Patent ID: 7016058
Filing Date: 2006-03-21
Classification: G06F,G06K,H04N

Abstract:
1. A server connected to a network having a client computer and a plurality of image forming apparatuses, comprising: sending means for sending to said client computer a predetermined set of basic print capabilities pertinent to said plurality of image forming apparatuses; receiving means for receiving, from said client computer, a primary print function selection instruction corresponding to at least one basic print capability selected from among said predetermined set of basic print capabilities; searching means for performing a search for at least one desired image forming apparatus satisfying said primary print function selection instruction from among said plurality of image forming apparatuses; outputting means for outputting, as a result of said search, one of a first list indicating image forming apparatuses satisfying all requirements of said primary print function selection instruction when such image forming apparatuses exist and a second list indicating image forming apparatuses satisfying a part of the requirements of said primary print function selection instruction when such image forming apparatuses exist and no image forming apparatus satisfying all requirements of said primary print function selection instruction exists; receiving means for receiving a printer selection instruction sent from said client computer for selecting one desired image forming apparatus from said first or second list; transmitting means for transmitting, to said client computer, information items associated with image forming inherent in said one desired image forming apparatus selected; admitting means for admitting a secondary print function selection instruction sent from said client computer corresponding to said information items associated with image forming inherent in said one desired image forming apparatus selected; and commanding means for commanding said one selected desired image forming apparatus with a print execution instruction including said secondary print function selection instruction.