JP2020019153A - Printing system, printer and control method therefor, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of discriminating whether or not a folder of an access destination is the folder in which print setting is performed (hot folder) on an operation screen when transmitting screen information on the operation screen for accessing a file system of a printer to an information processor.SOLUTION: A compound machine (printer) transmits screen information on an operation screen which can be displayed by a web browser so as to receive operation for a folder of an access destination to a client device (information processor). The operation screen includes information indicating whether or not the folder of the access destination is a hot folder. The compound machine receives a request for accessing a file system from the client device. When a printing object file is stored in the requested folder of the access destination from the client device, the compound machine performs printing processing of the printing object file in accordance with print setting associated with the folder.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program.

  A hot folder is prepared in a client device such as a PC, and a print job is automatically transmitted from the client device to a printing device (image forming device) such as a printer in accordance with storage of a file to be printed in the hot folder, and printing is performed. A mechanism for executing a process is known. According to this mechanism, the user of the client device can issue a print instruction by a relatively simple operation of storing the print target file in the hot folder. For example, when a print instruction is issued with the same print settings for a large number of print target files (print data), such a print instruction can be issued by storing the files collectively in a hot folder. For this reason, the user can be released from the trouble of opening an individual file using an application such as a printer driver and issuing a print instruction.

  In recent years, a mechanism has been known in which the above-described hot folder is built in a printing apparatus and a hot folder function is provided as a function of the printing apparatus (device built-in hot folder function). With the built-in device hot folder function, the file system and file server of the printing device publish the shared folder to an external client device, and the printing device executes printing according to the storage of the file to be printed in the shared folder. Function.

  The device built-in hot folder function can provide the user with further convenience while providing the same operability and convenience as the hot folder operating on the client device. First, there is no need to install an application for realizing the hot folder function in the client device. Second, if the client device has a function of accessing the file system of the printing device, a printing environment independent of the operating system can be realized. Third, since the print settings corresponding to the hot folder are held by the printing device, it is not necessary for each client device to individually hold or manage the print settings.

JP 2014-219920 A

  The above-mentioned prior art has the following problems. According to the mechanism of the device built-in hot folder function described above, an application such as a file browser of the client device is used for accessing the file system of the printing device from the client device. In this case, the hot folder on the printing apparatus is treated as a simple folder in the file system by the file browser. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to see at a glance whether the folder displayed by the file browser is a hot folder for print processing or a normal folder for storing files. As a result, there is a possibility that an erroneous operation by the user such as an operation of erroneously storing a print target file in a normal folder may be caused.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. According to the present invention, when screen information of an operation screen for accessing a file system of a printing apparatus is transmitted to an information processing apparatus, a folder (hot folder) in which an access destination folder is set for printing on the operation screen. It is an object of the present invention to provide a technology that enables determination of whether or not the above is true.

  The printing device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives a request to access a file system managed by the printing device from the information processing device, and a file to be printed from the information processing device in a requested access destination folder. When stored, a processing unit that prints the file to be printed according to the print settings associated with the folder, and an operation screen that can be displayed by a web browser for accepting an operation on the access destination folder Transmitting means for transmitting, to the information processing apparatus, screen information of the operation screen including information indicating whether or not the access destination folder is a folder for which print setting has been performed. And

  Further, a printing system according to an aspect of the present invention is a printing system including a printing device and an information processing device capable of communicating with the printing device, wherein the printing device is a file system managed by the printing device. Receiving means for receiving a request to access from the information processing apparatus; and storing a file to be printed from the information processing apparatus in a requested access destination folder, according to print settings associated with the folder. A processing unit for performing a file print process, and an operation screen that can be displayed by a web browser for accepting an operation on the access destination folder, wherein the access destination folder is a folder for which print settings have been made. First transmission means for transmitting screen information of the operation screen including information indicating whether or not the information is displayed to the information processing apparatus; A display control unit that accesses the file system, displays an operation screen as a web browser screen on a display unit based on screen information received from the printing device, and is displayed on the display unit. A second transmission unit that, when receiving an operation of storing a print target file in a folder for which print settings have been made via the operation screen, transmits the print target file to the printing apparatus. .

  According to the present invention, when the screen information of the operation screen for accessing the file system of the printing apparatus is transmitted to the information processing apparatus, the access destination folder on the operation screen is a folder for which print settings have been made. It is possible to determine whether or not.

FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration example of a printing system. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of the entire printing system. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a hot folder printing system. FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a program of the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment. FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a client device, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a program included in the client device according to the embodiment; FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen displayed on the client device as a result of the client device transmitting a web request to use the device built-in hot folder to the MFP. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a built-in hot folder function screen displayed on the client device when the user is successfully authenticated. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a built-in hot folder function screen displayed on the client device when the user is successfully authenticated. FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a screen displayed on the client device. FIGS. (A) and (B) showing screen examples displayed on a client device, and (C) showing an example of data storing print setting information included in a hot folder creation request transmitted from the client device to the MFP. . FIGS. 4A and 4C show an example of a file configuration of a hot folder built into a multifunction peripheral, and FIGS. 4B and 4B show examples of a created JDF file. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a transition of a web browser screen displayed on the client device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a transition of a web browser screen displayed on the client device. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen to which a transition is made when the user selects a job setting confirmation button when the web browser screen in the client device is in the state shown in FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the client device when the user instructs the use of the function of the internal hot folder in the client device. 13 is a flowchart illustrating details of a file transmission process in S1208 in FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when a user instructs use of a hot folder function of a multifunction peripheral. 15 is a flowchart illustrating details of the print job generation processing in step S1410 in FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining details of a folder operation process in S1407 in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the means for solving the invention.

  First, the configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. A multifunction peripheral (MFP) will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, but the present embodiment is applicable to any apparatus having an image processing function.

  In the present embodiment, a multifunction peripheral (MFP) 101 will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus, and a PC and a mobile terminal will be described as examples of a client apparatus as an information processing apparatus. The multifunction peripheral 101 and the PCs 102 and 103 are communicably connected via a network 100. The PC 102 and the PC 103 may be systems operated by different operating systems. Alternatively, the systems may be based on different versions of the same operating system. In the present embodiment, such a printing system environment in which the types of application execution environments of the client device are mixed is assumed.

  Further, a wireless LAN access point 105 is connected to the network 100. The wireless LAN access point 105 is configured to be able to communicate with the portable terminal 104 and various other types of devices (not shown) via the wireless LAN. In other words, in the present embodiment, a device such as the portable terminal 104 is provided with a printing environment described below as a client device similarly to the PC 102 and the PC 103. Such portable terminals 104 are rapidly spreading, and the diversification of products is remarkable. Further, with the spread of such highly portable terminals, for example, a client device of a user who requests printing to the multifunction peripheral 101 arranged on the network 100 shown in FIG. Can be assumed.

  Next, the PCs 102 and 103 and the mobile terminal 104, which are client devices, will be described. Hereinafter, the PC 102, the PC 103, and the portable terminal 104 are collectively referred to as a client device.

  The PCs 102 and 103 can execute various programs such as an application program for submitting a print job. However, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that these printing application programs are not installed. In other words, in the present embodiment, the client device does not have a printing application program provided on each environment. However, it is assumed that a network file sharing means and a web information access means such as a web browser which a modern operating system usually has are provided. By using the above-described web information access unit, the client device can mutually use information transmission / reception and sharing functions via the web with devices connected to the network 100. Therefore, the client device can transmit and receive various data including the file to be printed to the multifunction peripheral 101 using the web information access unit.

  FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of processing between the client device and the user using the function of the device built-in hot folder according to the present embodiment and the MFP 101 providing the device built-in hot folder function.

  The user 201 is a user of the client device, that is, a user of the device built-in hot folder function according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, a control flow including transmission and reception of control signals between these systems when providing a hot folder function to the user 201 in each system of the user 201, the client device, and the multifunction peripheral 101 will be described. However, when a plurality of subsystems need to perform processing while interacting in each system, the flow will be described at the level of those subsystems.

  The subsystem of the user 201 is a user operation 202. This occurs as a result of the content of the operation specified by the user via the screen provided by the web browser 555 (FIG. 5) as the operation unit 203 and the result of the operation in order to realize the series of flows illustrated in FIG. This shows the relationship between the flows. The operation unit 203 executes a screen transition of the web browser, data transmission / reception with the multifunction peripheral 101, and a process of executing a program such as a JAVA (registered trademark) script, which is executed by operating a screen provided by the web browser 555 provided in the client device. Subsystem to perform.

  The multifunction peripheral 101 is divided into three subsystems. That is, the three subsystems are a web server 204, a file system 205, and a print control unit 206. The web server 204 provides web page information regarding the device built-in hot folder. The web server 204 is realized by the CPU 405 (FIG. 4) executing the web server program 455 (FIG. 4). The file system 205 executes processing for opening a shared folder or file stored in the HDD 409 (FIG. 4) of the multifunction peripheral 101 to an external device. The file system 205 is realized by the CPU 405 executing the file system server 454 (FIG. 4).

  In S201, the user instructs the web browser 555 serving as the operation unit 203 to start an operation. Specifically, the user inputs a specific web address, presses a start button, and gives an instruction to transition to a specified screen. In step S202, in response to the instruction in step S201, the operation unit 203 accesses the web server 204 included in the MFP 101. Upon receiving this access, the web server 204 executes a user authentication process of the user 201 who has made the access. In the authentication process, a flow such as a process of inputting authentication information from the user 201 to the operation unit 203 strictly occurs, but is omitted in the figure, and it is assumed that the authentication process is correctly performed. Further, the following flow will be described.

  In step S <b> 203, the web server 204 makes an inquiry to the file system 205 to obtain directory information of a specific folder to be displayed on the operation unit 203. In S204, the directory information is returned from the file system 205 to the web server 204 as a result. The web server 204 creates image information (page information) for displaying an image that can be visually recognized by the user 201 based on the directory information. Then, in step S205, the created page information is transmitted to the operation unit 203 as a response to step S202. The operation unit 203 generates and displays a screen based on the received page information, and presents the screen as an image to the user 201 in S206. Note that in the following flow, the target directory inquired in S203 is not a hot folder, but a line for a normal folder, for convenience of describing the process of creating a hot folder (ie, creating and storing a print setting file). Assuming a case, the description of the flow will be continued below.

  When the user instructs a hot folder creation process as a process to be performed thereafter, in step S207, a print function associated with the hot folder is set. The setting of the print function is performed by the user 201 by using the operation screen in which the operation unit 203 acquires the screen information of the operation screen from the web server 204 and displays the screen information for the setting. Note that the processing from when the operation unit 203 acquires screen information corresponding to this operation screen to when the operation screen is displayed for the user 201 is basically the same as the flow from S201 to S206. The explanation is omitted here.

  When the operation unit 203 receives the operation instruction given by the user in step S207, the operation unit 203 transmits print setting information associated with the hot folder selected by the user 201 to the web server 204 in step S208. Thereby, the web server 204 stores the received print setting information in a file format as a print setting file. At this time, after performing the format conversion, the print setting file is stored in the designated directory in S209. As a result of executing the flow of FIG. 2 up to this stage, the specific folder inquired in S203 has been changed to a hot folder providing a function for printing.

  In the state where the processing up to S209 has been executed in this way, in S210, the user 201 executes an operation for inputting a print target file to the hot folder screen on the operation unit 203. Accordingly, the operation unit 203 detects that the user 201 has issued an instruction to input a file to be printed, and executes the processes in and after S211.

  In step S <b> 211, the operation unit 203 transmits the print target file and folder path information when a print instruction is issued to the web server 204. Thus, the web server 204 executes a further processing flow based on the print target file received in S211 and the folder path information at the time when the print instruction was issued. Specifically, first, in S212, the web server 204 stores the print target file in a predetermined folder of the file system 205. At the same time, in step S <b> 213, the web server 204 notifies the print control unit 206 that a print target file has arrived (ie, that a print request has been received).

  The print control unit 206 executes the printing process by controlling each device of the multifunction peripheral 101 shown in FIG. 4 with the notification of S213 as a trigger. At this time, in step S214, the print control unit 206 requests the file system 205 for the file to be printed and the print setting file stored in association with the hot folder in step S209. Next, in step S <b> 215, the print control unit 206 acquires these from the file system 205. At this stage, both the print target file and the print settings to be applied when the print control unit 206 performs the printing process on the file are provided under the print control unit 206. Accordingly, in step S216, the print control unit 206 executes a print process. When the printing process is completed in this manner, in S217, the user can obtain a printed matter obtained by printing the print target file input in S210 based on the print setting conditions created in S207 as a result.

  Among the above-described processes, the present embodiment is particularly characterized by a series of processes from S201 to S206. As described above, in order to access the file system 205 of the multifunction peripheral 101 from the client device and store the print target file in a specific folder, an application such as a file browser of the client device has been used. In this case, it is difficult for the user to determine at a glance whether the folder displayed by the file browser is a specific folder (hot folder) for print processing or a normal folder for storing files. This could lead to erroneous operation.

  In the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 2, the web browser 555 can be used for access from the client device to the file system 205 of the multifunction peripheral 101 for print processing. In particular, the web server 204 of the multifunction peripheral 101 changes the operation screen according to whether the folder displayed by the web browser 555 accessing the file system 205 is a hot folder or not. Provide screen information. This enables the user of the client device to easily determine whether or not the folder to be operated in the file system 205 is a hot folder for print processing. Further, by making it easy to determine the folder to be operated, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation by the user (for example, an operation of storing a file to be printed in a normal folder that is not a hot folder).

  Next, the system configuration of the printing system will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the hot folder printing system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the printing system can be represented by a set of a plurality of functional modules. Each module may be realized by hardware or software. Further, some of the function modules may be arranged in an external server (not shown), and the functions may be realized by communicating with the external server. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the portions common to FIG. 2, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The printing system includes the above-described operation unit 203, web server 204, file system 205, print control unit 206, printing unit 314, authentication unit 304, and the like.

  The operation unit 203 includes a UI unit 301, a browser application unit 302, and a remote file system unit 303.

  The UI unit 301 is a functional unit provided to provide a means for displaying an operation screen and receiving data input / output instructions and operation instructions. The operation content of the user is reflected on the browser application unit 302 and the remote file system unit 303.

  The browser application unit 302 is a functional unit that presents screen information by displaying web content on a window screen on the UI unit 301. The browser application unit 302 performs a process of transmitting and receiving information to and from the web server 204 described below. Screen information is mainly provided from the browser application unit 302 to the UI unit 301.

  The remote file system unit 303 is a functional unit for operating folders and files in the multifunction peripheral 101 using a file system function provided in the client device. The remote file system unit 303 accesses the file management unit 311 and performs various operations according to the access authority based on the setting information of the sharing setting unit 310. Exchange of sharing setting information is performed between the remote file system unit 303 and the sharing setting unit 310. The following operations can be specifically performed by using the remote file system function. That is, it is possible to obtain information on the folder hierarchy, path information, sub-folder and file list information under the folder, and execute processing originating from the file system such as creation / deletion processing of folders or files.

  Alternatively, a file may be input to a folder under the management of the file management unit 311 using the function of the remote file system unit 303. For example, a print target file such as a file in PDF format may be input to the hot folder. Alternatively, a file in the JDF format may be input into the shared folder to make it available as a hot folder. However, in the present embodiment, a description will be given focusing on a method of using a hot folder using a web page. Therefore, a detailed description of how to use the hot folder function using the file system is omitted.

  The file system unit 205 is a functional unit that executes processing for opening a shared folder and a file provided by the multifunction peripheral 101 to an external device. That is, it is a function unit for managing the share folder and the shared folder. The file system unit 205 includes a sharing setting unit 310 and a file management unit 311. The file management unit 311 is a functional unit that manages folders and files provided in a storage area in the MFP 101. The file management unit 311 reads and writes a file from and to a storage area. The sharing setting unit 310 is a functional unit that handles access right settings for folders and files managed by the file management unit 311. Note that the access authority can be set for each user.

  The web server 204 is a functional unit that provides a web service of the multifunction peripheral 101 to an external device. The web server 204 executes a series of processes for receiving various requests (requests) from the external device and returning a result of executing a process according to the content to the external device in the form of page information. The web server 204 includes a response generation unit 306, a data transfer unit 307, and a notification unit 309.

  The response generation unit 306 is a functional unit that executes processing when a request related to page update is received from the browser application unit 302 of the client device (external device). The response generation unit 306 determines page information to be transmitted based on the request content, and transmits the page information to the browser application 203.

  The data transfer unit 307 is a functional unit that executes processing of data transmitted via the browser application unit 302. The data transfer unit 307 acquires the PDF file 312 from the browser application unit 302 and transfers the PDF file 312 to the data acquisition unit 327. The data transfer unit 307 acquires print setting information from the browser application unit 302 and transfers the print setting information to the data acquisition unit 327.

  The notification unit 309 is a functional unit that exchanges information with the hot folder function unit 321 by receiving a request as a trigger. For example, when a print target file (PDF file 312) is transmitted via the browser application unit 302, that is, when a request for hot folder printing comes, the request for hot folder printing is notified to the hot folder function unit 321. I do. The notification unit 309 controls the execution timing of a series of processing such as print processing, folder hierarchy movement processing, generation of drawing information associated therewith, and reply processing. When an image update response is received from the notification unit 324, the notification unit 309 requests the response generation unit 306 to generate a page.

  The web server 204 can switch between permission and non-permission of the use of the web service in cooperation with the authentication unit 304. That is, user access control to the web service can be realized.

  The authentication unit 304 is a functional unit that performs processing when authentication information is transmitted from the web server 204. When the authentication information (user name and password) is transmitted from the browser application unit 302, the authentication unit 304 checks the authentication information in the user DB 305. The user DB 305 is stored in a storage area of the MFP 101. A plurality of user names are managed in the user DB 305, and a password is set in association with the user name. The authentication unit 304 searches for a user name that matches the acquired user name in the user DB. If there is a matching user name, the authentication unit 304 determines whether the obtained password matches the password stored in the user DB. If both the user name and the password match, the authentication unit 304 sends a notification of successful authentication to the web server 204, and if one of them does not match, sends a notification of authentication failure to the web server 204. Upon receiving the notification of successful authentication, the web server 204 permits the user to use the web service provided by the web server 204. That is, the web server 204 permits the user to use the hot folder function.

  The printing unit 314 is a functional unit that controls image forming processing (print processing) for forming an image on a sheet. The product output by the printing unit 314 is provided to the user 201.

  The print control unit 206 is a functional unit that controls the printing unit 314, forms an image on a sheet based on print target data, and performs a series of controls for processing the sheet. Here, a series of image formation performed based on the print data is referred to as a print job. The print control unit 206 performs management for each print job. The print control unit 206 includes a job execution unit 316, a job management unit 326, and a hot folder function unit 321.

  The hot folder function unit 321 is a core function unit for realizing the device built-in hot folder function in the multifunction peripheral 101. The functions provided by the hot folder function unit 321 include processing related to creating a hot folder, processing related to the execution of an input print job, processing for setting the internal hot folder function itself, and an operation unit for instructing each of these functions. For example, a process of presenting an operation screen to the user 203 is included. The hot folder function unit 321 includes a directory monitoring unit 322, a job registration request unit 323, a data acquisition unit 327, a JDF generation unit 325, and a notification unit 324.

  The notification unit 324 is a functional unit that communicates with the notification unit 309. Upon receiving the print processing execution trigger from the notification unit 309, the notification unit 324 requests the job registration request unit 323 to register the print job. When the notification unit 324 receives the screen update trigger from the notification unit 309, the notification unit 324 returns information used for displaying the operation screen on the operation unit 203. For example, when a request for a folder operation is received from the notification unit 309, information based on the directory information acquired from the directory monitoring unit 322 is returned to the notification unit 309.

  The data acquisition unit 327 is a functional unit that acquires data transferred from the data transfer unit 307. Upon acquiring the PDF file 312 from the data transfer unit 307, the data acquisition unit 327 performs storage processing for storing the PDF file 312 in the storage area of the multifunction peripheral 101. Specifically, the data acquisition unit 327 requests the file management unit 311 to store the PDF file 312 in order to store the PDF file 312 in the storage area. The data acquisition unit 327 performs storage processing for storing a print setting file based on the print setting information from the data transfer unit 307 in the storage area of the multifunction peripheral 101. Specifically, the data acquisition unit 327 uses the JDF generation unit 325 to convert the print setting information into a JDF file 313. Further, the data acquisition unit 327 requests the file management unit 311 to store the JDF file 313 in order to store the JDF file 313 in the storage area.

  The JDF generation unit 325 is a functional unit that performs a process of converting print setting information. When the JDF generation unit 325 acquires the print setting information from the data acquisition unit 327, the JDF generation unit 325 replaces the print setting information with the command in the JDF format and returns it to the data acquisition unit 327.

  The job registration request unit 323 is a functional unit that requests the print job management unit 326 to register a print job based on the PDF file 312 and the JDF file 313. Information used for registering a print job includes storage location information of the PDF file 312 and storage location information of the JDF file 313.

  On the other hand, the multifunction peripheral 101 according to the present embodiment can use the conventional device built-in hot folder function. The directory monitoring unit 322 is a functional unit that acquires information on directories managed by the file system unit 205. The directory monitoring unit 322 acquires information on a directory managed by the file system unit 205 in response to receiving a request requiring directory information. For example, when the folder operation process is performed, directory information such as the hierarchical structure of the folder is acquired and transmitted to the web server 204 via the notification unit 324. The directory information may be directly exchanged between the file system unit 205 and the web server 204.

  The directory monitoring unit 322 is a functional unit for detecting storage of a file to be printed. The directory monitoring unit 322 constantly monitors whether or not print target data such as a PDF file 312 is newly added to a specific folder managed by the file system unit 205. When the storage of the print target file is detected by the regular monitoring processing, the job registration request unit 323 is requested to register the print job. If the device built-in hot folder function is used only on a web page, this monitoring may be stopped. Stopping the monitoring reduces access to the storage area, which leads to energy saving of the multifunction peripheral 101.

  The job management unit 326 is a functional unit that manages information about a print job. The job management unit 326 includes a print queue management unit 319 and a job registration unit 320. The job registration unit 320 is a functional unit that registers bibliographic information of print data according to a registration request. The registered bibliographic information includes a storage address of print data, user information, a storage address of print setting information or a print setting file, status information, and the like. The print queue management unit 319 is a functional unit that assigns an order to individual print jobs and manages the execution order. When a job is registered by the job registration unit 320, the print queue management unit 319 places the registered job in a print queue (waiting list). The print queue management unit 319 gives an execution instruction to the job execution unit 316 for the first job in the print queue. The print job for which the print processing has been completed is removed from the print queue. The print queue management unit 319 similarly processes the next print job until there is no print job in the print queue.

  The job execution unit 316 is a functional unit that performs various controls associated with the execution of the print processing. The job execution unit 316 includes an image generation unit 317 and a print setting unit 318. The image generation unit 317 is a functional unit that generates an image in page units based on print data. The image generation unit 317 acquires the PDF file 312 and generates image data based on the PDL command of the PDF file 312. The generated image data is transmitted to the printing unit 314. The print setting unit 318 is a functional unit that reflects the print settings on the image data generated by the image generation unit 317. The print setting unit 318 extracts the print settings from the JDF file 313 via the job registration unit 320, and reflects the extracted print settings in the image generation of the image generation unit 317. The print setting unit 318 determines a print control command to be transmitted to the print unit 314 based on the extracted print settings.

  As described above, the device built-in hot folder function according to the present embodiment is characterized in that print target data is received via the web server 204. Therefore, the notification unit 324 receives a print processing execution trigger from the notification unit 309 managed by the web server 204, and the job registration request unit 323 requests the job registration unit 320 to register the print job. Be executed.

  The hot folder function unit 321 is also assumed to be able to use the device built-in hot folder function of the multifunction peripheral 101 by an application such as a file browser. Specifically, the directory monitoring unit 322 constantly monitors the file system 205 to determine whether a print target file such as a PDF file 312 is located in a specific folder. When the arrangement of the print target file is detected by the regular monitoring processing, the job registration request unit 323 is caused to register the print job in the job registration unit 320. This allows the client device to use the device built-in hot folder function of the multifunction peripheral 101 regardless of whether a web browser or a file browser is used.

  FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the MFP 101 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 101 is configured such that a plurality of parts and devices having different roles are interconnected, and various sheet processing can be performed. Hereinafter, each device included in the multifunction peripheral 101 will be described.

  The multifunction peripheral 101 has a print device 403 that conveys a medium (sheet) stored in the paper feeding device 412 with the developed image data and forms an image on the medium using toner. The configuration and operation of the printing device 403 are as follows.

  A rotating polygon mirror (polygon mirror or the like) reflects a light beam such as a laser beam modulated according to image data, and irradiates the photosensitive drum as reflected scanning light. As a result, the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum is developed by the toner, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet material, that is, a medium adhered on the transfer drum. A full-color image is formed by sequentially executing this series of image forming processes for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners. Further, in addition to these four colors, a configuration may be adopted in which a toner called a special color or a transparent toner can be transferred. The sheet material on the transfer drum on which the full-color image has been formed is conveyed to a fixing device. The fixing device is configured by a combination of a roller and a belt, incorporates a heat source such as a halogen heater, and melts and fixes the transferred toner on the sheet material by heat and pressure.

  Note that the multifunction peripheral 101 according to the present embodiment includes a scan device 401 and an operation device 404. The operation device 404 provides various interfaces when an operator performs various settings and operations of the multifunction peripheral 101. The multifunction peripheral 101 is configured so that various auxiliary devices can be mounted. A sheet processing device 410 is shown as an example of these accompanying devices. The sheet processing device 410 is an apparatus for obtaining a product obtained by performing various processes on a medium on which an image is formed by the print device 403. The various processes here include a staple binding process for closing the end of the bundle of media conveyed to the sheet processing device 410 with a staple. Further, the central part of the bundle of media conveyed to the sheet processing device 410 is bound with a staple and bent along the staples, and the end of the bundle of media conveyed to the sheet processing device 410 is formed with a tooth shape. A stapleless binding process that closes by applying pressure is included. Further, a punching process for performing a punching process on an edge of the medium conveyed to the sheet processing device 410 is included. The output matter processed by the sheet processing device 410 is discharged to an output tray (not shown).

  Next, an internal configuration (mainly, a software configuration) of the MFP 101 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  The multifunction peripheral 101 includes a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) 409 capable of storing data of a plurality of jobs to be processed in its own apparatus. In the present embodiment, an example of the multifunction peripheral 101 using an HDD is shown, but the storage device is not limited to a hard disk as long as the storage device has the same large capacity and non-volatility. The MFP 101 has a copy function of printing job data received from the scan device 401 of the multifunction peripheral 101 by the print device 403 via the HDD 409. Further, it has a printing function and the like for printing job data received from an external device via the NIC 402 corresponding to an example of the communication unit by the printing device 403 via the HDD 409. The multifunction peripheral 101 is an MFP type printing apparatus having such a plurality of functions. In other words, the multifunction peripheral 101 may be a printing device capable of performing color printing or a printing device capable of performing monochrome printing, and may have any configuration as long as it can execute various controls described in the present embodiment. The HDD 409 also stores various management information and the like that is permanently stored, changed, and managed by the multifunction peripheral 101. The multifunction peripheral 101 also includes an operation device 404 having a display unit and the like, which is an example of a user interface unit.

  A CPU 405 (also referred to as a control unit or a controller), which is an example of a control unit included in the multifunction peripheral 101, comprehensively controls processes, operations, and the like of various units included in the multifunction peripheral 101. The ROM 407 stores various control programs including programs for executing various processes in a flowchart described below. The ROM 407 also stores a display control program for displaying various UI screens on the display unit of the operation device 404, including the illustrated user interface screen (hereinafter, referred to as a UI screen). The CPU 405 causes the multifunction peripheral 101 to execute various operations according to the present embodiment by expanding and executing the program in the ROM 407 in the RAM 408. The ROM 407 also stores a program that executes an operation of interpreting PDL (page description language) data received from an external device via the NIC 402 and developing the image into raster image data (bitmap data). Similarly, a program for interpreting and processing a print job received from an external device via the NIC 402 is also stored in the ROM 407. These are mainly processed by software. The ROM 407 further stores programs such as a boot sequence and font information, and various programs such as the above programs in advance. In addition, a file server function program for exposing the file system of the multifunction peripheral 101 to the client device and making the file system accessible, and a function using a web page via a web server of the multifunction peripheral 101 using a web browser. The web program to be provided is also stored. Further, it stores a device built-in hot folder program for providing the device built-in hot folder function to the client device by the web access unit according to the present embodiment. Details of various programs stored in the ROM 407 will be described later. The RAM 408 is a readable and writable memory, and stores image data sent from the scan device 401 and the NIC 402, various programs, and setting information.

  The HDD 409 is a large-capacity storage device that stores image data compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 406. The HDD 409 is configured to be able to hold a plurality of data such as print data of a job to be processed. The CPU 405 controls the data of the job to be processed, which is input via various input units such as the scan device 401 and the NIC 402, so that the data can be printed by the print device 403 via the HDD 409. The CPU 405 controls transmission of data to an external device via the NIC 402. In this manner, the CPU 405 can execute various output processes of the data of the processing target job stored in the HDD 409. Further, the CPU 405 can realize a function of sharing a file and transmitting / receiving a file to / from an external device with respect to the file system built in the HDD 409 by executing a program developed in the RAM 408.

  The compression / decompression circuit 406 performs compression / decompression operations on image data and the like stored in the RAM 408 or the HDD 409 by various compression methods such as JBIG and JPEG. The RIP circuit 413 outputs image data obtained by rasterizing PDL data. Under the above configuration, the CPU 405 as an example of a control unit included in the multifunction peripheral 101 also controls the operation of the sheet processing device 410. The above-described hardware modules are configured to be connectable to each other via the interface 414. Further, among the hardware modules described above, the CPU 405, the ROM 407, the RAM 408, the HDD 409, the RIP circuit 413, the compression / decompression circuit 406, the NIC 402, and the interface 414 form a controller unit 400 that controls the multifunction peripheral 101. .

  FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a program of the MFP 101 according to the present embodiment. These programs are stored in the ROM 407, and the CPU 405 develops the programs in the RAM 408 and executes the programs.

  The boot loader 451 is a program that is executed immediately after the MFP 101 is powered on. This program includes a program for executing various startup sequences required for starting the system. The operating system 452 is a program for providing an execution environment for various programs that realize the functions of the multifunction peripheral 101. The operating system 452 mainly provides functions such as resource management of the memory of the multifunction peripheral 101, that is, the ROM 407, the RAM 408, the HDD 409, and the like, and basic input / output control of other units shown in FIG. The network control program 453 is a program executed when data is transmitted / received to / from a device connected via a network. This program is used when executing various processes such as reception of a file to be printed, transmission of data to an external device, transmission and reception of commands, and the like. The network control program 453 also includes a driver program for controlling the NIC 402. The file system server 454 is a server program for providing a request for file creation, transmission, reception, and the like to an external device connected via a network for a file in the HDD 409 provided in the multifunction peripheral 101. When the program is activated and operated, the client device connected to the network can use the service provided by the file or the file system of the HDD 409 via the network.

  The web server 455 is a server function providing program that enables a client device connected via a network to use web contents provided by the multifunction peripheral 101 and web services provided by a web program. By activating and operating this program, client devices connected to the network can use web services such as web content and web programs provided by the multifunction peripheral 101 via the network.

  The hot folder function program 456 is a characteristic program provided in the multifunction peripheral 101. The hot folder function program 456 detects reception of a request for a web service from a client device connected to the network, and executes a series of functions provided as a device built-in hot folder function in response to the detected reception request. In other words, the hot folder function program 456 enables a request transmission operation from an external device to be replaced with a print operation.

  The hot folder function program 456 performs transmission of html data and transmission of a program such as a JAVA script through communication with a client device via the web server 455 using the http protocol. In the client device, based on the html data and the program, a hot process such as a transmission / reception process of a file to be printed, a process of browsing a specific folder, a process of moving a hierarchy of a folder to be browsed, and a process of presenting information of a destination folder are performed. A folder function can be realized.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the user of the client device can easily determine whether the folder to be operated in the file system 205 is a print processing hot folder. Specifically, in the multifunction peripheral 101 according to the present embodiment, the hot folder function program 456 analyzes the web processing request received by the web server 455, and transmits response data including display information according to the analysis result to the web browser 555. To return. The hot folder function program 456 changes display information (screen information) to be transmitted to the web browser 555 according to the type of the operation target folder specified in the web processing request. Specifically, the hot folder function program 456 generates display information that allows the user of the client device to determine whether the type of the operation target folder is a hot folder or a normal folder, and provides the client device with the display information. I do. In the client device, the web browser 705 displays, on the display unit 510, an operation screen capable of determining whether the operation target folder is a hot folder based on the received display information as a web browser screen.

  Thus, the user of the client device can easily determine whether or not the operation target folder is a hot folder on the displayed web browser screen, thereby preventing erroneous operation by the user. Therefore, the merits of the device built-in hot folder can be maximized. The details of the processing by the hot folder function program 456 will be described later.

  The JDF function program 457 executes the JDF print function executed by the CPU 405 according to the instruction of the NIC 402 when the MFP 101 receives the JDF job data via the NIC 402. In the JDF print function, the CPU 405 sequentially instructs the operation of each device in FIG. 2 in an appropriate order based on the processing order and processing conditions described in the program. As a result, control is performed so that the JDF print processing is finally executed. Each device includes a sheet processing device 410, a print device 403, an HDD 409, a compression / expansion unit 406, a RAM 408, and the like. Further, a program process for analyzing the JDF job data received via the NIC 402, determining whether or not an incorrect setting is included in the JDF as a result of the analysis process, and changing settings for eliminating the incorrect setting, etc. Is also included.

  The PDL print program 458 executes a PDL print function executed by the CPU 405 when PDL data (print job data) is received by the MFP 101 via the NIC 402. In the PDL print function performed by the CPU 405, the CPU 405 sequentially instructs the operation of each device in FIG. 2 in an appropriate order based on the processing order and processing conditions described in the program. As a result, control is performed so that the PDL print processing is executed. These devices include a sheet processing device 410, a print device 403, an HDD 409, a compression / decompression unit 406, a RAM 408, and the like.

  The media management program 459 executes a management function related to a sheet that can be used by the MFP 101. Sheet related information managed by this program is stored in the HDD 409. The user authentication program 460 sets the use authority of the user who uses the multifunction peripheral 101, and realizes whether the functions provided by the multifunction peripheral 101 can be used and restricts the use based on the authority information set for the user. The user authentication program 460 first executes an authentication process, and based on the result of the authentication process, determines whether or not the above-described functions can be used, restricts use, and the like. The authentication process can be executed via the operation device 404 included in the MFP 101 or a web browser screen provided by a web browser included in the client device or the like. When a print request is issued from the client apparatus to the above-described JDF function program 457, PDL print program 458, or hot folder function program 456, a print job is generated in the multifunction peripheral 101. Thus, the print job queue management program 461 manages the life cycle of the execution process of the generated print job. That is, it controls the generation of print jobs, print processing, post-print processing, generation of job management information including confirmation of job status in the process, and the like. In order to sequentially process the job data generated by the multifunction peripheral 101, a process for temporarily managing the execution order according to the order of the job execution requests for the area such as the HDD 409 is also included. The other programs 462 are generic names of programs that are not included in any of the programs stored in the ROM 407 or the HDD 409 that can be executed by the multifunction peripheral 101. Since these have low relevance to the present embodiment, their description is omitted.

  FIG. 5A is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the client device according to the present embodiment.

  In the figure, a CPU 501 executes a program ROM of a ROM 503 or an OS or general application program developed from an HDD 511 to a RAM 502. The ROM 503 also includes a font ROM and a data ROM. The RAM 502 functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 501. A keyboard controller (KBC) 505 controls input from a keyboard 509 and a pointing device (not shown). The display control unit 506 controls the display on the display unit 510. A disk controller (DKC) 507 controls access to the HDD 511 and the like. The HDD 511 stores a boot program, various applications, font data, and the like. The network controller (NIC) 512 is connected to a network and executes a communication control process with another device connected to the network. The bus 504 connects the CPU 501, the RAM 502, the ROM 503, various controllers, and the like, and carries data signals and control signals.

  In the case of the mobile terminal 104, a touch panel controller or the like may be included in the configuration instead of the KBC 505 in some cases. In some cases, a large-capacity storage device such as an SD memory is provided instead of the HDD 511. Further, the internal configuration of the NIC 512 differs depending on whether the provided device is a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or both. However, differences due to these internal configurations are hidden inside the NIC 512, and are configured so that the system can be controlled as equivalent to the other modules shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a program included in the client device according to the present embodiment.

  The boot loader 551 is executed immediately after the power of the client device is turned on. This program executes various startup sequences required for starting the system. The operating system 552 provides an execution environment for various programs that realize the functions of the client device. This provides functions such as resource management of the memory of the client device, that is, the ROM 503, the RAM 502, the HDD 511, and the like. The network control program 553 sends and receives data to and from a device connected via a network. This program is used when a file system executes transmission of a file to be printed. The program is also used when a remote file system client 554 or a web browser 555 described later uses a function provided by the file system server 454 or the web server 455 of the multifunction peripheral 101.

  The remote file system client 554 operates on a client device using the network control program 553 when executing file transmission / reception processing with an external device such as the multifunction peripheral 101 connected via a network. The program accesses a file server function provided by an external device connected via a network, and executes a client process when using the file server function. The remote file system client 554 accesses a file server provided by an external device connected to the network via the network controller 512, and enables file transmission / reception and copying.

  The web browser 555 is a client program for using a web service provided by a web server 455 of an external device connected via a network. If it is a general-purpose operating system, the device may be provided in advance as a part of the function of the operating system in the device, while the web browser is also an application program that operates on a general-purpose client device. Therefore, it is conceivable that a user of the client device installs and uses an arbitrary web browser application. In the present embodiment, the form in which the web browser 555 is provided to the client device does not matter. The local file system 556 is a file management function program that executes file management such as creation, editing, and deletion of various files stored in the HDD 511. When used in combination with the remote file system client 554 described above, the file system server 454 of an external device connected via a network is accessed, and files managed by the file system are copied to the external device. Conversely, a network file management function such as copying a file of an external device to the local file system 556 can be realized. The other programs 557 include a program group that does not correspond to any of the above, but a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  Note that there may be a form in which various programs such as the above-described local file system 556, remote file system client 554, network control program 553, and web browser 555 are provided as a part of the operating system 552. However, even in such a case, the operating system 552 is merely provided as a result instead of means equivalent to the functions provided in the various programs described above. In other words, it goes without saying that the present invention is applied as long as the client device has these functions, regardless of whether or not the operating system 552 includes the various means described above as its own functions.

  The correspondence between the above-described systems shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and the software and hardware configurations of the client device and the multifunction peripheral 101 are as follows.

  The operation unit 203 in FIG. 3 is a functional unit for providing various operations related to the device built-in hot folder to the user 201 by a display function of the web browser 555. The operation unit 203 is realized when the CPU 501 executes the web browser 555 together with the control of input / output devices such as the KB 509, the display unit 510, the display control unit 506, and the KBC 505. The web server 204 is a functional unit that provides web page information related to the device built-in hot folder. The web server 204 is realized by the CPU 501 executing the web server program 455.

  The file system 205 is a network file system functional unit that is held by the HDD 409 of the multifunction peripheral 101 and managed and operated by the operating system 452. The file system 205 is realized by the CPU 405 executing the file system server 454 and the network control program 453. The printing unit 314 forms an image on a sheet and provides a product to the user. The printing unit 314 is realized when the CPU 405 of the multifunction peripheral 101 executes the JDF function program 457 and the CPU 405 controls various print devices (that is, the print device 403, the compression / decompression circuit 406, and the sheet processing device 410). . The print control unit 206 further includes a job execution unit 316, a job registration unit 320, a print job queue management unit 319, and a hot folder function unit 321. The hot folder function unit 321 is a function unit for providing a device built-in hot folder function. The hot folder function unit 321 is realized by the CPU 405 executing the hot folder function program 456.

  The job execution unit 316 is a functional unit that operates in conjunction with the printing unit 314 and controls the device in units of processing target data (that is, job units) when the multifunction peripheral 101 executes the product creation process. is there. The job execution unit 316 is realized by the CPU 405 executing the JDF function program 457. The print queue management unit 319 and the job registration unit 320 are functional units for controlling and processing the order of print processing executed by the job execution unit 316 in accordance with the registration order of print job data. The print queue management unit 319 and the job registration unit 320 are realized by the CPU 405 executing the print job queue management program 461.

<Explanation of operation screen>
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen displayed on the client device as a result of the client device according to the present embodiment transmitting a web request to the multifunction device 101 to use the device built-in hot folder. is there.

  When the client device accesses the hot folder function program 456 of the multifunction peripheral 101 via the web browser 555, an authentication request screen shown in FIG. 6A is first displayed. Here, an input field 601 for a user name, which is information necessary for authentication, an input field 602 for a password corresponding to the user name, and a selection field 603 for a login destination (that is, an authentication server) are displayed.

  FIG. 6B shows a state in which the user has input user information in each field of the screen of FIG. 6A. Here, when the user presses the login button 604, the user authentication program 460 executes the authentication process of the user. The authentication information required for the authentication processing of the user authentication program 460 is transmitted from the web browser 555 of the client device to the user authentication program 460 via the network via the web server 455 of the multifunction peripheral 101.

  7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating an example of a built-in hot folder function screen displayed on the client device when the user is successfully authenticated.

  FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial state of a web browser screen of the hot folder function. The screen components displayed on the web browser screen will be described below with reference to FIG. However, screen components generally provided by the web browser function itself, such as the address display section of the web browser screen and the title tab of each web page, which are not related to the hot folder function provided in the present embodiment are described below. I omit the explanation.

  A folder display area 701 is used for moving and displaying a hierarchy on a file system, creating a new folder, and the like, which are managed by a file system server 454 included in the MFP 101 via a web browser screen provided by a web browser 555. This is a hierarchical management function area. The print function selection button 702 is a button used to select a print function from various functions provided by the hot folder function. The default screen displayed immediately after the authentication processing illustrated in FIG. 6 is the print function screen illustrated in FIG.

  The job list display button 703 is a button used to transition the display state of the web browser screen to a list display of print jobs input to the multifunction peripheral 101 via the hot folder function. The job list screen will be described later. The current path display area 704 is an area for displaying the current path to be processed in an absolute path format from the root folder when the web browser 555 accesses the file system server 454 of the multifunction peripheral 101. FIG. 7-1 (A) shows that the current path is “/ share”. This indicates that the state of the highest hierarchy of the public folder managed by the file system server 454 of the multifunction peripheral 101 according to the present embodiment is displayed on the web browser screen. In addition, it is not possible to move to a layer higher than “/ share”, which is the highest layer of the public folder, and creating a folder immediately below “/ share” requires the file system server of the multifunction peripheral 101. Not authorized by 454. Therefore, an upper layer move button and a folder creation button, which will be described later, are not displayed in the folder display area of this screen.

  In the folder display area 701, sub folders under the current path “/ share” are displayed. The example illustrated in FIG. 7-1 (A) indicates that a subfolder “folder” 705 exists under “/ share”. The folder information displayed in the folder display area 701 also has a button function on the web browser screen provided by the web browser 555. In other words, when the display position of the folder information is pressed by an operation such as clicking, the process of moving the display hierarchy to the pressed folder can be instructed to the hot folder function program 456 via the web browser screen. Specifically, when “folder” 705 is pressed on the screen of FIG. 7-1 (A), the current path is moved to “/ share / folder”, and the information of the destination folder is displayed on the web browser screen. It is possible to update or transition the display information.

  The login user display area 706 is an area where the user name input at the time of authentication using the web browser screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. The user-specific function selection button 707 is a button for instructing a transition to various function providing screens displayed in the login user display area 706 and customized for each login user. The folder type identification area 708 is an area that provides information for identifying whether the current path displayed in the current path display area 704 is a hot folder. This current path is the current path on the file system server 454 when the file system server 454 is accessed via the web browser 555. In the present embodiment, the folder type identification area 708 is an example of a display area for receiving an operation of storing a file to be printed in a folder of an access destination.

  The example of the screen in FIG. 7-1 (A) indicates that the current path (that is, “/ share”) is not a hot folder. In other words, in this state, even if an operation for performing a print job generation process described later is performed on the web browser screen, no print job is generated.

  FIG. 7-1 (B) is a diagram showing an example of a screen to which a transition is made immediately after selecting “folder” 705 in the state of the screen shown in FIG. 7-1 (A).

  In the screen of FIG. 7-1 (B), “/ share / folder” is displayed in the current path display area 704, and the current path is changed from “/ share” shown in FIG. It has been changed to "folder" immediately below. Further, the file system server 454 is configured to enable a file operation such as creation or copying of an arbitrary folder or file with respect to a folder lower than “/ share”. Therefore, in the folder display area 701, buttons whose current path does not exist in the state of “/ share” (that is, the folder creation button 709 and the upper layer move button 710) are displayed. Here, when the folder creation button 709 is pressed, a new folder is created immediately below the hierarchy on the file system server 454 displayed on the current web browser screen. The upper tier move button 710 is a button for moving the tier of display information from the tier on the file system server 454 currently displayed on the web browser screen to the upper tier. Also, a job setting creation button 711 is displayed, and this button is used to instruct the arrangement of a setting file described later so that the current path can be used as a hot folder.

  FIG. 7-1 (C) is a diagram illustrating an example of a web browser screen displayed immediately after the folder creation button 709 is pressed on the screen of FIG. 7-1 (B).

  In the screen of FIG. 7-1 (C), an input field 712 for the name of the folder to be created is presented. When the user inputs a character string of a desired folder name in the input field 712 and presses the OK button 714, a folder having the same name as the input folder name is created immediately below the current path. On the other hand, if the cancel button 713 is pressed, the folder creation processing is not performed, and the screen returns to the screen in FIG.

  FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of a web browser screen displayed immediately after the user inputs a folder name and presses an OK button 714 in the screen illustrated in FIG. 7-1C. Here, a folder with the folder name “folder01” input on the screen of FIG. 7-1 (C) is newly created, and “folder01” 715 is added to the folder display area 701.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of a web browser screen displayed immediately after “folder01” 715 is selected on the screen of FIG. 7B. Here, the current path display area 704 is “/ share / folder / folder01”, and the screen configuration related to folder creation presented on the screens of FIGS. 7-1 (C) and 7-2 (A) You can confirm that the current path has been moved to the folder created by operating the element.

  FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of the web browser screen displayed immediately after the user selects the job setting creation button 711 on the screen illustrated in FIG. Here, as the hot folder function of the multifunction peripheral 101, a function selection button, a select box, and the like for selecting various settings applicable at the time of creating a product are arranged. Although FIG. 8A shows a part of the screen in a scroll display state because the display area of the web browser screen is limited, it can be actually displayed as a single screen. It is. Specifically, it is also possible to change the display window size of the web browser screen or to reduce the display character size so that the web browser screen is displayed as a single screen. Since these functions and operations are general screen control methods for the web browser function, detailed description will be omitted.

  As shown in the example of FIG. 8A, there are various print setting items associated with the hot folder via the web browser screen. Specifically, the basic functions include the number of copies, the sheet size used for printing, the sheet type, the printing surface (one side or both sides), and the like. The bookbinding-related settings include the presence or absence of bookbinding, the opening direction for bookbinding printing, and the presence / absence of saddle stitching performed at the time of bookbinding. Further, as the output mode designation, a sort mode, sorting at the time of discharging a plurality of copies (shift discharge), designation of a copy unit at the time of shift discharge, and the like can be designated. In addition, an example in which punching, binding processing, folding processing, and the like can be specified as the specification of finishing processing has been described as an example of setting items that can be associated with the hot folder of the MFP 101 in the present embodiment. However, it is a matter of course that the MFP 101 can be configured to be able to designate various functions other than those shown in FIG. For example, various types of image processing, finishing processing not shown in FIG. These may be added as specifiable items when requested by the user using the hot folder, and may be stored in a JDF format described later and configured to be applicable at the time of printing. In other words, any setting that can be processed by the MFP 101 can be configured to be associated with the setting of the hot folder on the screen corresponding to FIG. As described above, in the present embodiment, the screen illustrated in FIG. 8A is an example of a setting screen for performing print settings for the access destination folder.

  FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of a web browser screen displayed immediately after selecting the job setting creation determination button 801 in a state where appropriate print settings are selected in FIG. 8A. In FIG. 8A, the display information of the current path display area 704 is “/ share / folder / folder01”, and the folder type identification area 708 is a “hot folder” that can use the print function. Is displayed. This is clearly different from the state of the folder type identification area 708 described with reference to FIG. 7A, and the current path is changed by the job setting creation processing by operating the screen presented by FIG. It clearly indicates that the folder has been changed.

  In this state, a print target file held in the client device is selected by an instruction device such as a pointing device, and the selected file is dragged and dropped into the folder type identification area 708 to perform printing described later. A trigger for a processing execution instruction can be given. That is, the drag-and-drop operation is an example of an operation of storing a print target file in the access destination folder. The MFP 101 detects that the file has been dragged and dropped into the folder type identification area 708, and transmits the detected file to the hot folder function program 456 via the web server 455 provided in the multifunction peripheral 101. This process is obtained by the web browser 555 executing a JAVA script program that is executed simultaneously with acquisition of an html file for drawing the screen shown in FIG. As described above, a new function selection button is arranged on the web browser screen when the current path “/ share / folder / folder01” is changed to a hot folder.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7-1 (B), FIG. 7-1 (C), FIG. 7-2 (A) and FIG. The display mode 708 is changed depending on whether the type of the folder to be displayed is a hot folder. Specifically, in the web browser screen of FIG. 7B, the folder type identification area 708 indicates that the print setting file does not exist in the operation target folder (current path “/ share / folder / folder01”). Contains information. That is, the folder type identification area 708 includes information indicating that the operation target folder is not a hot folder. On the other hand, in the web browser screen of FIG. 8A, the folder type identification area 708 indicates that the operation target folder (current path “/ share / folder / folder01”) is the drag of the print target file to the area. It contains information indicating that the printing function can be used by AND drop. That is, the folder type identification area 708 includes information indicating that the operation target folder is a hot folder. As described above, in the folder type identification area 708, information indicating whether or not the access destination folder is a folder (hot folder) for which print settings have been made is displayed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the hot folder function program 456 performs display control for providing the user with an operation screen capable of determining whether the operation target folder is a hot folder as a web browser screen. This display control is realized by making the html file and the JAVA script program provided to the web browser 555 variable so that the display state changes depending on whether the type of the folder to be displayed is a hot folder or not. sell.

  A job setting confirmation button 802 in FIG. 8-2 (A) confirms the setting contents of the print setting associated with the folder “/ share / folder / folder01” of the current path in the job setting selection processing in FIG. To switch to the screen to perform A temporary setting button 803 is a function for improving the convenience in executing a print job by applying temporarily different settings to print settings associated with the folder “/ share / folder / folder01” in the current path. Instruct the transition to the selection screen.

  FIG. 8B shows an error screen when a desired process cannot be performed when a folder provided by the web browser screen is moved and a folder moving operation is performed on the hot folder function program 456. It is a figure showing an example of. Here, error information indicating that the specified folder does not exist, and information indicating that a normal folder operation as described above cannot be performed due to an error are displayed in the folder type identification area 708. Such an error condition can be caused by the following operation. That is, while the first user is browsing a folder of a certain hierarchy on the web browser screen, another user deletes or changes the folder name of the same folder, and the first user This is the case when accessing. In this case, since the folder with the specified name does not already exist, it is possible to present screen information indicating an error as shown in FIG. The second is a case where the user intentionally changes the access address display column of the web browser to access the location of the folder path information included in the web request information when the web browser 555 accesses the hot folder function program 456. is there.

  FIG. 8C illustrates the print settings included in the hot folder creation request transmitted from the client device to the hot folder function program 456 of the multifunction peripheral 101, corresponding to the print settings created by the operation in FIG. 5 shows an example of data storing information. In the present embodiment, an example in which the print setting information is described in the XML format is shown. However, any format may be used as long as the content of the print setting items set in FIG. 8A can be stored. Absent.

  When the print settings are designated on a series of print setting creation screens shown in FIG. 8A and the job setting creation determination button 801 is selected, the print settings are changed by the web browser 555 to the XML shown in FIG. Converted to data in the format.

  The XML data includes, in addition to the print setting information, accompanying information indicating address information 804 corresponding to the path of the folder for which the print setting is created. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a JAVA script is used as an example of a web program.

  The XML data 805 thus created, for example, illustrated in FIG. 8C is transmitted to the MFP 101 by the web browser 555 by asynchronous communication. As a result, the web server 455 of the MFP 101 transmits the received XML data 805 to the hot folder function program 456. Thus, the hot folder function program 456 analyzes the XML data 805 and creates a print setting file for realizing the print settings included in the XML data 805. The hot folder function program 456 controls the created print setting file to be placed in a folder corresponding to the folder path specified by the address information 804.

  The XML data 805 has a plurality of parts, and includes an XML declaration unit 806, a metadata unit 807, a general print setting unit 808, and an imposition setting unit 809. The XML declaration section 806 is a description that must be written to indicate that the data format is XML. The metadata section 807 is a section for describing information on a target folder. In the illustrated example, address information or path information of a folder to which print settings are applied is described. The general print setting section 808 is a section for describing information of paper used for printing, the number of copies, a paper discharge method, and the like. The imposition setting unit 809 is a part that describes the printing surface, the order of the printing surface, the number of printing surfaces, and the like. The contents of the general print setting unit 808 increase or decrease according to the designated print settings. For example, when stapling setting or folding setting is designated, information corresponding to the stapling setting section and the folding setting section is added.

  In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which a JDF format file is used as a print setting file. In other words, an example will be described in which the format in which the JDF function program 457 is used when printing the print target data input via the hot folder function program 456 is assumed, and the efficiency at that time is considered. However, the format of the print setting file does not need to be limited to the JDF format, and there is no need to limit the use of the JDF function program 457 as a means for executing a print job. The JDF format file was adopted because it is a format that can be manually edited and is widely used as an industry-standard print setting format, and there are many experts in JDF related technology among printing equipment vendors and integrators. This is the result of considering the superiority. The multifunction peripheral 101 that has received the XML data transmits the success or failure of the print setting file arrangement processing to the client device as a response of the communication between the web browser 555 and the web server 455. The failure of the print setting file arrangement processing may be caused by the absence of the folder indicated by the address information 804, the insufficient capacity of the HDD 409 of the MFP 101, or the like. The web browser 555 included in the client device performs transition of the web page according to the processing result included in the received response. That is, if the processing is successful, the screen transitions to the screen of FIG. 8-2 (A). If the processing fails, an error dialogue (not shown) is displayed, and the screen transitions to the screen of FIG. 8-2 (B).

  When the XML data 805 shown in FIG. 8C is transmitted and the hot folder function program 456 receives the XML data and processes the XML data correctly, a JDF file shown in FIG. 9B is created as a processing result. Is done.

  FIG. 9C is a hierarchical diagram showing a file system state configured in the HDD 409 of the MFP 101 as a result of performing the operations shown in FIGS. 7-1 to 9.

  In FIG. 9C, a folder “share” 904 below the root folder and a folder “folder” 905 located below the root folder are shown. In addition, a hot folder “share / folder / folder01” 915 is shown below the layer. In the figure, the left direction is the upper hierarchy of the folder hierarchy, and the right direction is the lower hierarchy. Under the hot folder “share / folder / folder01” 915, a JDF file 916, which is a print specification file, is arranged.

  When the upper layer move button 710 of the folder display area 701 is selected, it means that the display of the information of the folder on the left side of the hierarchical diagram shown in FIG. When a hierarchy, for example, “folder01” 715 in FIG. 7A is selected, it means that an instruction to display information on the folder in the right direction in FIG.

  Although not shown in the operations from FIG. 7-1 to FIG. 9, when the folder creation button 709 in FIG. 7-1 is operated, a further subfolder is created as shown in “folderAA” 917 in FIG. 9C. it can. Then, the folder can be set as a hot folder according to the procedure described above.

  In this state, the client device transmits the XML data illustrated in FIG. 8C via the file system server 454 of the multifunction peripheral 101 via the remote file system client 554 instead of the web browser 555. FIG. 9A shows a state in which the hot folder function program 456 of the multifunction peripheral 101 processes the XML data and creates the hot folder and the JDF file shown in FIG. 9B.

  In FIG. 9A, a JDF file named “jobsettings.jdf” is arranged in the folder path “/ share / folder / folder01” of the multifunction peripheral 101 corresponding to the folder path display area of the multifunction peripheral 101. I have.

  FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a case where the web browser screen displayed on the client device according to the present exemplary embodiment is illustrated in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen that transitions immediately after being performed.

  As described in the description of FIG. 8A, the folder of the current path “/ share / folder / folder01” is a hot folder and is not a mere shared folder. In other words, a folder in which the print settings performed by the series of operations illustrated in FIG. 8A are linked, and when the above operation is performed on the folder via the web browser, the operation target Is executed by the hot folder function program 456. This processing is executed by the web browser 555 executing the JAVA script as described in the description of the hot folder function program 456.

  FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating an example of a web browser screen when a drag-and-drop operation of the print target file 1001 is performed using a pointing device such as a pointing device in the folder type identification area 708. It is. When the drag-and-drop operation of the file shown in the figure is completed, the screen transits to the screen of FIG.

  FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating an example of information displayed on a web browser screen during transmission of a file. As illustrated, information that can determine that the file is being transmitted is presented. FIG. 10C is a diagram illustrating an example of information displayed on the web browser screen immediately after the transmission processing of the print target file is completed from FIG. As shown in the figure, information that can determine that the file transmission processing has been completed is presented. FIG. 10-2 (A) is a diagram showing an example of a screen to which the display of the web browser screen changes after a certain period of time from the state shown in FIG. 10-1 (C). The screen shown in the figure is the same as that shown in FIG. That is, information indicating that a print processing instruction for the current path “/ share / folder / folder01” can be received again is presented.

  FIG. 10-2 (B) executes the processing of the print instruction via the web browser 555 in the client device, and the web browser screen is shown in FIG. 10-1 (B) (C) and FIG. 10-2 (A), respectively. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state of the operation device 404 after the transition as described above. Information that can determine that the printing process is being performed is presented on the status display unit 1002 in FIG. When the status display unit 1002 is in the state shown in FIG. 10B, the multifunction peripheral 101 executes print processing under the control of the CPU (controller) 405 by controlling each subordinate processing unit. An object creation process is performed. When the product creation process is completed, the information in the status display unit 1002 is deleted, and the screen transitions to a state before the start of the print process.

  Note that, as described in the description of FIG. 10-1 (B), immediately after the print target file is arranged on the client device by an operation such as drag-and-drop, this operation is immediately realized by the Web browser program using the JAVA script. Is done.

  FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a screen to which a transition is made when the user selects the job setting confirmation button 802 when the web browser screen of the client device according to the present embodiment is in the state illustrated in FIG. FIG.

  Here, information that allows the print setting content set in the hot folder to be confirmed on the web browser screen is presented by a series of operations illustrated in FIG. 8A. The print setting information presented in FIG. 9 includes the print setting information described in the JDF file arranged on the folder path stored in the predetermined hot folder of the multifunction peripheral 101 shown in FIG. Basically equivalent. Here, the contents of the JDF file are displayed on the web browser screen in a highly readable format.

  Even if the JDF file (FIG. 9B) stored in the hot folder shown in FIG. 9A is directly opened by a program running on a client device such as an editor, the print setting is not changed. Confirmation of the contents is possible. However, this is a confirmation method that is possible only for a user who can know the format and structure of the JDF file. Therefore, in the present embodiment, which is intended to serve as a simple printing unit, the print setting contents can be confirmed via a web browser by a method easier for the user as shown in FIG. A close button 1101 is a button for instructing to close the screen display.

<Control of client device>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the client device when the user instructs the use of the function of the device built-in hot folder in the client device according to the present embodiment. The processing shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 501 expanding the program installed in the HDD 511 in the RAM 502 and executing the program.

  First, in step S1201, the CPU 501 remains in a state of waiting in step S1201 until the user performs a screen operation provided by the web browser 555 via the user interface. If the CPU 501 determines in step S1201 that the user has instructed any operation via the user interface, the process advances to step S1202, and executes processing corresponding to the instruction. In step S1202, the CPU 501 determines whether a specific location on the browser screen has been selected by an operation such as a click. If so, the process proceeds to S1204; otherwise, the process proceeds to S1203. In step S1204, the CPU 501 determines whether the area selected by the user operation is the job setting creation button 711 illustrated in FIG. If so, the process advances to step S1209 to execute the process of transitioning to the screen for performing a series of print settings described with reference to FIGS.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1204 that the job setting button 711 has not been set, the process advances to step S1205 to determine whether the area selected by the user operation is the job setting confirmation button 802. If so, the process advances to step S1210 to execute the process for transitioning to the print setting content confirmation screen associated with the hot folder described with reference to FIG. 11, and then advances to step S1201. If the button is not the job setting confirmation button 802 in step S1205, the process advances to step S1206 to determine whether the area selected by the user operation is a selection of an operation process on the folder display area 701. If so, the process advances to step S1211 to perform processing for instructing execution of various folder operations as shown in FIGS. 7-1 (A) to 7-2 (B) using the screen display provided by the web browser 555. Execute and go to S1201.

  Also, in step S1202, when the operation is not a click operation on a specific part of the screen, it means that the type of the user's execution instruction for a component of the web browser screen is not a selection operation such as a click operation on a specific region of the screen. This is because when the operation other than the click or selection operation, that is, the display state of the web browser screen operating on the client device is, for example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the print target file is dragged and dropped into the folder type identification area 708. Including doing. Therefore, in step S1203, the CPU 501 determines whether the file to be printed is the dropped screen component in the folder type identification area 708. If so, the process advances to step S1208 to execute the printing process of the file to be printed by the multifunction peripheral. Then, the process for instructing 101 is executed, and the process proceeds to S1201. If the result of the determination processing in S1203 is false or the result of the determination processing in S1207 is false, it means that an operation unrelated to the hot folder function has been performed. In this case, the processing content is not essential for the description of the present embodiment, and therefore, the details of the processing content are omitted, and the process only shifts to waiting for the processing request in S1201 again.

<File transmission processing (client device)>
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating details of the file transmission process in S1208 of FIG.

  First, in step S1301, the CPU 501 executes processing for transitioning the screen to a screen indicating that the print target file is being transmitted as illustrated in FIG. This is achieved by the web browser 555 executing the JAVA script acquired by the web browser 555 via the web server 455 as described in the description of FIGS.

  The processing after S1302 indicates a data transmission processing executed by the JAVA script executed by the web browser 555 on the print target file to the web server 455 provided in the multifunction peripheral 101. That is, in S1302, the CPU 501 creates an http request header as a pre-process for communicating with the web server 455. Next, the processing advances to step S1303, where the CPU 501 executes an encoding process to transmit the print target file in the http protocol format. Here, a POST command is used as a command on the http protocol when transmitting data to the web server 455. Thus, after preparation for execution processing by the POST command in the http protocol is completed, the POST command is executed and the file to be printed is transmitted to the web server 455.

  The time required for the transmission process at this time depends on the size of the file to be printed, the environment of the network 100, and the processing speed of the JAVA script executed by the CPU 501 provided in the client device. However, a finite time is required as long as communication is possible. Processing. In step S1305, the CPU 501 waits for reception of a transmission processing result from the web server 455 in order to confirm that the transmission processing in step S1304 has been correctly performed, that is, that the transmission processing of the print target file has been normally performed. Transitions to. The same steps are performed until a response from the web server 455 is received.

  Then, upon receiving the print target file transmission process and the response from the web server 455, the process advances to step S1306 to execute a process of displaying a communication end screen as shown in FIG. In this way, in S1307, the CPU 501 displays to the user who operates the web browser 555 for a certain period of time that the communication process has been normally completed, and then proceeds to S1308, where the print target file as shown in FIG. To the screen before the user instructs the transmission instruction.

<Control of MFP>
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the user instructs to use the hot folder function of the MFP 101 according to the present embodiment. The processing shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 405 expanding the program installed in the HDD 409 in the RAM 408 and executing the program. This processing is triggered by the fact that the web browser 555 operating on the client device transmits a processing request (request data) to the web server 455 according to the processing content specified by the user, and the web server 455 receives the processing request. Is executed. In the MFP 101 according to the present embodiment, the processing according to the processing request described above is realized using both the web server 455 and the hot folder function program 456. The web server 455 and the hot folder function program 456 may be configured and executed as one software module.

  First, in step S1401, the CPU 405 stays in step S1401 until it receives some processing request from the client device, and enters a standby state. Upon receiving the processing request from the client device, the CPU 405 proceeds to S1402 and determines the type of the processing request.

  If the result of determination in S1402 is that the requested content is a folder operation process (S1403: YES), the CPU 405 proceeds to S1407. For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 7-1 and 7-2, when operations such as moving up or down the hierarchy of a folder and creating a folder are performed on the web browser screen, a folder operation process is requested. You. The CPU 405 executes a folder operation process (FIG. 16) in S1407. After that, in S1415, the CPU 405 creates response data based on the processing result, and proceeds to S1414.

  As a result of the determination in S1402, if the request is a job setting creation process (S1403: NO, S1404: YES), the CPU 405 proceeds to S1408. For example, using the screens shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the user performs an operation of selecting a setting to be linked to the hot folder, and the XML data shown in FIG. And the job setting creation process is requested. In step S1408, the CPU 405 executes a job setting creation process. For example, when receiving the XML data as shown in FIG. 8C, the CPU 405 creates JDF format data as shown in FIG. 9B and arranges the data in a predetermined folder hierarchy. Thereafter, in S1409, the CPU 405 creates response data based on the processing result, and proceeds to S1414.

  If the result of determination in S1402 is that the requested content is a printing process (S1403: NO, S1404: NO, S1405: YES), the CPU 405 proceeds to S1410. In S1410, the CPU 405 executes a print job generation process (FIG. 15) to execute the print process. After that, in S1411, the CPU 405 creates response data based on the processing result, and proceeds to S1414.

  As a result of the determination in S1402, if the request is a job setting confirmation process (S1403: NO, S1404: NO, S1405: NO, S1406: YES), the CPU 405 proceeds to S1412. In step S1412, the CPU 405 executes a job setting confirmation process. The CPU 405 specifies a hot folder to be checked for setting based on information included in the request data received from the client device. Further, the CPU 405 obtains print setting information by analyzing the contents of the print setting file (the JDF format file shown in FIG. 9B) arranged in the specified hot folder. After that, in step S1413, the CPU 405 creates screen data (html data) for displaying a screen on which the user of the client device can check the print settings as response data, and proceeds to step S1414.

  In step S1414, the CPU 405 transmits the html data, which is the response data created in step S1409, S1411, S1413, or S1415, to the client device as a response to the processing request. After that, the CPU 405 returns to S1401 to accept the next request. If it is determined in step S1402 that the requested content is not any of the above-described processes, some response data is returned to the client device in step S1414, and the process returns to step S1401.

<Print job generation processing (server)>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating details of the print job generation processing in S1410 of FIG.

  First, in step S <b> 1501, the CPU 405 analyzes information included in the html format header portion of the request data received by the hot folder function program 456 and transmitted from the web browser 555. The request data includes a header portion and data of a file to be printed. Based on the information obtained by the analysis in S1501, the processes in and after S1502 are executed.

  In step S1502, the CPU 405 acquires path information that specifies the folder path of the hot folder and is included in the request data, based on the information acquired in step S1501. This path information is information for specifying the hot folder to which the print target file is input in the client device. As described later, print settings are acquired from the JDF file stored in the specified hot folder.

  Next, in step S1503, the CPU 405 determines whether the folder specified by the path information acquired in step S1501 exists. If a folder exists, the CPU 405 proceeds to S1504; otherwise, the CPU 405 proceeds to S1511. The check of the presence or absence of a folder is realized by making an inquiry to the file system server 454.

  In S1511, the CPU 405 executes an error process. This corresponds to a case where the path information itself included in the request data transmitted from the web browser 555 of the client device to the web server 455 of the MFP 101 is an error. In this case, it means that the request itself is invalid. The CPU 405 notifies the web server 455 of the processing result indicating the error, and proceeds to S1410. As a result, the web server 455 creates response data including screen data for displaying an error screen as shown in FIG. 8B (S1411), and transmits the created response data to the client device (S1411). S1414).

  On the other hand, in step S1504, the CPU 405 determines whether a JDF file exists in the folder specified by the path information. If the JDF file does not exist in the designated folder, the CPU 405 proceeds to S1511 and executes the error processing as described above. This is because, for example, when the user performs an operation of inputting a print target file into the folder type identification area 708 in the screen in FIG. 8A, the folder path “/ share / folder / folder01” is changed. This is the case where the JDF file has been deleted. In this case, the MFP 101 cannot execute the printing process.

  If a JDF file exists in the designated folder, the CPU 405 proceeds from step S1504 to step S1505 and starts execution of print processing using the hot folder function. In step S <b> 1505, the CPU 405 stores the print target file (included in the request data) received from the web browser 555 by the hot folder function program 456 in the HDD 409 via the file system server 454. When a plurality of print target files are input to the multifunction peripheral 101 by the hot folder function, these print target files are managed in the order in which the request data are received, and are used for print processing. As described above, the process of S1505 corresponds to the queuing process of the print target file (the process of spooling the print target data in the temporary area).

  Next, in step S1506, the CPU 405 executes a process of analyzing the JDF file stored in the folder specified by the path information, and acquires a print setting value. In the JDF file, for example, as shown in FIG. 9B, print setting specifications described according to a grammar defined by JDF in text data expressed in XML format. In the analysis processing of S1506, XML analysis and syntax analysis are performed on such a JDF file. It should be noted that a description of a detailed algorithm of the XML analysis processing and the syntax analysis processing is omitted.

  Next, in step S1507, the CPU 405 executes the JDF function program 457 to generate a print job. Specifically, the CPU 405 sets the print target file and the print settings in the JDF function program 457, and activates the JDF function program 457. As a result, the print job executed by the JDF function program 357 is registered.

  Next, in S1508, the CPU 405 analyzes print data included in the print job as a print exercise file in order to execute the print job by the JDF function program 457. More specifically, the CPU 405 analyzes the format of the file to be printed, and executes a process of converting the file into image information that can be printed by the print device 403. In step S1509, the CPU 405 executes print processing based on the image information converted in step S1508 in accordance with the print settings set in step S1507. The printing process is realized by the CPU 405 controlling devices such as the print device 403 and the sheet processing device 410. At this time, the display state of the operation device 404 is as shown in FIG.

  When the print processing of the print target data is completed in this way, in S1510, the CPU 405 determines the execution result of the print processing, and ends the processing. The web server 455 creates response data based on the determination result in S1510 (S1411), and transmits the created response data to the client device (S1414). As a result, the web browser 455 displays a message indicating normal termination and print history information on the web browser screen.

<Folder operation processing (server)>
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating details of the job operation process in S1407 of FIG. The folder operation process is a process executed based on the fact that the request transmitted from the web browser 555 (client device) in S1211 has been acquired via the web server 355. The folder operation process is realized by reading out the hot folder function program 456 into the RAM 408 and executing it by the CPU 405.

  First, in S1601, the CPU 405 analyzes information included in the html header portion of the request data received by the hot folder function program 456 and transmitted from the web browser 555. As a result of the analysis, the CPU 405 acquires the path information of the operation target folder and the information on the operation instruction. In S1602, the CPU 405 determines the content of the operation instruction based on the information acquired in S1601. That is, the CPU 405 determines a process requested by an operation instruction performed on the folder display area 701 by the user.

  If the result of the determination in S1602 is that the requested process is a folder creation process (S1603: YES), the CPU 405 proceeds to S1604. Specifically, when the folder creation button 709 is selected on the web browser screen, the folder name is input in the input field 712, and the operation information indicating that the OK button 714 is selected is included in the request data, It is determined that the creation process has been requested.

  In step S1604, the CPU 405 creates a folder having the specified folder name based on the request data in the specified path. For example, a “folder01” folder is created under the path “/ share / folder /”. Folder creation is realized by transmitting a folder creation request to the file system server 454.

  Upon completion of the folder creation, in step S1609, the CPU 405 (web server 455) creates display information (screen data) of the screen after the folder creation, and ends the process. After that, the web server 455 creates response data including the created screen data (S1415), and transmits the created response data to the client devices (102, 103, 104) (S1414). As a result, the web browser screen after the folder creation is displayed by the web browser 455. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, a screen indicating the path of the storage destination of the new folder is displayed in the display area of the web browser screen (S1211).

  If the result of determination in S1602 is that the requested content is a folder move process (S1603: NO, S1605: YES), the CPU 405 proceeds to S1606. In S1606, the CPU 405 determines the moving direction of the requested hierarchy. The CPU 405 proceeds to S1607 if a request to move from the current path to a higher level is made, and proceeds to S1608 if a request to move to a lower level from the current path is made.

  In step S <b> 1607, the CPU 405 determines whether the tier destination is the highest accessible tier. If the hierarchical destination is not the highest hierarchical folder, the process advances to step S1611, and the CPU 405 acquires information on the destination folder. If the destination of the hierarchy is the highest hierarchy folder, the process advances to step S1610, where the CPU 405 creates display information (screen data) for displaying the screen for the highest hierarchy, and ends the process. After that, the web server 455 creates response data including the created screen data (S1415), and transmits the created response data to the client devices (102, 103, 104) (S1414). As a result, the screen for the highest hierarchy (for example, the screen in FIG. 7-1 (A)) is displayed by the web browser 455.

  On the other hand, in step S1608, the CPU 405 determines whether a specified lower-level folder exists. If the specified folder exists, the CPU 405 proceeds to S1612, and acquires information on the destination folder. If the specified folder does not exist, the processing is an illegal request, and the CPU 405 proceeds to S1613 to treat the request as an error. In step S1613, the CPU 405 notifies the web server 455 of the processing result indicating the error, and ends the processing. The web server 355 creates response data including screen data for displaying an error screen (S1415), and transmits the created response data to the client devices (102, 103, 104) (S1414). As a result, an error screen as shown in FIG. 8B is displayed by the web browser 455 (S1211).

  After acquiring the folder information in step S1611 or S1612, the CPU 405 determines in step S1614 whether a JDF file (print setting file) exists in the designated folder. That is, the CPU 405 determines whether or not the destination folder is a hot folder. This determination process corresponds to a process of determining whether or not a print setting file indicating print settings associated with the folder is stored in the access destination folder specified by the request from the client device. The CPU 405 proceeds to S1615 if the JDF file is stored in the destination folder, and proceeds to S1616 if the JDF file is not stored in the destination folder.

  If the JDF file is stored in the destination folder (if the destination folder is a hot folder), in step S1615, the CPU 405 creates display information (screen data) for displaying a hot folder screen. Then, the process ends. The web server 355 creates response data including the created screen data (S1415), and transmits the created response data to the client devices (102, 103, 104) (S1414). In this way, the screen information of the operation screen including the information indicating that the access destination folder is the folder (hot folder) for which the print setting has been made is transmitted to the client device. As a result, the web browser 455 displays a hot folder screen as shown in FIG. 8A (S1211).

  On the other hand, if the JDF file is not stored in the destination folder (if the destination folder is not a hot folder), the CPU 405 determines in step S1616 the display information (screen data) for displaying the screen for the normal folder. Is created, and the process ends. The web server 355 creates response data including the created screen data (S1415), and transmits the created response data to the client devices (102, 103, 104) (S1414). In this manner, the screen information of the operation screen including the information indicating that the access destination folder is a normal folder for which the print setting is not performed is transmitted to the client device. As a result, a screen for a normal folder as shown in FIG. 7B is displayed by the web browser 455 (S1211).

  Also, as a result of the determination in S1602, if the requested content is neither the folder creation process nor the folder move process (S1603: NO, S1605: NO), the CPU 405 determines that the request is an illegal request, and treats it as an error in S1613. Proceed to. In step S1613, the CPU 405 notifies the web server 455 that the processing execution result is an error, and ends the processing. The web server 355 creates response data including screen data for displaying an error screen (S1415), and transmits the created response data to the client devices (102, 103, 104) (S1414). As a result, an error screen is displayed by the web browser 455 (S1211).

  As described above, the client device (information processing device) according to the present embodiment accesses the file system 205 managed by the multifunction peripheral 101 (printing device) through the web browser 455. Further, the client device displays an operation screen as a web browser screen by the web browser 455 based on the screen information received from the multifunction peripheral 101. When the client device receives, via the displayed operation screen, an operation of storing a print target file in a folder (hot folder) in which print settings have been made, the client device transmits the print target file to the MFP 101. This causes the multifunction peripheral 101 to execute the print processing of the print target file according to the print setting associated with the hot folder.

  Further, the multifunction peripheral 101 according to the present embodiment transmits, to the client device, screen information of an operation screen that can be displayed by a web browser for accepting an operation on a folder to be accessed. This operation screen includes information indicating whether or not the access destination folder is a folder (hot folder) for which print settings have been made. The multifunction peripheral 101 receives a request to access the file system 205 from a client device. When the file to be printed is stored in the requested access destination folder from the client device, the multifunction peripheral 101 performs the printing process of the file to be printed according to the print setting associated with the folder.

  As described above, the web browser screen displayed based on the screen information transmitted from the multifunction peripheral 101 to the client device includes information indicating whether the access destination folder is a hot folder. For this reason, according to the present embodiment, when transmitting the screen information of the operation screen for accessing the file system 205 of the multifunction peripheral 101, it is determined whether the access destination folder is a hot folder in the operation screen. Can be easily determined by the user. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation by the user, such as an operation of erroneously storing a print target file in a normal folder.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention supplies a program for realizing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or the apparatus read and execute the program. This processing can be realized. Further, it can also be realized by a circuit (for example, an ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

  101 Multifunction machine (MFP), 102, 103 PC, 104 Mobile terminal, 405 CPU (MFP), 455 Web server, 456 Hot folder function program, 501 CPU (client device), 555 Web browser

Claims (11)

A printing device,
Receiving means for receiving a request to access a file system managed by the printing apparatus from an information processing apparatus;
When a file to be printed is stored in the requested access destination folder from the information processing apparatus, a processing unit that performs a printing process of the file to be printed according to print settings associated with the folder;
An operation screen that can be displayed by a web browser for accepting an operation on the access destination folder, the operation screen including information indicating whether the access destination folder is a folder for which print settings have been made. Transmitting means for transmitting the screen information of the information processing apparatus,
A printing device comprising: The operation screen includes a display area for receiving an operation of storing a print target file in the access destination folder,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display area displays information indicating whether the access destination folder is a folder for which print settings have been made. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the operation of storing the print target file in the access destination folder is a drag-and-drop operation to the display area. A determination unit configured to determine whether a print setting file indicating print settings associated with the folder is stored in the access destination folder specified by the request received by the reception unit,
The transmitting means,
If the print setting file is stored in the access destination folder, transmitting screen information of an operation screen including information indicating that the access destination folder is a folder for which print settings have been made,
When the print setting file is not stored in the access destination folder, screen information of an operation screen including information indicating that the access destination folder is a folder for which print setting is not performed is transmitted. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: When the file to be printed is stored in the access destination folder, the print processing is not performed when the print setting is not performed in the folder, and the print setting is performed in the folder. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a print process of the print target file is performed when the file is present. When the receiving unit receives a request to perform print setting for the access destination folder from the information processing apparatus, the transmission unit displays screen information of a setting screen for performing print setting for the access destination folder. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the printer transmits the information to the information processing apparatus. The apparatus further comprises a setting unit configured to store a print setting file indicating the print setting performed via the setting screen in the access destination folder, thereby performing print setting for the access destination folder. The printing device according to claim 6.   The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the operation screen is further configured to be capable of operations of creating a folder and moving a folder hierarchy. A method for controlling a printing device, comprising:
A receiving step of receiving, from the information processing apparatus, a request to access a file system managed by the printing apparatus;
When a file to be printed is stored from the information processing apparatus in the requested access destination folder, a processing step of performing printing processing of the file to be printed according to print settings associated with the folder;
An operation screen that can be displayed by a web browser for accepting an operation on the access destination folder, the operation screen including information indicating whether the access destination folder is a folder for which print settings have been made. Transmitting the screen information to the information processing apparatus,
A method for controlling a printing apparatus, comprising:   A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the method for controlling a printing apparatus according to claim 9. A printing system including a printing device and an information processing device capable of communicating with the printing device,
The printing device,
A receiving unit that receives a request to access a file system managed by the printing apparatus from the information processing apparatus;
When a file to be printed is stored in the requested access destination folder from the information processing apparatus, a processing unit that performs a printing process of the file to be printed according to print settings associated with the folder;
An operation screen that can be displayed by a web browser for accepting an operation on the access destination folder, the operation screen including information indicating whether the access destination folder is a folder for which print settings have been made. First transmission means for transmitting the screen information to the information processing apparatus,
The information processing device,
A display control unit that accesses the file system and displays an operation screen on a display unit as a web browser screen based on screen information received from the printing apparatus;
A second transmission unit that, when receiving an operation of storing a print target file in a folder for which print settings have been made via the operation screen displayed on the display unit, transmits the print target file to the printing apparatus; A printing system comprising:

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