JPH10315577A - Service providing system and its server and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a service providing system in which a specific device is not unevenly consumed due to a slight difference in function and does not reduce the work efficiency of the entire system, and a server and a printer thereof. In a print system, a plurality of printers each detect various types of function information related to printing of the own device, detect various functions related to printing of another printer, and detect various types of functions related to printing of the detected own device. The function information of the printer is compared with the function information of another printer, and the function information of the own apparatus is adjusted within the range of the function variable range designating information of the function variable range DB so that the actual function of the own apparatus can be adjusted. Also sends adjustment function information (public function DB) indicating an excellent function to the host computer 3, and the host computer 3
A printer function list is created based on the adjustment function information (function disclosure DB) sent from each of the plurality of printers 4, and
One suitable for executing a print job from a printer function list based on a function required in a received print job.
Select a printer.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a service providing system, and a server and a printer thereof, and more particularly, to a method in which a specific device is not consumed unevenly due to a slight difference in function and the efficiency of the entire system is reduced. The present invention relates to a service providing system, a server, and a printer thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a network environment in which similar services are provided by a plurality of service providing apparatuses, it is necessary to select one service providing apparatus from a plurality of service providing apparatuses, and a service having various selection mechanisms is required. A providing system has been conventionally proposed.

[0003] As one example of a service providing system, a print system including a plurality of printers has been conventionally known. Such a printing system provides a print service by selecting one printer from a plurality of printers. In this print system, unlike a simple print system in which a word processor or a computer is connected to a printer device on a one-to-one basis, a print data creation source is often arranged at a distance from each printer device.

For example, LAN printers are often arranged at one or more specific locations such as a printing room in an office, and there is a considerable distance from a print data source such as a workstation arranged in a living room. Is normal. Further, in the case of a printing system in which the printing system is connected to another LAN via a network, it is natural that the distance between the printing systems is large.

[0005] For this reason, in a conventional print system, the print data creator rarely knows in detail the individual printers that constitute the system, and in many cases, one or more of the commonly used printers are used. You only know two printers. Under these circumstances, the one that created the print data specifies a specific printer device that he / she knows, specifies the printer, and causes the printer to print out. Problems have arisen, such as concentration and the purchase of a new printer that is not being used efficiently.

Further, when print requests are concentrated on a specific printer, it takes a long time for the printer to perform a new print operation, so that not only cannot the desired printed material be obtained quickly, but also the individual printers cannot be obtained. The load varied. For this reason, there has been a problem that not only replenishment of sheets but also maintenance execution cannot be performed in tandem with another printer, and the printer operator itself cannot perform planned or efficient work.

Therefore, a printing system has been proposed in which one printer suitable for executing a print job is selected from a plurality of printers, and print data is sent to the selected printer for printing. Hereinafter, various printing systems that have been conventionally proposed will be described.

First, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 06-183105 discloses a printing system for selecting a printer having a function necessary for executing a print job.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 06-183106 discloses a printing system in which an operator displays the operation status of a printer, sees the operation status, and selects a device that can end a print job as soon as possible.

[0010] Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 06-183109 discloses a print system in which a print server selects a device which can end a print job as soon as possible.

[0011]

However, according to the above-mentioned conventional printing system, only a specific printer, that is, a printer having the highest function is selected and used preferentially. Specifically, for example, in an environment in which there are a plurality of printers capable of performing double-sided printing and the printing speeds thereof are slightly different, a print job requiring double-sided printing is preferentially given to the fastest double-sided printable apparatus. Other duplex printers are used only when a faster duplex printer is unavailable during execution of a print job or failure.

In this case, there is a problem that the use frequency of the apparatus is greatly changed by a slight difference in function, and only a high-performance printer is worn out quickly. In this case, it is necessary to consider not only the consumption of the high-performance printer but also the efficiency of the entire printing system. In particular, in an environment where a huge job frequently occurs so that a small difference in function greatly affects the result, the efficiency of the entire printing system is reduced by a small difference in function.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and a service providing system and a server for providing a service in which a specific device is not unevenly consumed due to a slight difference in function and the working efficiency of the entire system is not reduced. And a printer.

[0014]

In order to achieve the above object, a service providing system according to claim 1 is connected to each other via a transmission line, and defines a service and a condition for executing the service. A service comprising: a client for transmitting designated service request information to the transmission path; a plurality of service providing apparatuses for executing a service; and a server for selecting one service providing apparatus from the plurality of service providing apparatuses. In the providing system, the plurality of service providing devices include a service providing unit that performs a service, an own device function detecting unit that detects various function information regarding a service of the own device, and various function information regarding a service of the own device. Comparing with various function information related to services of other service providing devices, and defining the range in which the function information can be changed Within the range of the function variable range designation information, adjusting function information sending means for adjusting the function information of the own device and sending adjusting function information indicating a function superior to the actual function of the own device to the transmission line; And the server comprises:
The function requested by the service request information received via the transmission path is checked against the adjustment function information sent from each of the plurality of service providing devices, and the service of the service request information sent from the client is executed. Service providing device selecting means for selecting one service providing device suitable for performing the operation.

According to the above configuration, in the service providing system, each of the plurality of service providing devices detects various function information relating to the service of the own device, and detects various function information relating to the detected service of the own device and the other. The function information of the own device is adjusted by comparing the function information of the own device with the various function information related to the service of the service providing device, and adjusting the function information of the own device within the range of the function variable range specification information that defines the changeable range of the function information. The server sends adjustment service function information indicating a superior function to the server, and the server compares the function requested by the received service request information with the adjustment service function information sent from each of the plurality of service providing apparatuses, The service providing apparatus selects one service providing apparatus suitable for executing the service of the received service request information. It is possible to report the function related to the service of the own device to the server as being superior to the actual function within a range that does not greatly affect the result, and as a result, a specific service may be specified by a slight difference in the function of the service providing apparatus. It is possible to provide a service providing system that can prevent the providing device from being unevenly consumed and that does not reduce the work efficiency of the entire system.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a service providing system, wherein each is connected via a transmission path, and sends a print job including print data and printing conditions for printing the print data to the transmission path. A plurality of printers capable of printing print data, and a server for selecting one printer from the plurality of printers, the plurality of printers perform printing of print data. Printing means to perform, own device function detecting means for detecting various function information related to printing of own device, and comparing various function information related to printing of the own device and various function information related to printing of another printer, Adjust the function information of your own device within the range of the function variable range specification information that defines the changeable range of the function information, and it is better than the actual function of your own device. An adjustment function information sending unit that sends adjustment function information indicating a function to the transmission path.The server includes a function required by a print job received through the transmission path and a function requested by the plurality of printers. It is configured to include a printer selection unit that checks the sent adjustment function information and selects one printer suitable for executing the print job.

According to the above configuration, in the service providing system, each of the plurality of printers detects various types of function information regarding its own printing, and detects the various types of function information regarding the detected own printing and other printers. Compared with the various function information related to printing, and within the range of the function variable range specification information that specifies the range in which the function information can be changed, the function information of the own machine was adjusted and it was better than the actual function of the own machine The adjusted printer function information indicating the function is sent to the server, and the server checks the function required in the received print job with the adjusted printer function information sent from each of the plurality of printers, and executes the received print job. In this configuration, one printer suitable for the printer is selected, so that the printer can perform its own printing-related functions better than the actual functions within a range that does not significantly affect the results of the print job. As a result, it is possible to prevent a specific printer from being exhausted unevenly due to a slight difference in the function of the printer, and to improve the work efficiency of the entire system. It is possible to provide a service providing system that does not reduce the cost.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a service providing system, wherein each is connected via a transmission path, and sends a print job including print data and print conditions for printing the print data to the transmission path. A plurality of printers capable of printing print data, and a server for selecting one printer from the plurality of printers, the plurality of printers perform printing of print data. Printing means for performing, self-function detection means for detecting various function information relating to printing of the own apparatus, other function detection means for detecting various functions relating to printing of another printer, and various functions relating to printing of the self apparatus Function variable range specification for comparing the information with various function information related to printing of the other printer and defining a changeable range of the function information Within the range of information, adjusting function information sending means for adjusting the function information of the own device and sending adjusting function information indicating a function superior to the actual function of the own device to the transmission line, A server configured to store changeable range information defining a changeable range of the function information; and a printer function list creating unit configured to create a printer function list based on adjustment function information transmitted from each of the plurality of printers. And a printer selecting unit that selects one printer suitable for executing the print job from the printer function list based on a function requested by the print job received via the transmission path. It is.

According to the above arrangement, in the service providing system, each of the plurality of printers detects various types of function information relating to printing of its own device, and detects various functions relating to printing of another printer. The function information of the own device is compared with the various function information related to the printing of the own device and the various function information related to the printing of the other printer, and the function information of the own device is defined within the range of the function variable range specification information that defines a range in which the function information can be changed. And sends adjustment function information indicating a function superior to the actual function of its own device to the server, and the server creates a printer function list based on the adjustment printer function information sent from each of the plurality of printers. And selecting one printer suitable for executing the print job from a printer function list based on a function required by the received print job. Because, it is possible to report the server to better than actual functionality functions related to printing of its own within a range that does not have a significant effect on the result of the printing job,
As a result, it is possible to provide a service providing system that can prevent a specific printer from being unevenly consumed due to a slight difference in the functions of the printer, and that does not reduce the work efficiency of the entire system. Become.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the service providing system according to any one of the first to third aspects, the function variable range designation information can be arbitrarily set and changed by an administrator. I decided to be.

According to the above configuration, since the function variable range designation information can be arbitrarily set and changed by the administrator, the effect of the service providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 can be obtained. In addition, the function variable range designation information can be set according to the environment in which the system is installed.

The server according to claim 5 can print a print job including print data and a print condition for printing the print data to the transmission path via the transmission path, and can print the print data. In a server connected to a plurality of printers, storage means for storing changeable range information defining a changeable range of function information, and a printer function list based on adjustment function information sent from each of the plurality of printers. Means for creating a printer function list to be created, and a printer for selecting one printer suitable for executing the print job from the printer function list based on a function required in a print job received via the transmission path And selecting means.

According to the above configuration, the server in the service providing system creates a printer function list based on the functions requested by the received print job and the adjustment function information sent from each of the plurality of printers. Since one printer suitable for executing the print job is selected from the printer function list based on a required function, a specific printer is unevenly consumed due to a slight difference in the functions of the printer. It is possible to provide a server in a service providing system that can prevent the operation from being performed and does not reduce the work efficiency of the entire system.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer for transmitting a print job including print data and print conditions for printing the print data to the transmission path via a transmission path and a plurality of printers. A printer connected to a server that selects one of the printers, a printing unit that prints print data, an own device function detecting unit that detects various function information related to printing of the own device, and a printing device that performs printing of another printer. Other function detecting means for detecting various functions, a function variable for comparing various function information relating to printing of the own device with various function information relating to printing of the other printer, and defining a changeable range of the function information Within the range of the range designation information, adjustment for adjusting the function information of the own device and sending adjustment function information indicating a function superior to the actual function of the own device to the transmission path. Noh information transmitting unit, a configuration in which a.

According to the above configuration, in the service providing system, each of the printers detects various types of functional information regarding its own printing, and detects the various types of functional information regarding its own printing and the printing of other printers. Compares with the various function information related to and shows the function superior to the actual function of the own machine by adjusting the function information of the own machine within the range of the function variable range designation information that defines the range in which the function information can be changed Since the adjustment printer function information is sent to the server, the printer can report its own printing-related functions to the server as superior to the actual functions within the range that does not significantly affect the results of the print job. As a result, it is possible to prevent a particular printer from being consumed unevenly due to a slight difference in the functions of the printer, and to reduce the working efficiency of the entire system. It is possible to provide a printer in the stomach the service providing system.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIGS.
A preferred embodiment in which a service providing system according to the present invention is applied to a print system will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a print system according to the present embodiment. A print system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of workstations (clients) 2 that send print data including print data and print conditions for printing the print data, and a plurality of printers that print the print data (service provision). (A device) 4 and a host computer (server) 3 for selecting one printer from the plurality of printers based on the transmitted print job. The workstation 2, the host computer 3, and the printer 4
It is connected to a communication line via a network (transmission path) 5.

The network 5 may use any of a LAN, a public line network, a dedicated line network, and the like. Also,
The communication system may be a wired system or a wireless system.

The workstation 2 includes print data corresponding to the created document and printing conditions set for printing the document (selection of an apparatus, selection of paper and a paper supply / ejection tray, setting of double-sided printing, number of copies, , Resolution setting, completion request time, etc.) as print jobs.
To send to.

The host computer 3 acquires the public function DBs of all the printers 4 managed by itself, and creates a printer function list (hereinafter, referred to as "printer function list creation processing"). Further, the host computer 3 checks the print job sent from the workstation 2, selects the most suitable one of the printers 4, and sends the print job to the selected printer 4 (hereinafter referred to as "printer selection processing"). Name). In addition, the host computer 3
A function variable range DB (see FIG. 5) including function variable range designation information for defining a change range of the function information is provided therein.

The printer 4 prints print data according to a print job sent from the host computer 3. Specifically, the printer 4 converts the print content defined by the print data included in the print job into paper or the like according to the print conditions (paper size, paper supply / discharge tray, both sides, number of copies, etc.) included in the print job. Print on media. Further, when receiving the function inquiry request, the printer 4 obtains each function information in its own printer, creates an actual function DB (see FIG. 8) of its own printer, and obtains the function information (actual As compared with the function DB), the function information of the own device is corrected within the setting range of the function variable range designation information of the function variable range DB stored in the host computer 3 to be superior to the actual function of the own device. A public function DB (see FIG. 9) including adjustment function information indicating a function is created and transmitted to the host computer 3 as a printer function inquiry response (hereinafter, referred to as “printer function response processing”). A plurality of virtual printers are realized by one printer (physical printer), and these virtual printers are registered in the host computer 3 as separate printers. It is also possible to realize. In this case, each logical printer performs the same operation as the physical printer.

Hereinafter, specific configurations of the workstation 2, the host computer 3, and the printer 4 will be described in order.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the workstation 2 shown in FIG. In FIG.
The workstation 2 has an input unit 21 for inputting a character string.
, A communication unit 22 for performing data communication, and a display unit 23
And a CP that controls the entire device of the workstation 2
U24, a hard disk 25 storing various control programs for operating the CPU 24, and the like.
Disk control device 2 for reading / writing data 5
6 and a RAM 27 used as a work area for various control programs and the like.

The input unit 21 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like.
A key press signal of a key pressed on such a keyboard is sent to the CPU.
24.

The communication unit 22 is connected to the network 5 and performs data communication with the host computer 3 and other workstations 2 via the network 5. The display unit 23 includes a CRT, an LCD, and the like.
Display according to the display data input from the CPU 24 is performed. The display unit 23 displays necessary data when creating print data or transferring a print job or the like to the host computer 4.

The CPU 24 is a central control unit that controls the entire apparatus according to various control programs stored in the hard disk 25. The CPU 24 includes an input unit 21, a communication unit 22, a display unit 23, The device 26 and the RAM 27 are connected, and control data communication, reading of application programs by accessing the memory, reading / writing of various data, data / command input, color display, and the like. Also,
The CPU 24 sends the print data input from the input unit 21 and the printing conditions of the print data to the host computer 3 via the communication unit 22 as a print job.

The hard disk 25 stores various control programs for operating the CPU 24, parameters used for the processing, and the like. These various control programs are stored in the hard disk 25 in the form of program codes readable by the CPU 27. In addition,
The storage medium is not limited to the above-mentioned hard disk, and another storage medium such as a floppy disk or a CD-ROM may be used.

The RAM 27 has a work memory for storing designated control programs, input instructions, input data, processing results, and the like, and a display memory for temporarily storing display data to be displayed on the display screen of the display unit 23. ing.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the host computer 3 shown in FIG. In FIG.
The host computer 3 has an input unit 31 for inputting a character string.
And a communication unit 32 for performing data communication, a display unit 33, and a CPU 34 for controlling the entire apparatus of the host computer 3.
A hard disk 35 storing various control programs for operating the CPU 34, a disk control device 36 for reading / writing data from and on the hard disk 35, and a RAM used as a work area for the various programs
37 and the like.

The input unit 31 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like.
A signal for pressing a key pressed on the keyboard is output to the CPU 34.

The communication section 32 is connected to the network 5 and performs data communication with the workstation 2 and the printer 4 via the network 5.

The display section 33 is constituted by a CRT, an LCD, or the like, and performs display according to display data input from the CPU 34. The display unit 33 displays necessary data when transferring a print job sent from the workstation 2 or a print job to a selected printer.

The CPU 34 is a control unit that controls the entire apparatus of the host computer 3 and manages the entire print system 1 according to various control programs stored in the hard disk 35. Also, the CPU 34
The input unit 31, the communication unit 32, the display unit 33, the disk control device 36, and the RAM 37 are connected, and perform data communication, read application programs by accessing each memory, and read / write various data.
Controls data / command input, etc. Also, the CPU 34
Has a function of executing a printer function list creation process (see FIG. 10 and the like) described later and a printer selection process (see FIG. 19 and the like).

The hard disk 35 stores various control programs for operating the CPU 34, parameters used for the processing, and the like. The various control programs include, for example, a network OS for managing the entire print system 1, a printer function list creation processing program for executing each function of the printer function list creation processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. For example, there is a printer selection processing program for executing each function of the printer selection processing shown in a flowchart such as 19. These various control programs are stored in a hard disk 35 in the form of program codes readable by the CPU 34.
Is stored in

The hard disk 35 has a printer list (see FIG. 4) in which information on the printers 4 connected to the network 5 is described, and is referred to when each printer 4 creates its own public function DB. Function variable range DB
(See FIG. 5), a printer function list created by the printer function list creation process (see FIG. 6), a print job sent from the workstation 2, and the like are stored. The storage medium is not limited to the above-mentioned hard disk, but may be a floppy disk or a CD-RO.
Other storage media such as M may be used.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the data structure of the printer list. In the printer list, data such as a printer identifier, a connection type, a connection type, and an address name are associated.

The function variable range DB stores the actual function DB of the printer 4 and the function information of the counterpart printer (actual function D).
B) is to specify the changeable range and the possibility of the change when creating the public function DB by comparing with B), and is referred to when the printer 4 creates the public function DB. Table 1 below shows a specification method according to the data type of the function variable range DB.

[0048]

[Table 1]

FIG. 5 shows an example of the data format of the function variable DB, in which function items are associated with function variable range designation information corresponding to the function items. More specifically, “printer-name”, “printer-location”, and “printer-state” are set to “UNCHANGEABLE” and are designated as unchangeable. Also, "maximum-prin
"ter-speed (maximum speed)" is set to "+ 5, -5, Step = 1", and the maximum speed is from -5ppm to + 5pp from the actual function value.
It is allowed to change one by one in the range of m.

Also, "printer-resolution-supported
(Resolution) ”is allowed to publish 300,400,600,800,1200dpi.” Document-format-supported
(Supported page description languages) ”is Postscript, PCL
4, PCL5, PCL6, and HP-GL languages are allowed to be released. For the function items for which the function variable range designation information is not set, “UNCHANGEABL
"E" is specified. When setting the management of the printer, the administrator opens the function variable range DB by using the management utility, and can freely change each function item there. That is, the administrator can arbitrarily set and change the function items and the function variable range designation information of the function variable range DB.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the data structure of the printer function list. The printer function list is a public function DB of each printer 4 (printers A, B,...).
And the function items are associated with the adjustment function information of each printer. The content of this function item matches the content of the function item in the public function DB.

The RAM 37 has a work memory for storing various designated control programs, input instructions, input data, processing results, and the like.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the printer 4 shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, the printer 4
Is a communication unit 42 for performing data communication, a CPU 42 for controlling the entire apparatus of the printer 4, a ROM 43 storing various control programs for operating the CPU 42, and an R used as a work area for various control programs.
It comprises an AM 44 and a printing unit 45 having a printing mechanism.

The communication section 41 is connected to the network 5 and performs data communication with the host computer 3 and the workstation 2 via the network 5.

The CPU 42 is a central control unit that controls the entire apparatus according to various control programs stored in the ROM 43. The CPU 42 includes a communication unit 41
The ROM 43, the RAM 44, and the printing unit 45 are connected, and control data communication and printing by the printing unit 45. Further, the CPU 42 has a function of executing a printer function response process described later (see FIG. 10 and the like).

The ROM 43 stores various control programs for operating the CPU 44, parameters used for the processing, and the like. The various control programs include, for example, a printer function response processing program for executing each function of the printer function response processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 and the like. These programs are executed by the CPU
ROM in the form of readable program code 42
43. Further, the ROM 43 stores a page description language (PDL) such as a bitmap table and Postscript.

The RAM 44 has a work memory for storing a designated control program, processing results, received print data, and the like, and the actual function DB of its own machine created by the printer function response (see FIG. 8). And its own public function DB (see FIG. 9).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the actual function DB, in which function items are associated with function information corresponding to the function items. Specifically, as the function items, “printer-name”, “printer-location”, “maxi
mum-printer-speed ”, ・ ・ ・,” printer-cost-per-duple
x ”,…, respectively, as“ ABCDEF
G ”,“ Room A ”,“ 17ppm ”, ...,“ 15 ”, ...
・ Is set.

The open function DB has the same data format as the actual function DB. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the public function DB, in which function items are associated with adjustment function information corresponding to the function items. In this function item, the same item as the function item in the actual function DB is set. In the public function DB shown in FIG. 9, the actual function DB shown in FIG. 8 and the data of the printing speed and the duplex printing cost are changed. Specifically, the function item “printer-na
me ”,” printer-location ”,” maximum-printer-spee
d ", ...," printer-cost-per-duplex "," ...
・ "," ABCDEF
"G", "Room A", "20ppm", ..., "12", ...
Is set.

The printing unit 45 is formed of, for example, a laser printer, and prints the received print data on paper or the like under the control of the CPU 42.

Next, the operation of the printing system 1 will be described.

Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 10 to 16, a printer function list creation process executed under the control of the CPU 34 of the host computer 3 and the CPU 42 of the printer 4 will be described.
The printer function response process executed under the control of the printer function will be described.

FIG. 10 shows the CPU of the host computer 3.
34 is a flowchart for describing a printer function list creation process executed under the control of the printer 34 and a printer function response process executed under the control of the CPU 42 of the printer 4. FIGS. 13 to 15 are flowcharts for explaining the contents of the competing printer function investigation process (step P3) in the printer function response process. FIG.
9 is a flowchart for explaining a self-function adjustment process in the printer function response process.

In FIG. 10, the host computer 3
When the power of the host computer 3 is turned on, the printer list stored in the hard disk 35 (FIG. 4)
Referring to FIG. 9, the public function DB of each printer 4 is referred to.
(Refer to step S1), a function inquiry request is transmitted to each printer (step S1).

FIG. 11 shows an example of the data format of a function inquiry request. As shown in FIG. 11, the function inquiry request is in a text file format, and one line includes a parameter name and values of zero or more parameters.
Parameter names and parameter values are separated by white space such as spaces and tabs. Lines starting with “#” are comments and are ignored by the printing system.

Next, the printer 4 receives the function inquiry request from the host computer 3 (step P).
1) The printer 4 detects its own actual function information related to printing, creates an actual function DB (see FIG. 8), and
It is stored in M44 (step P2). Specifically, the actual function information detected by the printer 4 is a function item of the actual function DB in FIG. 8, and specifically, whether or not a duplex device, color ink, or the like is provided, Is the type of the media set in the.

Subsequently, the printer 4 executes a function investigation process of the competing (other) printer (step P3). The specific processing contents of the function investigation processing of the competing printer will be described later (see FIGS. 13 to 15).

The printer 4 creates a competing printer function list based on various types of function information relating to printing of a competing printer (a printer other than itself connected to the network 5) obtained in the competing printer function investigation process. I do.
Then, from the competing printer function list, one or a plurality of printers having functions similar to the function of the selected printer are selected, and function information corresponding to the selected printer is extracted to create a counterpart printer group list (step P4). ).

Here, the basis for selecting a printer having a function close to its own function is the presence / absence of a double-sided function, the printing speed, the resolution, the presence / absence of color printing, the installed media (paper, etc.), and the support. Page description language (PDL). More specifically, for example, a device having a double-sided function is compared as two types of devices, that is, two-sided printing and one-sided printing. In the printing speed, the number of prints per minute is ± 2.
0% of devices are compared. As for the resolution, an apparatus having ± 40% of the effective resolution is set as a comparison target. This is because the effective resolution may be higher than the physical resolution due to high resolution processing or the like. In a device capable of black and white and color printing, a color printing device and a black and white printing device are compared for color printing and black and white printing, respectively. Media and page description languages are intended for devices equipped with equivalents. In addition,
Other criteria may be employed.

Subsequently, it is determined whether there is a plurality of competing printers described in the competing printer group list (step P).
5) If the result of the determination is that there is no plurality of competing printers, that is, if there is only one, the process proceeds to step P7. Select one of the best printers having the best functions from the list and select Step P
Move to 7. When a particularly excellent printer cannot be selected, an arbitrary printer is selected.

In Step P7, the printer 4 executes a self-function adjustment process (public function DB creation). Specifically, the printer 4 compares the function information of the selected rival printer with its own function information, and specifies the function variable range in the function variable range DB (see FIG. 5) stored in the host computer 3. Within the range of the information, the function information of the self is adjusted (corrected) to indicate a function superior to the actual function of the self and includes the adjustment function information indicating the function equal to or more than that of the selected counter printer. A public function DB (see FIG. 9) is created. The details of the self-function adjustment processing will be described later (see FIG. 16). Next, the printer 4 sends the contents of the public function DB (adjustment function information) to the host computer 3 as a print function inquiry response (step P8).

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the data format of the print function inquiry response. The printer function inquiry response is in a text file format as shown in FIG. 12, and one line is composed of a parameter name and values of zero or more parameters. The parameter name and the parameter value are separated by a white space such as a space or a tab. A line starting with “#” is a comment and is ignored by the print system 1. Also, the adjusted printer function information included in the printer function inquiry response includes the presence or absence of the duplex function, the printing speed, the resolution, the presence or absence of color printing,
Information such as mounted media (such as paper) and supported page description languages is included.

When the host computer 3 receives the printer function inquiry response sent from the printer 4 (step S2), the host computer 3 outputs a printer function list (see FIG. 6) based on the adjustment function information included in the printer function inquiry response. ) To create. This printer function list summarizes adjustment function information of each printer for each function item.

As described above, the printer function list is created every time the power of the host computer 3 is turned on. In this case, the function information of the printer changed after the power is turned on is stored. Cannot be reflected in the printer function list. Therefore, when the function information of the printer is changed, the printer may automatically transmit the adjusted printer function information at that time.

In this example, when the printer 4 receives a function inquiry request from the host computer 3, it checks the function of another printer and adjusts its own function. The function may be checked periodically, when a change in the function of an existing printer is detected, or when a new printer is added to the network.

Next, the competing printer function examination process (step P3) in the printer function response process shown in FIG. 10 will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

First, the printer 4 requests the host computer 3 to transmit the printer list shown in FIG. 4 in order to find another printer connected to the network 5, and obtains this printer list. (Step P10).

Next, the printer 4 prepares to check the first printer in the printer list, reads out the information of the printer described first in the printer list (step P11), and subsequently reaches the end of the printer list. It is determined whether or not all the printers have been completed (step P12). If the result of the determination is that the end of the printer list has been reached, the routine is terminated and FIG.
Move to Step P4 of 0. If the end of the printer list has not been reached, the program shifts to Step P13.

In step P13, the printer 4 transmits a function inquiry request in a predetermined data format to the competing printer based on the printer information read from the printer list in order to obtain the function information on printing of the competing printer. Upon receiving this function inquiry request, the competing printer detects various types of function information relating to printing of its own device and transmits a function inquiry response including various types of function information relating to its own printing to the requesting printer 4. become. The data format of the function inquiry response can be the same as the data format shown in FIG.

Next, after a predetermined time has passed after transmitting the function inquiry request, the printer 4 determines whether or not there has been a response to the function inquiry request from the competing printer of the transmission destination in response to the function inquiry request (step P14). If the result of the determination is that there is a function inquiry response from the competing printer, the program shifts to Step P15. On the other hand, when there is no function inquiry response from the competing printer, after counting a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) and waiting for a predetermined time (step P17), it is determined again whether there is a function inquiry response (step P18). If there is a function inquiry response, the process proceeds to step P15. If there is no function inquiry response, it is determined that the competing printer is in a communication impossible state, and the process proceeds to step P15 without waiting for the function inquiry response. Move to P16.

In step P15, the printer 4 analyzes the contents of the function inquiry response, and stores in the RAM 44 various function information relating to printing by the competing printer. Subsequently, in step P16, preparations are made to check the next printer, the information of the printer described next is read from the printer list, and the process proceeds to step P12 until all the printers in the printer list are completed. Repeat the same process.

In consideration of the case where there is another printer that transmits a function inquiry request, if oneself receives a function inquiry request transmitted from another printer, the other printer will Alternatively, the function inquiry request may not be transmitted. Further, instead of requesting the printer list from the host computer 3 in order to find another printer, a configuration may be adopted in which a printer list is obtained by using a directory service available on the network 5.

Next, another example of the function investigating process of the competing printer will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The method shown in FIG. 14 is to constantly monitor (carrier sense) a signal on the network 5 and collect function information on printing by a competing printer. In this process, when the printer is not operating (eg, printing operation), the printer constantly monitors communication on the network,
It is assumed that a conflict printer list is created based on the received function information on printing of the conflict printer.

When the printer 4 is not operating, the printer 4 always monitors the communication (signal) on the network 5 and determines whether or not the communication on the network 5 has been received (step P20). When the communication on the network 5 is received, it is determined whether or not the communication content is a printer function inquiry request (step P21). If the request is not a printer function inquiry request, step P
The process proceeds to 20 to monitor the communication. On the other hand, if the request is a printer function inquiry request, a function inquiry response to the function inquiry request is received (step P22).

Next, a search is made as to whether the printer which has transmitted this function inquiry response has an entry (registered) in the conflicting printer list (step P23), and it is determined whether or not there is an entry corresponding to the conflicting printer list (step P23). P24) If the result of the determination is that the entry has been made in the conflicting printer list, the process proceeds to step P25. If the entry has not been made in the printer list, the process proceeds to step P26, where a function inquiry is made to the printer list. The printer that has sent the response is registered, and the routine goes to Step P25.

In step P25, the function inquiry request response is analyzed, the function information of the printer is stored in the conflict printer list, and the routine goes to step P20.

That is, according to the above processing, when the printer is not operating, the communication on the network is always monitored, and the function inquiry request transmitted to the competing printer by another printer or the host computer 3 is transmitted. By detecting and receiving a function inquiry response to this, it is possible to collect the function information of the competing printer before receiving the function inquiry request from the host computer 3. Therefore, when the function inquiry request is actually received from the host computer 3 and the collected function information on the printing of the competing printer is new, the function information on its own printing is adjusted using only the collected function information. Thus, the adjusted printer function information can be generated. This makes it possible to quickly respond to a function inquiry request from the host computer 3.

Next, the function investigating process of the competing printer combining the methods shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the method shown in FIG. 15, although the printer 4 is not operating, the printer 4 constantly monitors (carrier sense) signals on the network 5 and operates the network 5 when the printer is not operating. The function information related to printing of the competing printer is collected by monitoring, and the printer list transmitted from the host computer 4 is acquired. A function inquiry request is transmitted to a printer other than the printer that has acquired the information, and a function inquiry response to the request is received.

First, in order to find another printer connected to the network 5, the printer 4 requests the host computer 3 to transmit the printer list shown in FIG. (Step P30).

Next, the printer 4 prepares to check the first printer in the printer list, reads the information of the printer described first in the printer list (step P31), and subsequently reaches the end of the pudding list. It is determined whether or not all the printers have been completed (step P32). If the result of the determination is that the end of the printer list has been reached, the routine is terminated and FIG.
Move to Step P4 of 0. If the end of the printer list has not been reached, the program shifts to Step P33.

In Step P33, it is determined whether or not the function information on printing of the prepared printer has already been acquired by the network monitor. As a result of the judgment,
If the function information on the printing of the printer has already been acquired, the program shifts to Step P34. On the other hand, if the function information regarding the printing of the printer has not been obtained,
The program shifts to Step P35.

In step P35, the printer 4 transmits a function inquiry request in a predetermined data format to the competing printer based on the printer information read from the printer list in order to obtain the function information on printing of the competing printer. The competing printer that has received this function inquiry request detects various function information related to its own printing, and transmits a function inquiry response including various function information related to its own printing to the printer 4 that made the request. .

Next, after a predetermined time has passed after transmitting the function inquiry request, the printer 4 determines whether or not there has been a function inquiry response from the destination competing printer in response to the function inquiry request (step P36). If the result of the determination is that there is a function inquiry response from the competing printer, the program shifts to Step P38. On the other hand, when there is no function inquiry response from the competing printer, after counting a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) and waiting for a predetermined time (step P37), it is determined again whether there is a function inquiry response (step P39). If there is a function inquiry response, the process proceeds to step P38. If there is no function inquiry response, it is determined that the competing printer is in a communication impossible state, and the process proceeds to step P38 without waiting for the function inquiry response. Move to P34.

In Step P38, the printer 4 analyzes the contents of the function inquiry response, and stores in the RAM 44 various function information relating to printing by the competing printer. Subsequently, in step P34, preparations for checking the next printer are made, the information of the printer described next is read from the printer list, and the process proceeds to step P32 until all the printers in the printer list are completed. Repeat the same process.

Next, the self-function adjustment processing (public function DB creation processing) in step P7 in the printer function response processing shown in FIG. 10 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

The self-function adjustment processing includes the function information on printing of the competing printer selected in steps P5 and P6 of FIG. 10 and the function information of the printer on self-printing obtained by the self-function check in step P2 of FIG. And adjusts (corrects) its own function information within the range of the function variable range designation information of the function variable range DB (see FIG. 5) stored in the host computer 3, and A public function DB (see FIG. 9) is created that shows adjustment functions information that indicates functions superior to those described above and that indicates functions equivalent to or higher than the selected counterpart printer.
In the flowcharts described below, three items of the printing speed, the resolution, and the printing cost (including the double-sided function) will be described as examples of the adjustment items (function items) of the printer function.

In FIG. 16, the printer 4 first determines whether or not the printing speed of the competing printer is faster than that of the printer itself (step P40). If the printer 4 is faster, the printer 4 proceeds to step P43. On the other hand, if the counterpart printer is earlier, the process shifts to step P41 to determine whether the difference in printing speed is within the range of the function variable range designation information in the function variable range DB. As a result of the determination, if the difference in the printing speed is out of the range of the function variable range designation information, the process shifts to Step P43. On the other hand, if the difference in the printing speed is within the range of the function variable range designation information, the process proceeds to Step P43. The process shifts to P42, where adjustment function information obtained by adjusting (correcting) the printing speed of the printer function information of the own device to a value equivalent to the counterpart printer is set in the public function DB, and the process shifts to Step P43.

To explain with a specific example, the printer 4
Is, as shown in the actual function DB of FIG.
mum-printer-speed) ”is set to“ 17ppm ”and the printing speed of the rival printer is“ 20ppm ”.
", The difference between the printing speed of the competing printer and the printing speed of the own device is" 3 ", and the function variable range designation information of the printing speed (maximum-printer-speed) of the function variable range DB shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the adjustment function information “20 ppm” in which the function information of the printing speed of the own machine is equivalent to the printing speed of the counterpart printer is provided as shown in FIG. 9 because the printing speed is within the range of “+5, -5, Step = 1”. Set in DB.

That is, the printing speed of the competing printer is 20
When the printing speed of the own device is 17 ppm in ppm, the function of the printing speed of the own device is set to 20 ppm, which is a function apparently superior to the actual printing speed. This is because there is no great difference in the time required to execute a print job with a difference of about 3 ppm.

Subsequently, in step P43, it is determined whether or not the resolution of the competing printer is higher than that of the own printer. If the resolution of the own printer is higher, the process proceeds to step P4.
On the other hand, if the counter printer is higher, the process shifts to step P44 to determine whether or not the difference in resolution is within the range of the function variable range designation information of the function variable range DB. As a result of the determination, if the difference in resolution is out of the range of the function variable range designation information, the process proceeds to Step P46. If the difference in resolution is within the range of the function variable range designation information, the process proceeds to Step P45. The process then proceeds to step S46 in which the adjustment function information obtained by adjusting (correcting) the resolution of its own printer function information to the same value as the counterpart printer is set in the public function DB, and the process proceeds to step P46.

More specifically, for example, when the resolution of the competing printer is 1000 dpi and the resolution of the own device is 800 dpi, the data of the resolution of the own device is set to 1000 dpi, and a function which is apparently superior to the actual resolution is set. And This is because a difference in resolution of about 200 dpi can hardly be recognized by the naked eye.

Next, in step P46, it is determined whether or not the printing cost of the competing printer is lower. If the own printer is lower, the process proceeds to step P49, while the printing cost of the competing printer is lower. If it is lower, the process shifts to Step P47 to determine whether or not the difference in the printing cost is within the range of the function variable range designation information. As a result of the determination, if the printing cost difference is out of the range of the function variable range designation information, the process proceeds to Step P49. If the printing cost difference is within the range of the function variable range designating information, the process proceeds to Step P48. Then, the adjustment function information obtained by adjusting (correcting) the printing cost of the own printer function information to a value equivalent to the printing cost of the rival printer is set in the public function DB, and the process shifts to Step P49.

The comparison with the printing cost of the opposing printer may be made by comparing with the minimum printing cost or the standard printing cost of the opposing printer.

In step P49, it is determined whether or not the opposing printer has a duplex function. If the opposing printer does not have the duplex function, the process ends. On the other hand, if the competing printer has the duplex function, the process shifts to step P50 to determine whether the cost of the duplex printer is lower for the competing printer. If the result of the determination is that the own device has lower duplex printing cost, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the opposing printer has lower duplex printing cost, the opposing printer has lower duplex printing cost. The process shifts to P51, where it is determined whether or not the difference between the two-sided costs is within the range of the function variable range designation information. As a result of the determination, if the difference between the two-sided printing costs is out of the range of the function variable range designation information, the process is terminated, while if the difference in the cost of the two-sided printing is within the range of the function variable range designation information, Moves to Step P52, sets adjustment function information in which the cost of double-sided printing of its own printer function information is adjusted (corrected) to a value equivalent to the cost of double-sided printing of the competing printer in the public function DB, and Move to P49.

A specific example will be described.
As shown in the actual function DB of FIG. 8, the function information of “double-sided printing cost (print-cost-per-duplex)” is “15yen
Is set to "12", if the two-sided printing cost of the rival printer is "12 yen", the difference between the two-sided printing cost of the rival printer and its own two-sided printing cost is "3 yen
, And falls within the range of “15yen”, the function variable range designation information of the double-sided printing cost in the function variable range DB shown in FIG. Adjustment function information "20ppm"
Is set in the public function DB as shown in FIG.

[0107] If only the own printer is provided with the double-sided function and other printers for printing on one side are cheaper than the cost of one-sided printing of the own machine, the cost of one-sided printing is reduced to the same cost as the competing printer. The configuration may be modified so that the double-sided printing cost is set as the standard printing cost. In this case, the printing unit price reported at the time of charging report may be changed to adjust the actual amount charged to the user. The functions to be adjusted can be adjusted not only for printing speed, resolution, and printing cost, but also for font functions as long as they have equivalent fonts. If the same output result can be obtained by an electronic sorting function or the like even if the number is not sufficient, the function can be adjusted so as to match the function of the counterpart printer.

Next, the printing operation of the printing system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the main processing of the printing operation of the printing system 1. FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining a printer selection process executed by the host computer 3.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the process of step S21 in the printer selection process of FIG.

In FIG. 17, first, in the workstation 2, a print document is created by an input operation of an input unit by an operator (step T 1). Next, job settings are made so that the created print document is printed on the printer 4. Perform (Step T2). Here, as the job, selection of a printing apparatus, selection of paper and a paper supply / ejection tray, setting of double-sided printing, setting of the number of copies, resolution, completion request time, and the like are set. The print data corresponding to the set job and the print document is sent to the host computer 3 as a print job (step T3).

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the data format of a print job. The print job is in a text file format as shown in FIG. 18, and includes print data and print condition data for printing the print data. One line includes a parameter name and zero or more parameter values, and the parameter name and the parameter value are separated by a white space such as a space or a tab. The line starting with “#” is a comment and is ignored in the print system 1.

When the host computer 3 receives the print job transmitted from the workstation 2 (step S10), it executes a printer selection process described later in detail, and executes this print job based on the print job. (Step S)
11).

Next, the host computer 3 determines whether the selected printer is available (the next print job is ready for printing) (step S12).
If the result of the determination is that the selected printer is available, a print job is sent to the selected printer (step S14). If the selected printer is not available, it waits until it becomes available (step S13), and sends a print job to the selected printer (step S1).
4). Here, the print job transmitted from the host computer 3 to the selected printer includes, from the print job received from the workstation 2, conditions used only for selecting a device (printer) (namely, device designation, completion request time designation). ), That is, print condition data and print data such as selection of paper and a paper supply / discharge tray, setting of double-sided printing, number of copies, and the like. This is because data for selecting these devices is not necessary since the printer has been selected.

When the printer 4 receives a print job from the host computer 3 (step P60), it changes the settings of the printer 4 itself in accordance with the settings of the received print job. Send

Subsequently, the printer 4 performs print processing of the print data (step P61), and every time one sheet of paper is discharged, the PDL (Page
-Description Language), and notifies the printer manager of the number of copies specified in the print job settings as the print job progress status one by one to the printer manager. At the time of double-sided printing, information indicating whether printing has been completed on the front or the back is also notified at the same time. Then, when all the processing of the print data is completed, the end of the printing is notified to the host computer (step P62), and the print job is completed.

Next, the printer selection process executed by the host computer in step S11 in FIG. 17 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In FIG. 19, first, the host computer 4 determines whether or not a specific printer is designated in the setting of the received print job (step S2).
0). If the result of the determination is that a specific printer has been designated, the flow proceeds to step S25, where this printer is selected as the printer to which the print job is to be sent, and the printer selection processing ends, and the processing proceeds to step S12 in FIG. Move to On the other hand, if a specific printer has not been specified in the print job in step S20, the process proceeds to step S21, and the print job is executed with reference to the printer function list created in step S3 in FIG. One or a plurality of printers having the function of performing the selection are selected.
The details of the processing in step S21 will be described later (see FIG. 20).

Next, the host computer 3 determines whether or not a plurality of printers have been selected as printers capable of executing a print job (step S22). If one printer has been selected, the printer selection processing is performed. And the process moves to step S12 in FIG. On the other hand, if a plurality of printers have been selected, step S24
Then, the fastest printer is selected from the plurality of printers, and the printer selection process is completed.
The process moves to step S12 of FIG.

Next, the processing in step S21 will be described with reference to FIG.
A description will be given based on the flowchart of FIG.

In FIG. 20, first, the host computer 3 prepares to check the first printer in the printer function list (see FIG. 6) created in step S3 of FIG. 10 (step S30). Is reached (whether or not all printers have been completed) (step S31). If the result of the determination is that the end of the printer function list has been reached, the routine ends, and the routine proceeds to step S22 in FIG.
On the other hand, if the end of the printer function list has not been reached, the process proceeds to step S32.

In step S32, it is determined with reference to the printer function list whether or not a necessary medium specified by the print job (for example, paper of the size specified by the print job) is provided. If the result of the determination is that the required medium is not provided, the flow proceeds to step S38, whereas if the required medium is provided, the flow proceeds to step S33.

In step S33, referring to the printer function list, it is determined whether or not the printer supports the double-sided mechanism when the double-sided mechanism is specified in the print job. If it is determined that the duplex job is specified in the print job and the printer does not support the duplex mode, the process proceeds to step S38. If the duplex job is not specified in the print job or the duplex If the mechanism is specified and the printer does not support the duplex mechanism, the process proceeds to step S34.

In step S34, with reference to the printer function list, if color printing is specified in the print job, it is determined whether the printer supports color printing. If it is determined that color printing is specified in the print job and the printer does not support color printing, the process proceeds to step S38. On the other hand, if color printing is not specified in the print job, If color printing has been designated and the printer does not support color printing, the process proceeds to step S35.

In step S35, by referring to the printer function list, if multiple copies are specified in the print job, it is determined whether the printer supports multiple copies. If the result of the determination is that multiple copies have been specified in the print job and the printer does not support multiple copies, the process proceeds to step S38, while if multiple copies have not been specified in the print job, If the printer specifies multiple copies and the printer does not support multiple copies, the process proceeds to step S36.

In step S36, it is determined whether or not the printer supports the print data format by referring to the printer function list. As a result of the determination, if the printer does not support the print data format, the process proceeds to step S38, while if the printer supports the print data format, the process proceeds to step S37.

In step S37, the current printer is added to the job executable printer list, and preparations are made for checking the next printer in the printer function list (step S38). The same processing is repeated until all the printers in the function list are completed.

The printer selected as a printer capable of executing a print job is a group of printers having the minimum necessary functions as described above. The conditions at this time include having a required medium and having a mechanism (such as a double-sided mechanism) necessary to realize the required item. Furthermore, one is selected from this set under some conditions. This condition is selected by the administrator of the print system, and in the printer selection process shown in FIG. 19, an example in which “the printer that can print the fastest” is selected in step S24 has been described.
“The printer that can print at the lowest cost” may be selected.

More specifically, the following printers A, B,
In the print system having the configuration C, a job requiring double-sided printing is first executed by the printer A, and the printer B is selected only when the printer A is not available. In the case of a job requiring one-sided printing, the printer A is given priority, followed by the printer C, and the printer C is selected only when it cannot be used.

Printer A: Both sides possible, 20 ppm (one side), 18 ppm (both sides), 1200 dpi 3 yen / sheet, 8 yen / side Printer B: Both sides possible, 17 ppm (one side), 16 ppm (both sides), 800 dpi 3 yen / sheet, 8 Circular / double-sided Printer C: Double-sided impossible, 19ppm (single-sided), 600dpi,
2 yen / sheet

As described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of printers 4
Respectively detect various function information related to printing of the own apparatus, detect various functions related to printing of another printer, and detect various function information related to printing of the own apparatus and printing related to printing of the other printer. The function information is compared with various types of function information, and within the range of the function variable range designation information of the function variable range DB, the function information of the own device is adjusted to indicate the adjustment function information (showing a function superior to the actual function of the own device) ( Public function DB) to the host computer 3, and the host computer 3
A printer function list is created based on the adjustment function information (function disclosure DB) sent from each of the plurality of printers 4, and
One suitable for executing a print job from a printer function list based on a function required in a received print job.
Is selected.

Accordingly, the printer reports to the host computer the functions relating to its own printing that are superior to the actual functions within a range that does not significantly affect the results of the print job. It can be presumed to provide a function related to printing that is equal to or more than that of a specific printer. It is possible to prevent a specific printer from being unevenly consumed due to a slight difference in the functions of the printer, and to reduce the overall system. It is possible to provide a service providing system that does not reduce work efficiency. In addition, since the printer is configured to adjust its own function information within the range of the function variable range designation information in the function variable range DB, a huge job frequently occurs as a slight difference in function greatly affects the result. In the environment where it occurs,
Do not reduce the efficiency of the entire printing system.

Further, in this embodiment, since the function variable range designation information of the function variable range DB can be arbitrarily set and changed by the administrator, the function variable range designation information can be stored in an environment where the system is introduced. It can be set accordingly.

In the present embodiment, the function variable range DB is stored in the hard disk of the host computer 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the function variable DB may be stored in a hard disk shared by the entire system. The variable range DB may be stored.

Further, in the present embodiment, the workstation 2 may access the host computer 3 to set and change the function variable range designation information of the function variable range DB.

In this embodiment, the print system is described as an example of the service providing system. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, another service providing system such as a facsimile system or a scanner system may be used. Is also applicable.

[0136]

As described above, according to the service providing system of the first aspect, each of the plurality of service providing devices detects various types of function information relating to the service of the own device, and detects the detected own device. The function information of the own device is compared within the range of the function variable range specification information that defines the range in which the function information can be changed by comparing the function information of the service of The server sends adjustment service function information indicating a function that is superior to the actual function of its own device to the server, and the server sends the function requested by the received service request information and the plurality of service providing devices. Since the configuration is such that the service providing apparatus is adapted to execute the service of the received service request information by comparing the service information with the adjusted service function information, The service providing device can report the function related to its own service to the server as being superior to the actual function without significantly affecting the service result. As a result, only a few functions of the service providing device can be reported. It is possible to provide a service providing system that can prevent a specific service providing device from being consumed unevenly due to a difference and that does not reduce the work efficiency of the entire system.

According to the service providing system of the present invention, each of the plurality of printers detects various types of function information relating to its own printing, and detects the various types of function information relating to its own printing. Compares with various function information related to printing of other printers, adjusts the function information of own machine within the range of function variable range specification information that specifies the range in which function information can be changed, and Also sends adjustment printer function information indicating excellent functions to the server, and the server
The function requested in the received print job is compared with the adjusted printer function information sent from each of the plurality of printers,
Since the configuration is such that one printer suitable for executing the received print job is selected, the printer has its own printing-related functions superior to the actual functions within a range that does not significantly affect the results of the print job. As a result, it is possible to prevent a particular printer from being consumed unevenly due to a slight difference in the function of the printer, and does not reduce the work efficiency of the entire system. A service providing system can be provided.

According to the service providing system of the third aspect, each of the plurality of printers detects various types of function information related to printing of its own device, and detects various functions related to printing of another printer. Compares the detected various types of function information relating to the printing of the own device with the various types of function information relating to the printing of another printer, and within the range of the function variable range designation information defining the range in which the function information can be changed, And sends adjustment function information indicating a function superior to the actual function of its own device to the server, and the server prints the function information based on the adjustment printer function information sent from each of the plurality of printers. A list is created, and one printer suitable for executing the print job is selected from a printer function list based on a function required for the received print job. As a result, it is possible to report to the server the functions related to the printing of the own device as being superior to the actual functions without significantly affecting the result of the print job, and as a result, there is only a slight difference in the functions of the printer. As a result, it is possible to prevent a specific printer from being consumed unevenly, and to provide a service providing system that does not reduce the work efficiency of the entire system.

Further, according to the service providing system of the fourth aspect, the function variable range designation information can be arbitrarily set and changed by the administrator. In addition to the effects of the described service providing system, the function variable range designation information can be set according to the environment in which the system is introduced.

According to the server of the fifth aspect, a printer function list is created based on the functions required by the received print job and the adjustment function information sent from each of the plurality of printers. Based on the function to be performed, one printer suitable for executing the print job is selected from the printer function list, so that a particular printer is unevenly consumed due to a slight difference in the functions of the printer. It is possible to prevent
In addition, it is possible to provide a server in a service providing system that does not reduce the work efficiency of the entire system.

According to the printer of the sixth aspect,
In the service providing system, each of the printers detects various types of function information regarding its own printing, and compares the detected various types of function information regarding its own printing with those regarding other printers. And adjusting the function information of the own device within the range of the function variable range specification information defining the changeable range of the function information, and sending the adjusted printer function information indicating a function superior to the actual function of the own device to the server. Because of this configuration, the printer can report its printing-related functions to the server as being superior to the actual functions without significantly affecting the results of the print job. It is possible to prevent a particular printer from being consumed unevenly due to differences in functions of
In addition, it is possible to provide a printer in a service providing system that does not reduce the work efficiency of the entire system.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a print system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a workstation illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a host computer illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of a printer list.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of a function variable range DB.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a data configuration of a printer function list.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the printer illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of an actual function DB.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of a public function DB.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a printer function table creation process executed under the control of the CPU of the host computer and a printer function response process executed under the control of the CPU of the printer.

FIG. 11 is an example of a data format of a function inquiry request.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data format of a print function inquiry response.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a conflicting printer function investigation process in the printer function response process of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a conflicting printer function investigation process in the printer function response process of FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a conflicting printer function investigation process in the printer function response process of FIG. 10;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a self-function adjustment process (public function DB creation process) in the printer function response process of FIG. 10;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a main process of a print operation of the print system.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a data format of a print job.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a printer selection process executed by a printer manager in the main process of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining in detail a process of step S21 in the printer selection process of FIG. 16;

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 print system 2 workstation 3 host computer 4 printer 5 network 21 input unit 22 communication unit 23 display unit 24 CPU 25 hard disk 26 disk control unit 27 RAM 31 input unit 32 communication unit 33 display unit 34 CPU 35 hard disk 36 disk control unit 37 RAM 41 communication unit 42 CPU 43 ROM 44 RAM 45 printing unit

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. Each is connected via a transmission line,
A client that sends service request information specifying a service and a condition for executing the service to the transmission path, a plurality of service providing apparatuses that execute the service, and one of the plurality of service providing apparatuses. A service providing system comprising: a server for selecting a service providing device; wherein the plurality of service providing devices include: a service providing unit for performing a service; and own device function detecting unit for detecting various function information related to a service of the own device.
The function information of the own device is compared with the various function information of the service of the other service providing device, and within the range of the function variable range designation information that defines the changeable range of the function information, Adjusting function information, and adjusting function information sending means for sending adjusting function information indicating a function superior to the actual function of the own device to the transmission path, and the server includes: A function suitable for executing the service of the service request information transmitted from the client by comparing the function requested by the received service request information with the adjustment function information transmitted from each of the plurality of service providing devices. And a service providing device selecting means for selecting the service providing device. 2. Each is connected via a transmission line,
A client that sends a print job including print data and a print condition for printing the print data to the transmission path; a plurality of printers capable of printing print data; and one of the plurality of printers A plurality of printers, the plurality of printers comprising: a printing unit for printing print data; a self-function detecting unit for detecting various function information related to printing of the self-device; Compares various function information related to printing of the printer with various function information related to printing of other printers, and adjusts the function information of own machine within the range of function variable range specification information that specifies the range in which the function information can be changed And adjusting function information sending means for sending adjusting function information indicating a function superior to the actual function of the own device to the transmission line. The collates the adjustment capability information respectively transmitted transmission path required function in the print job received via the plurality of printers, suitable for performing the print job 1
A service providing system including a printer selecting means for selecting a printer. 3. Each is connected via a transmission line,
A client that sends a print job including print data and a print condition for printing the print data to the transmission path; a plurality of printers capable of printing print data; and one of the plurality of printers A plurality of printers, a plurality of printers, a printing unit for printing print data, an own device function detecting unit for detecting various types of function information relating to printing of the own device, and another printer. Other function detecting means for detecting various functions related to printing of the printer, comparing various function information related to printing of the own device with various function information related to printing of the other printer, and defining a changeable range of the function information. Adjustment function information that indicates a function superior to the actual function of its own device by adjusting its own function information within the range of the function variable range specification information The server includes an adjustment function information sending unit that sends the function information to the transmission path. The server includes a storage unit that stores changeable range information that defines a changeable range of the function information, and is sent from the plurality of printers. A printer function list creating unit for creating a printer function list based on the adjustment function information; and executing the print job from the printer function list based on a function required in the print job received via the transmission path. And a printer selecting means for selecting one printer suitable for the service. 4. The service providing system according to claim 1, wherein the function variable range designation information can be arbitrarily set and changed by an administrator. 5. A client for transmitting print data including print data and print conditions for printing the print data to the transmission path, and a plurality of printers capable of printing the print data via a transmission path. In the server, storage means for storing changeable range information defining a changeable range of the function information, and printer function list creation means for creating a printer function list based on adjustment function information sent from each of the plurality of printers And a printer selecting unit that selects one printer suitable for executing the print job from the printer function list based on a function requested by the print job received via the transmission path. A server, characterized in that: 6. A client that sends out a print job including print data and print conditions for printing the print data to the transmission path via a transmission path, and a server that selects one printer from a plurality of printers. A printer connected to the printer, print means for printing print data, self-function detection means for detecting various function information related to printing of the own apparatus, and other function detection for detecting various functions related to printing of another printer Means, comparing various function information related to printing of the own device and various function information related to printing of the other printer, within a range of function variable range specification information that specifies a changeable range of the function information, Adjusting function information sending means for adjusting the function information of the own device and sending the adjusting function information indicating a function superior to the actual function of the own device to the transmission line. The printer according to claim.