the printer.

  Furthermore, a problem common to the push type and pull type is that the form data creation program on the host side ends abnormally due to a data exception, etc., and if some form data is not created, it is not possible to flexibly deal with it. It was. For example, when a certain form is distributed to a plurality of locations, the usage method and positioning are often different depending on each department. In consideration of such circumstances, when the delivery of the form data is delayed, (1) it is received again after the elapse of a predetermined time due to the nature of the form or the characteristics of the business using the form, (2) Receiving again at a predetermined time, (3) Re-reception is unnecessary (when form output is meaningless if form output is not completed at a specific time). There was a problem that such a detailed handling process for abnormal situations was not possible.

  In addition, there was printer paper at the beginning of form printing, but flexible handling in the event of running out of paper, out of toner, or paper jam (for example, re-printing form data depending on which form was not printed). It has been difficult to specify the presence or absence of transmission according to the prior art.

  If the settings for each printer or each form are registered and processed on the host side, the host side checks the forms that can be distributed for each authentication and distribution destination, in addition to the process for checking the forms that can be distributed for each destination. There is a problem that the processing load on the host side becomes extremely large because it is necessary to perform processing for each printer or each form after grasping the situation.

  In addition, if the distribution of form data is significantly delayed due to a failure of network equipment or a large-scale spread of viruses that congest the network, a large number of inquiries from each site where the printer is installed to the host operator However, there is also a problem that the host side operator is busy dealing with inquiries.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, purpose of the present invention, to be able to execute a form different error handling defines the error processing for each document in the printing apparatus side printing apparatus With this configuration, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus and a printing apparatus control method capable of appropriately executing error processing for each form, a program thereof, and a form distribution system.

The present invention relates to a printing apparatus capable of communicating with a form distribution apparatus, and forms identification information capable of specifying one or a plurality of form data to be received from the form distribution apparatus, and authentication when a connection request is made to the form distribution apparatus Control information storage means for storing control information including information, connected to the form distribution apparatus based on the control information, and form data reception processing for receiving each form data to be received from the form distribution apparatus, Control means for executing a form data printing process for printing the received form data, and the control information storage means specifies a form data reception error process or a form data print error process according to the form identification information. The form control information is stored, and when the control means determines that the form data reception process has not ended normally, the form data print process is correct. If it is determined that it has not been completed, the form control information is used to execute the form data reception error process or the form data print error process specified by the form data that has not been normally terminated. Features.

The present invention is also a form distribution system including a form distribution apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of printing apparatuses, wherein the form distribution apparatus stores one or a plurality of form data for distribution to the respective printing apparatuses. Form data storage means, distribution destination storage means for specifying a printing apparatus that distributes each form data, and stores distribution destination information including distribution time to each printing apparatus and form data to be distributed, and the distribution Distribution control means for sequentially transmitting a connection request to each distribution-destination printing apparatus based on the destination information and transmitting the respective form data when the connection is successful, and the printing apparatus includes the form distribution apparatus Control information storage means for storing control information including form identification information capable of specifying one or a plurality of form data to be received from the server and authentication information for requesting connection to the form delivery apparatus, and the control Control for connecting to the form distribution apparatus based on the report, and executing the form data reception process for receiving each form data to be received from the form distribution apparatus and the form data printing process for printing the received form data The control information storage means stores form control information for specifying a form data reception error process or a form data print error process according to the form identification information, and the control means stores the form data. If it is determined that the reception process did not end normally, or if it is determined that the form data printing process did not end normally, the form control information is used to determine whether the form data has not ended normally. The specified form data reception error process or the specified form data print error process is executed.

Further, the present invention is a method for controlling a printing apparatus that can communicate with a form distribution apparatus, and is connected to the form identification information that can identify one or a plurality of form data to be received from the form distribution apparatus and the form distribution apparatus Based on the control information including the authentication information at the time of request, it connects to the form delivery apparatus, receives the form data to be received from the form delivery apparatus, and prints the received form data A control step for executing a form data printing process, wherein the control information includes form control information for specifying a form data reception error process or a form data print error process according to the form identification information, and the control If it is determined that the form data reception process has not been completed normally, the step determines that the form data print process has not been completed normally. When, using the form control information, and executes the specified by the form data that was not successfully completed the form data reception error processing or the form data print error processing.

The present invention is also a printing apparatus control program capable of communicating with a form distribution apparatus, wherein the printing apparatus is capable of specifying one or a plurality of form data to be received from the form distribution apparatus, and Form data reception processing for receiving each form data to be received from the form distribution apparatus based on control information including authentication information when requesting connection to the form distribution apparatus, and receiving the received form data Form control information for specifying a form data reception error process or a form data print error process corresponding to the form identification information is made to function as a control unit that executes a form data print process for printing form data. And the control means determines that the form data receiving process has not ended normally, the form data printing process has ended normally. If it is determined that it has occurred, the form control information is used to execute the form data reception error process or the form data print error process specified by the form data that did not end normally. To do.

According to the present invention, the error processing for each form is defined on the printing device side, and the error processing for each form is executed on the printing device side, so that it is appropriate for each form without imposing a burden on the form distribution device. It is possible to execute an error process.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a form distribution system showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the system of the present embodiment, the administrator terminal 110, the form distribution host 120, the printing apparatus A 130, the printing apparatus B 140, and the user terminal 160 are connected to each other via a communication line 150. The communication line 150 is typically a LAN or WAN. However, the communication line 150 is not limited to this as long as it can transmit and receive data. The administrator terminal 110 and user terminal 160 in FIG. 1 are, for example, personal computers, workstations, portable terminals such as so-called PDAs and mobile phones, and the like.

  Although there are only two printing apparatuses in FIG. 1, there are actually more than this, and there are cases where the number of medium-sized systems ranges from 10 to several tens, and large-scale systems may range from hundreds to thousands. . An administrator PC is also installed at each site. Hereinafter, the printing apparatus A 130 will be described as a detailed description, but the same applies to other printing apparatuses.

  The hard disk of the form distribution host 120 stores a program corresponding to the form processing unit 121 and a program corresponding to the authentication control unit 122, which are loaded into the RAM and executed under the control of the CPU. The hard disk of the form distribution host 120 stores form data 123 created by the form processing unit 121. The form data 123 is printed by a program of the authentication control unit 122 in response to a request from the printing apparatus. Sent to the device.

  Furthermore, a delivery destination master 125 is stored in the hard disk of the form delivery host 120. The distribution destination master 125 includes information (including at least one of a printing apparatus ID, a printing apparatus IP address, a printing apparatus LU, and the like) specifying a distribution destination printing apparatus, and a folder or directory that permits access to the printing apparatus. Distribution destination management including information specifying the management range of files such as, authentication information such as passwords necessary for authentication of the printing device, and contact information (e-mail address or FAX number or telephone number) of the administrator of the printing device I remember information. An example of the distribution destination master 125 is shown in FIG.

  Further, a print log 126 is stored in the hard disk of the form distribution host 120, and the print log 126 includes information for specifying a distribution destination printing apparatus, form data name, distribution date and time, and print result. Instead of the form data name, a form group name in which a plurality of forms to be delivered at once may be recorded. An example of the print log 126 is shown in FIG.

  The printing apparatus A 130 includes spool data 133 for storing the received form data, a time for connection to the form distribution host 120, authentication information for connecting to the form distribution host 120, and a form data name (data to be received) A form attribute master 135 in which a part of the name is recorded is stored. The form attribute master 135 is stored in the memory of the LAN adapter of the printing apparatus A 130, but may be stored in a hard disk, S-RAM, or ROM built in the printing apparatus A 130.

  The form attribute master 135 notifies the printer administrator for each form data when the delivery data is not created on the form delivery host side by a predetermined time (requests the form data again at another time, and notifies the printer administrator. To notify the user of the form data), or when the printing device runs out of paper, paper jam, toner out, etc. (convert the form data to, for example, Adobe PDF, hold the printing) , Forward to FAX, send to form user as e-mail attachment, notify printer administrator, notify form data user, part of form data that could not be printed to other printing device And the notification destination information (printer administrator e-mail address, form user e-mail address, FAX number) are stored, and such information is stored. Thus, fine-grained error processing is possible. An example of the form attribute master 135 is shown in FIG.

  Next, the print control unit 132 executes a connection request to the form distribution host 120, reception of form data, transmission of the print result to the form distribution host 120, error handling processing, and the like based on the form attribute master 135. To do. The program of the print control unit 132 is stored in the memory of the LAN adapter of the printing apparatus A 130, but may be stored in a hard disk, S-RAM, or ROM built in the printing apparatus A 130.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the form distribution host 120 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, a CPU 21, a RAM 22, a ROM 23, a LAN adapter 24, a video adapter 25, a keyboard 26, a mouse 27, a hard disk 28, and a CD-ROM drive 29 are connected to each other via a system bus 20.

  The system bus 20 means, for example, a PCI bus, an AGP bus, a memory bus, and the like. Further, in FIG. 5, a connection chip between each bus, a keyboard interface, and an input / output interface such as a so-called SCSI or ATAPI are omitted.

  The CPU 21 performs various operations such as four arithmetic operations and comparison operations and hardware control based on an operation system program and an application program. The RAM 22 stores an operation system program, an application program, and the like read from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM or CD-R mounted in the hard disk 28 or the CD-ROM drive 29, and these are controlled by the CPU 21. Performed originally. The contents of the RAM 22 will be described later in detail as the contents of the memory map.

  The ROM 23 stores a so-called BIOS that manages input / output to the hard disk 28 and the like in cooperation with the operation system. The LAN adapter 24 communicates with the outside via a network in cooperation with a communication program of the operation system controlled by the CPU 21. The video adapter 25 generates an image signal to be output to the display device, and the keyboard 26 and the mouse 27 are used for inputting an instruction to the information processing device.

  The hard disk 28 stores a program corresponding to the operation system (not shown) in FIG. 1, the form processing unit 121 and the authentication control unit 122, form data 123, a delivery destination master 125, and a print log 126.

  The CD-ROM drive 29 is used for installing a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, or CD-R / W and installing an application program on the hard disk 28. Needless to say, a CD-R drive, a CD-R / W drive, an MO drive, or the like may be used instead of the CD-ROM drive.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the printing apparatus A 130 illustrated in FIG. 1, and each component is connected via the system bus 30. The CPU 31, RAM 32, and ROM 33 are the same as the CPU 21, RAM 22, and ROM 23 shown in FIG. The LAN adapter 34 is in charge of data transmission / reception via a communication line, and stores a program corresponding to the print control unit 132 and a form attribute master 135 in a ROM (not shown). The spool data is stored in the hard disk 38. The printer controller transmits print image data to the print engine 37 in cooperation with the print control unit, and the print engine 37 executes printing. The print setting information and error information are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 35.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing (first control processing) in the first embodiment (pull type) of the present invention, and corresponds to pull-type form distribution processing. In the figure, steps S501 to S512 are executed under the control of the CPU 21 (authentication control unit 121) of the form distribution host 120. Steps S521 to S535 are executed under the control of the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 (print control unit 132). Note that steps S501 to S509 and steps S510 to S512 are executed in a different process.

  First, in step S521, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 waits until a time for requesting connection to the form distribution host 120. If it is determined in step S522 that the predetermined time has arrived, the process proceeds to step S523. If the printing apparatus A 130 determines in step S522 that a predetermined time (for example, 4 am) has not arrived, the process returns from step S522 to step S521. During this time, normal printing is appropriately executed by the CPU 31 and the printer controller 36.

  Further, the predetermined time is stored in association with the form data in the form attribute master 135 shown in FIG. 4, and is a time when the form delivery can be requested multiple times a day. Furthermore, this predetermined time differs depending on the printing apparatus, and each printing apparatus is almost in a predetermined form data distribution time zone (for example, 3 hours from 3 am to 6 am, 4 am in the example shown in FIG. 4). In order to request transmission to the form distribution host 120 evenly, for example, a predetermined time for making a print request using a random number or the like is set to be different.

  In step S523, the printing apparatus A 130 determines whether there is a printer error (paper jam, paper out, toner out, etc.) (status determination). Details of step S523 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the result of the status determination in step S523 (form printable / not printable) is stored in the work area of the memory of the LAN adapter 34 of the printing apparatus A130.

  In step S524, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 performs branch control on the basis of the status determination result in step S523. If the determination result indicates that the form cannot be printed, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 proceeds to step S525. If the determination result indicates that the form can be printed, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S526.

  In step S525, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 transmits an e-mail to the notification destination e-mail address (the e-mail address of the administrator of the printing apparatus) stored in the form attribute master 135 illustrated in FIG. Alert transmission), and the process ends.

  In step S526, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 transmits authentication information (printing apparatus ID and password) to the form distribution host 120, and the process waits for completion of authentication from the form distribution host 120 in steps S527 and S528. become.

  On the other hand, the form distribution host 120 is in a waiting state for receiving a connection request in step S501. The CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 advances the process to step S502 at predetermined time intervals from step S501, and determines whether there is a connection request. When receiving the connection request from the printing apparatus A 130, the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 assigns a session number, secures a work area associated with the session number in the RAM 22, and authentication information included in the connection request. (Printing device ID and password) is stored in the work area of the RAM 22 of the form distribution host 120, and the process proceeds to step S503. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S502 that the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 has not received a connection request from the printing apparatus, the process returns to step S501.

  In step S503, the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 compares the printing apparatus ID and password of the distribution destination master 125 shown in FIG. 2 with the authentication information stored in the work area of the RAM 22, and determines that they match, The process proceeds to step S504. On the other hand, if the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 determines in step S503 that the distribution destination master 125 shown in FIG. 2 and the authentication information stored in the work area of the RAM 22 do not match, the process proceeds to step S507.

  In step S507, the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 transmits to the notification destination of the administrator of the printing apparatus stored in the distribution destination master 125 a warning mail indicating that the form cannot be distributed because the authentication information does not match. Control is performed so that warning data is generated, delivered to a mail client program (not shown), and sent to the mail address of the printing apparatus manager.

  In step S504, the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 transmits authentication completion to the printing apparatus. In step S505, the CPU 21 shifts to a reception waiting state for a form data request from the printing apparatus.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 waiting for authentication completion reception from the form distribution host 120 in steps S527 and 528 receives the authentication completion data from the form distribution host 120, the process proceeds to step S529, and FIG. The form data host to be received stored in the form attribute master 135 shown in FIG. 5 is read out, and the form distribution host 120 receives the list of the printing apparatus ID, the session number, and the form data to be received as a form data request. The CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 proceeds to step S530 and transitions to a form data reception waiting state. In S529, when the form data name to be received stored in the form attribute master 135 is read, the form data having the same request time is transmitted to the form distribution host 120 as a list of form data.

  In step S505, when the form distribution host 120, which has been waiting to receive a form data request from the printing apparatus, receives the form data request, the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 receives the received form data request and the hard disk 28. With reference to the form data 123, whether or not the form data can be transmitted is determined based on the presence or absence of the requested form data (S506).

  In step S506, if the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 determines that the requested form data does not exist at all and the form data cannot be transmitted, the process proceeds to step S507 to warn that the form data has not been created. Data is generated and similarly controlled to notify the administrator of the printing apparatus by e-mail.

  In step S506, if the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 determines that at least a part of the requested form data exists and the form data can be transmitted, the process proceeds to step S508, and the form data that can be transmitted. Is transmitted to the printing apparatus, and after the transmission, the process proceeds to step S509.

  In step S509, the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 determines whether the requested form data is insufficient and whether or not some form data cannot be transmitted, and determines that some form data cannot be transmitted. If so, the process proceeds to step S507, and control is performed to generate warning data for notifying the administrator of the printing apparatus of the contents of the insufficient form data and to transmit the warning data to the printing apparatus.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 determines in step S509 that all requested form data exists and all the form data has been transmitted, the process returns to step S501.

  Next, processing on the printing apparatus side that has received the form data will be described.

  When the printing apparatus A 130, which has been in a waiting state for receiving the form data in step S530, receives the form data, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 advances the process to step 531, stores the received form data in the spool data 133, and stores all the data. The printing of the form data is set to the hold state, the process proceeds to step S532, and the form data in the hold state is printed (print execution). When the printing execution in step S532 is completed, a flag indicating the printing result (normal end / abnormal end) is stored in the work area of the memory of the LAN adapter 34. Details of step S532 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S <b> 533, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 branches and controls the process according to the value of the print result flag stored in the work area of the memory of the LAN adapter 34. First, when the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines that the printing result is normal termination, the process proceeds to step S535. On the other hand, when the CPU 31 determines that the printing result is abnormal termination, the processing proceeds to step S534. Proceed to

  In step S534, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 transmits a warning (alert transmission) to the administrator terminal 110 of the printing apparatus and the user terminal 160 of the form that has not been printed, and the process proceeds to step S535. Details of step S534 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S535, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 transmits a print log to the form distribution host 120 based on the printing result in step S532. The contents of the print log include a session number, a printing apparatus ID, printing completion / incomplete for each form data, printing date / time, presence / absence of error, and error contents.

  On the other hand, in the form distribution host 120, the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 executes steps S510 to S512 as another process. In step S510, the form distribution host 120 is in a state of waiting to receive a print log from the printing apparatus. The process proceeds to step S511 at intervals.

  In step 511, the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 determines whether or not a print log has been received. If it is determined that the print log has been received, the CPU 21 stores the received print log in the work area of the RAM 22, and the process is performed in step S512. Proceed to

  On the other hand, if the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 determines in step 511 that the print log has not been received, the process returns to step S510.

  In step S512, the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 adds the print log stored in the work area of the RAM 22 to the print log 126 (FIG. 3) stored in the hard disk 28 (print log update), and performs the process. Return to S510. The contents of the print log 126 include a printing apparatus ID, a printing execution date and time, a printing result (normal / abnormal) for each form data, an error status, and an error classification (data error / printing error). The session number and print log reception time may also be included.

  Above, description of FIG. 7 is complete | finished.

  In the processing of this flowchart, the printing apparatus transmits connection requests to the form distribution host at different times, so the load on the form distribution host can be leveled, and a large-scale form distribution system in which many printing apparatuses are connected Even so, it is possible to efficiently deliver the form with the minimum hardware resources.

  Next, details of status determination in step S523 of FIG. 7 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of status determination (second control processing) in step S523 in FIG. 7, and steps S701 to S713 are executed under the control of the CPU 31 (printing control unit 132) of the printing apparatus A130. Is done.

  In step S701, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 secures areas for storing the toner flag, paper flag, paper jam flag, and HD flag in the work area of the memory of the LAN adapter 34, and clears all the flags ( OFF).

  In step S <b> 702, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 checks the toner amount via the printer controller 36 and stores the check result (toner remaining amount) in the work area of the LAN adapter 34 memory.

  In step S703, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines whether the remaining amount of toner exceeds a predetermined amount based on the check result stored in the work area of the memory of the LAN adapter 34, and the remaining amount of toner is equal to or less than the predetermined amount. If it is determined that the remaining amount of paper exceeds the predetermined amount, the process proceeds to step S705.

  In step S <b> 704, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 updates the toner flag stored in the work area of the memory of the LAN adapter 34 to ON.

  In step S <b> 705, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 checks the remaining amount of paper via the printer controller 36 and stores the check result (remaining amount of paper) in the work area of the LAN adapter 34 memory.

  In step S706, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines whether the remaining amount of paper exceeds a predetermined amount based on the check result stored in the work area of the memory of the LAN adapter 34, and the remaining amount of paper is equal to or less than the predetermined amount. If it is determined that the remaining amount of paper exceeds the predetermined amount, the process proceeds to step S708.

  In step S707, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A130 updates the paper flag stored in the work area of the memory of the LAN adapter 34 to ON.

  In step S <b> 708, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 checks whether there is a paper jam via the printer controller 36 and stores the check result in the work area of the memory of the LAN adapter 34.

  In step S709, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A130 determines whether there is a paper jam based on the check result stored in the work area of the memory of the LAN adapter 34. If it is determined that there is a paper jam, The process proceeds to step S710, and if it is determined that there is no paper jam, the process proceeds to step S711.

  In step S710, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 updates the paper jam flag stored in the work area of the memory of the LAN adapter 34 to ON.

  In step S 711, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 checks the free area of the hard disk via the printer controller 36 and stores the check result (hard disk free area) in the work area of the memory of the LAN adapter 34.

  In step S712, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines whether or not the free area of the hard disk is below a predetermined value based on the check result stored in the work area of the memory of the LAN adapter 34, and is below the predetermined value. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step S713. On the other hand, if it is determined that the free area of the hard disk exceeds a predetermined value, the process is controlled to end.

  In step S713, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 updates the HD flag stored in the work area of the memory of the LAN adapter 34 to ON, and ends the process.

  The “predetermined value” in step 703, step 706, and step 712 is transmitted to the printing apparatus for each printing apparatus based on the numerical value input to the administrator terminal 110 by the administrator of the printing apparatus, and the LAN adapter 34. Is stored in the form attribute master stored in the memory. With this configuration, it is possible to set an appropriate threshold amount that matches the amount of use form and output form in the workplace where the printing device is located, and it is possible to set out of paper, out of toner, and free hard disk area. It is possible to effectively prevent errors such as storage failure of form data due to shortage.

  In other words, because the administrator of each printing device can set thresholds based on the toner consumption and paper consumption that are empirically known, a threshold for many eyes is set for printing devices that print a large amount of forms on a daily basis. For example, an appropriate threshold can be set. This is the end of the description of the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, details of the print execution in step S532 of FIG. 7 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the print execution (third control process) in step S532 of FIG. 7, and steps S801 to S818 are executed under the control of the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 (print control unit 132). Is done.

  First, in step S 801, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 matches the name of each form data in the spool data 133 in which the received form data is stored with a list of form data to be received stored in the form attribute master 135. Then, the name list of the form data of the missing form that has not been received and the flag indicating the presence or absence of the missing form data are stored in the work area of the memory of the LAN adapter 34.

  In step S802, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 refers to the flag stored in the work area of the memory of the LAN adapter 34 in step S801, and performs branch control on the basis of the flag value. If the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines that the form data is insufficient, the process proceeds to step S803. If the CPU 31 determines that the form data is not insufficient, the process proceeds to step S810.

  In step S <b> 803, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines whether the form data not received with reference to the short form name list and the form attribute master 135 is a pair print form. If the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines that the form is a pair form, the process proceeds to step S804. If the CPU 31 determines that the form is not a pair form, the process proceeds to step S805.

  Note that a pair print form is form data that is printed on condition that all of two or more form data are prepared. By setting such attributes, for example, one form is printed. However, it is possible to avoid useless printing of a form that cannot be used for business without the other form. In the pair print form, “1” is set as the item data of “Pair” in the form attribute master 135, and the form number of the other party form is set as the item data of “No.

  In step S804, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 refers to the spool data 133, and forms data of the other party of the form determined as the pair print form in step S803 (as item data of “partner form No” in the form attribute master 135). Is set), and if it has been received, printing of the other party's form data in the spool data 133 is suspended (partner form hold).

  In step S <b> 805, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines whether the form data that has not been received is a re-request form with reference to the short form name list and the form attribute master 135. If the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines that the form data that has not been received is a re-request form, the process proceeds to step S806. If the form data that has not been received is determined not to be a re-request form, Then, the process proceeds to step S807.

  Note that a re-request form is a form that requests a delivery of the form data again at a predetermined time when the form data is not received, and is generally a form that is highly necessary for business. Many. In the re-request form, “1” is set as item data of “re-request” in the form attribute master 135.

  In step S <b> 806, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 refers to the form attribute master 135 and overwrites the time (reprint request time) stored as the “rerequest time” item data as the “request time” item data.

  In step S807, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines whether the form data not received with reference to the short form name list and the form attribute master 135 is an alert required form. If the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines that the form data that has not been received is an alert-needed form, the process proceeds to step S808. If it is determined that the form data that has not been received is not an alert required form, the process advances to step S809.

  An alert-needed form is a form that provides notification that the form data has not been delivered to a specified notification destination when form data has not been received. Often. The notification destination is at least one of the administrator terminal 110 of the printing apparatus or the user terminal 160 used by a person who uses the form for business. In addition, for this form requiring alert, “1” is set as item data of “alert” in the form attribute master 135.

  In step S808, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines whether alert information is stored in the work area of the memory of the LAN adapter 34. If it is determined that the alert information is not stored, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 newly stores alert information. Secure an area (if an alert information storage area is already secured), the alert information storage area contains the form data name, execution date and time, error status (no data, etc.) for alert notification, Stores error classification (data error, etc.).

  In step S809, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines whether all the missing forms have been processed based on the name list of the missing forms stored in the work area of the memory of the LAN adapter 34, and all the missing forms are stored. If it is determined that the processing has been completed, the process proceeds to step S810. On the other hand, if it is determined that all the insufficient forms have not been processed yet, the process returns to step S803 to process the next insufficient form.

  In step S810, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 releases the control status of the form data that is not in the initial pause state of the spool data 133 from the hold state, and executes printing.

  Next, in step S811, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A130 determines the status of the printing apparatus shown in FIG. 8, and the result of the status determination (printable / not printable) is stored in the memory of the LAN adapter 34 of the printing apparatus A130. Store in the work area. The reason for determining the status every time one form is printed is that there is a possibility that the toner runs out or a paper jam occurs during the form printing.

  In step S812, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 performs branch control on the basis of the status determination result stored in the work area. If the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines that the form printing is possible and the immediately preceding printing has ended normally, the process proceeds to step S817, where the form printing is currently impossible and the immediately preceding printing has not ended normally. Alternatively, if it is determined that the current form printing is not possible but the previous printing has been completed normally, the process advances to step S813.

  In step S813, based on the form attribute master 135, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A130 determines whether or not the form is a data storage form when printing of the form ends abnormally. The data storage form refers to a form that, when printing of the form is abnormally terminated, converts the form data of the form into a predetermined format and stores it in a place other than the spool data 133 after the abnormal end of printing. Even when the form data of the form in the spool data 133 disappears, the form data can be referred to and printed. In the data storage form, “1” is set as item data of “storage” in the form attribute master 135.

  If the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines that the form is a data storage form, the process proceeds to step S814. If the form is determined not to be a data storage form, the process proceeds to step S815. Proceed to

  In step S814, based on the form attribute master 135, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A130 converts the form data of the form for which printing has ended abnormally into a predetermined format (for example, a product name PDF made by Adobe) and the like. Control is performed so that the user terminal 160 is transmitted as an email attachment. Note that the user-dedicated folder on the hard disk 38 of the printing apparatus A 130 may be stored with access restrictions. The predetermined format is set as item data of “format” in the form attribute master 135.

  In step S815, based on the form attribute master 135, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines whether the form is a transfer printing form when printing of the form is abnormally terminated. Note that the transfer printing form is a transfer printing destination printing apparatus (for example, a diagram shown in FIG. 5) in which, when printing of the form is abnormally terminated, the form data of the form is preliminarily set in the form attribute master 135. 1 is a form that is transferred to the first printing apparatus B140) and printed by the transfer printing destination printing apparatus. In the transfer printing form, “1” is set as item data of “transfer” in the form attribute master 135.

  If the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines in step S815 that the form is a transfer printing form, the process proceeds to step S816. On the other hand, if the CPU 31 determines that the form is not a transfer printing form, The process proceeds to step S817.

  In step S816, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A130 determines whether the transfer printing destination printing apparatus B140 set in advance in the form attribute master 135 is in operation (in a state where the power is on and connected to the communication line). If it is determined that it is in operation, the form data of the transfer printing form is transmitted to the printing apparatus B140, and a print result from the printing apparatus B140 is awaited. If information indicating normal termination is received from the printing apparatus B140, whether a predetermined time has elapsed (timeout), or information indicating abnormal termination is received, the process proceeds to step S817. The preset transfer printing destination printing apparatus is set as item data of “transfer printing apparatus ID” in the form attribute master 135.

  In step S817, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A130 adds a print log for one form to a print log (not shown) on the hard disk 38 of the printing apparatus A130 based on the result of the transfer printing.

  Next, in step S818, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines whether or not the printing process for all the forms to be printed is completed except for the suspended form. If the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines that the printing process for all the forms to be printed has been completed, the CPU 31 ends the process. On the other hand, if the CPU 31 determines that the printing process for all the forms to be printed has not been completed, The process returns to step S810 to control to print the next form.

  It should be noted that the pair print form, the re-request form, the alert required form, the data storage form, and the transfer print form determined in the above steps such as steps S803, S805, S807, S813, and 815 in FIG. 9 are mutually exclusive. Instead, one form may correspond to only one of these, or may correspond to all of these.

  Next, details of the alert transmission in step S534 of FIG. 7 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of the alert transmission (fourth control process) in step S534 of FIG. 7, and steps S901 to S907 are executed under the control of the CPU 31 (print control unit 132) of the printing apparatus A130. Is done.

  First, in step S901, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 refers to the print log updated in step S817 in FIG. 9, and stores the form data name of the form data for which printing has ended abnormally in the work area of the memory of the LAN adapter 34. Let

  In step S902, if the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines that there is a form for which printing has ended abnormally, the process proceeds to step S903, while if it determines that there is no form for which printing has ended abnormally, Advances to step S904.

  In step S <b> 903, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A <b> 130 determines, for a form that has been abnormally printed, a response to a form error in the form attribute master 135 (whether “1” is set in the “alert” item data). , Alert information at the time of printing is added to the alert information created in step S808 of FIG. More specifically, the form data name, print execution date and time, error status (out of paper, paper jam, no toner, etc.), and error classification (print error) are additionally stored in the alert information storage area. An example of this alert information is shown in FIG.

  In step S904, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 refers to the form attribute master 135 to notify the report method for each form data (the value “M” set in the “notification” item data for each form data (means e-mail). ), “F” (means FAX), etc.) and notification destination (e-mail address set in “notification destination mail address” item data for each form data, FAX set in “notification destination FAX”) The alert information for each notification destination is generated on the basis of the number etc. and stored in the work area of the memory of the LAN adapter 34.

  In step S905, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A130 transmits the alert information for each notification destination generated in step S904 to the printing apparatus manager terminal 110, the user terminal 160, or FAX, by e-mail or FAX, respectively. To control.

  In step S906, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A130 determines whether or not the alert transmission in step S905 has ended normally. If it is determined that the alert transmission has ended normally, the CPU 31 ends the processing.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines in step S906 that the alert transmission in step S905 has ended abnormally, the process proceeds to step S907, where the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 has an alternative notification method in the form attribute master 135. If it is specified, control is performed so that alert transmission is performed by the specified alternative notification method, and the process ends.

  The substitution notification method is a value set in the “substitution” item data of the form attribute master 135. For example, when “F” is designated as specific data, it means FAX, and “M” is set. If it is, it means email.

  Above, description of FIG.9 and FIG.10 is complete | finished.

  In this way, even for the same form, the use of forms varies depending on the business characteristics of each site where the printing device is installed, so by setting such individual attributes on the printing device side, In addition, it is possible to handle the error processing of form printing at the time of abnormality (error notification corresponding to both the case where there is no form data and the error at the time of printing, storage of form data, etc.) in detail.

  Such a mechanism is particularly useful when a large company with a large number of bases and printing devices is used to create electronic forms in one place and distribute them to a large number of printing devices. If there was no such mechanism, when the electronic form creation process ended abnormally due to a data exception, etc., the inquiries from each base were flooded at the base where the host creating the electronic form was installed, It will be difficult to avoid the situation of being overkill by this inquiry.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the pull type (each printing apparatus goes to obtain the form data created by the form distribution host 120) has been described. However, in this embodiment, the push type (the form distribution host 120 receives each form data). A configuration for transmitting to the printing apparatus will be described. Hereinafter, the difference from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a form distribution system showing the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the distribution log 124 is stored in the hard disk of the form distribution host 120 instead of the print log 126 shown in FIG. The distribution log 124 stores a printing apparatus ID, form data name, distribution execution date, inquiry flag, distribution result flag, printing result flag, error status, and error classification. The delivery destination master 125 does not have an access permission folder data item. Note that the IP address of the printing apparatus that is the distribution destination may be further stored as distribution log data. The delivery execution date and time stores a plurality of times that differ depending on the printing apparatus. An example of the distribution log 124 is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of processing (fifth control processing) in the second embodiment (push type) of the present invention, and corresponds to push-type form distribution processing. In the figure, steps S601 to S616 are executed under the control of the CPU 21 (authentication control unit 122) of the form distribution host 120, and S621 to step S632 are control of the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A130 (print control unit 132). Executed below.

  Steps S601 to S607 (status inquiry process), steps S608 to S613 (form data transmission process), and steps S614 to S616 (distribution log update process) are separately executed as separate processes. .

  Further, steps S601 to S602 are processing for waiting for the distribution start time, and the contents are the same except that the operations in steps S521 to S522 in FIG. 5 are different.

  First, in step S601, the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 waits until the time (distribution time) for starting distribution to each printing apparatus stored as “distribution time” item data in the distribution destination master 125, and in step S602, If it is determined that the distribution start time has arrived, the process proceeds to step S603. If the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 determines in step S602 that the distribution time has not arrived, the process returns from step S602 to step S601.

  Each distribution time stored in the distribution destination master 125 is a time when the form data can be distributed to the printing apparatus a plurality of times a day. Furthermore, this predetermined time differs depending on the printing apparatus, and is a predetermined form data distribution time zone (for example, 3 hours from 3 am to 6 am, in the example shown in FIG. 2, 3 am, 3:30 am, etc.) ), The predetermined time at which the status inquiry is made using, for example, a random number or the like is set to be different so that the form distribution host 120 distributes the form almost equally to each printing apparatus.

  In step S602, if the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 determines that the distribution time has arrived, the process proceeds to step S603, and prior to distribution, the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 transfers to the distribution destination printing apparatus. Status inquiry information is generated, and a status inquiry is transmitted to the printing apparatus in step S604. In step S605, an inquiry flag indicating that the status inquiry of the distribution log 124 has been transmitted is set to ON ("inquiry" item). Set “1” to the data).

  In addition, since status transmission is performed in step S604 before an actual distribution step described later, determination of the arrival of the distribution time in step S602 is determined as a predetermined time (for example, five minutes before) or the like from the actual distribution time. You may comprise as follows.

  In step S <b> 606, the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 determines whether or not an inquiry has been transmitted to all printing apparatuses to which form data should be distributed during the time period, based on the distribution log 124 and the distribution destination master 125. If the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 determines that the inquiry has been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S607. If the CPU 21 determines that the inquiry has not been transmitted, the process returns to step S603.

  In step S <b> 607, the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 determines whether an instruction to end the process is input from the administrator terminal 110 of the form distribution host 120, and the instruction to end is input. If it is determined that the process is terminated, the process returns to step S601.

  Next, processing on the printing apparatus A 130 side will be described.

  When the printing apparatus A 130 receives a status inquiry in step S621, in step S622, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 performs status determination (FIG. 8). This status determination is the same processing as step S523 in FIG. 7, and the result of the status determination in step S622 (form printable / not printable) is stored in the work area of the memory of the LAN adapter 34 of the printing apparatus A130. .

  In step S623, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A130 performs branch control on the basis of the status determination result in step S622. The CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 proceeds to step S624 when the determination result is not printable on the form, and proceeds to step S625 when the determination result is printable on the form.

  In step S624, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 transmits an e-mail to the notification destination e-mail address (the e-mail address of the administrator of the printing apparatus) stored in the form attribute master 135 illustrated in FIG. Alert transmission), the process proceeds to step S625.

  In step S625, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A130 transmits a response indicating whether the form can be printed to the form distribution host 120 based on the status determination result in step S622, and the process proceeds to step S626.

  In step S626, the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines whether a response to allow printing of the form has been transmitted based on the status determination result in step S622 stored in the work area of the memory of the LAN adapter 34, and sends a response indicating that printing is possible. If it is determined that it has not been transmitted, the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus A 130 determines in step S626 that the printable information has been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S627 to shift to a form data reception wait state.

  Next, processing on the form distribution host 120 side that has received the print permission response will be described.

  In step S608 and step S609, the form distribution host 120 is in a state of waiting for a permission response from the printing apparatus A 130 side, and if the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 determines that a permission response has been received, step S611 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that no response has been received, the process proceeds to step S610 at regular time intervals.

  In step S610, the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 refers to the distribution log 124 and determines whether or not there is a printing apparatus that does not respond even if a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) is exceeded after transmitting a status inquiry. judge. If the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 determines that there is no excess time, it returns the process to step S608.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 determines in step S610 that there is an excess of time, in step S613, the distribution flag (“distribution” item data) of the distribution log 124 indicates “2” indicating that distribution is not possible. "(Update distribution flag), and the process returns to step S608.

  In step S611, the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 determines whether or not there is a response that the form data can be transmitted. If the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 determines that there is a response that can be transmitted, the process proceeds to step S612.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 determines in step S611 that transmission is not possible, in step S613, “2” indicating that distribution is not possible is set in the distribution flag (“distribution” item data) of the distribution log 124. Write (update distribution flag), return to step S608.

  In step S612, the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 reads the corresponding form data from the form data 123 and transmits it to the printing apparatus A130. In step S613, the form 21 can be distributed to the distribution flag ("distribution" item data) of the distribution log 124. Is written (update distribution flag), and the process returns to step S608.

  The following steps S627 to 632 are the same as steps S530 to 535 in FIG. 5, and steps S614 to 616 are the same as steps S510 to 512 in FIG. What is the difference between the two? In step S512, the print log is updated, but in step S616, the distribution log 124 is updated.

  In step S616, the CPU 21 of the form distribution host 120 updates the distribution log 124 (FIG. 13) stored in the hard disk 28 based on the print log stored in the work area of the RAM 22 (update distribution log). The process returns to step S614.

  Above, description of 2nd Embodiment of this invention is complete | finished. The push type of the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above. Also in the second embodiment, as shown in step 509 and step 507 in FIG. 7, the form data 123 and the delivery destination master 125 are collated, and when there is some uncreated form data, a predetermined communication is performed. Processing for sending a warning mail first may be added.

  In addition to the above-described embodiment, for example, so-called messaging software may be used for alert transmission, or the telephone number of the person in charge of management of the printing apparatus or the user of the form with a pre-recorded voice message or synthesized voice message You may make a phone call.

  In steps S521 to S522 of the first embodiment, the process starts from the distribution request time. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a card reader (for magnetic card or IC card) is attached to the printing apparatus, or A USB device connection connector is attached and a card storing information for identifying a user (such as an employee code) is passed through a card reader, or a USB memory storing information for identifying a user (non-volatile connected to the USB connector) Memory) is connected to the USB device connector of the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus identifies the user, accesses the personnel master, and identifies the mail address of the user, and is stored in the form attribute master. It is also possible to adopt a processing mode in which a form corresponding to the notification destination e-mail address is requested to be printed at any time (step S521). Replacing process in optimum step S522 the above process).

  If it is determined in step S524 in FIG. 7 that the form cannot be printed, the process proceeds to step S525, and the post-alert transmission process is completed. Even if it is determined that the form cannot be printed once, For example, after about 5 to 10 minutes have passed since the alert was sent, the process returns to step S523 again, status determination (recheck) is executed again, and processing is not performed until the form printing is not possible even after repeating this recheck about 5 times. You may comprise so that it may complete | finish. This process enables receipt and printing of forms when the printer administrator or form data user who received the alert notices the cause of the error such as a printer out of paper or paper jam and resolves the error. become.

  In step S506 and step S508, even if only part of the form data of the pair form is created, the form data of the pair form created in the printing apparatus A is received, but the pair form is sent to the form distribution side host. It may be processed so that all the form data is received after receiving all the form data. In this case, the form data request is transmitted again at a predetermined time in step S529.

  Further, in the status determination flowchart of FIG. 8, the remaining toner, remaining paper, paper jam, and remaining capacity of the hard disk are checked. However, the number of times of printing after drum replacement (drum life) may also be determined. .

  Even if it is determined in step S626 in FIG. 14 that the report cannot be printed once, for example, the process returns to step S622 again after about 5 to 10 minutes have passed since the alert is transmitted, and the status determination (recheck) is performed again. If the printing is not possible even if this recheck is repeated about 5 times, the process may be terminated for the first time in step S626. This process enables receipt and printing of forms when the printer administrator or form data user who received the alert notices the cause of the error such as a printer out of paper or paper jam and resolves the error. become.

  Further, although the print control unit 132 and the form attribute master 135 have been described as being in the memory of the LAN adapter 34 in the above embodiment of the present invention, all or part of them may be stored in the hard disk 38 or the ROM 33. good. Further, it is needless to say that these may be stored in the RAM 32 on the assumption that the RAM 32 is a nonvolatile memory.

  As described above, each embodiment has been described. However, the present invention can take an embodiment as a system, apparatus, method, program, recording medium, or the like, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  As described above, as an effect common to the first embodiment (pull type) and the second embodiment (push type), since a print server on the printing apparatus side is unnecessary, hardware costs and management operation costs can be saved.

  In addition, since the print result log remains on the host side for each printer or for each form of the printer, it is easy to grasp the distribution / non-distribution.

  Furthermore, even if part of the form data has not been created due to an error such as a data exception on the form delivery host side, or if the form is out of paper, out of toner, or jammed during printing, It is possible to request re-transmission to the host side for each type / request to resend form data to other printers / notify the printer administrator (recovery is possible according to the nature of the form and usage).

  Also, when printing out a specified printer's paper or printing a large number of forms, it will find the printer that can be sorted and send the sorted form data directly to the destination printer, which places a burden on the form distribution host. Therefore, it is possible to reliably print a large amount of forms.

  In addition, because the report administrator is notified of non-delivery of forms and printer errors by e-mail, etc., the printer administrator side can be used even when the host operator has a network failure, equipment failure, or abnormal termination of host-side processing. Inquiries from can be minimized and the operational load can be greatly reduced. Further, it is possible to notify the user of each form from the printing apparatus that the form has not been output.

  Further, as a unique effect of the first embodiment (pull type), it is possible to perform reception processing with a printer ID and a password and access authority in units of folders for each printer ID, thereby minimizing the processing load on the host side. Can do.

  Accordingly, it is possible to perform reception processing with the authentication information of the printing device such as the printer ID and the password and the access authority for each folder of the authentication information, minimize the burden on the form distribution device, and form the form at many locations in a short time. Can be constructed.

  In addition, the influence of network troubles and troubles of individual printing apparatuses can be minimized.

  Furthermore, it is possible to construct a form distribution system that can flexibly cope with abnormal termination of form data creation processing in the form distribution apparatus.

  In addition, it is possible to construct a form distribution system that can flexibly cope with the difference in business at each site and the nature of the form.

  Also, when trouble occurs on the printing device side, it is sent to a preset administrator terminal or the like, or print data (may be configured to be compressed) to a predetermined notification destination, for a predetermined mail address As a file attached to an e-mail, the user can print again by sending the e-mail to a predetermined e-mail address for the printer after solving the trouble of the printer.

  Therefore, it is possible to provide a form distribution environment capable of efficiently and flexibly distributing form data to a large number of printing apparatuses.

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the information processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a recording medium (storage medium) that stores various data processing programs readable by the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  Although not specifically shown, information for managing a program group stored in the recording medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, when a program or data to be installed is compressed, a program to be decompressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, and 14 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external recording medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a recording medium in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  The above-described program only needs to be able to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments by a computer, and the form includes forms such as object code, a program executed by an interpreter, and script data supplied to the OS. But you can.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, RAM, NV-RAM, flexible disk, magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW), magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon disk, or the like may be used as long as the program can be stored.

  Furthermore, the program may be supplied by downloading from another computer or database (not shown) connected to the Internet, a commercial network, a local area network, or the like.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, the program code read from the recording medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, and then the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program and reading it, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. It becomes.

  The present invention can also be applied to a relatively large form distribution process.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the form delivery system which shows 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a data block diagram which shows an example of the delivery master shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a data configuration diagram illustrating an example of a print log illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a data block diagram which shows an example of the form attribute master shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the form delivery host shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the printing apparatus A illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process in 1st Embodiment (pull type) of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of status determination of step S523 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of printing execution of step S532 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of alert transmission of step S534 of FIG. It is a data block diagram which shows an example of the alert information of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the form delivery system which shows 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a data block diagram which shows an example of the delivery log shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process in 2nd Embodiment (push type) of this invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the recording medium (storage medium) which stores the various data processing program which can be read by the information processing apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 110 Administrator terminal 120 Form delivery host 121 Form processing part 122 Authentication control part 123 Form data 125 Delivery destination master 126 Print log 130 Printing apparatus A
131 Printer Controller 132 Print Control Unit 133 Spool Data 135 Form Attribute Master 140 Printer B
150 Communication line 160 User terminal

Claims (8)

A printing device capable of communicating with a form distribution device,
Control information storage means for storing control information including form identification information capable of specifying one or a plurality of form data to be received from the form delivery apparatus and authentication information when requesting connection to the form delivery apparatus;
Based on the control information, connect to the form distribution device , and execute a form data reception process for receiving each form data to be received from the form distribution apparatus, and a form data print process for printing the received form data and control means for,
The control information storage means stores form control information for specifying form data reception error processing or form data print error processing according to the form identification information,
When the control means determines that the form data reception process has not ended normally, or determines that the form data print process has not ended normally, the control means uses the form control information, and Executing the form data reception error process or the form data print error process specified by the form data that has not been normally terminated;
A printing apparatus characterized by that. The form data reception error process is a re-request process for requesting the delivery apparatus to transmit the form data that has not been received, or an alert process for notifying a predetermined warning destination that the form data has not been received. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising at least one of them. The control information storage means also stores a notification destination email address,
The form data printing error process is a data storage process for converting the form data into a predetermined format and transmitting the form data as an attached file of an e-mail to the notification destination e-mail address and storing the form data outside the spool data area, or 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of transfer printing processing for transmitting the form data to another transfer printing destination printing apparatus capable of printing during operation. When the form attribute information for performing print control of each form in the printing apparatus includes information on the other party form, the control unit determines whether or not the other party form data exists, and determines whether the own form data or the other party form data 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein printing of existing form data is temporarily stopped when at least one of them does not exist. Printing apparatus according to claim 1 to 4, wherein the control program and the control information storage unit to become disposed in the memory of the LAN adapter of the printing device of the control means. A form distribution system including a form distribution apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of printing apparatuses,
The form distribution device includes:
Form data storage means for storing one or more form data for distribution to each of the printing devices;
A distribution destination storage unit that identifies a printing device that distributes each form data, and stores distribution destination information including distribution time to each printing device and form data to be distributed;
Based on the delivery destination information, sequentially sending connection requests to each printing device at the delivery destination, and when the connection is successful, delivery control means for sending the form data,
The printing apparatus includes:
Control information storage means for storing control information including form identification information capable of specifying one or a plurality of form data to be received from the form delivery apparatus and authentication information when requesting connection to the form delivery apparatus;
Based on the control information, connect to the form distribution device , and execute a form data reception process for receiving each form data to be received from the form distribution apparatus, and a form data print process for printing the received form data and control means for,
The control information storage means stores form control information for specifying form data reception error processing or form data print error processing according to the form identification information,
When the control means determines that the form data reception process has not ended normally, or determines that the form data print process has not ended normally, the control means uses the form control information, and Executing the form data reception error process or the form data print error process specified by the form data that has not been normally terminated;
A form distribution system characterized by this. A method for controlling a printing apparatus capable of communicating with a form distribution apparatus,
Connect to the form distribution device based on control information including form identification information that can specify one or more form data to be received from the form distribution device and authentication information when requesting connection to the form distribution device, A form data receiving step for receiving each form data to be received from the form distribution device;
A control step for executing a form data printing process for printing the received form data,
The control information includes form control information for specifying form data reception error processing or form data print error processing according to the form identification information,
When the control step determines that the form data reception process has not ended normally, or determines that the form data print process has not ended normally, the control step uses the form control information, Executing the form data reception error process or the form data print error process specified by the form data that has not been normally terminated;
A control method for a printing apparatus. A control program for a printing apparatus capable of communicating with a form distribution apparatus,
The printing device;
Connect to the form distribution device based on control information including form identification information that can specify one or more form data to be received from the form distribution device and authentication information when requesting connection to the form distribution device, Function as control means for executing the form data receiving process for receiving each form data to be received from the form delivery apparatus and the form data printing process for printing the received form data;
The control information includes form control information for specifying form data reception error processing or form data print error processing according to the form identification information,
When the control means determines that the form data reception process has not ended normally, or determines that the form data print process has not ended normally, the control means uses the form control information, and Executing the form data reception error process or the form data print error process specified by the form data that has not been normally terminated;
A control program for a printing apparatus.

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