Comprehensive printing management method, system and device

Abstract

The present application relates to a comprehensive printing management method, system and device. The method includes executing a selected first printing task at a SAP server. Executing the selected first printing task includes: instantiating a SAP object for dynamically loading a first external plug-in installed on a client, and sending at least a portion of a data set for the first printing task to the first external plug-in, receiving a verification result of the first external plug-in and determining whether the verification result indicates successful verification, and in response to determining that the verification result indicates successful verification, remotely calling a first printer to print a quality certificate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to printing management, and in particular to a comprehensive printing management method, system and device. Background Art

[0002] In the automotive field, before each car is assembled and sent to dealers, it is necessary to print the car's quality certificate (QC), certificate of consistency (COC) and vehicle photos. Before the quality certificate and certificate of consistency are printed, different plug-ins provided by different national departments (such as Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) Control Extension (OCX) plug-in or Dynamic Link Library (DLL) file plug-in) must be used to obtain different data, such as quality verification result data or QR code as consistency certification data.

[0003] At the end of each automobile production line in the automobile manufacturing plant, a printing station is set up, which includes a client, a certificate printer and a photo printer connected to the client via USB. The staff is responsible for operating the client to complete the printing of QC, COC and photos, and packing the printed certificates and photos and placing them in the corresponding vehicles. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is provided, including executing a selected first print task at a SAP server. Executing the selected first print task includes: instantiating a SAP object for dynamically loading a first external plug-in installed on a client, sending at least a portion of a data set for the first print task to the first external plug-in, receiving a verification result of the first external plug-in and determining whether the verification result indicates a successful verification, and in response to determining that the verification result indicates a successful verification, remotely calling a first printer to print a quality certificate.

[0005] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving user input via a user interface at a client, the user input including a selection of at least one of a plurality of print tasks and parameters associated with the selected print task; and obtaining, at a SAP server, a data set for each print task based on the selected print task and the parameters associated with the selected print task.

[0006] In some embodiments, the step of instantiating a SAP object for dynamically loading a first external plug-in installed on a client is based on a predefined SAP class, wherein the SAP class includes: a plug-in calling function for calling an external plug-in and defining parameters to be input to the external plug-in, a result receiving function for receiving authentication data from the external plug-in, and a printer remote calling function for calling a remote printer to perform a printing task.

[0007] In some embodiments, the method may further include, at the SAP server, executing the selected second print task. Executing the selected second print task includes: accessing a second external plug-in associated with the second print task installed at the client and inputting at least a portion of the data set for the second print task to the second external plug-in, acquiring authentication data generated by the second external plug-in, and remotely calling the first printer to print a conformance certificate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the method may further include executing the selected third print task at the SAP server. Executing the selected third print task includes: sending a request to a Web server, the request may include a data set for the third print task; the Web server determines an absolute path corresponding to a location where an object to be printed is stored based on the data set for the third print task included in the request; the Web server determines whether there is a matching object at the location indicated by the absolute path; and in response to determining that there is a matching object at the location indicated by the absolute path, the Web server remotely calls the second printer to execute the third print task.

[0009] In some embodiments, the SAP server or the Web server executes the remote call of the printer by calling a print plug-in on the server cluster, where the call includes an indication of the print content corresponding to the print task and the address of the printer.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method may further include: driving, by the print plug-in, a driver of a printer corresponding to the print task, wherein the driver is deployed on the server cluster.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method may further include: when calling the printer to execute a print task, in response to completion of the print task, the print plug-in sends a print completion message to the client and returns a printer status notification to the SAP server; in response to a print failure, sends an error message to the client.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method may further include receiving, via a single user interface of the client, a selection of one or more print tasks and a specification of parameters associated with the selected print tasks.

[0013] In some embodiments, the parameters associated with the plurality of print tasks include at least one of: a frame number; a 3C number; and a paper serial number.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first external plug-in is an OCX plug-in, the second external plug-in is a DLL plug-in, the first printing task is a quality certificate printing task, the second printing task is a consistency certificate printing task, the third printing task is a product photo printing task, the first printer is a certificate printer, the second printer is a photo printer, and the object to be printed is a product photo.

[0015] In some embodiments, the method may also include returning one or more prompt messages to the user of the client at the SAP server to indicate at least one of the following: verification failure for the first print task and the reason for the failure; authentication failure for the second print task and the reason for the failure; completion of printing of the first print task; completion of printing of the second print task; completion of printing of the third print task; printer failure information; and printing failure and the reason for the failure.

[0016] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium may be provided, storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by one or more processors, enable the method described above to be performed.

[0017] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program product may be provided, including computer executable instructions, which, when executed by one or more processors, enable the above method to be performed.

[0018] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, a SAP server may be provided, comprising: a memory storing computer executable instructions; and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to execute a selected first print task, including: instantiating a SAP object for dynamically loading a first external plug-in installed on a client, and sending at least a portion of a data set for the first print task to the first external plug-in, receiving a verification result of the first external plug-in and determining whether the verification result indicates a successful verification, and in response to determining that the verification result indicates a successful verification, remotely calling a first printer to print a quality certificate.

[0019] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to: receive user input via a user interface at a client, the user input comprising a selection of at least one of a plurality of print tasks and parameters associated with the selected print task; and obtain, at a SAP server, a data set for each print task based on the selected print task and the parameters associated with the selected print task.

[0020] In some embodiments, the step of instantiating a SAP object for dynamically loading a first external plug-in installed on a client is based on a predefined SAP class, wherein the SAP class includes: a plug-in calling function for calling an external plug-in and defining parameters to be input to the external plug-in, a result receiving function for receiving authentication data from the external plug-in, and a printer remote calling function for calling a remote printer to perform a printing task.

[0021] In some embodiments, the processor is also configured to execute a selected second print task, including: accessing a second external plug-in associated with the second print task installed at the client and inputting at least a portion of the data set for the second print task into the second external plug-in, obtaining authentication data generated by the second external plug-in, and remotely calling the first printer to print a consistency certificate.

[0022] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to: send a request to a Web server, the request may include a data set for a third print task. The Web server, in response to the request, determines an absolute path corresponding to a location where an object to be printed is stored based on the data set for the third print task included in the request, determines whether there is a matching object at the location indicated by the absolute path, and in response to determining that there is a matching object at the location indicated by the absolute path, remotely calls the second printer to execute the third print task.

[0023] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to: call a print plug-in on a server cluster to execute a remote call of a printer, the call including an indication of print content corresponding to the print task and an address of the printer, wherein a driver of the printer is deployed on the server cluster.

[0024] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to: receive, via a single user interface of the client, a selection of one or more print tasks and a specification of parameters associated with the selected print tasks.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first external plug-in is an OCX plug-in, the second external plug-in is a DLL plug-in, the first printing task is a quality certificate printing task, the second printing task is a consistency certificate printing task, the third printing task is a product photo printing task, the first printer is a certificate printer, the second printer is a photo printer, and the object to be printed is a product photo.

[0026] In some embodiments, the processor is also configured to return one or more prompt messages to the user of the client to indicate at least one of the following: verification failure for the first print task and the reason for the failure; authentication failure for the second print task and the reason for the failure; completion of printing of the first print task; completion of printing of the second print task; completion of printing of the third print task; printer failure information; and printing failure and the reason for the failure.

[0027] According to some other embodiments of the present disclosure, a system may be provided, comprising: a client; a first printer and a second printer directly connected to the client; a SAP server communicatively coupled to the client; a Web server communicatively coupled to the SAP server; and a server cluster communicatively coupled to the SAP server, wherein printer drivers associated with the first printer and the second printer are deployed on the server cluster, and the system is configured to execute the method as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1A An exemplary list of print tasks to be executed is shown.

[0029] Figure 1B A screenshot showing a user interface for inputting parameters associated with a quality certificate printing task in the related art.

[0030] Figure 1C A screenshot showing a user interface for inputting parameters associated with a conformance certificate printing task in the related art.

[0031] Figure 1D A screenshot of a user interface for selecting a print task and inputting relevant parameters according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0032] Figure 2 A schematic architecture diagram of an integrated printing management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A flowchart of a comprehensive printing management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a general hardware environment in which a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments, and is provided in the context of a specific application and its requirements. Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited to the embodiments shown, but are to be given the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0036] In the related art, a vehicle certificate management system based on SAP is provided, which monitors the printing tasks to be performed in real time, allows operators to access the user interface to obtain parameters related to the printing tasks to be performed from the SAP database, and expects subsequent printing tasks to be completed automatically.

[0037] However, on the one hand, for QC and COC printing, as mentioned above, when printing QC and OCO, different plug-ins provided by different national departments are required to obtain verification / certification data, etc., and SAP servers or SAP-based applications cannot directly load or call these plug-ins. For example, SAP servers cannot directly load / call OCX plug-ins and / or DLL files.

[0038] On the other hand, the SAP server cannot drive the driver of the printer to perform printing. Therefore, the SAP server cannot print product photos.

[0039] Accordingly, in the related art, a system architecture combining SAP and JAVA is proposed for QC printing, wherein the SAP server / application is used to collect data related to generating vehicle certificates, and the JAVA server / application is used to call the OCX plug-in or DLL file provided by the state department to obtain verification / authentication data, and call the printer to execute the printing task.

[0040] For QC printing, using the system architecture of SAP combined with JAVA, operators generally complete QC printing tasks through the following operations.

[0041] The operator can access the user interface of the SAP server via the client to obtain a list of print tasks to be executed, such as Figure 1AThe list shown in . The list can be updated in real time or at regular intervals. The list can contain the frame number that uniquely identifies the vehicle. Different lists can be presented for different printing needs of operators, and different lists can contain different information associated with the frame number. For example, for photo printing, each entry in the list contains information such as number, frame number, production line number, car series, model, configuration, color, wheel hub, etc. For QC / COC printing tasks, the list can also include 3C number, paper serial number, etc. Figure 1A This is just an example of such a list. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the form of presenting the print tasks to be executed and the associated information is not limited to a list, but may be any other appropriate form.

[0042] When printing QC, the operator accesses the quality certificate printing user interface provided by the SAP server via the client, such as Figure 1B As shown, enter the vehicle unique identification code ( Figure 1B Vin Number)), 3C Number( Figure 1B CCC number in), paper serial number ( Figure 1B Serial No) and other parameters in the

[0043] The SAP server collects data related to the quality certificate printing task based on user input and sends the data to the JAVA server. The JAVA server calls, for example, an OCX plug-in installed on the client to obtain the corresponding verification result, generate a quality certificate, and drive the printer driver installed on the client to drive the certificate printer to perform QC printing.

[0044] In the related art, the BSP technology is used to perform the COC printing task.

[0045] When printing the consistency certificate, the operator accesses the consistency certificate printing user interface provided by the SAP server via the client (this is another user interface different from the quality certificate printing user interface), such as Figure 1C As shown, the operator enters the vehicle frame number ( Figure 1C Vin Number in), paper serial number ( Figure 1C Serial No) and other parameters in the

[0046] The SAP server collects data associated with the consistency certificate based on user input. The BSP application in the SAP server sends the data to the client, loads a plug-in in the form of a DLL file through the client's browser to obtain the QR code, and triggers the driver software installed on the client to drive the certificate printer to execute the consistency certificate printing task.

[0047] In the related art, vehicle photos are generally stored locally on the client or in a network storage device.

[0048] When printing vehicle photos, the operator based on e.g. Figure 1A At least some of the information of the corresponding items in the list in the manual search, such as the series, model, configuration, color, wheels and other information of a vehicle, manually find the folder storing the vehicle photos from the nested folders, thereby finding the corresponding photos, and manually call the photo printer at the client to print the vehicle photos. For example, the operator can first find the folder matching "1 series", then find the subfolder matching the model and configuration of the vehicle under the "1 series" folder, find the vehicle photos matching the color and wheels from the subfolder, and then call the photo printer at the client to perform printing.

[0049] As can be seen from the above, the existing printing system has at least the following problems:

[0050] 1. Involving complicated interface operations, for example, QC and COC need to access different user interfaces and repeatedly enter the frame number;

[0051] 2. It involves too much manual work and is prone to errors. For example, photo printing is completely manual search and printing;

[0052] 3. For QC printing, the introduction of JAVA server / application makes the whole process involve more links. Any error in any link will affect the smooth completion of printing.

[0053] It would be desirable to provide a new integrated print management system that overcomes at least some of the above problems.

[0054] Figure 2 A diagram showing an architecture of an integrated printing management system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, the integrated print management system 200 includes a client 201, a SAP server 202, a Web server 203, a server cluster 204, a certificate printer 205, and a photo printer 206. The certificate printer 205 and the photo printer 206 are connected to the client 201 via, for example, a USB connection.

[0056] The client 201 may be any type of electronic device or computing node, including but not limited to a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a small / large computer system, etc. The client 201 may present an integrated user interface 300 provided by the SAP server 202 to the user, such as Figure 1D shown.

[0057] User interface 300 may include controls for selecting a print task, such as Figure 1D As shown, users can select, for example, to print a quality certificate ( Figure 1D QC print in the Figure 1D COC print) and photo print ( Figure 1D The user interface 300 also includes an input box for parameters associated with the print task, such as the vehicle frame number ( Figure 1D VIN number), 3C number ( Figure 1D CCC number in), quality certificate paper serial number ( Figure 1D Paper Serial number QC) and Certificate of Conformity Paper Serial Number ( Figure 1D Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the user interface 300 is merely an example, and those skilled in the art may conceive of various variations as long as it allows the operator to conveniently specify multiple tasks at once and fill in relevant parameters.

[0058] In some embodiments, the operator may only need to manually fill in the vehicle frame number, and other parameters associated with the vehicle frame number may be automatically filled in.

[0059] In other embodiments, the user interface may be omitted. For example, confirmation of vehicle assembly completion may automatically trigger one or more print tasks (automatically selected according to pre-set rules) to be automatically generated and executed.

[0060] The client 201 may also present messages returned by the SAP server, Web server, printer, etc. to the user, and these messages may indicate successful completion of the print task, failure of the print task, reasons for the print task failure, adjustment instructions, etc.

[0061] The client 201 has installed various external plug-ins provided by, for example, a state department, such as an OCX plug-in for QC printing and a plug-in in the form of a DLL file for COC printing.

[0062] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, for the sake of convenience, the present application describes OCX plug-ins and DLL plug-ins as examples, but various other external plug-ins may also be applicable to the method and system of the present application.

[0063] The SAP server 202 may receive the print task and related parameters specified by the operator via, for example, the user interface 300 from the client 201, collect data sets for each print task from its own database, and complete the print task in cooperation with the web server 203 and / or the server cluster 204. The data sets for each print task may include data related to the print content, information related to the printer, and the like.

[0064] The SAP server 202 may include a QC processing module 202-1, which can dynamically load an external plug-in installed at the client 201, such as an OCX plug-in, to obtain the verification data of the QC. That is, the QC processing module 202-1 enables the SAP server to directly load the OCX plug-in without the involvement of the JAVA server / application.

[0065] The QC processing module 202-1 is implemented, for example, by creating a SAP class and instantiating a SAP object. The SAP class may include: a plug-in calling function, which is used to call an external plug-in and define parameters to be input to the external plug-in; a result receiving function, which is used to receive authentication data from the external plug-in; and a printer remote calling function, which is used to call a remote printer to execute a print task. This will be described in detail later.

[0066] The SAP server 202 may further include a COC processing module 202-2. The COC processing module 202-2 is implemented, for example, as a board support package (BSP) application. The COC processing module 202-2 can access a plug-in in the form of a DLL file installed at the client to obtain a QR code for COC certification. The SAP server sends a data set for a COC printing task to the client through the BSP technology, and loads a plug-in in the form of a DLL file through the browser of the client to obtain a QR code, thereby generating a COC certificate to be printed.

[0067] Next, the SAP server 202 may call the print plug-in 204 - 1 at the server cluster 204 to drive the corresponding printer to perform printing.

[0068] The SAP server 202 can also collect a data set for the photo printing task from the database based on, for example, the vehicle frame number, and send the data set in a request to the Web server 203, so that the Web server 203 can, for example, use the JAVA application 203-1 to find the photos to be printed in its own memory 203-2 based on at least a part of the data set in the request, and call the print plug-in 204-1 at the server cluster 204 to drive the corresponding printer to perform printing.

[0069] The print plug-in 204-1 at the server cluster 204 is implemented as a DLL file, for example. Drivers associated with the certificate printer 205 and the photo printer 206 are deployed at the memory 204-2 of the server cluster 204. In other words, the drivers at the server cluster 204 correspond to the printers one by one.

[0070] The print plug-in 204-1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the print plug-in) may be a plug-in in the form of a DLL file, which implements many functions, such as specifying a printer and returning the actual printing status of the printer to the client, including paper jam, ink shortage, paper shortage, etc. The plug-in may also load a software development kit (SDK) provided by the printer vendor, so as to obtain the number of remaining sheets of photo paper.

[0071] The general process flow of the print plug-in can be:

[0072] 1. Interface initialization: Load local printer list information. List information includes, for example, printer name.

[0073] 2. Set the printing parameters, configure the printer, paper box and number of copies.

[0074] 3. Start the print queue: Generate a print task, including the print content, specify the output printer, output paper box, etc., and put the print task into the print queue.

[0075] 4. Queue execution: Before the task is popped out of the stack, check the status of the specified printer, such as abnormal status, busy, etc., and display the printer status information; if the status is idle, execute the printing action according to the configuration and obtain the printing result.

[0076] The print plug-in can realize the automatic calling of the printer, the real-time acquisition of the printer's real status, and various functions are encapsulated for convenient calling by peripheral systems. It helps to realize the networked centralized management of printing tasks.

[0077] The system 200 may also include a Web server 203 on which a JAVA application 203-1 is deployed. The SAP server may send a request to the Web server 203, the request including a data set for a photo printing task. The JAVA application 203-1 may search for matching photos to be printed from a storage 203-2 storing vehicle photos based on the data set, and remotely call, for example, a photo printer 206 to execute the photo printing task.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, although only the client 201 is shown, the system may involve multiple clients and multiple associated printers, and therefore, the memory 204-2 of the server cluster 204 may store drivers associated with the multiple printers one by one. Each printer is identified, for example, by an IP address, a name, and the like.

[0079] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A flowchart of a comprehensive printing management method 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0080] As shown in the figure, the integrated printing management method 300 includes step 301, in which one or more printing tasks and associated parameters are received.

[0081] For example, the user interface (eg, Figure 1D The user interface 300 in FIG. 1 receives user input from an operator, which specifies at least one of the one or more print tasks and enters one or more associated parameters. These tasks and parameters are indicated / sent to the SAP server.

[0082] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 1D The operator can select at least one of the three printing tasks of QC, COC and photo printing via the user interface 300 at the client 201, and input parameters associated with these printing tasks, such as one or more of the frame number, CCC number, QC paper serial number and COC paper serial number associated with a specific vehicle. In some embodiments, QC, COC and photo are printed by default, that is, these three printing tasks are selected by default.

[0083] Here, it is assumed that the operator has selected to execute three printing tasks, namely, QC, COC and photo printing, and these three printing tasks are executed in sequence. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there may be more or fewer printing tasks, and the execution order of the printing tasks may also be adjusted as required. These are all within the scope of the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0084] Next, the method 300 proceeds to step 303 , where a data set for each print task is acquired based on the received one or more print tasks and associated parameters.

[0085] The data set for each print task is a collection of data required to implement the print task. A data set can contain information related to the print content and information related to the printer specification.

[0086] For example, for a QC printing task, a data set for the QC printing task may be collected from a database of a SAP server, such as the brand, model, color, etc. of a vehicle associated with the QC.

[0087] For the COC printing task, a data set for the COC printing task, such as vehicle overall information and consistency certificate parameter information, may be collected from a database of a SAP server.

[0088] For the photo printing task, a data set for the photo printing task may be collected from the database of the SAP server, such as the vehicle series, model, color, configuration, wheels, etc.

[0089] Acquiring a data set for each printing task further includes converting the format of the original data collected from the database, and assembling the converted data into an assembled data set that meets subsequent processing requirements.

[0090] Next, the method can execute the selected first print task. In method 300, the first print task is described as a QC print task. The first print task involves accessing a first external plug-in that cannot be directly loaded or called before the SAP server provided by the state department. Below, the first external plug-in is described as an OCX plug-in.

[0091] Next, the method 300 proceeds to step 305 , in which, for the QC printing task, a SAP object for dynamically loading the OCX plug-in installed on the client is instantiated, and at least a portion of the data set for the QC printing task is sent to the OCX plug-in.

[0092] Step 305 is performed, for example, by the QC processing module 202-1 in the SAP server. As described above, in the related art, the SAP server cannot directly load an external plug-in, such as an OCX plug-in or a plug-in in the form of a DLL file.

[0093] The QC processing module 202 - 1 in the present application is, for example, an object developed in a SAP server for dynamically calling an external plug-in, such as an OCX plug-in.

[0094] In some embodiments, a SAP class may be created in advance, and the class inherits CL_GUI_CONTROL. CL_GUI_CONTROL is a standard class for control provided by SAP, and its function is to dynamically load a local plug-in of the client.

[0095] Next, a plug-in calling function for a specific plug-in can be constructed, and the plug-in calling function is used to define which specific external plug-in to call and what parameters to input into the specific plug-in. For example, for QC printing, a calling function for an OCX plug-in can be constructed, and the calling function defines which specific parameters to input into the OCX plug-in. When the calling function is used to input parameters for, for example, an OCX plug-in, SAP object instantiation is implemented. In other words, when a QC printing task is received, SAP object instantiation is performed for the task, so that the OCX plug-in installed at the client is dynamically loaded into the SAP server, and the above data set is passed to the OCX plug-in.

[0096] One or more plug-in calling functions may be included in a SAP class to implement calling actions of one or more plug-ins.

[0097] Next, the method 300 proceeds to step 307, in which a verification result of the OCX plug-in is received and it is determined whether the verification result indicates that the verification is successful.

[0098] Step 304 is also executed by the QC processing module 202 - 1 in the SAP server, for example.

[0099] In some embodiments, a result receiving function with one or more variables may be predefined to receive one or more verification results received from an external plug-in. For example, assuming that the result of the OCX plug-in includes multiple verification results, a function with multiple variables may be defined to receive the multiple verification results respectively. In other embodiments, multiple result receiving functions may be defined to receive multiple verification results of the same external plug-in respectively. Multiple result receiving functions may be encapsulated.

[0100] In some embodiments, one or more result receiving functions may be predefined to receive result information returned by one or more external plug-ins. These multiple result receiving functions may also be encapsulated.

[0101] For a case involving only a single verification result, whether the verification result passes the verification can indicate whether the verification is successful.

[0102] In the case of multiple verification results, judging whether the verification result indicates verification success based on the received verification results may include, for example, judging that the verification is successful if multiple verification results all pass verification, and judging that the verification fails if any one of the verification results fails verification.

[0103] If it is determined at step 307 that the verification is successful, the method 300 proceeds to step 309 where a certificate printer is remotely called to print a QC certificate.

[0104] Although not shown, if the verification fails in step 307, the method 300 may further include returning a first error message to the client. In some embodiments, the first error message indicates a specific reason for the verification failure and / or an operation suggestion for the operator. For example, the first error message may indicate that a specific field does not meet the specification, etc.

[0105] A printer remote call function can be defined in the above-mentioned SAP class, which indicates calling a print plug-in (e.g., print plug-in 204-1) on, for example, the server cluster 204 and sending the print content corresponding to the QC print task to the print plug-in, thereby driving the corresponding certificate printer to perform certificate printing, for example, driving the certificate printer 205 at the client 201 to perform QC printing.

[0106] The printer remote call function may specify information such as the IP address of the remote printer that executes the print task. When the SAP server calls the function, it sends a print request or instruction to the print plug-in on the server cluster 204, such as the print plug-in 204-1. The request / instruction may include information such as the IP address of the remote printer that executes the print task. In response to receiving the request, the print plug-in on the server cluster 204 determines the printer driver to be driven based on the IP address and other information, thereby driving the program so that the printer corresponding to the program executes the print action.

[0107] Usually in the production process, at the printing station at the end of each production line, the printer and the client are directly connected via USB, that is, the IP address of the printer is the IP address of the client. However, in other embodiments, the IP address of the printer may not be the same as the IP address of the client, and the printer may be connected to other electronic devices other than the client and have the same IP address as the electronic device.

[0108] In the related art, the driver of the printer is deployed at the respective client. In the present application, the driver of all the printers of all the production lines can be deployed to the server cluster 204, so that the centralized management of the network printers and the remote printing call can be realized. This can reduce the maintenance cost and improve the security.

[0109] The above step 305 and subsequent steps can all be defined in the SAP class. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that more or fewer functions can be defined in such a SAP class to implement more or fewer functions. By defining and encapsulating different functions, it is possible to call a variety of external plug-ins, and it is possible to receive and encapsulate the results from a variety of external plug-ins. All of these are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0110] This application introduces SAP classes and object instantiation, so that the SAP server can directly load and call one or more external plug-ins, and avoids using JAVA servers / applications to call external plug-ins as in related technologies, which can reduce intermediate links and improve system operation stability. The SAP server can also receive and encapsulate the results of one or more external plug-ins, which can well realize the reuse of multiple external plug-ins and improve work efficiency.

[0111] In some embodiments, the method 300 may further include determining whether the QC printing is successfully completed. This may be determined based on feedback from the print plug-in 204-1 on the server cluster 204. If it is determined that the QC printing is not successfully completed, a print error message may be notified to the client. The print error message may indicate the reason for the print failure, such as a printer failure, an abnormal state, and the like.

[0112] If it is determined that the QC printing is successfully completed, the method 300 can then execute the selected second printing task. Figure 3B The description is given by taking the second printing task being a COC printing task as an example.

[0113] The second printing task involves accessing a second external plug-in that cannot be directly loaded or called before on a SAP server provided by another state department. Hereinafter, the second external plug-in is described as a DLL plug-in as an example.

[0114] If the QC printing task is successfully completed, the method 300 may proceed to step 317 to perform COC printing (see Figure 3B ).

[0115] like Figure 3B As shown, in step 317, an external plug-in associated with the COC print task installed at the client is accessed and at least a portion of the data set for the COC print task is input. This step is performed, for example, by the COC processing module 202-2 on the SAP server. The COC processing module 202-2 is implemented, for example, as a BSP application.

[0116] In some embodiments, the external plug-in is a COC-related external plug-in in the form of a DLL file, hereinafter referred to as a COC-related DLL plug-in. The vehicle's conformity certificate contains a QR code for anti-counterfeiting. The QR code must be obtained, for example, via a COC-related DLL plug-in provided by the state. Relevant parameters such as the frame number need to be entered into the plug-in.

[0117] The method then proceeds to step 319, where authentication data generated by the COC-related DLL plug-in is obtained.

[0118] The method then proceeds to step 321, in which the certificate printer is remotely called to print the COC certificate.

[0119] For example, the SAP server generates print content based on the obtained authentication data and other data, and sends the print content to the print plug-in 204 - 1 on the server cluster 204 , so that the print plug-in 204 - 1 calls a related printer to perform printing.

[0120] Although not shown, the method 300 may also include notifying the client of error information when a failure occurs during the COC printing process.

[0121] The entire process of printing the certificate of conformance can be a seamless operation, that is, no other windows will pop up to trigger the selection or setting of the printer during the entire process.

[0122] After the COC certificate is printed, the selected third printing task can be executed. The third printing task is, for example, a product photo printing task, that is, the object to be printed is a product photo. These product photos are stored in an accessible storage device, for example.

[0123] like Figure 3B As shown, the method 300 may proceed to step 323 to print the photo.

[0124] In step 323, the SAP server may send a request to the Web server, and the request may include a data set for the photo printing task. The request enables the Web server to remotely call the photo printer to execute the photo printing task.

[0125] The request is, for example, a GET request. The JAVA application 203-1 on the Web server 203 can use at least a portion of the data set for the photo printing task to identify a path where the matching photos to be printed are stored in the Web server.

[0126] In step 325, the Web server determines an absolute path corresponding to a location where the to-be-printed photos are stored based on the data set for the photo printing task included in the request.

[0127] The web server (more specifically, the JAVA application 203-1) can determine the location of the photo to be printed based on at least a portion of the data set for the photo printing task. For example, the location of the photo to be printed can be determined based on the car series, model, color, configuration, and wheel information in the data set for the photo printing task by matching the directory of the nested folder and / or the photo file name.

[0128] Next, the method 300 proceeds to step 327, where the Web server determines whether there is a matching photo at the location indicated by the absolute path.

[0129] This can be determined, for example, by whether there is a file name matching the hub information, etc. in the folder indicated by the absolute path.

[0130] If it is determined that it does not exist in step 327, an error message is notified to the client. The error message may include information indicating the cause of the error.

[0131] If it is determined in step 327 that it exists, the method 300 proceeds to step 327, and the Web server remotely calls the photo printer to execute the photo printing task.

[0132] Similarly, the JAVA application 203 - 1 calls the print plug-in 204 - 1 in the server cluster 204 to print the found matching photos.

[0133] Although not shown, the method 300 may also include notifying the client of error information when a failure occurs during the photo printing process, etc. The method 300 may also include notifying the client of the printing success if the printing is successful, and the printing plug-in may send information such as the status after printing, the printing time, etc. to the SAP server in the form of RFC.

[0134] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the integrated printing management system and method of the present application can be fully automated. For example, the steps of selecting a printing task and inputting relevant parameters via the user interface at the client in steps 301 and 303 can be automatically triggered by the event of vehicle assembly completion, and the relevant printing task is automatically determined, and the associated parameters are automatically retrieved from the real-time monitor of the SAP server.

[0135] The integrated printing management system and method disclosed in this application provide many advantages.

[0136] For example, operators can select multiple print tasks at once through a unified user interface and input related parameters for the selected print tasks. Compared with the solutions of related technologies, the operation interface is simple, the operation steps are greatly simplified, the occurrence of errors is reduced, and the smooth completion of production plans can be better guaranteed.

[0137] The solution of the present application enables the SAP server to directly load / call / access external plug-ins installed on the client, such as DCX plug-ins or DLL plug-ins, without adding intermediate links involving JAVA, thereby simplifying the background implementation process, saving costs, and reducing the failure rate.

[0138] In the solution of the present application, the printer driver is centrally deployed in a secure server cluster, rather than being dispersedly installed on the client, thereby realizing remote calling and improving security.

[0139] In the solution of the present application, automatic positioning and automatic printing of photos to be printed are achieved, thereby improving work efficiency and accuracy.

[0140] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a general hardware environment in which a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented.

[0141] Reference now Figure 4 , a schematic diagram of an example of a computing node 600 is shown. Computing node 600 is only one example of a suitable computing node and is not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of use or functionality of the embodiments described herein. Regardless, computing node 600 is capable of implementing and / or performing any of the functions set forth above.

[0142] Figure 2 The client 201 , SAP server 202 , Web server 203 , server cluster 204 , etc. shown in the figure can all be implemented by one or more computing nodes 600 .

[0143] In computing node 600, there is a computer system / server 6012, which can operate with numerous other general or special computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and / or configurations that can be suitable for use with computer system / server 6012 include, but are not limited to: personal computer systems, server computer systems, thin clients, thick clients, handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set-top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, small computer systems, large computer systems, and distributed cloud computing technology environments including any of the above systems or devices, etc.

[0144] Computer system / server 6012 can be described in the general context of computer system executable instructions (such as program modules) executed by a computer system. In general, program modules can include routines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Computer system / server 6012 can be practiced in a distributed cloud computing environment, where tasks are performed by remote processing devices linked through a communication network. In a distributed cloud computing environment, program modules can be located on both local or remote computer system storage media including memory storage devices.

[0145] like Figure 4 As shown, the computer system / server 6012 in the computing node 600 is shown in the form of a general computing device. The components of the computer system / server 6012 may include, but are not limited to: one or more processors or processing units 6016, a system memory 6028, and a bus 6018 that couples different system components including the system memory 6028 to the processing unit 6016.

[0146] Bus 6018 represents any one or more of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, a processor, or a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example and not limitation, these architectures include, but are not limited to, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MAC) bus, an Enhanced ISA bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe), and an Advanced Microcontroller Bus Architecture (AMBA).

[0147] The computer system / server 6012 typically includes a variety of computer system readable media. These media can be any available media that can be accessed by the computer system / server 6012, including volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media.

[0148] System memory 6028 may include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 30 and / or cache memory 6032. Computer system / server 6012 may also include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example only, a storage system 6034 may be provided for reading from a non-removable non-volatile magnetic medium (not shown, and commonly referred to as a "hard drive") and writing to a non-removable non-volatile magnetic medium. Although not shown, a disk drive for reading from a removable non-volatile disk (e.g., a "floppy disk") and writing to a removable non-volatile disk, and an optical drive for reading from a removable non-volatile optical disk (such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or other optical medium) and writing to a removable non-volatile optical disk may be provided. In these cases, each may be connected to bus 6018 via one or more data medium interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below, memory 6028 may include at least one program product having a set (eg, at least one) of program modules configured to perform the functions of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0149] By way of example and not limitation, a program / utility 6040 having a set (at least one) of program modules 6042 and an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data may be stored in memory 6028. Each of the operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data, or some combination thereof, may include an implementation of a network environment. Program modules 6042 generally perform functions and / or methods as described herein in the embodiments.

[0150] The computer system / server 6012 may also communicate with one or more external devices 6014 (such as a keyboard, pointing device, display 6024, etc.), one or more devices that enable a user to interact with the computer system / server 6012, and / or any device that enables the computer system / server 6012 to communicate with one or more other computing devices (e.g., a network card, a modem, etc.). Such communication may occur via an input / output (I / O) interface 22. Also, the computer system / server 6012 may communicate with one or more networks (such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and / or a public network (e.g., the Internet)) via a network adapter 20. As depicted, the network adapter 20 communicates with other components of the computer system / server 6012 via a bus 6018. It should be understood that, although not shown, other hardware and / or software components may be used in conjunction with the computer system / server 6012. Examples include, but are not limited to, microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.

[0151] The present disclosure may be implemented as a system, method, and / or computer program product. The computer program product may include (one or more) computer-readable storage media having computer-readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to execute aspects of the present disclosure.

[0152] Computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can keep and store instructions for being used by instruction execution device.Computer readable storage medium can be, for example, (but not limited to) electronic storage device, magnetic storage device, optical storage device, electromagnetic storage device, semiconductor storage device or any suitable combination of the above.The non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of computer readable storage medium includes the following: portable computer disk, hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), static random access memory (SRAM), portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD), memory stick, floppy disk, mechanical encoding device (such as punch card or convex structure in groove with instruction stored thereon) and any suitable combination of the above.Computer readable storage medium as used herein is not interpreted as instantaneous signal itself, such as radio wave or other free propagating electromagnetic wave, electromagnetic wave propagated by waveguide or other transmission medium (for example, light pulse by optical fiber cable) or electrical signal transmitted by wire.

[0153] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to each computing / processing device, or downloaded to an external computer or external storage device via a network (e.g., the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network). The network can include copper transmission cables, optical fiber transmissions, wireless transmissions, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. The network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives the computer-readable program instructions from the network and forwards these computer-readable program instructions for storage in the computer-readable storage medium in each computing / processing device.

[0154] The computer-readable program instructions for performing the operation of the present disclosure may be assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​(such as Smalltalk, C++, etc.) and conventional procedural programming languages ​​(such as "C" programming languages ​​or similar programming languages). The computer-readable program instructions may be executed completely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, executed as an independent software package, partially on the user's computer, partially on a remote computer, or completely on a remote computer or server. In the case of a remote computer, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network (including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)), or may be connected to an external computer (such as using an Internet service provider via the Internet). In some embodiments, an electronic circuit may be customized by utilizing the state information of a computer-readable program instruction, including, for example, a programmable logic circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a programmable logic array (PLA), and the electronic circuit may execute a computer-readable program instruction to perform aspects of the present disclosure.

[0155] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be understood that each box in the flowchart and / or block diagram and the combination of boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0156] These computer-readable program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that when these instructions are executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device, a device that implements the functions / behaviors specified in one or more boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram is generated. These computer-readable program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and these computer-readable program instructions can guide the computer, programmable data processing device, and / or other equipment to work in a specific manner, so that the computer-readable medium in which the instructions are stored includes a manufactured product, which includes instructions for implementing aspects of the functions / behaviors specified in one or more boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0157] Computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device, so that a series of operating steps are performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to produce a computer-implemented process, so that the instructions executed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions / behaviors specified in one or more boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0158] The flow chart and block diagram in the figure show the possible architecture, function and operation of the system, method and computer program product according to each embodiment of the present disclosure. In this regard, each box in the flow chart or block diagram can represent a part of a module, segment or instruction, and a part of the module, segment or instruction contains one or more executable instructions for realizing the specified (one or more) logical functions. In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the box can also occur in an order different from that marked in the figure. For example, depending on the functions involved, two continuous boxes can actually be executed substantially in parallel, or these boxes can sometimes be executed in the opposite order. It will also be noted that each box in the block diagram and / or flow chart, and the combination of the boxes in the block diagram and / or flow chart can be implemented by a system based on special hardware that performs a specified function or behavior or performs a combination of special hardware and computer instructions.

[0159] It should also be understood by those skilled in the art that the various operations illustrated in order in the embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily performed in the illustrated order. Those skilled in the art may adjust the order of the operations as needed. Those skilled in the art may also add more operations or omit some of the operations as needed.

[0160] The description of various embodiments of the present disclosure has been given for the purpose of illustration, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terms used herein are selected to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications, or technical improvements over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable other persons of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A comprehensive printing management method, comprising: At the SAP server, executing the selected first printing task includes: Instantiating a SAP object for dynamically loading a first external plug-in installed on the client, and sending at least a portion of a data set for a first print task to the first external plug-in, receiving a verification result of the first external plug-in and determining whether the verification result indicates that the verification is successful, and In response to determining that the verification result indicates successful verification, remotely invoking the first printer to print the quality certificate, The step of instantiating a SAP object for dynamically loading a first external plug-in installed on the client is based on a predefined SAP class, and the SAP class includes: The plugin call function is used to call an external plugin and define the parameters to be input to the external plugin. a result receiving function for receiving authentication data from the external plugin, and The printer remote call function is used to call the remote printer to execute the printing task.

2. The integrated printing management method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving a user input via a user interface at a client, the user input comprising a selection of at least one of a plurality of print tasks and parameters associated with the selected print task; and At the SAP server, a data set for each print task is obtained based on the selected print task and parameters associated with the selected print task.

3. The integrated printing management method according to claim 1, further comprising: At the SAP server, executing the selected second printing task includes: accessing a second external plug-in associated with a second print job installed at the client and inputting at least a portion of the data set for the second print job into the second external plug-in, obtaining authentication data generated by the second external plugin, and The first printer is remotely called to print the conformance certificate.

4. The integrated printing management method according to claim 1, further comprising: At the SAP server, the selected third printing task is executed, including: Sending a request to a web server, the request including a data set for a third printing task; The Web server determines, based on the data set for the third printing task included in the request, an absolute path corresponding to a location where the object to be printed is stored; The Web server determines whether there is a matching object at the location indicated by the absolute path; In response to determining that there is a matching object at the location indicated by the absolute path, the Web server remotely calls the second printer to execute the third print task.

5. The integrated printing management method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The SAP server or the Web server executes the remote call of the printer by calling the print plug-in on the server cluster, wherein the call includes an indication of the print content corresponding to the print task and the address of the printer.

6. The integrated printing management method according to claim 5, further comprising: The printing plug-in drives a driver of a printer corresponding to the printing task, wherein the driver is deployed on the server cluster.

7. The integrated printing management method according to claim 5, further comprising: When the printer is called to execute a print task, in response to the completion of the print task, the print plug-in sends a print completion message to the client and returns a printer status notification to the SAP server; In response to a printing failure, an error message is sent to the client.

8. The integrated printing management method according to claim 5, further comprising: A selection of one or more print tasks and a specification of parameters associated with the selected print tasks are received via a single user interface of the client.

9. The integrated printing management method according to claim 8, wherein: The parameters associated with the plurality of print tasks include at least one of the following: Frame number; 3C; and Paper serial number.

10. The integrated printing management method according to claim 9, wherein: The first external plug-in is an OCX plug-in, the second external plug-in is a DLL plug-in, the first printing task is a quality certificate printing task, the second printing task is a consistency certificate printing task, the third printing task is a product photo printing task, the first printer is a certificate printer, the second printer is a photo printer, and the object to be printed is a product photo.

11. The integrated printing management method according to claim 9, further comprising: At the SAP server, one or more prompt messages are returned to the user of the client to indicate at least one of the following: Verification failure for the first print task and the reason for the failure; Authentication failure for the second print task and the reason for the failure; The first printing task is completed; The second printing task is completed; The third printing task is completed; Printer failure information; and Printing failed and the reason for the failure.

12. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 11 to be performed.

13. A computer program product comprising computer executable instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 11 to be performed.

14. A SAP server, comprising: a memory storing computer executable instructions; and A processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the selected first printing task, comprising: Instantiating a SAP object for dynamically loading a first external plug-in installed on the client, and sending at least a portion of a data set for a first print task to the first external plug-in, receiving a verification result of the first external plug-in and determining whether the verification result indicates that the verification is successful, and In response to determining that the verification result indicates successful verification, remotely invoking the first printer to print the quality certificate, The step of instantiating a SAP object for dynamically loading a first external plug-in installed on the client is based on a predefined SAP class, and the SAP class includes: The plugin call function is used to call an external plugin and define the parameters to be input to the external plugin. a result receiving function for receiving authentication data from the external plugin, and The printer remote call function is used to call the remote printer to execute the printing task.

15. The SAP server of claim 14, wherein the processor is further configured to: receiving a user input via a user interface at a client, the user input comprising a selection of at least one of a plurality of print tasks and parameters associated with the selected print task; and At the SAP server, a data set for each print task is obtained based on the selected print task and parameters associated with the selected print task.

16. The SAP server according to claim 15, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the selected second print task, comprising: accessing a second external plug-in associated with a second print job installed at the client and inputting at least a portion of the data set for the second print job into the second external plug-in, obtaining authentication data generated by the second external plugin, and The first printer is remotely called to print the conformance certificate.

17. The SAP server of claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to: Sending a request to the Web server, the request including a data set for the third print task, in, The Web server responds to the request, determines an absolute path corresponding to a location where an object to be printed is stored based on a data set for the third printing task included in the request, determines whether a matching object exists at the location indicated by the absolute path, and in response to determining that a matching object exists at the location indicated by the absolute path, remotely calls a second printer to execute the third printing task.

18. The SAP server of claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to: A print plug-in on a server cluster is called to execute a remote call of a printer, wherein the call includes an indication of print content corresponding to the print task and an address of the printer, wherein a driver of the printer is deployed on the server cluster.

19. The SAP server of claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to: A selection of one or more print tasks and a specification of parameters associated with the selected print tasks are received via a single user interface of the client.

20. The SAP server according to claim 19, wherein: The first external plug-in is an OCX plug-in, the second external plug-in is a DLL plug-in, the first printing task is a quality certificate printing task, the second printing task is a consistency certificate printing task, the third printing task is a product photo printing task, the first printer is a certificate printer, the second printer is a photo printer, and the object to be printed is a product photo.

21. The SAP server according to claim 20, wherein: The processor is further configured to return one or more prompt messages to the user of the client to indicate at least one of the following: Verification failure for the first print task and the reason for the failure; Authentication failure for the second print task and the reason for the failure; The first printing task is completed; The second printing task is completed; The third printing task is completed; Printer failure information; and Printing failed and the reason for the failure.

22. An integrated printing management system, comprising: Client side; A first printer and a second printer directly connected to the client; a SAP server communicatively coupled to the client; a Web server communicatively coupled to the SAP server; and a server cluster communicatively coupled to the SAP server, wherein printer drivers associated with the first printer and the second printer are deployed on the server cluster, The integrated printing management system is configured to execute the integrated printing management method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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