JP2011059860A - Network image forming system, image forming device and server computer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To upload print data of the same file name to a server, and to allow a user to easily select print data to be printed. <P>SOLUTION: An MFP (MultiFunction Peripheral) executes a program including the steps of: requesting the server to download print data of the user (S3020) when the user performs login (YES in S3000); deciding whether there is print data of the same or similar file name (S3040)when receiving the print data from the server (YES in S3030); classifying the print data for each same or similar file name (S3050); highlighting the print data created later (S3070); and executing print processing (S3090) when printing is requested (YES in S3080). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is an image forming system that forms an image on an image forming apparatus (MFP (Multi Function Peripheral), printer, etc.) connected to a network using image data created on a client computer or the like, and in particular, uploads from a client computer. When an image is formed by the image forming apparatus based on the image data stored in the server computer or MFP (typically, an image is printed on a recording sheet), the same file name or a similar file name is used. The present invention relates to a network image forming system in which a user can easily form an image with an image forming apparatus even when image data is stored. The present invention also relates to an image forming apparatus and a server computer related to such a network image forming system.

  Recently, there is a print service that makes a print request to a network service and can print from any image forming apparatus (printer) connected to the network. More specifically, when printing is performed from a client computer (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a PC) or the like, image data is temporarily stored in a server computer, and thereafter, a plurality of image formations connected on the network are formed. This is a print service in which printing can be performed from any image forming apparatus by making a print request from any of the apparatuses.

  In such a print service, due to the capacity of the image memory of the MFP or the capacity of the image memory of the shared server computer and security problems, the image data that has been printed at the request from the image forming apparatus is stored in the server computer. Has been removed from.

  In addition, a server computer (print server) in such a print service must have a large-capacity storage device when storing a large number of print jobs having large-size image data such as photographic images. Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-310215 (Patent Document 1) discloses a print job management apparatus capable of suppressing the capacity for storing a print job. This print job management apparatus manages print jobs executed by the printing apparatus. The print job management apparatus includes a job reception unit that receives a print job having image data, a job storage unit that can store a plurality of received print jobs, and an image data of the print job stored in the job storage unit. A duplicate image search unit for searching for duplicate image data, and deleting at least one duplicate image data searched by the duplicate data search unit, and a print job using the remaining image data And a job status setting unit that sets the status of the print job so that it can be executed in step S2.

  In this print job management apparatus, a print job having image data is received and stored in a job storage unit capable of storing a plurality of received print jobs. Then, the image data stored in the print job is searched for duplicate image data, and the searched duplicate image data is deleted leaving at least one, and the image data remaining without being deleted is used. The print job status is set so that the print job is executed by the printing apparatus. Thereby, useless image data is deleted while ensuring execution of the print job, so that the capacity for storing the print job can be reduced.

JP 2004-310215 A

  However, in the print job management apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, when there is image data with the same file name using the file name of the image data as identification information for identifying the image data, the image data is stored first. Deleted image data with priority. If you delete duplicate files automatically in this way, for example, even if you want to print a document before the final version to check the corrections in the final version of the document compared to the final version, print I can't. In this way, since documents of a plurality of types with the same file name are not saved, it is impossible to print documents with different contents with the same file name.

  On the other hand, if it is permitted to store image data with duplicate file names on the server computer and data with the same file name is uploaded to the server computer or MFP, image data with the same file name will be stored on the hard disk one after another. . In such a case, when an image is formed (printed) by the MFP, a plurality of print jobs having the same file name are displayed in the print job list of the MFP. Therefore, in order to specify a file (for example, the latest file) that the user wants to print, it is necessary to change the display method or check the creation date and time. Thus, it takes time or effort for the user to specify a file to be printed by the MFP.

  That is, even if image data with duplicate file names is automatically deleted and stored in the storage device of the MFP or server computer, the image data is stored in the storage device of the MFP or server computer while allowing duplicate file names. However, the user may not be able to use it with satisfaction.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention is a system for forming an image by an image forming apparatus connected via a network, and stores image data having the same file name or a similar file name in a storage device. The user can easily select the image data that the user wants to form an image from among the image data having the duplicate file names (same or similar file names), and the user request. The present invention is to provide a network image forming system that can accurately meet the requirements. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a server computer related to such a network image forming system.

  In the network image forming system according to the first aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus that receives data from a server computer that stores image data forms an image. The network image forming system creates image data, transmits the image data to the server computer together with the file name, and stores the image data received from the client computer while allowing duplicate file names, A server computer that retrieves image data corresponding to user information received from the image forming apparatus from the stored image data, and transmits the retrieved image data to the image forming apparatus that has transmitted the user information; and a user Information is transmitted to the server computer, image data is received from the server computer, image data with overlapping file names is displayed as a group, and image data selected by the user from the displayed image data is used. And an image forming apparatus for forming an image.

  In the network image forming system according to the second aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus that has received data from a client computer that has created image data forms an image. This network image forming system creates image data, stores the image data together with the file name to the image forming apparatus, and stores the image data received from the client computer while allowing duplicate file names. The image data corresponding to the user who uses the image forming apparatus is retrieved from the stored image data, and the retrieved image data is displayed as a group of image data having duplicate file names. An image forming apparatus that forms an image using image data selected by the user from the image data.

  An image forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention forms an image using image data created in a client computer. This image forming apparatus saves image data received from a client computer or image data received from a server computer to which the client computer has transmitted image data, allowing the file name of the image data to be duplicated. An identification unit for identifying a user who uses the image forming apparatus, an acquisition unit for acquiring image data corresponding to the identified user, and an image having a file name that overlaps the acquired image data An image using display means for displaying data as a group, selection means for selecting image data for which a user requests image formation from among the displayed image data, and image data selected by the user And image forming means for forming the image.

  According to such a network image forming system or image forming apparatus, it is allowed to store image data having overlapping file names (same file names or similar file names) in the server computer or image forming apparatus. When an image is formed (printed on a recording sheet) by the image forming apparatus, image data with the same file name or image data with a similar file name is collected and displayed as a group. For this reason, it is easy for the user to select image data that requires an image to be formed. In this way, it is allowed to store image data with duplicate file names (the same file name or similar file names), and the user can form an image from image data with such duplicate file names. The desired image data can be easily selected. As a result, it is possible to provide a network image forming system and an image forming apparatus that can accurately meet a user's request.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the storage unit includes a unit for storing the image data together with the date and time when the image data was created, and the display unit displays the image data with the new date and time with priority. These means can be included.

  In this way, since the image data is displayed with priority on the creation date and time (for example, in the order of creation date and time), the user can easily select the latest image data according to the creation date and time. For this reason, the user can easily specify image data (for example, the latest image data) for which an image is desired to be formed.

  This display means can be configured to include means for prioritizing and displaying image data with a new date and time in the group. Here, the display means can be configured to include means for prioritizing and displaying a group including image data with a new date and time. Further, the display means can be configured to include means for displaying the file name of the image data having the latest creation date and time in a group in a manner different from other file names. Further, the display means can be configured to include means for displaying the file names in ascending or descending order in the group.

  In this way, in the group, the image data is prioritized based on the creation date and time of the image data (for example, in order of creation date and time for each group). Easy to choose. Furthermore, since a group including image data with a new creation date is displayed with priority, the user can easily select the latest image data. Furthermore, since the file name of the image data of the latest creation date and time is displayed in a manner different from other file names, the user can easily select the latest image data. In the group, the file names are displayed in ascending order or descending order, so that the user can easily select image data that requires image formation. Therefore, the user can easily specify the image data for which an image is to be formed.

  The selection means can be configured to include means for selecting two or more image data from a plurality of displayed image data.

  In this way, even if there are a plurality of image data with the same file name or a plurality of image data with similar file names, two or more image data can be selected from each group to form an image. it can. For this reason, for example, in order to confirm the correction part in the final version document, it is possible to form an image of the final version document and a document one earlier than the final version at a time.

  The image forming apparatus can be configured to further include an instruction creating unit for creating an instruction to delete image data related to the imaged image data. Here, the instruction creation means can be configured to include means for creating an instruction to delete image data having a file name that overlaps with the file name of the image data formed with the image. The instruction creating means includes means for creating an instruction to delete image data having a file name that overlaps a file name of image data that has been image-formed and that has not been image-formed. Can be configured.

  In this way, it is possible to delete image data related to the image data on which the image is formed. For example, whether to delete only image data for which image formation has been completed, or to delete image data having a file name that is the same as the file name of the image data that has been formed (same file name or similar file name), The user can select and delete image data having a file name that overlaps with the file name of image data that has been image-formed and that is not image-formed. For this reason, image data can be deleted in response to a user request without being automatically deleted.

  The image forming apparatus can be configured to further include means for displaying the selected image data as a preview.

  In this way, the user can accurately select the image data that requests to form an image by looking at the preview screen.

  The image forming apparatus is further configured to further include means for transmitting information indicating that the file name is stored in duplicate to the client computer when the file name of the image data is stored while allowing the file name to be duplicated. can do.

  In this way, when uploading image data from the client computer to the image forming apparatus, if image data having the same file name or similar file name as the uploaded image data is already stored in the image forming apparatus, the client computer To that effect. For this reason, even if a list including image data with the same file name or similar file names is displayed on the image forming apparatus, it is possible to avoid the user who forms an image on the image forming apparatus from being confused.

  A server computer according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is used in a network image forming system that forms data by receiving data from a server computer that stores image data. The server computer corresponds to user information, storage means for storing image data received from a client computer while allowing duplicate file names, receiving means for receiving user information from the image forming apparatus, and user information. Retrieval means for retrieving image data from stored image data, data transmission means for transmitting retrieved image data to an image forming apparatus that has transmitted user information, and file name of image data In the case of storing with allowance of duplication, information transmission means for transmitting information indicating that duplication is stored to the client computer is included.

  According to such a server computer, when image data is uploaded from the client computer to the server computer, if image data having the same file name or similar file name as the uploaded image data is already stored in the server computer, the client computer That is notified to the computer. For this reason, even if a list including image data with the same file name or similar file names is displayed on the image forming apparatus, it is possible to avoid the user who forms an image on the image forming apparatus from being confused.

  When the server computer receives from the image forming apparatus an instruction to delete image data related to the image data on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus, the server computer includes a deleting means for deleting the stored image data. Furthermore, it can comprise so that it may contain.

  In this way, for example, when the user designates to delete image data related to the image data on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus, the server computer receives the deletion instruction and saves it based on the instruction. The deleted image data is deleted. For this reason, image data can be deleted in response to a user request without being automatically deleted.

  According to the present invention, in a system in which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus connected via a network, image data having the same file name or a similar file name is allowed to be stored in a storage device, and The user can easily select the image data that he / she wants to form from among the image data having the overlapping file names, and can accurately meet the user's request.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a network print system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a control block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the client computer (PC) of FIG. It is a control block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the server computer of FIG. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the MFP in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the print data creation process program run with a client computer. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the print data preservation | save processing program run with a server computer. 5 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating a control structure of a print processing program executed by the MFP and the server computer. 6 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating a control structure of a print processing program executed by the MFP and the server computer. 6 is a screen example of a display of a client computer when the print data creation processing program of FIG. 5 is executed. 9 is a screen example (part 1) of the touch panel display of the MFP when the print processing program of FIGS. 7 and 8 is executed. FIG. 9 is a second example of a touch panel display screen of the MFP when the print processing program of FIGS. 7 and 8 is executed. FIG. 10 is a third example of a screen on the touch panel display of the MFP when the print processing program of FIGS. 7 and 8 is executed. FIG. 10 is a screen example (part 4) of the touch panel display of the MFP when the print processing program of FIGS. 7 and 8 is executed. FIG. 10 is a screen example (No. 5) of the touch panel display of the MFP when the print processing program of FIGS. 7 and 8 is executed. FIG. 10 is a sixth example of a touch panel display screen of the MFP when the print processing program of FIGS. 7 and 8 is executed. FIG. 10 is a screen example (part 7) of the touch panel display of the MFP when the print processing program of FIGS. 7 and 8 is executed.

  In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their functions and names are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. In the network image forming system according to the present embodiment, an image forming apparatus that downloads print data (image data) uploaded from a client computer to a server computer and stores the image and forms an image on a recording sheet (typically, Assume that the printing apparatus is an MFP. However, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the MFP as long as it is an apparatus having at least a network compatible printing function. In this embodiment, the apparatus for uploading print data from the client computer is described as a server computer. However, as described as a modification example described later, the apparatus for uploading print data from the client computer is an MFP. It doesn't matter. That is, in the network image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the server computer is not an essential component.

[Overall system configuration]
With reference to FIG. 1, an overall configuration of a network image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a network print system) will be described. The network print system uploads print data (may be image data such as a photograph) such as a word processor document, a spreadsheet document, or a presentation document created by a user (print data creator) to the server computer 200. From client computer 100 (PC (1) to PC (5)), MFP 300 (MFP (1) to MFP (3)) that downloads print data from server computer 200 and prints an image on recording paper, and from client computer 100 And a server computer 200 that stores the uploaded print data and transmits the print data to the MFP 300 (download as viewed from the MFP 300). The client computer 100, server computer 200, and MFP 300 in the network print system are communicably connected via a network line 400 conforming to, for example, IEEE 802.3.

  Note that the number of client computers 100, server computers 200, and MFPs 300 in the network print system according to the present embodiment is not limited to the number shown in FIG. In the following, in the drawings and the like, the client computer 100 may be simply referred to as a client or PC, and the server computer 200 may be simply referred to as a server.

[Hardware configuration]
<Client computer 100>
FIG. 2 shows the overall configuration of the client computer 100 that constitutes the network print system according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the client computer 100 includes a bus 190, a CPU 110 connected to the bus 190, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 120 connected to the bus 190, and a RAM ( Random Access Memory) 130, hard disk (HDD) 140 connected to bus 190, and connected to bus 190, optical disc 182 can be mounted, information can be written to and read from optical disc 182 An optical disk drive 180, an input interface (hereinafter referred to as "input IF") 150 for connecting to the bus 190 and providing an interface related to the connection between the mouse 152 and the keyboard 154; De A display interface (hereinafter referred to as “display IF”) 160 for providing an interface related to the connection with the spray 162, and a connection to the network line 400 by a wired or wireless (wired in the present embodiment) is provided. Network interface (hereinafter referred to as “network IF”) 170. The client computer 100 includes a magnetic disk drive that can be loaded with a magnetic disk and can write information to the magnetic disk and read information from the magnetic disk, instead of / in addition to the optical disk drive 180. It doesn't matter. The network IF 170 may be an interface connected to the network line 400 wirelessly, including when the client computer 100 is a notebook type.

  The bus 190, the ROM 120, the RAM 130, the hard disk 140, the optical disk drive 180, the input IF 150, the display IF 160, and the network IF 170 all operate cooperatively under the control of the CPU 110, and realize processing by various applications in the client computer 100. To do. The applications include, for example, login processing to the client computer 100, word processor document creation processing, spreadsheet calculation document creation processing, presentation document creation processing, and upload processing for transmitting print data created by these document creation processing to the server computer 200. Etc.

  A computer program for causing the client computer 100 to perform the above-described processing and causing the client computer 100 to function as a client computer in the network print system according to the present embodiment is stored in the optical disc 182 inserted into the optical disc drive 180. And further transferred to the hard disk 140. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to the client computer 100 through the network line 400 and stored in the hard disk 140. The program is loaded into the RAM 130 at the time of execution. The program may be loaded directly into the RAM 130 from the optical disk 182 or via the network line 400.

  These programs include a plurality of instructions that cause the client computer 100 to perform predetermined processing. Some of the basic functions necessary to perform this operation are an operating system (OS) or a third party program running on the client computer 100, or various toolkit modules installed on the client computer 100 (eg, A printer driver). Therefore, this program does not necessarily include all functions necessary for realizing the system of this embodiment. This program includes only instructions that execute predetermined processing as the client computer 100 described above by calling an appropriate function or “tool” in a controlled manner so as to obtain a desired result. It only has to be. Since the general operation of the computer that is the entity of the client computer 100 is well known, it will not be repeated here.

<Server computer 200>
FIG. 3 shows the overall configuration of the server computer 200 constituting the network print system according to the present embodiment.

  As can be seen from FIG. 3, the server computer 200 configuring the network print system according to the present embodiment is a computer having the same configuration as the client computer 100 described above. In many cases, such component parts of the server computer 200 are more reliable than so-called personal computer components.

  The server computer 200 includes a bus 290, a CPU 210 connected to the bus 290, a ROM 220 connected to the bus 290, a RAM 230 connected to the bus 290, a hard disk (HDD) 240 connected to the bus 290, a bus Between the mouse 252 and the keyboard 254, connected to the bus 290, and an optical disk drive 280 that can be mounted on the optical disk 282, can write information to the optical disk 282, and can read information from the optical disk 282. An input IF 250 for providing an interface for connection, a display IF 260 connected to the bus 290 and for providing an interface for connection with the display 262, and wired or wireless (in this embodiment, wired) Ttowaku and a network IF270 provide a connection to the line 400. The server computer 200 may also be provided with a magnetic disk drive instead of / in addition to the optical disk drive 280, as with the client computer 100.

  The bus 290, the ROM 220, the RAM 230, the hard disk 240, the optical disk drive 280, the input IF 250, the display IF 260, and the network IF 270 all operate in cooperation under the control of the CPU 210, and the server computer as the server computer according to the present embodiment. 200 realizes processing by various applications. These applications include, for example, a process for saving print data uploaded from the client computer 100, and the file name of the uploaded print data is duplicated with the file name of the already saved print data (the file name is the same or similar) In the case of duplication, the process of transmitting duplication information to the client computer 100, and the print data corresponding to the user is searched from the print data stored based on the user ID transmitted from the MFP 300. Processing, processing for transmitting print data to the MFP 300 (downloading as viewed from the MFP 300), and the like.

  A computer program for causing the server computer 200 to perform the processing as described above and causing the server computer 200 to function as a server computer in the network print system according to the present embodiment is stored in the optical disk 282 inserted into the optical disk drive 280. And further transferred to the hard disk 240. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to the server computer 200 through the network line 400 and stored in the hard disk 240. The program is loaded into the RAM 230 when executed. The program may be loaded into the RAM 230 directly from the optical disk 282 or via the network line 400.

  This program includes a plurality of instructions that cause server computer 200 to operate as a server computer in the network printing system according to the present embodiment. Some of the basic functions necessary to perform this operation are provided by an operating system (OS) or a third-party program that runs on the server computer 200, or modules of various toolkits installed on the server computer 200. The Therefore, this program does not necessarily include all functions necessary for realizing the system and method of this embodiment. This program includes only an instruction for executing a predetermined process as the server computer 200 described above by calling an appropriate function or “tool” in a controlled manner so as to obtain a desired result. It only has to be. Since the general operation of the computer that is the entity of the server computer 200 is well known, it will not be repeated here.

<MFP 300>
FIG. 4 shows an overall configuration of MFP 300 constituting the network print system according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 4, MFP 300 configuring the network print system according to the present embodiment is connected to bus 390, CPU 310 connected to bus 390, ROM 320 connected to bus 390, and bus 390. The RAM 330, the hard disk (HDD) 340 connected to the bus 390, the input IF 350 and the display IF 360, which are connected to the bus 390 and provide an interface related to the connection with the touch panel display 380, are connected to the bus 390. And a network IF 370 that provides a connection to the network line 400 by wire or wireless (wired in the present embodiment).

  The bus 390, the ROM 320, the RAM 330, the hard disk 340, the input IF 350, the display IF 360, and the network IF 370 operate in cooperation under the control of the CPU 310, and realize processing by various applications in the MFP 300. These applications realize, for example, login processing to the MFP 300, download processing of print data from the server computer 200, print processing, print data deletion processing, and the like. Note that the print processing in these processes is executed by the CPU 310 controlling each component constituting the MFP 300 (not shown in FIG. 4).

  A computer program for causing MFP 300 to operate as an MFP in the network printing system according to the present embodiment is stored in hard disk 340. The program is loaded into the RAM 330 at the time of execution. This program includes a plurality of instructions that cause MFP 300 to operate as an MFP in the network printing system according to the present embodiment.

  The configuration of MFP 300 that realizes image formation will be described below. The MFP 300 includes, for example, a document reading unit, an image forming unit, a paper feeding unit, and a paper discharge processing device. In MFP 300, CPU 310 controls the image forming unit based on print data downloaded from server computer 200 to form an image on a recording sheet, and the recording sheet on which the image is formed is a paper discharge processing apparatus of MFP 300. Discharged from. The MFP 300 includes a so-called laser type printer function that uses laser light for light exposure. However, another type of printer function may be provided.

  The image forming unit prints an image indicated by the print data on a recording sheet, and includes, for example, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser scanning unit, a developing device, a transfer device, a cleaning device, a fixing device, and a charge eliminating device. Etc. For example, the image forming unit is provided with a conveyance path, and the recording paper fed from the paper feeding unit is conveyed along the conveyance path. The paper feeding unit pulls out the recording paper stored in the paper cassette or the recording paper placed on the manual feed tray one by one, and sends the recording paper to the conveyance path of the image forming unit.

  While the recording paper is being transported along the transport path of the image forming unit, the recording paper passes between the photosensitive drum and the transfer device, and further passes through the fixing device, and printing on the recording paper is performed. .

  The photosensitive drum rotates in one direction, and its surface is cleaned by a cleaning device and a static eliminator and then uniformly charged by a charging device. The laser scanning unit modulates the laser beam based on the image data to be printed, and repeatedly scans the surface of the photosensitive drum in the main scanning direction with this laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. To do. The developing device supplies toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum to develop the electrostatic latent image, and forms a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum.

  The transfer device transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum to a recording sheet passing between the transfer device and the photosensitive drum. The fixing device includes a heating roller for heating the recording paper and a pressure roller for pressing the recording paper. The recording paper is heated by the heating roller and is pressed by the pressure roller, whereby the toner image transferred onto the recording paper is fixed on the recording paper. The recording paper discharged (printed) from the fixing device is discharged to a paper discharge tray. In the paper discharge processing apparatus, there are cases in which a plurality of recording papers are sorted into each paper discharge tray and discharged, a process of punching each recording paper, and a process of stapling each recording paper. For example, when creating multiple copies of printed matter, each recording sheet is sorted and discharged to each discharge tray so that a portion of the printed matter is allocated to each discharge tray. Punching processing or stapling processing is performed on each recording sheet on the paper tray to create a printed matter. Such processing is performed under the control of the CPU 310.

Software configuration
Referring to FIGS. 5 to 8, in the network print system according to the present embodiment, a user who has logged in to MFP 300 from print data created by client computer 100 and uploaded to server computer 200 and stored. A control structure of a computer program executed by the client computer 100, the server computer 200, and the MFP 300 in order to search for print data corresponding to the above and transmit it to the MFP 300 (download as viewed from the MFP 300) will be described.

  In parallel with such a computer program, the client computer 100 and the server computer 200 execute a program that realizes a general function as a computer, and the MFP 300 has a general function as an image forming apparatus (multifunction machine). The program that realizes is executed. However, the program is not directly related to the essential part of the present invention, and details thereof will not be described here.

  The program shown in FIG. 5 is executed by CPU 110 of client computer 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as “CPU 110”). In step (hereinafter, step is abbreviated as S) 1000, CPU 110 determines whether or not a user who creates print data using this client computer 100 has made a login request and has logged in. At this time, the CPU 110 displays a user ID and password input screen on the display 162, and when the user ID and password are input, the CPU 110 determines that the user using the client computer 100 has logged in. Based on the user ID and password, CPU 110 permits login when the logged-in user is a user registered in advance in the authentication destination. When the CPU 110 permits login, it is determined that the user has logged in. If it is determined that the user using client computer 100 has logged in (YES in S1000), the process proceeds to S1010. Otherwise (NO in S1000), this process ends.

  In S1010, CPU 110 stores hard disk 140 with a user ID registered corresponding to the input user ID. The user who uses this network print system can be uniquely specified by this user ID.

  In S1010, CPU 110 determines whether or not a user (print data creator) has detected a request to create print data. At this time, for example, when the user requests activation of a document creation program such as a word processor document creation program, a spreadsheet calculation document creation program, or a presentation document creation program, it is determined that a request for creating print data has been detected. If it is determined that a request to create print data has been detected (YES in S1020), the process proceeds to S1030. Otherwise (NO in S1020), this process ends.

  In S1030, CPU 110 creates print data using the activated document creation program. In this process, the user (print data creator) inputs a file name before the creation of the print data is completed.

  In S1040, CPU 110 determines whether the creation of print data has been completed. At this time, for example, when the user requests to save and end the document in the word processor document creation program, the spreadsheet document creation program, or the presentation document creation program, it is determined that the creation of the print data is finished. If it is determined that the creation of print data has been completed (YES in S1040), the process proceeds to S1050. If not (NO in S1040), the process returns to S1030 to continue creating print data.

  In S1050, CPU 110 stores the creation date / time (document save date / time) for the print data in hard disk 140.

  In S1060, CPU 110 determines whether a print data upload request to server computer 200 has been detected or not. At this time, for example, when the user requests activation of the upload processing program, it is determined that a request for uploading print data to the server computer 200 is detected. If it is determined that a request to upload print data to server computer 200 has been detected (YES in S1060), the process proceeds to S1070. Otherwise (NO at S1060), this process ends.

  In S1070, CPU 110 creates upload data by adding a user ID to print data (with file name and creation date).

  In S1080, CPU 110 transmits upload data (print job data) to server computer 200.

  In S1090, CPU 110 determines whether duplicate data information has been received from server computer 200 or not. If the print data having the same file name as the print data file name in the received upload data is already stored in the hard disk 240 with the same user ID, the server computer 200 transmits the duplicate data information. If it is determined that duplicate data information has been received from server computer 200 (YES in S1090), the process proceeds to S1100. If not (NO in S1090), the process ends.

  In S 1100, CPU 110 displays the duplicate data information received from server computer 200 on display 162.

  The program shown in FIG. 6 is executed by CPU 210 of server computer 200 (hereinafter simply referred to as “CPU 210”). In S2000, CPU 210 determines whether upload data has been received from client computer 100 or not. This process corresponds to the process of S1080 in FIG. If it is determined that upload data has been received from client computer 100 (YES in S2000), the process proceeds to S2010. Otherwise (NO in S2000), this process ends.

  In S2010, CPU 210 extracts the file name and user ID of the print data from the received upload data.

  In S2020, CPU 210 extracts the file name and user ID of the print data stored in hard disk 240.

  In S2030, CPU 210 searches for print data having the same file name as the user extracted from the received upload data.

  In S2040, CPU 210 determines whether or not print data having the same file name as the user extracted from the received upload data has been searched. If it is determined that there is retrieved print data (YES in S2040), if not (NO in S2040), the process proceeds to S2060. Here, it is determined that there is print data searched when the file names are the same, but it is determined that there is print data searched when the file names are duplicated (identical or similar). It doesn't matter.

  At S2050, CPU 210 provides duplicate data information indicating that print data having the same file name as the user extracted from the received upload data is already stored in hard disk 240 of server computer 200 to client computer 100. Send.

  In S2060, CPU 210 stores the print data received from client computer 100 in hard disk 240 together with the user ID, file name, and creation date and time. The hard disk 240 may store the user ID, file name, and creation date / time other than image data in the hard disk 240 as index data so that it can be easily searched in the processes of S2020 and S2030.

  The program shown on the left side of FIGS. 7 and 8 is executed by CPU 310 of MFP 300 (hereinafter simply referred to as “CPU 310”), and the program shown on the right side of FIGS. 7 and 8 is executed by CPU 210 of server computer 200. Is done.

  In S3000, CPU 310 determines whether or not the user who uses MFP 300 has made a login request and has logged in. At this time, the CPU 310 displays the user ID and password input screen or the fingerprint input screen on the touch panel display 380, and the user ID and password are input, or the user's fingerprint (other biometric information may be used). .) Is input, it is determined that the user using the MFP 300 has logged in. CPU 310 permits login based on the user ID and password or the user's fingerprint if the logged-in user is a user registered in advance in the authentication destination. If the login is permitted by the CPU 310, it is determined that the user has logged in. If it is determined that the user using MFP 300 has logged in (YES at S3000), the process proceeds to S3010. If not (NO in S3000), the process returns to S1000, and the process ends.

  In S3010, CPU 310 stores in hard disk 340 the user ID registered corresponding to the input user ID or the user's fingerprint.

  In S3020, CPU 310 requests server computer 200 to download the print data. At this time, CPU 310 also transmits the user ID of the user who has logged into MFP 300 to server computer 200.

  In S3030, CPU 310 determines whether print data has been received from server computer 200 or not. If it is determined that print data has been received from server computer 200 (YES in S3030), the process proceeds to S3040. If not (NO in S3030), the process returns to S3030 and waits until it is determined that print data has been received from server computer 200.

  In S3040, CPU 310 determines whether or not print data received from server computer 200 includes print data having a duplicate (same or similar) file name. If it is determined that there is print data having the same or similar file name in the print data received from server computer 200 (YES in S3040), the process proceeds to S3050. If not (NO in S3040), the process proceeds to S3080. Here, the case where the file names are similar is, for example, the case where the file names match at least a predetermined number of characters.

  Regarding the processing of S3040 (processing of whether there is print data with the same or similar file name in the print data received from the server computer 200), whether or not such print data exists in the server computer 200 Therefore, a flag indicating that there is duplicate data from the server computer 200 to the MFP 300 may be transmitted. Based on the flag, MFP 300 determines whether print data received from server computer 200 includes print data having the same or similar file name. In such a case, the server computer 200 is executing the process of S3040.

  In S3050, CPU 310 classifies the print data received from server computer 200 into groups for the same or similar file names.

  In S3060, CPU 310 gives priority to a group including print data with a new data creation date and prioritizes print data with new data creation date in the group, and displays a list of print data on touch panel display 380. At this time, the prioritized information is displayed in order from the top of the touch panel display 380. The print data is displayed in ascending or descending order of the file name.

  In S3070, CPU 310 highlights and displays the file name of the latest print data in each group (reverse, bold, italic, blinking, etc.).

  In these processes of S3060 and S3070, the CPU 310 displays the print data received from the server computer 200 on the touch panel display 380 so that the user can recognize it.

  In S3080, CPU 310 determines, from the displayed print data, data to be printed by the user (the user who has logged into MFP 300), and determines whether a request to print the data has been detected. At this time, for example, the “print start” button or the “OK” button is pressed while the check box corresponding to the name of the print data displayed on the touch panel display 380 in S3060 and S3070 is pressed and selected. Then, it is determined that a request for printing has been detected. If it is determined that a request for printing has been detected (YES in S3080), the process proceeds to S3090. If not (NO in S3080), this process ends.

  In S3090, CPU 310 forms an image on recording paper using the designated print data. This process is executed by the image forming unit of the MFP 300.

  Referring to FIG. 8, in S 3100, CPU 310 displays a screen for selecting whether or not to delete print data that has been printed from hard disk 240 of server computer 200, and print data to be deleted if it is to be deleted. A designated screen is displayed on the touch panel display 380.

  In S3110, CPU 310 determines whether or not not to delete the print data from hard disk 240 of server computer 200 has been selected. At this time, for example, when deleting the print data displayed on the touch panel display 380, the CPU 310 may not delete the print data from the hard disk 240 of the server computer 200 when the software button corresponding to “Do not delete” is pressed. It is determined that it has been selected. If it is determined that not to delete the print data is selected (YES in S3110), the process ends. If not (NO in S3110), the process proceeds to S3120.

In S3120, CPU 310 determines whether the print data to be deleted from hard disk 240 of server computer 200 is (1) print data or (2) print data having the same file name as print data (3 ) It is determined whether the print data has a file name similar to the print data. At this time, for example, the CPU 310 is displayed on the touch panel display 380.
(1) When a software button corresponding to “Delete data of finished print job” is pressed, it is determined that deletion of print data is selected from the hard disk 240 of the server computer 200;
(2) When a software button corresponding to “Delete all print data having the same file name as the completed print job” is pressed, all print data having the same file name as the print data is stored in the hard disk 240 of the server computer 200. (Or only print data before printing / print data already printed) is determined to be deleted,
(3) When a software button corresponding to “delete all print data having a file name similar to the finished print job” is pressed, all print data having a file name similar to the print data is pressed from the hard disk 240 of the server computer 200. It is determined that deletion of (or only print data before printing / only print data that has been printed) has been selected.

  If it is determined that the target for deleting print data from the hard disk 240 of the server computer 200 is (1) print data (print data in S3120), the process proceeds to S3150, and (2) the same as the print data. If it is determined that the print data has a file name (the same file name in S3120), the process proceeds to S3140, and (2) if it is determined that the print data has a file name similar to the print data (S3120). The process proceeds to S3130. As described above, when print data with the same or similar file name as the printed print data is targeted for deletion, all print data regardless of whether it is printed, only print data before printing, printing Only completed print data can be selected as appropriate.

  In S3130, CPU 310 designates deletion of all (or before printing) print data having a file name similar to the file name after printing from hard disk 240 of server computer 200. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S3160.

  In S3140, CPU 310 designates deletion from the hard disk 240 of server computer 200 for all (or before printing) print data having the same file name as the file name after printing. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S3160.

  In S3150, CPU 310 designates that print data that has been printed is deleted from hard disk 240 of server computer 200.

  In S3160, CPU 310 creates a print data deletion command signal. At this time, a print data deletion command signal is created with the contents specified in the processing of S3130, S3140, or S3150.

  In S 3170, CPU 310 transmits a print data deletion command signal to server computer 200.

  Returning to FIG. 7, in S <b> 2100, CPU 210 determines whether or not a download request has been received from MFP 300. This process corresponds to the process of S3020 in FIG. 7, and the user ID of the user who has logged into MFP 300 is also transmitted from MFP 300 together with the download request. If it is determined that a download request has been received from MFP 300 (YES in S2100), the process proceeds to S2110. Otherwise (NO in S2100), this process ends.

  In S2110, CPU 210 extracts the user ID from the download request. In S 2120, CPU 210 extracts print data of the user who has logged into MFP 300 based on the received user ID from the print data stored on hard disk 240.

  In S2130, CPU 210 transmits the extracted print data to MFP 300 that has transmitted the download request.

  Referring to FIG. 8, in S <b> 2200, CPU 210 determines whether or not a delete command signal is received from MFP 300. This process corresponds to the process of S3170 in FIG. If it is determined that a delete command signal has been received from MFP 300 (YES in S2200), the process proceeds to S2210. Otherwise (NO in S2200), this process ends.

  In step S <b> 2210, the CPU 210 deletes the print data designated for deletion from the hard disk 240.

[Operation]
An operation of the network print system according to the present embodiment based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described. 9 used in the description of this operation is a screen example of the display 162 of the client computer when the print data creation processing program of FIG. 5 is executed. FIGS. 10 to 16 are FIGS. 10 is a screen example of a touch panel display of the MFP when the print processing program No. 8 is executed.

<Print data creation and upload operations>
When a user who creates print data and wants to print on MFP 300 logs in to client computer 100 (YES in S1000), the user ID at the time of login is stored (S1010). The user who has logged in to the client computer 100 activates a word processor document creation program, a spreadsheet document creation program, a presentation document creation program, or the like on the client computer 100 (YES in S1020), and creates print data (S1030). At this time, the file name of the print data is input by the user. When the creation of the print data ends (YES in S1040), the creation date and time of the print data is stored (S1050).

  Subsequently, when this user activates the upload processing program (YES in S1060), upload data in which the user ID of this user is added to the print data (with file name and creation date / time) is created (S1060). . This upload data (print job data) is transmitted to the server computer 200 (S1080).

  In response to the transmission of the upload data from client computer 100, server computer 200 receives the upload data from client computer 100 (YES in S2000). While the file name and user ID of the print data are extracted from the upload data (S2010), the file name and user ID of the print data stored in the hard disk 240 are extracted (S2020).

  If print data having the same file name as that of the user extracted from the received upload data is searched (S2030), and as a result of the search, such print data is stored in the hard disk 240 (YES in S2040). The duplicate data information is transmitted to the client computer 100 (S2050).

  In response to the transmission of the duplicate data information from the server computer 200, the client computer 100 receives the duplicate data information from the server computer 200 (YES in S1090). In the client computer 100, in response to receiving the duplicate data information, a screen as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, a warning “Uploaded print data has already been saved with the same file name” is displayed as a warning.

  Even when such a warning is displayed, the print data received from the client computer 100 is stored in the hard disk 240 of the server computer 200 together with the user ID, file name, and creation date and time (S2060).

  As described above, when the client computer 100 logs in to create print data and uploads it to the server computer 200, it is determined whether or not there is print data having the same file name on the hard disk 240 of the server computer 200. If print data having the same file name exists, a warning is notified to the user in the client computer 100. Therefore, the user who uploaded the print data can recognize that the print data having the same file name is stored in the server computer 200.

<Printing operation on MFP>
A case will be described in which a user who has received a warning about the presence of print data having the same file name as the upload data easily selects the print data to be output and outputs the print data to a recording sheet.

  The user who wants to output print data logs in to MFP 300 (YES in S3000). At this time, a screen as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the touch panel display 380 of the MFP 300. The user inputs a login name (user ID) and a password, which are input items displayed on the login screen displayed on the touch panel display 380. If these input items are registered in the authentication destination, it is determined that a user who can use MFP 300 has logged in (YES in S3000), and the logged-in user ID is stored (S3010). ).

  When a print data download request is transmitted to the server computer 200 together with the user ID of the user who has logged into the MFP 300 (S3020), the server computer 200 selects the print data stored in the hard disk 240 based on the user ID. Then, the print data of the user who has logged into the MFP 300 is extracted (S2120).

  When the extracted print data is transmitted from server computer 200 to MFP 300 (S2130), MFP 300 determines whether there is print data with the same or similar file name (S3040). If there is print data with the same or similar file name (YES in S3040), the print data received from server computer 200 is classified into groups so as to form one group with the same or similar file name. (S3050).

  Priority is given to a group including print data with a new data creation date and time (in order from the top of the touch panel display 380), and priority is given to print data with a new data creation date and time in the group (in order from the top of the touch panel display 380). A list of print data is displayed on the display 380 (S3060).

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, the print data received from the server computer 200 is displayed on the touch panel display 380 of the MFP 300 so that the user can recognize it. In FIG. 11, it is displayed so that one group is formed with the same file name. In addition, the file name of the latest print data in each group is inverted and displayed in an emphasized manner.

  The “plan meeting material” group is displayed with priority over the “business report” group because the latest creation date and time of the document indicated by the file name “plan meeting material.doc” is “2009 / 08/28 09:15:12 ”and the latest creation date and time in the document indicated by the file name“ Sales Report.doc ”is“ 2009/08/26 14:25:33 ”. This is because the latest creation date of “Planning Meeting Document.doc” is newer.

  Further, when a group is formed with a similar file name instead of the same file name, as shown in FIG. 12, it is displayed so that one group is formed with a similar file name. .

  Further, FIG. 13 shows the latest file name emphasis method in each group, not the inversion as shown in FIG. 12, but the display mode of the file name is italic bold or bold, or “NEW” in italic bold is used for the file name. And the file name is highlighted and displayed on the touch panel display 380.

  On the screen of the touch panel display 380 shown in FIG. 12, a check box corresponding to the file name of “plan presentation — 003.ppt” in the “plan presentation similar file” group is pressed to select it, and “plan presentation — 002.ppt” is further selected. When the user presses the “OK” button in a state where the check box corresponding to the file name is pressed to select it (YES in S3080), an image based on these two print data is printed on the recording paper. (S3090). As described above, one or more arbitrary designations are possible for the print designation.

  When printing is completed, a print data deletion screen is displayed on the touch panel display 380 of the MFP 300 (S3100). At this time, as shown in FIG. 15, a menu for deleting print data stored in the hard disk 240 of the server computer 200 is displayed on the touch panel display 380. Here, when the software button corresponding to “Delete the data of the finished print job” is pressed to select it, and the “OK” button is further pressed (NO in S3110, print data in S3120), the server computer The files “plan presentation_003.ppt” and “plan presentation_002.ppt” stored in the hard disk 240 of 200 are deleted (S3150 to S3170, S2210).

  In addition, after these two files are deleted from the hard disk 240 of the server computer 200 in this way, a list of print data as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on the touch panel display 380 of the MFP 300. That is, the file name “plan presentation_003.ppt” and the file name “plan presentation_002.ppt” of the “plan presentation similar file” group deleted from the hard disk 240 of the server computer 200 are not displayed.

  As described above, the network print system according to the present embodiment has the following effects.

  (1) When uploading print data from the client computer to the server computer, if print data having the same file name as the uploaded print data is already stored in the server computer, the client computer is notified of this, Thereafter, even if a user who prints on the MFP displays a print list including the same file name on the MFP, it is possible to avoid being confused.

  (2) When printing with the MFP, print data with the same file name or print data with a similar file name are displayed together as a group, so that the user can easily select the print data. Furthermore, since the latest print data is displayed in the order of creation date and time in the group, the user can easily select the latest print data. Therefore, it is possible to easily specify a print data file (for example, the latest file and the previous file) that the user wants to print.

  (3) Whether there are a plurality of print data with the same file name or a plurality of print data with similar file names, two or more print data can be designated from each group and printed. For this reason, for example, in order to confirm the correction portion in the final version document, the final version document and a document one previous to the final version can be printed at a time.

  (4) For print data that has been printed, whether to delete only the printed data, or to delete all print data with the same file name as that of the printed data, or to the file name of the printed data The user can select whether or not to delete all print data with similar file names and delete them from the hard disk of the server computer. Therefore, the print data can be deleted in response to a user request without automatically deleting the print data from the hardware.

<First Modification>
In the network print system according to the above-described embodiment, print data created by the client computer 100 is uploaded to the server computer 200. However, the network print system is a system that does not include the server computer 200 as follows. It does not matter.

  In this case, the client computer 100 uploads the created print data to the MFP 300. The program shown in FIG. 6 is executed by MFP 300 instead of server computer 200. Further, in the program shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a part executed by server computer 200 is executed by MFP 300. The user creates print data on the client computer 100 and uploads it to the MFP 300, and then executes print processing on the MFP 300.

  As described above, a network print system that does not include the server computer 200 may be used.

<Second Modification>
In the job selection screen (FIGS. 11 to 14 and FIG. 16) displayed on the touch panel display 380 of the MFP 300, a print image corresponding to the selected print data is displayed as a preview image in the empty area on the right side of the touch panel display 380. You may make it display. The user can select the print job more easily and more accurately.

  The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each of the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are intended. Including.

100 Client computer 200 Server computer 300 MFP
400 Network line 110, 210, 310 CPU
120, 220, 320 ROM
130, 230, 330 RAM
140, 240, 340 HDD
150, 250, 350 Input I / F
160, 260, 360 Display I / F
170, 270, 370 Network I / F
180, 280 Optical disk drive 380 Touch panel display 190, 290, 390 Bus

Claims (16)

A network image forming system in which an image forming apparatus receiving data from a server computer storing image data forms an image,
A client computer for creating image data and transmitting the image data together with a file name to the server computer;
The image data received from the client computer is stored while allowing duplicate file names, and the image data corresponding to the user information received from the image forming apparatus is searched from the stored image data. A server computer for transmitting the image data to the image forming apparatus that has transmitted the user information;
The user information is transmitted to the server computer, the image data is received from the server computer, the image data having overlapping file names is displayed as a group, and the user is selected from the displayed image data. A network image forming system including an image forming apparatus that forms an image using image data. A network image forming system in which an image forming apparatus that has received data from a client computer that has created image data forms an image,
A client computer for creating image data and transmitting the image data together with a file name to the image forming apparatus;
The image data received from the client computer is stored by allowing duplicate file names, and the image data corresponding to the user who uses the image forming apparatus is searched from the stored image data. An image forming apparatus that displays image data having overlapping file names as a group and forms an image using image data selected by the user from the displayed image data. Image forming system. An image forming apparatus that forms an image using image data created in a client computer,
Storage means for storing image data received from the client computer or image data received from a server computer to which the client computer has transmitted image data, allowing duplication of file names of the image data; and
An identification means for identifying a user who uses the image forming apparatus;
Acquisition means for acquiring image data corresponding to the identified user;
Display means for displaying the acquired image data as a group of image data having overlapping file names;
A selecting means for selecting image data for which a user requests image formation from the displayed image data;
And an image forming unit for forming an image using the image data selected by the user. The storage means includes means for storing the image data together with the date and time when the image data was created,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display unit includes a unit that preferentially displays the image data with the new date and time.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the display unit includes a unit that preferentially displays image data having a new date and time in the group.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the display unit includes a unit that preferentially displays a group including the image data having a new date and time.   7. The display unit according to claim 3, wherein the display unit includes a unit for displaying the file name of the image data having the latest creation date and time in the group in a manner different from other file names. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display unit includes a unit for displaying the file names in ascending order or descending order in the group.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the selection unit includes a unit for selecting two or more pieces of image data from the plurality of displayed image data.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising an instruction creating unit for creating an instruction to delete image data related to the imaged image data.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the instruction creating unit includes a unit for creating an instruction to delete image data having a file name that overlaps a file name of the image data formed with the image.   The instruction creating unit includes a unit for creating an instruction to delete image data having a file name that overlaps with a file name of the image data that has been imaged and that has not been imaged. The image forming apparatus according to 10.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising means for displaying a preview of the selected image data.   The image data further includes means for transmitting to the client computer information indicating that the file name is duplicated when the image data is saved while allowing duplication of the file name of the image data. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. A server computer used in a network image forming system that receives data from a server computer storing image data and forms an image, the system creating the image data and transmitting the image data to the server computer A client computer, and an image forming apparatus that forms an image using data received from the server computer,
Storage means for storing image data received from the client computer while allowing duplicate file names;
Receiving means for receiving user information from the image forming apparatus;
Search means for searching image data corresponding to the user information from the stored image data;
Data transmission means for transmitting the searched image data to the image forming apparatus that has transmitted the user information;
A server computer including information transmission means for transmitting information indicating that the file name of the image data is stored in a duplicated manner to the client computer when the file name is allowed to be duplicated;   Upon receiving from the image forming apparatus an instruction to delete image data related to image data on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus, a deletion unit for deleting the stored image data based on the instruction The server computer according to claim 15, comprising:

Images