Information processing device, print system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To allow a user to easily designate a desired print range, when displaying a print preview via a server.SOLUTION: Information for designating document data, and layout setting for aggregating a plurality of logical pages to one physical page to print them, are received, and transmitted to a server. A preview after adjustment by the layout setting of the designated document data, and the information about the logical page of the designated document data, are received from the server. Then, the preview, and a page number of the logical page laid out to each physical page of the preview, are controlled to be displayed, on the basis of the received information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a printing system, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] When printing document data, the user can specify the page print range while checking a preview of the print result. For example, out of 10 pages of document data, by specifying pages 1 to 5 as the print range while checking the preview, it is possible to print only the necessary five pages. Patent Document 1 also proposes a method of calculating and displaying the number of sheets of paper included in a print job according to a specified layout. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-134560 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When printing document data on a cloud network, the server that manages the print setting UI and the server that manages the print data may be different. In such a case, the print setting UI management server obtains and displays a print preview from the print data management server, and accepts the print range designation from the user.

[0005] The number of pages that the print setting UI management server can present to the user is only the number of pages (physical page number) after layout adjustment obtained from the print preview acquired from the print data management server. In other words, the number of pages (logical page number) before layout adjustment cannot be known. For example, when 10 pages of document data are laid out in 4-in-1, a total of three images are displayed in the print preview. And, in the technology of Patent Document 1, the number of sheets required for single-sided printing is three. In this case, it is difficult to know which page of the document data corresponds to the page laid out in each image in the print preview. Therefore, when the user specifies the print range in the print setting UI, it is difficult to specify the desired print page range.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to make it easier for a user to specify a desired print range when a print preview is displayed via a server. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention is characterized by having a transmitting means for accepting information specifying document data and a layout setting for printing multiple logical pages aggregated on one physical page and transmitting the information to a server, a receiving means for receiving from the server a preview of the specified document data after adjustment using the layout setting and information regarding the logical pages of the specified document data, and a control means for controlling the display of the preview and the page numbers of the logical pages laid out on each physical page of the preview based on the information received by the receiving means. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, when a print preview is displayed via a server, it is possible for a user to easily specify a desired print range. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the overall configuration of a printing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the configuration of a client terminal; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of various servers. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of various servers. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a process executed by the printing system. [Figure 7] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an example of screen transition of a print setting UI. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a process executed by the printing system. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a preview configuration file. [Figure 10] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an example of screen transition of a print setting UI. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing a print range designation method selection process. [Figure 12] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an example of screen transition of a print setting UI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention related to the claims, and all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0011] [Embodiment 1] <System configuration> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a printing system according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the printing system according to this embodiment includes a client terminal 100, an image forming apparatus 101, a storage server 102, a UI management server 103, and a print management server 104. The client terminal 100, the image forming apparatus 101, and the servers 102 to 104 are each connected to the Internet 105, and can transmit and receive information to and from each other via the Internet 105. Communication is controlled through HTTP, XMPP, or the like. Note that other protocols may be used.

[0012] Each of the servers 102-104 is realized by one or more physical servers, or one or more virtual servers realized by one or more physical devices. When realized by one or more virtual servers, the servers are realized by applying cloud computing technology. Each of the servers 102-104 is a server that provides a cloud print service. In this embodiment, the UI management server 103 transmits document data stored in the storage server 102 and print settings received from the client terminal 100 to the print management server 104. Then, the print management server 104 generates a print job using the information received from the UI management server 103 and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 101. This allows printing to be performed without using a printer driver or a dedicated local app of the client terminal 100.

[0013] The storage server 102 is a server that stores document data. The UI management server 103 is a server that manages a UI for print settings (hereinafter referred to as a print setting UI), and transmits the print setting UI to the client terminal 100 in response to a request from the client terminal 100. The UI management server 103 accepts instructions from the client terminal 100 via the print setting UI, uploads specified document data to the print management server 104, and transmits print settings such as Nin1 settings to the print management server 104. The UI management server 103 also receives a print preview of document data after layout adjustment from the print management server 104 and transmits it to the client terminal 100.

[0014] The print management server 104 receives print settings via the UI management server 103, adjusts the layout of the document data according to the received print settings such as the Nin1 settings, and generates a print preview. It also generates a print job. The print management server 104 may be configured integrally with the storage server 102. In this case, the print management server 104 receives information (e.g., a document ID) specifying document data via the UI management server 103, and acquires the specified document data based on the received document ID.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 101 receives a print job via the print management server 104, and executes the received print job to perform printing. The client terminal 100 is a PC (personal computer) operated by a user, and issues instructions regarding document data and print settings via a print setting UI provided by the UI management server 103. The image forming apparatus 101 may be configured integrally with the client terminal 100. In this case, the print setting UI provided by the UI management server 103 is displayed on a display device 407 (FIG. 3) of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0016] <Client terminal configuration> 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the client terminal 100. The client terminal 100 has a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a HDD 204, a communication unit 205, a display 206, and an operation input unit 207. These units are connected to each other via a bus 200.

[0017] The CPU 201 controls the entire device. The CPU 201 executes programs, an OS, etc. stored in the ROM 202 and the HDD 204, and controls temporary storage of information, files, etc. required for executing the programs in the RAM 203. The ROM 202 stores programs such as a basic I / O program and various data. The RAM 203 temporarily stores various data and functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 201. The HDD 204 is one of the external storage means, functions as a large-capacity memory, and stores application programs such as a Web browser, programs of a group of service servers, an OS, related programs, etc. The CPU 201 executes programs stored in the ROM 202 and the HDD 204 to realize the processing of the client terminal 100 shown in each sequence diagram and flowchart described later.

[0018] The communication unit 205 is connected to a network such as the Internet 105, and transmits and receives information to and from external devices via the network under the control of the CPU 201. The display 206 is a display device, and displays a print setting UI, information required for operation, and the like under the control of the CPU 201. The operation input unit 207 is a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, and the like that allows the user to perform various input operations. The CPU 201 accepts instructions from the user via the operation input unit 207.

[0019] <Hardware configuration of image forming device> 3A is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101. The image forming apparatus 101 has a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, a HDD 404, a communication device 405, an input device 406, a display device 407, a scanner device 408, and a printer device 409. These units are connected to each other via a bus 400. The image forming apparatus 101 has various functions such as copying, printing, and scanning.

[0020] The CPU 401 controls the entire apparatus. The CPU 401 executes various functions such as copying, printing, scanning, etc. The ROM 402 stores programs such as a basic control program and various data. The RAM 403 temporarily stores various data and functions as the main memory, working memory, etc. of the CPU 401. The HDD 404 stores various programs and various data. The CPU 201 executes programs stored in the ROM 402 and the HDD 404 to realize the processing of the image forming apparatus 101 shown in each sequence diagram described later.

[0021] The communication device 405 is connected to a network such as a LAN or the Internet 105, and transmits and receives information to and from external devices via the network. The input device 406 is a keyboard, mouse, hard keys, touch panel, etc., that allows a user to input characters and data. The display device 407 is a device for displaying various screens, such as a liquid crystal display. A user issues job execution instructions to the image forming device 101 via the input device 406 on a UI screen displayed on the display device 407. The scanner device 408 is a device for scanning documents placed on the image forming device 101 by a user and converting them into electronic data. The printer device 409 is a device for printing image data.

[0022] <Functional configuration of the image forming apparatus> 3B is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 101. The CPU 401 loads a program stored in the ROM 402 or HDD 404 into the RAM 403 and executes it, thereby realizing functions as a communication control unit 501, a job control unit 502, a setting management unit 503, and a screen control unit 504.

[0023] The communication control unit 501 receives a print job and a job execution request from the print management server 104 via the communication device 405. The job control unit 502 controls the scanner device 408 and the printer device 409 to execute various jobs based on a job execution request inputted by the input device 406 or received by the communication device 405. The setting management unit 503 stores settings related to the execution of each function of the image forming device 101 in each storage device such as the RAM 403 and the HDD 404, and reads them from each storage device. The settings here include, for example, copy settings for executing a copy function, print settings for executing a print function, network settings, and individual identification information. The screen control unit 504 displays a UI screen on the display device 407 and receives instructions from a user via the input device 406.

[0024] <Server hardware configuration> 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the storage server 102, the UI management server 103, and the print management server 104. Each of these servers includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, a RAM 603, a HDD 604, and a communication unit 605. These units are connected to each other via a bus 600.

[0025] The CPU 601 controls the entire device. The CPU 601 executes programs, an OS, etc. stored in the ROM 602 and the HDD 604, and controls temporary storage of information, files, etc. required for executing the programs in the RAM 603. The ROM 602 stores programs such as a basic I / O program and various data. The RAM 603 temporarily stores various data and functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 601. The HDD 604 is one of the external storage means, functions as a large-capacity memory, and stores application programs such as a Web browser, programs of a group of service servers, an OS, related programs, etc. The communication unit 605 is connected to a network such as the Internet 105, and transmits and receives information to and from an external device via the network. The CPU 601 executes programs stored in the ROM 202 and the HDD 604, thereby realizing the processing of each of the servers 102 to 104 shown in each sequence diagram described later.

[0026] <Server functional configuration> Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the storage server 102, the UI management server 103, and the print management server 104. Note that each function described in Fig. 5 may be realized by distributing it to one or more physical servers or one or more virtual servers. 5(a) is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the storage server 102. The CPU 601 of the storage server 102 loads a program stored in the ROM 602 or HDD 604 into the RAM 603 and executes it, thereby realizing functions as a communication control unit 701, a data management unit 702, an authentication control unit 703, and a data storage unit 704.

[0027] The communication control unit 701 communicates with the client terminal 100, the image forming apparatus 101, the UI management server 103, and the print management server 104 via the communication unit 605, and transmits and receives each processing request. The data management unit 702 stores the data received by the communication control unit 701 in the data storage unit 704. The authentication control unit 703 manages user information and performs authentication processing. The user information is stored in the data storage unit 704 or a user management dedicated DB (not shown). The authentication control unit 703 may also perform authentication processing in cooperation with an external authentication service connected via the communication unit 605. The data storage unit 704 stores data in the HDD 604 in response to a request from the data management unit 702 or the authentication control unit 703. The data storage unit 704 stores document data and the like. By registering the user information in the printing system, it becomes possible to print the document data stored in the storage server 102 by the image forming apparatus 101 in response to a request from the client terminal 100 or the image forming apparatus 101.

[0028] 5(b) is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the UI management server 103. The CPU 601 of the UI management server 103 loads a program stored in the ROM 602 or HDD 604 into the RAM 603 and executes it, thereby realizing functions as a communication control unit 801, a UI control unit 802, an authentication control unit 803, and a data storage unit 804.

[0029] The communication control unit 801 communicates with the client terminal 100, the image forming apparatus 101, the storage server 102, and the print management server 104 via the communication unit 605, and transmits and receives each processing request. The UI control unit 802 controls the UI displayed on the client terminal 100. Specifically, the UI control unit 802 generates a print setting UI and transmits it to the client terminal 100 via the communication control unit 801. The authentication control unit 803 is similar to the authentication control unit 703. The data storage unit 804 stores data in the HDD 604 in response to a request from the authentication control unit 803. The data storage unit 804 also stores information necessary for generating the print setting UI.

[0030] 5C is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the print management server 104. The CPU 601 of the print management server 104 loads a program stored in the ROM 602 or HDD 604 into the RAM 603 and executes it, thereby realizing functions as a communication control unit 901, a print job generation unit 902, an authentication control unit 903, and a data storage unit 904.

[0031] The communication control unit 901 communicates with the client terminal 100, the image forming apparatus 101, the storage server 102, and the UI management server 103 via the communication unit 605, and transmits and receives each processing request. The print job generation unit 902 generates a print job to be executed by the image forming apparatus 101, and transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus 101 via the communication control unit 901. The authentication control unit 903 is similar to the authentication control unit 703. The data storage unit 904 stores data in the HDD 604 in response to a request from the authentication control unit 903. The data storage unit 904 also stores information necessary for generating a print job.

[0032] <Print execution flow with print range specified> 6 is a sequence diagram showing the process of the printing system according to this embodiment when printing is performed by specifying a print range. As an example, a case will be described here where 10 pages of document data are laid out in 4in1, and then pages 3 to 8 are specified as the print range and printing is performed. In the following description, each process (step) is represented by adding an S to the beginning, and the notation of the process (step) will be omitted.

[0033] In S1001, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 accepts a user instruction via the operation input unit 207 and requests the UI management server 103 for a print setting UI. In S1002, when the communication control unit 801 of the UI management server 103 accepts a request from the client terminal 100, the UI control unit 802 generates a print setting UI and transmits it to the client terminal 100. When the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 receives the print setting UI, it displays the received print setting UI on the display 206. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting UI displayed in this sequence. In this step, a print setting UI 1100(a) is transmitted to the client terminal 100. The print setting UI 1100(a) is displayed on the display 206 of the client terminal 100.

[0034] In S1003, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 accepts a file upload operation in the print setting UI. Here, the user performs a file upload operation by dragging and dropping a file stored in the storage server 102 or selecting a file in the file upload UI 1101 of the print setting UI 1100(a). This upload operation inputs information specifying a file to be printed. The process of inputting information specifying a file to be printed is an example of a process of accepting information specifying document data. When the upload operation is accepted, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 transitions the display on the display 206 to the print setting UI 1100(b). Note that the UI control unit 802 of the UI management server 103 may control the UI to transition from the print setting UI 1100(a) to the print setting UI 1100(b).

[0035] In S1004, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 transmits a file upload request to the UI management server 103. This file upload request includes information specifying the file to be printed. In S1005, upon receiving the file upload request from the client terminal 100, the communication control unit 801 of the UI management server 103 transmits the file upload request to the storage server 102. This file upload request includes information specifying the file to be printed.

[0036] In S1006, when the communication control unit 701 of the storage server 102 accepts a file upload request from the UI management server 103, the data management unit 702 acquires the specified file and transmits it to the print management server 104. When the communication control unit 901 of the print management server 104 receives the file from the storage server 102, the data saving unit 904 saves the received file.

[0037] In S1007, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 accepts a print layout designation operation in the print setting UI. Here, it is assumed that the user selects 4in1 in the print layout designation UI 1102 of the print setting UI 1100(b). This print layout designation operation inputs a print layout setting for aggregating and printing multiple logical pages on one physical page. The process of inputting the print layout setting is an example of a process for accepting the print layout setting. In S1008 , the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 transmits the print layout setting to the UI management server 103 .

[0038] In S1009, when the communication control unit 801 of the UI management server 103 receives the print layout setting from the client terminal 100, it transmits the received print layout setting to the print management server 104. When the communication control unit 901 of the print management server 104 receives the print layout setting from the UI management server 103, the data storage unit 904 stores the received print layout setting.

[0039] In S1010, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 accepts a print preview display operation in the print setting UI. Here, it is assumed that the user presses the preview display button 1103 in the print setting UI 1100(b). In step S1011 , the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 transmits a print preview display request to the UI management server 103 . In step S1012 , upon receiving the print preview display request from the client terminal 100 , the communication control unit 801 of the UI management server 103 transmits a print preview request to the print management server 104 .

[0040] In S1013, the communication control unit 901 of the print management server 104 accepts a print preview request from the UI management server 103. Then, the print job generation unit 902 performs layout adjustment using the file received in S1006 and the print layout setting received in S1009 that have been stored in the data storage unit 904, and generates a print preview of the file after the layout adjustment. In S1014, the communication control unit 901 of the print management server 104 transmits the print preview generated in S1013 and information regarding the number of logical pages of the file to be printed to the UI management server 103. The information regarding the number of logical pages of the file to be printed is, for example, the total number of logical pages of the file.

[0041] In S1015, the communication control unit 801 of the UI management server 103 receives the print preview and the total number of logical pages of the file from the print management server 104 and transmits them to the client terminal 100. When the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 receives the print preview and the total number of logical pages of the file from the UI management server 103, it transitions the display on the display 206 to the print setting UI 1100(c). The client terminal 100 is an example of an information processing device. Note that the UI control unit 802 of the UI management server 103 may control the UI to transition from the print setting UI 1100(b) to the print setting UI 1100(c). In this case, the UI management server 103 is an example of an information processing device.

[0042] The print preview received in S1015 is displayed in a preview display area 1104(a) of the print setting UI 1100(c). Here, an image of the first physical page is displayed. The user can use the preview display area 1104(a) to check the print preview after the specified layout is applied.

[0043] The page number display area 1105(a) of the print setting UI 1100(c) displays the page numbers (1 to 4) of the logical pages laid out on the physical pages being displayed in the preview display area 1104(a) and the total number of logical pages (10) of the file being print previewed. In addition, by switching the physical page being displayed in the preview display area 1104(a), the page numbers (logical page numbers) of the logical pages laid out on each physical page can be displayed. The information displayed in the page number display area 1105(a) is acquired using the total number of logical pages of the file received in S1015. The CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 calculates the logical page numbers laid out on each physical page based on the total number of logical pages received in S1015 and the print layout setting accepted in S1007. Note that in S1005, the logical page numbers laid out on each physical page may be received as information regarding the number of logical pages of the file. In this case, the UI control unit 802 of the UI management server 103 may calculate the logical page numbers laid out on each physical page based on the total number of logical pages of the file received in S1014 and the print layout setting received in S1008. Then, the communication control unit 801 of the UI management server 103 may transmit the print preview, the total number of logical pages of the file, and the calculated logical page numbers to the client terminal 100.

[0044] In this example, the total number of physical pages after 4in1 layout is 3, and the page number of the physical page being displayed is 1, but in page number display area 1105(a), the page number of the logical page being displayed (1-4) and the total number of logical pages (10) can be confirmed. This allows the user to easily specify the desired print range in step S1016 while checking in page number display area 1105(a) which page of the document data the logical page being displayed in preview display area 1104(a) corresponds to.

[0045] In S1016, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 accepts a print range setting operation in the print setting UI. Here, it is assumed that the user designates pages 3 to 8 in the print range setting UI 1106 of the print setting UI 1100(c) by referring to the page number display area 1105(a). This print range setting operation inputs a print range setting using logical page numbers. The process of inputting the print range setting is an example of a print range reception process. In step S1017 , the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 transmits the print range setting to the UI management server 103 . In S1018, when the communication control unit 801 of the UI management server 103 receives the print range setting from the client terminal 100, it transmits the received print range setting to the print management server 104. When the communication control unit 901 of the print management server 104 receives the print range setting from the UI management server 103, the data storage unit 904 stores the received print range setting.

[0046] In S1019, the print job generation unit 902 of the print management server 104 generates a print preview using the file received in S1006 that has been stored in the data storage unit 904, the print layout received in S1009, and the print range setting received in S1018. In step S1020, the communication control unit 901 of the print management server 104 transmits the print preview generated in step S1019 to the UI management server 103.

[0047] In S1021, the communication control unit 801 of the UI management server 103 receives the print preview from the print management server 104 and transmits it to the client terminal 100. When the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 receives the print preview from the UI management server 103, it transitions the display on the display 206 to a print setting UI 1100(d). Note that the UI control unit 802 of the UI management server 103 may control the UI to transition from the print setting UI 1100(d) to the print setting UI 1100(d).

[0048] The preview display area 1104(b) of the print setting UI 1100(d) is updated with the print preview received in S1021. Here, an image of the first physical page is displayed. The user can use the preview display area 1104(b) to check the print preview after the set print range is applied. The logical page number in page number display area 1105(b) of print setting UI 1100(d) is updated with the page numbers (3 to 6) of the logical pages laid out on the physical pages being displayed in preview display area 1104(b). Note that the total logical page number (10) of the file being print previewed is displayed so that the user can easily re-specify the print range, but the total logical page number (6) after the set print range is applied may also be displayed.

[0049] The information displayed in the page number display area 1105(b) is acquired using the total number of logical pages of the file received in S1015. The CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 calculates the logical page number laid out on each physical page based on the total number of logical pages received in S1015, the print layout setting received in S1007, and the print range setting received in S1016. In addition, in S1021, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 may receive the logical page number laid out on each physical page of the print preview after the print range is applied. In this case, the UI control unit 802 of the UI management server 103 may calculate the logical page number laid out on each physical page based on the total number of logical pages received in S1014, the print layout setting received in S1008, and the print range setting received in S1017. Then, the communication control unit 801 of the UI management server 103 may transmit the print preview after the print range is applied and the calculated logical page number to the client terminal 100.

[0050] In step S1022, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 accepts a print execution operation in the print setting UI. Here, the user presses the print execution button 1107 in the print setting UI 1100(d). In step S1023 , the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 transmits a print execution request to the UI management server 103 .

[0051] In step S1024 , upon receiving the print execution request from the client terminal 100 , the communication control unit 801 of the UI management server 103 transmits the print execution request to the print management server 104 . In S1025, the communication control unit 901 of the print management server 104 accepts a print execution request from the UI management server 103. Then, the print job generation unit 902 generates a print job using the file received in S1006, which has been stored in the data storage unit 904, the print layout setting received in S1009, and the print range setting received in S1018.

[0052] In step S1026, the communication control unit 901 of the print management server 104 transmits the print job generated in step S1025 to the image forming apparatus 101. In S1027, the communication control unit 501 of the image forming apparatus 101 receives the print job from the print management server 104. Then, the job control unit 502 executes the print job received in S1026 and performs printing. After that, the series of processes in this sequence diagram ends.

[0053] As described above, when displaying a preview of Nin1 printing via a server that manages the data to be printed and a server that manages the print setting UI, with a file saved in a cloud server as the print target, the logical page numbers laid out on each physical page are displayed. This makes it easier for the user to specify the desired print range.

[0054] [Embodiment 2] In the first embodiment, when the user specifies a print range in S1016 of FIG. 6, the print range setting must be sent to the print management server 104 and the print preview must be regenerated (S1017 to S1021), which takes time to send and receive data. This may delay the display of the print preview, making the user wait. Therefore, in this embodiment, a method will be described in which, when a print range is specified after the print preview is displayed, the client terminal 100 performs processing to update the print preview. This makes it possible to reduce the number of communications with the print management server 104. Below, descriptions of the same parts as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0055] 8 is a sequence diagram showing the process of the printing system according to the present embodiment when printing is performed by specifying a print range. As an example, a case will be described in which 10 pages of document data are laid out in 4in1, and then pages 1 to 3 are specified as the print range and printing is performed.

[0056] 8 are similar to the processes of S1001 to S1012 in FIG. 6, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0057] In S1213, the communication control unit 901 of the print management server 104 accepts a print preview request from the UI management server 103. Then, the print job generation unit 902 generates a print preview using the file received in S1206 and the print layout setting received in S1209 that have been stored in the data storage unit 904. Furthermore, the print job generation unit 902 generates a print preview configuration file that describes information necessary for configuring the print preview.

[0058] Fig. 9 shows an example of a print preview configuration file. The print preview configuration file includes logical page information for each logical page. In S1213, a print preview configuration file 1300(a) is generated. Fig. 9 shows an example of logical page information 1301(a) to 1305(a) for pages 1 to 5 included in the print preview configuration file 1300(a). Note that in practice, logical page information for pages 6 to 10 is also included.

[0059] The logical page information includes item values ​​corresponding to the logical page number, PrintPageNumber, PrintPosition, and IsPrint. PrintPageNumber indicates the page number (physical page number) of the physical page to be laid out. PrintPosition indicates the layout position. IsPrint indicates whether the page is to be printed or not. If IsPrint is True, it indicates that the page is to be printed, and if IsPrint is False, it indicates that the page is not to be printed. Here, the print layout is set to 4in1, so the PrintPageNumber of logical page information 1301(a)-1304(a) for pages 1-4 is 1, and the PrintPageNumber of logical page information 1305(a) for page 5 is 2.

[0060] In step S1214, the communication control unit 901 of the print management server 104 transmits the print preview generated in step S1213 and the print preview configuration file to the UI management server 103. In S1215, the communication control unit 801 of the UI management server 103 receives the print preview and the print preview configuration file from the print management server 104, and transmits them to the client terminal 100. The CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 receives the print preview and the print preview configuration file from the UI management server 103.

[0061] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting UI displayed in this sequence. When the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 receives the print preview and the print preview configuration file from the UI management server 103, the CPU 201 displays the print setting UI 1400(a) on the display 206. The print preview received in S1215 is displayed in a preview display area 1401(a) of the print setting UI 1400(a). Here, an image of the first physical page is displayed. The user can use the preview display area 1401(a) to check the print preview after the specified layout is applied.

[0062] A page number display area 1402(a) of the print setting UI 1400(a) displays the logical page numbers (1 to 4) laid out on the physical page (physical page number: 1) currently displayed in the preview display area 1401(a) and the total number of logical pages (10). The logical page numbers and the total number of logical pages displayed in the page number display area 1402(a) can be obtained from the print preview configuration file. Specifically, it is sufficient to obtain the logical page number whose page number of the currently displayed physical page matches PrintPageNumber and the total number of logical page information that constitutes the print preview configuration file.

[0063] The UI control unit 802 of the UI management server 103 may obtain the logical page number to be displayed in the page number display area 1402(a) by using the page number of the physical page being displayed and the print preview configuration file received in S1214. Then, the UI control unit 802 of the UI management server 103 may control the display on the display 206 of the client terminal 100 to transition to the print setting UI 1400(a).

[0064] In S1216, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 accepts a print range setting operation in the print setting UI. Here, it is assumed that the user designates pages 1 to 3 in the print range setting UI 1403 of the print setting UI 1400(a) with reference to the page number display area 1402(a). This print range setting operation inputs a print range setting using logical page numbers.

[0065] In S1217, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 edits the print preview configuration file based on the print range setting input in S1216. The print preview configuration file 1300(b) in FIG. 9 shows the print preview configuration file after editing in S1217. IsPrint becomes True for logical page information 1301(b)-1303(b) of pages 1-3 specified by the user as the print range. Also, IsPrint becomes False for logical page information of pages 4-10 outside the print range (print preview configuration file 1300(b) shows up to page 5). The CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 transitions the display on the display 206 to the print setting UI 1400(b) based on the edited print preview configuration file.

[0066] A preview display area 1401(b) of the print setting UI 1400(b) displays the print preview received in S1215 and the print preview after the print range has been applied, which has been generated based on the edited print preview configuration file. The user can use the preview display area 1401(b) to check the print preview after the set print range has been applied. A page number display area 1402(b) of the print setting UI 1400(b) displays the logical page numbers (1-3) laid out on the physical page (physical page number: 1) being displayed in the preview display area 1401(b) and the total logical page number (10). Note that the total logical page number (10) of the file being print previewed is displayed so that the user can easily re-specify the print range, but the total logical page number (3) after the set print range is applied may also be displayed. The logical page numbers displayed in the page number display area 1402(b) can be obtained from the edited print preview configuration file.

[0067] The print preview configuration file may be edited under the control of the UI control unit 802 of the UI management server 103. In this case, the UI control unit 802 of the UI management server 103 may receive the print range setting input in S1216 from the client terminal 100 and edit the print preview configuration file received in S1214. Then, the communication control unit 801 of the UI management server 103 may transmit the edited print preview configuration file to the client terminal 100. Alternatively, the UI control unit 802 of the UI management server 103 may obtain the logical page number to be displayed in the page number display area 1402(b) using the page number of the physical page being displayed and the edited print preview configuration file. Then, the UI control unit 802 of the UI management server 103 may control the UI to transition from the print setting UI 1400(a) to the print setting UI 1400(b).

[0068] In S1218, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 accepts a layout position change operation in the print setting UI. Here, it is assumed that a drag-and-drop operation has been performed in the preview display area 1401(b) to swap the positions of logical page 2 and logical page 3. This layout position change operation inputs layout position change information.

[0069] In S1219, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 edits the print preview configuration file based on the layout position change information input in S1218. Print preview configuration file 1300(c) in Fig. 9 shows the print preview configuration file after editing in S1219. Here, because the positions of logical pages 2 and 3 have been swapped, the PrintPosition of logical page information 1302(c) becomes BottomLeft (bottom left) and the PrintPosition of logical page information 1303(c) becomes TopRight (top right). The CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 transitions the display on the display 206 to the print setting UI 1400(c) based on the edited print preview configuration file.

[0070] A preview display area 1401(c) of the print setting UI 1400(c) displays the print preview received in S1215 and a print preview after the layout position has been changed, which has been generated based on the edited print preview configuration file. Using the preview display area 1401(c), the user can check the print preview in which logical page 2 is laid out in the lower left and logical page 3 is laid out in the upper right. A page number display area 1402(c) of the print setting UI 1400(c) displays the logical page numbers laid out on the physical page (physical page number: 1) being displayed in the preview display area 1401(c) in an order (1, 3, 2) according to the layout position. The logical page numbers and the order of the logical page numbers displayed in the page number display area 1402(c) can be obtained from the print preview configuration file.

[0071] The print preview configuration file may be edited under the control of the UI control unit 802 of the UI management server 103. In this case, the UI control unit 802 of the UI management server 103 may receive the layout position change information input in S1218 from the client terminal 100 and edit the print preview configuration file received in S1214. Then, the communication control unit 801 of the UI management server 103 may transmit the edited print preview configuration file to the client terminal 100. Alternatively, the UI control unit 802 of the UI management server 103 may perform UI control to transition the print setting UI 1400(b) to the print setting UI 1400(c) using the edited print preview configuration file.

[0072] In S1220, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 accepts a print execution operation in the print setting UI. Here, the user presses the print execution button 1404 in the print setting UI 1400(c). In step S1221, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 transmits a print execution request and a print preview configuration file to the UI management server 103.

[0073] In S1222 , upon receiving the print execution request and the print preview configuration file from the client terminal 100 , the communication control unit 801 of the UI management server 103 transmits the print execution request and the print preview configuration file to the print management server 104 . In S1223, the communication control unit 901 of the print management server 104 accepts a print execution request and a print preview configuration file from the UI management server 103. Then, the print job generation unit 902 generates a print job using the file received in S1206 and the print preview configuration file received in S1222, both of which have been stored in the data storage unit 904.

[0074] In step S1224, the communication control unit 901 of the print management server 104 transmits the print job generated in step S1223 to the image forming apparatus 101. In S1225, the communication control unit 501 of the image forming apparatus 101 receives the print job from the print management server 104. Then, the job control unit 502 executes the print job received in S1225 and performs printing. After that, the series of processes in this sequence diagram ends.

[0075] As described above, even if the print range is specified after the print preview is displayed, the print preview can be updated on the client terminal 100 side, thereby reducing the number of communications with the print management server 104 and shortening the time until the print preview is displayed.

[0076] [Embodiment 3] In the first and second embodiments, the case where the user specifies the print range using logical page numbers has been described, but cases where the user wants to specify the print range using physical page numbers are also assumed. For example, in a document created on the assumption that it will be printed in 4in1, it is considered that the user wants to specify the print range using physical page numbers after the 4in1 layout. Therefore, in this embodiment, a method of selecting whether to specify the print range using logical page numbers or using physical page numbers will be described.

[0077] 11 is a flowchart for selecting a method for specifying a print range. The CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 loads a program stored in the ROM 202 or HDD 204 into the RAM 203 and executes the program, thereby implementing the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0078] In S1501, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 displays a print setting UI on the display 206 and accepts a print range designation method selection operation in the print setting UI. Note that the print setting UI is displayed by making a request for the print setting UI to the UI management server 103.

[0079] 12 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting UI that allows selection of a method for designating a print range. Here, a print setting UI 1600(a) is displayed on the display 206 of the client terminal 100. In the designation method selection UI 1601, the user selects a desired print range designation method from among "Designate from all pages," which designates a print range using logical page numbers, and "Designate from laid-out pages," which designates a print range using physical page numbers.

[0080] In S1502, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 determines the print range designation method selected in S1501. If the print range designation method using logical page numbers is selected, the process proceeds to S1503, and the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 transitions the display on the display 206 to print setting UI 1600(b). If the print range designation method using physical page numbers is selected, the process proceeds to S1504, and the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 transitions the display on the display 206 to print setting UI 1600(c).

[0081] In S1503, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 displays the logical page number together with the print preview in the preview display area 1602(a) of the print setting UI 1600(b). Here, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 displays the logical page number superimposed on the layout position of each logical page on the print preview in the preview display area 1602(a).

[0082] In S1504, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 displays the logical page number and the total number of logical pages being previewed. Here, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 displays the page numbers (1-4) of the logical pages laid out on the currently displayed physical page and the total number of logical pages (10) in the page number display area 1603(a). By selecting the print range designation method using the logical page numbers, it becomes possible to designate the print range using the logical page numbers in the print range setting UI 1604(a). This allows the user to designate the desired print page range from among all pages of the document data, with reference to the page number display area 1603(a). The flowchart of FIG. 11 then ends.

[0083] In S1505, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 displays the physical page number together with the print preview in the preview display area 1602(b) of the print setting UI 1600(c). Here, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 displays the page number of the physical page being displayed superimposed on the print preview in the preview display area 1602(b).

[0084] In S1506, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 displays the physical page number and the total number of physical pages being previewed. Here, the CPU 201 of the client terminal 100 displays the page number (1) of the physical page being displayed and the total number of physical pages (3) in the page number display area 1603(b). The print range setting UI 1604(b) makes it possible to specify the print range by the physical page number. This allows the user to specify the desired print page range from the pages that have been laid out, with reference to the page number display area 1603(b). The flowchart of FIG. 11 then ends.

[0085] Note that the print execution result will be the same if pages 1 to 4 are specified using logical page numbers in print range setting UI 1604(a) and if pages 1 to 1 are specified using physical page numbers in print range setting UI 1604(b).

[0086] In the above description, the case where the processing of the flowchart in Fig. 11 is realized by the control of the client terminal 100 has been described, but the processing of the flowchart in Fig. 11 may be realized by the control of the UI management server 103. In this case, the UI control unit 802 of the UI management server 103 receives the print range designation method selected in S1501 from the client terminal 100. When the print range designation method using logical page numbers is selected, the UI control unit 802 of the UI management server 103 may control the display of the display 206 to transition to the print setting UI 1600(b). Also, when the print range designation method using physical page numbers is selected, the UI control unit 802 of the UI management server 103 may control the display of the display 206 to transition to the print setting UI 1600(c).

[0087] As described above, by allowing the user to select whether to specify the print range using logical page numbers or using physical page numbers, the user can easily specify the print range by selectively using the logical page numbers or the physical page numbers.

[0088] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0089] The disclosure of each of the above-described embodiments includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Configuration 1) a transmission means for receiving information specifying document data and a layout setting for aggregating and printing a plurality of logical pages on one physical page, and transmitting the information to a server; a receiving means for receiving, from the server, a preview of the specified document data after adjustment using the layout setting and information regarding the logical pages of the specified document data; a control means for controlling display of the preview and page numbers of logical pages laid out on each physical page of the preview based on the information received by the receiving means; 13. An information processing device comprising: (Configuration 2) 2. The information processing apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the control means controls so as to display the total number of logical pages of the specified document data. (Configuration 3) 3. The information processing apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the control means controls so as to display the total number of physical pages after adjustment in the layout setting of the specified document data. (Configuration 4) the receiving means receives the total number of logical pages of the specified document data from the server; The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the control means obtains page numbers of the logical pages laid out on each physical page of the preview based on the total number of the logical pages received by the receiving means and the layout setting. (Configuration 5) The transmission means receives a print range specified using the page number of the logical page and transmits the print range to the server; The receiving means receives a preview after adjustment within the print range of the specified document data from the server, The information processing device described in configuration 4, characterized in that the control means displays the preview received by the receiving means after accepting the printing range, and obtains page numbers of the logical pages laid out on each physical page of the preview based on the total number of logical pages, the layout setting, and the printing range, and displays the page numbers of the obtained logical pages. (Configuration 6) the receiving means receives logical page information of each logical page constituting the specified document data from the server; The logical page information includes a page number of the logical page and a page number of the physical page to which the logical page belongs, The information processing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the control means controls to display page numbers of logical pages laid out on each physical page of the preview based on the logical page information received by the receiving means. (Configuration 7) The logical page information further includes information as to whether the page is a page to be printed, a receiving means for receiving a print range designated by using a page number of a logical page; an editing unit that edits the logical page information based on the print range accepted by the accepting unit; and 7. The information processing apparatus according to configuration 6, wherein the control means updates the display of the preview and the page number of the logical page based on the logical page information edited by the editing means. (Configuration 8) The logical page information further includes a layout position, a receiving unit for receiving an operation to change a layout position of a logical page laid out on a physical page of the preview; an editing means for editing the logical page information based on the operation accepted by the accepting means; and The information processing device according to configuration 6 or 7, characterized in that the control means updates the display of the preview and changes the order of page numbers of the logical pages based on the logical page information edited by the editing means. (Configuration 9) a selection unit for selecting a first method for setting a print range using page numbers of logical pages and a second method for setting a print range using page numbers of physical pages adjusted by the layout setting, The information processing device according to any one of configurations 6 to 8, wherein the control means controls the device to display the page number of the physical page being displayed when the first method is selected, and to display the page number of the logical page laid out on the physical page being displayed when the second method is selected. (Configuration 10) 10. The information processing device according to configuration 9, wherein the control means performs control so that, when the first method is selected, the page number of the physical page being displayed is superimposed on the preview. (Configuration 11) The information processing device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the control means controls the display to display the total number of physical pages after adjustment based on the layout setting of the specified document data when the first method is selected. (Configuration 12) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 9 to 11, characterized in that when the second method is selected, the control means controls the display to superimpose the page number of the logical page at the position of the logical page laid out on the physical page being displayed. (Configuration 13) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 9 to 12, wherein the control means controls the device to display the total number of logical pages of the specified document data when the second method is selected. (Configuration 14) A printing system including an information processing device and a server that generates a print preview of document data. The information processing device includes: a transmission means for receiving information designating the document data and a layout setting for aggregating and printing a plurality of logical pages on one physical page, and transmitting the information to the server; a receiving means for receiving from the server the print preview of the specified document data after adjustment using the layout setting and information regarding the logical pages of the specified document data; a control means for controlling display of the print preview and page numbers of logical pages laid out on each physical page of the print preview based on the information received by the receiving means; A printing system comprising: (Configuration 15) A printing system including a first server that controls a UI of an information processing device and a second server that generates a print preview of document data, The first server comprises: a transmission means for transmitting information for designating the document data and a layout setting for aggregating and printing a plurality of logical pages on one physical page, both of which are received by the information processing device, to the second server; a receiving means for receiving, from the second server, the print preview of the specified document data after adjustment using the layout setting and information regarding the logical pages of the specified document data; a control means for controlling a UI of the information processing device to display the print preview and logical page numbers of logical pages laid out on each physical page of the print preview based on the information received by the receiving means; A printing system comprising: (method) a transmission step of receiving information designating document data and a layout setting for aggregating and printing a plurality of logical pages on one physical page, and transmitting the information to a server; a receiving step of receiving, from the server, a preview of the specified document data after adjustment using the layout setting and information regarding logical pages of the specified document data; a control step of controlling to display the preview and page numbers of logical pages laid out on each physical page of the preview based on the information received in the receiving step; 13. An information processing method comprising: (program) The computer of the information processing device, a transmission means for receiving information specifying document data and a layout setting for aggregating and printing a plurality of logical pages on one physical page, and transmitting the information to a server; a receiving means for receiving, from the server, a preview of the specified document data after adjustment using the layout setting and information regarding the logical pages of the specified document data; a control means for controlling display of the preview and page numbers of logical pages laid out on each physical page of the preview based on the information received by the receiving means; A program characterized by functioning as: [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 100: client terminal, 101: image forming device, 102: storage server, 103: UI management server, 104: print management server

Claims

1. a transmission means for receiving information designating document data and a layout setting for aggregating and printing a plurality of logical pages on one physical page, and transmitting the information to a server; a receiving means for receiving, from the server, a preview of the specified document data after adjustment using the layout setting and information regarding the logical pages of the specified document data; a control means for controlling display of the preview and page numbers of logical pages laid out on each physical page of the preview based on the information received by the receiving means; 13. An information processing device comprising:

2. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means controls so as to display the total number of logical pages of the specified document data.

3. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls so as to display the total number of physical pages after adjustment in accordance with the layout setting of the specified document data.

4. the receiving means receives the total number of logical pages of the specified document data from the server; 2 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control means acquires page numbers of the logical pages laid out on each physical page of the preview based on the total number of the logical pages received by the receiving means and the layout setting.

5. The transmission means receives a print range specified using the page number of the logical page and transmits the print range to the server; The receiving means receives a preview after adjustment within the print range of the specified document data from the server, The information processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the control means displays the preview received by the receiving means after accepting the printing range, and obtains page numbers of the logical pages laid out on each physical page of the preview based on the total number of logical pages, the layout setting, and the printing range, and displays the page numbers of the obtained logical pages.

6. the receiving means receives logical page information of each logical page constituting the specified document data from the server; The logical page information includes a page number of the logical page and a page number of the physical page to which the logical page belongs, 2 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control means controls to display page numbers of logical pages laid out on each physical page of the preview based on the logical page information received by the receiving means.

7. The logical page information further includes information as to whether the page is a page to be printed, a receiving means for receiving a print range designated by using a page number of a logical page; an editing unit that edits the logical page information based on the print range accepted by the accepting unit; Further comprising:

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control means updates the display of the preview and the page number of the logical page based on the logical page information edited by the editing means.

8. The logical page information further includes a layout position, a receiving unit for receiving an operation to change a layout position of a logical page laid out on a physical page of the preview; an editing means for editing the logical page information based on the operation accepted by the accepting means; Further comprising:

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control means updates the display of the preview and changes the order of page numbers of the logical pages based on the logical page information edited by the editing means.

9. a selection unit for selecting a first method for setting a print range using page numbers of logical pages and a second method for setting a print range using page numbers of physical pages adjusted by the layout setting, 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means controls the display of the page number of the physical page being displayed when the first method is selected, and the display of the page number of the logical page laid out on the physical page being displayed when the second method is selected.

10. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control means performs control such that, when the first method is selected, a page number of a physical page being displayed is superimposed on the preview.

11. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control means performs control so as to display the total number of physical pages after adjustment in the layout setting of the specified document data when the first method is selected.

12. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, when the second method is selected, the control means controls so that the page number of the logical page is superimposed on the position of the logical page laid out on the physical page being displayed.

13. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said control means performs control so as to display the total number of logical pages of the specified document data when the second method is selected.

14. A printing system including an information processing device and a server that generates a print preview of document data. The information processing device includes: a transmission means for receiving information designating the document data and a layout setting for aggregating and printing a plurality of logical pages on one physical page, and transmitting the information to the server; a receiving means for receiving from the server the print preview of the specified document data after adjustment using the layout setting and information regarding the logical pages of the specified document data; a control means for controlling display of the print preview and page numbers of logical pages laid out on each physical page of the print preview based on the information received by the receiving means; A printing system comprising:

15. A printing system including a first server that controls a UI of an information processing device and a second server that generates a print preview of document data, The first server comprises: a transmission means for transmitting information for designating the document data and a layout setting for aggregating and printing a plurality of logical pages on one physical page, both of which are received by the information processing device, to the second server; a receiving means for receiving, from the second server, the print preview of the designated document data after adjustment using the layout setting and information regarding the logical pages of the designated document data; a control means for controlling a UI of the information processing device to display the print preview and logical page numbers of logical pages laid out on each physical page of the print preview based on the information received by the receiving means; A printing system comprising:

16. a transmission step of receiving information designating document data and a layout setting for aggregating and printing a plurality of logical pages on one physical page, and transmitting the information to a server; a receiving step of receiving, from the server, a preview of the specified document data after adjustment using the layout setting and information regarding logical pages of the specified document data; a control step of controlling to display the preview and page numbers of logical pages laid out on each physical page of the preview based on the information received in the receiving step; 13. An information processing method comprising:

17. The computer of the information processing device, a transmission means for receiving information designating document data and a layout setting for aggregating and printing a plurality of logical pages on one physical page, and transmitting the information to a server; a receiving means for receiving, from the server, a preview of the specified document data after adjustment using the layout setting and information regarding the logical pages of the specified document data; a control means for controlling display of the preview and page numbers of logical pages laid out on each physical page of the preview based on the information received by the receiving means; A program characterized by functioning as:

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