Display system, display method, display program, and display program group

Abstract

To display effective information for reprinting content data which a plurality of users cooperatively edit.SOLUTION: A display device includes a determination means configured to determine, for each user included in a plurality of users, whether or not the user has printed layout data, a confirmation means configured to confirm, for each user who has printed the layout data, whether or not any user included in the plurality of users has edited the layout data at least once during a period from when the user last printed the layout data to the present time, and a display control means configured to display, for each user whose confirmation result is positive, a screen for notifying the user or each user who has performed printing during a period from when the user last printed the layout data to the present time of necessity of reprinting the layout data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display system, a display method, a display program, and a group of display programs. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, when using an editing system to edit layout data involving a layout for a poster or flyer, the user first selects a template having a design that is closest to the final image. Next, the user adjusts the design by adding, editing, or deleting content such as text and images from the selected template as necessary, and by changing the position and size of each content. Here, editing systems are not limited to personal use, and there are collaborative editing systems that enable multiple users to collaboratively edit layout data. If such a collaborative editing system is used, for example, it is possible to imagine a case where staff from multiple stores collaboratively edit layout data for a promotional poster for a chain store. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-22651 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such a case, it may happen frequently that staff member P of store X prints the layout data, checks the print result, and then staff member Q of another store Y edits the layout data. In such a case, it is preferable for staff member P to reprint the layout data edited by staff member Q to recheck it. However, since they are in different stores, it is difficult for staff member P and staff member Q to notice the need for reprinting. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that displays the operation history of each user for a document shared by multiple users in a timeline. However, with this technology, since the correspondence between each edit and each print is unclear, it is difficult to make the users, staff member P and staff member Q, notice the need for reprinting.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to display information that is useful for reprinting content data that is being jointly edited by a plurality of users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a display system that displays a screen related to the editing and printing of layout data shared by multiple users, comprising: a determination means for determining, for each user included in the multiple users, whether or not the user has printed layout data; a confirmation means for confirming, for each user who has printed the layout data, whether any user included in the multiple users has edited the layout data at least once during the period from when the user last printed the layout data to the present; and a display control means for each user whose confirmation result is positive, displaying a screen informing the user or each user who has printed during the period from when the user last printed to the present of the need to reprint the layout data. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to display information that is useful for reprinting content data that is being jointly edited by a plurality of users. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the configuration of an editing and printing system for editing and printing layout data. [Diagram 2] Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming device included in the editing and printing system [Diagram 3] Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the client terminal and server device included in the editing and printing system. [Figure 4] Functional block diagram of the image forming device, client terminal, and server device included in the editing and printing system [Diagram 5] An example of layout data in table format stored in the layout data database used in the editing and printing system. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a layout data editing screen on a client terminal included in the editing and printing system. [Figure 7] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing examples of editing history information and printing history information used in a display system related to the editing and printing system. [Figure 8] A flowchart showing a process performed when printing is executed on a client terminal. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing a process performed at a predetermined opportunity. [Figure 10] A flowchart showing a process related to editing that is performed in a display system and that does not change the print result before and after editing. [Figure 11] A flowchart showing a process that takes into account editing so that the print result remains the same before and after editing [Figure 12] 1 is a flowchart showing a process related to layout data corresponding to multiple pages. [Figure 13] Figure showing an example of a message recommending reprinting [Figure 14]A diagram of the screen related to approval of the incorporation of edits by a user who has previously printed [Figure 15] A diagram showing an example of editing history information, printing history information, and display messages used in a display system related to an editing and printing system. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of editing history information, printing history information, and display messages used in a display system related to an editing and printing system. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of editing history information, printing history information, and display messages used in a display system related to an editing and printing system. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of editing history information, printing history information, and display messages used in a display system related to an editing and printing system. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of editing history information, printing history information, and display messages used in a display system related to an editing and printing system. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of editing history information, printing history information, and display messages used in a display system related to an editing and printing system. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of editing history information, printing history information, and display messages used in a display system related to an editing and printing system. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of editing history information, printing history information, and display messages used in a display system related to an editing and printing system. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of editing history information, printing history information, and display messages used in a display system related to an editing and printing system. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of editing history information, printing history information, and display messages used in a display system related to an editing and printing system. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of editing history information, printing history information, and display messages used in a display system related to an editing and printing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the disclosure according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a plurality of features, not all of these features are essential to the disclosure, and the plurality of features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are given to the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions may be omitted.

[0010] First Embodiment First, an editing and printing system according to this embodiment will be described. The editing and printing system according to this embodiment is for multiple users to share layout data, and for each user to edit and print the layout data. The layout data is stored in a server device. Each user can edit the layout data using a client terminal connected to the server device. The layout data can be printed by an image forming device in response to a user's operation on each client terminal.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an editing and printing system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a first client terminal 102 is connected to a server device 104, a first image forming device 100, and a second image forming device 101 via a network 103. The first client terminal 102 performs editing of layout data such as posters and flyers in response to a user's operation, and requests the server device 104 to perform some editing and data processing and rendering processing related to the layout data. Furthermore, the client terminal 102 generates a print job in which print settings are added to the layout data after the editing operation in response to a user's operation, and transmits the print job to the first image forming device 100 or the second image forming device 102. The server device 104 is connected to a second client terminal 107 and a third image forming device 106 via another network 105. In this embodiment, the number of image forming devices is two, but is not limited to this, and may be one or three or more. The number of client terminals is three, but is not limited to this, and may be two or four or more.

[0012] The first client terminal 102 and the second client terminal 107 have the same configuration, and therefore, hereinafter, they will be collectively referred to as the client terminal 102. Also, the first image forming apparatus 100, the second image forming apparatus 101, and the third image forming apparatus 106 have the same configuration, and therefore, hereinafter, they will be collectively referred to as the image forming apparatus 100.

[0013] An example of the configuration for executing printing is as follows: A printing application and a printer driver are installed in the client terminal 102. In response to a print request from the printing application, the printer driver generates a print job and transmits it to the image forming device 100. The image forming device 100 executes printing based on the print job.

[0014] The printing application acquires printing parameters such as device information of the image forming apparatus 100 associated therewith, settable paper types, settable paper sizes, and settable print quality from the printer driver. The printing application can include any of the acquired printing parameters in the print settings. The printer driver configures a print job based on the print settings and the layout data image that has been rendered by the server device 104. The printer driver transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus 100 via the printer driver spool. The image forming apparatus 100 executes printing based on the layout data image in accordance with the print settings of the received print job. The image forming apparatus 100 also holds print history information.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 7, the print history information includes user identification information for identifying the user who performed the operation for printing, and printer identification information for identifying the image forming device that executed the printing. The print history information also includes information regarding the type and size of the paper feed, and print-related parameters used when executing the printing. In the example of Fig. 7, the user identification information is "account A" or the like, the printer identification information is "image forming device A" or the like, the information regarding the type and size of the paper feed is "glossy paper, A2" or the like, and the print-related parameters are "color printing, high quality" or the like.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. The entire operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is controlled by a processor 200 such as a CPU. The processor 200 operates based on a control program or the like (for example, a control program and data) stored in a ROM 201 or an external memory 208. The processor 200 outputs an image signal as output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 207 connected to a printing unit I / F 205 via a system bus 203. The processor 200 is capable of communication processing with the client terminal 102 via an input unit 204, and can notify the client terminal 102 of information in the image forming apparatus 100. The processor 200 can also receive data to be output to the printing unit 207 via the input unit 204.

[0017] The RAM 202 is used as the main memory and work area of ​​the processor 200. The RAM 202 is also used as an output information development area, an environmental data storage area, and other areas. The RAM 202 is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown).

[0018] Access to an external memory 208 such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or an IC card is controlled by a memory controller 206. The external memory 208 may be optionally connectable to the client terminal 102. The external memory 208 stores font data, an emulation program, and form data. The external memory 208 also stores print history information.

[0019] The operation unit 209 is, for example, a touch panel that displays various information and is capable of receiving operations from the user.

[0020] 3 is an example of a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the computer of the client terminal 102 and the server device 104. Both the client terminal 102 and the server device 104 are basically computers, and have similar hardware configurations. The client terminal 102 and the server device 104 include a computer main body 307, and a keyboard 308, a display (also called a "display unit") 309, and an external memory 310 connected thereto. The computer main body 307 includes a processor 300 such as a CPU, a ROM 301, a RAM 302, a keyboard controller 304, a display controller 305, and a disk controller 306.

[0021] The processor 300 reads various programs such as a control program, a system program, and an application program from the external memory 310 via the disk controller 306 into the RAM 302. The processor 300 executes the various programs read into the RAM 302 to perform various data processing and to control display on the display 309. The processor 300 may read the control program and the like from the ROM 301. The processor 300 may be a dedicated circuit such as an ASIC. As described above, the CPU is an example of the processor 300, but a dedicated circuit may also be used as the processor 300. The processor 300 is basically hardware, but may not have a part that operates by software.

[0022] The disk controller 306 controls access to an external memory 310 such as a HDD, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a USB. The RAM 302 may be configured so that its capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM (not shown) or the like, and is mainly used as a work area for the processor 300. The keyboard controller 304 controls key input from a keyboard 308 or a pointing device (not shown). The display controller 305 controls display by a display 309. In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the processor 300 controls each unit connected to the main bus 303 via the main bus 303. Of course, non-essential components such as the display 309 in the server device 104 may be excluded.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus 100, the client terminal 102, and the server apparatus 104 included in the editing and printing system described with reference to FIGS.

[0024] The layout data DB 400 included in the client terminal 102 is stored in the external memory 310. The layout data editing unit 401 included in the client terminal 102 is a functional block that is realized by the processor 300 of the client terminal 102 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 301 or the like. The same is true for the edited and printed information display unit (also called "display control means") 402, the reprint necessity determination unit 403, the edited and printed information generation unit 404, and the print job transmission unit 405. However, each of these functional blocks may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by both the hardware and the processor 300 that executes the program. The program that causes the processor 300 of the client terminal 102 to function as the layout data editing unit 401, the edited and printed information display unit 402, the reprint necessity determination unit 403, the edited and printed information generation unit 404, and the print job transmission unit 405 includes a first display program. The second display program is a first part of the display program group.

[0025] The layout data DB 410 and the edit history DB 412 included in the server device 104 are stored in the external memory 310 of the server device 104. The data content editing unit 409 included in the server device 104 is realized by the processor 300 of the server device 104 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 301 or the like. The same is true for the print history information communication unit 411, the preview image generating unit 413, and the print image generating unit 414. However, each of these functional blocks may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by both the hardware and the processor 300 that executes the program. The program that causes the processor 300 of the server device 104 to function as the data content editing unit 409, the print history information communication unit 411, the preview image generating unit 413, and the print image generating unit 414 includes a second display program. The second display program is a second part of the display program group.

[0026] A print history storage unit 406 included in the image forming apparatus 100 is stored in the external memory 208. The print history storage unit 406 included in the image forming apparatus is realized by the processor 200 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 201. The same is true for a print job receiving unit 407 and a print execution unit 408. However, each of these functional blocks may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by both the hardware and the processor 300 that executes the program.

[0027] The functional blocks within the client terminal 102 and the server device 104 will now be described.

[0028] The layout data editing unit 401 adds and deletes content such as text and images to be printed on posters and flyers, and adjusts the layout of each content. When processing such as cutting out or filling in content is to be performed, the layout data editing unit 401 requests the data content editing unit 409 of the server device 104 to perform the processing. The layout data may be temporarily stored as a cache in the layout data DB 400 of the client terminal 102. In addition, the layout data may be stored as a cache for each client terminal 102 in the layout data DB 410 of the server device 104. Furthermore, if a user account exists, the layout data may be stored as a cache for each user account in the layout data DB 410 of the server device 104.

[0029] When editing of one unit is completed, the layout data stored as cache is reflected in the original layout data. Also, as described later, the cache of layout data edited by a certain user may be reflected in the original layout data only when permission is obtained from another user. Editing of layout data by multiple users may be exclusively controlled.

[0030] Edit history information including the edit contents made to the layout data DB 400 is held in the edit history DB 412 by communication from the client terminal 102 to the server device 104. Edit history information including the edit contents made to the layout data DB 410 is also held in the edit history DB 412 by the server device 104. Here, the edit history information includes edit identification information, edit time, edited content, and edit contents, as shown in Fig. 7. The edit contents also include the account of the user who made the edit.

[0031] The print job transmission unit 405 creates a print job and transmits the created print job to the image forming apparatus 100. When creating a print job, the print job transmission unit 405 requests the preview image generation unit 413 or the print image generation unit 414 of the server apparatus 104 to preview layout data or generate a print image. The print job transmission unit 405 also transmits information about the print job to the print history information communication unit 411 of the server apparatus 104. As a result, the print history information communication unit 411 generates print history information based on the information included in the print job and stores it in the edit history DB 412. Then, the print history information communication unit 411 associates the stored print history information with edit history information corresponding to the last edit based on the current time, and also stores information about the association in the edit history DB 412. The print job transmission unit 405 may transmit the print job and device information acquired from the image forming apparatus 100, such as the type of ink mounted and the type of paper supported, as a set to the print history information communication unit 411 of the server apparatus 104. In this case, the print history information communication unit 411 also includes the information contained in the device information in the print history information.

[0032] When the layout data is edited by a plurality of users, the edited and printed information display unit 402 displays on the display 309 information about the users involved in editing and printing the layout data.

[0033] At this time, the edited / printed information display unit 402 requests the reprint necessity determination unit 403 to determine whether or not it is necessary to recommend reprinting of the layout data for each user who shares the layout data. In response to the request, the reprint necessity determination unit 403 acquires information stored in the edit history DB 412 from the print history information communication unit 411 of the server device 104. Here, the information stored in the edit history DB 412 related to the acquisition request is the edit history information and the print history information and information that associates them. The reprint necessity determination unit 403 determines whether or not it is necessary to recommend reprinting of the layout data for each user who shares the layout data, based on the edit history information and the print history information and information that associates them. The method of this determination will be described later. The reprint necessity determination unit 403 notifies the edited / printed information display unit 402 of the result of this determination.

[0034] Furthermore, edited and printed information display unit 402 requests edited and printed information generation unit 404 to generate information about users who have edited layout data and users who have printed layout data. In response to this request, edited and printed information generation unit 404 acquires edit history information and print history information and information that associates them from reprint necessity determination unit 403. Based on this acquired information, edited and printed information generation unit 404 generates information about users who have edited layout data and users who have printed layout data. The method of this generation will be described later. Edited and printed information display unit 402 notifies edited and printed information display unit 402 of the generated information.

[0035] The edited and printed information display unit 402 receives the determination result for each user sharing the layout data as to whether or not it is necessary to recommend reprinting of the layout data from the reprint necessity determination unit 403. The edited and printed information display unit 402 also receives information on users who have edited the layout data and users who have printed the layout data from the edited and printed information generation unit 404. Then, the edited and printed information display unit 402 displays the names of users who are recommended to reprint on the display 309 based on the determination result received from the reprint necessity determination unit 403 and the information received from the edited and printed information generation unit 404. Details of the display contents will be described later.

[0036] The functional blocks in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. A print job receiving unit 407 receives a print job transmitted from the client terminal 102. A print execution unit 408 executes print processing based on the print job. A group of print-related parameters used during printing is stored in a print history storage unit 406 as print history information.

[0037] As described above, the printing history information and the information relating to the association between the printing history and the editing history information may be stored in the editing history DB 412, but is not limited to this. For example, this information may be stored in the layout data DB 400, the layout data DB 410, or the printing history holding unit 406. The reprint necessity determination unit 403 appropriately switches the source from which the printing history information and the information relating to the association between the printing history and the editing history information are obtained.

[0038] 5 is a diagram showing an example of layout data in a table format stored in the layout data DB 400 or the layout data DB 410. This table has an ID field 500 for uniquely identifying content, a data content field 501, a content type field 502, a layout coordinate field 503, and a setting information field 504.

[0039] An ID field 500 holds an ID for uniquely identifying each content within the layout data. A content field 501 holds a thumbnail or character string indicating each content, such as characters or images, laid out on the layout data. A content type field 502 holds information indicating the type of content. A layout coordinate field 503 holds values ​​indicating the coordinates of the content on the layout data. A setting information field 504 holds attribute values ​​for each content, such as the color and size of the content.

[0040] The layout data also includes records for holding settings related to the entire layout data, such as document size, data for variable printing, etc. In such a record, "entire" is set in the content field 501, a setting type is set in the content type field 502, and a setting value is set in the setting information field 504.

[0041] The layout data may include external reference data in addition to or instead of the table format data shown in Fig. 5. The layout data in table format may also have fields for items not shown in Fig. 5.

[0042] 6 shows an example of a layout data editing screen 600 displayed on the display 309 of the client terminal 102. The layout data to be edited is displayed in a layout editing area 604, and is intended to be printed by the image forming apparatus 100.

[0043] A plurality of templates of layout data are arranged in the template list area 601. The user can view the plurality of templates arranged in the template list area 601 and select from these templates the template that is closest to the desired completed form of the layout data. The layout data template selected by the user is displayed in the layout editing area 604. The client terminal 102 may acquire the layout data template from the layout data DB 400 or from the layout data DB 410. The client terminal 102 may also acquire the layout data template from an external cloud or an SNS service.

[0044] In response to a user's operation on the keyboard 308 or a computer mouse (not shown), the layout data editing unit 401 edits the layout data displayed in the layout editing area 604. For example, in response to a user's operation on the keyboard 308 or a computer mouse (not shown), the layout data editing unit 401 performs editing such as position adjustment, clipping, and filling in of each content displayed in the layout editing area 604.

[0045] An "Add Image" button 602 is a button for adding an image to the layout data. When the user presses the "Add Image" button 602, the layout data editing unit 401 displays a dialogue screen for the user to select a file. When the user selects an image file that the user wishes to add to the layout data on the dialogue screen, the layout data editing unit 401 imports the image file and adds it to the layout data.

[0046] An "Add Text" button 603 is a button for adding text to the layout data. When the user presses the "Add Text" button 603, the layout data editing unit 401 displays an editor screen for the user to input text. When the user inputs text on the editor screen and presses a specific button, the layout data editing unit 401 adds the text to the layout data.

[0047] Buttons corresponding to other content types may be additionally arranged on the layout data editing screen 600. Also, an external cloud service storage or an SNS service may be designated as the import destination of an image file.

[0048] The "Print" button 606 is a button for printing the layout data displayed on the layout data editing screen 600 by the image forming apparatus 100. The user presses the "Print" button 606 to execute printing. This causes the layout data editing unit 401 to request the print job sending unit 405 to generate a print job based on the layout data and send it to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0049] The "Share" button 607 is a button for sharing the layout data displayed in the layout editing area 604 with other users. By sharing the layout data with other users, other users as well as the user in question can edit and print the layout data displayed in the layout editing area 604.

[0050] When the user presses the "Share" button 607, the layout data editing unit 401 uploads the layout data displayed in the layout editing area 604 to a predetermined area of ​​the layout data DB 410. Furthermore, the layout data editing unit 401 issues a URL for accessing the layout data uploaded to the predetermined area. Other users can use the URL to access the shared layout data and edit and print the layout data. A description of how the URL is shared will be omitted.

[0051] The editing / printed information table section 605 is for displaying, for example, the user who is editing the layout data and the user who has printed the layout data. In the example of FIG. 6, the editing / printed information table section 605 displays "Editing: User A, Printed: User B, User C." This display indicates that user A is currently editing the layout data, and that users B and C have printed the layout data. Other information may be displayed in the editing / printed information table section 605, but this will be described later.

[0052] By looking at the information displayed in the editing / printed information table section 605, the user can check the current status related to editing and printing by other users of the layout data shared with other users.

[0053] The information displayed in the editing / printed information table portion 605 may be displayed when the client terminal 102 is started up, or may be displayed on a login screen before the layout data editing screen 600 is displayed.

[0054] The information displayed in the editing / printed information table portion 605 may be sent to the shared user by email or via an SNS service. This allows the shared user to know the need to reprint the layout data even when the layout data is not being edited using the layout data editing screen 600. The terminal that displays the received email or the message received via the SNS service on its screen may be the client terminal 102, or may be another terminal (e.g., another computer or a mobile information terminal).

[0055] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a table including edit history information and print history information related to layout data stored in the edit history DB 412. The table shown in Fig. 7 exists for each layout data. Hereinafter, the table shown in Fig. 7 will be referred to as a history information table.

[0056] The history information table has an ID field 700 for uniquely identifying each piece of edit history information, an edit time field 701, a content field 702 to be edited, an edit content field 703, and a print history information field 704. The edit content field 702 has a thumbnail or character string indicating each piece of content, such as characters or images, laid out on the layout data. The edit content field 703 has changes to the layout coordinates 503 and setting information 504 for the content, and identification information of the user who performed the edit. If there is print history information corresponding to the edit history, it is stored in the print history information field 704. The history information table also has a record for each edit, which is arranged in chronological order according to the time of the edit.

[0057] Print history information is generated when printing is performed by any user. Then, the print history information is stored in the history information table in association with the edit history information corresponding to the last edit performed based on the time when printing was performed. Therefore, there is edit history information with no print history information associated, edit history information with one print history information associated, and edit history information with two or more print history information associated. In the example of FIG. 7, two print history information are associated with the edit history information having ID-1. Also, no print history information is associated with the edit history information having ID-2. The print history information itself does not describe the time when printing was performed. It can be seen that printing corresponding to the print history information was performed between the edit corresponding to the edit history information associated with that print history information and the edit corresponding to the next edit history information.

[0058] 7, it can be seen that a user with account A and a user with account B performed printing during the period from the time when the edit corresponding to the edit history information having ID-1 was performed to the time when the edit corresponding to the edit history information having ID-2 was performed. It can also be seen that no printing was performed during the period from the time when the edit corresponding to the edit history information having ID-2 was performed to the time when the edit corresponding to the edit history information having ID-3 was performed. If printing is performed before the next edit is performed, print history information corresponding to that printing will be generated and associated with the edit history information having ID-3.

[0059] The data stored in each field of the history information table may be stored in a file for each other field. Also, the history information table may include fields other than those shown in FIG.

[0060] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the process at the time of printing. This process starts when the user presses the "Print" button 606 on the layout data editing screen 600. The process shown in Fig. 8 is realized in both the client terminal 102 and the server device 104 by, for example, the processor 300 reading a program stored in the ROM 301 into the RAM 302 and executing it.

[0061] First, in S801, the print job transmission unit 405 generates a print job based on the layout data stored in the layout data DB 400 or the layout data stored in the layout data DB 410.

[0062] Next, in S802, the print job transmitting unit 405 transmits the print job generated in S801 to the print job receiving unit 407 of the image forming apparatus 100, and requests the execution of print processing.

[0063] Next, in S803, the print job transmission unit 405 generates print history information and transmits it to the print history information communication unit 411 of the server device 104. The print job transmission unit 405 may include, in the print history information, information for identifying the edit history information to which the print history information is associated, such as the ID700 of the edit history information, and information for identifying the user who performed the printing or the print job sender, such as the client terminal 102. The print job transmission unit 405 may further include, in the print history information, a group of print-related parameters used at the time of printing. Here, the edit history information to which the print history information is associated is the last edit history information based on the current time. Although not shown, the ID700 of the last edit history information based on the current time may be acquired from the edit history DB 412 of the server device 104.

[0064] Next, in S804, the server device 104 associates the print history information received from the client terminal 102 with the latest edit history information relative to the present time and stores the information in the edit history DB 412. The latest edit history information relative to the present time can be identified based on the edit time included in each edit history information. Also, if the ID of the edit history information includes a chronological ordinal number, the latest edit history information relative to the present time can be identified based on the ID included in each edit history information.

[0065] Since the print history information is stored in the edit history DB 412 in association with the latest edit history information based on the current information, it becomes possible to accurately record the print results of who performed what printing for layout data in a specific edited state.

[0066] It is also possible to store the print history information and the edit history information in separate tables, and store information relating the print history information and the edit history information in one of the tables or in another table. In this case, the print history information may also have an ID for the purpose of association.

[0067] In particular, the print history information may be stored in the print history storage unit 406 of the image forming apparatus 100, and the server device 104 may have reference information for referencing each piece of print history information. In such a case, the server device 104 can access each piece of print history information using the reference information via a communication means.

[0068] Fig. 9 is a flowchart of a process for displaying information related to editing and printing of layout data on the layout data editing screen 600. The process shown in Fig. 9 is realized, similarly to the process shown in Fig. 8, in both the client terminal 102 and the server device 104, for example, by the processor 300 reading a program stored in the ROM 301 into the RAM 302 and executing it.

[0069] 9 starts, for example, when the display of the layout data editing screen 600 starts on the client terminal 102, or when the user edits the layout data on the layout data editing screen 600. The process shown in FIG. 9 may be periodically repeated.

[0070] First, in S901, the edited and printed information display unit 402 of the client terminal 102 requests the reprint necessity determination unit 403 to acquire information contained in the history information table (FIG. 7) stored in the edit history DB 412 of the server device 104. Also in response to this, in S901, the reprint necessity determination unit 403 requests the print history information communication unit 411 of the server device 104 for information contained in the history information table.

[0071] Next, in step S902 , the print history information communication unit 411 of the server device 104 acquires the information included in the history information table from the edit history DB 412 , and transmits it to the reprint necessity determination unit 403 of the client terminal 102 .

[0072] The information included in the transmitted history information table includes editing history information corresponding to all edits of the layout data, printing history information corresponding to all printing of the layout data, and information regarding all associations between the editing history information and the printing history information. However, the client terminal 102 may include in the request in S901 an ID700 corresponding to the last edit based on the current time in the client terminal 102. In this case, the server device 104 transmits to the client terminal 102 information up to the record having the ID700 included in the request among the records in the history information table.

[0073] Next, the reprint necessity determination unit 403 executes the process from S903S to S903E, in which it is determined whether or not it is necessary to recommend reprinting to each user.

[0074] First, the reprint necessity determination unit 403 repeats the processes from S903S to S903E for all users n.

[0075] In step S904 at the beginning of each repetition, the reprint recommendation flag F(n) for the current user n is reset to LOW.

[0076] In S905, the reprint necessity determination unit 403 determines whether or not there is print history information including the user n. In other words, the reprint necessity determination unit 403 determines whether or not the user n is described in at least one piece of print history information included in the history information table. This makes it possible to determine whether or not the user n has printed layout data.

[0077] If there is no print history information including user n, the determination result in S905 is negative (NO), and the reprint necessity determination unit 403 ends the current repetition targeting user n. This is because if there is no print history information including user n, user n is not a recommended destination for reprinting.

[0078] If print history information including user n exists, the determination result in S905 becomes affirmative (YES), and the reprint necessity determining unit 403 advances the process to S906.

[0079] In S906, the reprint necessity determination unit 403 searches for the last edit history information associated with the print history information including user n. Here, such edit history information is referred to as the limit edit history information. User n is printing layout data that has been edited from the first edit to the edit corresponding to the limit edit history information. On the other hand, user n has not printed layout data that has been edited after the edit corresponding to the limit edit history information. Therefore, it is necessary to check whether there is any edit after the edit corresponding to the limit edit history information.

[0080] In S907, the reprint necessity determination unit 403 determines whether or not at least one piece of edit history information exists after the limit edit history information.

[0081] If there is no editing history information after the limit editing history information, the determination result in S907 becomes NO, and the reprint necessity determination unit 403 ends the current repetition for user n. This is because if there is no editing history information after the limit editing history information, user n is not a recommended destination for reprinting.

[0082] If there is at least one edit history information after the limit edit history information, the result of the determination in S907 is YES, and the process proceeds to S908. In S908, the reprint necessity determination unit 403 sets the reprint recommendation flag F(n) for user n to HIGH. This is because if there is edit history information after the limit edit history information, user n is a recommended recipient for reprinting.

[0083] Therefore, if any of the multiple users has edited the layout data at least once since the last time user n printed the layout data up to the present, the reprint recommendation flag F(n) for user n is set to HIGH. In other words, if any of the multiple users has edited the layout data at least once since the last time user n printed the layout data up to the present, it is determined that it is necessary to recommend reprinting to user n.

[0084] Next, the reprint necessity determination unit 403 executes the process from S909S to S909E. In this process, the reprint recommendation destination user n specifies the layout data edits that have been performed from the last time the layout data was printed to the present, and obtains the contents described in the edit history information corresponding to the edits. Referring to Fig. 7, the edit history information includes an ID, edit time, edit content, and edit content, and the edit content includes the account of the editor.

[0085] The process from S909S to S909E is repeated for all users n for which the reprint recommendation flag F(n) is set.

[0086] In step S910 at the beginning of each repetition, the reprint necessity determination unit 403 searches for the last edit history information associated with the print history information in which the user n is described. Here, such edit history information is referred to as the limit edit history information.

[0087] Next, the process from S911S to S911E is repeated for the edit history information subsequent to the limit edit history information.

[0088] In step S912 at the beginning of each iteration, the reprint necessity determination unit 403 adds the edit content described in the edit history information in the current iteration as an element to the edit content list C(n)[·].

[0089] Next, in S913, the reprint necessity determination unit 403 adds the ID of the editing user described in the editing history information in the current iteration to the editor list E(n)[·] as an element.

[0090] As described above, the editing history information includes an ID, an editing time, an editing content, and an editing content, and the editing content includes an account of the editor. Therefore, a list of IDs, a list of editing times, and a list of editing content may be provided, and these items included in the editing history information in the current iteration may be added to these lists.

[0091] When the process from S909S to S909E is completed, the reprint necessity determination unit 403 advances the process to S914.

[0092] In S914, the edited and printed information display unit 402 displays the name of the user who is recommended to perform reprinting, etc., on the display of the client terminal 102. The user name is generally different from the user's identification information, but the user's identification information or a nickname may be used as the user's name.

[0093] As described in the fourth embodiment, the edited and printed information display unit 402 may display the contents described in the print history information associated with the limit edit history information for each user who is recommended to reprint. In S906, the contents described in the print history information associated with the limit edit history information may be acquired.

[0094] Furthermore, the edited / printed information display unit 402 may display, for each user to whom reprinting is recommended, the content of the edit that caused the recommendation to reprint, the name of the person who performed such edit, and the like.

[0095] Furthermore, the edited and printed information display unit 402 may display the name of the user currently editing the layout data based on the login information of each user. Alternatively, the edited and printed information display unit 402 may display the name of the user currently editing the layout data based on the access log of each user to the layout data.

[0096] Furthermore, the edited and printed information display unit 402 may display a table as shown in Fig. 7. For example, an "Edit Details" button may be provided on the layout data editing screen 600, and when this button is pressed by the user, a history information table as shown in Fig. 7 may be displayed.

[0097] The history information table may be displayed in a similar manner to that shown in Fig. 7, but is not limited thereto. As shown in Fig. 7, it is preferable that the editing history information for each edit is arranged in chronological order, but for example, it may be upside down compared to Fig. 7. Also, in Fig. 7, the print history information is arranged in the same row as the editing history information with which it is associated, but this is not limited thereto. However, it is preferable that the print history information is arranged so that the user can visually recognize which editing history information the print history information is associated with. For example, a two-level tree structure may be used, with the editing history information arranged in the first level and the print history information arranged in the second level.

[0098] Note that a "user recommended for reprinting" is a user who can determine that it is desirable to check the results of the reprint, and is not a user who absolutely needs to reprint. Therefore, a "user recommended for reprinting" is not a user who is forced to reprint. Whether or not a "user recommended for reprinting" actually reprints is left to the discretion of that user.

[0099] The client terminal 102 may be provided with a means for holding information included in the history information table received from the server device 104. Also, a means for preventing the server device 104 from retransmitting information held by the client terminal 102 to the client terminal 102 may be provided. In this way, when the method shown in Fig. 9 is repeatedly executed, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of unnecessary communication volume and unnecessary communication time.

[0100] <Second embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, if the layout data has been edited at least once by any of the multiple users from when user n last printed the layout data to the present, user n is determined to be a recommended recipient for reprinting.

[0101] However, depending on the edited content, it is not necessarily necessary to recommend reprinting to user n. For example, assume that editing is performed with edited content such as changing the color of a certain content from yellow to fluorescent yellow. In such a case, if the user is using an image forming device that supports fluorescent colors, the print result after editing will be different from the print result before editing. Therefore, from the perspective of this user, this edit requires a recommendation to reprint. On the other hand, if the user is using an image forming device that does not support fluorescent colors, the print result after editing will be the same as the print result before editing. Therefore, from the perspective of this user, this edit does not require a recommendation to reprint.

[0102] Therefore, there exists a combination of editing contents and an image forming device used by a user that does not affect the printed result.

[0103] Also, for example, there is something called variable printing. This is a kind of mail merge. For example, some content is linked to a table, and the contents of a record selected from the table are included in this content. In the example of layout data shown in FIG. 5, the content of the record with ID-J is variable data, and the table in "AAA.xlsx" is linked. The edit content "variable information (update of record information)" of the record with ID-3 in the edit history table shown in FIG. 7 indicates that the record included in the table in "AAA.xlsx" has been updated. Information indicating the updated record may be added to the edit content. In other words, the edit content may be, for example, "variable information (update of record information): record aaa."

[0104] For example, a customer list table is linked to the content of the variable data. The customer's name, address, etc. are included in this content. Assume that user A of store S prints 100 sheets from record #1 to record #100, and user B of store T prints 30 sheets from record #121 to record #150. If user A of store S edits the contents of records #10 to #12, user B of store T does not need to print the layout data after the change. In other words, the edit range is from record #10 to record #12, but the print range is from record #121 to record #150, and there is no overlap between the two, so user B of store T does not need to print the layout data after the change. Therefore, the edit by user A of store S is not the kind of edit that requires a recommendation to user B of store T to reprint.

[0105] Therefore, there are combinations of edited records and records printed by the user that do not affect the printed result.

[0106] For each user, if the editing contents included in all editing history information after the limit editing history information do not affect the print result, there is no need to recommend reprinting to that user. The second embodiment takes into consideration such editing that does not require a reprint recommendation.

[0107] In the second embodiment, the process of FIG. 8 is executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0108] In the second embodiment, the process shown in FIG. 9 executed in the first embodiment is modified. That is, in the first embodiment, once the processes from S903S to S903E are completed, the process proceeds to the repetition of S909 to S909E. In contrast, in the second embodiment, once the processes from S903S to S903E are completed, the process proceeds to the process shown in FIG. 10. The processes from S1001S to S100E shown in FIG. 10 are inserted in the second embodiment. In addition, the processes from S909S to S909E shown in FIG. 10 are obtained by partially modifying the processes from S909S to S909E shown in FIG.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 10, once the repetition of steps S909S to S909E has been completed, the process from steps S1001S to S1001E is repeated for all users whose reprint recommendation flags F(n) are set to HIGH.

[0110] In S1002 at the beginning of each repetition, the reprint necessity determination unit 403 acquires the last edit history information associated with the print history information including the user n in the current repetition. As in the above, the last edit history information associated with the print history information including the user n is referred to as the limit edit history information.

[0111] In S1003, the reprint necessity determination unit 403 acquires all edit history information subsequent to the limit edit history information.

[0112] In S1004, the reprint necessity determination unit 403 determines whether the editing contents described in all the editing history information acquired in S1003 will have an effect on the print result for user n. Note that here, as in "for user n," whether each editing content will have an effect on the print result is determined for each user. Taking an example of editing with an editing content of changing the color from yellow to fluorescent yellow, the editing will have an effect on the print result for user n1 who uses an image forming device that supports fluorescent colors. On the other hand, the editing will not have an effect on the print result for user n2 who uses an image forming device that does not support fluorescent colors.

[0113] If the editing contents described in all the editing history information acquired in S1003 do not affect the print result for user n, the determination result in S1004 becomes YES, and the reprint necessity determination unit 403 advances the process to S1005.

[0114] In S1005, the reprint necessity determining unit 403 resets the reprint recommendation flag F(n) of the user n to LOW.

[0115] If the editing content described in at least one piece of editing history information acquired in S1003 affects the print result for the user n, the determination result in S1004 becomes NO. Then, the reprint necessity determination unit 403 skips S1005 and ends the current repetition.

[0116] Therefore, if all edits that were determined to require a reprint recommendation before the edit contents were checked are determined to be edits that do not require a reprint recommendation after the edit contents are checked, it is determined that a reprint recommendation is unnecessary. On the other hand, if at least one edit that was determined to require a reprint recommendation before the edit contents were checked is determined to be an edit that still requires a reprint recommendation after the edit contents are checked, it is determined that a reprint recommendation is necessary. These are determined for each user.

[0117] The repetition of steps S909S to S909E is for obtaining the editing content and editing user related to the editing that requires the reprint recommendation for each user to whom reprinting is recommended. Here, the repetition of steps S909S to S909E shown in Fig. 9 is a process that proceeds without checking the editing content. In contrast, the repetition of steps S909S to S909E shown in Fig. 10 is a process that proceeds after checking the editing content.

[0118] 10, a branch of S1006 is inserted before S912. In S1006, the reprint necessity determination unit 403 determines whether the edited content will change the print result for the current user n.

[0119] If the edited content changes the print result for the current user n, the determination result in S1006 is YES, and the reprint necessity determination unit 403 advances the process to S912. If the edited content does not change the print result for the current user n, the determination result in S1006 is NO, and the reprint necessity determination unit 403 ends the current repetition.

[0120] Therefore, according to the process shown in FIG. 10, it is possible to find users who are recommended to reprint the document while taking into consideration editing that does not affect the printed result.

[0121] Fig. 11 is a flowchart of a process for obtaining the same result as when the repetition of S903S to S903E shown in Fig. 9 and the process of S1001S to S1001E shown in Fig. 10 are executed consecutively. The process shown in Fig. 11 is obtained by inserting S908 included in the process of S903S to S903E shown in Fig. 9 into the repetition of S1101S to S1101E, and adding a branch of S1102 before S908 in the repetition. Therefore, the repetition of the process from S1101S to S1101E will be explained.

[0122] The process from S1101S to S1101E is repeated for all edit history information subsequent to the limit edit history information.

[0123] In the first repetition, S1102, the reprint necessity determination unit 403 determines whether the edit contents described in the current edit history information will change the print result for the current user n.

[0124] If the edit contents described in the current edit history information will change the print result for the current user n, the determination result in S1102 becomes YES, and the reprint necessity determination unit 403 advances the process to S908.

[0125] In S908, the reprint necessity determining unit 403 sets the reprint recommendation flag F(n) of the current user to HIGH.

[0126] If the editing contents described in the current editing history information do not change the print result for the current user n, the determination result in S1102 becomes NO, and the reprint necessity determination unit 403 ends the current repetition.

[0127] In addition, when determining whether the editing affects the print result based on the combination of the editing content and the image forming device used by the user, the image forming device described in the print history information is treated as the image forming device used by the user. Here, the image forming device described in the print history information is the image forming device actually used by the user for printing, but the user may be in an environment where he or she can use other image forming devices. By linking with an image forming device management system outside the system of this embodiment, it is possible to grasp multiple image forming devices associated with each user. Even if the editing content does not affect the print result when the image forming device described in the print history information is used, the editing content may affect the print result if the user uses another image forming device associated in the image forming device management system. In such a case, the editing with such editing content may be determined to affect the print result.

[0128] <Third embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, it is assumed that the layout data corresponds to printing of a single page. However, there are also layout data that include layout data for multiple pages. For example, there are cases where multiple posters are included in one set. In the first embodiment, the determination as to whether or not reprinting is necessary is made on a page-by-page basis to prevent unnecessary printing.

[0129] Fig. 12 shows a flowchart of a process for determining whether or not it is necessary to recommend reprinting layout data corresponding to multiple pages. The flowchart shown in Fig. 12 is realized, for example, by the processor 300 of the client terminal 102 reading a program stored in the ROM 301 into the RAM 302 and executing it. For example, when the layout data editing screen 600 is opened on the client terminal 102 or when an editing operation is performed on the layout data on the layout data editing screen 600, this flow is started by the edited and printed information display unit 402. The edited and printed information display unit 402 requests the reprint necessity determination unit 403 to repeat the processes from S1201S to S1201E for each page corresponding to the layout data.

[0130] In each repetition for each page, first, the reprint necessity determination unit 403 executes the processes from S901 to S909E (S1202).

[0131] Next, in S1203, the reprint necessity determination unit 403 stores the page number of the page targeted in the current repetition in association with the printed information obtained in S1202.

[0132] When the above-mentioned repetitive processing is completed, the information held in S1203 is handed over to the processing in S914, and the processing ends.

[0133] Some printed materials include a set of front-side printing and front-side printing. In the case of such printed materials, the layout data includes layout data corresponding to the printing surface on the front side of the paper and layout data corresponding to the printing surface on the back side of the paper.

[0134] For pages that need to be printed on both the front and back sides at the same time, in S1203, the number of the page that needs to be printed and the number of the page that has the opposite side to the page that needs to be reprinted may be stored in a configuration that displays them on the screen as a pair.

[0135] That is, the process from S1201S to S1201E is repeated for each page. In S1203, the page number of the page targeted in the current repetition and the page paired with that page (the page on the opposite side) are associated with the printed information obtained in S1202 and stored. If it is determined that reprinting of the front side is necessary in the process from S1201S to S1201E, a screen indicating that reprinting of the front and back sides is necessary is displayed. That is, for example, the page number of the front side and the page number of the back side are displayed as a pair. Similarly, if it is determined that reprinting of the back side is necessary in the process from S1201S to S1201E, a screen indicating that reprinting of the front and back sides is necessary is displayed. That is, for example, the page number of the front side and the page number of the back side are displayed as a pair. If it is determined that reprinting of the front side and printing of the back side are necessary in the process from S1201S to S1201E, a screen indicating that reprinting of the front and back sides is necessary is displayed. That is, for example, the page number of the front side and the page number of the back side are displayed as a pair.

[0136] Alternatively, the process from S1201S to S1201E may be repeated for every two pages. The two pages here are the front and back pages of the same sheet. In S1203, the page numbers of the two pages targeted in the current repetition are associated with the printed information obtained in S1202 and stored. In this case as well, the front page number and back page number are displayed as a pair.

[0137] <Fourth embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, in the description of FIG. 6, it was assumed that the information displayed in the editing / printed information table section 605 is notified to the user who performed the editing operation on the layout data. In the fourth embodiment, a message urging reprinting is further sent to the user who is recommended to reprint. This eliminates the trouble of the user who performed the editing operation sending a message or message to the user who is recommended to reprint to recommend reprinting. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification message screen 1300 for urging the user who is recommended to reprint to reprint. As shown in FIG. 13, the message can include content generated based on the print history information including the identification information of the user who is recommended to reprint. In particular, the message can include content generated based on the information of the print history information 704 corresponding to the limit edit history information for convenience, although it is not necessarily required to do so.

[0138] Referring to Figure 13, this message: " Account A, XXX layout data has been edited by another user.

[0139] ■Last printing time: 2023 / 06 / 19 08:00 ■ Settings for final print: Image forming device A, glossy paper, A2, color printing, high quality " Here, "Account A" is the name of the user who printed the message and is the name of the recipient of the message. The name of the user who printed the message may be the identification information of the user who printed the message, or may be a name corresponding to the identification information of the user who printed the message. Furthermore, "last print time" and "settings at last print" are character strings extracted from the print history information. In the example of FIG. 7, the print time is not described in the print history information, but the print time may be described in the print history information to accommodate this embodiment.

[0140] Although the message includes "other user", it may be changed to a character string that identifies the user who edited the message (for example, "user C"). The identification information of the user who edited the message is acquired in S913 shown in FIG. 9, and this information may be used.

[0141] In addition, at least one of the items included in the editing history information (ID, editing time, editing content, editing details) may be added to this message. In S912 shown in FIG. 9, the editing details are acquired, but the items to be acquired may be expanded to include ID, editing time, and editing content. Therefore, the message may be, for example, " Account A, user C edited the XXX layout data.

[0142] ■Last printing time: 2023 / 06 / 19 08:00 ■ Settings for final print: Image forming device A, glossy paper, A2, color printing, high quality ■Editing ID: ID-2 ■Editing time: 2023 / 06 / 19 ■Edited content: "SPRING FESTIVAL" ■Editing content: Color change (yellow → fluorescent yellow) " become.

[0143] This message is displayed on the screen of the client terminal of the user who is recommended to reprint. Similarly, the message may be displayed on the screen of the client terminal of the user who edited the document. In this case, the message may be, for example, " Account C, XXX layout data was printed by User A before editing.

[0144] ■Last printing time: 2023 / 06 / 19 08:00 ■ Settings for final print: Image forming device A, glossy paper, A2, color printing, high quality ■Editing ID: ID-2 ■Editing time: 2023 / 06 / 19 ■Edited content: "SPRING FESTIVAL" ■Editing content: Color change (yellow → fluorescent yellow) " become.

[0145] 13 or the above-mentioned message may be notified to the user by, for example, clicking the mouse on the editing / printed information table area 605 on the layout data editing screen 600. Also, the message in Fig. 13 or the above-mentioned message may be notified at the timing of executing S914.

[0146] In the second embodiment, even if the edited contents do not affect the print result when the image forming device described in the print history information is used, the edited contents may affect the print result when another image forming device is used. Here, the other image forming device is associated with the user in the image forming device management system.

[0147] The message displayed in this embodiment may include information that can identify such other image forming apparatuses. In other words, if the edited content would affect the print result if another image forming apparatus were used, the user may be notified of a message recommending that the user reprint using the other image forming apparatus.

[0148] <Fifth embodiment> For example, suppose that there is layout data that has already been printed and published as a poster. Also, suppose that the next time to update the poster has been decided. Furthermore, before that time arrives, it may become necessary to reprint the current version of the layout data and distribute it as a poster to additional recipients. Under such circumstances, it is inconvenient for the current version of the layout data to be changed by editing. In such a case, the user who performed the editing needs to obtain approval from other users who have already printed the layout data before reflecting the edited contents in the original layout data. The fifth embodiment makes this possible.

[0149] FIG. 14 shows an example of a screen 1400 used to control the reflection of edits made by a user on the original layout data.

[0150] On the screen 1400, an area 1401 for displaying the approval status of other users who share the layout data, a "Cancel" button 1402, and a "Reflect edit results" button 1403 are arranged.

[0151] The "Reflect Editing Results" button 1403 is a user interface that allows the user to perform operations for updating the layout data. Here, updating the layout data means reflecting the edited contents in the original layout data. Area 1401 displays a list of other users' names and consent statuses. The "Cancel" button 1402 is always in a state where it can be pressed. The "Reflect Editing Results" button 1403 is in either a state where it cannot be pressed (disabled state) or a state where it can be pressed (enabled state).

[0152] Basically, if the consent status of all other users displayed in area 1401 is "approved", the "Reflect edit results" button 1403 becomes pressable. If the consent status of even one user is not "approved", the "Reflect edit results" button 1403 cannot be pressed.

[0153] The user who has made the edits can reflect the edits in the original layout data by pressing a "reflect edit results" button 1403, which is in a pressable state.

[0154] In order to obtain approval, it is necessary to send a screen for approval to the user who needs to obtain approval. The user to whom the screen for approval is sent is a user who has printed the layout data currently being handled in the past, as viewed from the present time. For reference, the user to whom reprinting is recommended is not a user who has simply printed in the past, but a user who has printed in the past and has been edited by some user after that. If that user has printed multiple times, it is the user who last printed and has been edited by some user after that. However, to repeat the explanation, the user to whom the approval screen is sent is a user who has printed the layout data currently being handled at least once in the past, as viewed from the present time. Editing of the layout data by some user is irrelevant.

[0155] When the client terminal 102 receives the history information table from the server device 104, it adds to the approver list all users whose identification information is included in all the print history information associated with any of the edit history information. As a result, the users whose identification information is included in the approver list are the users who will need to be approved by that user. The users of "Account A" and "Account B" displayed on screen 1400 in Fig. 14 are all users whose identification information is included in the approver list.

[0156] The client terminal 102 sends an approval screen to all users whose identification information is included in the approver list. The approval screen contains, for example, the following text: "A user of account X has edited the layout data. The edited content has not yet been reflected in the server device. Would you like to reflect it? (YES / NO)." If the approver replies with YES, the approval result is changed from "Not yet" to "Approved," and if the approver's user replies with NO, "Not yet" is changed to "Rejected." In other words, there are three types of approval results: "Not yet," "Approved," and "Rejected." When the approval results of all approvers become "Approved," the "Reflect Editing Results" button 1403 is changed from a grayed-out, unpressable state to a pressable state.

[0157] <Example> The embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 24. Figures 15 to 24 sequentially show history information and screens that change every time layout data is edited or printed by any user.

[0158] FIG. 15 shows the history information table and screen immediately after editing by a user of account A.

[0159] The four fields of the editing history information in the first row of the history information table describe information related to this editing.

[0160] There is no user to whom to recommend reprinting.

[0161] FIG. 16 shows the history information table and screen immediately after editing by a user of account B.

[0162] The four fields of the edit history information in the second row of the history information table describe information related to this edit.

[0163] There is no user to whom to recommend reprinting.

[0164] FIG. 17 shows the history information table and screen immediately after printing by a user of account B.

[0165] The printing history information field in the second row of the history information table describes information related to this printing.

[0166] There is no user to whom to recommend reprinting.

[0167] FIG. 18 shows the history information table and screen immediately after editing by the user of account C.

[0168] The four fields of the editing history information in the third row of the history information table describe information related to this editing.

[0169] The user to whom reprinting is recommended is the user who has account B. Furthermore, the editing that has made reprinting necessary is the current editing by the user of account C.

[0170] Therefore, the common indication is: "Printing recommendation: Account B Editor: Account C" This display may be displayed in the editing / printed information table section 605 of the client terminal 102 of the user of account B and the client terminal 102 of account C.

[0171] The display of the unique screen of the user of account C is as follows: "Recommended printing destination: Account B (as shown)" This may be displayed in the editing / printed information display section 605 of the client terminal 102 of account C.

[0172] To display the unique screen of the user of account B, "Editor: Account C (as shown)" This may be displayed in the editing / printed information table section 605 of the client terminal 102 of account B.

[0173] Therefore, the common display is " Printing recommendation: Account B Editor: Account C ■Last printing time: 2023 / 07 / 07 18:00 ■ Settings for the final print: Image forming device C, plain paper, A2, monochrome printing, low quality ■Editing ID: ID-13 ■Editing time: 2023 / 07 / 08 9:30 ■Edited content: "SPRING FESTIVAL" ■Editing content: Color change (yellow → fluorescent yellow) " It may be expanded as follows.

[0174] FIG. 19 shows the history information table and screen immediately after printing by a user of account C.

[0175] The printing history information field in the third row of the history information table describes information related to this printing.

[0176] Since the user of account B has not yet reprinted the document since receiving the recommendation to reprint, the display remains unchanged. In other words, it is the same as the display shown in Fig. 18. Duplicate explanations will be omitted.

[0177] FIG. 20 shows the history information table and screen immediately after printing by a user of account B.

[0178] The printing history information field in the third row of the history information table describes information related to this printing.

[0179] Since the user of account B performed the reprint after receiving the recommendation to reprint, the displays shown in Figures 18 and 19 disappeared.

[0180] FIG. 21 shows the history information table and screen immediately after editing by a user of account A.

[0181] The four fields of the edit history information in the fourth row of the history information table describe information related to this edit.

[0182] The users who have already printed are the user with account B and the user with account C, and because new edits have been made this time, these two users are now the users recommended for reprinting. In particular, due to the edits made by account A to ID-14, the users with account B and account C are now the users recommended for reprinting.

[0183] The common display, the individual screen of a user of account A, the individual screen of a user of account B, and the individual screen of a user of account C are as shown in FIG.

[0184] FIG. 22 shows the history information table and screen immediately after editing by a user of account B.

[0185] The information related to this edit is described in the four fields of the edit history information in the fifth row of the history information table.

[0186] As in the case of Figure 21, the users who have already printed are the user with account B and the user with account C, and because additional editing has been performed this time, these two users are still recommended users for reprinting. In particular, the previous editing of ID-14 by account A and the previous editing of ID-15 by account B have both made the users with account B and account C recommended users for reprinting.

[0187] The common display, the individual screen of the user of account A, the individual screen of the user of account B, and the individual screen of the user of account C are as shown in FIG.

[0188] FIG. 23 shows the history information table and screen immediately after printing by a user of account B.

[0189] The printing history information field in the fifth row of the history information table describes information related to this printing.

[0190] This print by the user of Account B is considered a reprint.

[0191] The user in account B is no longer a user to whom reprinting is recommended, but the user in account C is still a user to whom reprinting is recommended.

[0192] The common display, the individual screen of the user of account A, the individual screen of the user of account B, and the individual screen of the user of account C are as shown in FIG.

[0193] FIG. 24 shows the history information table and screen immediately after printing by a user of account C.

[0194] The printing history information field in the fifth row of the history information table describes information related to this printing.

[0195] This print by the user in Account C corresponds to a reprint. The user in Account B is no longer the user recommended for reprinting. The display has disappeared.

[0196] FIG. 25 is a sequel to FIG. 19, showing another case, and shows the history information table and the screen immediately after editing by the user of account D.

[0197] The user of account B is still a user to whom reprinting is recommended because he or she has not yet performed reprinting.

[0198] The user of account C is the user who has made the current edit since the last time the document was printed, and is therefore the user to whom reprinting is recommended.

[0199] The common display, the unique screen of a user of account A, the unique screen of a user of account B, the unique screen of a user of account C, and the unique screen of a user of account D are as shown in FIG.

[0200] Sixth Embodiment The user's identification information is information that uniquely identifies the user at least to a certain extent. The user's name is not necessarily a name that uniquely identifies the user, but may be a name that uniquely identifies the user at least to a certain extent. The user's identification information may be used as the user's name.

[0201] In the above embodiment, a specific part of the processes is executed by the server device, and the other processes are executed by the client terminal. However, this is not limited to the above, and all of the processes may be executed by the server device. That is, the layout data editing unit 401, the edited and printed information display unit 402, the reprint necessity determination unit 403, and the edited and printed information generation unit 404 may be included in the server device 104. Also, the processes executed by the server device 104 may be executed by, for example, one or more specific client terminals. That is, all or part of the data content editing unit 409, the print history information communication unit 411, the preview image generation unit 413, and the print image generation unit 414 may be included in one or more client terminals.

[0202] "A user edits layout data" means that the layout data is edited by the client terminal 102 or the server device 104 through an editing operation by the user on the client terminal 102. For example, this means adding an image or text to the layout data using a screen that is launched by the user pressing an "Add image" button 602 or an "Add text" button 603 arranged on a layout data editing screen 600.

[0203] "A user prints layout data" means that printing based on the layout data is performed by the image forming apparatus 100 in response to a printing operation by the user on the client terminal 102. For example, this means that printing based on the layout data is performed by the image forming apparatus 100 in response to a user pressing the "Print" button 606 arranged on the layout data editing screen 600.

[0204] Seventh embodiment In S907 in Fig. 9, it is confirmed whether there is at least one edit history information after the limit edit history information, but in this confirmation, the edit by user n is excluded. Also, the repetition of S911S to S911E in Fig. 9 is not repeated for the edit by user n.

[0205] Also, in S1003 of Fig. 10, the editing history information corresponding to the editing by the user n is excluded. Also, the repetition of S911S to S911E of Fig. 10 is not repeated for the editing by the user n.

[0206] In S907 of FIG. 11, it is confirmed whether or not there is at least one piece of editing history information after the limit editing history information, and in this confirmation, the determination is made excluding the editing by user n.

[0207] By doing this, it is possible to avoid a message being displayed to user n when user n simply edits after printing. In other words, it is possible to avoid a message being displayed in which the same user is identified as both the user who needs to reprint and the user who made the edit that caused it. However, if there is no need to avoid this, the above exclusion and omission of repetitions do not have to be performed.

[0208] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the display system is applied to an editing and printing system for editing and printing layout data, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the display system can be applied to any system having a similar image layout function.

[0209] In the above-described embodiment, a personal computer is used as an example of an information processing device. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and any information processing device that can be used in a similar manner can be used as the information processing device. In other words, for example, a mobile phone, a portable information terminal, a digital still camera, a digital video camera, or a portable music player can be used as the information processing device. In addition, a game, a set-top box, or an Internet home appliance can also be used as the information processing device.

[0210] In the above-described embodiment, a network using Ethernet is used as an example of the network, but the network is not limited to this example, and any other network such as a wireless LAN, IEEE1394, Bluetooth, etc. may be used.

[0211] In the above embodiment, the layout data DB 410 and the editing history DB 412 are stored in the external memory 310 of the server device 104. However, this is not a limitation, and the layout data DB 410 and the editing history DB 412 may be stored in a storage device connected via a network such as the Internet or a LAN. In such a configuration, the server device 104 accesses the layout data DB 410 and the editing history DB 412 via the network.

[0212] The above-mentioned embodiment can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-mentioned embodiment are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer (CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program. The program may be executed by one computer, or may be executed by multiple computers in cooperation with each other. It is not necessary to realize all of the above-mentioned processes by software, and some or all of the processes may be realized by hardware such as ASIC. The CPU is not limited to one that performs all the processes by one CPU, and multiple CPUs may perform processes while appropriately coordinating with each other. The functions of the above-mentioned embodiment are not only realized by executing the program code read by the computer. It also includes a case where an OS running on a computer performs some or all of the actual processes based on the instructions of the program code, and the functions of the above-mentioned embodiment are realized by the processes.

[0213] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure described in the claims.

[0214] <Technical Features of the Present Disclosure> The present disclosure includes the following configurations, methods, and programs.

[0215] [Configuration 1] A display system for displaying a screen related to editing and printing of layout data shared by a plurality of users, comprising: a determining means for determining, for each of the plurality of users, whether or not the user has printed layout data; a confirmation means for confirming, for each user who has printed the layout data, whether or not the layout data has been edited at least once by any of the users included in the plurality of users during a period from when the user last printed the layout data until the present; a display control means for displaying a screen notifying each user whose confirmation result is positive, or each user who has printed during the period from the last printing by the user to the present, of the need to reprint the layout data; Equipped with Display system.

[0216] [Configuration 2] The confirmation means regards an edit that results in a print result after the edit being the same as a print result before the edit for the user being confirmed as not being an edit for the user being confirmed; 2. The display system according to configuration 1.

[0217] [Configuration 3] determining whether or not each edit is such that a print result after the edit is the same as a print result before the edit for the user being the subject of confirmation, based on at least a combination of the edit content and an image forming apparatus associated with the user being the subject of confirmation; 3. The display system according to configuration 2.

[0218] [Configuration 4] determining whether each edit for a user being checked is such that a print result after the edit will be the same as a print result before the edit, based on at least a combination of an edit range and a print range; A display system according to configuration 2 or 3.

[0219] [Configuration 5] The layout data includes multiple pages. the determining means, the confirming means, and the display control means operate on a page-by-page basis; A display system according to any one of configurations 1 to 4.

[0220] [Configuration 6] the layout data includes layout data corresponding to a front printing surface of the paper and layout data corresponding to a back printing surface of the paper, the determining means and the confirming means operate on a page basis or on a pair of the front and back sides of the same sheet of paper; the display control means displays on the screen a pair of the number of the page which needs to be reprinted and the number of the page on the opposite side of the page which needs to be reprinted. A display system according to any one of configurations 1 to 4.

[0221] [Configuration 7] a means for displaying information for identifying each user for whom the result of the confirmation is positive on a display unit of a terminal used by the user who has edited the layout data during the period from when the user last printed the layout data to the present time; A display system according to any one of configurations 1 to 6.

[0222] [Configuration 8] The printer further comprises a means for displaying, on a display unit of a terminal used by each user for whom the result of the confirmation is positive, information for identifying a user who has edited the layout data during a period from when the user last printed the layout data to the present time. A display system according to any one of configurations 1 to 7.

[0223] [Configuration 9] The method further comprises means for displaying, on a display unit of a terminal of at least one of the users, a combination of each user whose result of the confirmation is positive and each user who has edited the layout data during a period from when the user last printed the layout data until the present time. A display system according to any one of configurations 1 to 8.

[0224] [Configuration 10] and displaying, in addition, one or both of print history information relating to printing by each user for whom the result of the confirmation is positive, and edit history information relating to edits of the layout data performed by the user during the period from when the user last printed the layout data to the present. A display system according to any one of configurations 7 to 9.

[0225] [Configuration 11] The editing history information includes at least one of information for identifying a user involved in the editing, editing identification information, editing time, editing content, and editing details. 11. The display system according to configuration 10.

[0226] [Configuration 12] the print history information includes at least one of information for identifying a user involved in the printing, information for identifying an image forming device used for the printing, and parameters used for the printing in the image forming device; 11. The display system according to configuration 10.

[0227] [Configuration 13] the layout data is stored in a storage device accessible from a server device, and the contents of editing of the layout data by any user using any client terminal connected to the server device are reflected in the layout data stored in the storage device when an operation for updating is performed by the user on the client terminal; When the layout data is edited by any one of the users using any one of the client terminals and approval for reflection is obtained from all other users who have executed printing of the layout data at least once before the editing, a user interface for the user who edited the layout data to perform the operation for updating is enabled in the client terminal used for the editing. A display system according to any one of configurations 1 to 12.

[0228] [Configuration 14] a means for generating print history information including identification information of a user who has printed the layout data each time the layout data is printed by the user, the determining means determines, for each user included in the plurality of users, whether or not the user has printed the layout data based on whether or not the print history information including the user's identification information exists; A display system according to any one of configurations 1 to 13.

[0229] [Configuration 15] a means for generating edit history information each time the layout data is edited by any user; a means for generating print history information including identification information of a user who has printed the layout data each time the layout data is printed by the user; means for associating the print history information corresponding to each print with the latest edit history information based on the time when the print was made; Further comprising: The confirmation means confirms, for each user determined by the determination means to have printed the layout data, whether the layout data has been edited at least once by any of the users included in the plurality of users since the user last printed the layout data up to the present time, based on whether or not there is edit history information generated after the last edit history information associated with the print history information including the identification information of the user. A display system according to any one of configurations 1 to 13.

[0230] [Configuration 16] The editing history information includes identification information of a user who performed the editing, The confirmation means determines, for each user who has printed the layout data, a user whose identification information is included in editing history information generated after the last editing history information associated with the printing history information including the identification information of the user, as a user who has edited the layout data during the period from when the user who has printed the layout data last printed the layout data to the present. 16. The display system according to claim 15.

[0231] [Configuration 17] a means for generating edit history information each time the layout data is edited by any user; a means for generating print history information including identification information of a user who has printed the layout data each time the layout data is printed by the user; means for associating the print history information corresponding to each print with the latest edit history information based on the time when each print was performed; a display means for displaying a screen on which the edit history information is arranged in chronological order and on which each print history information is arranged so that the association between the print history information and the edit history information to which the print history information is associated can be visually confirmed; Further comprising: A display system according to any one of configurations 1 to 13.

[0232] [Configuration 18] The editing history information includes at least one of information for identifying a user involved in the editing, editing identification information, editing time, editing content, and editing details. 18. The display system according to claim 17.

[0233] [Configuration 19] the print history information includes at least one of information for identifying a user involved in the printing, information for identifying an image forming device used for the printing, and parameters used for the printing in the image forming device; 18. The display system according to claim 17.

[0234] [Configuration 20] When performing the confirmation, the confirmation means excludes edits made to the same layout data by users who have printed the layout data. 2. The display system according to configuration 1.

[0235] [method] A display method for displaying a screen related to editing and printing of layout data shared by a plurality of users, comprising: a determining step of determining, for each user included in the plurality of users, whether or not the user has printed layout data; a confirmation step of confirming, for each user who has printed the layout data, whether or not the layout data has been edited at least once by any of the users included in the plurality of users during a period from when the user last printed the layout data until the present; For each user whose result of the confirmation is positive, displaying a screen informing the user or each user who has printed during the period from the last printing by the user to the present of the need to reprint the layout data; having Display method.

[0236] [Program 1] A display program for causing a computer to function as a display system for displaying a screen related to editing and printing of layout data shared by a plurality of users, a determining means for determining, for each of the plurality of users, whether or not the user has printed layout data; a confirmation means for confirming, for each user who has printed the layout data, whether or not the layout data has been edited at least once by any of the users included in the plurality of users during a period from when the user last printed the layout data until the present; a means for displaying a screen for notifying each user whose confirmation result is positive of the necessity of reprinting the layout data to said user or to each user who has printed during the period from said user's last printing to the present; Make the computer function as a Display program.

[0237] [Program 2] A group of display programs for causing two or more computers to function as a display system for displaying a screen related to editing and printing of layout data shared by a plurality of users, a determining means for determining, for each of the plurality of users, whether or not the user has printed layout data; a confirmation means for confirming, for each user who has printed the layout data, whether or not the layout data has been edited at least once by any of the users included in the plurality of users during a period from when the user last printed the layout data until the present; a means for displaying a screen for notifying each user whose confirmation result is positive of the necessity of reprinting the layout data to said user or to each user who has printed during the period from said user's last printing to the present; functioning as a single computer, Display programs.

Claims

1. A display system for displaying a screen related to editing and printing of layout data shared by a plurality of users, comprising: a determining means for determining, for each of the plurality of users, whether or not the user has printed layout data; a confirmation means for confirming, for each user who has printed the layout data, whether or not the layout data has been edited at least once by any of the users included in the plurality of users during a period from when the user last printed the layout data until the present; a display control means for displaying a screen notifying each user whose confirmation result is positive, or each user who has printed during the period from the last printing by the user to the present, of the need to reprint the layout data; Equipped with Display system.

2. The confirmation means regards an edit that results in a print result after the edit being the same as a print result before the edit for the user being confirmed as not being an edit for the user being confirmed; The display system of claim 1 .

3. determining whether or not each edit is such that a print result after the edit is the same as a print result before the edit for the user being the subject of confirmation, based on at least a combination of the edit content and an image forming apparatus associated with the user being the subject of confirmation; The display system of claim 2 .

4. determining whether each edit for a user being checked is such that a print result after the edit will be the same as a print result before the edit, based on at least a combination of an edit range and a print range; The display system of claim 2 .

5. The layout data includes multiple pages. the determining means, the confirming means, and the display control means operate on a page-by-page basis; The display system of claim 1 .

6. the layout data includes layout data corresponding to a front printing surface of the paper and layout data corresponding to a back printing surface of the paper, the determining means and the confirming means operate on a page basis or on a pair of the front and back sides of the same sheet of paper; the display control means displays on the screen a pair of the number of the page which needs to be reprinted and the number of the page on the opposite side of the page which needs to be reprinted. The display system of claim 1 .

7. and a means for displaying information for identifying each user for whom the result of the confirmation is positive, on a display unit of a terminal used by the user who has edited the layout data during the period from when the user last printed the layout data to the present. The display system of claim 1 .

8. The printer further comprises a means for displaying, on a display unit of a terminal used by each user for whom the result of the confirmation is positive, information for identifying a user who has edited the layout data during a period from when the user last printed the layout data to the present time. The display system of claim 1 .

9. The method further comprises means for displaying, on a display unit of a terminal of at least one of the users, a combination of each user whose result of the confirmation is positive and each user who has edited the layout data during a period from when the user last printed the layout data until the present time. The display system of claim 1 .

10. and displaying, in addition, one or both of print history information relating to printing by each user for which the result of the confirmation is positive, and edit history information relating to edits of the layout data performed by the user during the period from when the user last printed the layout data to the present. A display system according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. The editing history information includes at least one of information for identifying a user involved in the editing, editing identification information, editing time, editing content, and editing details. The display system of claim 10.

12. the print history information includes at least one of information for identifying a user involved in the printing, information for identifying an image forming device used for the printing, and parameters used for the printing in the image forming device; The display system of claim 10.

13. the layout data is stored in a storage device accessible from a server device, and the contents of editing of the layout data by any user using any client terminal connected to the server device are reflected in the layout data stored in the storage device when an operation for updating is performed by the user on the client terminal; When the layout data is edited by any one of the users using any one of the client terminals and approval for reflection is obtained from all other users who have executed printing of the layout data at least once before the editing, a user interface for the user who edited the layout data to perform the operation for updating is enabled in the client terminal used for the editing. The display system of claim 1 .

14. a means for generating print history information including identification information of a user who has printed the layout data each time the layout data is printed by the user, the determining means determines, for each user included in the plurality of users, whether or not the user has printed the layout data based on whether or not the print history information including the user's identification information exists; The display system of claim 1 .

15. a means for generating edit history information each time the layout data is edited by any user; a means for generating print history information including identification information of a user who has printed the layout data each time the layout data is printed by the user; means for associating the print history information corresponding to each print with the latest edit history information based on the time when the print was made; Further comprising: The confirmation means confirms, for each user determined by the determination means to have printed the layout data, whether the layout data has been edited at least once by any of the users included in the plurality of users since the user last printed the layout data up to the present time, based on whether or not there is edit history information generated after the last edit history information associated with the print history information including the identification information of the user. The display system of claim 1 .

16. The editing history information includes identification information of a user who performed the editing, The confirmation means determines, for each user who has printed the layout data, a user whose identification information is included in editing history information generated after the last editing history information associated with the printing history information including the identification information of the user, as a user who has edited the layout data during the period from when the user who has printed the layout data last printed the layout data to the present.

16. The display system of claim 15.

17. a means for generating edit history information each time the layout data is edited by any user; a means for generating print history information including identification information of a user who has printed the layout data each time the layout data is printed by the user; means for associating the print history information corresponding to each print with the latest edit history information based on the time when each print was performed; a display means for displaying a screen on which the edit history information is arranged in chronological order and on which each print history information is arranged so that the association between the print history information and the edit history information to which the print history information is associated can be visually confirmed; Further comprising: The display system of claim 1 .

18. The editing history information includes at least one of information for identifying a user involved in the editing, editing identification information, editing time, editing content, and editing details.

20. The display system of claim 17.

19. the print history information includes at least one of information for identifying a user involved in the printing, information for identifying an image forming device used for the printing, and parameters used for the printing in the image forming device; 20. The display system of claim 17.

20. When performing the confirmation, the confirmation means excludes edits made to the same layout data by users who have printed the layout data. The display system of claim 1 .

21. A display method for displaying a screen related to editing and printing of layout data shared by a plurality of users, comprising: a determining step of determining, for each user included in the plurality of users, whether or not the user has printed layout data; a confirmation step of confirming, for each user who has printed the layout data, whether or not the layout data has been edited at least once by any of the users included in the plurality of users during a period from when the user last printed the layout data until the present; For each user whose result of the confirmation is positive, displaying a screen informing the user or each user who has printed during the period from the last printing by the user to the present of the need to reprint the layout data; having Display method.

22. A display program for causing a computer to function as a display system for displaying a screen related to editing and printing of layout data shared by a plurality of users, a determining means for determining, for each of the plurality of users, whether or not the user has printed layout data; a confirmation means for confirming, for each user who has printed the layout data, whether or not the layout data has been edited at least once by any of the users included in the plurality of users during a period from when the user last printed the layout data until the present; a means for displaying a screen for notifying each user whose confirmation result is positive of the necessity of reprinting the layout data to said user or each user who has printed during the period from said user's last printing to the present; Make the computer function as a Display program.

23. A group of display programs for causing two or more computers to function as a display system for displaying a screen related to editing and printing of layout data shared by a plurality of users, a determining means for determining, for each of the plurality of users, whether or not the user has printed layout data; a confirmation means for confirming, for each user who has printed the layout data, whether or not the layout data has been edited at least once by any of the users included in the plurality of users during a period from when the user last printed the layout data until the present; a means for displaying a screen for notifying each user whose confirmation result is positive of the necessity of reprinting the layout data to said user or each user who has printed during the period from said user's last printing to the present; causing two or more computers to function as Display programs.

Images