JP4425238B2 - PRINT SYSTEM, PRINT MANAGEMENT SERVER, PRINTING DEVICE, PRINT SYSTEM CONTROL METHOD, PRINT MANAGEMENT SERVER CONTROL METHOD, PRINT DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to printing of data created by an application. In particular, when print data is temporarily stored using a print server or the like and printing is performed, a print request for the temporarily stored print data is made from a desired printing apparatus. The control of the printing system that enables printing from the printing apparatus.

  Conventionally, a so-called “pull print (accumulated printing)” printing system that enables a user to output print data from the printing apparatus by making a print request to the print data temporarily accumulated on the server from the printing apparatus. Has been proposed. Accordingly, the user can output print data from a desired printing apparatus instead of outputting to a specific printing apparatus when printing from an application.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional pull print system, which discloses a mechanism for printing by designating a temporarily stored print job from the printing apparatus side. Specifically, when the print data is stored in the job server from the client terminal, an identification number is created by the job server and notified to the client terminal. Then, the user can output from the printer connected to the print server by inputting the identification number from the print server connected to the printer to be output later and making a print request to the job server. is there.
JP 2000-035869 A

  However, the system described in Patent Document 1 enables output from a desired printer. However, when a considerable number of users use this mechanism to collectively manage print jobs with a job server. Not only does the amount of print job data stored in the job server become enormous, but it also has the problem that print request processing from the user becomes frequent, increasing the load on the job server and deteriorating the response. Yes.

  In order to solve this problem, for example, it may be possible to install a plurality of job servers. However, if the system of Patent Document 1 is applied as it is, a job for specifying a print job of the job server from the print server may be used. A problem arises in that a server must be appropriately selected to make a print request to the job server, and the user must know which job server the print job is in.

  In addition, if printing was not performed correctly, the user had to select the job server appropriately and inquire the job server to find out which job was not printed, resulting in complicated work. .

An object of the present invention, the pull print system, when to output the print data stored in the print server from a desired printing device, whether the print execution of which print data has an error, from the print server It is to provide a mechanism that can be easily grasped on the printing apparatus side by notification .

The present invention, one or a plurality of information processing apparatus through the communication medium, the print server accumulation printing, the print management server, a printing system consisting of one or a plurality of printing devices, the 蓄 product printing for the print server, the print server bibliographic information data including a storage means for store print data generated by the information processing apparatus, the information identifying the print data stored in said storage means Bibliographic information data transmission means to be transmitted to the print management server , based on a print command signal transmitted from the print management server , including information specifying a printing apparatus for which an output instruction has been issued and information specifying the stored print data, a print data output means for outputting the printing data corresponding to the information identifying the print data to be printed by a printing device having an output instruction, the print data output hand Upon output in, have a notification unit that notifies the output result which is information for identifying the print data to the print data is determined to not be executed printing in the print management server, the print server, the storage send a bibliographic information data storing means for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information identifying the pre-Symbol print data received from the printing for the print server, a list including information identifying the print data to the printing apparatus, A print request signal receiving means for receiving a print request signal including information for specifying print data output by the user from the sent list, and a print request signal received by the print request signal receiving means. in order to output the print data corresponding to the information identifying the print data included, accumulated printing for printing that contains the printing data For the over server, the print device and a print instruction signal output means for outputting a print command signal containing information identifying the print data is generated in accordance with the accumulated print output result notified from the print server, a print result including information identifying the print data that could not be printed run, have a print result notification means for notifying the printing apparatus the print request signal is transmitted, the printing apparatus, said from the print server A print request signal including a list including information for specifying print data, a receiving unit for receiving the print result, and information for specifying print data to be printed by the printing apparatus instructed to be output in accordance with a user's specification a print requesting means for transmitting to the printing management server, in response to the print request signal, receives the print data transmitted from the storage printing for the print server And print processing means for performing a printing process, a list received by said receiving means, and characterized in that it has a display means for displaying the information capable of identifying the print data which can not be printed run is specified according to the printing result To do.

Also, the present invention provides bibliographic information including one or more information processing apparatuses, storage means for storing print data generated by the information processing apparatus, and information for specifying the print data stored in the storage means Bibliographic information data transmitting means for transmitting data to the print management server, a print command signal including information for identifying the printing apparatus for which an output instruction has been transmitted and information for identifying the stored print data transmitted from the print management server Based on the print data output means for outputting the print data corresponding to the information for specifying the print data to be printed by the printing apparatus instructed for the output, and when the print data output means outputs the print data A notification means for notifying the print management server of an output result that is information for specifying the print data determined to be unexecutable. And storing the print for the print server, a list including information identifying the print data from the print server, and receiving means for receiving a print result including information identifying the print data that could not be printed run, designated by the user And a print request means for transmitting to the print management server a print request signal including information for specifying print data instructed to be output from the list, and a print request signal transmitted from the stored print print server in response to the print request signal. Display that displays print data that receives print data to be printed and performs print processing, a list received by the reception unit, and information that can identify print data that cannot be printed and that is specified according to the print result a print management server connected via a communication medium with one or more printing devices and means, the accumulating printing for the print server Send a bibliographic information data storing means for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information identifying the Kishirushi printing data before the al received, a list including information identifying the print data to the printing apparatus, which is the transmission Print request signal receiving means for receiving a print request signal including information specifying print data instructed to be output by the user from the list, and print data included in the print request signal received by the print request signal receiving means In order to output the print data corresponding to the information for specifying the print data, a print command signal including information for specifying the print device and the print data is output to the print server for storage printing storing the print data. a print instruction signal output means, the printing results produced in accordance with the output result notified from the storage printing the print server, the And a printing result notifying unit for notifying the printing apparatus to which the printing request signal has been transmitted.

Also, the present invention provides bibliographic information including one or more information processing apparatuses, storage means for storing print data generated by the information processing apparatus, and information for specifying the print data stored in the storage means Bibliographic information data transmitting means for transmitting data to the print management server, a print command signal including information for identifying the printing apparatus for which an output instruction has been transmitted and information for identifying the stored print data transmitted from the print management server Based on the print data output means for outputting the print data corresponding to the information for specifying the print data to be printed by the printing apparatus instructed for the output, and when the print data output means outputs the print data A notification means for notifying the print management server of an output result that is information for specifying the print data determined to be unexecutable. Comprising a storage printing for the print server, the bibliographic information data storing means for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information identifying the print data received from the storage printing the print server, the information identifying the print data to the printing device A print request signal receiving unit that transmits a list and receives a print request signal including information for specifying print data output by the user from the transmitted list. The print request signal receiving unit receives the print request signal. In order to output the print data corresponding to the information for specifying the print data included in the print request signal, the printing apparatus and the print data are specified for the storage print server storing the print data. Print command signal output means for outputting a print command signal including information, and notification from the print server for stored printing Output is generated according to the print result including information identifying the print data that could not be printed performed, the print management server and communication media the print request signal and a print result notification means for notifying the printing apparatus transmitted a printing apparatus connected via, a list including information identifying the print data from the print server, and receiving means for receiving said printing result, output from the list in response to user's designation Print request means for transmitting to the print management server a print request signal including information for specifying print data to be printed by the printing apparatus, and sending from the print server for accumulated printing in response to the print request signal Print processing means for receiving print data to be printed and performing print processing; a list received by the reception means; and print execution specified according to the print result And display means for displaying information that can identify the print data that could not be printed.

According to the present invention, the pull-print system, print the print data stored in the server when the output from the desired printing device, whether any print data printing has an error, from the print server It is possible to easily grasp on the printing apparatus side by the notification .

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

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printing system to which an information processing apparatus, a print server, a print management server, and a printing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

  As shown in “Office A” in FIG. 1, the print system of the present embodiment includes one or more client PCs 100 (for example, for each user), one or more print servers 200 (for example, installed for each floor), One or a plurality of MFPs 300 (for example, installed on each floor), a print management server 400, one or a plurality of login service PCs 500 (for example, installed on each floor), and a directory service server 600 configure a local area network (LAN) 700. It is the structure connected via this.

  A printer driver is installed in the client PC 100. The printer driver generates print data based on the data received from the application program, transmits the print data to the print server 200, and the like. Can be stored in the storage location (spool area).

  The print server 200 can generate bibliographic information data corresponding to the print data received from the client PC 100, transmit it to the print management server 400, and store it in a predetermined storage location of the print management server 400.

  The print server 200 controls the transfer of the print data stored in the predetermined storage location to the multi-function device 300 based on a command for executing LPR received from the outside.

  The print management server 400 includes a bibliographic information DB (shown in FIG. 6 described later), and bibliographic information (prints stored in the print server 200) transmitted from the print server 200 when “pull print” is executed in the present embodiment. Bibliographic information) corresponding to the data is received and stored and managed by the bibliographic information DB.

  In addition, the print management server 400 stores an IC card authentication table (not shown) (having items such as a card manufacturing number, a user name, and an email address), and in response to an authentication request by the IC card from the MFP 300, Authentication processing is performed using the IC card authentication table.

  Further, the print management server 400 describes a print instruction for the print data in the bibliographic information in response to a print request from the multifunction device 300 (print data print request corresponding to the bibliographic information managed in the bibliographic information DB). To the device (print server 200) corresponding to the IP address.

  The login service PC 500 uses the login user name and password of the client PC 100 stored and managed by the directory service server 600 as the login service of the MFP 300 (for example, the login user name and password of Microsoft Windows (registered trademark)). Authentication processing based on SSO (Single Sign-ON), for example, a personal computer equipped with a security agent (Security Agent) of Canon Inc.

  The directory service server 600 includes hardware resources such as servers, clients, and printers existing on the network, and attributes of users who use them (login user name and password of the client PC 100 (for example, Microsoft Windows (registered trademark)). Information such as a login user name and password), and an access right, etc., for example, a server equipped with an active directory function.

  In the print system according to the present embodiment, the “office A” having the above-described configuration is connected to one or more client PCs 100, one or more print servers 200, one or more multifunction devices 300 via a LAN 700. A configuration in which one or a plurality of “offices B” having the above configuration is connected via the WAN 800 may be used.

  In this embodiment, the IC card authentication table is provided in the print management server 400, and the print management server 400 is configured to perform IC card authentication. However, the print management server 400 cooperates with the login service PC 500. Authentication may be executed by the login service PC 500. At this time, the print management server 400 does not refer to the IC card authentication table if it is authenticated by the login service PC 500 and can be determined as a legitimate user.

  Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus applicable to the client PC 100, the print server 200, the print management server 400, the login service PC 500, and the directory service server 600 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to the client PC 100, the print server 200, the print management server 400, the login service PC 500, and the directory service server 600 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. Further, the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 is necessary to realize a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS), which is a control program of the CPU 201, or a function executed by each server or each PC. Various programs to be described later are stored.

  A RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program or the like necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 203 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 205 controls input from a keyboard (KB) 209 or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). A video controller 206 controls display on a display device such as a CRT display (CRT) 210. In FIG. 2, although described as CRT 210, the display device is not limited to the CRT, but may be another display device such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by the administrator as needed.

  A memory controller 207 is connected to the hard disk (HD), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA card slot for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, etc. via an adapter. The access to the external memory 211 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory is controlled.

  A communication I / F controller 208 is connected to and communicates with an external device via a network (for example, the LAN 700 shown in FIG. 1), and executes communication control processing on the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the CRT 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 203, for example. In addition, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 210.

  Various programs to be described later for realizing the present invention are recorded in the external memory 211 and executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 203 as necessary. Furthermore, definition files and various information tables used when executing the program are also stored in the external memory 211, and a detailed description thereof will be described later.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the controller unit that controls the multifunction peripheral 300 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the controller unit of the multifunction peripheral 300 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit which is connected to a scanner 314 functioning as an image input device and a printer 312 functioning as an image output device, while being connected to a LAN (for example, the LAN 700 shown in FIG. 1) or a public line (WAN). By connecting to (for example, PSTN or ISDN), input / output of image data and device information is performed.

  In the controller unit 316, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system. A RAM 302 is a system work memory for the CPU 301 to operate, and is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

  A ROM 303 stores a system boot program and various control programs. A hard disk drive (HDD) 304 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit (UI) 308 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 308 to the operation unit 308. The operation unit I / F 307 serves to transmit information (for example, user information) input by the system user from the operation unit 308 to the CPU 301. Note that the operation unit 308 includes a display unit having a touch panel, and various instructions can be given by a user pressing (touching with a finger or the like) a button displayed on the display unit.

  A network interface (Network I / F) 305 is connected to a network (LAN) and inputs / outputs data. A modem (MODEM) 306 is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

  Reference numeral 318 denotes an external interface (external I / F), which is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, and RS-232C. In this embodiment, for reading an IC card required for authentication The card reader 319 is connected to the external I / F unit 318. The CPU 301 can control reading of information from the IC card by the card reader 319 via the external I / F 318, and can acquire information read from the IC card. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 309.

  Reference numeral 320 denotes an image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F), which is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.

  The image bus 315 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 315.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 310 develops vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image. A printer interface (printer I / F) 311 connects the printer 312 and the controller unit 316, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 313 connects the scanner 314 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 317 performs correction, processing, and editing on input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 317 performs image data rotation and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data.

  The scanner unit 314 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 gives an instruction to the scanner 314, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. I do.

  The printer unit 312 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array directly on the paper. There is an inkjet method for printing an image, but any method may be used. The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 301. The printer unit 312 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has a paper cassette corresponding thereto.

  The operation unit 308 has an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The operation unit 308 displays an operation screen of the system. When a displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F 307. To the CPU 301 via The operation unit 308 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 308 is used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two color LEDs, green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used. Further, the stop key of the operation unit 308 functions to stop the operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 308 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  The card reader 319 reads information stored in an IC card (for example, Sony FeliCa (registered trademark)) under the control of the CPU 301, and reads the read information via the external I / F 318. The CPU 301 is notified.

  With the configuration as described above, the multifunction peripheral 300 can transmit the image data read from the scanner 314 to the LAN 700 and print out the print data received from the LAN 700 by the printer 312.

  Also, the image data read from the scanner 314 can be faxed to the public line by the modem 306, and the image data received by fax from the public line can be output by the printer 312.

  The overall flow of pull printing in the printing system of this embodiment will be described below using FIG.

  First, the premise for executing pull printing of this embodiment will be described.

  First, a normal printer driver is installed in each client PC 100, and a logical printer is added. The logical printer has its print destination (print port) set in the print server 200.

  When the user gives a print instruction to the logical printer added to each client PC 100 and whose print destination is set in the print server 200, the pull print of this embodiment is executed.

  The overall flow of pull printing according to this embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the entire flow of pull printing in the printing system of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, first, the user logs in to the client PC 100 ((1) -1), and from the application program executed on the client PC 100 to the logical printer corresponding to the printer driver set as the print destination. A print instruction is given ((1) -2).

  In response to this print instruction, the application program of the client PC 100 transmits data to the printer driver via the graphic engine. The printer driver of the client PC 100 generates print data based on data received from the application program via the graphic engine. The client PC 100 transmits the generated print data to the print server 200 ((2) -1), and the print server 200 stores the print data in a predetermined storage location ((2) -2). Note that transmission from the client PC 100 to the print server 200 is performed using, for example, an LPR printing mechanism. The print server 200 does not transmit to the printing apparatus even if the print data is stored in the predetermined storage location.

  Next, the print server 200 extracts (generates) bibliographic information data from the print data received from the client PC 100 and stored in the predetermined storage location ((2) -3). The bibliographic information data is transmitted to the print management server 400 and stored in a predetermined storage location (a preset directory) of the print management server 400 using a file sharing mechanism on the network ((3) -1 ).

  The print management server 400 monitors the predetermined directory, and when the bibliographic information file is stored in the predetermined directory from the print server 200, the bibliographic information file is analyzed and the bibliographic information is converted into the bibliographic information DB (print management server 400). Registered on the external storage device (shown in FIG. 6 described later)) ((3) -2).

  When the multifunction device 300 detects an IC card that can be read by the card reader 319, the multifunction device 300 reads the personal authentication information in the IC card, and transmits the read personal authentication information to the print management server 400 as an authentication request (( 4) -1). The personal authentication information is information used for authentication and may be a manufacturing number of the IC card.

  When the print management server 400 receives the personal authentication information from the multi-function peripheral 300, the print management server 400 performs authentication processing of the personal authentication information based on the IC card authentication table stored on the external storage device of the print management server 400, and the authentication result. Is returned to the MFP 300 ((4) -2). If the authentication process is successful, the login user ID of the client PC 100 is transmitted as the authentication result.

  Next, upon receiving an authentication result (login user ID of the client PC 100) indicating that the authentication has succeeded from the print management server 400, the multifunction device 300 transmits a print data list request to the print management server 400 ((5)). -1). The print data list request includes the login user ID of the client PC 100 (shown in FIG. 8 described later).

  When the print management server 400 receives a print data list request from the multifunction device 300, the print management server 400 searches the bibliographic information DB with the login user ID included in the print data list request, and print data list corresponding to the login user ID (described later). (Shown in FIG. 9) is generated and returned to the multi-function device 300 ((5) -2).

  Upon receiving the print data list from the print management server 400, the multifunction device 300 displays the print data list on the UI of the operation unit 308 (shown in FIG. 10 described later). When the user selects print data and gives a print instruction, the multi-function device 300 transmits a print request (output instruction) for the selected print data to the print management server 400 (6). This print request includes the login user name of the client PC 100 and the time stamp of the print data (shown in FIG. 11 described later).

  When the print management server 400 receives a print data print request (output instruction) from the MFP 300, the bibliographic information of the print data for which the output instruction has been issued, the login user name of the client PC 100, and the print data time stamp as keys. The print server 200 is searched from the bibliographic information DB, the print server 200 storing the corresponding print data is specified from the searched bibliographic information, and a print instruction for the corresponding print data is transmitted to the print server 200 (7). The print instruction is a print command including the corresponding print data file name (shown in FIG. 12 described later). The time stamp described above is given when print data is received by the print server 200.

  When the print server 200 receives a print instruction from the print management server 400, the print server 200 transmits print data to the multi-function peripheral 300 based on the print instruction and causes the multi-function peripheral 300 to print (LPR printing) ((8) -1).

  The print server 200 transmits the print status (result) (print result message) to the print management server 400 after LPR printing ((8) -1) ((8) -2). Upon receiving this print status (result) (message of the print result), the print management server 400 stores information regarding the print status (result) (message of the print result) in the external memory (211 in FIG. 2) or the RAM (in FIG. 2). 203).

  The MFP 300 issues an output instruction (6) to the print management server 400, and then makes a print status confirmation request to the print management server 400 (9). This print confirmation request is made from the multifunction device 300 to the print management server 400 at regular intervals.

  The print management server 400, based on the print status confirmation request (9) of the multifunction device 300, print status (results) stored in the external memory (211 in FIG. 2) or RAM (203 in FIG. 2) ( (Shown in FIG. 13 described later) is transmitted to the MFP 300 (10).

  The MFP 300 stores the received print status (result) in the HDD (304 in FIG. 3) or RAM (302 in FIG. 3) and displays it on the operation unit (308 in FIG. 3) (described later). (Shown at 1901 in FIG. 15).

  Hereinafter, the pull print process shown in FIG. 4 will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first control processing procedure according to the present invention, and corresponds to the pull print processing of the printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, S501 corresponds to the step of the client PC 100, and is realized by the CPU of the client PC 100 executing a program stored in the external memory on the RAM.

  S502, S503, and S516 to S520 correspond to each step of the print server 200, and are realized by the CPU of the print server 200 executing a program stored in the external memory on the RAM.

  Further, S504, S507, S508, S515, S521, S522, and S524 correspond to each step of the print management server 400, and the CPU of the print management server 400 executes the program stored in the external memory on the RAM. Realized.

  S505, S506, S509 to S514, S523, S525 to S528 correspond to the respective steps of the multifunction device 300, and the CPU 301 of the multifunction device 300 executes the program stored in the ROM 303 or the HDD 304 on the RAM 302 or the like. Realized.

  First, in step S501, when a print execution (instruction) from the user is performed on the client PC 100 ((1) -2 in FIG. 4), the client PC 100 generates print data based on the print instruction and generates a print server. 200 ((2) -1 in FIG. 4). Since step S501 has been described in detail with reference to (1) -2 and (2) -1 in FIG. 4, the details are omitted here.

  In step S502, the print server 200 receives the print data transmitted from the client PC 100 in step S501 and stores it in a predetermined storage location in the external memory ((2) -2 in FIG. 4).

  In step S503, the print server 200 extracts bibliographic information data from the print data stored in step S502 ((2) -3 in FIG. 4), and transmits the bibliographic information data to the print management server 400 (FIG. 4 (3) -1).

  The bibliographic information data includes a login user ID, an IP address of a print data storage server, a full path indicating a print data storage destination, a document name, the number of copies, the number of pages, a time stamp, and the like.

  As described above, the bibliographic information data transmitted from the print server 200 to the print management server 400 is not composed of only data extracted from only the print data, but the virtual information existing in the print server 200 corresponding to the logical printer. This is information in which a time stamp when the printer is received, an IP address of a server where the virtual printer exists (a server storing print data), and a path indicating a print data storage destination are added. Details of the bibliographic information data will be described when the bibliographic information DB of FIG.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S504, the print management server 400 receives the bibliographic information data transmitted from the print server 200 in step S503, and stores it in the bibliographic information DB (FIG. 6) constructed in the external memory of the print management server 400.

  Specifically, each item data in the bibliographic information data is stored in each item of the bibliographic information DB shown in FIG. 6 (DB may be configured so that the bibliographic information is stored in a file separated by commas). Remember me.

  The information on the presence / absence of error 1207 is given at the time of registration in the bibliographic information DB. In addition, the presence / absence of error 1207 at this timing is “none”. The case where the error presence / absence 1207 is stored as “present” is a case where printing has not been performed normally when a print request is made in step S514, which will be described later.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the bibliographic information DB stored and managed by the print management server 400 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the bibliographic information DB includes items such as a login user ID 1201, a print data storage server IP address 1202, a print data path 1203, a document name 1204, a number of copies 1205, a page 1206, error occurrence 1207, a time stamp 1208, and the like. Consists of

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, when the MFP 300 detects an IC card that can be read by the card reader 319, in step S505, the MFP 300 performs card authentication processing. Specifically, the multifunction device 300 reads the personal authentication information in the IC card by the card reader 319 and transmits the read personal authentication information to the print management server 400 as an authentication request ((4) -1). Then, the print management server 400 performs authentication processing of the personal authentication information received from the multifunction device 300 based on the IC card authentication table stored on the external storage device of the print management server 400, and the authentication result is obtained from the multifunction device 300. ((4) -2). When the authentication process is successful (when it is determined that the user is an authorized user), the login user ID of the client PC 100 is transmitted as the authentication result. If the login user ID of the client PC 100 is received and it is determined that the card authentication process is successful, the multi-function peripheral 300 displays the screen shown in FIG. 7 on the display unit of the operation unit 308, and the process is performed in step S506. To proceed.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 308 of the MFP 300 illustrated in FIG. 2 when the card authentication process illustrated in step S505 of FIG. 5 is successful.

  Next, in step S506, based on the user's instruction (when the list acquisition button 1401 is pressed (touched) by the user), the multifunction peripheral 300 displays the print data list acquisition request information (FIG. 8) as the print management server 400. ((5) -1 in FIG. 4).

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of print data list request information transmitted from the MFP 300 illustrated in FIG. 1 to the print management server 400.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the print data list request information includes data of a login user ID 801 of the client PC 100, an output device model name 802, an acquired print data type (unprinted / printed) 803, and the like.

  In step S506 described above, the login user ID 801 stores the user ID received from the print management server 400 when the card authentication process is successful in step S505. The output device model name 802 stores the model name of the MFP 300 itself. Further, “unprinted” is designated in the acquired print data type (unprinted / printed) 803.

  In this embodiment, the print data list acquisition request is made based on the user's instruction. However, when the card authentication is performed, the print data list acquisition request is made without any user operation. It may be configured.

  In the present embodiment, the MFP 300 is configured to execute S506 after receiving the card authentication result from the server having the IC card authentication table. However, the authentication is OK with the server having the IC card authentication table. If it is (determined as a regular user), a list of print data may be acquired and returned to the multifunction device 300 without returning an authentication result to the multifunction device 300.

  Next, in step S507, the print management server 400 receives the print data list acquisition request from the multifunction device 300, and based on the login user ID 801 in the request, the corresponding bibliographic information data from the bibliographic information DB shown in FIG. To get all. Further, the print management server 400 generates a print data list (shown in FIG. 9) by collecting all the obtained bibliographic information data (print data list acquisition).

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a print data list generated by the print management server 400.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the print data list includes an acquired print data type (unprinted / printed) 901, a login user ID 902 of the client PC 100, a print data count 903, a time stamp 904, a print data storage server IP address 905, and a document. Name 906, number of copies 907, number of pages 908, printing time 909 corresponding to time stamp, error presence / absence 910, and the like.

  Note that 904 to 910 in FIG. 9 have the number of acquired data (the number of print data 903).

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, in step S508, the print management server 400 transmits the print data list acquired in step S507 to the MFP 300 ((5) -2 in FIG. 4).

  Next, in step S509, the multi-function apparatus 300 receives the print data list transmitted from the print management server 400 in step S508 and stores it in the HDD 304 or the RAM 302.

  Next, in step S510, the MFP 300 displays the print data list stored in step S509 on the display unit of the operation unit 308 as illustrated in FIG.

  In step S511, the multi-function device 300 determines whether there is error print data in which a print error has occurred in the print data list stored in step S509. This determination is made based on the error presence / absence 910 in the print data list shown in FIG. In addition, you may comprise so that the presence or absence of an error may be managed with a flag.

  If the MFP 300 determines in step S511 that there is error print data in the print data list (YES in S511), the print data list displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 308 is displayed in step S512. Identification information (a mark indicated by 1701 in FIG. 10) is displayed so that an error can be identified. Then, the process proceeds to step S513.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 5, the error identification display (identification information display) in the print data list display is described to be executed after the print data list is displayed, but the identification information display method is not limited to this. is not. For example, when displaying information of a plurality of print data, the identification information 1701 is displayed along with the information (document name, number of pages, number of copies, date, time) of one print data. Then, by repeating this, it is configured to display a list of all the print data acquired.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a print data list displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 308 of the MFP 300 illustrated in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the MFP 300 determines in step S511 that there is no error print data in the print data list (NO in S511), the process directly proceeds to step S513.

  In step S513, the multi-function device 300 detects and determines whether a print instruction has been issued by the user. Specifically, in a state where any one or a plurality of 1703 shown in FIG. 10 is touched and selected, or in a state where all selection buttons 1702 shown in FIG. 10 are touched and all are selected. It is determined whether the ten print buttons 1704 have been pressed (touched).

  If the MFP 300 determines in step S513 that the user has not issued a print instruction, the determination in step S513 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if the MFP 300 determines in step S513 that a print instruction has been given by the user, the process proceeds to step S514.

  In step S514, the MFP 300 acquires the time stamp of the print data selected in step S513 from the print data list stored in step S509, and generates print request information (FIG. 11) together with the login user ID of the client PC 100. . The multifunction device 300 transmits the generated print request information to the print management server 400 to print the selected print data ((6) in FIG. 4).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of print request information transmitted from the multifunction device 300 to the print management server 400 in step S514 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the print request information includes a login user ID 1001 of the client PC 100, a time stamp 1002 of print data, and the like. When there are a plurality of print data for which a print request is made, a plurality of time stamps 1002 exist.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S515, the print management server 400 receives the print request information transmitted from the multi-function device 300, and further makes a print request to the print server 200 based on the received print request information.

  Specifically, the print management server 400 performs the following processing for each time stamp 1002 in the print request information received from the multifunction device 300. The print management server 400 acquires the print data path 1203 and the print data storage server IP address 1202 from the bibliographic information DB based on the time stamp 1002. The print management server 400 acquires the IP address of the multifunction device 300 when receiving the print request information from the multifunction device 300, and performs LPR printing from the print server 200 based on the IP address and the above-described print data path. An LPR command to be executed (FIG. 12) is generated, and the generated LPR command is transmitted to the print server 200 corresponding to the above-described print data storage server IP address to make a print request ((7) in FIG. 4). ).

  Note that the print management server 400 acquires the total number of print instructions (that is, the number of time stamps 1002) received from the MFP 300 in step S515, and stores and manages it in the external memory or RAM. At this time, the print management server 400 corresponds to the total number of print instructions 1103 of the print status (result) (FIG. 13) transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 300 for each login user ID and IP address of the multi-function peripheral 300 that requested the print. Information stored in an external memory or RAM.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the LPR command transmitted from the print management server 400 to the print server 200 in step S515 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the LPR command includes a printer IP address 1301 indicating the IP address of the multifunction device 3001, a predetermined printer name (for example, lp) 1302, a print data path 1303, and the like.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printing status (result) transmitted from the print management server 400 to the multifunction peripheral 300.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the printing status (result) includes error presence / absence 1101, printing end number 1102, printing instruction total number 1103, printing error number 1104, printing error print data time stamp 1105, and the like. Note that the number of print errors 1104 includes the number of print error print data.

  The information used in the printing status (result) is stored and managed for each login user ID and IP address of the MFP 300 that requested the printing in the external memory or RAM of the print management server 400. At the time of transmission, the data structure shown in FIG. 13 is generated and transmitted.

  Note that if it does not exist at the time of step S515, the print management server 400 generates it.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the print server 200 receives the LPR command (FIG. 12) from the print management server 400, in step S516, the print server 200 performs LPR printing based on the received LPR command ((8) -1 in FIG. 4).

  Specifically, LPR printing of the print data indicated by the print data path 1303 is executed for the printer IP address 1301. Hereinafter, the processing unit that executes LPR printing in the print server 200 is referred to as a print execution service.

  Next, in step S517, the print server 200 determines whether the LPR printing in step S516 has been executed. Note that whether or not printing has been executed is determined by whether or not error information has been acquired. The error information includes a system error (for example, a socket error, a connect error, a send error, and a receive error) notified from the OS and error information (for example, no print data) that can be uniquely recognized by the print service.

  In step S517, if the error information can be acquired, the print server 200 determines that printing has failed (NO in S517), and the process proceeds to step S518. In step S518, the print server 200 acquires a path of print data that has been subjected to LPR printing related to the acquired error information. Then, the process proceeds to step S519.

  On the other hand, in step S517, if the error information cannot be acquired, the print server 200 determines that printing has been performed (YES in S517), and proceeds to step S519 as it is.

  In step S519, the print server 200 transmits a print result message of each print data for which LPR printing has been executed to the print management server 400. If printing is successful, a successful message is sent to the print management server 400 as a print result message, and an error message including the print data path acquired in step S518 is sent to the print management server 400. ((8) -2 in FIG. 4).

  Next, in step S520, the print server 200 determines whether LPR printing has been completed for all print data requested to be printed from the print management server 400 in step S515. It is assumed that LPR printing of print data that has failed to be printed (print error) has also been completed.

  If the print server 200 determines in step S520 that LPR printing of print data corresponding to all print requests has not been completed, the process returns to step S516, and print requests that have not been completed yet. LPR printing is executed on

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S520 that the print server 200 has completed LPR printing of print data corresponding to all print requests, the session with the print management server 400 is terminated.

  In step S521, when receiving the message transmitted from the print server 200 in step S519, the print management server 400 stores the print status (result) in the external memory or RAM based on the message. That is, the print management server 400 determines the presence or absence of an error based on the received message (in the case of an error, the bibliographic information DB is searched based on the path of the print data included in the message and the time stamp 1208 of the print error data is set. And the presence / absence of error 1207 is updated to “present”), and the information used as the print status (result) (FIG. 13) in the external memory or RAM is updated based on the determination result. More specifically, when it is determined that a printing error has occurred (error detection), the presence or absence of an error in information in the external memory or RAM corresponding to the printing status (result) (FIG. 13) (corresponding to 1101 in FIG. 13). (Information) is set to “present”, the number of printing ends (information corresponding to 1102 in FIG. 13) and the number of printing errors (information corresponding to 1104 in FIG. 13) are counted up, and the print data time stamp (FIG. 13) of the printing error is counted. 1105) is added. That is, when there are a plurality of error print data, a plurality of print error time stamps (information corresponding to 1105 in FIG. 13) are provided. On the other hand, when it is determined that the printing has succeeded (not an error), the number of printing ends (information corresponding to 1102 in FIG. 13) is counted up.

  Next, in step S522, the print management server 400 waits until it receives a printing status (result) inquiry (inquiry from S523 described later) from the multifunction device 300.

  In step S523, the MFP 300 inquires of the print status (result) from the MFP 300 to the print management server ((9) in FIG. 4). Inquiries to the print management server 400 are made at regular intervals. In this inquiry, the login user ID in the client PC 100 of the user who is logged in to the multifunction device 300 at this time is transmitted. The login user ID in the client PC 100 has already been acquired from the print management server 400 at the time of login.

  If the print management server 400 determines in step S522 that it has received a print status (result) inquiry (inquiry in S523) from the multifunction device 300 (YES in S522), the process proceeds to step S524.

  In step S524, the print management server 400 transmits the print status (result) (result) (from the print status (result) information managed for each login user ID stored in step S521, based on the login user ID received in step S522. 13) is generated and transmitted to the MFP 300 ((10) in FIG. 4). If there is no error print data, the print status (result) (FIG. 13) is transmitted with a configuration in which the number of print errors is 0 and there is no time stamp of the print data. Alternatively, only the print end number 1102 and the print instruction total number 1103 may be returned. Note that the print management server 400 deletes the time stamp 1105 of the transmitted print data in error after transmission.

  Next, in step S525, the MFP 300 receives the print status (result) (FIG. 13) transmitted from the print management server 400 in step S524.

  In step S526, the MFP 300 compares the print error time stamp 1105 of the print error in the print status (result) received in step S525 with the time stamp 904 of the print data list stored in step S509. Do.

  Next, in step S527, the MFP 300 compares the result of the comparison in step S526 with the document name corresponding to the time stamp and the result information indicating the printing result (for example, error such as “printing failure”). Information) is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 308 (for example, displayed as indicated by 1901 in FIG. 14).

  FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a print data list displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 308 of the MFP 300 illustrated in FIG. 2, and corresponds to a case where print error information is displayed.

  In this embodiment, as shown in 1901 in FIG. 14, the error print data is displayed at the bottom of the display unit of the operation unit 308 for each error print data. However, the error print data is collectively displayed. You may comprise.

  In the present embodiment, the print error information is displayed. However, the print success information can also be displayed.

  At that time, the print server 200 transmits a print success message including the print data path to the print management server 400 as a print result message. Thereafter, the print management server transmits print status (result) information to the multi-function device 300 in response to the print status (result) inquiry from the multi-function device 300.

  When the printing status (result) information is transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 300, the time stamp of the print data that caused the printing error and the time stamp of the print data that succeeded in printing can be identified. For example, a print error flag is set before the print error time stamp 1105 of FIG. 13, and the print error time stamp of the print error is added.

  Also, a print success flag is set after the print error time stamp 1105 of the print error, and the print data time stamp of the print success is added.

  Next, in step S528, the multifunction peripheral 300 determines whether or not to end the inquiry about the printing status (result). In this determination, it is determined whether the print end number 1102 and the print instruction total number 1103 in the print status (result) (FIG. 13) are the same, and the print end number 1102 and the print instruction total number 1103 are the same. In this case, it is determined that the inquiry is finished. On the other hand, if the print end number 1102 and the print instruction total number 1103 are not the same, it is determined that the inquiry is not ended.

  If it is determined in step S528 that the printing status (result) inquiry is not terminated, the multifunction peripheral 300 returns the processing to step S523, and performs the printing status (result) inquiry processing (query at regular time intervals). .

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S528 that the inquiry about the printing status (result) is to be ended, the multifunction peripheral 300 ends the process.

  As described above, in the pull print system, it is possible to realize load distribution and flexible pull print that can easily output print data stored in any print server from a desired printing apparatus. An environment can be constructed, and furthermore, regarding print errors, it is possible to easily grasp which print server has an error in print data stored therein.

  In addition, since print data in which a printing error has occurred is displayed in a recognizable list, the user can easily recognize it. Therefore, it is possible to solve the conventional problem that conventionally, the user cannot grasp that the print data has an error, and the print data having the error remains stored in the print server indefinitely.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, error information is stored and managed in the print management server 400, and the MFP 300 also acquires error information when making a print data list inquiry to the print management server 400. Based on the error information, the operation unit 308 is obtained. The print data having an error is displayed in a list display so as to be identifiable (1701 in FIG. 10).

  However, in the present embodiment, error information is held in the MFP 300, and the print data in which an error has occurred is determined by comparing the information with the print list data acquired from the print management server 400, and a list display is performed. Is configured to be displayed in an identifiable manner.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the same processes as those in the first embodiment are given step numbers, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second control processing procedure according to the present invention, and corresponds to the pull print processing of the printing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In each step in the figure, the same step number is assigned to the same step as in FIG.

  Note that S501 corresponds to the step of the client PC 100, and is realized by the CPU of the client PC 100 executing a program stored in the external memory on the RAM.

  S502 and S503 correspond to each step of the print server 200, and are realized by the CPU of the print server 200 executing a program stored in the external memory on the RAM.

  Furthermore, S504, S507, and S602 correspond to each step of the print management server 400, and are realized by the CPU of the print management server 400 executing a program stored in the external memory on the RAM.

  S505, S506, S510, S512, S523, S525 to S528, S601, S603, and S604 correspond to each step of the multifunction device 300, and the CPU 301 of the multifunction device 300 stores the program stored in the ROM 303 or the HDD 304 in the RAM 302 or the like. Realized by executing above.

  In step S523, the MFP 300 inquires of the print status (result) from the MFP 300 to the print management server ((9) in FIG. 4). Inquiries to the print management server 400 are made at regular intervals. In this inquiry, the login user ID (acquired from the print management server 400 at the time of login) of the client PC 100 of the user who has logged in to the multifunction peripheral 300 at this time is transmitted.

  When the print management server 400 receives a print status (result) inquiry (inquiry of S523) from the MFP 300, the print management server 400 uses a login user ID included in the print status (result) inquiry, which is not shown in the flowchart. Based on this, print status (result) information is acquired and transmitted to the MFP 300.

  Next, in step S525, the multifunction machine 300 receives the printing status (result) information transmitted from the print management server 400.

  Next, in step S <b> 601, the multifunction device 300 stores the print status (result) received in step S <b> 525 in the HDD 304 or the RAM 302 of the multifunction device 300 for each login ID as error print data information. As the information to be stored, the print data time stamp 1105 of the print error in the print status (result) shown in FIG. 13 is stored. Note that the information to be stored is not limited to this time stamp, and may be any information as long as it is identification information that can identify print data. This error print data information is stored and managed for each login user ID of the client PC 100, and is deleted until the corresponding print data is successfully printed or until the corresponding print data is deleted from the print server 200 according to an instruction from the user. Configure not to be.

  In step S526, the MFP 300 compares the error print data information stored and managed in the MFP 300 with the time stamp 904 of the print data list stored in the step corresponding to step S603 described later. Do.

  Next, in step S527, the MFP 300 causes the display unit of the operation unit 308 to display the document name corresponding to the time stamp for the time stamps matched as a result of the comparison in step S526 (for example, 1901 in FIG. 14). Display as shown).

  Next, in step S528, the MFP 300 determines whether or not to end the inquiry about the printing status (result), and determines that the inquiry about the printing status (result) does not end, the MFP 300 Then, the processing is returned to step S523, and the printing status (result) inquiry processing (inquiry at regular time intervals) is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S528 that the inquiry about the printing status (result) is to be ended, the multifunction peripheral 300 ends the process.

  Subsequently, in step S501, when printing (instruction) is performed by the user on the client PC 100, the client PC 100 generates print data based on the printing instruction and transmits the print data to the print server 200.

  In step S502, the print server 200 receives the print data transmitted from the client PC 100 in step S501 and stores the print data in a predetermined storage location in the external memory.

  In step S503, the print server 200 extracts bibliographic information data from the print data stored in step S502, and transmits the bibliographic information data to the print management server 400.

  In step S504, the print management server 400 receives the bibliographic information data transmitted from the print server 200 in step S503, and stores the bibliographic information data in the external memory of the print management server 400.

  Thereafter, when the MFP 300 detects an IC card that can be read by the card reader 319, in step S505, the MFP 300 performs card authentication processing. Although not shown in this flowchart, in this card authentication process, the print management server 400 refers to an IC card authentication table managed in the print management server 400 and executes authentication, and the authentication result is displayed on the multifunction peripheral. Return to. If the authentication process is successful, the multifunction peripheral 300 transmits print data list acquisition request information (FIG. 8) to the print management server 400 based on a user instruction in step S506.

  In step S507, the print management server 400 receives the print data list acquisition request from the multifunction peripheral 300, and acquires all the corresponding bibliographic information data from the bibliographic information DB shown in FIG. 6 based on the login user ID 801 in the request. To do. Further, the print management server 400 generates a print data list by collecting all the obtained bibliographic information data (print data list acquisition).

  Next, in step S <b> 602, the print management server 400 transmits the print data list acquired in step S <b> 507 to the MFP 300. In the first embodiment, the print data list to be transmitted to the MFP 300 is information including the error presence / absence 910 as shown in FIG. 9, but in the present embodiment, the print data list includes information not including the error presence / absence. Become. That is, the print data list of this embodiment has a configuration in which the error presence / absence 910 is removed from the print data list shown in FIG.

  In step S <b> 603, the MFP 300 receives the print data list transmitted from the print management server 400 in step S <b> 601 and stores it in the HDD 304 or the RAM 302.

  Next, in step S510, the MFP 300 displays the print data list stored in step S509 on the display unit of the operation unit 308 as illustrated in FIG.

  In step S604, the MFP 300 compares the time stamp of the print data list stored in step S509 with the time stamp of the error print data information stored in step S601.

  In step S511, based on the comparison result in step S604, the multi-function device 300 determines whether there is error print data having a print error in the print data list stored in step S509.

  In step S511, only when the MFP 300 determines that there is error print data in the print data list (YES in S511), the print data list displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 308 is displayed in step S512. Identification information (a mark indicated by 1701 in FIG. 10) is displayed so that an error can be identified.

  Although the subsequent steps are not shown, the multifunction peripheral 300 transmits print request information to the print management server 400 when detecting a print instruction from the user.

  In steps S510 and S512, on the screen shown in FIG. 10, all print data not causing an error is displayed at the beginning (upper part), and the error print data is collectively displayed at the end (lower part) (sorted display). You may comprise as follows.

[Third Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, a description will be given of a processing configuration when all the displayed print data is selected and a print instruction is given after the print data list is displayed.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a third control processing procedure according to the present invention, and corresponds to the print data list all selection process executed in a state where the print data list shown in FIG. 10 is displayed.

  In the figure, S701 to S704 correspond to each step of the multifunction machine 300, and are realized by the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 300 executing a program stored in the ROM 303 or the HDD 304 on the RAM 302 or the like.

  When the user presses (touches) the all selection button 1702 shown in FIG. 10 and issues an all selection instruction, the MFP 300 receives the all selection instruction in step S701.

  In step S <b> 702, the MFP 300 controls the state of the print data list displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 308 of the MFP 300 so that print data other than error print data is selected. For example, as shown by 1801 in FIG. 17, only the record (row) other than the error print data is controlled so that the background color of the record is changed to a selected state.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a print data list displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 308 of the MFP 300 illustrated in FIG. 2, in which only records other than error print data are selected. Correspond.

  This is to prevent the error print data from being selected in advance because there is a high possibility that the error print data will become an error again. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a useless print request from being made and to perform efficient printing, and to improve user convenience.

  It is possible to select error print data at the time of all selections, but in that case, the record of error print data is the selection color of the record of the print data not in error (record background color, record display character color) ) May be configured to have a different color.

  Hereinafter, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S703, the multifunction apparatus 300 detects and determines whether or not a print instruction has been issued by the user. Specifically, it is determined whether the print button 1704 shown in FIG. 17 is pressed (touched).

  If the MFP 300 determines in step S703 that a print instruction has not been issued by the user, the processing of this flowchart is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if the MFP 300 determines in step S513 that a print instruction has been issued by the user, the process proceeds to step S704.

  This step S704 is the same processing as step S514 in FIG. That is, the MFP 300 acquires the time stamp of the print data selected in step S702 from the print data list, and generates print request information (FIG. 11) together with the login user ID of the client PC 100. Then, the MFP 300 transmits the generated print request information to the print management server 400 in order to print the selected print data. And the process of this flowchart is complete | finished.

  With the above configuration, it is possible to solve the problem that the print data in which a print error has occurred is erroneously instructed to be printed many times.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the first to third embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, unprinted print data and error print data are included in the same print data list, and identification information (mark) is added to the error print data. Configured to be identifiable.

  In this embodiment, when a print list is displayed, different lists are classified according to the presence / absence of errors (that is, unprinted print data (print data with no errors in the past) and error print data) (shown in FIG. 18). An unprinted data list 1501 and an error print data list 1502) shown in FIG. 19 are displayed.

  18 and 19 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a print data list according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  18 and 19, reference numeral 1501 is an unprinted print data list, and 1502 is an error print data list.

  Reference numeral 1503 denotes a “print data” tab. When this tab is selected, the MFP 300 controls to display an unprinted print data list 1501 as shown in FIG.

  Reference numeral 1504 denotes a “printing failure” tab. When this tab is selected, the MFP 300 controls to display an error print data list 1502 as shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, unprinted print data and error print data are clearly classified and displayed as described above, and therefore identification information (mark) is added to the error print data in the error print data list 1502. Not.

  With the above configuration, it is possible to solve the problem that the print data in which a print error has occurred is erroneously instructed to be printed many times.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, for the print data instructed to be printed from the client PC 100, the print data itself is stored in the print server 200, and bibliographic information data corresponding to the print data is generated in the print server 200 and is printed in the print management server 400. The configuration managed and stored in the above has been described.

  However, for the print data instructed to be printed from the client PC 100, the print data itself is stored in the client PC 100 as it is, and bibliographic information data corresponding to the print data is generated by the client PC 100 and stored and managed by the print management server 400. You may comprise.

  In the case of this configuration, the various processes executed by the print server 200 in each of the above-described embodiments are all executed by the client PC 100.

  With the above configuration, in the pull print system, it is possible to realize load distribution and a flexible pull print environment in which print data stored in any print server can be easily output from a desired printing apparatus. In addition, regarding print errors, it is possible to easily grasp which print server has accumulated print data with respect to a print error.

  In addition, since print data in which a printing error has occurred is displayed in a recognizable list, the user can easily recognize it. Therefore, it is possible to solve the conventional problem that conventionally, the user cannot grasp that the print data has an error, and the print data having the error remains stored in the print server indefinitely.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

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

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

  FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a recording medium (storage medium) that stores various data processing programs that can be read by each information processing apparatus constituting the pull print system 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. 5, 15, and 16 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 recording software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the recording medium in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed 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.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, A silicon disk or the like can be used.

  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.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the 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.

  In addition, all the structures which combined one or all of each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printing system to which an information processing apparatus, a print server, a print management server, and a printing apparatus of the present invention can be applied. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to the client PC 100, the print server 200, the print management server 400, the login service PC 500, and the directory service server 600 illustrated in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a controller unit of the multifunction machine 300 illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall flow of pull printing in the printing system of the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 1st control processing procedure in this invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a bibliographic information DB stored and managed by the print management server 400 illustrated in FIG. 1. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 308 of the multifunction peripheral 300 illustrated in FIG. 2 when the card authentication process illustrated in Step S505 of FIG. 5 is successful. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of print data list request information transmitted from the multifunction peripheral 300 illustrated in FIG. 1 to the print management server 400. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a list of print data generated by the print management server 400. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a print data list displayed on a display unit of an operation unit 308 of the multifunction machine 300 illustrated in FIG. 2. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of print request information transmitted from the MFP 300 to the print management server 400 in step S514 of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an LPR command transmitted from the print management server 400 to the print server 200 in step S515 in FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printing status (result) transmitted from the print management server 400 to the multifunction peripheral 300. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a print data list displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 308 of the MFP 300 illustrated in FIG. 2 and corresponds to a case where print error information is displayed. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd control processing procedure in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 3rd control processing procedure in this invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a print data list displayed on a display unit of an operation unit 308 of the multifunction machine 300 illustrated in FIG. 2. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the print data list in 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the print data list in 4th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a recording medium (storage medium) that stores various data processing programs that can be read by each information processing apparatus constituting the pull print system according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 client PC
200 Print Server 300 MFP 400 Print Management Server 500 Login Service PC
600 Directory service server 700 LAN
800 WAN

Claims (16)

A print system including one or more information processing apparatuses, a storage print server, a print management server, and one or more printing apparatuses via a communication medium,
The storage printing print server includes:
Storage means for storing print data generated by the information processing apparatus;
Bibliographic information data transmission means for transmitting bibliographic information data including information for specifying the print data stored in the storage means to the print management server;
Printing is performed by the printing apparatus having the output instruction based on the print command signal transmitted from the print management server and including the information specifying the printing apparatus having the output instruction and the information specifying the stored print data. Print data output means for outputting print data corresponding to the information for specifying the print data,
A notification means for notifying the print management server of an output result, which is information for specifying the print data determined that the print data could not be printed when output by the print data output means;
The print management server
Bibliographic information data storage means for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information specifying the print data received from the storage print server;
A print request for transmitting a list including information for specifying the print data to the printing apparatus, and receiving a print request signal including information for specifying print data output by the user from the transmitted list. Signal receiving means;
In order to output the print data corresponding to the information specifying the print data included in the print request signal received by the print request signal receiving means, the print is sent to the print server for storage printing storing the print data. A print command signal output means for outputting a print command signal including information specifying the apparatus and the print data;
Print result notification for notifying the printing apparatus, to which the print request signal has been transmitted, of the print result generated according to the output result notified from the print server for accumulated printing and including information specifying print data that could not be printed. Means,
The printing apparatus includes:
Receiving means for receiving a list including information specifying the print data from the print management server, and the print result;
Print request means for sending a print request signal including information for specifying print data to be printed by the printing apparatus, instructed to be output in accordance with a user's specification, to the print management server;
Print processing means for receiving print data transmitted from the print server for accumulated printing in response to the print request signal and performing print processing;
A printing system comprising: a display unit configured to display a list received by the receiving unit and information that can identify print data that cannot be printed and specified according to the printing result. The print management server
Print result storage means for storing bibliographic information data corresponding to print data that could not be printed specified according to the output result in association with information indicating that the print data could not be printed. The printing system according to claim 1. The printing apparatus includes an inquiry request transmission unit that transmits an inquiry request for a print result to the print management server.
The print management server has an inquiry request receiving means for receiving an inquiry request for a print result from the printing apparatus;
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing result notifying unit notifies the printing apparatus of the printing result in accordance with a printing result inquiry request from the inquiry request receiving unit. The printing apparatus includes:
Printing result storage means for storing the printing result received by the receiving means;
When displaying the list by the display means, information specifying print data included in the list and print data determined to have failed to be printed included in the print result stored in the print result storage means are specified. Determining means for determining whether or not the information matches,
4. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays a list so that it is possible to identify that the print data matched by the determination unit could not be printed. 5.   2. The output result notified by the notifying means is print error information including information for specifying print data determined to be unexecutable by an operating system of the storage print server. 5. The printing system according to any one of items 4 to 4.   6. The printing system according to claim 5, wherein the print error information is error information related to communication at the time of output by the print data output unit.   The print system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the output result notified by the notifying unit includes information for specifying print data determined to be able to be printed. The printing apparatus includes a selection unit that selects print data to be output from the list displayed by the display unit.
The selection unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the print data is selected at once, the selection unit selects print data that does not include the print data that could not be printed. Printing system. One or more information processing devices;
Storage means for storing print data generated by the information processing apparatus; bibliographic information data transmission means for transmitting bibliographic information data including information for specifying the print data stored in the storage means to a print management server; Printing is performed by the printing apparatus having the output instruction based on the print command signal transmitted from the print management server and including the information specifying the printing apparatus having the output instruction and the information specifying the stored print data. Therefore, print data output means for outputting print data corresponding to the information for specifying the print data, and information for specifying the print data for which it was determined that the print data could not be executed upon output by the print data output means A storage print server having notification means for notifying the print management server of the output result ,
A receiving means for receiving a list including information for specifying the print data from the print management server and a print result including information for specifying print data that could not be printed, and outputting from the list according to a user's specification Print request means for transmitting to the print management server a print request signal including information specifying the instructed print data; and receiving the print data transmitted from the stored print server in response to the print request signal. One or a plurality of display processing units for performing print processing, a list received by the receiving unit, and a display unit for displaying information that can identify print data that cannot be printed and specified according to the print result A print management server connected to the printing apparatus via a communication medium,
And bibliographic information data storing means for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information identifying the Kishirushi printing data before it receives from the storage printing the print server,
A print request for transmitting a list including information for specifying the print data to the printing apparatus, and receiving a print request signal including information for specifying print data output by the user from the transmitted list. A signal receiving means;
In order to output the print data corresponding to the information specifying the print data included in the print request signal received by the print request signal receiving means, the print is sent to the print server for storage printing storing the print data. A print command signal output means for outputting a print command signal including information specifying the apparatus and the print data;
The print results produced in accordance with the output result notified from the storage printing the print server, the print result notification means for notifying the printing apparatus the print request signal is transmitted,
A print management server. One or more information processing devices;
Storage means for storing print data generated by the information processing apparatus; bibliographic information data transmission means for transmitting bibliographic information data including information for specifying the print data stored in the storage means to a print management server; Printing is performed by the printing apparatus having the output instruction based on the print command signal transmitted from the print management server and including the information specifying the printing apparatus having the output instruction and the information specifying the stored print data. Therefore, print data output means for outputting print data corresponding to the information for specifying the print data, and information for specifying the print data for which it was determined that the print data could not be executed upon output by the print data output means A storage print server having notification means for notifying the print management server of the output result ,
Bibliographic information data storage means for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information for specifying print data received from the storage print server, and a list including information for specifying the print data are transmitted to a printing apparatus, and the transmission A print request signal receiving unit that receives a print request signal including information for specifying print data output by the user from the printed list, and a print request signal received by the print request signal receiving unit. In order to output print data corresponding to information for specifying print data, a print command signal including information for specifying the printing device and the print data is output to the print server for storage printing storing the print data. Print command signal output means for outputting, and generated according to the output result notified from the print server for accumulated printing, A print result including information identifying the print data that could not be printed performed, the print request signal is connected via a print management server and the communication medium and a print result notification means for notifying printing device transmits print A device,
A list including information identifying the print data from the print server, and receiving means for receiving said printing results,
Print request means for transmitting to the print management server a print request signal including information specifying print data to be printed by the printing apparatus, instructed to be output from the list according to a user's specification;
Print processing means for receiving print data transmitted from the print server for accumulated printing in response to the print request signal and performing print processing;
Display means for displaying a list received by the receiving means and information capable of identifying print data that could not be printed specified according to the printing result;
A printing apparatus comprising: A control method of a print system including one or more information processing apparatuses, a storage print server, a print management server, and one or more printing apparatuses via a communication medium,
The storage printing print server includes:
A storage step of storing the print data generated by the information processing apparatus in a storage unit;
Bibliographic information data transmission step for transmitting bibliographic information data including information specifying the print data stored in the storage step to the print management server;
Printing is performed by the printing apparatus having the output instruction based on the print command signal transmitted from the print management server and including the information specifying the printing apparatus having the output instruction and the information specifying the stored print data. Therefore, a print data output step for outputting print data corresponding to the information for specifying the print data,
A notification step of notifying the print management server of an output result, which is information for specifying the print data for which it was determined that the print data could not be executed, at the time of output in the print data output step;
The print management server
Bibliographic information data storage step for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information specifying the print data received from the print server for storage printing;
A list including information specifying the print data is transmitted to the printing apparatus, and a print management server receives a print request signal including information specifying print data output by the user from the transmitted list. A print request signal receiving step received by the means;
In order to output the print data corresponding to the information specifying the print data included in the print request signal received in the print request signal reception step, the printing is performed on the print server for storage printing storing the print data. A print command signal output step for outputting a print command signal including information specifying the device and the print data;
Print result notification for notifying the printing apparatus, to which the print request signal has been transmitted, of the print result generated according to the output result notified from the print server for accumulated printing and including information specifying print data that could not be printed. The printing apparatus executes
A receiving step in which a printing apparatus receiving unit receives a list including information specifying the print data from the print management server, and the printing result;
A print request step for transmitting to the print management server a print request signal including information specifying print data to be printed by the printing apparatus, which is instructed to be output in accordance with a user's specification;
A print processing step for receiving print data transmitted from the print server for accumulated printing in response to the print request signal and performing print processing;
A control method, comprising: executing a display step of causing a display unit to display a list received in the receiving step and information that can identify print data that cannot be executed according to the printing result. One or more information processing devices;
Storage means for storing print data generated by the information processing apparatus; bibliographic information data transmission means for transmitting bibliographic information data including information for specifying the print data stored in the storage means to a print management server; Printing is performed by the printing apparatus having the output instruction based on the print command signal transmitted from the print management server and including the information specifying the printing apparatus having the output instruction and the information specifying the stored print data. Therefore, print data output means for outputting print data corresponding to the information for specifying the print data, and information for specifying the print data for which it was determined that the print data could not be executed upon output by the print data output means A storage print server having notification means for notifying the print management server of the output result ,
A receiving means for receiving a list including information for specifying the print data from the print management server and a print result including information for specifying print data that could not be printed, and outputting from the list according to a user's specification Print request means for transmitting to the print management server a print request signal including information specifying the instructed print data; and receiving the print data transmitted from the stored print server in response to the print request signal. One or a plurality of display processing units for performing print processing, a list received by the receiving unit, and a display unit for displaying information that can identify print data that cannot be printed and specified according to the print result A printing management server connected to the printing apparatus via a communication medium,
The print management server is
And bibliographic information data storing step of storing and managing bibliographic information data including identification information of the information and the print data specifying the storage printing for the print server for storing Kishirushi printing data before it receives from the storage printing the print server,
A list including information specifying the print data is transmitted to the printing apparatus, and a print management server receives a print request signal including information specifying print data output by the user from the transmitted list. A print request signal receiving step received by the means;
A storage print server specifying step for specifying a print server for storing print data corresponding to information for specifying print data included in the print request signal received in the print request signal receiving step;
A print command signal output step for outputting a print command signal including information for specifying the printing device and the print data to the print server for print storage specified in the print server specification step for storage print;
Control method and executes the print result notification step of the said printing results produced in accordance with the output result notified from the storage printing the print server, and notifies the printing apparatus the print request signal is transmitted . One or more information processing devices;
Storage means for storing print data generated by the information processing apparatus; bibliographic information data transmission means for transmitting bibliographic information data including information for specifying the print data stored in the storage means to a print management server; Printing is performed by the printing apparatus having the output instruction based on the print command signal transmitted from the print management server and including the information specifying the printing apparatus having the output instruction and the information specifying the stored print data. Therefore, print data output means for outputting print data corresponding to the information for specifying the print data, and information for specifying the print data for which it was determined that the print data could not be executed upon output by the print data output means A storage print server having notification means for notifying the print management server of the output result ,
Bibliographic information data storage means for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information for specifying print data received from the storage print server, and a list including information for specifying the print data are transmitted to a printing apparatus, and the transmission A print request signal receiving unit that receives a print request signal including information for specifying print data output by the user from the printed list, and a print request signal received by the print request signal receiving unit. In order to output print data corresponding to information for specifying print data, a print command signal including information for specifying the printing device and the print data is output to the print server for storage printing storing the print data. Print command signal output means for outputting, and generated according to the output result notified from the print server for accumulated printing, A print result including information identifying the print data that could not be printed performed, the print request signal is connected via a print management server and the communication medium and a print result notification means for notifying printing device transmits print An apparatus control method comprising:
The printing device is
A list including information identifying the print data from the print server, a receiving step of receiving the printing apparatus receiving means and said printing result,
A print request step for transmitting to the print management server a print request signal including information for specifying print data to be printed by the printing apparatus, which is instructed to be output from the list according to a user's specification;
A print processing step for receiving print data transmitted from the print server for accumulated printing in response to the print request signal and performing print processing;
A control method, comprising: executing a display step of causing a display unit to display a list received in the receiving step and information that can identify print data that cannot be executed according to the print result. A program executed by a print system including one or more information processing apparatuses, a storage print server, a print management server, and one or more printing apparatuses via a communication medium,
The storage print server;
Storage means for storing print data generated by the information processing apparatus;
Bibliographic information data transmission means for transmitting bibliographic information data including information for specifying the print data stored in the storage means to the print management server;
Printing is performed by the printing apparatus having the output instruction based on the print command signal transmitted from the print management server and including the information specifying the printing apparatus having the output instruction and the information specifying the stored print data. Print data output means for outputting print data corresponding to the information for specifying the print data,
Functioning as notification means for notifying the print management server of an output result, which is information for specifying print data for which it has been determined that the print data could not be executed upon output by the print data output means,
The print management server;
Bibliographic information data storage means for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information specifying the print data received from the storage print server;
A print request for transmitting a list including information for specifying the print data to the printing apparatus, and receiving a print request signal including information for specifying print data output by the user from the transmitted list. Signal receiving means;
In order to print data output corresponding to the information identifying the print data included in the print request signal received by the print request signal receiving means for accumulating the print for the print server that stores the print data, the printing A print command signal output means for outputting a print command signal including information specifying the apparatus and the print data;
Print result notification for notifying the printing apparatus, to which the print request signal has been transmitted, of the print result generated according to the output result notified from the print server for accumulated printing and including information specifying print data that could not be printed. Function as a means,
The printing device;
Receiving means for receiving a list including information specifying the print data from the print management server, and the print result;
Print request means for sending a print request signal including information for specifying print data to be printed by the printing apparatus, instructed to be output in accordance with a user's specification, to the print management server;
Print processing means for receiving print data transmitted from the print server for accumulated printing in response to the print request signal and performing print processing;
A program that functions as a display unit that displays a list received by the receiving unit and information that can identify print data that cannot be printed and specified according to the printing result. One or more information processing devices;
Storage means for storing print data generated by the information processing apparatus; bibliographic information data transmission means for transmitting bibliographic information data including information for specifying the print data stored in the storage means to a print management server; Printing is performed by the printing apparatus having the output instruction based on the print command signal transmitted from the print management server and including the information specifying the printing apparatus having the output instruction and the information specifying the stored print data. Therefore, print data output means for outputting print data corresponding to the information for specifying the print data, and information for specifying the print data for which it was determined that the print data could not be executed upon output by the print data output means A storage print server having notification means for notifying the print management server of the output result ,
A receiving means for receiving a list including information for specifying the print data from the print management server and a print result including information for specifying print data that could not be printed, and outputting from the list according to a user's specification Print request means for transmitting to the print management server a print request signal including information specifying the instructed print data; and receiving the print data transmitted from the stored print server in response to the print request signal. One or a plurality of display processing units for performing print processing, a list received by the receiving unit, and a display unit for displaying information that can identify print data that cannot be printed and specified according to the print result A program executed by a print management server connected to the printing apparatus via a communication medium,
The print management server;
And bibliographic information data storing means for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information identifying the Kishirushi printing data before it receives from the storage printing the print server,
A print request for transmitting a list including information for specifying the print data to the printing apparatus, and receiving a print request signal including information for specifying print data output by the user from the transmitted list. Signal receiving means;
In order to output the print data corresponding to the information specifying the print data included in the print request signal received by the print request signal receiving means, the print is sent to the print server for storage printing storing the print data. A print command signal output means for outputting a print command signal including information specifying the apparatus and the print data;
Program, characterized in that the said printing results produced in accordance with the output result notified from the storage printing for the print server to function as a print result notification means the print request signal to notify the printing apparatus transmitted. One or more information processing devices;
Storage means for storing print data generated by the information processing apparatus; bibliographic information data transmission means for transmitting bibliographic information data including information for specifying the print data stored in the storage means to a print management server; Printing is performed by the printing apparatus having the output instruction based on the print command signal transmitted from the print management server and including the information specifying the printing apparatus having the output instruction and the information specifying the stored print data. Therefore, print data output means for outputting print data corresponding to the information for specifying the print data, and information for specifying the print data for which it was determined that the print data could not be executed upon output by the print data output means A storage print server having notification means for notifying the print management server of the output result ,
Bibliographic information data storage means for storing and managing bibliographic information data including information for specifying print data received from the storage print server, and a list including information for specifying the print data are transmitted to a printing apparatus, and the transmission A print request signal receiving unit that receives a print request signal including information for specifying print data output by the user from the printed list, and a print request signal received by the print request signal receiving unit. In order to output print data corresponding to information for specifying print data, a print command signal including information for specifying the printing device and the print data is output to the print server for storage printing storing the print data. Print command signal output means for outputting, and generated according to the output result notified from the print server for accumulated printing, A print result including information identifying the print data that could not be printed performed, the print request signal is connected via a print management server and the communication medium and a print result notification means for notifying printing device transmits print A program executed on a device,
The printing device;
A list including information identifying the print data from the print server, and receiving means for receiving a print result including information identifying the print data which can not be said print run,
Print request means for transmitting to the print management server a print request signal including information specifying print data to be printed by the printing apparatus, instructed to be output from the list according to a user's specification;
Print processing means for receiving print data transmitted from the print server for accumulated printing in response to the print request signal and performing print processing;
A program that functions as a display unit that displays a list received by the receiving unit and information that can identify print data that cannot be printed and specified according to the printing result.

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