Patent ID: 8237958
Filing Date: 2012-08-07
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A path detecting server connected to a client apparatus and to one or more print servers via a network that relay print command data over the network to and from the client apparatus and one or more printers that perform a printing process according to the print command data, the path detecting server comprising: a storage unit that stores therein first data format information that indicates a data format, which is processable by the printers, of the print command data, the storage unit also storing third data format information that indicates a data format, which is processable by the print servers, of the print command data; a receiving unit that receives from the client apparatus second data format information that indicates a data format, which is processable by the client apparatus, of the print command data; a selecting unit that selects, referring to the first data format information and the third data format information, a combination of a print server and a printer both capable of processing the print command data in the data format indicated in the second data format information, the combination being detected from among the print servers and the printers; and a path transmitting unit that transmits to the client apparatus path information indicating a transmitting path having the print server in selected combination as a relay point, and the printer in selected combination as a destination.