Information processing system and information processing program

Abstract

To cause a printer to execute printing based on a received print job even if a printer driver that has generated the received print job is different from a printer driver associated with the printer.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes a processor. The processor receives a print job, and converts, when a printer driver that has generated the received print job is different from a printer driver associated with a printer, the received print job into a print job compatible with the printer driver associated with the printer, to be executed by the printer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a printing system in which multiple printing devices are connected to an information processing device, and in the event of a failure to respond to a print request, the printing is delegated to another printing device.The printing system is characterized by comprising a search means for searching for a printing device that is a candidate for proxy printing from among the multiple printing devices when the processing load on the information processing device is below a predetermined value, an acquisition means for acquiring information about the searched printing device, and a selection means for selecting the printing device that will perform the proxy printing based on the acquired information about the printing device.

[0003] Patent document 2 discloses an output management method in an information processing device capable of communicating with a first output device having a copying function for printing based on a scanned original image, and a second output device having a printing function for printing image data transmitted from an external source in a predetermined format, and having a server function for managing output jobs in the first and second output devices, the output management method comprising a first acquisition step for acquiring first output job information for a copy job executed in the first output device, a detection step for detecting the occurrence of an error that prevents the execution of the output job during execution of the output job, and a proxy output step for causing the second output device to execute proxy printing based on the first output job information in response to the occurrence of an error during execution of the output job in the first output device being detected in the detection step. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-312144 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2004-127251 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to cause a printing device to execute printing based on a received print job even if the printer driver that generated the received print job is different from the printer driver associated with the printing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing system of a first aspect of the present disclosure has a processor that accepts a print job, and when a printer driver that generated the accepted print job is different from a printer driver associated with a printing device, converts the accepted print job into a print job that corresponds to the printer driver associated with the printing device and has the printing device execute the print job.

[0007] An information processing system of a second aspect of the present disclosure is the information processing system of the first aspect, wherein when the processor causes a printing device other than the printing device specified by the requester of the accepted print job to execute the accepted print job, and when the printer driver that generated the accepted print job is different from the printer driver linked to the other printing device, the processor converts the accepted print job into a print job corresponding to the printer driver linked to the other printing device and causes the other printing device to execute the accepted print job.

[0008] A third aspect of the information processing system of the present disclosure is the information processing system of the second aspect, wherein the processor causes the other printing device to execute the accepted print job in accordance with the operating status of the printing device specified by the requester of the accepted print job.

[0009] An information processing system of a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the information processing system of the third aspect, and selects another printing device to execute the accepted print job instead of the specified printing device depending on the operating status of each of the multiple printing devices.

[0010] An information processing system of a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the information processing system of the third aspect, in which the processor selects another printing device to execute the accepted print job instead of the specified printing device based on attribute information of the specified printing device.

[0011] An information processing system of a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the information processing system of the fifth aspect, wherein the attribute information includes location information of the printing device, and the processor selects as the other printing device a printing device that is located close to the specified printing device.

[0012] An information processing system of a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the information processing system of the fifth aspect, wherein the attribute information includes a number of times a consumable has been used in the printing device, and the processor selects as the other printing device a printing device that has used the consumable less often.

[0013] An information processing system of an eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the information processing system of the first aspect, in which the processor selects one of the multiple printing devices, and if the printer driver that generated the accepted print job is different from the printer driver associated with the selected printing device, converts the accepted print job into a print job corresponding to the printer driver associated with the selected printing device and has the selected printing device execute the print job.

[0014] An information processing system according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the information processing system according to the eighth aspect, and selects a printing device that executes the accepted print job according to the operating state of each of the plurality of printing devices.

[0015] An information processing system of a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing system of any one of the first to ninth aspects, in which the processor converts the accepted print job into a print job compatible with the printing device based on a preset conversion table.

[0016] An information processing program of an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to accept a print job, and if a printer driver that generated the accepted print job is different from a printer driver associated with a printing device, convert the accepted print job into a print job corresponding to the printer driver associated with the printing device and have the printing device execute the print job. Effect of the Invention

[0017] In the information processing system of the first aspect, even if the printer driver that generated the print job is different from the printer driver associated with the printing device, it is possible to cause the printing device to execute printing based on the accepted print job.

[0018] In the information processing system of the second aspect, when a print job is executed by a printing device other than the printing device specified by the requester of the accepted print job, and the printer driver that generated the accepted print job is different from the printer driver linked to the other printing device, the print job can be executed more efficiently than in a system in which the requester regenerates the print job with a printer driver linked to the other printing device.

[0019] In the information processing system of the third aspect, the print job can be executed more efficiently than in a system that prints the accepted print job on a designated printing device regardless of the operating state of the printing device designated by the requester.

[0020] In the information processing system of the fourth aspect, print jobs can be executed more efficiently than in a system that searches for another printing device that can execute the accepted print job as is instead of the specified printing device and executes the print job.

[0021] In the information processing system of the fifth aspect, user satisfaction is improved compared to a system in which a different printing device is selected to execute a print job regardless of the attribute information of the specified printing device.

[0022] In the information processing system of the sixth aspect, the burden on the user of having to go and pick up the printed matter can be reduced, compared to a system in which a printing device located far from the specified printing device is selected.

[0023] In the information processing system of the seventh aspect, it is possible to suppress variation in quality compared to a system that selects a printing device according to the operating state of the printing device, regardless of the number of times a consumable has been used.

[0024] In the information processing system according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to execute a print job more efficiently than in a system that selects a printing device that can directly execute a received print job.

[0025] In the information processing system of the ninth aspect, a print job can be executed more efficiently than in a system in which a printing device that executes a print job is selected regardless of the operating state of each of the multiple printing devices.

[0026] In the information processing system of the tenth aspect, the conversion accuracy of the print job is improved compared to a system that does not use a preset conversion table.

[0027] In the information processing program of the eleventh aspect, even if the printer driver that generated the print job is different from the printer driver associated with the printing device, it is possible to cause the printing device to execute printing based on the accepted print job. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a PC. [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a server. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a portion of information stored in a server. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a configuration of a printing apparatus. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram for explaining a flow in which a print job accepted from a PC is output from a server to each printing device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a print job. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining conversion of a print job. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing program according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing program according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an information processing system according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0030] First, an outline of this embodiment will be described.

[0031] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an information processing system according to this embodiment. This embodiment includes a PC 10 (Personal Computer), a server 20, a network 30, and a printing device 40. The PC 10, the server 20, and the printing device 40 are each connected via various communication lines.

[0032] 1 is an example. This embodiment may be configured, for example, with only the PC 10, the network 30, and the printing device 40. In this case, the system provided by the server 20 may be provided in the PC 20 in advance.

[0033] The server 20 of the present embodiment is an example of an “information processing system.” The information processing system may be a single device, or may be configured using multiple devices.

[0034] The server 20 is communicably connected to, for example, the printing device 40A, the printing device 40B, the printing device 40C, and the printing device 40D shown in FIG. 1. Hereinafter, when the printing device 40A, the printing device 40B, the printing device 40C, and the printing device 40D are collectively referred to, they will be written as the printing device 40. Note that in FIG. 1, the printing device 40A, the printing device 40B, the printing device 40C, and the printing device 40D are shown as being of different models, but this example is not restrictive, and for example, at least two of the printing devices may be of the same model. In addition, the number of printing devices communicably connected to the PC 10 is not restrictive to the example of FIG. 1. For example, the number of printing devices communicably connected to the PC 10 may be one.

[0035] The printing device 40 includes an in-house printing device that performs copying processes for in-house materials and printing processes for documents generated for clerical work, etc., as well as a production printing device (production printer) that performs printing processes on various types of paper.

[0036] In response to a user operation, the PC 10 transmits a print job 60 (see FIG. 7) including print data 50 and print information 52 to the server 20 via the network 30. The server 20 outputs the print job 60 to one of the printing devices 40. The printing device 40 that has received the print job 60 executes a print process based on the print information 52, including an image formation process for printing the print data 50 on a recording medium such as paper to generate a printed matter, and an ejection process for ejecting the printed matter in a specified manner.

[0037] The printing information 52 is information for specifying, for example, what kind of printing process the printing device that has received the print job 60 will perform. Examples of information specified by the printing information 52 are the type of printing, the paper size of the printed matter, the type of paper, double-sided or single-sided printing, color or black-and-white printing, and the ejection method. Examples of the type of printing are normal printing, security printing, sample printing, and time-specified printing. Examples of the paper size of the printed matter are A4, A3, B4, and B5. Examples of the paper type are postcards, envelopes, and photographs. Examples of the ejection method are front ejection, sort ejection, Z-fold ejection, and stapled ejection. The user can edit the printing information 52 on the printing information setting screen. The printing information 52 also includes information on the printer driver that generated the print job 60.

[0038] (PC10) Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the PC 10. FIG 2 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the PC 10.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the PC 10 includes a processor 12, a storage unit 14, an operation unit 16, a display unit 18, a communication unit 19, and the like.

[0040] The processor 12 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 12a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12b, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12c, a non-volatile memory 12d, and an input / output interface (I / O) unit 12e, and controls the overall operation of the PC 10. For example, the ROM 12b stores various control programs and various parameters in advance. The RAM 12c is used as a work area when the CPU 12a executes various programs. The storage unit 14 stores a printer driver 200, various data, application programs, and the like. The operation unit 16 is used to input various information. The display unit 18 is used to display various information. The communication unit 19 is an interface for transmitting and receiving various data to and from an external device such as a server 20. The communication unit 19 may be configured to be capable of directly communicating with each device using short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The above-mentioned components of the PC 10 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus.

[0041] The printer driver 200 is a driver that generates a print job 60. The printer driver 200 of this embodiment is, for example, a printer driver 200A that is linked to the printing device 40A, and is capable of generating a print job 60A.

[0042] The processor 12 starts the printer driver 200 to display a print information setting screen on the display unit 18. The user can set print information 52 on the print information setting screen displayed on the display unit 18. The processor 12 also generates a print job 60 using the printer driver 200, and sends the generated print job 60 to the server 20 via the network 30.

[0043] (Server 20) Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the server 20. FIG 3 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the server 20.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, the server 20 includes a processor 22, a storage unit 24, an operation unit 26, a display unit 28, a communication unit 29, and the like.

[0045] The processor 22 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 22a, a read only memory (ROM) 22b, a random access memory (RAM) 22c, a non-volatile memory 22d, and an input / output interface (I / O) unit 22e, and controls the overall operation of the server 20. For example, the ROM 22b stores various control programs and various parameters in advance. The RAM 22c is used as a work area when the CPU 22a executes various programs. The storage unit 24 stores the information processing program 100, various data, application programs, and the like. The operation unit 26 is used to input various information. The display unit 28 is used to display various information. The communication unit 29 is an interface for transmitting and receiving various data to and from external devices such as the PC 10 and the printer 40. The communication unit 29 may be configured to be capable of directly communicating with each device using short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The above-mentioned components of the server 20 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus.

[0046] In this embodiment, the processor 22 can convert the print job 60 generated by the printer driver 200 into a print job generated by another printer driver. The processor 22 then outputs the print job 60 to one of the printing devices 40.

[0047] Furthermore, attribute information 70 of printing device 40 is stored in storage unit 24. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, attribute information 70A of printing device 40A, attribute information 70B of printing device 40B, attribute information 70C of printing device 40C, and attribute information 70D of printing device 40D are stored in storage unit 24. Hereinafter, when the attribute information 70A, attribute information 70B, attribute information 70C, and attribute information 70D are collectively referred to, they will be referred to as attribute information 70.

[0048] The attribute information 70 includes information on the printer driver associated with the printing device 40, in other words, information on the printer driver capable of generating a print job that can be printed by the printing device 40. For example, the attribute information 70A includes information on the printer driver 200A associated with the printing device 40A, in other words, information on the printer driver 200A capable of generating a print job 60A that can be printed by the printing device 40A. The attribute information 70B includes information on the printer driver 200B associated with the printing device 40B. The attribute information 70C includes information on the printer driver 200C associated with the printing device 40C. The attribute information 70D includes information on the printer driver 200A associated with the printing device 40D. Here, the same printer driver 200A is associated with the printing device 40A and the printing device 40D.

[0049] The attribute information 70 may also include location information of the printing device 40. The attribute information 70 may also include the number of times consumables of the printing device 40 have been used. The consumables of the printing device 40 may include parts that are replaced periodically. Examples of consumables of the printing device 40 include toner cartridges and transfer belts. The number of times a toner cartridge has been used refers to, for example, the cumulative number of rotations of the toner cartridge. The number of times a transfer belt has been used refers to, for example, the cumulative number of rotations of the transfer belt.

[0050] The attribute information 70 may also include the date on which a consumable item was replaced in the printing device 40. Furthermore, the attribute information 70 may also include the size of paper stored in the printing device 40, the type of paper, the number of remaining sheets of paper, and the like.

[0051] Furthermore, the storage unit 24 stores operation information 80 of the printing device 40. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, the storage unit 24 stores operation information 80A of the printing device 40A, operation information 80B of the printing device 40B, operation information 80C of the printing device 40C, and operation information 80D of the printing device 40D. Hereinafter, when the operation information 80A, operation information 80B, operation information 80C, and operation information 80D are collectively referred to as operation information 80.

[0052] The operation information 80 may include the operation status of the printing device 40, for example, whether it is in an operable state, the amount of print jobs scheduled to be executed, the time it takes to go from a standby state to a printable state, etc. Note that whether the printing device 40 is in an operable state here refers to, for example, whether the printing device 40 is in an inoperable state due to a paper jam or other malfunction.

[0053] The storage unit 24 also stores a conversion table 110. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, the storage unit 24 stores a conversion table 110AB and a conversion table 110AC.

[0054] Conversion table 110AB is a table for converting print job 60A generated by printer driver 200A into print job 60B generated by printer driver 200B. Note that conversion table 110AB can also convert print job 60B generated by printer driver 200B into print job 60A generated by printer driver 200A.

[0055] Conversion table 110AC is a table for converting print job 60A generated by printer driver 200A into print job 60C generated by printer driver 200C. Note that conversion table 110AC can also convert print job 60C generated by printer driver 200C into print job 60A generated by printer driver 200A.

[0056] Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the above configuration, and various conversion tables 110 may be stored in advance in the storage unit 24. By storing various conversion tables 110 in the storage unit 24, when a new printing device 40 is added, it becomes possible to output a print job 60 suitable for the new printing device 40 to the new printing device 40.

[0057] (Printing device 40) Next, the configuration of the printing device 40 will be described.

[0058] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the printing device 40. The printing device 40 shown in Fig. 5 includes a processor 41, a storage unit 42, an operation unit 43, a display unit 44, a communication unit 45, a document reading unit 46, an image forming unit 47, a paper feeding unit 48, and a discharge unit 49.

[0059] The processor 41 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 41b, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 41c, a non-volatile memory 41d, and an input / output interface (I / O) unit 41e, and controls the overall operation of the printing device 40. For example, the ROM 41b stores various control programs and various parameters in advance. The RAM 41c is used as a work area when the CPU 41a executes various programs. The storage unit 42 stores various programs, various data, application programs, and the like for executing the printing process. The operation unit 43 is used to input various information. The display unit 44 is used to display various information. The communication unit 45 is an interface for transmitting and receiving various data to and from an external device such as the server 20. The communication unit 45 may be configured to be capable of directly communicating with each device using short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The above-mentioned components of the printing device 40 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus.

[0060] The document reading unit 46 includes, for example, a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor that reads a document set in the printing device 40 and generates a document image.

[0061] Image forming unit 47 is configured to include, for example, a photoconductor, and executes image forming processing to form on paper an original image generated by original reading unit 46, or image forming processing to form on paper print data 50 included in print job 60 output from PC 10, for example, by using an electrophotographic method. Note that the image forming processing to form on paper print data 50 included in print job 60 output from PC 10 is performed in accordance with print information 52 included in print job 60.

[0062] The paper feed unit 48 stores, for example, A4 size paper. Note that the size and type of paper stored in the paper feed unit 48 may differ depending on the printing device.

[0063] The ejection section 49 accumulates printed matter that has been ejected after image formation processing has been completed.

[0064] In this embodiment, for example, printer driver 200A is linked to printing device 40A, printer driver 200A is linked to printing device 40B, printer driver 200C is linked to printing device 40C, and printer driver 200A is linked to printing device 40D. That is, in storage unit 24 of server 20, information on printer driver 200A is stored as one piece of information included in attribute information 70A, information on printer driver 200B is stored as one piece of information included in attribute information 70B, information on printer driver 200C is stored as one piece of information included in attribute information 70C, and information on printer driver 200A is stored as one piece of information included in attribute information 70D.

[0065] Next, the functions of the server 20 of this embodiment will be described. When the processor 22 of this embodiment accepts a print job 60 from the PC 10, if the printer driver 200 that generated the accepted print job 60 is different from the printer driver linked to the printing device 40 to which the print request is to be sent, the processor 22 converts the accepted print job 60 into a print job 60 corresponding to the printer driver linked to the printing device 40 and causes the printing device 40 to execute the print job 60. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the processor 22 of the server 20 accepts a print job 60A generated by the printer driver 200A from the PC 10 and causes the printing device 40A or the printing device 40D to print the print job 60A, the processor 22 outputs the print job 60A to the printing device 40A as it is without converting the print job 60A. That is, the processor 22 causes the printing device 40A or the printing device 40D to execute the print job 60A by outputting the print job 60A to the printing device 40A or the printing device 40D. On the other hand, when the processor 22 causes the printing device 40B to print the print job 60A, the processor 22 converts the print job 60A into a print job 60B and outputs the print job 60A to the printing device 40B. That is, the processor 22 causes the printer 40B to execute the print job 60B by outputting the print job 60B to the printer 40B. When the processor 22 causes the printer 40C to print the print job 60A, the processor 22 converts the print job 60A into a print job 60C and outputs the print job 60C to the printer 40C. That is, the processor 22 causes the printer 40C to execute the print job 60C by outputting the print job 60C to the printer 40C. In this way, the processor 22 converts the accepted print job 60 into a job format compatible with each printing device 40, so that printing can be performed in each printing device 40.

[0066] In the present embodiment, when the processor 22 causes a printing device 40 other than the printing device 40 designated by the requester (PC 10) of the accepted print job 60 to execute printing, and when the printer driver 200 that generated the accepted print job 60 is different from the printer driver linked to the other printing device 40, the processor 22 may convert the accepted print job 60 into a print job 60 corresponding to the printer driver linked to the other printing device 40 and cause the other printing device 40 to execute printing. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the processor 22 of the server 20 receives a print job 60A generated by the printer driver 200A from the PC 10 and causes the print job 60A to be executed by a printing device 40B other than the printing device 40A, the processor 22 may convert the print job 60A into a print job 60B and cause the printing device 40B to execute the print job.

[0067] The processor 22 of this embodiment may cause another printing device 40 to execute the print job depending on the operating status of the printing device 40 specified by the requester (PC 10) of the accepted print job 60. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, when the processor 22 of the server 20 accepts a print job 60A generated by the printer driver 200A from the PC 10, the processor 22 may obtain the operating status of the printing device 40A specified by the PC 10 from the operating information 80 (operation information 80A) in the storage unit 24, and may cause, for example, a printing device 40 that is operating less than the printing device 40A or has more room to operate than the printing device 40A to execute the print job.

[0068] The processor 22 of this embodiment may select another printing device 40 to execute printing instead of the specified printing device 40, depending on the operating status of each of the multiple printing devices 40. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6, when the processor 22 of the server 20 receives a print job 60A generated by the printer driver 200A from the PC 10, the processor 22 may select a printing device 40 to execute the print job instead of the specified printing device 40A, depending on the operating status of each of the printing devices 40A to 40D.

[0069] The processor 22 of this embodiment may select another printing device 40 that will execute printing in place of the specified printing device 40, based on the attribute information 70 of the specified printing device 40. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6, when the processor 22 of the server 20 accepts a print job 60A generated by the printer driver 200A from the PC 10, the processor 22 may select a printing device 40 that will execute the print job in place of the specified printing device 40A, according to the attribute information 70 of each of the printing devices 40A to 40D.

[0070] The processor 22 of this embodiment may select a printing device 40 located close to the specified printing device 40 as another printing device 40 that will print instead of the specified printing device 40. Specifically, based on the location information of the attribute information 70 of each printing device 40, a printing device 40 located close to the specified printing device 40 may be searched for, and the searched printing device 40 may be selected as the printing device 40 that will execute the print job.

[0071] The processor 22 of this embodiment may select a printing device 40 that has used consumables less frequently as another printing device 40 that will print instead of the specified printing device 40. Specifically, the processor 22 may search for a printing device 40 that has used consumables less frequently based on the number of times consumables have been used in the attribute information 70 of each printing device 40, and select the searched printing device 40 as the printing device 40 that will execute the print job.

[0072] The processor 22 of this embodiment converts the received print job 60 into a print job 60 corresponding to the printing device 40 based on a preset conversion table 110. For example, when the processor 22 converts the print job 60A into the print job 60B, the processor 22 performs the conversion by referring to the conversion table 110AB. When the processor 22 returns the print job 60A to the print job 60C, the processor 22 performs the conversion by referring to the conversion table 110AC. The conversion table 110 is a table for converting each piece of print information 52, as shown in FIG. 8. Specifically, the conversion table 110 is a table for converting items set by the user on the print information setting screen.

[0073] Next, the operation of the server 20 according to the information processing program 100 will be described.

[0074] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the information processing program 100.

[0075] In step S200, the processor 22 accepts a print job 60 from the PC 10. The print information 52 constituting this print job 60 includes information on the printer driver 200 that generated the print job 60. The print information 52 also includes information (identification information) on the printing device 40 that specified printing. In this embodiment, the processor 22 accepts a print job 60A generated by the printer driver 200A as the print job 60.

[0076] In step S202, the processor 22 searches for the operation information 80 of the specified printing device 40. For example, when the printing device 40A is specified, the processor 22 searches the storage unit 24 for the operation information 80A.

[0077] In step S204, the processor 22 determines whether or not to print using the specified printing device 40A. Specifically, it determines whether or not the operation status of the specified printing device 40A is in an operable state. If the operation status of the specified printing device 40A is in a printable state, the process proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, if the operation status of the specified printing device 40A is in a non-printable state, the process proceeds to step S208.

[0078] In step S206, the processor 22 outputs the accepted print job 60 to the specified printing device 40A. Specifically, the processor 22 outputs the accepted print job 60 to the printing device 40A without converting it. The printing device 40A executes the accepted print job 60A and performs printing.

[0079] In step S208, the processor 22 searches for the operation information 80 and attribute information 70 of another printing device 40. Specifically, the processor 22 searches the storage unit 24 for the operation information 80B and attribute information 70B, the operation information 80C and attribute information 70C, and the operation information 80D and attribute information 70D, respectively.

[0080] In step S210, the processor 22 selects the optimal printing device 40 from among the other printing devices 40. Specifically, the processor 22 selects the optimal device to execute the print job instead of printing device 40A from among printing devices 40B, 40C, and 40D, based on the search results of operation information 80B and attribute information 70B, the search results of operation information 80C and attribute information 70C, and the search results of operation information 80D and attribute information 70D.

[0081] In step S212, the processor 22 searches for the printer driver 200 associated with the selected printing device 40. Specifically, if the printing device 40B is selected, the processor 22 searches for the printer driver 200B associated with the printing device 40B, and if the printing device 40C is selected, the processor 22 searches for the printer driver 200C associated with the printing device 40C.

[0082] In step S214, the processor 22 determines whether the printer driver 200 that generated the print job 60 is the same as the printer driver 200 linked to the selected printing device 40. If they are the same, the process proceeds to step S216. If they are different, the process proceeds to step S218. Specifically, if the selected printing device is printing device 40D, the printer driver 200A that generated the print job 60A is the same as the printer driver 200A linked to printing device 40D, so the process proceeds to step S216. If the selected printing device is printing device 40B or printing device 40C, the printer driver 200A that generated the print job 60A is different from the printer driver 200B or printer driver 200C linked to printing device 40B or printing device 40C, so the process proceeds to step S218.

[0083] In step S216, the processor 22 outputs the print job 60A to the selected printing device 40. Specifically, the processor 22 outputs the accepted print job 60A to the selected printing device 40D without converting it. The selected printing device 40D executes the accepted print job 60A and performs printing.

[0084] In step S218, the processor 22 converts the print job 60 into a print job 60 that corresponds to the printer driver associated with the selected printing device 40. Specifically, if printing device 40B is selected, the processor 22 converts the print job 60A into print job 60B, and if printing device 40C is selected, the processor 22 converts the print job 60A into print job 60C.

[0085] In step S220, the processor 22 outputs the converted print job 60 to the selected printing device 40. Specifically, if printing device 40B is selected, the processor 22 outputs the converted print job 60B to printing device 40B. Printing device 40B executes the accepted print job 60B and performs printing. On the other hand, if printing device 40C is selected, the processor 22 outputs the converted print job 60C to printing device 40C. Printing device 40C executes the accepted print job 60C and performs printing.

[0086] As described above, the processor 22 outputs the print job 60 accepted from the PC 10 to the printing device 40 based on the information processing program 100. The printing device 40 that receives the print job 60 executes the print job 60 and performs printing.

[0087] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0088] In the information processing system of this embodiment, even if the printer driver 200 that generated the print job 60 is different from the printer driver 200 linked to the printing device 40, the printing device 40 can execute the accepted print job 60 and perform printing. In other words, according to the information processing system of this embodiment, it is possible to cause the printing device 40 to execute printing based on the accepted print job 60.

[0089] Furthermore, in the information processing system, when a print job is executed by a printing device 40 other than the printing device 40 specified by the requester (PC 10) of the accepted print job 60, and the printer driver 200 that generated the accepted print job 60 is different from the printer driver 200 linked to the other printing device 40, the print job can be executed more efficiently than in a system in which the PC 10 regenerates the print job 60 with the printer driver 200 linked to the other printing device 40.

[0090] In addition, the information processing system can execute print jobs more efficiently than a system in which the accepted print job 60 is printed by a specified printing device 40 regardless of the operating status of the printing device 40 specified by the requester (PC 10).

[0091] Furthermore, the information processing system can execute print jobs more efficiently than a system that searches for another printing device 40 capable of executing the accepted print job 60 as is instead of the specified printing device 40 and executes the printing.

[0092] Furthermore, in the information processing system, user satisfaction is improved compared to a system in which a different printing device 40 is selected to perform printing regardless of the attribute information 70 of the specified printing device 40.

[0093] Furthermore, in the information processing system, compared to a system in which a printing device 40 located far from the designated printing device 40 is selected, the burden on the user of having to go and pick up the printed matter can be reduced.

[0094] Furthermore, in the information processing system, the quality variation between the printing devices 40 can be reduced compared to a system that selects a printing device 40 based on the operating state of the printing device 40, regardless of the number of times the consumables have been used.

[0095] Furthermore, in the information processing system, the conversion accuracy of the print job 60 is improved compared to a system that does not use the pre-set conversion table 110.

[0096] Furthermore, in the information processing program 100, even if the printer driver 200 that generated the print job 60 is different from the printer driver 200 associated with the printing device 40, the printing device 40 can be caused to execute printing based on the accepted print job 60.

[0097] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, the printing device 40 that executes the print job 60 is specified by the PC 10, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, when the printing device 40 that executes printing is not specified in the PC 10, or when the selection of the printing device 40 is left to the server 20, the processor 22 may select one printing device 40 from among the multiple printing devices 40. Then, when the printer driver 200 that generated the accepted print job 60 is different from the printer driver 200 linked to the selected printing device 40, the processor 22 may convert the accepted print job 60 into the print job 60 corresponding to the printer driver 200 linked to the selected printing device 40 and cause the selected printing device 40 to execute printing. The processor 22 may also select the printing device 40 that executes printing according to the operating status of each of the multiple printing devices 40. For example, the processor 22 may perform processing as in the information processing program shown in FIG. 10. In step S300, the processor 22 accepts the print job 60 from the PC 10. Here, the processor 22 accepts the print job 60A generated by the printer driver 200A as the print job 60. In step S302, the processor 22 searches for the operation information 80 and attribute information 70 of the multiple printing devices 40. Specifically, the processor 22 searches for the operation information 80A and attribute information 70A, the operation information 80B and attribute information 70B, the operation information 80C and attribute information 70C, and the operation information 80D and attribute information 70D from the storage unit 24. In step S304, the processor 22 selects the optimal printing device 40 from the multiple printing devices 40. Specifically, the processor 22 selects the optimal printing device 40 based on the search results of the operation information 80A and attribute information 70A, the search results of the operation information 80B and attribute information 70B, the search results of the operation information 80C and attribute information 70C, and the search results of the operation information 80D and attribute information 70D. In step S306, the processor 22 determines whether the printer driver 200 that generated the print job 60 is the same as the printer driver 200 associated with the selected printing device 40, and if they are the same, proceeds to step S308, and if they are different, proceeds to step S310.In step S308, the processor 22 outputs the print job 60 to the selected printing device 40. The selected printing device 40 executes the accepted print job 60 to perform printing. In step S310, the processor 22 converts the print job 60 into a print job 60 corresponding to the printer driver associated with the selected printing device 40. For example, when the printing device 40B is selected, the processor 22 converts the print job 60A into a print job 60B, and when the printing device 40C is selected, the processor 22 converts the print job 60A into a print job 60C. In step S312, the processor 22 outputs the converted print job 60 to the selected printing device 40. Specifically, when the printing device 40B is selected, the processor 22 outputs the converted print job 60B to the printing device 40B. The printing device 40B executes the accepted print job 60B. On the other hand, when the printing device 40C is selected, the processor 22 outputs the converted print job 60C to the printing device 40C. The printing device 40C executes the accepted print job 60C. In the above information processing system, printing efficiency is improved compared to a system that selects a printing device 40 that can directly execute the accepted print job 60. Also, in the information processing system, printing efficiency is improved compared to a system that selects a printing device 40 that executes printing regardless of the operating status of each of the multiple printing devices 40.

[0098] In the above embodiment, one PC 10 is connected to the network 30, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, a plurality of PCs 10 may be connected to the network 30.

[0099] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, the above-described modified examples may be appropriately combined to form a configuration.

[0100] The following is further disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[0101] (((1))) A processor is included. The processor, Accepts print jobs, When the printer driver that generated the accepted print job is different from the printer driver associated with the printing device, the accepted print job is converted into a print job that corresponds to the printer driver associated with the printing device and is executed by the printing device. Information processing system. (((2))) The processor, When the accepted print job is executed by a printing device other than the printing device designated by a requester of the accepted print job, and when a printer driver that generated the accepted print job is different from a printer driver linked to the other printing device, the accepted print job is converted into a print job corresponding to the printer driver linked to the other printing device and is executed by the other printing device. An information processing system according to (((1))). (((3))) The processor, The accepted print job is executed by the other printing device according to an operating state of the printing device designated by a requester of the accepted print job. The information processing system according to (((2))). (((4))) The processor, According to the operating state of each of the plurality of printing devices, a different printing device is selected to execute the accepted print job instead of the designated printing device. The information processing system according to (((3))). (((5))) The processor, Based on attribute information of the designated printing device, the other printing device is selected to execute the accepted print job instead of the designated printing device. The information processing system according to ((3))) or ((4)). (((6))) the attribute information includes location information of the printing device; The processor, As the other printing device, a printing device located close to the designated printing device is selected. The information processing system according to (((5))). (((7))) the attribute information includes a number of times a consumable item of the printing device has been used; The processor, As the other printing device, a printing device that uses the consumable less frequently is selected. The information processing system according to (((5))) or (((6))). (((8))) The processor, selecting one of the printing devices from among the plurality of printing devices; When the printer driver that generated the accepted print job is different from the printer driver associated with the selected printing device, the accepted print job is converted into a print job corresponding to the printer driver associated with the selected printing device and executed by the selected printing device. An information processing system according to (((1))). (((9))) The processor, A printing device for executing the accepted print job is selected according to the operating state of each of the plurality of printing devices. An information processing system according to (((8))). (((10))) The processor, The information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((9))) converts the accepted print job into a print job compatible with the printing device based on a preset conversion table. (((11))) Accepts print jobs, When a printer driver that has generated the accepted print job is different from a printer driver that is linked to a printing device, the accepted print job is converted into a print job that corresponds to the printer driver that is linked to the printing device, and the converted print job is executed by the printing device. An information processing program for execution by a computer.

[0102] In the information processing system (((1))), even if the printer driver that generated the print job is different from the printer driver associated with the printing device, it is possible to cause the printing device to execute printing based on the accepted print job. In the information processing system (((2))), when a print job is executed by a printing device other than the printing device specified by the requester of the accepted print job, and the printer driver that generated the accepted print job is different from the printer driver linked to the other printing device, the print job can be executed more efficiently than in a system in which the requester regenerates the print job with a printer driver linked to the other printing device. In the information processing system (((3))), print jobs can be executed more efficiently than in a system in which the accepted print job is printed on a designated printing device regardless of the operating status of the printing device designated by the requester. In the information processing system (((4))), print jobs can be executed more efficiently than in a system that searches for another printing device that can execute the accepted print job as is instead of the specified printing device and executes the print job. The information processing system (((5))) provides greater user satisfaction than a system that selects another printing device to execute the print job regardless of the attribute information of the specified printing device. The information processing system (((6))) can reduce the burden on the user of going to pick up the printed matter, compared to a system in which a printing device located far from the designated printing device is selected. The information processing system (((7))) can reduce variation in quality compared to a system that selects a printing device based on the operating state of the printing device, regardless of the number of times a consumable has been used. In the information processing system (((8))), print jobs can be executed more efficiently than in a system that selects a printing device that can directly execute a received print job. The information processing system (((9))) can execute print jobs more efficiently than a system in which a printing device that executes a print job is selected regardless of the operating status of each of a plurality of printing devices. In the information processing system of (((10))), the accuracy of conversion of print jobs is improved compared to a system that does not use a pre-set conversion table. The information processing program (((11))) can cause the printing device to execute printing based on the accepted print job even if the printer driver that generated the print job is different from the printer driver associated with the printing device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 10PCS 20 Server (an example of an information processing system) 22 processors 40 Printing device 60 print jobs 70 Attribute information 80 Operation Information 100 Information Processing Programs 110 Conversion Table 200 Printer Driver

Claims

1. A processor is included. The processor, Accepts print jobs, When the printer driver that generated the accepted print job is different from the printer driver associated with the printing device, the accepted print job is converted into a print job that corresponds to the printer driver associated with the printing device and is executed by the printing device. Information processing system.

2. The processor, When the accepted print job is executed by a printing device other than the printing device designated by a requester of the accepted print job, and when a printer driver that generated the accepted print job is different from a printer driver linked to the other printing device, the accepted print job is converted into a print job corresponding to the printer driver linked to the other printing device and is executed by the other printing device. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The processor, The accepted print job is executed by the other printing device according to an operating state of the printing device designated by a requester of the accepted print job. The information processing system according to claim 2 .

4. The processor, According to the operating state of each of the plurality of printing devices, a different printing device is selected to execute the accepted print job instead of the designated printing device. The information processing system according to claim 3 .

5. The processor, Based on attribute information of the designated printing device, the other printing device is selected to execute the accepted print job instead of the designated printing device. The information processing system according to claim 3 .

6. the attribute information includes location information of the printing device; The processor, As the other printing device, a printing device located close to the designated printing device is selected.

6. The information processing system according to claim 5.

7. the attribute information includes a number of times a consumable item of the printing device has been used; The processor, As the other printing device, a printing device that uses the consumable less frequently is selected.

6. The information processing system according to claim 5.

8. The processor, selecting one of the printing devices from among the plurality of printing devices; When the printer driver that generated the accepted print job is different from the printer driver associated with the selected printing device, the accepted print job is converted into a print job corresponding to the printer driver associated with the selected printing device and executed by the selected printing device. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

9. The processor, A printing device for executing the accepted print job is selected according to the operating state of each of the plurality of printing devices. The information processing system according to claim 8.

10. The processor, 10. The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: a conversion table for converting the received print job into a print job compatible with the printing device based on a preset conversion table.

11. Accepts print jobs, When a printer driver that has generated the accepted print job is different from a printer driver that is associated with a printing device, the accepted print job is converted into a print job that corresponds to the printer driver that is associated with the printing device, and the converted print job is executed by the printing device. An information processing program for execution by a computer.

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