JP2009175983A - Image forming system and setting information processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system for easily setting prescribed setting information set for a prescribed image forming apparatus to a new image forming apparatus when the new image forming apparatus substituted for a prescribed image forming apparatus among a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a communication line is connected to the communication circuit. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of image forming apparatus configuring an image forming system are provided with: a first storage means for storing prescribed setting information related with the image forming apparatus; a notification means for notifying the other image forming apparatus connected to a communication line of identification information indicating the image forming apparatus and prescribed setting information in the first storage means; an acquisition means for acquiring prescribed setting information and identification information related with the other image forming apparatus; and a second storage means for storing the prescribed setting information and identification information related with the other image forming apparatus acquired by the acquisition means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system and a setting information processing program.

  In a printer system having a plurality of printers connected to each other on a network, when a system program of one printer among the plurality of printers is updated, the printer in which the system program is updated is Some system programs are downloaded and transferred to other printers via a network. The system program to be updated is downloaded and transferred to another printer that operates according to the system program to be updated. In other words, it can be said that the other printer and the one printer are the same type of printer.

  However, in the above printer system, the printer does not have means for storing the setting contents related to printing before the system program is updated. Therefore, the setting contents that are set before the system program is updated after the system program is updated. If you want to use the printer, you must make a note of its settings in advance and set it again after updating the system program.

  For example, when a new printer is added in place of a previously used printer, such as when a printer is replaced due to a malfunction or the like, the system program used in the printer before replacement is the new printer. Equivalent to (updated system program). However, if you want to use a new printer with the settings that were set before updating the system program for the previously used printer, you need to set the settings again for the new printer. There is. For this reason, when a new printer is added instead of the printer that has been used before, a large amount of labor and time may be required to set the setting contents related to printing.

  For example, the printer system described in Patent Document 1 is known as the above-described printer system.

  When the setting information set in the first printer is moved to the second printer, the setting information set in the first printer is moved to the computer, and the computer sets the moved first printer. Move the information to the second printer. Note that the setting information may include temporary information that is not preferably copied, such as personal information, in addition to the paper size information and printing direction of the paper to be printed.

  In “Copy Settings”, setting information can be copied, and if the operator makes an operation mistake, the setting information after copying may not be deleted. This is not preferable from the viewpoint of protecting personal information.

  As a system for moving setting information set for a predetermined printer to another printer, for example, those described in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3 are known.

  In a system in which a computer and a plurality of printers are connected to a network, when a printer unit of a printer that is performing printing fails, print data to be processed by the printer is transferred to another printer, and the other printer is On the other hand, there is a printer that performs print processing on the print data to be processed.

  For example, a printer that has received print data requested to be printed from a computer stores the print data to be processed in a storage device, and then performs print processing on the print data, and the printer unit fails during the print processing. If it is detected, the print data stored in the storage device is transferred to a printer registered in advance as a substitute printer. The printer unit forms a permanent visible image on the recording paper based on the pattern data.

  However, in the case of a failure in the printer section of a printer, other printers can perform printing processing on behalf of that printer, but the print data is developed to generate drawing data and print data from the storage device. If the controller that performs control such as reading out and transferring to another printer fails, the controller unit cannot communicate with the other printer. For this reason, the printer in failure cannot transfer the received print data to another printer, so that the printing process cannot be performed by another printer.

In addition, what was described in patent document 4 is known as a printer in the above systems.
JP 2002-351635 A JP 2004-157487 A JP 2001-232908 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-035634

  The present invention relates to a predetermined image forming apparatus when a new image forming apparatus is connected to the communication line instead of the predetermined image forming apparatus among a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the communication line. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system and a setting information processing program that can easily set predetermined setting information set for the new image forming apparatus.

  The present invention also provides an image forming system capable of suppressing leakage of confidential information when updating the content of the setting information when the confidential information is included in the setting information related to the image forming apparatus. For the purpose.

  Further, according to the present invention, even when a higher-level control unit of a predetermined image forming apparatus fails during the printing process, the predetermined image forming apparatus can continue the printing process for a print job to be printed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming system that can be used.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the image forming system according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected via a communication line to communicate with each other, and each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes: Predetermined setting information related to the image forming apparatus is transmitted to another image forming apparatus, the setting information is stored in the other image forming apparatus, and the predetermined image forming apparatus is substituted for the predetermined image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses. When the new image forming apparatus is connected to the communication line, the new image forming apparatus receives the predetermined setting information from the other image forming apparatus that stores predetermined setting information related to the predetermined image forming apparatus. The predetermined setting information related to the image forming apparatus is acquired, and the setting information is stored as the predetermined setting information related to the new image forming apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the image forming system according to the second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected via a communication line to communicate with each other, and each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes: First communication means for storing predetermined setting information relating to the image forming apparatus, identification information indicating the image forming apparatus, and predetermined setting information stored in the first storage means are stored in the communication line. Notification means for notifying at least one other image forming apparatus among the one or more other image forming apparatuses connected thereto, and any other image forming in the one or more other image forming apparatuses An acquisition unit that acquires predetermined setting information and identification information indicating the other image forming apparatus notified from the apparatus and the other image forming apparatus acquired by the acquiring unit. A second storage means for storing Waru or predetermined configuration information and identification information, and having a.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, when a new image forming apparatus is connected to the communication line instead of a predetermined image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses. The new image forming apparatus includes the first storage unit, the notification unit, the acquisition unit, and the second storage unit, and the predetermined image corresponding to identification information indicating the new image forming device. Setting information acquisition means for acquiring the predetermined setting information from another image forming apparatus storing identification information indicating the forming apparatus and predetermined setting information related to the predetermined image forming apparatus; and the setting information acquisition means And setting information processing means for storing the predetermined setting information acquired in step (1) in the first storage means of the new image forming apparatus.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the second or third aspect, each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes another image corresponding to the identification information stored in the second storage unit. A communication unit that performs communication with the forming apparatus and confirms a response to the communication; and when the communication unit confirms that there is no response to the communication, the second storage unit A cutting state information processing unit that stores information indicating that the other image forming apparatus is in a disconnected state in correspondence with identification information indicating the other image forming apparatus that has not been provided.

  The invention described in claim 5 is the invention described in claim 4, wherein the predetermined setting information stored in the second storage means includes user information indicating information registered by the user. Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, when it is confirmed by the communication means that there is no response to the communication, the other image forming apparatus having no response is sent from the second storage means. It further comprises information deletion means for deleting user information included in the predetermined setting information stored corresponding to the identification information to be shown.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, the notification unit of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes identification information indicating the image forming apparatus and the information Setting information related to a setting value different from the default value among the predetermined setting information stored in the first storage unit is used as at least one other image forming apparatus in the one or more other image forming apparatuses. To notify.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the image forming system according to the present invention described in claim 7 uniquely identifies the first image forming apparatus having a host interface indicating an interface capable of uniquely determining the host and the client. A first image forming apparatus on the condition that the host interface and the client interface are connected via a communication unit. The setting information related to is moved to the second image forming apparatus.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect of the present invention, a host interface of the first image forming apparatus and a client interface of the second image forming apparatus are connected via the communication unit. On the condition that the setting information related to the first image forming apparatus is moved to the second image forming apparatus, the setting information related to the second image forming apparatus is transferred to the first image forming apparatus. It is made to move.

  In order to solve the above problem, the image forming system of the present invention according to claim 9 has a host interface indicating an interface that can uniquely determine that it is a host and a client interface indicating an interface that can uniquely determine that it is a client. When the host interface of one image forming apparatus and the client interface of the other image forming apparatus are connected via the first communication means In addition, on the condition that the client interface of the one image forming apparatus and the host interface of the other image forming apparatus are connected via the second communication means before a predetermined time elapses. Move setting information related to one image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus Setting information related to the second image forming apparatus is moved to the first image forming apparatus causes, characterized in that.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the ninth aspect, the client interface of the one image forming apparatus and the host interface of the other image forming apparatus before the certain time elapses. Setting information related to the first image forming apparatus is moved to the second image forming apparatus, or setting related to the second image forming apparatus, on condition that the connection is made via the second communication means. The information is moved to the first image forming apparatus.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the ninth aspect, a client interface of the one image forming apparatus and a host interface of the other image forming apparatus before the certain time elapses. Setting information relating to the one image forming apparatus is moved to the other image forming apparatus, or setting information relating to the one image forming apparatus is transferred to the other, on condition that no connection is made via the second communication means. And setting information related to the other image forming apparatus is moved to the one image forming apparatus.

  In order to solve the above problem, the image forming system of the present invention according to claim 12 is a host interface indicating an interface capable of uniquely determining that it is a host and a client interface indicating an interface capable of uniquely determining that it is a client. The contents of setting information related to the image forming apparatus is initialized on the condition that the host interface and the client interface are connected via a communication unit. To do.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the image forming system according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a processing device that issues a print request for a print job communicates with a plurality of image forming devices that perform print processing based on the print job. A plurality of image forming apparatuses that are connected via a line and communicate with each other, and the plurality of image forming apparatuses perform a printing process based on the acquired predetermined image data, and output a printed matter as a result of the printing process; and An upper control unit that interprets a print job requested to be printed by the processing device and generates image data based on the interpretation result, and transmits the image data generated by the upper control unit to the printing mechanism unit. A print control unit that performs control to execute a printing process, and each of the upper control unit and the print control unit includes a print job indicating information for specifying the print job. Print job management information storage means for storing print management information, and communication means for exchanging print job management information stored in the print job management information storage means with an external device. And

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the thirteenth aspect, the plurality of image forming apparatuses include at least two image forming apparatuses, and perform a print process for a print job requested to be printed. Print job management information output from a communication unit related to the image forming apparatus is acquired by a communication unit related to the other image forming apparatus, and the other image forming apparatus is acquired by a communication unit of the other image forming apparatus. Requesting the processing device for a print job based on the print job management information, and executing the print processing for the print job transmitted from the processing device in response to the request instead of the one image forming device. Features.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned fourteenth aspect, in the one image forming apparatus, when the upper control unit of the one image forming apparatus fails, the one image forming apparatus is formed. The printing of the one image forming apparatus is performed on the condition that the communication means provided in the printing control means of the apparatus and the communication means provided in the upper control means of the other image forming apparatus are connected via a transmission path. The control unit transfers the print job management information stored in the print job management information storage unit in the print control unit to the upper control unit of the other image forming apparatus, and the other image forming apparatus The upper control unit of the other image forming apparatus requests the processing apparatus for a print job based on the acquired print job management information and performs the processing for the request. Print processing for the print job sent from the apparatus performs printing control to be performed by the print mechanism section, and wherein the.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the fourteenth aspect, in the one image forming apparatus, at least one of a printing mechanism unit and a print control unit in the one image forming apparatus has failed. In this case, on the condition that the communication means provided in the upper control means of the one image forming apparatus and the communication means provided in the print control means of the other image forming apparatus are connected via a transmission path. The upper control unit of the one image forming apparatus transfers the print job management information stored in the print job management information storage unit of the upper control unit to the print control unit of the other image forming apparatus. In the other image forming apparatus, the print control means of the other image forming apparatus transfers the acquired print job management information to the upper control means of the other image forming apparatus. Then, the upper control means requests the processing device for a print job based on the transferred print job management information, and print processing for the print job transmitted from the processing device in response to the request corresponds to the print mechanism. The printing control is performed so as to be performed by the printing unit.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect, a print job management information storage provided in each of the upper control unit and the print control unit of the two image forming apparatuses. Means stores print job management information indicating information for specifying the print job and information indicating the number of printed print media obtained by a print process related to the print job; The control means for the print job transmitted from the processing device, the image data corresponding to the number of print media based on the information indicating the number of print media included in the print job management information from the one image forming device Except for this, it is characterized in that printing control is performed so that printing processing is performed by the printing mechanism section.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the thirteenth aspect, the plurality of image forming apparatuses are composed of at least two image forming apparatuses, and perform print processing for a print job requested to be printed. The print job management information output from the communication unit related to the image forming apparatus is acquired by the communication unit related to the other image forming apparatus, and in the one image forming apparatus, the higher-level control of the one image forming apparatus is performed. When a unit fails, the communication unit provided in the print control unit of the one image forming apparatus and the communication unit provided in the upper control unit of the other image forming apparatus are connected via a transmission path. On the condition that the print control means of the one image forming apparatus stores the print job management information stored in the print job management information storage means of the print control means. Transfer to the upper control means of the other image forming apparatus. In the other image forming apparatus, the upper control means of the other image forming apparatus sends a print job based on the acquired print job management information. Requesting the processing apparatus, interpreting a print job transmitted from the processing apparatus in response to the request, generating image data based on the interpretation result, and further controlling the print data of the one image forming apparatus Forwarding to the means.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image forming system according to the present invention includes a processing device that issues a print request for a print job and at least two image forming devices that perform print processing based on the print job. A printing mechanism that is connected via a communication line and communicates with each other, and each of the two image forming apparatuses performs a printing process based on the acquired predetermined image data and outputs a printed matter as a result of the printing process A high-order control means for interpreting a print job requested to be printed by the processing device and generating image data based on the interpretation result, and image data generated by the high-order control means for the print mechanism section Print control means for performing control to execute printing processing, and each of the upper control means and the print control means performs data transfer with an external device. A communication unit that is provided in a higher-level control unit of the one image forming apparatus when at least one of the printing mechanism unit and the print control unit of the one image forming apparatus fails. On the condition that the communication means provided in the print control means of the other image forming apparatus is connected via the transmission path, the upper control means of the one image forming apparatus is transmitted from the processing apparatus. It interprets the print job, generates image data based on the interpretation result, and transfers the image data to the print control means of the other image forming apparatus.

  In order to solve the above problem, a setting information processing program according to the present invention described in claim 20 is a predetermined setting relating to a predetermined image forming apparatus connected to one or more other image forming apparatuses via a communication line. A first storage process for storing information in a first storage means; identification information indicating the predetermined image forming apparatus; and predetermined setting information stored in the first storage means. A notification process for notifying at least one other image forming apparatus in the other image forming apparatuses, and notification from any other image forming apparatus in the one or more other image forming apparatuses, An acquisition process for acquiring predetermined setting information relating to another image forming apparatus and identification information indicating the other image forming apparatus, and a predetermined setting information relating to another image forming apparatus acquired by the acquisition process And a second storage process for storing the identification information in the second storage means, identification information indicating the predetermined image forming apparatus, and predetermined setting information related to the predetermined image forming apparatus. A setting information acquisition process for acquiring the predetermined setting information from the image forming apparatus, and a setting information processing process for storing the predetermined setting information acquired in the setting information acquisition process in the first storage unit; Is executed by a computer.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a new image forming apparatus is connected to the communication line instead of the predetermined image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the communication line, Predetermined setting information set for a predetermined image forming apparatus can be easily set for the new image forming apparatus.

  According to the invention of claim 2, when a new image forming apparatus is connected to the communication line instead of the predetermined image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the communication line, Predetermined setting information set for a predetermined image forming apparatus can be easily set for the new image forming apparatus.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when a new image forming apparatus is connected to the communication line instead of the predetermined image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the communication line, Predetermined setting information set for a predetermined image forming apparatus can be easily set for the new image forming apparatus.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus connected to the communication line can discriminate other image forming apparatuses disconnected from the communication line.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when another image forming apparatus is disconnected from the communication line, the predetermined image related to the disconnected other image forming apparatus is connected from the image forming apparatus connected to the communication line. It is possible to prevent user information included in the setting information from being leaked.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the storage capacity of the second storage unit of the image forming apparatus connected to the communication line can be reduced, and the storage resources can be used effectively.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, leakage of the confidential information can be suppressed when updating the content of the setting information when the confidential information is included in the setting information related to the image forming apparatus.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress leakage of confidential information when updating the content of the setting information when the confidential information is included in the setting information related to the image forming apparatus.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, it is possible to suppress leakage of the confidential information when updating the content of the setting information when the confidential information is included in the setting information related to the image forming apparatus.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress leakage of confidential information when updating the contents of the setting information when the confidential information is included in the setting information related to the image forming apparatus.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, it is possible to suppress leakage of confidential information when updating the content of the setting information when the confidential information is included in the setting information related to the image forming apparatus.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress leakage of confidential information when updating, for example, initializing the contents of the setting information when the confidential information is included in the setting information related to the image forming apparatus. it can.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, even when a higher-level control unit of a predetermined image forming apparatus fails during the printing process, the predetermined image forming apparatus performs a printing process for a print job to be printed. Can continue.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, even when one of the at least two image forming apparatuses fails, the other image forming apparatus should perform printing processing by the other image forming apparatus. The printing process for the print job can be continued.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, even when the upper control unit of one of the image forming apparatuses out of the at least two image forming apparatuses fails, the other image forming apparatus forms the one image forming apparatus. The printing process for the print job to be printed by the apparatus can be continued.

  According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, even if at least one of the print control means and the printing mechanism of one image forming apparatus out of at least two image forming apparatuses fails, the other image forming apparatus Thus, the printing process for the print job to be printed by the one image forming apparatus can be continued.

  According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, even when one of the at least two image forming apparatuses fails, the other image forming apparatus should perform printing processing by the other image forming apparatus. With respect to the print job, the print processing can be continued except for the number of printed print media that have been printed before the failure of the one image forming apparatus.

  According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, even when the upper control means of one image forming apparatus out of at least two image forming apparatuses fails, the printing control means and the printing mechanism of the one image forming apparatus. The printing unit can continue the printing process based on the image data for the print job transferred from the higher-level control unit of the other image forming apparatus and to be printed by the one image forming apparatus.

  According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, even if at least one of the print control means and the printing mechanism of one image forming apparatus out of at least two image forming apparatuses fails, the other image forming apparatus The print control unit and the print mechanism unit can continue the printing process for the print job transferred from the higher-level control unit of the one image forming apparatus and to be printed by the one image forming apparatus.

  According to the twentieth aspect, when a new image forming apparatus is connected to the communication line instead of the predetermined image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the communication line, the It is possible to provide software that allows the new image forming apparatus to easily set the predetermined setting information set for the predetermined image forming apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that components having the same function are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings for describing the embodiment, and the repetitive description thereof will be omitted.

  (Embodiment 1)

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an image forming system according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the image forming system 1, a plurality of printers 10, 20, and 30 are connected via a communication line 40.

  These printers 10 to 30 are image forming apparatuses and have a function of performing communication with each other via a communication line 40 in addition to a function of performing a printing process for a print job (print data).

  Examples of the communication line 40 include a wired communication line such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and a telephone line, a wireless communication line such as a wireless LAN, and a combination of these communication lines. In the first embodiment, since the communication line 40 employs a network such as a LAN, the communication line 40 is expressed as a network 40.

  Next, the functional configuration of the printer 10 will be described. The functional configurations of the other printers 20 and 30 are the same as those of the printer 10.

  When the printer 10 is connected to the network 40 for the first time, the printer 10 checks whether other printers are connected to the network 40 by, for example, broadcast, and predetermined setting information (hereinafter referred to as the printer 10) related to the printer 10 according to the result of the check. "Printer setting information") is transmitted (multicast) to other printers connected to the network 40, and printer setting information from other printers connected to the network 40 (to the other printers). A function of receiving and storing predetermined setting information).

  Each time the printer setting information relating to the printer 10 is changed, the printer 10 transmits (multicasts) the changed printer setting information to other printers connected to the network 40.

  The printer 10 includes an other printer setting information acquisition unit 110, another printer setting information processing unit 120, another printer setting information storage unit 130, another printer disconnection detection unit 140, another printer setting information transmission unit 150, a self printer information storage unit 160, It has its own printer setting notification unit 170, another printer storage information acquisition unit 180, and a printer setting application unit 190.

  The other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 acquires predetermined information transmitted from another printer, that is, a packet including identification information and printer setting information at a predetermined timing.

  Here, the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 acquires the predetermined information (packet) from another printer at a predetermined timing when (a) the printer 10 is connected to the network 40 for the first time (b) This is a case where data communication with other printers is carried out periodically.

  In the case of (a), for example, the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 broadcasts inquiry information (packets) of printer setting information to the network 40 and exists on the network 40 based on a response to the broadcast. While detecting other printers 20 and 30, a result of the inquiry transmitted from these printers 20 and 30, that is, predetermined information (packet including identification information and printer setting information) is acquired.

  In the case of (b) above, the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 periodically multicasts inquiry information (packets) of the printer setting information to the network 40, and on the network 40 based on a response to this multicast. The other printers 20 and 30 existing are detected, and the result of the inquiry transmitted from these printers 20 and 30 is acquired.

  As a result of this inquiry, predetermined information (a packet including identification information and printer setting information) is set when another printer is connected to the network 40 for the first time, and changed when printer setting information related to another printer is changed. If the later predetermined information (packet including identification information and printer setting information) or the printer setting information related to another printer is not changed, the printer setting information is not changed (packet).

  In addition, when the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 acquires a packet (predetermined information) related to another printer when the printer 10 is connected to the network 40 for the first time, the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 From the viewpoint of the printer 10, transmission destination information related to the other printer is notified to the own printer setting notification unit 170 (to be described later) and to another printer storage information acquisition unit 180 (to be described later).

  Further, the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 passes the acquired packet (predetermined information) to the other printer setting information processing unit 120.

  In the first embodiment, the identification information includes a device name (model name), a serial number (serial No), information unique to the device, and the like, and the printer setting information (predetermined setting information) includes tray paper size information. , Paper type information, duplex settings, network settings, and the like.

  In the first embodiment, identification information and printer setting information are defined as printer information. Therefore, the predetermined information means a packet including printer information. This packet includes transmission source information and transmission destination information.

  The other printer setting information processing unit 120 includes an other printer setting information storage processing unit 121 and an other printer setting information update unit 122, and is included in a packet (predetermined information) passed from the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110. The printer information (identification information and printer setting information) stored in the database is stored in the other printer setting information storage unit 130, and the storage contents of the other printer setting information storage unit 130 are updated based on the printer information.

  The other printer setting information processing unit 120 determines whether or not the identification information included in the printer information in the passed packet (predetermined information) is stored in the other printer setting information storage unit 130. A storage process or an update process is performed in accordance with the determined result.

  If the identification information included in the printer information in the packet (predetermined information) is not stored in the other printer setting information storage unit 130, the other printer setting information storage processing unit 121 prints out the printer information in the packet. Is stored in the other printer setting information storage unit 130 as a database.

  The other printer setting information update unit 122 updates the printer information when the identification information included in the printer information in the packet (predetermined information) is stored in the other printer setting information storage unit 130. Based on the printer information in the packet, the printer information in the other printer setting information storage unit 130 is updated. In this case, the other printer setting information storage unit 130 updates the printer information corresponding to the identification information included in the printer information in the packet.

  The other printer setting information storage unit 130 stores printer information (identification information and printer setting information) related to other printers. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a printer related to other printers for each other printer. The information is converted into a database and stored as the printer information database 130A.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the printer information database 130A is composed of model name 131 and serial number 132, setting information 133, saved data 134, and connection status 135, and these items are associated with each other.

  In the item of model name 131, model names of other printers are recorded.

  In the item of the serial number 132, a serial number (serial No.) related to another printer is recorded as identification information for identifying a plurality of the same models. The identification information is not limited to the serial number, and may be information unique to each device (device unique information), for example. In this case, the item of the serial number 132 may be the item of the device unique information 132.

  In the item of setting information 133, tray paper size information, paper type information, duplex setting, IP address (Internet protocol address) related to network setting, and the like are recorded. Note that the IP address is the same as the IP address when the IP address is included in the transmission source information set in the received packet.

  In the item of saved data 134, the presence / absence of a stored document stored in another printer and the registration form of the stored document are recorded.

  In the item of connection status 135, connection status information (information indicating presence / absence of connection) indicating the connection status of other printers to the network 40 is recorded.

  Incidentally, the fact that the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 has acquired printer information (packets) related to other printers means that the other printers are connected to the network 40, so that other printer setting information is stored. The processing unit 121 records “connected” indicating that the printer is connected to the network corresponding to the item of the connection status 135.

  If another printer in which “connected” is recorded corresponding to the item of the connection status 135 is disconnected from the network 40 by the other printer disconnection detection unit 140 described later, In response to the item of the connection status 135 of the corresponding other printer, the other printer disconnection detection unit 140 indicates that the printer is disconnected from the network based on the connection status information “connected”. It is supposed to be changed to “Must be done”.

  In the first embodiment, the model name 131 and the serial number 132 correspond to “identification information indicating another image forming apparatus (printer)”, and the setting information 133 and the storage data 134 are “added to another image forming apparatus (printer)”. This corresponds to “predetermined setting information (printer setting information)”.

  In the first embodiment, printer information (identification information and printer setting information) and connection status information are defined as other printer information.

  Incidentally, in FIG. 2, the other printer information indicated by reference numeral 136 indicates other printer information related to the printer 20, and the other printer information indicated by reference numeral 137 indicates other printer information related to the printer 30.

  As described above, the printer information database 130A serving as a storage destination of other printer information acquired by the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 includes information on a model name and a serial number (serial information such as a serial number). Each printer can be identified by the identification information. In addition, the setting information and saved data hold all setting values for each printer, and registering the connection status of each printer to the network in the connection status item makes it easy to identify the printer that is disconnected.

  The other printer disconnection detection unit 140 periodically checks the connection status with respect to all other printers corresponding to all the identification information stored in the printer information database 130A in the other printer setting information storage unit 130. In response to a response to confirming the connection state, it is detected whether or not another printer has been disconnected from the network 40.

  If there is no response to confirm the connection state, it is determined that the corresponding printer is disconnected from the network 40.

  The other printer disconnection detection unit 140 responds to the identification information when another printer corresponding to the identification information stored in the printer information database 130A in the other printer setting information storage unit 130 is disconnected from the network 40. The content of the connection status 135 item in the printer information database 130A to be changed is changed from “connected” to “disconnected”.

  The other printer setting information transmission unit 150 responds to a printer information transmission request from a predetermined other printer, and printer information related to all other printers stored in the printer 10, that is, another printer setting information storage unit Other printer information relating to all other printers stored in the printer information database 130A in 130 is transmitted to the predetermined other printer.

  The own printer information storage unit 160 holds printer information related to the printer 10, that is, identification information indicating the printer 10 and predetermined setting information (printer setting information) related to the printer 10. An example of the printer information held in the own printer information holding unit 160 is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the own printer information holding unit 160 holds printer information 160 </ b> A having items of model name 161, serial number 162, setting information 163, and saved data 164.

  In the item of model name 161, the model name of the printer 10 is recorded.

  In the item of serial number 162, a serial number (serial No.) related to the printer is recorded as identification information for identifying a plurality of identical models. The identification information is not limited to the serial number, and may be information unique to each device (device unique information), for example. In this case, the item of the serial number 162 may be the item of the device unique information 162.

  In the item of setting information 163, tray paper size information, paper type information, duplex setting, IP address (Internet protocol address) related to network setting, and the like are recorded. The IP address is the same as the IP address when the IP address is included in the transmission source information set in the transmission packet.

  In the item of saved data 164, the presence / absence of a stored document stored in the printer and the registration form of the stored document are recorded.

  In the printer information 160A stored in the own printer information holding unit 160, the information of each item of the model name 161 and the serial number 162 is uniquely determined and is not changed. On the other hand, the information of each item of the setting information 163 and the saved data 164 is a default value or an arbitrary value and may be changed.

  In the first embodiment, the model name 161 and the serial number 162 correspond to “identification information indicating the image forming apparatus (printer)”, and the setting information 163 and the storage data 164 are “predetermined information relating to the image forming apparatus (printer)”. Corresponds to “setting information (printer setting information)”.

  The identification information is held in the own printer information saving unit 160 together with predetermined setting information (setting information 163 and saved data 164). However, the identification information is not limited to this, and the own printer information is saved. The information may be stored in a storage area different from that of the unit 160, and the identification information in the storage area may be referred to by the own printer setting notification unit 170 described later.

  When the printer 10 is connected to the network 40 for the first time or when the printer setting information related to the printer 10 is changed, the printer setting notification unit 170 The printer information (all setting contents) 160A related to the printer 10 held in the printer information holding unit 160 is notified.

  When the printer 10 is connected to the network 40 for the first time, the own printer setting notification unit 170 sends printer information (all IP addresses) to destination information related to other printers notified from the other printer setting information acquisition 110, for example, an IP address. When the printer setting information related to the printer 10 is changed, it is recorded in the setting information 133 item of the printer information database 130A in the other printer setting information storage unit 130. Printer information (all setting contents) 160A is transmitted to an IP address as a network setting.

  When the printer 10 is connected to the network 40 for the first time, the other printer storage information acquisition unit 180 transmits related to another printer connected to the network 40, that is, another printer notified from the other printer setting information acquisition 110. A request is made to transmit the other printer information stored in the printer information database in the other printer setting information storage unit provided in the other printer to the destination information, for example, the IP address.

  Further, the other printer storage information acquisition unit 180 acquires a result (other printer information) in response to a transmission request for other printer information from another printer, and passes the acquired other printer information to the printer setting application unit 190.

  When the other printer information passed from the other printer holding information acquisition unit 180 includes printer information related to the disconnected printer, the printer setting application unit 190 identifies the printer and the identification information of the printer 10. And the printer setting information in the printer information related to the disconnected printer is applied as the printer setting information related to the printer 10.

  In other words, the printer setting application unit 190 includes the other printer information related to the printer whose connection status information of the item of the connection status 135 is “disconnected” in the other printer information that has been passed. If the model name in the identification information related to the printer information is compared with the model name in the identification information related to the printer 10 and it is determined that these model names match or are equivalent, The printer setting information related to the disconnected printer is recorded (overwritten) in the own printer information storage unit 160 so as to be applied as the printer setting information related to the printer 10.

  The printer setting application unit 190 records (overwrites) “printer setting information relating to the disconnected printer” in the own printer information storage unit 160 when the printer 10 substitutes for the disconnected printer. When newly connected to the same network 40, the other printer holding information acquisition unit 180 makes a transmission request for other printer information to the other printer as described above, and the result from the other printer for the transmission request. (Response) is obtained

  In the first embodiment, the own printer information storage unit 160 corresponds to the first storage unit, the own printer setting notification unit 170 corresponds to the notification unit, the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 corresponds to the acquisition unit, the other The printer setting information storage unit 130 (the printer information database 130A) corresponds to the second storage unit, the other printer storage information acquisition unit 180 corresponds to the setting information acquisition unit, and the printer setting application unit 190 corresponds to the setting information processing unit. Correspondingly, the other printer disconnection detection unit 140 corresponds to a communication unit and a disconnection state information processing unit.

  This is the end of the description of the functional configuration of the printer 10. The printer 20 and the printer 30 have the same functional configuration as the printer 10. Here, in the printer 20 and the printer 30, components corresponding to the components 110 to 190 of the printer 10 are referred to as components 210 to 290 and components 310 to 390, respectively.

  Incidentally, FIG. 4 shows an example of printer information (identification information and printer setting information) 260A held in its own printer information storage unit 260 of the printer 20, and a printer information database in the printer setting information storage unit 230 of the printer 20 is shown. An example of other printer information held in 230A is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of printer information (identification information and printer setting information) 360A held in its own printer information storage unit 360 of the printer 30. The printer information database in the printer setting information storage unit 330 of the printer 30 is shown in FIG. An example of other printer information held in 330A is shown in FIG.

  Note that the information indicated by the reference numerals 261 to 264 shown in FIG. 4 and the information indicated by the reference numerals 361 to 364 shown in FIG. 6 are respectively the reference numerals 161 to 164 shown in FIG. It has the same meaning as the information indicated by each symbol.

  In addition, information indicated by reference numerals 231 to 235 shown in FIG. 5 and information indicated by reference numerals 331 to 335 shown in FIG. 7 are respectively indicated by reference numerals 131 to 135 shown in FIG. It has the same meaning as the information indicated by each symbol.

  In FIG. 5, the printer information in a row indicated by reference numeral 236 indicates printer information relating to the printer 10, and the printer information in a row indicated by reference numeral 237 indicates printer information relating to the printer 30.

  Further, in FIG. 7, printer information in a row indicated by reference numeral 336 indicates printer information relating to the printer 20, and printer information in a line indicated by reference numeral 337 indicates printer information relating to the printer 10.

  In the first embodiment, as is apparent with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7, the printer information related to the printer 10 shown in FIG. 3 is the printer information (items 231 to 231) in the line indicated by reference numeral 236 in FIG. 234) and the printer information (items 331 to 334) in the row indicated by reference numeral 337 in FIG.

  Further, the printer information related to the printer 20 shown in FIG. 4 includes printer information (item 131 to item 134) of the line indicated by reference numeral 136 in FIG. Item 334).

  Further, the printer information related to the printer 30 shown in FIG. 6 includes printer information (item 131 to item 134) indicated by reference numeral 137 in FIG. 2 and printer information (item 231 indicated by reference numeral 237 in FIG. 5). This is the same as item 234).

  Next, printer setting information setting processing by the image forming system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the setting process.

  Here, in the example shown in FIG. 1, after the printer 10 (predetermined image forming apparatus) connected to the network 40 is disconnected from the network 40, a new printer # 10 (new image forming apparatus) as an alternative is replaced. ) To the same network 40, the same setting contents as the disconnected printer 10 are set for the new printer # 10. This new printer # 10 has the same functional configuration as the printer 10.

  In the state where the printers 10 to 30 are connected to the network 40, the printer information (identification information and printer setting information) held in the printer information storage unit in the printer 10, the printer 20 and the printer 30 is respectively shown in FIG. 3, 4, and 6, and the other printer information held in the printer information database in each other printer setting information storage unit is as shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 7, respectively. It is the contents.

  When the printer 10 is disconnected from the network 40, in the printer 20 and the printer 30, the other printer disconnection detection units respectively correspond to all the identification information stored in the printer information database in the other printer setting information storage unit. A message to confirm the connection state is periodically transmitted to other printers by, for example, multicast, and based on a response to the multicast, the printer 10 detects disconnection from the network 40.

  Upon detecting that the printer 10 has been disconnected from the network 40, the other printer disconnection detection unit 240 of the printer 20 displays the contents of the item of the connection status 235 in the printer information database 230A in the other printer setting information storage unit 230 as “connected. Is changed to “disconnected” (records that the printer 10 has been disconnected). As a result, the contents of the printer information database 230A shown in FIG. 5 are changed to the contents shown in FIG.

  Similarly, the other printer disconnection detection unit 340 of the printer 30 that has detected that the printer 10 has been disconnected from the network 40 indicates the contents of the item of the connection status 335 of the printer information database 330A in the other printer setting information storage unit 330. “Connected” is changed to “Disconnected” (records that the printer 10 has been disconnected). As a result, the contents of the printer information database 230A shown in FIG. 7 are changed to the contents shown in FIG.

  When a new printer # 10 is connected to the network 40 instead of the disconnected printer 10 (step S101), the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 in the printer # 10, the inquiry information (packet) of the printer setting information Is broadcast toward the network 40, and it is determined whether another printer is connected to the network 40 based on a response to the broadcast (step S102).

  In step S102, the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 periodically determines that no other printer is connected to the network 40 (when only the printer # 10 is connected to the network 40). The printer setting information inquiry information (packet) is broadcast.

  On the other hand, in step S102, the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 has acquired a packet (predetermined information) transmitted from another printer as a response to the broadcast, that is, a packet including printer information (identification information and printer setting information). When it is determined that another printer is connected to the network 40, the own printer setting notification unit 170 displays the transmission source information in the packet of the other printer, in other words, the transmission destination information regarding the other printer. And other printer storage information acquisition section 180.

  The other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 passes the acquired packet (predetermined information) to the other printer setting information processing unit 120.

  Specifically, in this example, the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 acquires a packet (predetermined information) from each of the printer 20 and the printer 30 as other printers. Source information (transmission destination information relating to the printer 20) and transmission source information indicating the printer 30 (transmission destination information relating to the printer 30) are notified to the own printer setting notification unit 170 and the other printer storage information acquisition unit 180, and the printer 20 and A packet (predetermined information) from each of the printers 30 is transferred to the other printer setting information processing unit 120.

  The own printer setting notifying unit 170 sends printer information (for example, IP address) related to the other printer notified from the other printer setting information acquisition 110 to the printer information related to the printer 10 held in the own printer information holding unit 160. All setting contents) 160A are notified (step S103). In this case, the printer setting information in the printer information (all setting contents) is a default value.

  Specifically, the own printer setting notification unit 170 sends printer information (all IP addresses) related to the printer 10 to each of the destination information about the printer 20, for example, the IP address, and the destination information about the printer 30, such as the IP address. 160A of setting contents, printer setting information = default value) is notified.

  By the way, the other printer setting information processing unit 120 to which the packet (predetermined information) is passed from the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110, the identification information included in the printer information in the packet includes the other printer setting information storage unit 130. If the identification information is not stored in the other printer setting information storage unit 130, the storage process is performed. On the other hand, the identification information is stored in the other printer setting information. If it is stored in the unit 130, update processing is performed.

  In this example, since it is assumed that the printer # 10 is connected to the printer 40 for the first time, no printer information is stored in the other printer setting information storage unit 130. Therefore, it is determined that the identification information is not stored in the other printer setting information storage unit 130, and the storage process is performed.

  That is, in the other printer setting information processing unit 120, the other printer setting information storage processing unit 121 acquires printer information from the passed packet, that is, acquires identification information and printer setting information related to another printer (steps S104 and S105). ), The acquired identification information and the acquired printer setting information (setting value) are associated and stored in the other printer setting information storage unit 130 (step S106).

  The other printer setting information storage processing unit 121 stores “connected” in the other printer setting information storage unit 130 as connection status information corresponding to the associated information (identification information and printer setting information). To do. In this case, the associated identification information and printer setting information and “connected” are stored in the printer information database 130A.

  Specifically, in this example, the other printer setting information storage processing unit 121 acquires printer information (identification information and printer setting information, see FIG. 4) related to the printer 20 from the packet from the printer 20, and Printer information (identification information and printer setting information, see FIG. 6) related to the printer 30 is acquired from the packet from the printer 30.

  In this way, the other printer setting information storage processing unit 121 that has acquired the printer information related to the other printer associates the identification information with the printer setting information for each of the other printers. Information "and" Connected "are stored in the printer information database 130A. As a result, the printer information database 130A of the printer # 10 has contents as shown in FIG. 2, for example.

  By the way, the other printer storage information acquisition unit 180 that is notified of the transmission destination information related to the other printer, such as the IP address, from the other printer setting information acquisition 110 sends the printer in the other printer setting information storage unit to the transmission destination information such as the IP address. A request is made to transmit other printer information stored in the information database, and other printer information (identification information, printer setting information, and connection status information) is acquired from the other printer in response to the transmission request (step S107). ).

  Specifically, in this example, the other printer storage information acquisition unit 180 stores the destination information related to the printer 20 such as the IP address and the destination information related to the printer 30 such as the IP address in the printer information database. Request to send other printer information.

  Therefore, in the printer 20, the other printer setting information transmission unit 280 stores other printer information (see FIG. 9) related to all other printers stored in the printer information database 230A in the other printer setting information storage unit 230. The data is transmitted to the requesting printer # 10. Similarly, in the printer 30, the other printer setting information transmission unit 380 has other printer information relating to all other printers stored in the printer information database 330A in the other printer setting information storage unit 330 (see FIG. 10). To the requesting printer # 10.

  The other printer storage information acquisition unit 180 that has acquired other printer information (identification information, printer setting information, and connection status information) from the other printer in response to the transmission request passes the printer information to the printer setting application unit 190.

  The printer setting application unit 190 includes other printer information related to the printer whose connection status information is “disconnected” in the other printer information passed from the other printer holding information acquisition unit 180. It is determined whether or not (step S108).

  Next, if the printer setting application unit 190 determines in step S108 that other printer information related to the printer whose connection status information is “disconnected” is included, the printer setting application unit 190 relates to the other printer information. The model name in the identification information is compared with the model name in the identification information related to the printer # 10 in the printer information 160A stored in the own printer information storage unit 160, and these two model names match or are equivalent. It is determined whether or not (step S109).

  This is because the printer setting application unit 190 determines whether or not the printer information relating to the printer whose connection status information is “disconnected” can be applied to the printer # 10. Become.

  Subsequently, when the printer setting application unit 190 determines in step S109 that the two model names match or are equal, the printer status information is passed from the other printer holding information acquisition unit 180 and the connection status information is “disconnected”. Is recorded (overwritten) in the own printer information storage unit 160 so as to be applied as printer setting information related to the printer # 10 (step S110). .

  In this case, the contents corresponding to the items of the setting information 163 and the saved data 164 (the contents of the printer setting information) are updated.

  Thus, in this example, the content stored in the own printer information storage unit 160 of the new printer # 10 is the printer whose connection status information is “disconnected”, that is, the printer 10 disconnected from the network 40. Is updated to the contents reflecting the printer information (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the printer # 10 can be caused to execute a printing process similar to the printing process based on the printer setting information related to the printer 10.

  In this way, after the printer setting information in the printer information related to the disconnected printer 10 is set as the printer setting information related to the new printer # 10, the new printer # 10 receives the other printer setting information acquisition unit. 110 periodically obtains a packet (result of an inquiry about printer setting information) from another printer by multicast sending inquiry information (packet) of printer setting information to the network 40.

  In addition, the other printer disconnection detection unit 140 periodically updates all other printers corresponding to all identification information stored in the printer information database 130A in the other printer setting information storage unit 130, for example, the printer 20 and the printer 30. For example, the fact that the connection state is confirmed is transmitted by, for example, multicast, and it is detected whether or not another printer is disconnected from the network 40 in response to a response to the confirmation of the connection state.

  Further, the other printer setting information transmission unit 150 responds to a transmission request for other printer information from the printer 20 or the printer 30, for example, other printer information related to all other printers stored in the printer # 10, that is, Other printer information (see FIG. 2) relating to all other printers stored in the printer information database 130A in the other printer setting information storage unit 130 is used as a request source (printer 20 or printer 30) for other printer information. ) Will be sent to.

  Next, in the printer # 10, the own printer setting notification unit 170 updates whether or not the printer setting information of the printer # 10 has been changed, that is, the stored contents (particularly printer setting information) of the own printer information storage unit 160 are updated. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S111).

  If the own printer setting notification unit 170 determines in step S111 that the printer setting information of the printer # 10 has been changed, the printer information of the other printer connected to the network 40, that is, the printer information of the other printer setting information holding unit 130 is displayed. The printer information 160A related to the printer # 10 stored in the own printer information storage unit 160 is notified to the IP address included in the other printer information stored in the database 130A (step S112), and then step S111. Return to.

  Having determined that the printer setting information relating to the printer # 10 has not been changed in step S111, the own printer setting notifying unit 170 notifies the other printer setting information acquiring unit 110 to that effect.

  In this example, the fact that step S110 is executed when the printer # 10 is connected to the printer 40 for the first time indicates that the printer setting information (default value) set in advance for the printer # 10 is used. Instead, it means that the printer setting information set for the printer 10 separated from the printer 40 is set. Therefore, when step S111 is executed after step S110 is completed, the process proceeds to step S112.

  Specifically, in this example, printer information related to the printer # 10 is notified to the printer 20 and the printer 30 connected to the network 40.

  Incidentally, when step S111 is executed after step S110 is completed and step S112 is further executed, the printer 20 sets other printer settings according to the contents of the printer information 160A related to the printer # 10. In the printer information database 230A (see FIG. 9) in the information storage unit 230, the contents (default values) corresponding to the items of the setting information 233 and the storage data 234 of the line indicated by reference numeral 236 are changed, and the connection status 235 is changed. The connection status information corresponding to the item is changed from “disconnected” to “connected”.

  Similarly, the printer 30 sets the setting information of the line indicated by reference numeral 337 in the printer information database 330A (see FIG. 10) in the other printer setting information storage unit 330 according to the contents of the printer information related to the printer # 10. The contents (default values) corresponding to the items of 333 and saved data 334 are changed, and the connection status information corresponding to the item of the connection status 335 is changed from “disconnected” to “connected”. Will do.

  The other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 that has received the notification that the printer setting information related to the printer # 10 has not been changed from the own printer setting notification unit 170 periodically checks the inquiry information (packet) of the printer setting information. Is sent to the network 40 by multicast transmission to obtain packets from other printers (results for the printer setting information inquiry information) (step S113).

  Next, the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 passes the acquired packet (result for the inquiry information of the printer setting information) to the other printer setting information processing unit 120 and multicasts the inquiry information (packet) of the printer setting information. As a result, if there is another printer that has not responded, the other printer setting information processing unit 120 is notified that there is another printer that has not responded.

  The other printer setting information processing unit 120 changes the status of the other printer based on the packet passed from the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 and at least one information indicating that there is another printer that does not respond. Whether or not (step S114).

  Here, when it is notified that there is another printer that does not respond, it is determined that the other printer is disconnected from the network and the state of the other printer is changed. Further, when the passed packet is a packet including predetermined information (packet), that is, printer information (identification information and printer setting information), it is determined that the status of the other printer is changed. Further, when the transferred packet is a packet including that the printer setting information is not changed, it is determined that the status of the other printer is not changed.

  By the way, in the other printer setting information processing unit 120 that determines that the status of the other printer is changed in step S114, the identification information included in the printer information in the passed packet (predetermined information) is the other printer setting. When the information is stored in the information storage unit 130, the other printer setting information update unit 122 determines that the printer information is updated, and the printer information of the other printer setting information storage unit 130 is determined based on the printer information in the packet. Is updated (step S115).

  In this case, the other printer setting information storage unit 130 updates the printer information corresponding to the identification information included in the printer information in the packet. That is, the identification information and the printer setting information (setting value) are associated with each other and stored as changed printer information.

  Specifically, for example, when the setting information of the printer setting information (setting information and stored data) related to the printer 20 is changed, the state of another printer is changed based on the packet transmitted from the printer 20. Is determined, the contents of the setting information corresponding to the item of the setting information 133 in the row indicated by the reference numeral 136 in the printer information database 130A (see FIG. 2) in the other printer setting information storage unit 130 of the printer # 10. Will be changed.

  Also, in the other printer setting information processing unit 120 that has determined that the status of the other printer has changed in step S114, the identification information included in the printer information in the passed packet (predetermined information) is the other printer setting. If not stored in the information storage unit 130, the other printer setting information storage processing unit 121 updates the printer information of the other printer setting information storage unit 130 based on the printer information in the packet.

  In this case, in the other printer setting information storage unit 130, the other printer setting information storage processing unit 121 associates the identification information with the printer setting information (setting value) and stores it as new printer information. Corresponding printer information is stored, “connection is established” as connection status information.

  In addition, the other printer disconnection detection unit 140 periodically updates all other printers corresponding to all identification information stored in the printer information database 130A in the other printer setting information storage unit 130, for example, the printer 20 and the printer 30. Specifically, it is transmitted, for example, by multicast to confirm the connection state, and it is determined whether there is another printer disconnected from the network 40 based on a response to the confirmation of the connection state (step S116). ).

  If the other printer disconnection detection unit 140 determines that there is another printer disconnected from the network 40 in step S116, it corresponds to the item of the connection status 135 in the printer information database 130A in the other printer setting information storage unit 130. The connection status information stored in this way is changed from “connected” to “disconnected” (step S117). This means that “disconnected” is added (recorded) corresponding to the printer information related to the disconnected printer.

  Specifically, for example, when the printer 20 is disconnected (disconnected) from the network 40, reference numeral 136 in the printer information database 130A (see FIG. 2) in the other printer setting information storage unit 130 of the printer # 10. The content of the connection status information corresponding to the item of the connection status 135 in the indicated row is changed (changed from “connected” to “disconnected”).

  By the way, as described above, the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 determines that there is another printer that has not responded to the inquiry, for example, the printer 20 as a result of the inquiry about the printer setting information. The printer disconnection detection unit 140 also periodically transmits a confirmation message for confirming the connection status to all other printers such as the printer 20 and the printer 30, for example, in response to a response to the confirmation of the connection status. Thus, it is detected from the network 40 that the other printer, for example, the printer 20 has been disconnected.

  If it is determined in step S114 that there is no change in the status of the other printer, if it is determined in step S116 that there is no other printer disconnected from the network 40, or if step S117 is completed, the process proceeds to step S111. Return.

  Next, printer setting information setting processing by the image forming system will be described with reference to an example shown in FIG.

  FIG. 11 shows an alternative to the printer 10 after the printer 10 is disconnected from the network 40 from the state in which the printer 10, the printer 20, and the printer 30 are connected to the network 40 in the image forming system 1 shown in FIG. When the new printer # 10 is connected to the network 40, the printer setting information for setting the same content as the printer setting information set for the disconnected printer 10 for the new printer # 10 The state of the setting process is shown.

  Note that, in FIG. 11, the same reference numerals are given to portions that perform the same functions as the components shown in FIG. 1. The components of the printer 20 and the printer 30 are the components 210 to 290 and the components 310 to 390 corresponding to the components 110 to 190 of the printer 10, respectively. Further, the constituent elements of the printer # 10 are the constituent elements # 110 to # 190 corresponding to the constituent elements 110 to 190 of the printer 10.

  In the example shown in FIG. 11, all printers on the network 40 store printer setting information (setting information and storage information) related to other printers.

  The first embodiment is not limited to a configuration in which all printers on the network 40 store printer setting information related to other printers, and other printers that exist on the same network as the printer. In at least two printers, at least one other printer among the printers, printer setting information (setting information and storage information) related to the printers may be stored.

  When the printer 10 (printer B), the printer 20 (printer A), and the printer 30 (printer C) are connected to the network 40, the printer 10 (printer B), the printer 20 (printer A), and the printer 30 ( In the printer C), the printer information (identification information and printer setting information) stored in the respective printer information storage units 160, 260, and 360 includes printer B setting information (printer B setting) and printer A setting information (printer), respectively. A setting) and printer C setting information (printer C setting).

  Here, the printer B setting information, the printer A setting information, and the printer C setting information are contents (printer information) as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, respectively, and are information including identification information and printer setting information. is there. Therefore, in the first embodiment, for example, printer B setting information (printer B setting) means identification information and printer setting information relating to the printer 10 (printer B), and does not mean only the printer setting information. Absent. The printer B setting information and the printer C setting information have the same meaning.

  Other printer information stored in the printer information database 130A in the other printer setting information storage unit 130 of the printer 10 (printer B) is printer A setting information and printer C setting information. Here, it is assumed that the contents stored in the printer information database 130A are as shown in FIG. Incidentally, the printer A setting information corresponds to the line information (other printer information) indicated by reference numeral 136, and the printer C setting information corresponds to the line information (other printer information) indicated by reference numeral 137.

  Other printer information stored in the printer information database 230A in the other printer setting information storage unit 230 of the printer 20 (printer A) is printer B setting information and printer C setting information. Here, it is assumed that the content stored in the printer information database 230A is as shown in FIG. Incidentally, the printer B setting information corresponds to the row information (other printer information) indicated by reference numeral 236, and the printer C setting information corresponds to the row information (other printer information) indicated by reference numeral 237.

  Other printer information stored in the printer information database 330A in the other printer setting information storage unit 330 of the printer 30 (printer C) is printer A setting information and printer B setting information. Here, it is assumed that the contents stored in the printer information database 330A are as shown in FIG. Incidentally, the printer A setting information corresponds to the row information (other printer information) indicated by reference numeral 336, and the printer B setting information corresponds to the row information (other printer information) indicated by reference numeral 337.

  In the first embodiment, the printer A setting information, the printer B setting information, and the printer A setting information include identification information (model name and serial number), printer setting information (setting information and stored data), and connection status information ( Other printer information having a connection status. It can be said that the other printer information includes printer information (identification information and printer setting information) and connection status information (connection status).

  When the printer 10 is disconnected from the network 40 as shown in FIG. 11 under the preconditions described above (see P1 in FIG. 11), the printer 20 and the printer 30 each have other printer disconnection detection units. The fact that the connection status is to be confirmed periodically is transmitted to all other printers corresponding to all the identification information stored in the printer information database in the other printer setting information storage unit by, for example, multicast. Is detected from the network 40 (see P2 in FIG. 11).

  Upon detecting that the printer 10 has been disconnected from the network 40, the other printer disconnection detection unit 240 of the printer 20 displays the contents of the item of the connection status 235 in the printer information database 230A in the other printer setting information storage unit 230 as “connected. Change from “Improved” to “Disconnected”. As a result, the contents of the printer information database 230A shown in FIG. 5 are changed to the contents shown in FIG. That is, for the printer 10, the connection status information is changed from “connected” to “disconnected” (see information on the line indicated by reference numeral 236 in FIG. 9).

  Similarly, the other printer disconnection detection unit 340 of the printer 30 that has detected that the printer 10 has been disconnected from the network 40 indicates the contents of the item of the connection status 335 of the printer information database 330A in the other printer setting information storage unit 330. Change from “connected” to “disconnected”. As a result, the contents of the printer information database 230A shown in FIG. 7 are changed to the contents shown in FIG. That is, for the printer 10, the connection status information is changed from “connected” to “disconnected” (see the information on the line indicated by reference numeral 337 in FIG. 10).

  Next, when a new printer # 10 is connected to the network 40 as an alternative to the printer 10 (see P3 in FIG. 11), in the printer # 10, the other printer setting information acquisition unit # 110 is connected to the printer 20 existing on the network 40. Printer information (identification information and printer setting information) is acquired from each of the printer 30 and the printer 30 via the network 40, and the other printer setting information processing unit # 120 stores the acquired printer information in the other printer setting information storage unit. It is stored in the printer information database # 130A in # 130 (see P4 and P5 in FIG. 11).

  At this time, the printer setting information processing unit # 120 in addition to the printer # 10 indicates “connected” to the printer information database # 130A as connection status information corresponding to the printer information relating to each of the printer 20 and the printer 30. Save to.

  That is, in the printer information database # 130A, other printer information in which printer information (model name and serial number) and connection status information (setting information and storage data) are associated is stored for each printer. Become. Incidentally, in this example, the saved contents of the printer information database # 130A are the contents shown in FIG. 2, similar to the saved contents of the printer information database 130A of the printer 10.

  Next, the printer # 10 acquires other printer information stored in each of the printer 20 and the printer 30 existing on the network 40 via the network 40, and the printer # 10 from the acquired other printer information. For example, printer setting information (setting information and saved data) related to a printer (a disconnected printer) that matches or is equivalent to the model name is acquired.

  That is, in the printer # 10, the other printer storage information acquisition unit # 180 acquires other printer information stored in the printer 20 and the printer 30 existing on the network 40 via the network 40.

  The printer setting application unit # 190 compares the acquired model name in the other printer information from each of the printer 20 and the printer 30 with device information related to the printer # 10, for example, the model name, and Determine whether the model names match or are equal.

  Further, as a result of the above determination, the printer setting application unit # 190 determines that the other printer information (for example, the other printer from the printer 20) is related to the other printer information from the printer 20, for example, Information), printer setting information (setting information and stored data) related to a printer (the disconnected printer) whose two model names match or are equivalent is acquired via the network 40, and the acquired printer The setting information is stored in the own printer setting information storage unit # 160 (see P6 in FIG. 11).

  In this case, among the printer information stored in the own printer setting information storage unit # 160, the printer setting information (information on each item of the setting information # 163 and the stored data # 164) is a printer related to the disconnected printer 10. It is updated to setting information (information of each item of setting information 163 and saved data 164). That is, the printer setting information related to the disconnected printer 10 is reflected on the printer setting of the new printer # 10.

  For example, if the printer setting application unit # 190 determines that the printer setting information relating to the printer having the two model names that are the same or equivalent is not included in the middle of other printer information from the printer 20, for example, It is determined whether the other printer information from 30 includes printer setting information related to a printer whose two model names match or are equal.

  By the way, when a new printer # 10 is connected to the network 40 as an alternative to the printer 10, in the printer # 10, the own printer setting notification unit 170 has printer information (identification information and printer setting information) related to the printer # 10. # 160A is transmitted to the printer 20 and the printer 30.

  In the printer 20 and the printer 30, the other printer setting information acquisition units 210 and 310 acquire printer information (identification information and printer setting information) # 160A from the printer # 10. At this time, the other printer setting information acquisition units 210 and 310 detect that the printer # 10 is connected to the network 40 (see P7 in FIG. 11). At this point, the printer 20 and the printer 30 do not know whether the detected printer # 10 is an alternative printer or a newly added printer.

  Further, the other printer setting information processing units 220 and 320 indicate that the connection status information is “disconnected” in the other printer information stored in the printer information databases 230A and 330A in the other printer setting information storage units 230 and 330. Other printer information whose model name matches the model name of the identification information included in the printer information acquired by the other printer setting information acquisition units 210 and 310. Determine if it exists.

  Next, if the other printer setting information processing units 220 and 320 have other printer information that matches the two model names as a result of the determination, the other printer information stored in the printer information databases 230A and 330A. The printer information (identification information and printer setting information) in the other printer information in which the two model names match is changed to the printer information acquired by the other printer setting information acquisition units 210 and 310.

  In this case, in the identification information, the model name is the same as or equivalent to the model name related to the printer 10, and the serial number is information unique to the printer # 10. The printer setting information is printer setting information related to the printer # 10.

  Incidentally, when the printer # 10 is connected to the network 40 for the first time, the printer information # 160A related to the printer # 10 transmitted from the printer # 10 is notified from the printer # 10 in step S103 of the processing procedure of FIG. Corresponds to the printer information (default value) 160A. Therefore, when the printer information databases 230A and 330A are updated based on the printer information # 160A, the printer information related to the printer # 10 stored in the printer information databases 230A and 330A is the printer information related to the printer 10. It does not reflect.

  Further, the other printer setting information processing units 220 and 320 change the connection status information corresponding to the updated printer information from “disconnected” to “connected” in the printer information databases 230A and 330A. change.

  When the printer information related to the printer # 10 is changed to the printer information related to the printer 10, the printer information # 160A related to the printer # 10 is transmitted from the printer # 10 to the printer 20 and the printer 30. In this case, the printer information # 160A related to the printer # 10 transmitted from the printer # 10 reflects the printer information (printer information related to the printer 10) notified from the printer # 10 in step S112 of the processing procedure of FIG. Corresponding to 160A).

  Therefore, in the printer 20 and the printer 30, when the printer information databases 230A and 330A are updated based on the printer information # 160A, the printer information related to the printer # 10 stored in the printer information databases 230A and 330A is The printer information relating to the printer 10 is reflected.

  FIG. 12 shows a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus constituting the image forming system.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a storage device 102 such as a hard disk, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, and a RAM (Random Access Memory). : A read / write memory as needed) 104, a network interface (network I / F) 105, and an image output device 106.

  Here, the image forming apparatus 10 is assumed to be a printer. In addition, the image forming apparatus 20 and the image forming apparatus 30 have the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 10.

  The storage device 102 functions as the other printer setting information storage unit 130 and the own printer information storage unit 160 shown in FIG. 1, and includes a printer information database 130A (see FIG. 2) and printer information 160A (see FIG. 3). Remember.

  The storage device 12 is software that realizes the functions of the constituent elements of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 except the other printer setting information storage unit 130 and the own printer information storage unit 160. Predetermined software (program) 102A including (program) and software (program) corresponding to the processing procedure shown in FIG. 8 is stored. Here, it is assumed that the predetermined software (program) 102A is the setting information processing program 102A.

  The setting information processing program 102A includes at least the following processing steps (1) to (6).

  (1) A first storage processing step in which predetermined setting information relating to a predetermined image forming apparatus connected to one or more other image forming apparatuses via a communication line is stored in a first storage unit.

  (2) The identification information indicating the predetermined image forming apparatus and the predetermined setting information stored in the first storage unit are used as at least one other image in the one or more other image forming apparatuses. Notification process for notifying the forming apparatus.

  (3) Predetermined setting information related to the other image forming apparatus and identification information indicating the other image forming apparatus notified from any other image forming apparatus among the one or more other image forming apparatuses. To get the acquisition process.

  (4) A second storage process step in which predetermined setting information and identification information relating to another image forming apparatus acquired in the acquisition process step are stored in the second storage unit.

  (5) Setting information acquisition processing for acquiring the predetermined setting information from another image forming apparatus that stores identification information indicating the predetermined image forming apparatus and predetermined setting information related to the predetermined image forming apparatus process.

  (6) A setting information processing step for storing predetermined setting information acquired in the setting information acquisition processing step in the first storage means.

  The ROM 103 stores parameters and data necessary for the printer setting information setting process such as a communication protocol for communication between the image forming apparatus and another image forming apparatus.

  The RAM 104 stores the setting information processing program 102A read from the storage device 102, all or part of the printer information database 130A, and printer information 160A, and stores parameters and data read from the ROM 103.

  The RAM 104 stores the following information (data) (a) to (f), for example.

  (A) Printer information related to other printers acquired by the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 (CPU 101) via the communication line 40.

  (B) Data in the process of storing and updating the printer information by the other printer setting information processing 120 (CPU 101).

  (C) Other printer information related to other printers to be transmitted by the other printer setting information transmission unit 150 (CPU 101) to other printers via the communication line 40.

  (D) Printer information relating to the printer to be transmitted by the printer setting notification unit 170 (CPU 101) to another printer via the communication line 40.

  (E) Other printer information from other printers acquired by the other printer storage information acquisition unit 180 (CPU 101) via the communication line 40.

  (F) The result of detection processing by the other printer disconnection detection unit 140 (CPU 101).

  The network I / F 105 communicates with the other image forming apparatuses 20 and 30 via the communication line 40 according to the communication protocol.

  The image output device 106 performs a printing process based on the print data.

  The CPU 101 controls the entire image forming apparatus 10. For example, the CPU 101 reads and executes the setting information processing program 102 </ b> A from the storage device 102 to the RAM 103, thereby executing the constituent elements 110, 120, 140, and so on of the image forming apparatus 10. In addition to realizing the functions 150, 170, 180, and 190, the printer setting information setting process (see FIG. 8) is performed.

  Among the components realized by the CPU 101 executing the setting information processing program 102A, the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110, the other printer disconnection detection unit 140, the other printer setting information transmission unit 150, the own printer setting information Since the notification unit 170 and the other printer saved information acquisition unit 180 involve information (data) transmission / reception processing, it can be said that the notification unit 170 and the other printer storage information acquisition unit 180 are actually realized by the cooperation of the CPU 101 and the network I / F 105. .

  In the specification of the present application, each function of the image forming apparatus is realized, and the setting information processing program (predetermined program) 102A is recorded in a storage device such as a hard disk as a recording medium. Can also be provided as follows.

  That is, the predetermined program (setting information processing program 102A) may be stored in the ROM, and the CPU may load the program from the ROM to the main storage device and execute it.

  The predetermined program may be stored and distributed in a computer-readable recording medium such as a DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, MO (magneto-optical disk), flexible disk, or the like. In this case, after the image forming apparatus installs the program recorded on the recording medium, the CPU executes the program. As an installation destination of this program, there is a memory such as a RAM or a storage device such as a hard disk. The image forming apparatus loads the program stored in the storage device into the main storage device and executes it as necessary.

  Furthermore, the image forming apparatus is connected to a computer such as a server apparatus or a host computer via a communication line (for example, the Internet), and after the image forming apparatus downloads the predetermined program from the server apparatus or the computer, This program may be executed. In this case, the download destination of the program includes a memory such as a RAM and a storage device (recording medium) such as a hard disk. Then, the image forming apparatus loads the program stored in the storage device into the main storage device and executes it as necessary.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, a plurality of printers hold printer setting information related to other printers on the same network, so that a predetermined printer among the plurality of printers fails. For example, when the printer is disconnected from the network and replaced with an alternative printer, the printer setting information (various setting information) related to the disconnected printer can be automatically reflected in the newly connected alternative printer. Therefore, setting work by the user becomes unnecessary, and it is possible to avoid errors such as troublesome setting by the user when replacing the printer and omission of setting by the user.

  (Embodiment 2)

  FIG. 13 shows a configuration of an image forming system according to the second embodiment. The image forming system 2 shown in FIG. 13 has a functional configuration in which an information protection setting unit 1010 and a user information deleting unit 1020 are added to the functional configuration of the printer 10 of the image forming system 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. It has become. Note that, in FIG. 13, the same reference numerals are given to portions that perform the same functions as the functional configuration shown in FIG. 1.

  Of course, the printer 20 and the printer 30 also have a functional configuration in which an information protection setting unit and a user information deletion unit are added.

  The information protection setting unit 1010 sets information indicating whether user information is deleted when the printer 10 is disconnected from the network 40, for example, information protection setting information, in the printer information related to the printer 10. In the printer information, an information protection setting of “valid” indicating that user information should be deleted (protecting user information) or “invalid” indicating that user information is not deleted (not protecting user information) Information will be included.

  That is, in the second embodiment, the printer information stored in the own printer information storage unit 160 includes identification information (device-specific information such as model name and serial number), printer setting information (setting information and storage data), and information protection. Setting information.

  In the second embodiment, the other printer information stored in the printer information database 130A in the other printer setting information storage unit 130 includes printer information (the identification information, the printer setting information, and the information protection setting information). Printer information) and connection status information (connection status).

  The user information deletion unit 1020 includes other printer information stored in the printer information database 130A in the other printer setting information storage unit 130 when the other printer disconnection detection unit 140 detects disconnection of another printer. The connection status information registered corresponding to the connection status 135 item of the other printer information related to the disconnected printer is changed from “connected” to “disconnected” and the disconnection is performed. When the information protection setting information in the other printer information related to the printer that has been selected is “valid”, the information corresponding to the user information is deleted from the other printer information.

  In the second embodiment, the user information is data registered by the user, such as stored documents and registration form data.

  In the second embodiment, the other printer disconnection detection unit 140 corresponds to a communication unit, and the user information deletion unit 1020 corresponds to a disconnection state information processing unit and an information deletion unit.

  Next, printer setting information setting processing by the image forming system 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the setting process. This flowchart is a processing procedure in which steps S201 and S202 are added to the processing procedure shown in FIG.

  As in the first embodiment, a new printer # 10 (new image forming apparatus) is connected to the network 40 instead of the printer 10 (predetermined image forming apparatus) disconnected from the network 40. When Steps S101 to S115 are executed by the printer # 10, in the printer # 10, the other printer disconnection detection unit 140 stores all the printer information databases 130A stored in the other printer setting information storage unit 130. A message to confirm the connection state is periodically transmitted to all other printers corresponding to the identification information, for example, the printer 20 and the printer 30, for example by multicast, and the response from the other printer to the multicast is confirmed (step) S116).

  If there is no response from another printer in step S116, the other printer disconnection detection unit 140 regards that the other printer is disconnected from the network, and information (transmission destination) regarding the other printer that has been disconnected. The user information deletion unit 1020 is notified of the identification information or IP address corresponding to the printer.

  Then, the user information deletion unit 1020 uses the printer information database 130A in the other printer setting information storage unit 130 based on the information on the disconnected other printer (identification information or IP address corresponding to the destination printer). The connection status information registered corresponding to the item of the connection status 135 of the other printer information related to the other disconnected printer among the other printer information stored in the "From connected" Change to “disconnected” (step S117).

  Next, the user information deleting unit 1020 determines whether or not the information protection setting information in the other printer information related to the disconnected printer is “valid” (step S201). When the information protection setting information is “valid”, information corresponding to the user information among the other printer information (the printer setting information) stored in the printer information database 130A, such as stored documents, registered form data, etc. Data registered by the user is deleted (step S202).

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to expect the same operational effects as the operational effects of the first embodiment.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, when a predetermined printer is disconnected from the network, if information protection setting information is set corresponding to the disconnected predetermined printer, the information protection setting information exists on the same network. Since information related to user information can be deleted from other printer information (especially printer setting information) related to the predetermined printer stored in another printer, user information can be obtained from the printer connected to the network. It is possible to prevent outflow.

  (Embodiment 3)

  FIG. 15 shows a configuration of an image forming system according to the third embodiment. The image forming system 3 shown in FIG. 15 changes the own printer setting notification unit 170 to the own printer setting difference notification unit 1030 in the functional configuration of the printer 10 of the image forming system 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. It has a functional configuration. Note that, in FIG. 15, the same reference numerals are given to portions that perform the same functions as the functional configuration illustrated in FIG. 1.

  Of course, the printer 20 and the printer 30 also have a functional configuration in which the own printer setting notification unit 170 is changed to the own printer setting difference notification unit 1030.

  The own printer setting difference notification unit 1030 sets the identification information indicating the image forming apparatus (printer 10) and predetermined setting information (printer information) stored in the first storage unit to a setting value different from the default value. Notification means for notifying at least one other image forming apparatus in one or more other image forming apparatuses (a plurality of printers 10 and 20) connected to the communication line (network 40). It has a function.

  That is, the own printer setting difference notifying unit 1030 has the printer setting information (default setting value) out of the printer information stored in the own printer information saving unit 160, that is, the identification information and the printer setting information (default setting value). Notifies at least one of the printer 20 and the printer 30 (other printers) only the setting values of the setting items that are different from the default setting values.

  In other words, information notified from the own printer setting difference notification unit 1030 to at least one of the printer 20 and the printer 30 (another printer) is a setting item having a setting value different from the default setting value. Printer setting information including only setting values and printer information having identification information. In the third embodiment, this printer information is defined as “printer information (difference)”.

  The printer setting information (default setting value) includes tray paper size information, paper type information, duplex settings, network settings, and the like.

  In the third embodiment, the printer information database 130A in the other printer setting information storage unit 130 stores other printer information having printer information (difference) and connection status information (connection status) related to other printers for each printer. Is to be saved.

  Next, printer setting information setting processing by the image forming system 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the setting process. This flowchart is a processing procedure in which step S103 is changed to step S301 in the processing procedure shown in FIG.

  First, similarly to the first embodiment, a new printer # 10 (new image forming apparatus) is connected to the network 40 instead of the printer 10 (predetermined image forming apparatus) disconnected from the network 40. In the state, Step S101 and Step S102 are executed by the printer # 10.

  When the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 determines in step S102 that another printer is connected to the network 40, the transmission source information in the packet of the other printer, in other words, transmission related to the other printer. The destination information is notified from the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 to the own printer setting difference notification unit 1030.

  The own printer setting difference notifying unit 1030 is printer information (difference) obtained based on the saved contents of the own printer information saving unit 160 to destination information related to other printers notified from the other printer setting information acquisition 110, for example, an IP address. ) Is notified (step S301).

  After step S301 is completed, steps S104 to S117 are executed as in the case of the first embodiment.

  Incidentally, in the process of step S105 by the printer # 10, the other printer setting information acquisition unit 110 of the printer # 10 acquires printer information (difference) notified from another printer such as the printer 20 or the printer 30, for example. Therefore, the other printer setting information processing unit 120 stores the printer information (difference) related to the other printer in the printer information database 130A in the other printer setting information storage unit 130 (step S106).

  In this case, only the setting values of the setting items that are different from the default setting values are stored corresponding to the items of the setting information 133 and the storage data 134 corresponding to the printer setting information in the printer information database 130A. Therefore, the amount of data stored in the printer # 10 can be reduced.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the same operational effects as the operational effects of the first embodiment can be expected.

  Further, according to the third embodiment, the size of the database area in each printer for saving printer information (difference) related to each printer on the network by each printer can be reduced.

  Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, the amount of information (data amount) of printer information (printer setting information) per printer stored in the other printer setting information storage unit can be reduced. When the storage capacities of the setting information storage units are the same, a plurality of printer information corresponding to a plurality of printers can be stored compared to the case of the first embodiment.

  (Embodiment 4)

  FIG. 17 shows a configuration of an image forming system according to the fourth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the image forming system 4 includes a first image forming apparatus 410 having a host function and a second image forming apparatus 420 having a client function. Two image forming apparatuses 420 are connected via the communication unit 430.

  The first image forming apparatus 410 includes a host interface 411, a client interface 412, a control unit 413, a storage unit 414, and a display unit 415.

  The host interface 411 is an interface that can uniquely determine that it is a host.

  The client interface 412 is an interface that can uniquely determine that the client is a client.

  The control unit 413 detects that the communication unit 430 is connected to the host interface 411 or the client interface 412 and controls the entire image forming apparatus 410.

  In the storage unit 414, a first storage area that stores predetermined information such as setting information (setting information related to all setting items) related to the image forming apparatus 410, and image forming for each setting item related to the setting information. A second storage area for storing setting contents (initial setting information) set when the apparatus 410 is shipped from the factory is allocated.

  Note that the setting information stored in the first storage area includes information set by a user who uses the image forming apparatus 410, for example, information that should be kept confidential (eg, confidential information) such as personal information.

  The display unit 415 displays predetermined display information such as an error message.

  The second image forming apparatus 420 includes a client interface 421 indicating an interface that can uniquely determine that the client is a client, a control unit 422 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 420, and a storage unit 423 that stores predetermined information. have.

  The communication means 430 includes a wired communication line (wired communication transmission line) such as a communication cable, a wireless communication line (wireless communication transmission line) by wireless communication, and the like.

  In the fourth embodiment, the first image forming apparatus 410 is assumed to be an image forming apparatus having a USB (Universal Serial Bus: peripheral device serial interface) host function, such as a printer, and the second image forming apparatus 420. Assumes an image forming apparatus having a USB client function, such as a printer.

  Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the host interface 411, the client interface 412, and the client interface 421 are represented as a USB host interface 411, a USB client interface 412, and a USB client interface 421, respectively, and the communication unit 430 is a communication cable. USB cable 430.

  Here, the setting information related to the image forming apparatus 410 (setting information related to all setting items) includes “setting information related to all (plurality) setting items” that includes a plurality of “setting information related to one setting item”. Become. Therefore, in order to clearly distinguish “setting information related to one setting item” from “setting information related to all (plural) setting items”, “setting information related to one setting item” Item setting information ”is defined.

  Next, setting information moving processing (setting information moving processing) by the image forming system 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the movement process (setting information movement process).

  First, the operator connects one connection portion of the USB cable 430 to the USB host interface 411 of the first printer (image forming apparatus) 410 and connects the other connection portion of the USB cable 430 to the second printer ( The USB host interface 411 and the USB client interface 421 are connected via the USB cable 430 to the USB client interface 421 of the image forming apparatus) 420.

  In the printer 410, the control unit 413 monitors the USB host interface 411, and when detecting that the USB cable 430 is connected (step S401), the control unit 413 and the printer 420 (the USB client interface 421) via the USB cable 430. Thus, it is determined whether or not the connected printer 420 is a printer that can move the setting information related to the printer 410 (step S402).

  Here, when the model information acquired from the printer 420 through communication with the printer 420 indicates a preset model or a compatible model, the control unit 413 moves the setting information related to the printer 410. It is determined that the printer can be used.

  If the control unit 413 determines in step S402 that the setting information related to the printer 410 can be moved, the control unit 413 causes the display unit 415 to display “setting information is being moved” (step S403).

  The control unit 413 transmits the “item setting information related to one setting item” in the “setting information related to all setting items” stored in the first storage area of the storage unit 414 via the USB host interface 411. The transmission to be moved to the printer 420 is performed (step S404), and the movement in the first storage area of the storage unit 414 is performed based on the storage contents (initial setting information) in the second storage area of the storage unit 414. The content of the setting item (item setting information) is changed (initialized) to initial setting information (setting content set when the printer 410 is shipped from the factory) (step S405).

  When step S405 is completed, the control unit 413 determines whether or not the movement process has been performed on the setting information regarding all the setting items stored in the storage unit 414 (step S406). If item setting information related to the moving setting item exists, the process returns to step S404. On the other hand, if the moving process is performed regarding the setting information related to all setting items, the display unit 415 indicates that “setting information has been moved. Is displayed "(step S407).

  The control unit 413 that has determined that the setting information relating to the printer 410 cannot be moved in step S402 causes the display unit 415 to display an “error message indicating that setting information cannot be moved” (step S408).

  In short, in the image forming system 4, the USB host interface 411 of the printer 410 having the USB host function and the USB client interface 421 of the printer 420 having the USB client function are connected via the USB cable 430. In addition, setting information relating to the printer 410 (setting information regarding all setting items) is moved to the printer 420 for each setting item, and the contents of the moved item are initialized (changed to initial setting information). To do.

  In the fourth embodiment, the movement process (setting information movement process) is performed in units of one setting item among all the setting items. However, the present invention is not limited to this. ) May be performed in units of any of a plurality of setting items (setting information movement processing).

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, for example, a first printer (image forming apparatus) in which an operator (service engineer) has mechanically failed is replaced with a new printer (second printer = image forming apparatus). When the first printer and the second printer are exchanged, the setting information set in the first printer is moved to the second printer by connecting the first printer and the second printer via a communication cable (USB cable). be able to.

  For this reason, the initial setting information (default value) set in the new printer (second printer) is changed to information (setting information) set by the customer user for the first printer used in the customer. When setting a new printer (second printer), the setting work (operation) by the service engineer is facilitated so that the same setting information as the setting information set for the first printer can be set for the new printer (second printer). Can do. Information set by the customer user (setting information) is not inadvertently taken out by the operator.

  Further, according to the fourth embodiment, all setting information (settings related to all setting items) from the first printer to the new printer (second printer) can be obtained by simply connecting the USB host interface and the USB client interface. (Information) is moved, setting omission of setting information due to an operator's operation error for the second printer (new printer) can be suppressed.

  Furthermore, according to the fourth embodiment, information temporarily copied in the first printer is only one item, and all information is not copied, and a new printer (second printer) is used. After the setting information is set, the setting information related to the first printer is the factory setting information (initial setting information). Therefore, the setting information is classified by the user (such as personal information). Confidential information) is not included, and illegal information can be prevented from being taken out.

  (Embodiment 5)

  Next, the configuration and processing of the image forming system according to Embodiment 5 will be described.

  The image forming system according to the fifth embodiment has the same configuration as that of the image forming system 4 according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG.

  In the fifth embodiment, the storage unit 423 of the printer 20 stores predetermined information such as setting information (setting information regarding all setting items) related to the image forming apparatus 420.

  In addition, the storage unit 414 of the printer 10 includes the first storage area and the second storage area described above, or the first storage area described above. That is, the storage unit 414 stores predetermined information such as setting information related to the image forming apparatus 410 (setting information regarding all setting items).

  Here, setting information related to the printer 10 (setting information related to all setting items stored in the storage unit 414) and setting information related to the printer 20 (setting information related to all setting items stored in the storage unit 423). ) Is set according to the same format. For this reason, the two setting information items have item setting information corresponding to the same number of setting items.

  In this image forming system, the host interface (USB host interface) 411 of the first image forming apparatus (printer) 410 and the client interface (USB client interface) 421 of the second image forming apparatus (printer) 420 communicate with each other. Setting information related to the first image forming apparatus 410 is moved to the second image forming apparatus 420 and setting related to the second image forming apparatus 420 on the condition that it is connected via the (USB cable) 430. Information is moved to the first image forming apparatus 410.

  Next, setting information exchange processing (setting information exchange processing) by the image forming system 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the exchange process (setting information exchange process).

  First, the operator connects one connection portion of the USB cable 430 to the USB host interface 411 of the first printer (image forming apparatus) 410 and connects the other connection portion of the USB cable 430 to the second printer ( The USB host interface 411 and the USB client interface 421 are connected via the USB cable 430 to the USB client interface 421 of the image forming apparatus) 420.

  In the printer 410, the control unit 413 monitors the USB host interface 411, and when detecting that the USB cable 430 is connected (step S501), the control unit 413 communicates with the printer 420 (the USB client interface 421) via the USB cable 430. Thus, it is determined whether or not the connected printer 420 is a printer that can mutually exchange setting information related to the printer 410 (step S502).

  Here, when the model information acquired from the printer 420 through communication with the printer 420 indicates a preset model or a compatible model, the control unit 413 exchanges the setting information related to the printer 410 with each other. It is determined that the printer can be replaced.

  If the control unit 413 determines in step S502 that the setting information related to the printer 410 can be moved, the control unit 413 displays “setting information is being exchanged” on the display unit 415 (step S503).

  Next, the control unit 413 performs communication with the printer 20 via the USB host interface 411, whereby “one setting” in “setting information regarding all setting items” related to the printer 420 from the printer 20. Item setting information regarding items ”is acquired (step S504), and item setting information acquired in step S504 in“ setting information regarding all setting items ”stored in the first storage area of the storage unit 414. The item setting information relating to the same setting item as that relating to the setting item is transmitted to the printer 20 (step S505).

  The control unit 413 that has finished step S505 changes (replaces) the item setting information related to the transmitted setting item to be moved in step S504 to the item setting information acquired in step S504 (step S506).

  When step S506 is completed, the control unit 413 determines whether or not the exchange process has been performed on the setting information regarding all setting items stored in the storage unit 414 (step S507), and the result of the determination If there is item setting information related to the setting items that have not been exchanged, the process returns to step S504. On the other hand, if the exchange processing has been performed on the setting information related to all setting items, the display unit 415 displays “exchange setting information”. Is displayed ”(step S508).

  The control unit 413 that has determined in step S502 that the setting information related to the printer 410 is not a mutually exchangeable printer causes the display unit 415 to display an “error message indicating that setting information cannot be exchanged” (step S509).

  In the fifth embodiment, the exchange process (setting information exchange process) is performed in units of one setting item among all the setting items. However, the present invention is not limited to this. ), The exchange process (setting information exchange process) may be performed in units of arbitrary plural setting items.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, for example, the first printer that is installed on the first office floor and has the predetermined processing speed (printing processing speed) and the second office floor are installed. When replacing the second printer, which is used more frequently than the first printer, but has a lower processing speed (printing processing speed) than the predetermined processing speed (printing processing speed) in order to replace it, When the printer is rearranged so that the second printer is installed on the first office floor and the first printer is installed on the second office floor, the printers (first printer and second printer) must be replaced. By simply connecting the printer) with a communication means such as a communication cable, setting information (setting information regarding all setting items) related to the printer can be exchanged.

  Further, according to the fifth embodiment, of two printers to exchange setting information, a USB host interface of a printer having a host function and a USB client interface of a printer having a client function are connected by a communication means such as a communication cable. By simply performing the setting information exchange for all the setting items, it is possible to suppress setting information setting omission due to an operator's operation error.

  Further, according to the fifth embodiment, information temporarily copied in a printer having a host function is only one item, and all information is not stored in one printer, and all setting items are stored. Since the past setting information does not remain after setting the setting information regarding the information, it is possible to prevent the information from being taken out illegally.

  (Embodiment 6)

  FIG. 20 shows a configuration of an image forming system according to the sixth embodiment.

  The image forming system 6 is the same as the image forming system according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 17 except that the image forming apparatus 420 and the communication unit 430 are deleted, and the image forming apparatus 440, the first communication unit 451, and the second communication unit 430 are deleted. The communication means 452 is added. Note that, in FIG. 20, the same reference numerals are given to portions that perform the same functions as the components shown in FIG. 17.

  In the image forming system 6, the first image forming apparatus 410 and the second image forming apparatus 440 are connected via at least a first communication unit 451 and communicate with each other.

  In the sixth embodiment, the image forming apparatus 410 has a host function (host interface function) and a client function (client interface function). In addition, the control unit 413 detects that the first communication unit 451 is connected to the host interface 411, detects that the second communication unit 452 is connected to the client interface 412, and further performs the image formation. The entire apparatus 410 is controlled.

  The image forming apparatus 440 has a host function (host interface function) and a client function (client interface function), and includes a host interface 441, a client interface 442, a control unit 443, a storage unit 444, and a display unit 445. I have.

  The host interface 441 is an interface that can uniquely determine that it is a host.

  The client interface 442 is an interface that can uniquely determine that the client is a client.

  The control unit 443 detects that the second communication unit 452 is connected to the host interface 441, detects that the first communication unit 451 is connected to the client interface 442, and further detects the image forming apparatus 440. Control the whole.

  The storage unit 444 includes a first storage area for storing predetermined information such as setting information (setting information regarding all setting items) related to the image forming apparatus 440, and image forming for each setting item related to the setting information. A second storage area for storing setting contents (initial setting information) set at the time of factory shipment of the device 440 is allocated.

  Note that the setting information stored in the first storage area includes information set by a user who uses the image forming apparatus 440, for example, information that should be kept confidential (secret information) such as personal information.

  The display unit 445 displays predetermined display information such as an error message.

  The first and second communication means 451 and 452 are a wired communication line (wired communication transmission path) such as a communication cable, a wireless communication line (wireless communication transmission path) by wireless communication, and the like. One of the two communication means may be a wired communication line and the other may be a wireless communication line.

  In the sixth embodiment, the first image forming apparatus 410 and the second image forming apparatus 420 are assumed to be image forming apparatuses having a USB host function and a USB client function, such as a printer.

  Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, the host interface 411 and the client interface 412 are expressed as a USB host interface 411 and a USB client interface 412, and the host interface 441 and the client interface 442 are expressed as a USB host interface 441 and a USB client interface 442. Further, the communication means 451 and 452 are respectively expressed as USB cables as communication cables.

  Here, the setting information (setting information related to all setting items) related to each of the image forming apparatus 410 and the image forming apparatus 410 is “all (plural)” that includes a plurality of “setting information related to one setting item”. Setting information regarding setting items ”. Therefore, in order to clearly distinguish “setting information related to one setting item” from “setting information related to all (plural) setting items”, “setting information related to one setting item” Item setting information ”is defined.

  Next, setting information exchange processing by the image forming system 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the exchange process.

  First, the operator connects a USB host interface of one printer (image forming apparatus) and a USB client interface of the other printer (image forming apparatus) with a USB cable, and optionally, the other printer (image forming apparatus). The USB host interface of the image forming apparatus) and the USB client interface of the one printer (image forming apparatus) are connected by a USB cable.

  In the sixth embodiment, one connection portion of the first USB cable 451 is connected to the USB host interface 411 of the first printer (image forming apparatus) 410 and the other connection portion of the first USB cable 451 is connected. Are connected to the USB client interface 442 of the second printer (image forming apparatus) 440, and the USB host interface 411 and the USB client interface 442 are connected via the USB cable 451.

  Also, optionally, one connection part of the second USB cable 452 is connected to the USB host interface 441 of the second printer 420 and the other connection part of the second USB cable 452 is connected to the first connection part within a predetermined time. The USB host interface 441 and the USB client interface 412 are connected via the USB cable 452 to the USB client interface 412 of the first printer 410.

  In the printer 410, the control unit 413 monitors the USB host interface 411, and when detecting that the first USB cable 451 is connected (step S610), the printer 440 (the USB client interface of the printer 440). 442), it is determined whether or not the connected printer 440 is a printer that can exchange the setting information related to the printer 410 with each other (step S620).

  Here, when the model information acquired from the printer 440 through communication with the printer 440 indicates a preset model or a compatible model, the control unit 413 exchanges setting information regarding the printer 410 with each other. It is determined that the printer can be replaced.

  If the control unit 413 determines in step S620 that the setting information related to the printer 410 can be exchanged, whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the control unit 413 detects that the first USB cable 451 is connected. It is determined whether or not (step S630).

  The control unit 413 that has determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed in step S630 monitors the USB client interface 412 and determines whether or not the second USB cable 452 is connected (step S640). As a result, if the second USB cable 452 is connected, the next setting information exchange process is executed (step S650). On the other hand, if the second USB cable 452 is not connected, the process goes to step S630. Return.

  Here, the setting information exchange processing in step S650 will be described. As shown in FIG. 22, the control unit 413 performs the same processing as steps S503 to S507 in the processing procedure of the first embodiment shown in FIG. (Steps S651 to S655) When the exchange process is performed for the setting information regarding all the setting items in Step S655, the process returns to the process procedure of FIG.

  On the other hand, the control unit 413 that has determined that the predetermined time has passed in step S630 in FIG. 21 executes the next setting information movement process (step S660).

  Here, the setting information movement processing in step S660 will be described. As shown in FIG. 23, the control unit 413 performs the same processing as steps S403 to S406 in the processing procedure of the first embodiment shown in FIG. (Steps S661 to S664) When the moving process is performed for the setting information regarding all the setting items in Step S664, the process returns to the processing procedure of FIG.

  Now, referring again to FIG. 21, when step S650 is completed or when step S660 is completed, the control unit 413 instructs the display unit 415 that “the exchange of setting information is completed” or “setting”. “Movement of information is completed” is displayed (step S670).

  The control unit 413 that has determined in step S620 that the setting information related to the printer 410 is not a mutually exchangeable printer causes the display unit 415 to display an “error message indicating that setting information cannot be exchanged” (step S680).

  In the sixth embodiment, the exchange process (setting information exchange process) or the movement process (setting information movement process) is performed in units of one setting item among all the setting items. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the exchange process (setting information exchange process) or the movement process (setting information movement process) may be performed in units of an arbitrary plurality of setting items among all (a plurality of) setting items.

  In the sixth embodiment, one printer (image forming apparatus) is the printer 410 and the other printer (image forming apparatus) is the printer 440. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The printer (image forming apparatus) may be the printer 440, and the other printer (image forming apparatus) may be the printer 410.

  In this case, in step S650, the printer 440 and the printer 410 mutually exchange setting information (setting information exchange processing). In step S660, the setting information relating to the printer 440 is transferred from the printer 440 to the printer 410 (setting information moving process).

  In short, in the sixth embodiment, the image forming system 6 includes a first printer (image forming apparatus) 410 and a second printer (image forming apparatus) 420 having a USB host interface and a USB client interface. When a printer, for example, the USB host interface 411 of the printer 410 and the other printer, for example, the USB client interface 442 of the printer 440, are connected via the first communication means 451, before one time passes, one printer For example, on the condition that the USB client interface 412 of the printer 410 and the other USB host interface 441 of the printer 440, for example, are connected via the second communication means 452, the “setting information relating to the first printer 410 is changed. 2 Setting information related to the second printer 440 is moved to the first printer 410 is moved to the printer 440 ", carrying out the process.

  This is because, in the image forming system 6, before a certain time elapses, one printer, for example, the USB client interface 412 of the printer 410 and the other, for example, the USB host interface 441 of the printer 440, pass through the second communication unit 452. This means that the printer 440 and the printer 410 exchange setting information (setting information exchange processing) with each other.

  In the sixth embodiment, the image forming system 6 is configured such that the USB client interface 412 of one printer, for example, the printer 410 and the USB host interface 441 of the other, for example, the printer 440 are connected to the second before the predetermined time elapses. On the condition that they are connected via the communication means 452 of the above, “move the setting information related to the first printer 410 to the second printer 440” or “the setting information related to the second printer 440 Move to the printer 410 ”.

  This is because, in the image forming system 6, before a certain time elapses, one printer, for example, the USB client interface 412 of the printer 410 and the other, for example, the USB host interface 441 of the printer 440, pass through the second communication unit 452. The setting information is moved from one printer to the other printer (setting information moving process), such as “from printer 410 to printer 440” or “printer 440 to printer 410”. Means.

  Further, in the sixth embodiment, the image forming system 6 is configured such that the USB client interface 412 of one printer, for example, the printer 410 and the USB host interface 441 of the other, for example, the printer 440 are second before the predetermined time elapses. “The setting information related to the first printer 410 is moved to the second printer 440 or the setting information related to the second printer 440 is transferred to the first printer 410 on the condition that the connection is not made via the communication means 452 of the first printer 410. Or “moving setting information relating to one printer 410 to the second printer 440 and moving setting information relating to the second printer 440 to the first printer 410”.

  This is because, in the image forming system 6, setting information exchange processing (when one printer 410 and the other printer 440 are connected via the second communication unit 452 before the predetermined time has elapsed ( When the setting information exchanging process) is performed, the setting information moving process (setting information moving process) is performed. In contrast, one printer 410 and the other printer 440 use the second communication unit 452. When the setting information transfer process (setting information transfer process) is performed when the connection is established via the connection, the setting information exchange process (setting information exchange process) is performed.

  As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the USB host interface and USB client interface of the first printer (image forming apparatus) and the USB host interface and USB client interface of the second printer (image forming apparatus) Are connected to each other using a USB cable, so that the movement process (movement function) or exchange process (exchange function) of setting information related to the printer can be easily realized.

  According to the sixth embodiment, after the first USB cable 451 is connected, the setting information is moved when the second USB cable 451 is connected within a certain period of time. When the setting information is exchanged when the connection is not made within a certain time, the first printer and the second printer exchange the setting information with each other when the USB cable is not connected within the certain time. Since the printer has been replaced, past setting information related to the printer (exchange source) remains (stored) in the printer at the replacement destination (the other party), and the USB is within a certain time due to an operation error by the operator. Recovery is possible even if the cable cannot be connected.

  (Embodiment 7)

  FIG. 24 shows a configuration of an image forming system according to the seventh embodiment.

  The image forming system 7 has a configuration in which the image forming apparatus 420 is omitted from the configuration of the image forming system according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. In FIG. 24, the same reference numerals are given to portions that perform the same functions as the components shown in FIG.

  In the seventh embodiment, the image forming apparatus 410 has a host function (host interface function) and a client function (client interface function). Further, the control unit 413 detects that the host interface 411 and the client interface 412 are connected by the communication unit 430 and initializes the content of the setting information related to the image forming apparatus 410. Further, the control unit 423 controls the entire image forming apparatus 410.

  In the seventh embodiment, an image forming apparatus 410 having an USB host function and a USB client function, such as a printer, is assumed. Therefore, in the seventh embodiment, the host interface 411 and the client interface 412 are referred to as a USB host interface 411 and a USB client interface 412.

  Next, initialization processing by the image forming system 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the initialization process.

  First, in the printer (image forming apparatus) 410, the operator connects one connection portion of the USB cable 430 to the USB host interface 411 and connects the other connection portion of the USB cable 430 to the USB client interface 412. Thus, the USB host interface 411 and the USB client interface 412 are connected via the USB cable 430.

  In the printer 410, the control unit 413 monitors the USB host interface 411 and the USB client interface 412 and detects that the first USB cable 430 is connected to each of them (step S 701), via the USB cable 430. It is determined whether or not the USB host interface 411 and the USB client interface 412 are connected, that is, whether or not initialization processing is possible (step S702).

  Here, when the control unit 413 detects that the USB host interface 411 and the USB client interface 412 are connected via the USB cable 430, the control unit 413 determines that initialization processing is possible.

  If the control unit 413 determines that the initialization process is possible in step S702, the control unit 413 displays “setting information is being initialized” on the display unit 415 (step S703). Based on the storage contents (initial setting information) in the second storage area, the contents of the setting items (item setting information) in the first storage area of the storage unit 414 are changed to the initial setting information (at the time of factory shipment of the printer 410). (Setting contents set in step 1) are changed (initialized) (step S704).

  When the initialization process for the setting information regarding all setting items is completed, the control unit 413 displays “setting information initialization process completed” on the display unit 415 (step S705).

  In step S <b> 702, the control unit 413 connects the USB host interface 411 of the printer 410 and the USB client interface of another printer (not shown) having a USB client function, for example, via the USB cable 430. If it is determined that the conversion process is impossible, the moving process (setting information moving process, see steps S401 to S408 in FIG. 18), the setting information exchanging process (setting information exchanging process, see steps S501 to S509 in FIG. 19). ) Or a predetermined process such as a process of displaying an error message indicating that the initialization process is impossible (step S706).

  As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, in a printer having a USB host function and a USB client function, setting information related to the printer can be obtained only by connecting the USB host interface and the USB client interface with a USB cable. For example, it can be initialized to factory shipment setting information (initial setting information).

  (Embodiment 8)

  FIG. 26 shows a configuration of an image forming system according to the eighth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the image forming system 8 is configured such that a plurality of printing apparatuses 50 and 60 and a processing apparatus 70 are connected via a communication line 80 and communicate with each other.

  The printing apparatus 50 has a function of an image forming apparatus and includes a controller unit 510, an engine controller unit 520, and an engine mechanism unit 530.

  The controller unit 510 has a function of a higher-level control unit, interprets a print job requested to be printed by the processing device 70, generates image data based on the interpreted result, and generates the data for the engine controller unit 420. Control is performed so as to execute control (printing control) related to the printing process by passing the image data.

  The controller unit 510 also includes a print job management information storage unit 511 having a function of a print job management information storage unit that stores print job management information 500 indicating information for specifying a print job, and print job management with an external device. And a local interface 512 having a function of a communication unit that exchanges print job management information stored in an information storage unit (print job management information storage unit) 511.

  Note that the print job management information 500 is created by the controller unit 510.

  The engine controller unit 520 has a function of a print control unit. Under the control of the controller unit (upper control unit) 510, the image data passed from the controller unit 510 is transmitted to the print mechanism unit 530 to perform print processing. Print control (control related to print processing) is executed.

  The engine controller unit 520 also has a print job management information storage unit 521 having a function of a print job management information storage unit that stores print job management information 500 indicating information for specifying a print job, and a print job between the external device and the print job management information storage unit 521. A local interface 522 having a function of a communication unit that exchanges print job management information stored in a management information storage unit (print job management information storage unit) 511.

  Here, the print job management information 500 stored in the print job management information storage unit 521 is the same as the print job management information 500 stored in the print job management information storage unit 511.

  The engine mechanism unit 530 has a function of a printing mechanism unit, and performs print processing based on predetermined image data acquired from the engine controller unit (print control unit) 520, and outputs a printed matter that is a result of the print processing. . When the engine mechanism unit 530 performs a printing process according to an electrophotographic process, for example, an image forming unit (for example, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, and a transfer device for executing the electrophotographic process) (Not shown), a paper feeding unit (not shown) that supplies paper to the image forming unit, and a paper output unit (not shown) that outputs printed paper (printed material) to the outside of the apparatus. is doing.

  The printing apparatus 60 has the function of an image forming apparatus, and includes a controller unit 610, an engine controller unit 620, and an engine mechanism unit 630.

  The controller unit 610, the engine controller unit 620, and the engine mechanism unit 630 have the same configurations and functions as the controller unit 510, the engine controller unit 520, and the engine mechanism unit 530, respectively.

  The local interface 522 of the printing apparatus 50 and the local interface 612 of the printing apparatus 60 are connected via an interface cable 91 having a transmission path function. As a result, the engine controller unit 520 of the printing apparatus 50 and the controller unit 610 of the printing apparatus 60 can transmit and receive data via the interface cable 91.

  The local interface 512 of the printing apparatus 50 and the local interface 622 of the printing apparatus 60 are connected via an interface cable 91 having a transmission path function. Thus, the controller unit 510 of the printing apparatus 50 and the engine controller unit 620 of the printing apparatus 60 can transmit and receive data via the interface cable 92.

  Incidentally, the local interfaces 512 and 522 and the local interfaces 612 and 622 may employ USB interfaces, for example, and the interface cables 91 and 92 may adopt USB cables, for example.

  The processing device 70 is a computer such as a personal computer, for example, and includes application software 710, a printer driver 720, and a print job storage area 730.

  The application software 710 creates print data based on a command corresponding to a print data creation instruction from the operator, and sends the created print data to the printer driver 720 based on a command corresponding to a print request command from the operator. hand over.

  The printer driver 720 converts the received print data into data described in PDL (Page Description Language: page description language) that can be converted into image data (hereinafter referred to as “PDL data”), and converts the PDL data. Is stored in the print job storage area 730 as a print job, and the print job is transmitted to the print request destination printing apparatus.

  When the printer driver 720 is notified by the printing request destination printing apparatus that the print processing relating to the print job (PDL data) stored in the print job storage area 730 is completed, the print driver storage area The print job (PDL data) stored in 730 is deleted.

  That is, the print job related to the print request is stored in the print job storage area 730 until the printer driver 720 confirms that the print processing notified from the print request destination printing apparatus is completed.

  In addition, the print request destination printing apparatus breaks down during the printing process of the print job, and the printer issues a transmission request for print data (print job) transmitted from the printing apparatus that performs the printing process instead of the printing apparatus. When the driver 720 acquires the print job, the print job stored in the print job storage area 730 is read by the printer driver 720.

  Examples of the communication line 80 include a wired communication line such as a LAN (local area network) and a telephone line, a wireless communication line such as a wireless LAN, and a combination of these communication lines. In the eighth embodiment, since the communication line 80 employs a network such as a LAN, the communication line 80 is expressed as a network 80.

  Here, the print job management information 500 stored in the print job management information storage unit 511 will be described. As shown in FIG. 27, the print job management information 500 includes an item 500A and recording information 500B. In the eighth embodiment, the print job management information 500 includes at least the following two pieces of information.

  The first information includes processing device information 501A relating to the item 500A and information relating to the recording information 500B that can identify the processing device 70 making a print request in the network 80, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) address 501B. ing.

  The second information is for specifying the print job relating to the print request in the print job stored in the print job storage area 730 of the processing device 70 regarding the print job information 502A regarding the item 500A and the recording information 500B. Information, for example, a print job name 502B.

  In the eighth embodiment, it is assumed that the external device that is the communication partner of the local interface having the function of the communication unit in the printing device 50 and the printing device 60 is another printing device (image forming device). Therefore, in order to enable communication of print job management information between the printing apparatus 50 and the printing apparatus 60, an interface having a transmission path function between the local interface 522 of the printing apparatus 50 and the local interface 612 of the printing apparatus 60. They are connected by a cable 91, or the local interface 512 of the printing apparatus 50 and the local interface 622 of the printing apparatus 60 are connected by an interface cable 92 having a transmission path function.

  Next, normal printing processing by the image forming apparatus that is the print request destination in the image forming system 8 will be described.

  When printing from the printing apparatus 50, an operator who uses the processing apparatus (computer) 70 issues a print data creation instruction and a print request instruction from the printing apparatus 50 to print the print data.

  The application software 710 operating on the processing device 70 creates print data based on a command corresponding to a print data creation instruction by the operator, and creates the data based on a command corresponding to a print request command from the operator. Print data is passed to the printer driver 720.

  The printer driver 720 converts the received print data into PDL data that can be converted into image data by being interpreted by the controller unit 510 of the printing apparatus 50, and converts the converted PDL data into a print job storage area 730 as a print job. Then, the print job is transmitted to the printing apparatus 50.

  In the printing apparatus 50, the controller unit 510 receives the print job from the processing apparatus 70, interprets the print job as PDL data, and creates image data based on the interpreted result. Here, the image data is created for each page.

  Also, the controller unit 510 creates print job management information 500 as shown in FIG. 27 based on the print job (PDL data) acquired from the processing device 70 and stores it in the print job management information storage unit 511.

  Further, every time the controller unit 510 creates image data for each page (image data for one sheet), the controller unit 510 issues a print request to the engine controller unit 520, and the created image data (for each page). Image data).

  The controller unit 510 transmits the created print job management information 500 to the engine controller unit 520 when making a print request or transmitting the first image data (first page image data).

  When the engine controller unit 520 receives a print request from the controller unit 510, the engine controller unit 520 controls the engine mechanism unit 530, picks up printing paper from a paper feed unit (tray), prepares for printing, and transmits an image transmitted from the controller unit 510. Wait for data.

  Here, when both of the controller unit 510 and the engine controller unit 520 are ready, the controller unit 510 synchronizes with the time when both of the preparations are completed (predetermined timing), and already created image data. Is transmitted to the engine controller 520.

  When the engine controller unit 520 receives the image data transmitted from the controller unit 510 and transfers the image data to the engine mechanism unit 530, the engine mechanism unit 530 performs a printing process on the transferred image data (page unit image data). To implement.

  By the way, when the engine controller unit 520 acquires the print job management information 500 from the controller unit 510, the engine controller unit 520 stores the print job management information 500 in the print job management information storage unit 521.

  Then, in the printing apparatus 50, until the print processing for all the image data related to the print job is completed, the print processing operations by the controller unit 510, the engine controller unit 520, and the engine mechanism unit 530 are repeated. Printing is performed continuously.

  Next, in the printing apparatus 50 or the printing apparatus 60, there are two cases where the controller unit fails and at least one of the engine controller unit and the engine mechanism unit fails during the printing process for the print job from the processing device 70. A printing process performed by the image forming system 8 using the above pattern will be described.

  First, a printing process performed by the image forming system 8 in a pattern when the controller unit 510 fails in the printing apparatus 50 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the printing process.

  In the printing apparatus 50, the controller unit 510 cannot make a print request to the engine controller unit 520 because a problem has occurred during printing and the printing cannot be continued. The effect is displayed on a display unit (not shown) provided in the printing apparatus 50.

  Then, the operator who has instructed the print request recognizes that the controller unit 510 can no longer make a print request to the engine controller unit 520 by looking at the display content displayed on the display unit. Alternatively, the operator recognizes that the controller unit 510 can no longer make a print request to the engine controller unit 520 because nothing has been performed even though the printing apparatus 50 is in the middle of printing. .

  At this time, since the operator can use the printing apparatus (substitute printing apparatus) 60 as an alternative printing apparatus, one connecting portion of the interface cable 91 is connected to the controller section of the printing apparatus 60 as shown in FIG. The other interface of the interface cable 91 is connected to the local interface 522 provided in the engine controller unit 520 of the printing apparatus 50 that has failed.

  As a result, the engine controller unit 520 of the failed printing device 50 and the controller unit 610 of the printing device (substitute printing device) 60 can perform data communication via the interface cable 91 (step S811). The engine controller unit 520 reads out the print job management information 500 stored in the print job management information storage unit 521 and transfers it to the controller unit 610 of the printing apparatus 60 (step S812).

  In the printing apparatus 60, the controller unit 610 stores the print job management information 500 from the printing apparatus 50 in the print job management information storage unit 611, and the IP address 501B corresponding to the processing apparatus information 501A from the print job management information 500. , And the print job name 502B corresponding to the print job information 502A, and based on the read information, the processing device and the print job requesting the print are specified.

  The controller unit 610 notifies the specified print job name (specified print job) to the processing apparatus that has made the specified print request, for example, the processing apparatus 70, and requests the print job (print job transmission request). (Step S813).

  In the processing device 70 that has received the print job transmission request from the printing device 60, the printer driver 720 prints based on the print job name stored in the print job storage area 730 or the print job name notified from the printing device 60. A job (print job data = PDL data) is specified, and the specified print job (print job data) is transmitted to the printing apparatus (substitute printing apparatus) 60 that has requested the print job transmission (step S814).

  The printing apparatus 60 that has received the print job executes print processing based on the print job (step S815). As a result, the printing apparatus 60 functions as a substitute printing apparatus for the failed printing apparatus, and can continue to print the print job related to the initial print request to the printing apparatus 50.

  That is, in the printing apparatus 60, the controller unit 610 interprets the received print job (PDL data), creates image data in units of pages based on the interpretation result, and further sends a print request to the engine controller unit 620. And the created image data (page unit image data) is transmitted at a predetermined timing.

  Then, the engine controller unit 620 receives the image data transmitted from the controller unit 610 and transfers the image data to the engine mechanism unit 630, whereby the image data (page unit image data) transferred by the engine mechanism unit 630 is transmitted. ) Is executed.

  Next, in the printing apparatus 50, a printing process by the image forming system 8 in a pattern when at least one of the engine controller unit and the engine mechanism unit fails will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the printing process.

  As shown in FIG. 31, an operator who recognizes any failure that has occurred in the engine controller unit 520 or the engine mechanism unit 530 during printing can use the printing device (substitute printing device) 60 as an alternative printing device. In addition, one connection portion of the interface cable 92 is connected to the local interface 512 provided in the controller unit 510 of the failed printing apparatus 50, and the other connection portion of the interface cable 92 is connected to the engine controller unit 620 of the printing apparatus 60. Connect to the provided local interface 622.

  As a result, the controller unit 510 of the failed printing device 50 and the engine controller unit 620 of the printing device (substitute printing device) 60 can perform data communication via the interface cable 92 (step S821). The controller unit 510 reads the print job management information 500 stored in the print job management information storage unit 511 and transfers it to the engine controller unit 620 of the printing apparatus (substitute printing apparatus) 60 (step S822).

  In the printing apparatus (proxy printing apparatus) 60, the engine controller unit 620 that has acquired the print job management information 500 stores the print job management information 500 in the print job management information storage unit 621 and transfers it to the controller unit 610 ( Step S823).

  The controller unit 610 stores the print job management information 500 from the engine controller unit 620 in the print job management information storage unit 611, the IP address 501B corresponding to the processing device information 501A from the print job management information 500, and the print job. The print job name 502B corresponding to the information 502A is read, and the processing device and the print job requesting the print are specified based on the read information.

  The controller unit 610 notifies the specified print job name (specified print job) to the processing apparatus that has made the specified print request, for example, the processing apparatus 70, and requests the print job (print job transmission request). (Step S824).

  In the processing device 70 that has received the print job transmission request from the printing device 60, the printer driver 720 prints based on the print job name stored in the print job storage area 730 or the print job name notified from the printing device 60. A job (print job data = PDL data) is specified, and the specified print job (print job data) is transmitted to the printing apparatus (substitute printing apparatus) 60 that has made a print job transmission request (step S825).

  The printing apparatus 60 that has received the print job executes print processing based on the print job (step S826). As a result, the printing device 60 functions as a substitute printing device for the failed printing device, and continues printing of the print job related to the initial printing request to the printing device 50, as in the case where the controller unit 510 of the printing device 50 fails. can do.

  In the eighth embodiment, in the printing apparatus 60 functioning as the substitute printing apparatus, the print job management information transferred from the failed printing apparatus 50 is stored in the print job management information storage unit. Without being limited to this, the acquired print job management information may be transferred to a means (controller unit or processing device 70) in charge of the next process without being stored in the print job management information storage unit. .

  For example, when the controller unit 510 of the printing apparatus 50 fails, when the print job management information 500 is transferred from the engine controller unit 520 to the controller unit 610 of the printing apparatus 60 via the interface cable 91, the controller unit Reference numeral 610 identifies a processing device and a print job that are making a print request based on the transferred print job management information 500, and the specified print is sent to the processing device that has made the specified print request, for example, the processing device 70. Notify the job name and request a print job.

  In the eighth embodiment, the external device which is the communication partner of the local interface having the function of the communication unit in the printing device 50 and the printing device 60 is another printing device (image forming device). Without being limited to the above, a card-type storage device (memory card) may be used.

  In this case, the local interface having the function of the communication unit in the printing apparatus 50 and the printing apparatus 60 is an interface (memory card interface) in which a memory card is detachably attached and the attached memory card can be accessed.

  Then, when the controller unit 510 fails in the printing device 50 during the printing process, for example, the operator attaches the memory card to the memory card interface of the engine controller unit 520 of the printing device 50.

  Then, the engine controller unit 520 writes the print job management information in the print job management information storage unit 521 to the memory card, and informs the printer device 50 that the writing of the print job management information to the memory card is completed. It is displayed on a display unit (not shown).

  Next, when the operator finishes writing the print job management information to the memory card, the operator removes the memory card from the memory card interface of the engine controller unit 520 and the controller unit 610 of the printing apparatus as an alternative printing apparatus or the engine controller. It is attached to the memory card interface of the unit 620.

  When a memory card is inserted into the memory card interface, the controller unit 610 or the engine controller unit 620 reads print job management information from the memory card. As a result, the printing device 60 serving as the substitute printing device, based on the print job management information from the failed printing device 50 as described above, print job related to the initial print request for the failed printing device to the processing device 70. Can be requested.

  As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, in the printing apparatus that is printing, whether the controller unit has failed or at least one of the engine controller unit and the engine mechanism unit has failed. A printing apparatus that performs printing processing instead of the failed printing apparatus (substitute printing apparatus) can perform printing processing of a print job related to the initial print request for the failed printing apparatus.

  Further, according to the eighth embodiment, in a printing apparatus (substitute printing apparatus) that performs printing processing instead of a failed printing apparatus, the controller unit sends a print job (print job data) to a processing apparatus that issues a print request. ), The proxy printing device is not required to be registered in advance, and the proxy printing is performed only by the operation (operation) of the operator connecting the failed printing device and the proxy printing device with an interface cable. The device can continue to print the print job related to the original print request for the failed printing device,

  (Embodiment 9)

  FIG. 32 shows a configuration of an image forming system according to the ninth embodiment.

  The image forming system 9 shown in FIG. 32 is discharged to each of the engine mechanism unit 530 of the printing apparatus 50 and the engine mechanism part 630 of the printing apparatus 60 in the configuration of the image forming system 8 of the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. A mouth sensor 531 and a paper outlet sensor 631 are added. Note that, in FIG. 32, the same reference numerals are given to portions that perform the same functions as the components shown in FIG.

  In the ninth embodiment, the print job management information 500 is configured as shown in FIG. The print job management information 500 shown in FIG. 33 has a configuration in which the third information is added to the configuration of the print job management information 500 according to the eighth embodiment shown in FIG.

  That is, the third information is information indicating the number of pages of image data per page related to the print job regarding the number of printed sheets 503A relating to the item 500A and the recording information 500B, for example, printed And the number of sheets 503B as a print medium.

  That is, when the printing apparatus 50 receives a print job from the processing apparatus 70, the controller 510 creates print job management information 500 as shown in FIG. The number of printed sheets (print media) 503B of the print job management information 500 is “0” as an initial state.

  Such print job management information 500 is stored in the print job management information storage unit 511 and the print job management information storage unit 521 as in the case of the eighth embodiment.

  Conveyance for guiding printed paper on which a predetermined image is printed to the outside of the printing apparatus 50 (paper discharge section) to a predetermined portion (for example, in the vicinity of the paper discharge section) of the engine mechanism section 530 of the printing apparatus 50. A paper discharge port sensor 531 is provided as detection means for detecting paper conveyed on a path (not shown).

  The paper discharge port sensor 531 detects, for example, the leading end of the printed paper when it reaches a detection position on the conveyance path (not shown), and notifies the engine controller 520 of the detection result. To do.

  For each print job, engine controller unit 520 counts the number of sheets passing through a detection position on a conveyance path (not shown) based on the detection result notified from discharge port sensor 531.

  Also, the engine controller unit 520 reads the contents of the number of printed sheets 503B corresponding to the number of printed sheets information 503A of the print job management information 500 stored in the print job management information storage unit 521 based on the count value. Update.

  Further, the engine controller unit 520 notifies the controller unit 510 of the count value.

  Based on the notified count value, the controller unit 510 stores the contents of the number of printed sheets 503B corresponding to the number of printed sheets information 503A of the print job management information 500 stored in the print job management information storage unit 511. Update.

  In this state, the print job management information 500 stored in the print job management information storage unit 511 and the print job management information 500 stored in the print job management information storage unit 521 indicate the same contents. Become.

  Next, a printing process of the image forming system when the image forming apparatus requested to print in the image forming system 9 fails will be described.

  First, as in the case of normal printing processing by the image forming apparatus that is the print request destination in the eighth embodiment, when the printer driver 720 transmits the PDL data to the printing apparatus 50 as a print job, the printing apparatus 50 The controller unit 510 receives the print job from the processing device 70, interprets the print job which is PDL data, creates image data based on the interpreted result, and further obtains the acquired print job (PDL). Based on this, print job management information 500 as shown in FIG. 33 is created and stored in the print job management information storage unit 511.

  The controller unit 510 makes a print request to the engine controller unit 520 each time image data (one page of image data) is generated, and the generated image data (per page) at a predetermined timing. Image data).

  Note that the controller unit 510 sends the created print job management information 500 (see FIG. 33) to the engine controller unit 520 when making a print request or transmitting the first image data (first page image data). Send to.

  When the engine controller unit 520 receives a print request from the controller unit 510, the engine controller unit 520 controls the engine mechanism unit 530, picks up printing paper from a paper feed unit (tray), prepares for printing, and transmits an image transmitted from the controller unit 510. Wait for data.

  Here, when both of the controller unit 510 and the engine controller unit 520 are ready, the controller unit 510 synchronizes with the time when both of the preparations are completed (predetermined timing), and already created image data. Is transmitted to the engine controller 520.

  When the engine controller unit 520 receives the image data transmitted from the controller unit 510 and transfers the image data to the engine mechanism unit 530, the engine mechanism unit 530 performs a printing process on the transferred image data (page unit image data). To implement.

  When the engine controller unit 520 acquires the print job management information 500 from the controller unit 510, the engine controller unit 520 stores the print job management information 500 (see FIG. 33) in the print job management information storage unit 521.

  In the engine mechanism section 530, for example, when the leading end of the printed paper on which the image is printed reaches a detection position on the conveyance path (not shown), the paper discharge outlet sensor 531 detects the paper, The detected result is notified to the engine controller unit 520.

  The engine controller unit 520 counts the number of sheets for which printing has been completed based on the detection result notified from the paper discharge port sensor 531, and is stored in the print job management information storage unit 521 based on the count value. The content of the printed sheet number 503B corresponding to the printed sheet number information 503A of the print job management information 500 being updated is updated, and the controller 510 is notified of the count value.

  Based on the notified count value, the controller unit 510 stores the contents of the number of printed sheets 503B corresponding to the number of printed sheets information 503A of the print job management information 500 stored in the print job management information storage unit 511. Update.

  In this state, the print job management information 500 stored in the print job management information storage unit 511 and the print job management information 500 stored in the print job management information storage unit 521 indicate the same contents. Become.

  Then, in the printing apparatus 50, until the print processing for all the image data related to the print job is completed, the print processing operations by the controller unit 510, the engine controller unit 520, and the engine mechanism unit 530 are repeated. Printing is performed continuously.

  However, if the controller unit 510 fails during the printing process by the printing apparatus 50, the local interface provided in the controller unit 610 of the printing apparatus 60 as in the example in the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 612 and the local interface 522 provided in the engine controller unit 520 of the failed printing apparatus 50 are connected by the interface cable 91, so that the same processing as the printing processing of the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. To be implemented.

  If at least one of the engine controller unit and the engine mechanism unit fails, the local interface 512 provided in the controller unit 510 of the failed printing apparatus 50 as in the example in the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. By connecting the local interface 622 provided in the engine controller unit 620 of the printing apparatus 60 with the interface cable 92, processing similar to the printing processing of the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 30 is performed. .

  In any of the cases described above, the controller unit 610 of the printing apparatus (proxy printing apparatus) 60 relates to a print job (PDL data) in response to a print request (print job transmission request) transmitted from the processing apparatus 70. Based on the number of printed sheets 503B corresponding to the number of printed sheets 503A of the print job management information 500 transferred from the printing apparatus 50, except for image data (PDL data) that has already been printed, Image data is created and passed to the engine controller unit 620.

  For example, if the print job related to the print request is composed of 10 pages of image data, the controller unit 610 obtains from the processing device 70 when the number of printed sheets 503B indicates the value “5”. For the print job (PDL data), the image data for the sixth page is created excluding the image data from the first page to the fifth page.

  As described above, according to the ninth embodiment, in the printing apparatus 60 serving as a substitute printing apparatus that performs printing processing instead of the printing apparatus 50 that failed during printing, before the failed printing apparatus 50 fails. Printing can be started from unprinted image data (PDL data) by the failed printing apparatus 50, except for the paper corresponding to the image data (PDL data) that has already been printed.

  According to the eighth embodiment, the image forming system 9 prints a ticket, gift certificate, or limited personal information data that is not allowed to retransmit print data on the same page, in other words, The present invention can be applied to a printing system in which printing is performed only once by transferring a print job only once, and an effective means can be provided as a method for coping with a failure of a printing apparatus in such a printing system. .

  (Embodiment 10)

  The image forming system according to the tenth embodiment is the same as the image forming system 8 shown in the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. Here, the image forming system according to the tenth embodiment is referred to as an image forming system 8A.

  In the image forming system 8A, for example, when the controller unit 510 of the printing apparatus 50 fails and the engine controller unit 520 and the engine mechanism unit 530 are normal, the engine controller in the printing apparatus 50 is shown in FIG. On the condition that the local interface 522 provided in the unit 520 and the local interface 612 provided in the controller unit 610 of the printing apparatus 60 are connected via the interface cable 91, the controller unit 610 of the printing apparatus 60 acquires A request is made to the processing device 70 for a print job based on the print job management information, a print job transmitted from the processing device 70 in response to the request is interpreted, image data is generated based on the interpretation result, and the image data is Encoder of printing device 50 Forwards towards the down controller unit 620.

  Next, in the printing apparatus 50, a printing process by the image forming system 8 in a pattern when the controller unit 510 fails will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 35 is a sequence diagram showing the processing procedure of the printing process.

  In the printing apparatus 50, the controller unit 510 cannot make a print request to the engine controller unit 520 because a problem has occurred during printing and the printing cannot be continued. The effect is displayed on a display unit (not shown) provided in the printing apparatus 50.

  Then, the operator who has instructed the print request looks at the display content displayed on the display unit, and recognizes that the controller unit 510 cannot make a print request to the engine controller unit 520. Alternatively, the operator recognizes that the controller unit 520 cannot make a print request to the engine controller unit 520 because nothing has been performed even though the printing apparatus 50 is in the middle of printing. .

  At this time, since the operator can use the printing apparatus (substitute printing apparatus) 60 as an alternative printing apparatus, one connecting portion of the interface cable 91 is connected to the controller section of the printing apparatus 60 as shown in FIG. The other interface of the interface cable 91 is connected to the local interface 522 provided in the engine controller unit 520 of the printing apparatus 50 that has failed.

  As a result, the engine controller unit 520 of the failed printing apparatus 50 and the controller unit 610 of the printing apparatus (substitute printing apparatus) 60 can perform data communication via the interface cable 91, and therefore the engine controller unit 520. Reads out the print job management information 500 stored in the print job management information storage unit 521 and transfers it to the controller unit 610 of the printing apparatus 60 (S1001).

  In the printing apparatus 60, the controller unit 610 stores the print job management information 500 from the printing apparatus 50 in the print job management information storage unit 611, and the IP address 501B corresponding to the processing apparatus information 501A from the print job management information 500. , And the print job name 502B corresponding to the print job information 502A, and based on the read information, the processing device and the print job requesting the print are specified.

  The controller unit 610 notifies the specified print job name (specified print job) to the processing apparatus that has made the specified print request, for example, the processing apparatus 70, and requests the print job (print job transmission request). (S1002).

  In the processing device 70 that has received the print job transmission request from the printing device 60, the printer driver 720 prints based on the print job name stored in the print job storage area 730 or the print job name notified from the printing device 60. A job (print job data = PDL data) is identified (S1003), and the identified print job (print job data) is transmitted to the printing apparatus (substitute printing apparatus) 60 that requested the print job transmission (S1004). ).

  In the printing apparatus 60 that has received the print job, the controller unit 610 receives the print job from the processing apparatus 70, interprets the print job that is PDL data, and creates image data for each page based on the interpretation result. .

  The controller unit 610 makes a print request to the engine controller unit 520 of the printing apparatus 50 each time image data (one page of image data) is generated, and the generated image at a predetermined timing. Data (image data for each page) is transmitted.

  When the engine controller unit 520 receives a print request from the controller unit 610 of the printing apparatus 60, the engine controller unit 520 controls the engine mechanism unit 530 to pick up printing paper from a paper feed unit (tray) and prepare for printing. Wait for image data to be sent.

  Here, when both the controller unit 610 and the engine controller unit 520 are ready, the controller unit 610 of the printing apparatus 60 has already created in synchronization with the time when both of them are ready (predetermined timing). The transmitted image data is transmitted to the engine controller unit 520 of the printing apparatus 50 (S1005).

  When the engine controller unit 520 receives the image data transmitted from the controller unit 610 of the printing apparatus 60 and transfers the image data to the engine mechanism unit 530 to perform print control (S1006), the engine mechanism unit 530 is transferred. A printing process is performed on the obtained image data (image data in units of pages) (S1007).

  As described above, according to the tenth embodiment, even when the controller unit 510 of the printing apparatus 50 has failed, the controller unit 610 of the printing apparatus 60 serving as the substitute printing apparatus acquires the printing acquired from the processing apparatus 70. By generating image data based on the job and transferring the image data to the engine controller unit 520 of the printing apparatus 50, the engine controller unit 520 and the engine mechanism unit 530 of the printing apparatus 50 in which the controller unit 510 has failed continues printing processing. can do.

  (Embodiment 11)

  The image forming system according to the eleventh embodiment is identical in structure to the image forming system 8 according to the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. Here, the image forming system according to the eleventh embodiment is referred to as an image forming system 8B.

  In the image forming system 8B, for example, when the controller unit 510 of the printing apparatus 50 is normal and at least one of the engine controller unit 520 and the engine mechanism unit 530 fails, as shown in FIG. The controller unit 510 of the printing apparatus 50 is connected to the local interface 512 provided in the controller unit 510 of the printing apparatus 50 and the local interface 622 provided in the engine controller unit 620 of the printing apparatus 60 via the interface cable 92. Then, the print job transmitted from the processing device 70 is interpreted, image data is generated based on the interpreted result, and the image data is transferred to the engine controller unit 620 of the printing device 60.

  Next, a printing process by the image forming system 8 in a pattern when at least one of the engine controller unit and the engine mechanism unit in the printing apparatus 50 fails will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 37 is a sequence diagram showing the processing procedure of the printing process.

  As shown in FIG. 36, an operator who recognizes any failure occurring in the engine controller unit 520 or the engine mechanism unit 530 during printing can use the printing apparatus (substitute printing apparatus) 60 as an alternative printing apparatus. In addition, one connection portion of the interface cable 92 is connected to the local interface 512 provided in the controller unit 510 of the failed printing apparatus 50, and the other connection portion of the interface cable 92 is connected to the engine controller unit 620 of the printing apparatus 60. Connect to the provided local interface 622.

  As a result, the controller unit 510 of the failed printing apparatus 50 and the engine controller unit 620 of the printing apparatus (substitute printing apparatus) 60 can perform data communication via the interface cable 92. Then, the print job (PDL data) already received from the processing device 70 is interpreted, and image data for each page is created based on the interpreted result.

  The controller unit 510 makes a print request to the engine controller unit 620 of the printing apparatus 60 serving as a substitute printing apparatus and generates a predetermined timing every time image data (one page of image data) is created. Then, the created image data (page unit image data) is transmitted.

  Upon receiving a print request from the controller unit 510 of the printing apparatus 50, the engine controller unit 620 of the printing apparatus 60 controls the engine mechanism unit 630 to pick up printing paper from the paper feeding unit (tray) and prepare for printing. It waits for image data transmitted from the controller unit 510 of the printing apparatus 50.

  Here, when both the controller unit 510 of the printing apparatus 50 and the engine controller unit 620 of the printing apparatus 60 are ready, the controller unit 510 of the printing apparatus 50 is ready for both as shown in FIG. In synchronization with the predetermined time (predetermined timing), the already created image data is transmitted to the engine controller unit 520 of the printing apparatus 50 (S1101).

  In the printing apparatus 60, when the engine controller unit 620 receives the image data transmitted from the controller unit 510 and transfers it to the engine mechanism unit 630 to perform print control (S1102), the engine mechanism unit 630 is transferred. Print processing is performed on the received image data (image data in units of pages) (S1103).

  In the eleventh embodiment, the print job management information is stored in the print job management information storage units of the controller unit and the engine controller unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You may make it preserve | save only at a management information storage part.

  In this case, for example, the print job management information storage unit in the controller unit is deleted or its function is stopped, and the controller unit transfers the created print job management information to the engine controller unit.

  When at least one of the engine controller unit 520 and the engine mechanism unit 530 of the printing apparatus 50 breaks down during the printing process, the print job management information storage unit 511 even if the print job management information is not stored in the controller unit 510. Even if not stored, the printing process can be performed by the printing apparatus 60 as the substitute printing apparatus as described with reference to FIG.

  In contrast, for example, when the controller unit 510 of the printing apparatus 50 fails during the printing process, the print job management information is stored in the print job management information storage unit 521 of the engine controller unit 520. (See FIGS. 29 and 30), the printing process described in any one of the ninth and tenth embodiments is applied.

  As described above, according to the eleventh embodiment, for example, even when at least one of the engine controller unit and the engine mechanism unit of the printing apparatus 50 fails, the controller unit 510 of the printing apparatus 50 is connected to the processing device 70. Based on the acquired print job, image data is generated and transferred to the engine controller unit 620 of the printing device 60 serving as a substitute printing device, whereby the engine controller unit 620 and the engine mechanism unit of the printing device 60 serving as the substitute printing device. By 630, the printing process can be continued.

  The present invention can be applied to an image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses that perform printing processing of monochrome print data or color print data and a processing apparatus are connected via a communication line.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printer information database stored in another printer setting information storage unit of the first image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of printer information stored in a self-printer information storage unit of the first image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of printer information stored in a self-printer information storage unit of the second image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printer information database stored in another printer setting information storage unit of the second image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of printer information stored in a self-printer information storage unit of a third image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printer information database stored in another printer setting information storage unit of the third image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of printer setting information setting processing by the image forming system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printer information database stored in another printer setting information storage unit of the second image forming apparatus in the process of setting processing of printer setting information by the image forming system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printer information database stored in another printer setting information storage unit of the third image forming apparatus in the process of setting processing of printer setting information by the image forming system according to the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating printer setting information setting processing by the image forming system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus that constitutes an image forming system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of printer setting information setting processing by the image forming system according to the second embodiment. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of printer setting information setting processing by the image forming system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to a fourth embodiment. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of setting information movement processing (setting information movement processing) by the image forming system according to the fourth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of setting information exchange processing (setting information exchange processing) by the image forming system according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to a sixth embodiment. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of setting information exchange processing by the image forming system according to the sixth embodiment. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of setting information exchange processing related to setting information exchange processing by the image forming system according to the sixth embodiment. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of setting information transfer processing related to setting information exchange processing by the image forming system according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to a seventh embodiment. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of initialization processing by the image forming system according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 19 illustrates an example of print job management information according to the eighth embodiment. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a printing process performed by the image forming system when a controller unit of a predetermined image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to the eighth embodiment fails during printing. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a process of a printing process performed by the image forming system when a controller unit of a predetermined image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to Embodiment 8 fails during printing. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a printing process by the image forming system when at least one of an engine controller unit and an engine mechanism unit of a predetermined image forming apparatus in an image forming system according to Embodiment 8 fails during printing. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a printing process performed by the image forming system when at least one of an engine controller unit and an engine mechanism unit of a predetermined image forming apparatus in an image forming system according to Embodiment 8 fails during printing. . FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to a ninth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of print job management information according to the ninth embodiment. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a printing process performed by the image forming system when a controller unit of a predetermined image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to the tenth embodiment fails during printing. FIG. 25 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure of a printing process by the image forming system when a controller unit of a predetermined image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to the tenth embodiment fails during printing. FIG. 20 is a diagram for describing a printing process performed by the image forming system when at least one of an engine controller unit and an engine mechanism unit of a predetermined image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to Embodiment 11 fails during printing; . FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure of a printing process by the image forming system when at least one of an engine controller unit and an engine mechanism unit of a predetermined image forming apparatus in an image forming system according to Embodiment 8 fails during printing. .

Explanation of symbols

1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 8A, 8B Image forming system 10, 20, 30, # 10 Image forming apparatus (printer)
40, 80 Communication line 50, 60 Image forming device (printing device)
70 Processor 91, 92 Interface Cable 101 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
102 storage device 102A setting information processing program 103 ROM (read only memory)
104 RAM (anytime read / write memory)
105 Network interface 110 Other printer setting information acquisition unit 120 Other printer setting information processing unit 121 Other printer setting information storage processing unit 122 Other printer setting information update units 130, 230, 330, # 130 Other printer setting information storage units 130A, 230A, 330A, # 130A Printer information database 140 Other printer disconnection detection unit 150 Other printer setting information transmission unit 160, 260, 360, # 160 Own printer information storage unit 160A, 260A, 360A Printer information 170 Own printer setting notification unit 180 Other printer storage Information acquisition unit 190 Printer setting application unit 410, 420, 440 Image forming apparatus (printer)
430, 451, 452 USB cable 411, 441 USB host interface 412, 421, 442 USB client interface 413, 422, 443 Control unit 414, 423, 444 Storage unit 415, 445 Display unit 500 Print job management information 510, 610 Controller unit 511, 521, 611, 621 Print job management information storage unit 512, 522, 612, 622 Local interface 520, 620 Engine controller unit 530, 630 Engine mechanism unit 531, 631 Paper discharge port sensor 1010 Information protection setting unit 1020 User information deletion Part 1030 Self-printer setting difference notification part

Claims (20)

A plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected via a communication line to communicate with each other,
Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes:
Transmitting predetermined setting information relating to the image forming apparatus to another image forming apparatus, storing the setting information in the other image forming apparatus,
When a new image forming apparatus is connected to the communication line instead of a predetermined image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the new image forming apparatus
The predetermined setting information relating to the predetermined image forming apparatus is acquired from the other image forming apparatus storing the predetermined setting information relating to the predetermined image forming apparatus, and the setting information is obtained as the new image forming apparatus. Stored as predetermined setting information related to
An image forming system. A plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected via a communication line to communicate with each other,
Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes:
First storage means for storing predetermined setting information relating to the image forming apparatus;
The identification information indicating the image forming apparatus and the predetermined setting information stored in the first storage unit are used as at least one other one or more other image forming apparatuses connected to the communication line. Notification means for notifying to the image forming apparatus;
It is notified from any other image forming apparatus among the one or more other image forming apparatuses, and acquires predetermined setting information relating to the other image forming apparatus and identification information indicating the other image forming apparatus. Acquisition means;
Second storage means for storing predetermined setting information and identification information relating to another image forming apparatus acquired by the acquisition means;
An image forming system comprising: When a new image forming apparatus is connected to the communication line instead of a predetermined image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the new image forming apparatus
The first storage means, the notification means, the acquisition means, and the second storage means;
The predetermined information from another image forming apparatus storing the identification information indicating the predetermined image forming apparatus corresponding to the identification information indicating the new image forming apparatus and the predetermined setting information related to the predetermined image forming apparatus. Setting information acquisition means for acquiring the setting information of
Setting information processing means for storing predetermined setting information acquired by the setting information acquisition means in the first storage means of the new image forming apparatus;
The image forming system according to claim 2, further comprising: Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes:
A communication unit that performs communication with another image forming apparatus corresponding to the identification information stored in the second storage unit and confirms a response to the communication;
When it is confirmed by the communication means that there is no response to the communication, the other image corresponding to the identification information indicating the other image forming apparatus that has not responded to the second storage means. Cutting state information processing means for storing that the forming apparatus is in a cutting state;
The image forming system according to claim 2, further comprising: The predetermined setting information stored in the second storage means includes user information indicating information registered by the user,
Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes:
When it is confirmed by the communication means that there is no response to the communication, the second storage means stores a predetermined information stored corresponding to the identification information indicating the other image forming apparatus that has not responded An information deleting means for deleting user information included in the setting information;
The image forming system according to claim 4. Each of the notification units of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes:
Identification information indicating the image forming apparatus and setting information related to a setting value different from the default value among the predetermined setting information stored in the first storage unit are stored in the one or more other image forming apparatuses. Notifying at least one other image forming apparatus
The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the image forming system is an image forming system. A first image forming apparatus having a host interface indicating an interface that can be uniquely determined as a host, and a second image forming apparatus having a client interface indicating an interface that can be uniquely determined as a client;
On the condition that the host interface and the client interface are connected via a communication means,
Setting information relating to the first image forming apparatus is moved to the second image forming apparatus;
An image forming system. On condition that the host interface of the first image forming apparatus and the client interface of the second image forming apparatus are connected via the communication unit.
Setting information related to the first image forming apparatus is moved to the second image forming apparatus, and setting information related to the second image forming apparatus is moved to the first image forming apparatus;
The image forming system according to claim 7. A first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus having a host interface indicating an interface capable of uniquely determining being a host and a client interface indicating an interface capable of uniquely determining being a client;
When the host interface of one image forming apparatus and the client interface of the other image forming apparatus are connected via the first communication unit,
On the condition that the client interface of the one image forming apparatus and the host interface of the other image forming apparatus are connected via the second communication means before a predetermined time elapses.
Setting information related to the first image forming apparatus is moved to the second image forming apparatus and setting information related to the second image forming apparatus is moved to the first image forming apparatus;
An image forming system. On the condition that the client interface of the one image forming apparatus and the host interface of the other image forming apparatus are connected via the second communication means before the fixed time elapses.
Moving setting information relating to the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus, or moving setting information relating to the second image forming apparatus to the first image forming apparatus;
The image forming system according to claim 9. On the condition that the client interface of the one image forming apparatus and the host interface of the other image forming apparatus are not connected via the second communication means before the fixed time has elapsed.
The setting information related to the one image forming apparatus is moved to the other image forming apparatus, or the setting information related to the one image forming apparatus is moved to the other image forming apparatus and the other image forming apparatus is moved. Move the relevant setting information to the one image forming apparatus,
The image forming system according to claim 9. An image forming apparatus having a host interface indicating an interface capable of uniquely determining being a host and a client interface indicating an interface capable of uniquely determining being a client;
On the condition that the host interface and the client interface are connected via a communication means,
Initializing contents of setting information relating to the image forming apparatus;
An image forming system. A processing device that issues a print job print request and a plurality of image forming devices that perform print processing based on the print job are connected via a communication line and communicate with each other.
The plurality of image forming apparatuses include:
A printing mechanism unit that performs a printing process based on the acquired predetermined image data and outputs a printed matter as a result of the printing process;
Upper control means for interpreting a print job requested to be printed by the processing device and generating image data based on the interpretation result;
Print control means for performing control to transmit the image data generated by the upper control means to the print mechanism unit and to perform print processing;
Have
Each of the upper control means and the print control means
Print job management information storage means for storing print job management information indicating information for specifying the print job;
A communication unit that exchanges print job management information stored in the print job management information storage unit with an external device;
Having
An image forming system. The plurality of image forming apparatuses includes at least two image forming apparatuses,
The communication means related to the other image forming apparatus acquires the print job management information output from the communication means related to one image forming apparatus that performs the print processing for the print job requested for printing,
The other image forming apparatus is:
A request is made to the processing device for a print job based on the print job management information acquired by the communication means of the other image device, and the print processing for the print job transmitted from the processing device in response to the request is made to the one image To replace the forming device,
The image forming system according to claim 13. In the one image forming apparatus,
A communication unit provided in a printing control unit of the one image forming apparatus and a communication unit provided in a higher control unit of the other image forming apparatus when the upper control unit of the one image forming apparatus fails. On the condition that is connected via a transmission line
The print control means of the one image forming apparatus is:
Transferring the print job management information stored in the print job management information storage means in the print control means to the upper control means of the other image forming apparatus;
In the other image forming apparatus,
The upper control means of the other image forming apparatus is:
A print job based on the acquired print job management information is requested to the processing device, and print control is performed so that a print process for a print job transmitted from the processing device in response to the request is performed by the print mechanism unit.
The image forming system according to claim 14. In the one image forming apparatus,
When at least one of the printing mechanism unit and the print control unit in the one image forming apparatus fails, the communication unit provided in the upper control unit of the one image forming apparatus and the printing of the other image forming apparatus On the condition that the communication means provided in the control means is connected via the transmission path,
The upper control means of the one image forming apparatus is:
Transferring the print job management information stored in the print job management information storage means of the upper control means toward the print control means of the other image forming apparatus;
In the other image forming apparatus,
The print control means of the other image forming apparatus is
Transfer the acquired print job management information to the upper control means of the other image forming apparatus,
The upper control unit requests the processing device for a print job based on the transferred print job management information, and print processing for the print job transmitted from the processing device in response to the request is performed by the print mechanism unit. Print control to be implemented,
The image forming system according to claim 14. Print job management information storage means provided in each of the upper control means and the print control means of the two image forming apparatuses,
Storing print job management information indicating information specifying the print job and information indicating the number of printed print media obtained by a printing process related to the print job;
The upper control means of the other image forming apparatus is:
With respect to a print job transmitted from the processing device, the print job except for image data corresponding to the number of print media based on information indicating the number of print media included in the print job management information from the one image forming device Print control is performed so that the printing process is performed by the mechanism unit.
17. The image forming system according to claim 15, wherein the image forming system is an image forming system. The plurality of image forming apparatuses includes at least two image forming apparatuses,
The communication means related to the other image forming apparatus acquires the print job management information output from the communication means related to one image forming apparatus that performs the print processing for the print job requested for printing,
In the one image forming apparatus,
A communication unit provided in a printing control unit of the one image forming apparatus and a communication unit provided in a higher control unit of the other image forming apparatus when the upper control unit of the one image forming apparatus fails. On the condition that is connected via a transmission line
The print control means of the one image forming apparatus is:
Transferring the print job management information stored in the print job management information storage means of the print control means toward the upper control means of the other image forming apparatus;
In the other image forming apparatus,
The upper control means of the other image forming apparatus is:
A request is made to the processing device for a print job based on the acquired print job management information, a print job transmitted from the processing device in response to the request is interpreted, and image data is generated based on the interpreted result. Transferring data to the print control means of the one image forming apparatus;
The image forming system according to claim 13. A processing device that issues a print request for a print job and at least two image forming devices that perform print processing based on the print job are connected via a communication line and communicate with each other.
Each of the two image forming apparatuses includes:
A printing mechanism unit that performs a printing process based on the acquired predetermined image data and outputs a printed matter as a result of the printing process;
Upper control means for interpreting a print job requested to be printed by the processing device and generating image data based on the interpretation result;
Print control means for performing control to transmit the image data generated by the upper control means to the print mechanism unit and to perform print processing;
Have
Each of the upper control means and the print control means
Communication means for transferring data to and from an external device,
When at least one of the printing mechanism unit and the printing control unit of one image forming apparatus fails, the communication unit provided in the upper control unit of the one image forming apparatus and the printing control unit of the other image forming apparatus On the condition that the communication means provided is connected via a transmission line,
The upper control means of the one image forming apparatus is:
Interpreting a print job transmitted from the processing apparatus, generating image data based on the interpretation result, and transferring the image data to a print control unit of the other image forming apparatus;
An image forming system. A first storage process for storing predetermined setting information related to a predetermined image forming apparatus connected to one or more other image forming apparatuses via a communication line in a first storage unit;
Identification information indicating the predetermined image forming apparatus and predetermined setting information stored in the first storage unit are transmitted to at least one other image forming apparatus in the one or more other image forming apparatuses. Notification process to notify,
It is notified from any other image forming apparatus among the one or more other image forming apparatuses, and acquires predetermined setting information relating to the other image forming apparatus and identification information indicating the other image forming apparatus. Acquisition process,
A second storage processing step for storing predetermined setting information and identification information in the second storage means relating to another image forming apparatus acquired in the acquisition processing step;
A setting information acquisition process for acquiring the predetermined setting information from another image forming apparatus that stores identification information indicating the predetermined image forming apparatus and predetermined setting information related to the predetermined image forming apparatus;
A setting information processing step for storing predetermined setting information acquired in the setting information acquisition processing step in the first storage means;
A setting information processing program for causing a computer to execute.

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