JP4750328B2 - Print job processing system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a print job processing system that processes a print job from a terminal connected to a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A network environment in which a plurality of terminals and printers are connected to a local area network has become widespread because of use in peer-to-peer connection in which a terminal and a printer are paired. However, on the network, there are cases where duplicate print jobs are transmitted from the respective terminals and are printed from the printers connected to the network.
[0003]
More specifically, when spooling a new print job that includes print data that is the same (including substantially the same) as print data that is already spooled, for example, the following various situations may occur. Conceivable.
1) A case where a print instruction is made more than once due to an erroneous operation by the user.
2) When trying to add the number of copies to be printed.
3) When the same user corrects a part of the print data and gives a print instruction again after the first print instruction.
4) A case where another user corrects a part of the print data and issues a print instruction after the first print instruction by a certain user.
5) A case where a plurality of users instruct printing of the same print data file all at once.
[0004]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-227845 discloses a print data control method for performing efficient printer output when print jobs transmitted to a printer are duplicated on a network. In this print data control method, print data relating to a print request issued from a terminal device is compared with spooled print data, and the comparison result is transmitted to the terminal device that has output the print request. Further, when the same (including substantially the same) print data is already spooled, the terminal device receives an instruction input of the current print data processing method and the spooled print data processing method, and processes according to the instruction. is doing.
[0005]
Furthermore, although there is no prior art directly related to the present invention, there are some reference techniques related to handling of a print job on a network such as when reprinting an already printed print job. First, in the network printer described in JP-A-10-198531, the identity of printable image data of a document requested for printing and stored image data is determined. Sending the image data. In the print control apparatus described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-80143, the print job setting once stored in the printing apparatus is changed and reprinting is performed. Further, the network printer described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-212227 includes a file server and a printer server. Furthermore, in the print control apparatus described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-179704, when reprinting the print data stored in the secondary storage means, it is determined whether printing is possible with the configuration of the printing means at that time, and printing is performed. If it is not possible, the printing attribute is changed for printing. Furthermore, the printing machine described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-207663 holds the printing conditions for image data once printed under desired printing conditions. In the print service display method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-210345, the correspondence between a printer and a print queue existing in the network is displayed on a screen using a GUI, and the correspondence can be set or changed. It is said.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, it is considered that each user's request varies depending on the situation. Conventionally, even in such a case, it has not been known that each terminal has the same (including substantially the same) print data or a print job including the same print data. Therefore, even if the print job instructed to print overlaps with the print job instructed to print from another terminal, the print job is printed separately. For this reason, the information is only used separately and cannot be effectively used between users.
[0007]
Further, in the case of the print data control method described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-227845, the terminal user who has output a print request for print data that has already been spooled is not notified at all. I do not know the existence of. In addition, the user's request is not utilized, and information sharing is not performed between the users regarding the duplicate print requests. In addition, the above-described reference technique mainly describes a reprinting method, and information is not shared between users of each terminal even when there are overlapping print jobs.
[0008]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to perform processing in accordance with the request of the user of the terminal that has transmitted each job and information when there are duplicate print jobs transmitted from the terminal in the network. Is to realize sharing.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The printer according to the present invention is a printer that processes a print job transmitted from the terminal via the network in a network to which a plurality of terminals and at least one printer are connected.
Job receiving means for receiving a first print job transmitted from the terminal via the network;
Storage means for accumulating print jobs;
A determination unit that compares the first print job with a print job stored in the storage unit and determines whether there is a second print job identical to the first print job;
Notification means for notifying that each terminal that has sent each print job has the same print job when there is a second print job identical to the first print job;
It is characterized by providing.
[0010]
There may be a plurality of second print jobs that are the same as the first print job. In this case, the notification unit notifies each terminal that has transmitted the plurality of second print jobs that there is the same job.
[0011]
The printer according to the present invention is the printer, wherein the control information receiving means receives the processing contents of the first and second print jobs from at least one of the terminals.
Control means for processing the first and second print jobs based on the received processing contents of the first and second print jobs;
Is further provided.
[0012]
Further, the printer according to the present invention is the printer, wherein the control information receiving means displays the processing contents of the first and second print jobs selected in response to the notification that there is the same print job. The second print job is received from a terminal that has transmitted the second print job.
[0013]
In the above aspect, the processing contents of the first and second print jobs are received from the terminal that has transmitted the second print job. Instead, the terminal that has transmitted the first print job receives the processing contents of the first and second print jobs. The processing contents of the first and second print jobs may be received.
[0014]
Furthermore, the printer according to the present invention is the printer, and when the processing content of the first print job received from the terminal that has transmitted the second print job is job discard or mode change, 1 further comprising an approval means for notifying the terminal that has sent the print job of the processing content and acquiring the approval / non-approval.
The control means processes the first print job in accordance with the approval obtained by the approval means.
[0015]
Further, the printer according to the present invention is the printer, and the control information receiving unit displays the processing contents of the first and second print jobs selected in response to the notification that there is the same print job. The first and second print jobs are received from the respective terminals that have transmitted the first and second print jobs.
[0016]
The printer according to the present invention is the printer, wherein the control means processes the first and second print jobs received from the respective terminals that have transmitted the first and second print jobs. May differ from each other, the processing contents of the first and second print jobs may be determined and processed based on a predetermined condition.
[0017]
Further, the printer according to the present invention is the printer, wherein the second print job is at least one of a print job waiting for printing, a print job being printed, and a print job after printing. Features.
[0018]
Still further, the printer according to the present invention is the printer, wherein the notification means includes a printer name, a user name, a terminal name, a file name, and a registration time for each terminal that has transmitted each print job. It is characterized by notifying information.
[0019]
As the detailed information, in the case of a print job waiting to be printed or a print job being printed, in addition to the above items, the print order and the estimated print end time may be notified. In the case of a print job that has been printed, the print end time may be notified in addition to the above items.
[0020]
The printer according to the present invention is the printer, wherein the notification unit notifies the terminal of document control information of the first and second print jobs.
[0021]
Here, the document control information of the print job is information for controlling a printing style such as the number of copies to be printed and a layout such as double-sided printing or single-sided printing.
[0022]
A print job processing program according to the present invention is a print job processing program for processing a print job transmitted from the terminal via the network in a network in which a plurality of terminals and at least one printer are connected. ,
Receiving a first print job transmitted from the terminal via the network;
Comparing the first print job with a print job stored in storage means to determine whether there is a second print job identical to the first print job;
Notifying that each terminal that has transmitted the first and second print jobs has the same print job when there is a second print job identical to the first print job;
Receiving the processing contents of the first and second print jobs transmitted from at least one of the terminals;
Processing the first and second print jobs based on the processing contents of the first and second print jobs;
It is characterized by including.
[0023]
A computer-readable recording medium storing a print job processing program executed by a computer according to the present invention stores the print job processing program.
[0024]
By storing it in a computer-readable recording medium in this way, it has portability, and this print job processing program can be easily operated on a printer or a printer server. Further, since the print job processing program can be conveyed through an electronic communication line, it can be easily executed even in a remote place.
[0025]
The computer-readable recording medium includes a magnetic recording medium such as a flexible disk and a hard disk, an optical recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, and DVD, and a magneto-optical recording such as MO and MD. A semiconductor recording medium such as a medium, EEPROM, DRAM, or flash memory can be used. The print job processing program stored in these recording media is read by the recording medium drive and executed on the computer. Further, in the case of a printer including a computer, the print job processing program is executed and a printing apparatus is provided, so that printing which is execution of a print job can be performed.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A printer and a print job management system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, what attached | subjected the same code | symbol in drawing has shown the same part or component.
[0027]
Embodiment 1
A printer and a print job management system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the overall configuration of this printer will be described. As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1, the printer 10 includes a CPU 11, a RAM 12, a recording medium drive 13 that reads a program stored in a recording medium, a receiving device 14, a transmitting device 15, a printer engine 16, and the like. As the recording medium drive 13, for example, a flexible disk drive, a hard disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, a CD-RW drive, a DVD drive, or the like can be used. Furthermore, each step of the program when the program is read from the recording medium drive 13 into the memory 20 such as the RAM 12 and executed is shown. Specifically, the memory 20 includes a reception unit 21, a storage unit 22, a determination unit 23, a notification unit 24, a control information reception unit 25, and a control unit 26 as a part of a program executed by a computer. In addition, this printer 10 is not limited to each said component, You may include another component. Further, the printer 10 functions on the network 30. As this network 30, for example, a local area network (LAN), the Internet, or the like can be used. The network 30 is connected to at least one terminal 40a, 40b and at least one printer 10. The terminals 40a and 40b include input devices 42a and 42b, display devices 44a and 44b, and transmission / reception devices 46a and 46b, respectively.
[0028]
Next, each component of the printer 10 will be described. First, the receiving unit 21 receives a first print job from the terminals 40a and 40b via the network 30. Next, the storage unit 22 stores second print jobs such as a print job waiting for printing, a print job being printed, and a print job already printed. The determination unit 23 compares the first print job with the second print job stored in the storage unit, and determines whether there is a second print job that is the same (including substantially the same) as the first print job. Determine whether. When there is a second print job that is the same as the first print job, the notifying unit 24 notifies each terminal that has transmitted the first and second print jobs that there is the same print job. Further, the control information receiving means 25 receives the processing contents of the first and second print jobs from at least one terminal. Then, the control unit 26 processes the first and second print jobs based on the processing contents of the received first and second print jobs.
[0029]
The effects of this printer will be described below. In this printer, when there is the same second print job as the determination means for comparing the received first print job with the second print job stored in the storage means, each print job is transmitted. Notification means for notifying each terminal. As a result, when there are a plurality of identical print jobs, job management in accordance with the user's request of each terminal can be performed, and information can be shared.
[0030]
Next, an outline of a print job processing program executed by the CPU 11 of the printer will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
(1) A print job is received from the terminal 40a via the network 30 (S01).
(2) The received print job is compared with the stored print job (S02)
(3) It is determined whether there is a print job identical to (including substantially identical to) the received print job (S03).
(4) When there is a print job (second print job: terminal 2) that is the same as the received print job (first print job: terminal 1), each terminal (terminal 1, terminal that sent each job) 2) is notified that there is the same print job (S04). In this case, the contents to be notified to each terminal may be notified together with document control information defining the printing style such as the number of copies and the layout in addition to the same job. Thereby, when executing a print job, the document control information of the same job can be referred to or used as it is.
(5) Instructions for each job are received from each terminal by the receiving device via the network (S05). If the selection of the processing method is not transmitted from each terminal within a certain time, it may be assumed that the predetermined processing method has been selected and the process may proceed to the next step S23. As a predetermined processing method in this case, for example, “save” in which the corresponding print job is saved in the storage means can be used. Further, when the selection from one terminal is not performed, the selection by the other terminal may be followed.
(6) Each print job is processed in accordance with an instruction from each terminal or a predetermined instruction (S06). If the processing methods of the jobs received from the terminal 1 and the terminal 2 are different from each other, the jobs may be processed by a processing method determined according to preset conditions. For example, priority may be given to selection of a processing method by a terminal that has transmitted the job.
(7) On the other hand, if there is no print job identical to the received print job (first print job: terminal 1) in step S03, the first print job is executed (S07).
(8) Subsequent to step S07, the first print job is stored in the storage means (S08).
According to the above procedure, when there are a plurality of identical print jobs among the print jobs from the terminal to the printer on the network, the terminal that has transmitted each print job can be notified. Thereby, the print data of the mutual print job and the document control information can be effectively used between the terminals. In addition, when there are a plurality of the same jobs, job management according to the user's request of each terminal can be performed. For example, job management can be performed according to requests such as which duplicate print jobs are retained or how the mode of document control information is changed, and information is shared between terminals. Can do.
[0031]
Next, a procedure S02 for comparing the received print job with the accumulated print job will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3 and the conceptual diagram of FIG.
(1) The print jobs stored in the storage means 22 are read in order (S11). The storage unit 22 stores print jobs that are waiting to be executed. Further, as shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG. 4, the storage unit 22 can store print jobs that have been executed.
(2) The read print job is compared with the received print job (S12). In this case, the print jobs can be compared not for the entire jobs but for the print data constituting the jobs. Here, as shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG. 4, the print job may include document control information, detailed information, and the like in addition to the print data. The print data may be compared in the state of page description language data (PDL), or may be compared in the state of raster image data obtained by developing the page description language. Note that when comparing the print data, a part of the print data may be compared rather than the entire print data. In this case, “same” is not limited to “completely identical” in which the entire print data matches, but may include “substantially identical” in which the part matches when the part of the print data is judged. Good. Further, when the print data includes image data and layout information in addition to the text data, the comparison may be performed only on the text data. The “same” range may be defined by defining various target ranges to be compared.
(3) It is determined whether there is a print job identical to (including substantially identical to) the received print job (S13).
(4) If there is a print job identical to the received print job in step S13, the print job is stored in a RAM or the like (S14).
(5) It is determined whether or not the received print job is compared with all print jobs stored in the storage means (S15). If it is determined that the comparison with all jobs has been completed, the procedure S02 is terminated, and the process proceeds to the next procedure S03.
(6) On the other hand, if it is determined in step S15 that the comparison with all the print jobs stored in the storage unit 22 has not been completed, the process returns to step S11 to read the remaining jobs.
By each of the above procedures, a procedure S02 for comparing the received print job with the accumulated print job can be performed.
[0032]
Further, when there is the same print job (second print job: terminal 2) as the received print job (first print job: terminal 1), the above procedure for notifying each terminal that sent each print job S04 will be described using the screen display examples of FIGS.
(1) Detailed information of the first print job and the second print job, respectively, to the terminal 1 that has transmitted the first print job and the terminal 2 that has transmitted the second print job from the printer 10 via the network 30; An information signal related to a selection of processing methods for each job is transmitted. The terminal 1 and the terminal 2 display the transmitted information signal on the screen (FIGS. 5 and 6). In this case, for example, an e-mail format may be used for transmission of the information signal. Further, information to be transmitted to each terminal may be limited according to preset conditions. For example, a selection of processing methods for the job may be transmitted to only a terminal that has transmitted each job and displayed on the screen.
Further, a selection for discarding a job may not be transmitted to terminals other than the terminal that transmitted the job. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and all selection branches may be transmitted and displayed on the screen. For example, the processing contents of each job may be selected by checking a check box as shown in FIGS.
Selection of processing contents of each job by the terminal 1 and the terminal 2 is transmitted to the printer 10 via the network 30.
[0033]
Further, a procedure S06 for processing each print job in accordance with an instruction from each terminal or a predetermined instruction will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
(1) First, regarding the processing method of each received job, the processing content of each job is determined based on the processing content selected by each terminal (S21).
(2) For each print job, it is determined which processing content has been determined (S22).
(3) First, when the determined processing content is “printing”, printing processing is performed by the printer engine (S23).
(4) Then, it accumulates in the storage means 22 (S24).
(5) Next, when the processing content determined in step S22 is “mode change (printing)”, the mode change processing is performed according to the mode change content instructed from the terminal (S25). For example, in a print job, when changing the mode for document control information, it is possible to change from double-sided printing to single-sided printing or to reduce the number of gradations. Thereafter, a print job is printed (S26).
(6) If the processing content determined in step S22 is “save”, the process is stored in the storage unit 22 as it is (S27).
(7) Further, when the processing content determined in step S22 is “discard”, the corresponding job is discarded from the storage means 22 (S28).
Through the above procedures, the procedure S06 for processing each print job can be executed in accordance with an instruction from each terminal or a predetermined instruction.
[0034]
In the above embodiment, when there is the same print job (second print job: terminal 2) as the received print job (first print job: terminal 1), each print job is transmitted. The example in which the detailed information of the first and second print jobs and the information signal regarding the selection of the processing method of each job is transmitted to the terminal has been described. In addition to this, in addition to the transmission of the above information, the print images of the first and second print jobs are transmitted from the printer or server to the terminal 1 and the terminal 2, and this print is performed by the terminal 1 and the terminal 2. You may browse images. With this configuration, it is possible to select a processing method for each job while browsing an image to be printed out.
[0035]
Further, the print job processing program is stored in a computer-readable recording medium. By storing it in a computer-readable recording medium in this way, it has portability, and this print job processing program can be easily operated on a printer or a printer server. Further, since the print job processing program can be conveyed through an electronic communication line, it can be easily executed even in a remote place.
[0036]
The computer-readable recording medium includes a magnetic recording medium such as a flexible disk and a hard disk, an optical recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, and DVD, and a magneto-optical recording such as MO and MD. A semiconductor recording medium such as a medium, EEPROM, DRAM, or flash memory can be used. The print job processing program stored in these recording media is read by the recording medium drive and executed on the computer. Since the printer according to the first embodiment includes a computer and a printing apparatus, it is possible to execute the print job processing program and perform printing as the execution of the print job.
[0037]
Embodiment 2
A printer server according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This printer server is different from the printer according to the first embodiment in that it does not include a printing device as shown in the block diagram of FIG. As a result, it is possible to manage print jobs not only for a specific printer but also for a plurality of printers connected on the network 30, and even if the same (including substantially the same) print job for different printers is received, each terminal Can be notified.
[0038]
Embodiment 3
A printer and a print job processing program according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The print job processing program executed by this printer is different from the print job processing program according to the first embodiment in that step S21 is executed in more detail as shown in the flowchart of FIG. .
[0039]
This print job processing program is substantially the same as the print job processing program according to the first embodiment except for step S21. Therefore, the procedure S21 different from the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. With respect to the processing method of each received job, the procedure S21 for determining the processing content of each job from the processing content selected by each terminal includes the following procedures.
(1) The processing contents selected by the respective terminals are compared for the processing method of each received print job (S31).
(2) Regarding the processing method of each job, it is determined whether or not the processing content selected at each terminal is the same (S32).
(3) If the processing contents selected at each terminal are the same for each print job, the processing contents are registered (S33). Thereafter, this procedure S21 ends.
(4) On the other hand, if the processing content selected at each terminal does not match for each print job, the processing content by the terminal that sent each job is preferentially registered (S34). Note that the method of determining the processing content when the processing content selected at each terminal does not match is not limited to the above method. In addition, for example, selection by a specific terminal may be given priority, or when notifying each terminal that the same print job exists, processing contents that can be selected by each terminal are limited in advance. It may be left.
Through the above-described procedures, the procedure S21 for determining the processing content of each job from the processing content selected by each terminal can be executed for the processing method of each received job.
[0040]
Embodiment 4
A printer and a print job processing program according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Compared with the print job processing program according to the third embodiment, the print job processing program executed by this printer is the first at the terminal 1 that has transmitted the first print job, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Only when the processing contents of the first and second print jobs are selected and the discard of the second print job or the mode change is selected, the user of the terminal 2 that has transmitted the second print job is requested to approve or not. Is different. In this way, the contents of the job can be changed or discarded with the approval of the user of the terminal that sent the job.
[0041]
This print job processing program is substantially the same as the print job processing program according to the third embodiment except for step S21. Therefore, the procedure S21 different from the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. With respect to the processing method of each received job, the procedure S21 for determining the processing content of each job from the processing content selected by each terminal includes the following procedures.
(1) First, it is determined which is the processing content of the second print job selected by the terminal 1 (S41).
(2) When the selection is “mode change” or “discard”, the processing content selected by the terminal 1 is notified to the terminal 2 (S42). In this case, for example, the terminal 2 displays as shown in the screen example of FIG.
(3) The user's answer of the terminal 2 is received (S43).
(4) It is determined whether or not the answer of the user of the terminal 2 is approval (S44).
(5) If the answer of the user of the terminal 2 is approval, the processing content selected by the terminal 1 for the second print job is registered (S45).
(6) On the other hand, if the answer of the user of the terminal 2 is not approved, the processing content for the second print job is registered as a predetermined processing content, for example, “save” to be saved as it is (S46). ).
(7) If the selection at the terminal 1 is “save” or “print” in the procedure 41, the processing content is registered (S47).
Through the above procedures, the procedure S21 for determining the processing contents of each job can be executed.
[0042]
Embodiment 5
A printer and a print job processing program according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Compared with the print job processing program according to the fourth embodiment, the print job processing program executed by this printer is the first terminal 2 that has transmitted the second print job in step S21 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Only when the processing contents of the first and second print jobs are selected and the discard of the first print job or the mode change is selected, the user of the terminal 2 that has transmitted the second print job is requested to approve or not. Is different. That is, in the print job processing program according to the fourth embodiment, processing is performed based on the processing content of each job selected by the terminal 1, but in this print job processing program, processing of each job selected by the terminal 2 is performed. Processing is based on the content. In this way, the contents of the job can be changed or discarded with the approval of the user of the terminal that sent the job. In the flowchart of FIG. 12, the terminal 1 and the terminal 2, and the first print job and the second print job are interchanged as compared with the flowchart of FIG.
[0043]
【The invention's effect】
According to the printer of the present invention, when the received print job and the print job stored in the storage unit are compared and there is the same (including substantially the same) print job, each print job Is notified to each terminal that sent. As a result, when there are a plurality of identical jobs, job management according to the user's request of each terminal can be performed, and information can be shared.
[0044]
Further, according to the print job processing program of the present invention, when there are a plurality of identical print jobs among the print jobs from the terminal to the printer on the network, the terminal that sent each print job notifies each of them. Can receive. Thereby, the print data of the mutual print job and the document control information can be effectively used between the terminals. In addition, when there are a plurality of the same jobs, job management according to the user's request of each terminal can be performed. For example, job management can be performed according to requests such as which duplicate print jobs are retained or how the mode of document control information is changed, and information is shared between terminals. Can do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a network environment including a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a print job processing program in the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing details of step S02 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of step S02 of FIG.
FIG. 5 is a screen example displayed on the terminal 1 in step S04 of FIG.
6 is an example of a screen displayed on the terminal 2 in step S04 of FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of step S06 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a network environment including a printer server according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a flowchart showing another example of step S21 in FIG. 7 in the print job processing program in the printer according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
10 is a flowchart showing still another example of step S21 in FIG. 7 in the print job processing program in the printer according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG.
11 is an example of a screen displayed on the terminal 2 in step S42 of FIG.
12 is a flowchart showing still another example of step S21 in FIG. 7 in the print job processing program in the printer according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Printer, 11 CPU, 12 RAM, 13 Recording medium drive, 14 Receiving device, 15 Transmitting device, 16 Printing device, 20 Memory, 21 Receiving means, 22 Storage means, 23 Determination means, 24 Notification means, 25 Control information receiving means , 26 control means, 30 network, 32, 34, 40a, 40b terminal, 42a, 42b input device, 44a, 44b display device, 46a, 46b transmission / reception device, 50 printer server, 60 printer

Claims (13)

In a network in which a plurality of terminals and at least one printer are connected, a printer that processes a print job transmitted from the terminal via the network,
Storage means for accumulating print jobs;
Job receiving means for receiving a first print job transmitted from the terminal via the network;
A determination unit that compares the first print job with a print job stored in the storage unit and determines whether there is a second print job identical to the first print job;
If there is a second print job that is the same as the first print job, each print job is changed if the terminal that sent the second print job is different from the terminal that sent the first print job. A printer comprising: notification means for notifying that each terminal that has made a call has the same print job. Control information receiving means for receiving processing contents of the first and second print jobs from at least one of the terminals;
2. The printer according to claim 1, further comprising control means for processing the first and second print jobs based on the received processing contents of the first and second print jobs.   The control information receiving means receives the processing contents of the first and second print jobs selected in response to the notification that there is the same print job from the terminal that has transmitted the second print job. The printer according to claim 1. When the processing content of the first print job from the terminal that has transmitted the second print job is job discard or mode change, the processing content is notified to the terminal that has transmitted the first print job, and approval is made. It further comprises an approval means for acquiring presence / absence,
The printer according to claim 3, wherein the control unit processes the first print job in accordance with the presence or absence of the approval acquired by the approval unit.   The control information receiving means transmits the processing contents of the first and second print jobs selected in response to the notification that there is the same print job, and transmits each of the first and second print jobs. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the printer is received from the terminal.   6. The second print job according to claim 1, wherein the second print job is at least one of a print job waiting for printing, a print job being printed, and a print job after printing. Printer.   7. The notification unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the notification unit notifies each terminal that has transmitted each print job of detailed information including a printer name, a user name, a terminal name, a file name, and a registration time. A printer according to claim 1.   The printer according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the respective terminals of document control information of the first and second print jobs. A print job processing program for processing a print job transmitted from the terminal via the network in a network to which a plurality of terminals and at least one printer are connected,
Receiving a first print job transmitted from the terminal via the network;
Comparing the first print job with a print job stored in storage means to determine whether there is a second print job identical to the first print job;
If there is a second print job that is the same as the first print job, and the terminal that sent the second print job is different from the terminal that sent the first print job, the first and second Notifying that each terminal that sent the print job has the same print job;
A print job processing program executed by a computer.   The method further includes a step of receiving processing contents of the first and second print jobs selected in response to the notification that there is an identical print job from the terminal that has transmitted the second print job. A print job processing program executed by the computer according to claim 9. When the processing content of the first print job from the terminal that has transmitted the second print job is a job discard or mode change, the processing content is notified to the terminal that has transmitted the first print job, and the first Obtaining from the terminal that has transmitted one print job whether or not the job is discarded or mode is approved;
Processing the first print job in response to the approval or not;
The computer-executable print job processing program according to claim 10, further comprising:   Receiving the processing contents of the first and second print jobs selected in response to the notification that there is an identical print job from each terminal that has transmitted each of the first and second print jobs; The computer-executable print job processing program according to claim 9, further comprising:   A computer-readable recording medium storing the print job processing program according to claim 9.

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