Abstract:
An information processing apparatus, an information memory medium, and a network system are provided which can efficiently select the most appropriate printer from among a plurality of printers which are connected to the network, and perform a printing operation. This network system may include at least one server and a plurality of printers connected through a communication line. In the server, based upon a printing instruction which is transmitted from a computer, an inquiry signal is output to each printer. The printer to be used for printing is then selected based upon the information transmitted from a processor of each printer. Any processor which responds to the inquiry signal is an option selection for printing data from the network system, including an unknown processor or an upgraded processor. Thus, even if a user disconnects one of the selected printers from the network system, the network system can submit printing data to another printer that responded to the inquiry signal as a match selected for printing. Furthermore, data conversion processing is performed in order to convert the image data to printing data for printing.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     This invention relates to a network system, information processing apparatus, and information memory medium which convert image data transmitted from an information terminal connected to the same line, into print data for printing to a corresponding printer. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Presently, a plurality of printers are often connected to a network, and image information handled by a terminal of, for example, a personal computer or the like, is printed using any one of the printers. 
     For image information handled by the above-mentioned computer, there are many still images and moving images obtained via, for example, the Internet, and the these types of images are often high quality images of many gray scales and high resolution. 
     However, in order to print this type of high image quality image data, it is necessary to perform a process of converting image data to print data suitable to the desired image quality. Therefore, a printer with a high processing capability is required. 
     However, many printers of various types are often attached to the network, and it is rare that all of the printers attached to the network have the above-mentioned processing capability. 
     Therefore, it is conceivable that an image processing server of a printer of low processing capability is attached to the network. Once image data which is output from the computer is inserted into the image processing server and print data is generated, this print data is transmitted to the low capability printer via a circuit and is printed. 
     However, when performed as such, the relationship between the image processing server and the printer is fixed. Because of this, the optimum printer cannot be determined or used while considering the conditions of use of all printers connected to the network. As a result, the problem arises of not being able to effectively use the plurality of printers connected to the network. 
     In addition, as described above, the relationship between the server and each printer is fixed. In the case of an additional new printer connected to the network, the server may not be able to correspond flexibly with the new printer. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention reflects upon these types of problems, and has an objective of providing a network system, information processing apparatus and information memory medium, which can effectively select the optimum printers from among the plurality of printer connected to the network based on the quality of printing image data and the availability of each printer to perform a printing operation. 
     To achieve the above objective, the invention may include a server which receives a printing instruction and image data for printing which are transmitted from a terminal, and at least one printer which is connected to the server through a wire. The server may include a printer server to output a device information inquiry signal based upon a printing instruction from the terminal. The printer server selects a printer for an intended printing data transmission based upon device information which is received from each device in response to the inquiry signal. 
     The server may also include an image processing server which performs data conversion processing in order to convert image data from the terminal to printing data and transmits the printing data, which is formed by the data conversion processing, to the selected printer. 
     The printer may include a device information transmission control device which, in response to the device information inquiry signal, transmits the device information, including the printer&#39;s own classification information, to the server, and prints printing data received from the image processing server. 
     Furthermore, an information processing apparatus may be included that may receive a printing instruction and image data for printing which are transmitted from a terminal. The information processing apparatus may include a printer server which outputs a device information inquiry signal based upon a printing instruction from the terminal. The printer server selects a printer for an intended printing data transmission based upon the device information which is received from each device corresponding to the inquiry signal. 
     An image processing server may be included that performs data conversion processing to convert image data from the terminal to printing data and transmits printing data formed by the data conversion processing to the selected printer. 
     Moreover, an information memory medium may be included for controlling an information processing apparatus that can receive a printing instruction and image data for printing that are transmitted from a terminal. 
     The information memory medium may include information to output a device information inquiry signal based upon a printing instruction from a terminal and select a printer for an intended printing data transmission based upon device information which is received from each device in response to the inquiry signal. The information memory medium may also include information for performing data conversion processing to convert image data from the terminal to printing data and transmit the printing data that is formed by the data conversion processing to the selected printer. 
     The aforementioned image data is, for example, image data and the like which is retrieved from a network, such as the Internet or the like, image data obtained from image output devices, such as video cameras, electronic cameras and the like, or image data which is read-out from various types of memory apparatuses. 
     A printing instruction and image data for printing may be transmitted from a terminal to the server. First of all, the server outputs a device information inquiry signal to each printer or the like, based upon a printing instruction. 
     Any processor which responds to an inquiry signal from the server is an option selection for printing data from the network. This includes a response from an unknown processor or upgraded processor. Thus, if a user disconnects a printer, which is selected as a match to the printing data from the network, the network can re-submit the printing data to another printer that has responded to the inquiry signal as a match selected for printing. 
     Each printer transmits device information including its own classification information to a server in response to the inquiry signal. Based upon the device information from each printer, the server selects a printer for the intended printing data transmission. That is, from among the printers which are suitable as to the image quality of the image data, a printer which currently has the least printing delay is selected as the printer for the intended printing data transmission. Furthermore, the server directs the printing of printing data for each printer so that the printing delay of each printer described above, can be determined based upon the data which the server has acquired. In addition, when a plurality of servers exist, since the plurality of servers direct the printing operation, each server can determine the printing delay period of each printer, based upon the data which all of the servers have collected by using a configuration which performs sending and receiving of data between each server as needed. 
     As described above, the server can function as a printer server to determine the most appropriate printer from among a plurality of printers connected to the network when a printing instruction is transmitted from a terminal. 
     Next, the server performs data conversion processing to convert image data from the terminal to printing data, and the printing data which is formed is transmitted to the selected printer. In other words, the server functions as an image processing server. 
     Furthermore, the data conversion processing includes, for example, processing to convert RGB image data to CMYK, processing to develop characters and lines into a bit map, image processing, such as color conversion processing, to convert color according to printer type, printer language conversion processing, processing to add printer languages, and the like. The printer to which the printing data is transmitted then print-outputs the printing data. 
     As described above, when a printing instruction and image data for printing are transmitted to a server from a terminal, the server can select the most appropriate printer from among a plurality of printers according to the availability, image quality of image data to be printed, and the like, transmit the printing data to the printer, and print the printing data. 
     Therefore, it is possible to flexibly and efficiently use a plurality of printers connected to the network in response to their classification and availability status. Furthermore, the server may determine the most appropriate printer based upon device information which can be attained in response to an inquiry signal, so that it is possible for the server to flexibly respond to having the new printer placed on the network. 
     In order to determine the most appropriate printer from among a plurality of printers connected to the network in response to the image quality of the printing image data, a server may include a memory that stores a data processing program to convert printing capability information and image data to printing data for printers of different classifications. 
     The server may also include a printer server that determines a printer for an intended printing data transmission based upon the printing capability information which is read out from the memory in response to the load status of each printer and the printer&#39;s classification information. An image processing server may also be included that performs data conversion processing to convert image data to printing data by using a data processing program that corresponds to the classification of the selected printer. 
     The image processing apparatus may include a memory which stores a data processing program to convert printing capability information and image data to printing data for each printer of a different classification. The printer server may determine a printer for printing a data transmission based upon the load status of each printer and the printer&#39;s capability information which is read out from the memory corresponding to the printer&#39;s classification information. Furthermore, the image processing server may perform data conversion processing to convert image data to printing data by using a data processing program corresponding to the classification of the selected printer. 
     The server may store unique capability information and data processing programs of printers of different classifications. Capability information may include printer resolution data of printers of different classifications, and the data processing programs may be programs for performing data conversion processing of image data for printing according to image quality. That is, the image quality data may include the number of gray scales and resolution of the printer, and form printing data. 
     Furthermore, the server refers to the unique capability information corresponding to classification information, and to the availability status of the printer based upon the classification information included in the device information which is obtained from each device. Moreover, based upon the capability information and the availability status of each printer, a printer for an intended printing data transmission is selected. Other than the availability status and capability information, it is preferable to select a printer for the intended printing data transmission, considering, as needed, the paper size, the remaining amount of ink, and the like, which can be used for printing. 
     Furthermore, the server performs data conversion processing to convert image data to printing data based upon a data processing program that corresponds to the classification of the selected printer. Therefore, it is possible to form printing data with a number of gray scales and a resolution suitable to the capability of the printer and print-output the printing data from the selected printer. 
     The printer server may also output a device information inquiry signal toward either another server or a printer based upon a printing instruction from a terminal, determine at least one of the devices among either another server or a printer which shares the data conversion process based upon the device information which is received from other devices in response to the inquiry signal, and transmit a sharing instruction and shared image data to the determined device. 
     The image processing server may perform data conversion processing of shared image data, based upon the sharing instruction, and transmit printing data which is formed by the data conversion processing to the selected printer. 
     The printer server may also output a device information inquiry signal to either another server or printer based upon a printing instruction from a terminal, select either another server or printer which shares the data conversion process based upon the device information that is received from other devices in response to the inquiry signal, and transmit a sharing instruction and sharing image data to the selected device. 
     The image processing server may also perform data conversion processing of shared image data based upon the sharing instruction, and transmit printing data which is formed by the data conversion processing to the selected printer. That is, when the volume of image data for printing is large, there is often a situation where it is difficult to perform high speed printing due to the time consumption if only one server processes the large volume of data by itself. In particular, when a large volume of high quality image data needs to be printed, it is not possible to perform conversion processing of image data to printing data at a high speed even if a server with high capability is used. 
     The server that received a printing instruction and image data for printing from the terminal transmission outputs a sharing inquiry signal to either another server or printer and collects device information of other devices. Furthermore, based upon the information of other devices which were collected, either another server or printer that will share the data conversion processing of image data is selected, and a sharing instruction and shared image data are transmitted to the selected device. 
     In order to share the data conversion processing with a printer, it is necessary to select a printer with data conversion processing capability to convert image data to printing data. The other device, which received the sharing instruction and shared image data, performs data conversion processing of shared image data and transmits formed printing data to a determined printer. 
     As described above, since printing data is formed by the sharing and processing of image data by a plurality of devices, it is possible to convert and print-output a large volume of image data to printing data at high speed. 
     The printer server may also output a device information inquiry signal to either another server or printer based upon a printing instruction from a terminal, determine priority of the printers for an intended printing data transmission based upon the device information which is received from other devices in response to the inquiry signal, perform a determination selection inquiry to the terminal, and select the printer for the printing data transmission based upon selection information provided by the terminal. 
     The printer server may output a device information inquiry signal to either another server or printer based upon a printing instruction from the terminal, determine priority of the printer for printing a data transmission based upon the device information that is received from other devices in response to the inquiry signal, perform a determination selection inquiry to the terminal, and select the printer for printing the data transmission based upon selection information of the terminal. 
     When there is a printing instruction from the terminal, the server may determine the priority of the printer for printing a data transmission from among a plurality of printers connected to the network and perform a determination inquiry to the terminal. Therefore, a user may determine the most appropriate printer from among a plurality of printers to print image data. In particular, the user can determine, for example, the physically closest printer in which to print image data. 
     The device information may include data processing program version information which is stored in the printer memory. The server may determine a need for updating the version of the data processing program which is stored in the printer memory, and further include a device that transmits information for updating of the data processing program version to the printer when a need for updating the version arises. 
     The printer may further include a device that performs updating of the data processing program and the version information which are stored in the printer&#39;s own memory when the information for updating the version of the data processing program is received from the server. 
     The device information may include data processing program version information for storage in the printer memory. A device that may determine a need for updating a version of the data processing program stored in the printer memory, and may transmit information for updating the version of the data processing program to the printer when a need for updating the program version is determined. 
     For example, the server determines whether the version of the data processing program stored in the printer memory matches the version stored in the server&#39;s own memory simultaneously with performing the data conversion processing operation. When the server determines that the versions do not match, the server sends the appropriate upgrade information to the printer. 
     When printing data is sent to the printer from the server, since the program for image processing in each printer is also simultaneously upgraded, the entire system is constantly unified with the program with the most current program version. In addition, by using a printer with the high capabilities, the printer may also function as the server. 
     A device information transmission control device may transmit device information, including the printer&#39;s own classification information, to the server in response to a device information inquiry signal from other devices. 
     The network system may also be formed as being accessible from an external terminal apparatus. The server of the network system which was accessed may transmit printing data to a selected printer from inside the system. 
     When a terminal is used, such as a computer, in order to externally access for the server for sending printing instructions and image data, the image data can be print-output by using a printer from the network system. 
     In particular, even when the image data is sent to a network system in another country which has different printing standards, for example, image data is converted to the printing data which conforms to the printing standards in that country by the server, and is then print-output. For instance, when a network system is found in an office in the U.S. and printing data and image data are sent to the network system in the U.S. from Japan, the image data sent is converted to printing data which conforms to the U.S. standards and is print-output. 
     The printer server may also output a device information inquiry signal based upon a printing instruction and image data which are transmitted from a terminal, select another server or printer which is responsible for the data conversion processing based upon the device information which is received from each device in response to the inquiry signal, and transmit data conversion instructions and image data to the selected device for printing. 
     The other server or printer performs data conversion processing of the image data and forms printing data based upon the data conversion instructions, and includes an image processing server that transmits the printing data to the printer. 
     When a server and several printers are connected on the network, there are many instances where the user desires to print image data by using a specific printer depending on the circumstances. For example, there are many instances where the user wishes to print-output image data from a printer that is installed at a location nearest to the user&#39;s terminal. 
     However, the printer may not necessarily have the sufficient data conversion processing capability. When the printing instruction and the image data which is intended for printing is sent to the aforementioned printer from the terminal, the printer which receives the data outputs a device information confirmation signal to the other devices, and performs the collection of other device information. Then, the printer determines another server or printer which is responsible for the data conversion processing, and sends out a data conversion instruction and image data to the device. 
     The other device which receives this data performs data conversion processing of the image data based on the data conversion instructions. The print data which is created by the other device is returned to the printer. Then, the printer which received the printing instruction from the terminal print-outputs the printing data which is returned from the other device. 
     Thus, even when the printer which the user wishes to use does not have the sufficient capability, the system may use the data conversion processing capability of another device which is connected to the network and can easily print-output high quality image data from the existing printer. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The preferred embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following Figures, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the network system of an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the network system of an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the network system of an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the network system of an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the network system of an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the server which is used in an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the printer which is used in an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a server which is used in an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a printer which is used in an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a printer which is used in another embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a printer or server which is used in another embodiment of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 12 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail below based on the drawings. FIGS. 1-5 show the exemplary structure of the first embodiment of the network system of the present invention. As shown in the figures, a plurality of servers  20 A and  20 B and a plurality of printers  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c , and so on, are connected to the network system  10  via the communication lines  12 . Moreover, among the printers, there is a printer  40   d  that is directly connected to the server  20 B. Moreover, the printers  40   a - 40   c  are structured so that additional printers can be installed with respect to the communication lines  12  or the server  20 , if necessary. 
     Moreover, computer  14 , which is an information terminal, is connected to the network system  10  via the communication lines  12 . The computer  14  can access the Internet and receive information, such as characters, still images, animated image sounds or the like. Moreover, while it can also take-in image data via various kinds of input/output media, the computer  14  can also create image data on its own. 
     In the network system of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, when a printing instruction and image data  100  intended for printing are sent to the desired server  20  which exists on the network system  10 , the server  20  receives the printing instruction and image data  100  and determines the optimum printer for printing among the plurality of printer  40   a - 40   c , performs data conversion processing on the printing data suitable to the image quality, and print an output by using the determined printer. 
     FIG. 6 shows a function block diagram of the server  20 , which represents any of the servers  20 A,  20 B shown in FIG.  1 . The server  20  of the present embodiment comprises a signal input/output component  22  which performs transmission of data via the communication line  12 , a processor  24  which may be a CPU or the like, a program memory  26  in which various operating programs are stored, a processing data memory  28  which stores the printing data which is created by data conversion processing of the image data, a capability data memory  30  which stores the capability information which is characteristic to the different kinds of printers, and a data conversion processing program memory  36  in which data processing programs for creating the printing data from the image data are stored for each of the various printers. 
     Identifications (ID&#39;s) which specify the machine types of the various printers, corresponding resolutions, and other capability data are stored in the capability data memory  30  for every type of the printer. Furthermore, the data processing programs which are stored in the data conversion processing program memory  36  are stored in correlation to the ID&#39;s which specify the machine types of the various printers, along with their program version data. 
     Then, through instruction of the operator, the server  20  of the present embodiment accesses the host computer (not shown) periodically via the communication line  12 , and downloads the ID&#39;s of the new printers, along with the corresponding capability information, data processing program information, program version information, and the like, to the capability data memory  30  and the data processing conversion program memory  36 . 
     The calculation processor  24  functions as a printer server  32  and an image processing server  34 , based on the operating programs stored in the program memory  26 , the data conversion processing program stored in the program memory  36 , and the like. 
     The printer server  32 , based on the printing instruction from the computer  14 , outputs an device information inquiry signal to the printers  40   a - 40   c  and the other server(s)  20 A- 20 B which comprise the network system  10 . Then, corresponding to this inquiry signal as described below, one of the printers  40   a - 40   c  is selected based on the device information which is received from each device. 
     Specifically, the resolution of each printer which is stored in the capability data memory  30  is evaluated based on the ID&#39;s which are included in the device information which is returned from each printer  40   a - 40   c  in response to the inquiry signal, and the printers  40   a - 40   c  are identified which have resolutions corresponding to the image quality of the image data. Next, the printing delay time is determined from the identified printers, and a priority order is determined according to the smallest delay time. Then, one of the printers  40   a - 40   c  which has the highest priority is selected as the one for the intended printing data transmission. 
     Moreover, depending on necessity, it is appropriate that the printer server  32  sends out the information for this priority order to the computer  14  via communication lines  12 , and allows the user to determine the printer for printing the data. In this case, the printer information which was selected by the user by using the computer  14  is returned to the server  20  via communication line  12 , and the printer server  32  performs the final selection of the printer for the intended printing data transmission. 
     The image processing server  34  converts image data to printing data in order by using the data conversion processing program which corresponds to the ID of the selected printer, and writes the converted printing data to the processing data memory  28 . Then, the printing data which is written to the processing data memory  28  is output to the selected printer for the intended printing data transmission via the communication lines  12 . 
     In the network system  10  of the present embodiment, the servers  20 A- 20 B basically perform the printing control of each printer  40   a - 40   c . Therefore, when only one of the servers  20 A- 20 B exists, the server is able to determine the current delay time of each printer  40   a - 40   c  from the data in the processing data memory  28  of the existing server. Accordingly, when the printer server  32  prioritizes the printer for the intended printing data transmission, it is appropriate to refer to the data stored in the processing data memory  28 . 
     Further, as shown in FIG. 1, there are cases when the printing of each printer  40   a - 40   c  is shared and controlled by using a plurality of servers  20 A- 20 B, or cases when a high capacity printer among the plurality of the printers  40   a - 40   c  is caused to function as an image processing server. In these cases, each server  20 A and  20 B and/or the printer  40   a - 40   c  which functions as a server, is structured to return data which shows the current extent of the print processing amount which is being executed by each printer  40   a - 40   c  to the printer server  32  in response to the inquiry signal from the printer server  32 . 
     By doing this, the printer server  32  determines the delay time of each printer accurately, and can also accurately set the priority order of the printer for the intended printing data transmission. 
     FIG. 7 shows an exemplary block diagram of one of the printers  40   a - 40   c . The printer  40  of the present embodiment comprises a signal input/output component  42 , calculation processor  44 , which is constructed by using a CPU or the like, a program memory  48  in which operating programs are stored for the printers, a printing data memory  50  which stores the printing data which is sent from the server, a printer information memory  52  which stores an ID which specifies the printer&#39;s own type number (machine name), and a printing component  46  which performs actual printing based on the printing data. 
     The processor  44  functions as a device information transmission controller  56  and a printing controller  58  based on the programs which are stored in the program memory  48 . The device information transmission controller  56 , in response to the inquiry signal from the printer server  32  of the aforementioned server  20 , sends its machine ID and other necessary information which is stored in the printer information memory  52 , to the server  20  as device information. The other necessary information may be, for example, the paper sizes on which the printer is capable of printing, the remaining printing ink amount, or the like. The processor  44  is structured to check the hardware of the printer, and detect the paper size and the remaining ink amount every time the aforementioned inquiry signal is received. 
     Moreover, as discussed below, when the selected printer functions as the image processing server  34 , the device information includes the program version information for the data conversion processing program which is stored in the program memory  60  and sends this information to the server  20 . 
     Moreover, the printing controller  58  not only writes the printing data which is sent from the image processing server  34  of the server  20  to the printing data memory  50  which functions as a buffer, but also controls the printing component  46  and prints out the print data in the correct order. 
     However, depending on the necessity, the printers  40   a - 40   c  can be structured so that they have the same functions as the image processing server  34  of the server  20 . In this case, a printer, in addition to the above-mentioned structure, comprises a program memory  60  for the data conversion processing and a processing data memory  62 . 
     In the program memory  60 , a data conversion processing program matching the device&#39;s own resolution for converting image data to printing data, is stored with the program version information. Moreover, when the selected printer has extra capacity, it is appropriate to store a program in the program memory  60  for conversion processing of the image data to printing data and the corresponding program version information matching the resolution of different printers. 
     Then, the processor  44  functions as an image processing server which converts the image data to printing data based on the data conversion processing program which is stored in the memory  60 , and the converted printing data is stored in the processing data memory  62 . 
     Accordingly, the selected printer can convert image data to printing data without going through a server even when the printing instruction and the image processing data is sent directly by designating its own machine from the computer  14 . 
     Furthermore, when the sharing instruction and image data are sent from the server, as described below, the image data is converted to printing data in order according to the sharing instruction, and then sent in order to the selected printer. 
     Accordingly, since the servers  20 A- 20 B and the printers  40   a - 40   c  perform processing to convert the image data to printing data by sharing, the entire system is capable of operating effectively, and its printing speed can be increased. 
     Next, the detailed structure of the of the network system  10  of the present embodiment is explained. In FIG. 8 is a flowchart which shows the function of a server  20 A- 20 B of the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the function of a printer  40   a - 40   c  of the present embodiment. 
     As shown in FIG. 1, a printing instruction and image data are sent in the order received to the server  20 A from the computer  14  as data  100 . In this case, the printer server  32  of the server  20 A performs the operation which is shown in the flow  1000  of FIG.  8 . The printer server  32  identifies the received data  100  as a printing instruction, receives this data (steps S 10  and S 12 ), then outputs a device information inquiry signal  110  onto the network (step S 14 ). 
     Each printer  40   a - 40   c  on the network which receives this inquiry signal  110  operates as shown in the flow  1100  of FIG. 9 in response to the device information inquiry signal  110 . In short, each printer  40   a - 40   c  determines that the received signal  110  is an inquiry signal (step S 100 ), and returns its own ID which is stored in the printer information memory  52 , paper sizes to which it can print, and the remaining ink amount to the server  20  as device information  120 , as shown in FIG.  2 . At this time, printers  40   a - 40   c  which have the data processing program memory  60 , include the data processing program version information in the device information  120  and reply. 
     The server  20 , which receives the device information  120  from each printer, operates as shown in the flow  1200  of FIG.  8 . In short, the printer server  32  of the server  20  determines that the information  120  received from each printer  40   a - 40   c  is device information from a printer on the network, and receives this device information  120  (steps S 16  and S 18 ). 
     Then, based on the device information  120  from each printer, the server  20 A- 20 B determines the priority order of the printers for the intended printing data transmission (step S 20 ). In short, the server  20  evaluates the printing capability, such as the resolution and so forth, of each printer  40   a - 40   c  from its ID and selects a printer which satisfies the quality of the image data printing. At this point, even if one of the printers  40   a - 40   c  satisfies the image quality, if the paper size which is included in the received device information  120  does not match, or the remaining ink amount is little, that printer is excluded from consideration. Next, with respect to the selected printers, a priority order is given. Highest priority order is given to the one with shortest delay period. 
     When the prioritization of the printers for the intended printing data transmission is completed, as shown in FIG. 2, an inquiry signal  130  regarding which printer  40   a - 40   c  is to be used, is output to the computer  14  (step S 22 ). When the user responds to the inquiry and selects the printer  40   a - 40   c , as shown in FIG. 3, a selecting signal  140  is returned from the computer  14  to the server  20  (step S 24 ). 
     Next, the image processing server  34  uses the data conversion processing program, which corresponds to the ID of the selected printer, converts the image data to printing data in the proper order. Then the converted printing data is stored in the processing data memory  28  (step S 26 ). 
     Simultaneous with this conversion processing operation, the processor  24  determines whether the version of the program which is stored in the memory  60  of the selected printer matches with the version which is stored in the image processing data memory  30 . If it is determined that the versions do not match, the upgrading program information  150  is sent to the selected printer, as shown in FIG. 3 (step S 28 ). 
     Moreover, this image processing server  34  sends the printing data  160  which is created by the aforementioned data conversion processing to the selected printer as shown in FIG. 4 (step S 30 ). 
     The selected printer which receives the data  150 ,  160  operates as shown in the flows  1200  and  1300  of FIG.  9 . In short, the selected printer, when it receives the upgrading program information from the server  20 A- 20 B, as shown in the flow  1300 , upgrades the data conversion processing program in the program memory  60  with the corresponding program version information. Specifically, in step S 130 , the selected printer determines that the received information is an image processing upgrading program, and upgrades the data in the memory  60  at step S 132 . 
     Next, when the printing data  160  is sent from the server  20 A- 20 B, the selected printer operates as shown in the flow  1200 . Specifically, the received data  160  is identified as printing data, stored in the printed data memory  50 , then printed by using the printing component  46  (steps S 110  and S 120 ). 
     When the printing data is sent to the selected printer from the server  20 A- 20 B, since the image processing program in each printer  40   a - 40   c  is simultaneously upgraded, the entire system is constantly unified with the newest program version. Therefore, the entire system can operate effectively. 
     Moreover, when the amount of image data to be processed by the server  20 A- 20 B is large, it is preferable to share the process between the other server  20 A- 20 B, or with a printer which has the processing capability. Therefore, in step S 60  as shown in FIG. 8, the server  20  determines whether to perform sharing processing. In short, based on the data amount, image quality and the like, of the image data which was sent from the computer  14 , if it is determined that it is preferable to perform the sharing processing due to a large data processing amount (step S 60 ), the server  20 A- 20 B sends out a processing ability inquiry message to another server  20 A- 20 B or a printer which has a processing ability, and determines the server  20 A- 20 B or printer which will share the processing based on the information which was obtained from each device by this message (step S 62 ). 
     Specifically, when the inquiry message is sent via the communication lines  12  at step S 62 , the other server operates as shown in the flow  2100  of FIG. 8, and the printer operates as shown in the flow  1500  of FIG.  9 . In short, the other server  20 A- 20 B and the printer determine the fact that there was a processing ability inquiry at step S 40  and S 140 , respectively, and sends information which indicates its own data processing ability to the server (step S 42 , S 142 ). At this time, the ability information which is sent to the server  20 A- 20 B includes the ID of the printer which can share, the program version information, information of how much of a load it currently has, and the like. 
     The server  20 A- 20 B which receives this information determines whether the device which will share the data conversion processing. In other words, the other server  20 A- 20 B or the printer is selected (step S 62 ), and the image data which each device shares and the address information of the printer  40   a - 40   c  to which the printing data will be sent, is transmitted to the sharing device (step S 64 ). 
     When sending this kind of data, the server  20 A- 20 B determines whether the version of the data conversion processing program of each device which shares the data conversion processing is the newest, and depending on necessity, sends the newest data conversion processing program to each device. 
     Next, the server  20 A- 20 B performs the data conversion processing which converts the portion of image data which is its own shared portion (step S 66 ). Moreover, the other server  20  which shares the conversion of image data to printing data, operates as shown in the flows  2100  and  2200  of FIG. 8, and the printer which shares the processing operates as shown in the flows  1300  and  1400  of FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 5 shows the data flow when shared image data and other attached data  170 B,  170 C are sent from the server  20 A to the other sharing server  20 B and the printer apparatus  40   a . The data conversion processing program includes version upgrade information, if necessary, in the data  170 B,  170 C. 
     When the upgrading information is included in the data  170 B, the server  20 B which shares the processing, upgrades the data conversion processing program and its program version information which is stored in its own memory  36  in accordance with flow  2100  (steps S 50  and S 52 ). Then, the image data which is included in this received data  170 B is converted to printing data in accordance with the flow  2200  (step S 46 ), and the printing data is sent to the designated printer  40   b  (step S 48 ). 
     Similarly, when upgrading information is included in the data  170 C, the printer  40   a  which shares the processing, in accordance with the flow  1600 , upgrades the data conversion processing program and its program version information which are stored in its own memory  60  (steps S 130  and S 132 ). Then, the image data which is included in this received data  170 B is converted to printing data in accordance with the flow  1400  (step S 122 ), and the printing data is sent to the designated printer  40   b  (step S 124 ). 
     Thus, in the system of the present embodiment, the image data which is intended for processing, is shared by using a plurality of servers  20 A,  20 B and the printer  40   a , in order to convert to the printing data simultaneously. Then, the converted printing data  160 A,  160 B,  160 C is sent to the printer  40   b  from each device for the intended printing data transmission. Then, the printer  40   b  can print the large amount of printing data at high speed by re-ordering the successively transmitted printing data based on the page information, for example, and storing it in the printing data memory  50 . 
     Moreover, the network system of the present invention is not limited by the aforementioned embodiment, and various kinds of embodiments in different formats are possible within the scope of the summary of the present invention. 
     For example, in the network system  10  which is shown in FIG. 1, the printing instruction and image data may be sent from the computer  14  to the desired printer in order to print out the image data. Specifically, when the network system shown in FIG. 1 is built, there are cases in which the printer  40   c  exists near the computer  14 , and the other printers  40   a ,  40   b  and  40   d  exist in distant places. In this case, many users desire to print by using near-by printer  40   c.    
     While there is no problem if the printer  40   c  has a function to convert the image data to printing data, an uncomplicated and inexpensive printer  40   c  often does not have this kind of function. 
     Therefore, in the present embodiment, within the printers  40   a - 40   c  which comprise the system  10 , printers which do not have the ability to convert the image data to printing data are structured to have the function which is shown in FIG. 10, and printers  40   a - 40   c  and the servers  20 A- 20 B which have the conversion ability are structured so as to further comprise the function which is shown in FIG.  11 . Their specific structure is explained below. 
     In the present embodiment, the printer  40   c  which does not have an ability to convert image data to printing data, is structured to be provided with the function of a server, which is shown in steps S 300 -S 312 , and the function of a printer, which is shown in steps S 314  and  315  in FIG.  10 . 
     In short, when the printing instruction and the image data are sent from the computer  14  to the printer  40   c , the printer  40   c  determines the fact that the printing instruction is received at step S 300 , and inquires as to the ability of the other printers  40   a - 40   b  or the servers  20 A- 20 B on the network at step S 302 . 
     With respect to this inquiry, the other printer  40   a  which has a printing ability and/or the server  20 A- 20 B, as shown in FIG. 11, answer the aforementioned inquiry, and send information regarding their own processing ability to the printer  40   c  (steps S 400  and S 402 ). The printer  40   c  obtains the information which is sent at step S 402  from the other device (steps S 304  and S 306 ), and determines the server or the printer from which to request processing (step S 308 ). Then, the printer  40   c  sends the image data which was sent from the computer  14  to the requested device which is determined at step S 308  (steps S 310  and S 312 ). 
     The requested device which received this image data performs data conversion processing to convert the received image data to printing data (steps S 404 , S 406  and S 408 ), then returns the converted printing data to the printer  40   c  (step S 410 ). Then, the printer  40   c  print-outputs this printing data in the order received (steps S 314  and S 316 ). 
     Thus, according to the system of the present embodiment, even when the printing instruction and the image data are sent from the computer  14  to the printer  40   c  which does not have an ability to convert the image data to the printing data, it is possible to convert the image data to printing data by using the capabilities of other devices in order to print the data out. 
     Moreover, in each exemplary embodiment, the computer  14  is directly connected to the communication lines  12  which structure the network system. However, it is possible to have an external computer access the network system  10  via the server  20 A- 20 B. By doing this, it is possible to avoid illegal external access and to increase security of the network system. 
     Another embodiment of the network system of the present invention is shown in FIG.  12 . The network system  10  of the present embodiment is structured so that it is accessible from an external computer  14 . Then, the server  20 A- 20 B of the network system  10  is accessed from the external computer  14  and receives the printing instruction and the image data. Similar to the previous embodiments, the server  20 A- 20 B selects the printer  40   a - 40   b  for the intended printing data transmission, and print-outputs the image data from the selected printer. 
     In particular, the present embodiment is optimal for sending printing instructions and image data using the computer  14  from an area which has different printing standards, for example Japan, to a network system which is provided in another area, for example, the U.S. 
     Therefore, the accessed system  10  can create printing data based on the printing instruction and image data that are sent from Japan, by performing the data conversion processing of the aforementioned image data in order to comply with the U.S. printing standards, and can print-output this data by using an optimum printer. 
     Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, the server  20 A- 20 B is provided in the network system  10 . However, when a printer  40   a - 40   c  which has sufficiently high capabilities exists, it is appropriate to build the system  10  so that the printer  40   a - 40   c  functions as a server. Thus, when the printer also functions as a server, the printer can perform as a printer or perform as a server, as necessary. 
     While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.