JP2013041554A - Print server, print data transmission method, and print data transmission program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To transmit print data in proper order.SOLUTION: A print server includes: a spooling unit 253 for temporarily storing print data in association with user identification information; an authentication unit 255 for receiving authentication information from instruction devices and performing authentication; an output instruction reception unit 257 for receiving output instructions from the instruction devices; a print data transmission unit 259 for transmitting print data associated with the authentication information to an image formation device specified by each output instruction; and a selection unit 261 for selecting one of untransmitted print data among plural pieces of first print data associated with first authentication information and second print data associated with second authentication information on the basis of whether or not a first instruction device and a second instruction device are the same, when a second output instruction is received while the plural pieces of first print data are sequentially transmitted on the basis of a first output instruction.

Description

  The present invention relates to a print server, a print data transmission method, and a print data transmission program, and in particular, a print server that stores a plurality of print data and transmits a plurality of print data in response to a request, and a print executed by the print server The present invention relates to a data transmission method and a print data transmission program.

  Print data transmitted from a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) is not immediately printed on an image forming apparatus represented by a multifunction peripheral, but is temporarily stored in a print server, and an image is received in response to a request from a user. 2. Description of the Related Art A printing system that transmits print data to a forming apparatus to print is known. According to this printing system, there is an advantage that when there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses, printing can be performed on an arbitrary image forming apparatus. In this printing system, when a plurality of requests to be printed on one image forming apparatus are input, it is common to send print data to the image forming apparatus in the order in which each of the plurality of requests is input, and to print it. is there.

  However, it may be desirable to prioritize requests ahead of other requests. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-189459 discloses a technique for determining the priority order of a plurality of requests, although a print server is not used. Specifically, a photographic processing apparatus having an image exposure unit that performs a printing process on a photographic photosensitive material, a terminal processing apparatus having an image input unit that inputs image data to be printed, and one or more A print processing system configured to connect a single photographic processing apparatus and a plurality of terminal processing apparatuses via a network, wherein at least one of the photographic processing apparatus and the terminal processing apparatus is connected to a network With respect to the apparatus, when the photo processing apparatus acquires print creation data to be printed, a priority order setting unit is provided which can set the order of terminal processing apparatuses to be preferentially printed. A print processing system is described.

However, the conventional print processing system has a problem that the user has to set the order of terminal processing devices that should preferentially perform print processing.
JP 2005-189459 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a print server capable of transmitting print data in an appropriate order.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a print data transmission method capable of transmitting print data in an appropriate order.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a print data transmission program capable of transmitting print data in an appropriate order.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a print server receives print data and user identification information from the outside, print data reception means for receiving the received print data, and user identification information. Corresponding spool device for temporary storage, authentication device for receiving and authenticating authentication information from the indicating device, and indicating device for transmitting authenticated authentication information during a login period starting after successful authentication by the authenticating device Output instruction receiving means for receiving an output instruction designating an output destination image forming apparatus, user identification information included in received authentication information among print data stored in the image forming apparatus designated by the output instruction, and Print data transmitting means for transmitting the associated print data, and the output instruction receiving means is authenticated. 1st output which designated the output image forming apparatus from the 1st instruction | indication apparatus which transmitted 1st authentication information in the 1st login period started after the authentication based on 1st authentication information by a stage succeeds A first output instruction receiving means for receiving the instruction, and a second output instruction for transmitting the second authentication information during a second login period starting after authentication based on the second authentication information by the authenticating means is successful. And a second output instruction receiving means for receiving a second output instruction for designating the same image forming apparatus as the image forming apparatus designated by the first output instruction, wherein the print data transmitting means comprises the first output Based on the instruction, the second output instruction is received during a period in which a plurality of first print data associated with the user identification information included in the first authentication information among the stored print data is sequentially transmitted. Place Based on whether or not the first instruction device and the second instruction device are the same, the unauthenticated print data among the plurality of first print data and the second authentication information among the stored print data Selection means for selecting one of the second print data associated with the included user identification information is included.

  According to this aspect, when the user is authenticated and the output instruction is received, the print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus specified by the apparatus identification information included in the output instruction. When the first output instruction instructed by the previously authenticated user and the second output instruction instructed by the later authenticated user instruct the transmission of print data to the same image forming apparatus, the first and One of the first and second output instructions is selected based on whether or not the first and second indicating devices that have transmitted the second output instructions are the same. Therefore, it is possible to provide a print server that can transmit print data in an appropriate order when a plurality of users are authenticated.

  Preferably, when the first instruction device and the second instruction device are the same, the selection unit selects the second print data, and the print data transmission unit selects the second print data selected by the selection unit as the second print data. Is transmitted based on the output instruction means.

  According to this aspect, when the first instruction device and the second instruction device are the same, the second output instruction has priority. When the first instruction device and the second instruction device are the same, a user who has been authenticated first and a user who has been authenticated later are operating the same instruction device. For this reason, the user who has been authenticated first has the right to operate the pointing device to the user who has been authenticated later, so that the second output instruction is given priority over the first output instruction, and the user is authenticated later. User waiting time can be shortened.

  Preferably, when the authentication based on the first authentication information is successfully performed by the authentication unit within a predetermined period from the completion of the transmission of the second print data, the print data transmission unit is based on the first output instruction. And restarting means for restarting transmission of unsent print data among the plurality of first print data.

  According to this aspect, if a previously authenticated user is authenticated within a predetermined period after transmission of print data for a later authenticated user is completed, Transmission of print data is resumed. For this reason, the previously authenticated user can omit an operation for newly giving an output instruction, and the operation can be simplified.

  Preferably, when the first instruction device and the second instruction device are different, the selection unit selects untransmitted print data from the plurality of first print data, and the print data transmission unit selects the selected plurality of print data. Among the first print data, untransmitted print data is transmitted based on the first output instruction.

  According to this aspect, when the first instruction device and the second instruction device are different, the first output instruction is given priority. When the first instruction device and the second instruction device are different, a user who has been authenticated first and a user who has been authenticated later operate different instruction devices. For this reason, the user who has been authenticated first does not know that the user who has been authenticated later has been authenticated, so the first output instruction is given priority over the second output instruction. As a result, it is possible to continue the transmission of print data for the previously authenticated user and prevent waiting time from occurring for the previously authenticated user.

  Preferably, the print data transmission unit performs the second print based on the second output instruction if the transmission of the untransmitted print data among the plurality of first print data is within the second login period. In-period start means for transmitting data is included.

  According to this aspect, since the print data for the later authenticated user is transmitted immediately after the transmission of the print data for the previously authenticated user is completed, the waiting time of the later authenticated user Can be made as short as possible.

  Preferably, the print data transmitting means authenticates within a predetermined period from the completion time if the completion time when transmission of untransmitted print data among the plurality of first print data is not within the second login period. And an out-of-period starting means for transmitting the second print data based on the second output instruction in response to successful authentication based on the second authentication information by the means.

  According to this aspect, if a later authenticated user is authenticated within a predetermined period after transmission of print data for the previously authenticated user is completed, the print for the later authenticated user is performed. Data transmission starts. Therefore, a user who is authenticated later can omit an operation for newly giving an output instruction, and the operation can be simplified.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a print data transmission method is a print data transmission method executed by a print server, the step of receiving print data and user identification information from the outside, and the received print data In the login period starting after successful authentication in the step of receiving and authenticating the authentication information from the pointing device, and in the step of authenticating. An output instruction receiving step for receiving an output instruction specifying an output destination image forming apparatus from the transmitting instruction apparatus, and included in the received authentication information among print data stored in the image forming apparatus specified by the output instruction Print data transmission that transmits print data associated with the user identification information And the output instruction receiving step transmits the first authentication information during the first login period starting after successful authentication based on the first authentication information in the authenticating step. A first output instruction receiving step for receiving a first output instruction designating an output destination image forming apparatus, and a second login period starting after successful authentication based on the second authentication information in the authenticating step In addition, a second output instruction receiving step of receiving a second output instruction designating the same image forming apparatus as the image forming apparatus designated by the first output instruction from the second output instruction having transmitted the second authentication information. And the print data transmission step is associated with the user identification information included in the first authentication information of the stored print data based on the first output instruction. When a second output instruction is received during a period in which a plurality of first print data is transmitted in sequence, a plurality of second print instructions are determined based on whether the first instruction apparatus and the second instruction apparatus are the same. Selecting one of unprinted print data among the one print data and second print data associated with the user identification information included in the second authentication information among the stored print data. .

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a print data transmission method capable of transmitting print data in an appropriate order when a plurality of users are authenticated.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the print data transmission program receives the print data and the user identification information from the outside, and temporarily stores the received print data in association with the user identification information; Receiving the authentication information from the instruction device, authenticating, and outputting the image forming device that is the output destination from the instruction device that has transmitted the authenticated authentication information during a login period starting after successful authentication in the authentication step. An output instruction receiving step for receiving the specified output instruction, and print data associated with the user identification information included in the received authentication information among the print data stored in the image forming apparatus specified by the output instruction is transmitted. A print data transmission step, and the output instruction reception step includes an authentication step. The first image forming apparatus designated as the output destination is designated by the first instruction apparatus that has transmitted the first authentication information during the first login period that starts after the authentication based on the first authentication information is successful. The second output information has been transmitted in the second login period starting after the first output instruction receiving step of receiving the output instruction and the authentication based on the second authentication information succeeded in the authenticating step. A second output instruction receiving step for receiving a second output instruction for designating the same image forming apparatus as the image forming apparatus designated by the first output instruction from the output instruction; Based on the first output instruction, a plurality of first print data associated with the user identification information included in the first authentication information among the stored print data is sequentially transmitted. If the second output instruction is received during the period, the untransmitted print data among the plurality of first print data is determined based on whether the first instruction apparatus and the second instruction apparatus are the same. And a step of selecting one of the stored print data and the second print data associated with the user identification information included in the second authentication information.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a print data transmission program capable of transmitting print data in an appropriate order when a plurality of users are authenticated.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall outline of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a print server. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an MFP. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the hardware constitutions of a portable information device. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU provided in a print server. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in an MFP. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the function which CPU with which a portable information device is provided has. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a spool process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of an authentication process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of an output instruction execution process. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of first print data transmission processing. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of second print data transmission processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a pull print process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a remote operation process. FIG. 3 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a flow of print data executed in the print system. FIG. 6 is a second diagram illustrating an example of the flow of print data executed in the print system.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall outline of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a print system 1 includes a multi-function peripheral (hereinafter referred to as “MFP”) 100, 100A, 100B, a print server 200, an authentication server 300, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “MFP”) connected to a network 3. (Hereinafter referred to as “PC”) 400 to 402, portable information device 510, and wireless station 500.

  The figure shows an example in which three MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) 100, 100A, and 100B are connected as an image forming apparatus to the network 3, but the number of MFPs is not limited to this. One or more units may be used. Further, instead of the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B, any apparatus having a function of forming an image may be used, for example, a facsimile or a printer.

  The network 3 is a local area network (LAN), and the connection form may be wired or wireless. Further, the network 2 is not limited to a LAN, and may be a network using a public switched telephone network (Public Switched Telephone Networks). Furthermore, the network 3 is connected to a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. Therefore, each of MFPs 100, 100A, 100C, print server 200, authentication server 300, and PCs 400 to 402 can communicate with each other via network 3, and can communicate with many computers connected to the Internet.

  The portable information device 510 is a general PDA. Here, a case where portable information device 510 is a smartphone will be described as an example. The portable information device 510 is connected to a cellular phone network by wirelessly communicating with a cellular phone base station, and can make a call. Further, the portable information device 510 has a wireless LAN function.

  A wireless station 500 is further connected to the network 3. The wireless station 500 is a relay device of the network 3 and communicates with the portable information device 510 having a wireless LAN communication function to connect the portable information device 510 to the network 3. Therefore, portable information device 510 can send and receive data to and from MFPs 100, 100 </ b> A, 100 </ b> B, print server 200, authentication server 300, and PCs 400 to 402 connected to network 3.

  The PCs 400 to 402, the print server 200, and the authentication server 300 are general computers. Authentication server 300 executes processing for authenticating users who use PCs 400 to 402, MFPs 100, 100 </ b> A, 100 </ b> B, and portable information device 510. The authentication server 300 stores user data including a user record including user identification information for identifying a user and a password. From any of the PCs 400 to 402, the MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and the portable information device 510, When the authentication information input by the user is received, the received authentication information is compared with a user record included in user data stored in advance. If the user data includes a user record that matches the authentication information, the authentication server 300 returns an authentication result indicating authentication success, but otherwise returns an authentication result indicating authentication failure. In some cases, authentication of a user who operates MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B is executed in print server 200. In this case, authentication information input to MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B is authenticated via print server 200. It is transmitted to the server 300.

  Here, a case where a pair of user identification information and a password is used as the authentication information is shown as an example, but biometric information such as a user's fingerprint, vein pattern, and iris may be authenticated as the authentication information. In this case, a reading device for reading biometric information is connected to PCs 400 to 402, MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and portable information device 510, and user data stored in authentication server 300 includes user identification information, biometric information, and the like. including. Each of PCs 400 to 402, MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and portable information device 510 receives biometric information read by the reading device. Each of PCs 400 to 402, MFPs 100, 100 </ b> A, 100 </ b> B, and portable information device 510 transmits biometric information input from the reading device to authentication server 300 and causes authentication server 300 to authenticate.

  The print server 200 may also serve as the authentication server 300. In this case, the authentication server 300 is not necessary. The PCs 400 to 402 and the MFPs 100, 100 </ b> A, and 100 </ b> B may also serve as the authentication server 300.

  Each of the PCs 400 to 402 is used by a user and executes various processes by executing an application program. The various processes include a log-in process for authenticating the user to be used and a print process for generating print data and causing the MFP 100, 100A, or 100B to print the print data.

  In the print system 1 according to the present embodiment, a pull print driver program is installed in each of the PCs 400 to 402. Each of the PCs 400 to 402 causes the print server 200 to temporarily store print data by executing a pull print driver program. When each of the PCs 400 to 402 installs the pull print driver program, the print server 200 is registered as a print data transmission destination. For example, the print server 200 is registered by setting the network address of the print server 200.

  Each of the PCs 400 to 402 causes the MFP 100, 100A, 100B to print the print data by executing a pull print driver program. Specifically, for example, when the user A logs in with the user identification information “taro1” and instructs the print server 200 as the transmission destination on the PC 400, the pull print driver program The print data is transmitted to the print server 200. The pull print data includes print data obtained by converting data designated by the user into a print format, and user identification information “taro1”.

  When the print server 200 receives pull print data including a set of user identification information and print data from any of the PCs 400 to 402, the print server 200 temporarily stores them in association with each other. Thereafter, when an output instruction is input from either MFP 100, 100A, 100B or portable information device 510, pull print data is output to any of MFP 100, 100A, 100B in accordance with the output instruction. The output instruction includes print data identification information for identifying print data and device identification information for designating an output destination. The device identification information designating the output destination is information for identifying one of the MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and is, for example, a name assigned in advance to the MFPs 100, 100A, 100B or a network address assigned in the network 3. is there.

  The output instruction includes a direct output instruction received from the MFP operated by the user among MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B, and a remote output instruction received from portable information device 510 operated by the user.

  When a user logs in to one of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B, for example, MFP 100, print server 200 extracts pull print data including user identification information of the logged-in user from the pull print data, and the extracted pull print data. Spool information including print data identification information of the print data included in is transmitted. The MFP 100 that receives the spool information receives an instruction from the user to select at least one of the print data identification information included in the spool information, and directly includes the selected print data identification information and the apparatus identification information of the MFP 100. An output instruction is transmitted to the print server 200. Thereafter, in response to receiving an acquisition request including the print data identification information included in the direct output instruction from MFP 100, print server 200 transmits print data specified by the print data identification information included in the acquisition request to MFP 100. Send. As a result, the MFP 100 forms an image of the print data stored in the print server 200.

  On the other hand, when the user logs in to the portable information device 510, the print server 200 extracts the pull print data including the user identification information of the logged in user from the pull print data, and print data included in the extracted pull print data. Spool information including print data identification information is transmitted. The portable information device 510 that receives the spool information receives an instruction to select at least one of the print data identification information included in the spool information and an instruction to select an output destination from the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B. The remote output instruction including the selected print data identification information and the device identification information of the device selected from among the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B is transmitted to the print server 200. The print server 200 that receives the remote output instruction transmits the print data of the print data identification information included in the remote output instruction to the apparatus specified by the apparatus identification information included in the remote output instruction among the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B. . Thus, an image of the print data stored in print server 200 is formed by the device specified by the device output information included in the remote output instruction among MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B.

  Note that an operation by a user to select print data identification information to be output from print data identification information included in the spool information may be omitted. In this case, when the MFP 100 to which the user has logged in receives the spool information, the MFP 100 transmits a direct output instruction including all the print data identification information included in the spool information and the apparatus identification information of the MFP 100 to the print server 200, and then All the print data identification information included in the spool information is sequentially selected, and an acquisition request is transmitted to the print server 200. In addition, when the portable information device 510 to which the user has logged in receives the spool information, the portable information device 510 receives an instruction to select an output destination from the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B from the user, and all the print data identification information included in the spool information; A remote output instruction including device identification information of a device selected from MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B is transmitted to print server 200.

  Print server 200 receives an output instruction directly from one of MFPs 100, 100 </ b> A, and 100 </ b> B, and receives a remote output instruction from portable information device 510. Here, the print server 200 receives the direct output instruction, and sequentially transmits one or more print data corresponding to each of the one or more print data identification information included in the direct output instruction in response to receiving the acquisition request. The process is referred to as a print data transmission process based on a direct output instruction. Also, the print server 200 receives the remote output instruction, and specifies one or more print data corresponding to each of the one or more print data identification information included in the remote output instruction by the device identification information included in the remote output instruction. Processing to be transmitted to the apparatus is called print data transmission processing based on a remote output instruction.

  When the direct output instruction received by the print server 200 includes a plurality of pieces of print data identification information, the print server 200 may require a certain amount of time for print data transmission processing based on the direct output instruction. For this reason, while the print server 200 is executing print data transmission processing based on the direct output instruction, a remote output instruction or direct output instruction including the same apparatus identification information as the apparatus identification information included in the direct output instruction is issued. May receive. Therefore, the output instruction includes a first output instruction and a second output instruction received while the print server 200 is executing print data transmission processing based on the first output instruction.

  First, a description will be given of a case where a remote output instruction including the same device identification information as the device identification information included in the direct output instruction is received while the print server 200 is executing print data transmission processing based on the direct output instruction. To do. For example, after user A logs in to MFP 100, user B logs in to portable information device 510 and selects MFP 100 as the output destination. Specifically, when user A logs into MFP 100 and MFP 100 transmits a direct output instruction for user A, print server 200 executes print data transmission processing based on the direct output instruction for user A. . When the user B logs into the portable information device 510 and the user B selects the MFP 100 as an output destination, the time when the print server 200 receives a remote output instruction for the user B from the portable information device 510 is This is a case where the server 200 is executing print data transmission processing based on a direct output instruction for the user A. In this case, the direct output instruction for the user A is the first output instruction, and the remote output instruction for the user B is the second output instruction.

  Next, while the print server 200 is executing print data transmission processing based on the direct output instruction, another direct output instruction including the same apparatus identification information as the apparatus identification information included in the direct output instruction is received. The case will be described. For example, the user C logs into the MFP 100 after the user A logs into the MFP 100. Specifically, when user A logs into MFP 100 and MFP 100 transmits a direct output instruction for user A, print server 200 executes print data transmission processing based on the direct output instruction for user A. . While the print server 200 is executing print data transmission processing based on a direct output instruction for the user A, the user A inputs an interrupt instruction, for example, as an instruction to interrupt the acquisition request transmission to the MFP 100. Thereafter, the user C logs into the MFP 100 and the MFP 100 transmits a direct output instruction for the user C. In this case, the direct output instruction for the user A is the first output instruction, and the direct output instruction for the user C is the second output instruction. Note that print server 200 cannot detect that user A has input an interrupt instruction to MFP 100 while print data transmission processing is being executed based on a direct output instruction for user A.

  The print server 200 executes the print data transmission process based on the first output instruction halfway. The print server 200 performs the print data transmission process based on the second output instruction received after the first output instruction. Whether to give priority over the print data transmission process based on the one output instruction is selected depending on whether the apparatus that has transmitted the first output instruction is the same as the apparatus that has transmitted the second output instruction. Priority is given to the processing performed. Specifically, when the device that has transmitted the first output instruction is the same as the device that has transmitted the second output instruction, priority is given to print data transmission processing based on the second output instruction, and the first output instruction Is different from the apparatus that has transmitted the second output instruction, priority is given to the print data transmission process based on the first output instruction.

  Note that print conditions such as the number of copies, paper size, color and monochrome, and print layout may be transmitted together with the print data. This print condition is determined based on values received by the PCs 400 to 402 from the user. Also, in PC 400 to 402, only print data is transmitted without transmitting print conditions together with print data, and print conditions are designated after the user logs in the MFP 100, 100A, 100B in which the user has logged in. You may make it do.

  MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B may have the same or different hardware configurations, but include an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet such as paper based on at least image data. Although the hardware configurations of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B may not be the same, here, a case where MFP 100 has a configuration of at least one of other MFPs 100A and 100B will be described as an example.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the print server. Referring to FIG. 2, each print server 200 is connected to a bus 208, a CPU 201 for controlling the entire print server 200, a ROM 202 for storing a program executed by the CPU 201, and operations of the CPU 201. RAM 203 used as a region, network I / F 204 for connecting the print server 200 to the network, HDD 205 as a large-capacity storage device, display unit 206, operation unit 207 for accepting user operation input, external A storage device 209.

  The external storage device 209 is loaded with a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-ROM) 209A storing a program. The CPU 201 loads the program stored in the CD-ROM 209A via the external storage device 209 to the RAM 203 and executes it. The recording medium for storing the program is not limited to the CD-ROM 209A, but a flexible disk, a cassette tape, an optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), an IC card, A semiconductor memory such as an optical card, mask ROM, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) may be used. Further, the program stored in the HDD 205 may be loaded into the RAM 203 and executed. In this case, the print server 200 may download a program from another computer connected to the network 3 and store the program in the HDD 205. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU 201 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the MFP. Referring to FIG. 3, MFP 100 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) 10, an image reading unit 20, an image forming unit 30, a paper feeding unit 40, and a post-processing unit 50.

  The ADF 10 automatically conveys a plurality of documents set on the document feed tray 11 one by one to a predetermined document reading position set on the platen glass of the image reading unit 20, and the image reading unit 20 The document on which the document image is read is discharged onto the document discharge tray 12. The image reading unit 20 includes a light source that irradiates light to a document conveyed to a document reading position and a photoelectric conversion element that receives light reflected by the document, and scans a document image corresponding to the size of the document. The photoelectric conversion element converts the received light into image data that is an electrical signal and outputs the image data to the image forming unit 30. The paper feed unit 40 conveys the paper stored in the paper feed tray to the image forming unit 30.

  The image forming unit 30 forms an image by a known electrophotographic method, and performs various data processing such as shading correction on image data received from the outside or image data input from the image reading unit 20. Then, based on the image data after the data processing or the print data received from the outside, an image is formed on the paper conveyed by the paper supply unit 40.

  The post-processing unit 50 discharges the paper on which the image is formed. The post-processing unit 50 includes a plurality of paper discharge trays, and can sort and discharge the sheets on which images are formed. The post-processing unit 50 includes a punch hole processing unit and a staple processing unit, and can perform punch hole processing or staple processing on the discharged paper. The MFP 100 also includes an operation panel 9 as a user interface with the user on the top surface.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP. Referring to FIG. 4, MFP 100 includes a main circuit 101, a facsimile unit 122, and a communication control unit 123. The main circuit 101 is connected to an automatic document feeder (ADF) 10, an image reading unit 20, an image forming unit 30, a paper feeding unit 40, and a post-processing unit 50.

  The main circuit 101 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 111, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112 used as a work area of the CPU 111, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 113 for storing programs executed by the CPU 111, and the like. A display unit 114, an operation unit 115, a hard disk drive (HDD) 116 as a mass storage device, a data communication control unit 117, and an external storage device 118.

  The CPU 111 is connected to the RAM 112, the ROM 113, the display unit 114, the operation unit 115, the HDD 116, the data communication control unit 117, and the external storage device 118, and controls the entire main circuit 101. The CPU 111 is connected to the facsimile unit 122, the communication control unit 123, the ADF 10, the image reading unit 20, the image forming unit 30, the paper feeding unit 40, and the post-processing unit 50, and controls the entire MFP 100.

  The display unit 114 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic ELD (Electro Luminescence Display), and displays an instruction menu for the user, information about acquired image data, and the like. The operation unit 115 includes a plurality of keys, and accepts input of various instructions, data such as characters and numbers by user operations corresponding to the keys. The operation unit 115 includes a touch panel provided on the display unit 114.

  Data communication control unit 117 is an interface for connecting MFP 100 to network 3. CPU 111 communicates with print server 200, authentication server 300, PCs 400 to 402, portable information device 510, and MFPs 100 </ b> A and 100 </ b> B via data communication control unit 117 to transmit / receive data. The communication I / F unit 112 can communicate with other computers connected to the Internet via the network 3 to transmit and receive data.

  The external storage device 118 is loaded with a CD-ROM 118A. The CPU 111 can access the CD-ROM 118 </ b> A via the external storage device 118. The CPU 111 loads the program recorded on the CD-ROM 118A mounted on the external storage device 118 into the RAM 112 and executes it. Note that the program executed by the CPU 111 is not limited to the program recorded on the CD-ROM 118A, and the program stored in the HDD 116 may be loaded into the RAM 112 and executed. In this case, another computer connected to the network 3 may rewrite the program stored in the HDD 116 of the MFP 100 or may add a new program and write it. Further, MFP 100 may download a program from another computer connected to network 3 and store the program in HDD 116. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU 111 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  The communication control unit 123 is a modem for connecting the CPU 111 to the PSTN 7. The telephone number in PSTN 7 is assigned to MFP 100 in advance, and when a call is made from the facsimile apparatus connected to PSTN 7 to the telephone number assigned to MFP 100, communication control unit 123 detects the call. When the communication control unit 123 detects a call, the communication control unit 123 establishes a call and causes the facsimile unit 122 to communicate.

  The facsimile unit 122 is connected to the PSTN 7 and transmits facsimile data to the PSTN 7 or receives facsimile data from the PSTN 7. The facsimile unit 122 stores the received facsimile data in the HDD 116, converts the received facsimile data into print data that can be printed by the image forming unit 30, and outputs the print data to the image forming unit 30. As a result, the image forming unit 30 prints the facsimile data received by the facsimile unit 122 on paper. Further, the facsimile unit 122 converts the data stored in the HDD 116 into facsimile data, and transmits the facsimile data to the facsimile apparatus connected to the PSTN 7.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of the portable information device. Referring to FIG. 5, portable information device 510 is connected to CPU 511 for controlling overall portable information device 510, camera 512, flash memory 513 for storing data in a nonvolatile manner, and call unit 515. A wireless communication unit 514, a display unit 516 that displays information, an operation unit 517 that receives an input of a user operation, and a wireless LAN I / F 518 are included.

  The wireless communication unit 514 wirelessly communicates with a mobile phone base station connected to the telephone communication network. The wireless communication unit 514 connects the portable information device 510 to the telephone communication network and enables a call using the call unit 515. Radio communication unit 514 decodes the audio signal obtained by demodulating the radio signal received from the mobile phone base station, and outputs the decoded audio signal to call unit 515. Also, the wireless communication unit 514 encodes the voice input from the call unit 515 and transmits it to the mobile phone base station. The call unit 515 includes a microphone and a speaker, outputs the voice input from the wireless communication unit 514 from the speaker, and outputs the voice input from the microphone to the wireless communication unit 514. Further, the wireless communication unit 514 is controlled by the CPU 511, transmits and receives data via the mobile phone base station, and connects the mobile information device 510 to the Internet, for example.

  The camera 512 includes a lens and a photoelectric conversion element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, and focuses the light collected by the lens on a CMOS sensor. The CMOS sensor photoelectrically converts the received light to convert image data. It outputs to CPU201.

  The display unit 516 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic ELD, and displays an instruction menu for a user, data received from the outside, and the like. The operation unit 207 includes a plurality of keys, and accepts input of various instructions, data such as characters and numbers by user operations corresponding to the keys. The operation unit 207 includes a touch panel provided so as to overlap with the display unit 516.

  The wireless LAN I / F 518 is an interface for communicating with the wireless station 500 and connecting the portable information device 510 to the network 3. The IP (Internet Protocol) address of the print server 200 is registered in the portable information device 510 in advance. The portable information device 510 can communicate with the print server 200 via the wireless LAN I / F 518 and can transmit and receive data.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the CPU provided in the print server. The functions of the CPU 201 included in the print server 200 shown in FIG. 6 are functions formed in the CPU 201 when the CPU 201 executes a print data transmission program stored in the ROM 202, HDD 205, or CD-ROM 209A.

  Referring to FIG. 6, CPU 201 provided in print server 200 includes a print data receiving unit 251 that receives pull print data from the outside, a spool unit 253 that temporarily stores pull print data, and a server-side authentication unit that authenticates a user. 255, an output instruction receiving unit 257 for receiving an output instruction, and a print data transmitting unit 259 for transmitting print data. The output instruction receiving unit 257 includes a first output instruction receiving unit 271 and a second output instruction receiving unit 273. The print data transmission unit 259 selects the first print data transmission unit 275, the second print data transmission unit 281, the instruction device comparison unit 263 that compares the devices that transmitted the output instructions, and the print data to be transmitted And a selection unit 261 to be performed.

  The print data receiving unit 251 controls the network I / F 204 and receives pull print data including print data and user identification information from any of the PCs 400 to 402. Upon receiving the pull print data, the print data receiving unit 251 outputs the received pull print data to the spool unit 253.

  When the pull print data is input from the print data receiving unit 251, the spool unit 253 stores the pull print data in the HDD 205. As a result, the pull print data 291 is stored in the HDD 205. The pull print data 291 includes print data and user identification information, and associates the print data with the user identification information.

  When server-side authentication unit 255 controls network I / F 204 to receive authentication information from one of MFPs 100, 100, 100 B and portable information device 510, MFP 100, 100, 100 B and portable information are based on the authentication information. The user who operates the device which has transmitted the authentication information among the devices 510 is authenticated. The authentication information includes user identification information for identifying the user and a password. The server-side authentication unit 255 transmits user identification information and a password included in the received authentication information to the authentication server 300 via the network I / F 204, and causes the authentication server 300 to authenticate. When the authentication server 300 receives the user identification information and the password, the authentication server 300 compares the user identification information and the password with user data stored in advance, and if the two match, returns an authentication result indicating a successful authentication. If they do not match, an authentication result indicating authentication failure is returned. Here, the user data includes user identification information for identifying the user and a password.

  When the network I / F 204 receives the authentication result from the authentication server 300, the server-side authentication unit 255 receives the authentication result. Server-side authentication unit 255 transmits the authentication result to the device that has transmitted the authentication information among MFPs 100, 100 A, 100 B and portable information device 510. When the authentication result indicates that the authentication is successful, the server-side authentication unit 255 and the user identification information of the authenticated user and the device identification information of the device that has transmitted the authentication information among the MFPs 100, 100A, 100B and the portable information device 510, Is output to the output instruction receiving unit 257 and the print data transmitting unit 259.

  When the server-side authentication unit 255 receives the authentication result indicating the authentication success from the authentication server 300, the information received from the device from which the network I / F 204 has transmitted the authentication information thereafter is the login until the logout request is received. Treat as information sent for authenticated users during the period. For example, when receiving authentication information from MFP 100, server-side authentication unit 255 receives an authentication result indicating that authentication has succeeded from authentication server 300, and then receives a logout request from MFP 100 within a login period. Although the information received from MFP 100 is treated as valid, the information received from MFP 100 is not validated outside the login period after receiving the logout request. When the server side authentication unit 255 receives the authentication result indicating the authentication success from the authentication server 300, the server side authentication unit 255 outputs the user identification information and the device identification information of the authenticated user to the output instruction reception unit 257 and the print data transmission unit 259. Thereafter, when a logout request is received, a logout notification indicating that the user has logged out is output to the output instruction receiving unit 257 and the print data transmitting unit 259. The logout notification includes user identification information of the authenticated user. Thereby, the output instruction receiving unit 257 detects the login period during which the authenticated user is logged in.

  When user identification information and device identification information are input from server-side authentication unit 255, output instruction receiving unit 257 includes MFP 100, 100A, 100B and portable information device 510 during the login period before receiving a logout notification. An output instruction is received from the device specified by the device identification information.

  Specifically, the output instruction receiving unit 257 receives the user identification information and the device identification information from the server-side authentication unit 255, and selects the server from the pull print data 291 stored in the HDD 205. Pull print data 291 including user identification information input from the side authentication unit 255 is extracted. When the pull instruction data 291 including the user identification information input from the server side authentication unit 255 is extracted, the output instruction reception unit 257 is input from the server side authentication unit 255 of the MFPs 100, 100 </ b> A, 100 </ b> B and the portable information device 510. The spool information is transmitted to the device specified by the device identification information via the network I / F 204. The spool information includes print data identification information of print data included in the pull print data 291 including user identification information input from the server-side authentication unit 255 among the pull print data 291 stored in the HDD 205. When the output instruction receiving unit 257 extracts a plurality of pull print data 291 including user identification information, the output instruction receiving unit 257 generates spool information including all print data identification information of the print data included in each of the extracted pull print data 291. Send.

  Here, among MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B and portable information device 510, a device that receives spool information is referred to as an instruction device. Although details of the instruction device will be described later, the instruction device returns an output instruction. The output instruction includes one or more pieces of print data identification information selected from one or more pieces of print data identification information included in the spool information, and device identification of one of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B as information for specifying an output destination. Information. Here, the device included in the output instruction and specified by the device identification information specifying the output destination is referred to as an output device. The output instruction reception unit 257 receives the output instruction transmitted from the instruction device, and outputs the received output instruction to the print data transmission unit 259.

  The output instruction includes a direct output instruction transmitted by any of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B and a remote output instruction transmitted by portable information device 510. The direct output instruction includes one or more pieces of print data identification information selected from one or more pieces of print data identification information included in the spool information, and device identification information of an output device among MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B. Note that the device identification information of the output device included in the direct output instruction is the same as the device identification information of the instruction device. For this reason, the direct output instruction may not include the device identification information.

  The remote output instruction is a device identification of one or more print data identification information selected by the user from one or more print data identification information included in the spool information and an output device selected from the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B. Information. In the remote output instruction, the instruction device is the portable information device 510, and the device identification information of the output device included in the remote output instruction is different from the device identification information of the instruction device.

  Output instruction receiving unit 257 receives a direct output instruction from one of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B, and receives a remote output instruction from portable information device 510. The output instruction included in each of the direct output instruction and the remote output instruction The direct output instruction or the remote output instruction having the same identification information is set as either the first output instruction or the second output instruction, and is output to the print data transmission unit 259. Therefore, output instruction receiving unit 257 outputs one first output instruction and one second output instruction to print data transmission unit 259 for each of MFPs 100, 100 A, and 100 B that can be output devices.

  Here, for the sake of explanation, an example will be described in which output instruction receiving unit 257 receives a direct output instruction from MFP 100, and then receives a direct output instruction or a remote output instruction including device identification information of MFP 100. .

  The output instruction receiving unit 257 includes a first output instruction receiving unit 271 and a second output instruction receiving unit 273. First output instruction reception unit 271 receives a direct output instruction when the instruction device specified by the device identification information input from server-side authentication unit 255 is MFP 100, and a device input from server-side authentication unit 255 When the pointing device specified by the identification information is the portable information device 510, the remote output instruction is received.

  First output instruction receiving unit 271 sets a direct output instruction received from MFP 100 or a remote output instruction received from portable information device 510 as the first output instruction when print data transmitting unit 259 described later is in a predetermined state. Then, together with the device identification information of the instruction device input from the server side authentication unit 255, the print data transmission unit 259 outputs the device identification information of the output device included in the first output instruction to the instruction device comparison unit 263. To do.

  The predetermined state of the print data transmission unit 259 is a first output instruction that includes the same device identification information as the device identification information included in the direct output instruction received from the MFP 100 or the remote output instruction received from the portable information device 510. This is a state in which the print data transmission process based on is not executed. Whether or not the print data transmission unit 259 is in a predetermined state is determined based on whether or not an execution signal output from a first print data transmission unit 275 described later is input.

  Further, the first output instruction receiving unit 271 is a direct output instruction or portable information received by the print data transmitting unit 275 from the MFP 100 even if the print data transmitting unit 259 described later is not in a predetermined state. Even when the print data transmission process based on the first output instruction including the same apparatus identification information as the apparatus identification information included in the remote output instruction received from the apparatus 510 is executed, the first output instruction is output remotely. In the case of an instruction, after the print data transmission process based on the first output instruction is completed, a direct output instruction received from MFP 100 or a remote output instruction received from portable information device 510 is set as the first output instruction. , Together with the device identification information of the pointing device input from the server-side authentication unit 255, the data is output to the print data transmission unit 259. Moni, and outputs the device identification information of the output device included in the first output instruction to the instruction unit comparing section 263.

  When the first output instruction is a direct output instruction, second output instruction receiving unit 273 sets the direct output instruction received from MFP 100 or the remote output instruction received from portable information device 510 as the second output instruction, The device identification information and the user identification information of the instruction device input from the server side authentication unit 255 are output to the print data transmission unit 275 and the device identification information of the instruction device is output to the instruction device comparison unit 263.

  Second output instruction receiving unit 273 includes first device identification information that is the same as the device identification information included in the direct output instruction received from MFP 100 by print data transmitting unit 275 or the remote output instruction received from portable information device 510. Whether or not the print data transmission process based on the output instruction is being executed is determined based on whether or not an in-execution signal output from a first print data transmission unit 275 described later is input.

  The first output instruction is a direct output instruction or a remote output instruction received before the second output instruction is received. The second output instruction is a direct output instruction or a remote output instruction received while the print data transmission processing based on the first output instruction that is a direct output instruction is being executed by the print data transmitting unit 259. .

  When an output instruction is input from the output instruction receiving unit 257, the print data transmission unit 275 executes a print data transmission process based on the input output instruction. Specifically, print data transmission unit 275 outputs the print data specified by the print data identification information included in the output instruction, and the output device specified by the apparatus identification information included in the output instruction among MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B. Send to. Here, since MFP 100 is the output device specified by the device identification information included in the output instruction, print data transmission unit 275 transmits the print data specified by the print data identification information included in the output instruction to MFP 100. To do.

  The print data transmission unit 259 includes a first print data transmission unit 275, a second print data transmission unit 281, an instruction device comparison unit 263, and a selection unit 261. The first print data transmission unit 275 receives the first output instruction from the first output instruction reception unit 271 and the device identification information and user identification information of the instruction device that has transmitted the first output instruction. When the first output instruction is input from the first output instruction receiver 271, the first print data transmitter 275 executes print data transmission processing based on the first output instruction. Specifically, when the first output instruction input from the first output instruction receiving unit 271 is a direct output instruction, the first print data transmitting unit 275 receives the first output instruction. When input, the network I / F 204 is controlled to receive an acquisition request from the MFP 100 as the instruction device. The acquisition request includes any one piece of print data identification information included in the first output instruction. Although details of the operations of the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B will be described later, each of the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B sequentially transmits one of the one or more pieces of print data identification information included in the direct output instruction after transmitting the direct output instruction. Select and send an acquisition request containing the selected print data identification information.

  When receiving the acquisition request, the first print data transmission unit 275 reads the print data specified by the print data identification information included in the acquisition request from the pull print data 291 stored in the HDD 205, and reads the read print data. Then, the data is transmitted to the output device specified by the device identification information included in the first output instruction, in this case, the MFP 100 via the network I / F 204.

  The first print data transmission unit 275 receives all of the one or more acquisition requests each including one or more print data identification information included in the first output instruction, and receives the print data identification information included in each of the one or more acquisition requests. When the print data is transmitted, the print data transmission process based on the first output instruction is completed.

  In addition, when the first output instruction input from the first output instruction receiving unit 271 is a remote output instruction, the first print data transmitting unit 275 receives the first output instruction. And an output device that controls the network I / F 204 to identify each print data of one or more pieces of print data identification information included in the first output instruction by the device identification information included in the first output instruction, here Send to MFP 100. When the first print data transmission unit 275 transmits the print data of each of the one or more pieces of print data identification information included in the first output instruction, the print data transmission process based on the first output instruction is completed.

  The first print data transmitting unit 275 outputs an execution signal to the second output instruction receiving unit 273 from when the first output instruction is input until the print data transmission process based on the first output instruction is completed. When the print data transmission process based on the first output instruction is completed, a first completion signal is output to the second print data transmission unit 281.

  The instruction device comparison unit 263 receives the device identification information of the instruction device that has transmitted the first output instruction from the first output instruction reception unit 271, and the instruction that has transmitted the second output instruction from the second output instruction reception unit 273 The device identification information of the device is input. When the device identification information of the pointing device that has transmitted the second output instruction is input from the second output instruction receiving unit 273, the instruction device comparing unit 263 transmits the first output instruction from the first output instruction receiving unit 271. The device identification information of the pointing device has been input. Therefore, the instruction device comparison unit 263 receives the instruction that has transmitted the first output instruction in response to the input of the device identification information of the instruction device that has transmitted the second output instruction from the second output instruction reception unit 273. The device identification information of the device is compared with the device identification information of the instruction device that has transmitted the second output instruction, and it is determined whether or not they are the same. If both are the same, the instruction device comparison unit 263 outputs the same signal indicating that they are the same to the selection unit 261, and outputs a difference signal indicating that they are not the same unless the both are the same to the selection unit 261.

  When the same signal is input from the instruction device comparison unit 263, the selection unit 261 outputs an interruption signal to the first print data transmission unit 275 and outputs an execution signal to the second print data transmission unit 281. Further, when a difference signal is input from the instruction device comparison unit 263, the selection unit 261 outputs a continuation signal to the first print data transmission unit 275 and outputs a standby signal to the second print data transmission unit 281.

  When the interruption signal is input from the selection unit 261 during the execution of the print data transmission process based on the first output instruction, the first print data transmission unit 275 receives the print data based on the first output instruction. Cancel transmission processing. When the first output instruction is a remote output instruction, no interruption signal is input from the selection unit 261. Therefore, when the first print data transmission unit 275 interrupts the print data transmission process based on the first output instruction, This is a case where the first output instruction is a direct output instruction.

  When the print data transmission process based on the first output instruction is interrupted, the first print data transmission unit 275 has not yet transmitted the one or more pieces of print data identification information included in the first output instruction. The print data identification information is temporarily stored in the RAM 203 in association with the device identification information and user identification information of the pointing device input together with the first output instruction from the first output instruction receiving unit 271. This is because print data transmission processing based on the second output instruction is executed by a second print data transmission unit 281 described later.

  The first print data transmission unit 275 includes a resume unit 277. The resuming unit 277 receives the user identification information of the user authenticated from the server side authentication unit 255 and the device identification information of the device operated by the user, and receives the second completion signal from the second print data transmission unit 281. Is done. The second completion signal is a signal that the second print data transmission unit 281 completes execution of the print data transmission process based on the second output instruction, and then transmits the print data. The resuming unit 277 receives the user identification information and the device identification information of the user authenticated from the server side authentication unit 255 within a predetermined period after the second completion signal is input from the second print data transmission unit 281. Further, when the RAM 203 stores unprinted print data identification information associated with the same user identification information and apparatus identification information as the user identification information and apparatus identification information input from the server-side authentication unit 255. Based on the print data identification information of the transmission print data, the print data transmission process based on the interrupted first output instruction is resumed.

  If the user who has instructed the first output instruction performs a login operation, an image of the print data is formed based on the first output instruction instructed previously, so it is necessary to perform an operation for the first output instruction again. The operation can be facilitated. The resuming unit 277 stores the user identification information stored in the RAM 203 in association with the print data identification information of the untransmitted print data within a predetermined period after the second completion signal is input from the second print data transmission unit 281. If the same user identification information and device identification information as the device identification information are not input from the server-side authentication unit 255, the print data identification information of the untransmitted print data is deleted from the RAM 203.

  When the continuation signal is input from the selection unit 261 while the print data transmission process based on the first output instruction is being performed, the first print data transmission unit 275 receives the print data based on the first output instruction. Continue the transmission process without interruption. The first print data transmission unit 275 receives a continuation signal from the selection unit 261 during execution of the print data transmission process based on the first output instruction, and then receives the print data based on the first output instruction. When the transmission process is completed, a first completion signal is output to the second print data transmission unit 281.

  The second print data transmission unit 281 receives the second output instruction, the device identification information of the instruction device and the user identification information from the second output instruction reception unit 273, and receives either a standby signal or an execution signal from the selection unit 261. Is done. When the second output instruction is input and the execution signal is input from the selection unit 261, the second print data transmission unit 281 executes a print data transmission process based on the second output instruction. The selection unit 261 outputs the standby signal when the instruction device that has transmitted the first output instruction is the same as the instruction device that has transmitted the second output instruction. In this case, the second output instruction may be a direct output instruction or a remote output instruction.

  When the second output instruction is a direct output instruction, second print data transmission unit 281 controls network I / F 204 to transmit the second output instruction from MFPs 100, 100, and 100B, in this case, MFP 100. Receive an acquisition request. The acquisition request includes one print data identification information of one or more print data identification information included in the second output instruction. When receiving the acquisition request, the second print data transmission unit 281 reads the print data specified by the print data identification information included in the acquisition request from the pull print data 291 stored in the HDD 205, and reads the read print data. Then, the data is transmitted via the network I / F 204 to the output device specified by the device identification information included in the second output instruction, in other words, to the instruction device MFP 100 that has transmitted the second output instruction. The second print data transmission unit 281 receives all of one or more acquisition requests each including one or more print data identification information included in the second output instruction, and receives the print data identification information included in each of the one or more acquisition requests. When the print data is transmitted, the print data transmission process based on the second output instruction is completed. When the second print data transmission unit 281 completes the print data transmission process based on the second output instruction, the second print data transmission unit 281 outputs a second completion signal to the first print data transmission unit 275.

  When the second output instruction is a remote output instruction, second print data transmission unit 281 controls network I / F 204 to send print data of each of one or more pieces of print data identification information included in the second output instruction to MFP 100. , 100, 100B are transmitted to the output device specified by the device identification information included in the second output instruction, MFP 100 in this case. When the second print data transmission unit 281 transmits the print data of each of the one or more pieces of print data identification information included in the second output instruction, the print data transmission process based on the second output instruction is completed. When the second print data transmission unit 281 completes the print data transmission process based on the second output instruction, the second print data transmission unit 281 outputs a second completion signal to the first print data transmission unit 275.

  When the second output instruction is input and the standby signal is input from the selection unit 261, the second print data transmission unit 281 does not execute the print data transmission process based on the second output instruction. It will be in a standby state. The selection unit 261 outputs the standby signal when the instruction device that has transmitted the first output instruction is different from the instruction device that has transmitted the second output instruction. In this case, the second output instruction is remote. This is an output instruction.

  When the second print data transmission unit 281 waits for execution of the print data transmission process based on the second output instruction, the second output instruction is input together with the second output instruction from the second output instruction reception unit 273 The information is temporarily stored in the RAM 203 in association with the device identification information and user identification information of the device. This is because the print data transmission process based on the first output instruction is executed by the first print data transmission unit 275.

  The second print data transmission unit 281 includes an in-period start unit 283 and an out-of-period start unit 285. The in-period start unit 283 is stored together with the second output instruction when the first completion signal is input from the first print data transmission unit 275 and the second output instruction is stored in the RAM 203. It is determined whether or not it is within the login period during which the user having the user identification information is logged in. If the logout notification including the user identification information stored together with the second output instruction is not input from the server-side authentication unit 255, it is determined that the login period is within the login period. If it is input from 255, it is determined that the user is not logged in. When determining that it is within the login period, the in-period start unit 283 reads the second output instruction stored in the RAM 203 and starts executing print data transmission processing based on the second output instruction. If the user who has instructed the second output instruction does not log out, the image of the print data is formed based on the second output instruction instructed earlier, and thus the operation can be facilitated.

  The out-of-period start unit 285 is stored together with the second output instruction when the first completion signal is input from the first print data transmission unit 275 and the second output instruction is stored in the RAM 203. It is determined whether or not it is outside the login period during which the user having the user identification information is logged in. When the out-of-period start unit 285 determines that it is outside the login period, the user identification information stored together with the second output instruction in the RAM 203 within a predetermined period after the first completion signal is input from the first print data transmission unit 275. When the same user identification information and apparatus identification information as the apparatus identification information are input from the server-side authentication unit 255, the second output instruction stored in the RAM 203 is read, and print data transmission processing based on the second output instruction is performed. Start execution. If the user who has instructed the second output instruction performs a login operation with the same apparatus, an image of the print data is formed based on the previously instructed second output instruction. There is no need to perform the operation, and the operation can be facilitated.

  The out-of-period start unit 285 includes user identification information and device identification stored in the RAM 203 in association with the second output instruction within a predetermined period after the first completion signal is input from the first print data transmission unit 275. When the same user identification information and device identification information as the information are not input from the server-side authentication unit 255, the second output instruction is deleted from the RAM 203.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in the MFP. The functions shown in FIG. 6 are functions formed in CPU 111 when CPU 111 provided in each of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B executes a program stored in ROM 113, HDD 116, or memory card 119A. Here, the function of CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 will be described as an example.

  Referring to FIG. 7, CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 includes an authentication unit 51 for authenticating a user who operates MFP 100, an output instruction transmission unit 53 that transmits an output instruction, and an acquisition request transmission unit 55 that transmits an acquisition request. A print data receiving unit 57, a job managing unit 59 for managing print jobs, an image forming control unit 61 for controlling the image forming unit 30, an interrupt receiving unit 63 for accepting an interrupt operation by a user, and an authentication And a logout unit 65 for canceling the user login.

  Authentication unit 51 authenticates a user who operates MFP 100. Specifically, the authentication unit 51 displays a login screen on the display unit 114. The login screen includes an area for inputting user identification information and an area for inputting a password. When the user inputs user identification information and a password to the operation unit 115, the user identification information and password are received from the operation unit 115, and authentication information including the received user identification information and password is received via the data communication control unit 117. Are transmitted to the print server 200, and the print server 200 is authenticated. The information on the transmission destination of the authentication information, specifically, the device identification information of the print server 200 is input to the MFP 100 in advance by the user and stored in the HDD 116.

  When the data communication control unit 117 receives an authentication result from the print server 200, the authentication unit 51 receives the authentication result. When the authentication result indicates that the authentication is successful, the authentication unit 51 outputs the user identification information of the login user to the output instruction transmission unit 53 and the logout unit 65. When the authentication result indicates an authentication failure, the authentication unit 51 displays an error message on the display unit 114. When the authentication result indicates that the authentication is successful, the authentication unit 51 performs the operation input to the operation unit 115 until the logout instruction is input thereafter, or until the logout unit 65 described later cancels the login. And accepted as an operation by a user who is permitted to log in.

  When the data communication control unit 117 receives spool information from the print server 200, the output instruction transmission unit 53 acquires the spool information. The output instruction transmission unit 53 generates a selection screen that displays a list of one or more pieces of print data identification information included in the acquired spool information so as to be selectable, and displays the selection screen on the display unit 114. When the user inputs an operation for selecting one or more pieces of print data identification information displayed on the selection screen, the output instruction transmission unit 53 receives the one or more pieces of print data identification information selected by the user. The output instruction transmission unit 53 sends an output instruction including all of one or more print data identification information selected by the user among the user identification information included in the spool information and the apparatus identification information of the MFP 100 to the print server 200. While transmitting via the communication control part 117, an output instruction | indication is output to the acquisition request transmission part 55. FIG.

  When the selection operation by the user is omitted, when the output instruction transmission unit 53 receives the spool information from the print server 200, all of the one or more pieces of print data identification information included in the spool information, the device identification information of the MFP 100, Is output to the print server 200 via the data communication control unit 117, and the output instruction is output to the acquisition request transmission unit 55.

  The acquisition request transmission unit 55 receives the output instruction from the output instruction transmission unit 53, selects one of the one or more print data identification information included in the output instruction, and selects the selected print data identification information. The acquisition request including the request is transmitted to the print server 200 via the data communication control unit 117. When the acquisition request transmission unit 55 transmits the acquisition request, the acquisition request transmission unit 55 outputs the print data identification information included in the acquisition request to the print data reception unit 57. When a plurality of pieces of print data identification information are included in the output instruction, the acquisition request transmission unit 55 receives print data by a print data reception unit 57 (to be described later) and forms an image of the print data by the image formation control unit 61. Then, the next acquisition request is transmitted to the print server 200 via the data communication control unit 117.

  As described above, when the print server 200 receives the acquisition request from the MFP 100, pull print data including print data identification information included in the received acquisition request is included in the pull print data 291 stored in the HDD 205. If stored, the print data included in the pull print data is returned.

  When the data communication control unit 117 receives print data from the print server 200, the print data reception unit 57 acquires the print data and outputs the print data to the job management unit 59. The print data received by the data communication control unit 117 from the print server 200 includes print data specified by the print data identification information input from the acquisition request transmission unit 55. Also, the print data received by the data communication control unit 117 from the print server 200 is a print data to be transmitted to the MFP 100 when the print server executes a print data transmission process based on a remote output instruction that designates the MFP 100 as an output device. Contains data.

  When the job management unit 59 receives the print data from the print data receiving unit 57, the job management unit 59 generates a print job including the print data, and outputs the generated print job to the image formation control unit 61. When a print job is input from the job management unit 59, the image formation control unit 61 prints print data included in the print job. Specifically, the print data is output to the image forming unit 30, and the image forming unit 30 is caused to form an image of the print data. When the printing of the print data is completed, the image formation control unit 61 outputs the print data identification information of the print data to the job management unit 59.

  When the user inputs an operation to log out to the operation unit 115, the logout unit 65 cancels the login of the user specified by the user identification information input from the authentication unit 51. When canceling the login, the logout unit 65 transmits a logout request to the print server 200 via the data communication control unit 117. The logout request includes user identification information input from the authentication unit 51.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in the portable information device. The functions shown in FIG. 8 are functions formed in the CPU 511 when the CPU 511 provided in the portable information device 510 executes a program stored in the flash memory 513. Referring to FIG. 8, CPU 511 provided in portable information device 510 designates an authentication unit 531 for authenticating a user who operates portable information device 510, a spool information receiving unit 533 for receiving spool information, and an output device. An output device designating unit 535 for transmitting, and an output instruction transmitting unit 537 for transmitting an output instruction.

  Authentication unit 531 authenticates a user who operates portable information device 510. Specifically, the authentication unit 531 displays a login screen on 516. The login screen includes an area for inputting user identification information and an area for inputting a password. When the user inputs user identification information and a password to the operation unit 115, the user identification information and password are received from the operation unit 517, and authentication information including the received user identification information and password is received via the wireless LAN I / F 518. The data is transmitted to the print server 200, and the print server 200 is authenticated. Information on the transmission destination of the authentication information, specifically, the device identification information of the print server 200 is previously input by the user into the portable information device 510 and stored in the flash memory 513.

  When the wireless LAN I / F 518 receives the authentication result from the print server 200, the authentication unit 531 receives the authentication result. If the authentication result indicates that the authentication is successful, the authentication unit 531 outputs the user identification information of the login user to the spool information reception unit 533. The authentication unit 531 displays an error message on the display unit 516 when the authentication result indicates an authentication failure. When the authentication result indicates that the authentication is successful, the authentication unit 531 accepts an operation input to the operation unit 517 as an operation by a user who is authenticated and permitted to log in until a logout instruction is input thereafter.

  When the wireless LAN I / F 518 receives spool information from the print server 200, the spool information reception unit 533 acquires spool information. The spool information receiving unit 533 generates a selection screen that displays a list of one or more print data identification information included in the acquired spool information so as to be selectable, and displays the selection screen on the display unit 516. When the user inputs an operation for selecting one or more print data identification information displayed on the selection screen, the spool information receiving unit 533 receives the one or more print data identification information selected by the user. The spool information receiving unit 533 outputs all of the one or more print data identification information selected by the user among the user identification information included in the spool information to the output instruction transmission unit 537.

  When the selection operation by the user is omitted, when the spool information receiving unit 533 receives the spool information from the print server 200, the spool information receiving unit 533 outputs all of the one or more pieces of print data identification information included in the spool information to the output instruction transmitting unit 537. To do.

  Output device designating unit 535 generates a device selection screen that displays a list of device identification information of MFPs 100, 100 A, and 100 B so as to be selectable, and displays the device selection screen on display unit 516. When the user inputs an operation for designating one of the device identification information displayed on the device selection screen as an output device, the output device designation unit 535 receives the device identification information designated by the user. Output device designation unit 535 outputs device identification information designated by the user as the output device among the device identification information of MFPs 100, 100 A, and 100 B to output instruction transmission unit 537. The device identification information of each of MFPs 100, 100 A, and 100 B is registered in advance in portable information device 510 by the user and stored in flash memory 513. Further, device identification information of each of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B may be received from print server 200.

  The output instruction transmission unit 537 receives one or more pieces of print data identification information from the spool information reception unit 533, and receives device identification information of the output device from the output device designation unit 535. The output instruction transmission unit 537 generates an output instruction including all of the one or more print data identification information input from the spool information reception unit 533 and the device identification information of the output device input from the output device specification unit 535. The generated output instruction is transmitted to the print server 200 via the wireless LAN I / F 518.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of spool processing. The spool process is a process executed by the CPU 201 when the CPU 201 included in the print server 200 executes a print data transmission program stored in the ROM 202, the HDD 205, or the CD-ROM 209A.

  Referring to FIG. 9, CPU 201 determines whether print data and user identification information have been received (step S51). It is determined whether the network I / F 204 has received print data and user identification information from any of the PCs 400 to 402. The process waits until print data and user identification information are received (NO in step S51). If print data and user identification information are received, the process proceeds to step S52. In other words, the spool process is a process executed on condition that the network I / F 204 receives print data and user identification information from any of the PCs 400 to 402. In step S52, pull print data 291 including print data and user identification information is stored in HDD 205, and the process returns to step S51.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of authentication processing. The authentication process is a process executed by the CPU 201 when the CPU 201 included in the print server 200 executes a print data transmission program stored in the ROM 202, the HDD 205, or the CD-ROM 209A.

  Referring to FIG. 10, CPU 201 determines whether or not authentication information has been received (step S61). It is determined whether network I / F 204 has received authentication information from any of MFPs 100, 100, 100 B and portable information device 510. The process waits until the authentication information is received (NO in step S61). If the authentication information is received, the process proceeds to step S62. In other words, the authentication process is a process executed on condition that network I / F 204 receives authentication information from any of MFPs 100, 100, 100 B and portable information device 510. The authentication information includes user identification information for identifying the user and a password.

  In step S62, authentication is performed based on the received authentication information, and it is determined whether the authentication is successful. If the authentication is successful, the process proceeds to step S63; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S68. Specifically, user identification information and a password included in the authentication information are transmitted to the authentication server 300 via the data communication control unit 117, and the authentication server 300 is authenticated. If the authentication is successful, the authentication server 300 returns an authentication result indicating that the authentication is successful. If authentication fails, the authentication server 300 returns an authentication result indicating that the authentication has failed. In step S68, an error signal is transmitted to the device that has transmitted the authentication information among MFPs 100, 100, 100B and portable information device 510, and the process returns to step S61.

  In step S63, spool information is transmitted. Preprint data 291 is stored in the HDD 205 by executing the spool process described above. The pull print data 291 including the user identification information of the user authenticated in step S62 is extracted from the pull print data 291 stored in the HDD 205, and the print data identification of the print data included in the extracted pull print data 291 is extracted. Spool information including information is generated. Then, the generated spool information is transmitted via the network I / F 204 to the MFP 100, 100, 100 B and the portable information device 510 that has transmitted the authentication information.

  In step S64, it is determined whether an output instruction has been received. It is determined whether network I / F 204 has received an output instruction from a device that has transmitted authentication information among MFPs 100, 100, 100 B and portable information device 510. If an output instruction is received, the process proceeds to step S65; otherwise, step S65 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S66.

  In step S65, output instruction execution processing is started. Although details of the output instruction execution process will be described later, the output instruction is set to one of the first output instruction and the second output instruction, and the set first output instruction or the second output instruction is processed as a processing target. Is a process of executing. More specifically, the print data specified by the print data identification information included in the output instruction is transmitted to the apparatus specified by the apparatus identification information of the output apparatus included in the output instruction among the MFPs 100, 100A, 100B. This is processing for forming an image of print data.

  The processing after step S63 is executed on condition that the authentication based on the authentication information is successful. For this reason, the print server 200 succeeds in the authentication based on the one authentication information, and the authentication succeeds based on the other authentication information in the login period before the authenticated login user logs out, and the other login user authenticates. May be. For this reason, in step S65, when authentication based on a plurality of pieces of authentication information is successful, a plurality of output instruction execution tasks for executing a plurality of output instruction execution processes in the CPU 201 may occur. When a plurality of output instruction execution tasks are formed at the same time in the CPU 201, the plurality of output instruction execution tasks are distinguished by output instructions to be processed.

Hereinafter, a task in which the output instruction execution task sets the output instruction to the first output instruction and executes print data transmission processing based on the first output instruction is referred to as a first print data transmission task, and the output instruction execution task issues an output instruction. A task for setting the second output instruction and executing print data transmission processing based on the second output instruction is referred to as a second print data transmission task.
In the next step S66, it is determined whether or not a logout request has been received. It is determined whether network I / F 204 has received a logout request from a device that has transmitted authentication information among MFPs 100, 100, 100 B and portable information device 510. The logout request includes user identification information. If a logout request including the same user identification information as the user identification information included in the authentication information received in step S61 is received, the process proceeds to step S67; otherwise, the process returns to step S64. In step S67, the login of the user specified by the user identification information included in the logout request is canceled, and the process ends.

  The period during which the user is logged in after the user is authenticated until the logout request is received is called the login period. In addition, the print data transmission task started in step S65 is executed regardless of the login period. For example, the output instruction execution task may be executed even after receiving a logout request.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of output instruction execution processing. The output instruction execution process is a process executed by the CPU 201 when the CPU 201 included in the print server 200 executes a print data transmission program stored in the ROM 202, the HDD 205, or the CD-ROM 209A. The output instruction execution process is a process executed in step S65 in FIG. 10 and executed by the CPU 201. In step S64, the output instruction received by the network I / F 204 is a processing target. Further, the output instruction received by network I / F 204 from MFPs 100, 100, 100B is a direct output instruction, and the output instruction received by network I / F 204 from portable information device 510 is a remote output instruction. The output instruction execution task shown in FIG. 11 includes a case where the output instruction to be processed is a direct output instruction and a case of a remote output instruction.

  Referring to FIG. 11, CPU 201 determines whether there is a first print data transmission task having the same output instruction and output device as the processing target (step S <b> 71). The first print data transmission task is a task activated in step S76, and the details thereof will be described later, but is a task for executing print data transmission processing based on the first output instruction. In step S71, it is determined whether or not there is a first print data transmission task whose processing target is another output instruction including the same device identification information as the device identification information included in the processing target output instruction. If there is a first print data transmission task whose processing target is the first output instruction whose output device is the same as the output instruction to be processed, the process proceeds to step S72; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S75.

  In step S72, it is determined whether the output instruction to be processed by the first print data transmission task detected to exist in step S71 is a remote output instruction. If the instruction device that has transmitted the output instruction to be processed by the first print data transmission task is the portable information device 510, it is determined as a remote output instruction. If the output instruction to be processed by the first print data transmission task is a remote output instruction, the process proceeds to step S73; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S77.

  In step S73, the process waits until it is determined in step S74 that the first print data transmission task has been completed. In the next step S74, it is determined whether or not the first print data transmission task detected in step S71 is completed. If the first print data transmission task detected in step S71 is completed, the process proceeds to step S75. If not, the process returns to step S73.

  In step S75, the output instruction to be processed is set to the first output instruction. Then, the first print data transmission process is executed (step S76), and the process ends. Although details of the first print data transmission process will be described later, this is a print data transmission process based on an output instruction whose processing target is the output instruction set in the first output instruction in step S75. The task that the CPU 201 executes the first print data transmission process is the first print data transmission task.

  On the other hand, in step S77, the output instruction to be processed is set to the second output instruction. Then, the second print data transmission process is executed (step S78), and the process ends. Although details of the second print data transmission process will be described later, this is a print data transmission process based on an output instruction whose processing target is the output instruction set in the second output instruction in step S77. A task for the CPU 201 to execute the second print data transmission process is a second print data transmission task.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the first print data transmission process. The first print data transmission process is a process executed in step S76 of FIG. 11, and uses the first output instruction as a processing target. Referring to FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not the first output instruction is a direct output instruction (step S81). If the instruction device that has transmitted the first output instruction is the same as the output device included in the first output instruction, the first output instruction is determined to be a direct output instruction; otherwise, the first output instruction is a remote output instruction. to decide. If the first output instruction is a direct output instruction, the process proceeds to step S82. If the first output instruction is a remote output instruction, the process proceeds to step S95.

  When the process proceeds to step S95, the first output instruction is a remote output instruction. In step S95, pull print data 291 including print data of one or more print data identification information included in the first output instruction is extracted from pull print data 291 stored in HDD 205, and the extracted pull print is extracted. The print data included in the data is transmitted as first print data to the output device specified by the device identification information included in the first output instruction. Then, the pull print data 291 including the transmitted first print data is deleted from the HDD 205 (step S96).

  In the next step S97, it is determined whether or not there is untransmitted first print data. It is determined whether or not pull print data 291 including any one of the print data identification information included in the first output instruction is stored in HDD 205. If there is untransmitted first print data, the process returns to step S95. If not, the process returns to the output instruction execution process.

  The process proceeds to step S82 when the first output instruction is a direct output instruction. In step S82, it is determined whether an acquisition request has been received. The network I / F 204 determines whether an acquisition request is received from the instruction device that has transmitted the first output instruction. If an acquisition request has been received, the process proceeds to step S83; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S87.

  In step S83, the pull print data 291 including the print data of the print data identification information included in the acquisition request received in step S82 is extracted from the pull print data 291 stored in the HDD 205, and the extracted pull The print data included in the print data is transmitted as the first print data to the instruction device that has transmitted the acquisition request. Then, the pull print data 291 including the transmitted first print data is deleted from the HDD 205 (step S84).

  In the next step S85, it is determined whether or not there is untransmitted first print data. It is determined whether or not pull print data 291 including any one of the print data identification information included in the first output instruction is stored in HDD 205. If there is untransmitted first print data, the process returns to step S82; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S86. In step S86, the first completion signal is output to the second print data transmission task, and the process returns to the output instruction execution process.

  In step S87, it is determined whether the second print data transmission task has started. The second print data transmission task is a second print data transmission task executed in step S78 by the output instruction execution task that executes the output instruction execution process shown in FIG. 11 for the output instruction different from the first output instruction. It is processing. If the second print data transmission task is started, the process proceeds to step S88; otherwise, the process returns to step S82. In other words, the process proceeds to step S88 when the first output instruction is a direct output instruction, and a print data transmission process (first print data transmission process) based on the first output instruction is executed. In the middle, a print data transmission process (second print data transmission process) based on a second output instruction different from the first output instruction is executed.

  In step S88, it is determined whether or not the instruction devices for the first output instruction and the second output instruction are the same. If the instruction devices for the first output instruction and the second output instruction are the same, the process proceeds to step S88; otherwise, the process returns to step S82. When the instruction devices for the first output instruction and the second output instruction are different, steps S82 to S85 of the first print data transmission process are continuously executed.

  If the instruction devices for the first output instruction and the second output instruction are the same, the process waits in step S89. Specifically, the first output instruction is stored in the RAM 203, and the process proceeds to step S90. In step S90, it is determined whether a second completion signal is input from the second print data transmission task. If the second completion signal is input, the process proceeds to step S91. If the second completion signal is not input, the process returns to step S89. The second completion signal is a signal that is output when the second print data transmission task finishes the print data transmission process (second print data transmission process) based on the second output instruction.

  In step S91, a timer is started. The timer is a time that elapses after the second completion signal is input, in other words, the second print data transmission task that has been detected to have started in step S87 performs a print data transmission process based on the second output instruction (second The time after the completion of the print data transmission process) is counted.

  In step S92, it is determined whether or not the first authentication information has been received. The first authentication information is authentication information received from the instruction device that has transmitted the first output instruction, and includes user identification information and a password of a user who has been authenticated during the login period in which the first output instruction is received. Including. If the first authentication information is received, the process proceeds to step S94; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S93. In step S93, it is determined whether or not the timer value is equal to or greater than a threshold value T. If the timer value is equal to or greater than threshold value T, the process returns to the output instruction execution process. If not, the process returns to step S92. When the process returns to the output instruction execution process, the first output instruction stored in the RAM 203 is deleted in step S89. In step S94, it is determined whether the authentication based on the first authentication information is successful. If the authentication is successful, the process returns to step S82; otherwise, the process returns to step S92.

  When the second print data transmission task is started, the print data transmission process (first print data transmission process) based on the first output instruction is interrupted, but the second print data transmission task performs the second print data transmission process. If the same pointing device is operated and logged in within a predetermined time (threshold value T) from the end, the interrupted first print data transmission process is resumed. For this reason, the operation for transmitting the output instruction can be omitted, and the operation becomes easy.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the second print data transmission process. The second print data transmission process is a process executed in step S78 of FIG. 11, and uses the second output instruction as a processing target. In addition, when step S71 and step S72 are executed before step S78 is executed and the process proceeds to step S78, the print data transmission process based on the first output instruction whose output device is the same as the second output instruction. This is a case where there is a first print data transmission task for executing (first print data transmission processing) and the first output instruction is a direct output instruction.

  Referring to FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not the instruction devices for the first output instruction and the second output instruction are the same. If the instruction devices for the first output instruction and the second output instruction are the same, the process proceeds to step S102; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S107. When the process proceeds to step S102, the second output instruction is a case where the first output instruction is the same as the output device and the instruction device, and is a direct output instruction.

  In step S102, it is determined whether an acquisition request has been received. The network I / F 204 determines whether an acquisition request has been received from the instruction device that has transmitted the second output instruction. The process waits until an acquisition request is received (NO in step S102). If an acquisition request is received, the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, the pull print data 291 including the print data of the print data identification information included in the acquisition request received in step S102 is extracted from the pull print data 291 stored in the HDD 205, and the extracted pull data is extracted. The print data included in the print data is transmitted as the second print data to the instruction device that has transmitted the acquisition request. Then, the pull print data 291 including the transmitted second print data is deleted from the HDD 205 (step S104).

  In the next step S105, it is determined whether there is untransmitted second print data. It is determined whether or not pull print data 291 including any print data of one or more print data identification information included in the second output instruction is stored in HDD 205. If there is untransmitted second print data, the process returns to step S102; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S106. In step S106, the second completion signal is output to the first print data transmission task, and the process returns to the output instruction execution process.

  The process proceeds to step S107 when the first output instruction and the second output instruction have the same output device and different instruction devices. In step S107, execution of the second print data transmission process is temporarily waited. Specifically, the second output instruction is stored in the RAM 203, and the process proceeds to step S108. In step S108, it is determined whether a first completion signal is input from the first print data transmission task. If the first completion signal is input, the process proceeds to step S109. If the first completion signal is not input, the process returns to step S107. The first completion signal is a signal output by the first print data transmission task when the print data transmission process (first print data transmission process) based on the first output instruction is completed.

  In step S109, a timer is started. The timer is the time elapsed after the first completion signal is input, in other words, the print data transmission process (first print data transmission process) based on the first output instruction executed by the first print data transmission task is completed. Measure the time since then.

  In step S110, it is determined whether it is within the second login period. The second login period is a period during which the user who has instructed transmission of the second output instruction is logged in. If it is within the second login period, the process proceeds to step S114; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S111.

  In step S111, it is determined whether the second authentication information has been received. The second authentication information is the same authentication information as the authentication information received from the instruction device that has transmitted the second output instruction. If the second authentication information is received, the process proceeds to step S112. If not, the process proceeds to step S113. In step S112, it is determined whether the authentication based on the second authentication information is successful. If the authentication is successful, the process proceeds to step S114; otherwise, the process returns to step S111. In step S113, it is determined whether or not the timer value is greater than or equal to threshold value T. If the timer value is equal to or greater than threshold value T, the process returns to the output instruction execution process. If not, the process returns to step S111. When returning the process to the output instruction execution process, the second output instruction stored in the RAM 203 is deleted in step S107.

  In step S114, pull print data 291 including print data of one or more print data identification information included in the second output instruction is extracted from pull print data 291 stored in HDD 205, and the extracted pull print is extracted. The print data included in the data is transmitted as second print data to the output device specified by the device identification information included in the second output instruction. Then, the pull print data 291 including the transmitted second print data is deleted from the HDD 205 (step S115).

  In the next step S116, it is determined whether there is untransmitted second print data. It is determined whether or not pull print data 291 including any print data of one or more print data identification information included in the second output instruction is stored in HDD 205. If there is untransmitted second print data, the process returns to step S114. If not, the process returns to the output instruction execution process.

  The second print data transmission task enters a standby state without executing the print data transmission process (second print data transmission process) based on the second output instruction, but when the first print data transmission process ends, Even if the user is logged in or logged out, if the same pointing device is operated and logged in within a predetermined time (threshold value T) after the first print data transmission process is completed, The second print data transmission process in the standby state is executed. For this reason, the operation for transmitting the output instruction can be omitted, and the operation becomes easy.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of pull print processing. The pull print process is a process executed by CPU 111 when CPU 111 provided in each of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B executes a pull print program stored in ROM 113, HDD 116, or memory card 119A. Here, a pull print process executed by CPU 111 of MFP 100 will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 14, CPU 111 determines whether authentication information has been accepted (step S01). An authentication screen is displayed on display unit 114, and authentication information input by a user operating MFP 100 is accepted. The authentication information includes user identification information and a password. The process waits until authentication information is received (NO in step S01). If authentication information is received, the process proceeds to step S02.

  In step S02, the authentication information accepted in step S01 is transmitted to print server 200. Then, based on the authentication result returned from the print server 200, it is determined whether or not the authentication is successful. If the authentication result indicates authentication success, the process proceeds to step S04. If the authentication result indicates authentication failure, the process returns to step S01.

  In step S04, it is determined whether an acquisition request is stored in RAM 112. The acquisition request is stored in the RAM 112 in step S18 described later. If the acquisition request is stored in RAM 112, the process proceeds to step S19; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S05.

  In step S05, it is determined whether spool information has been received. If spool information is received from print server 200, the process proceeds to step S06. If not received, the process proceeds to step S14. The spool information is print data stored in the print server 200 and includes print data identification information of print data associated with the user identification information received in step S01.

  In step S06, the print data identification information of the print data to be printed out is specified from the spool information. Specifically, a list of print data identification information of print data to be printed out is displayed on the display unit 114, and a user inputs to the operation unit 115 from the displayed print data identification information. The print data identification information to be selected is specified.

  In the next step S07, an output instruction is generated. An output instruction including the print data identification information specified in step S06 and the apparatus identification information of the own apparatus is generated. In the next step S08, the generated output instruction is transmitted to the print server 200 via the data communication control unit 117, and the process proceeds to step S09.

  In step S09, an acquisition request is transmitted to the print server 200. The acquisition request includes the print data identification information specified in step S06. In the next step S10, the process waits until print data is received from the print server 200. When print data is received, the process proceeds to step S11. In step S11, printing of the received print data is started, and in the next step S12, it is determined whether or not printing has been completed. If printing is completed, the process proceeds to step S13; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S17, it is determined whether an interrupt instruction has been accepted. When the user presses an interrupt key provided in advance on the operation unit 115, an interrupt instruction is accepted. If an interrupt instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S18; otherwise, the process returns to step S12. In step S18, the acquisition request is temporarily stored, and the process proceeds to step S16. The acquisition request to be temporarily stored is an acquisition request including print data identification information that has not yet been transmitted as an acquisition request among the print data identification information specified in step S06.

  On the other hand, in step S13, it is determined whether transmission of the acquisition request is completed. If all the print data identification information specified in step S06 is transmitted as an acquisition request, it is determined that the acquisition request has been transmitted. If the acquisition request has been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S14; otherwise, the process returns to step S09.

  In step S14, normal processing is executed, and the process proceeds to step S15. The normal process is a process for executing a function of the MFP 100, such as a copy function, a facsimile transmission / reception function, a print function for forming an image of image data stored in the HDD 116, and the like.

  In step S15, it is determined whether a logout instruction has been accepted. When a key provided in advance on the operation unit 115 is pressed, it is determined that a logout instruction has been accepted. If a logout instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S16; otherwise, the process returns to step S14. In step S16, a logout request including the user identification information of the user authenticated in step S03 is transmitted to the print server 200, and the process ends.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of remote operation processing. The remote operation process is a process executed by the CPU 511 when the CPU 511 provided in the portable information device 510 executes a pull print program stored in the flash memory 513. Referring to FIG. 15, CPU 511 determines whether or not authentication information has been received (step S31). An authentication screen is displayed on display unit 516, and authentication information input by a user who operates portable information device 510 is accepted. The authentication information includes user identification information and a password. The process waits until authentication information is accepted (NO in step S31). If authentication information is accepted, the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S32, the authentication information accepted in step S31 is transmitted to the print server 200. Then, based on the authentication result returned from the print server 200, it is determined whether or not the authentication is successful (step S33). If the authentication result indicates authentication success, the process proceeds to step S34. If the authentication result indicates authentication failure, the process returns to step S31.

  In step S34, it is determined whether spool information has been received. If spool information is received from print server 200, the process proceeds to step S35, and if not received, the process proceeds to step S39. The spool information is print data stored in the print server 200 and includes print data identification information of print data associated with the user identification information received in step S31. In step S35, print data to be printed out is specified from the spool information. Specifically, a list of print data identification information included in the spool information is displayed on the display unit 114, and a print selected by an operation input by the user to the operation unit 115 from the displayed print data identification information. Specify data identification information.

  In the next step S36, an output device is specified. Specifically, a device selection screen that displays a list of device identification information for each of MFPs 100, 100 A, and 100 B is generated, and the device selection screen is displayed on display unit 516. When the user inputs an operation for designating one of the device identification information displayed on the device selection screen as an output device, the device identification information designated by the user is received.

  In the next step S37, an output instruction is generated. An output instruction including the print data identification information specified in step S06 and the device identification information of the output device specified in step S36 is generated. In the next step S38, the generated output instruction is transmitted to the print server 200 via the wireless LAN I / F 518, and the process proceeds to step S39.

  In step S39, it is determined whether a logout instruction has been accepted. When a key provided in advance on the operation unit 517 is pressed, it is determined that a logout instruction has been accepted. If a logout instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S40; otherwise, the process returns to step S34. In step S40, a logout request including the user identification information of the user authenticated in step S33 is transmitted to the print server 200, and the process ends.

  16 and 17 are diagrams illustrating an example of the flow of print data executed in the print system. Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, there are shown three longitudinal axes, left, middle and right, each showing a time flow from top to bottom. FIG. 17 shows the flow of time after FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, the left axis indicates the timing of processing executed by MFP 100, the central axis indicates the timing of processing executed by portable information device 510, and the right axis indicates the print server. The timing of processing executed at 200 is shown.

  Here, a case is shown in which user A and user C operate MFP 100 and log in sequentially, while user B operates portable information device 510 and logs in. The left side of the left axis shows the operation of user A and the process of MFP 100 based on the operation of user A, and the right side of the left axis shows the operation of user C and the process of MFP 100 based on the operation of user C.

  First, when user A operates MFP 100 and logs in, authentication information is transmitted to print server 200, and an authentication result is transmitted from print server 200 to MFP 100. Here, the characters “OK” indicate that the print server 200 has succeeded in the authentication based on the user A authentication information.

  Next, the MFP 100 transmits an output instruction A including four pieces of print data identification information to the print server 200. The print server 200 returns an “acceptance” reception confirmation of the output instruction A to the MFP 100. In the print server 200, the output instruction A is set to the first output instruction, and print data transmission processing based on the first output instruction is executed.

  Next, MFP 100 transmits to print server 200 an acquisition request A1 including one selected from the four pieces of print data identification information included in output instruction A. Since the print server 200 returns the print data of the print data identification information included in the acquisition request A1, the MFP 100 forms an image of the print data received from the print server 200. TA1 indicates a period during which the MFP 100 is executing print processing.

  Next, MFP 100 transmits to print server 200 an acquisition request A2 including one selected from three print data identification information that has not been transmitted among the four print data identification information included in output instruction A. Since the print server 200 returns the print data of the print data identification information included in the acquisition request A2, the MFP 100 forms an image of the print data received from the print server 200. TA2 indicates a period during which the MFP 100 is executing print processing.

  When the user B operates the portable information device 510 and logs in during the period TA2, authentication information is transmitted to the print server 200, and an authentication result is transmitted from the print server 200 to the portable information device 510.

  Next, portable information device 510 transmits output instruction B including one piece of print data identification information to print server 200. The print server 200 receives the output instruction B, but is executing print data transmission processing based on the first output instruction that is the output instruction A. The output instruction A and the output instruction B have the same output device. The pointing device is different. For this reason, the print server 200 sets the output instruction B as the second output instruction, waits for execution of the print data transmission process based on the second output instruction, and transmits the print data based on the first output instruction as the output instruction A. Continue processing.

  Next, MFP 100 transmits to print server 200 an acquisition request A3 including one selected from two pieces of unprinted print data identification information among the four pieces of print data identification information included in output instruction A. Since the print server 200 returns the print data of the print data identification information included in the acquisition request A3, the MFP 100 forms an image of the print data received from the print server 200. TA3 indicates a period during which the MFP 100 is executing print processing.

  During period TA3, when user A receives a request from user C, inputs an interrupt instruction to MFP 100, and logs out, MFP 100 transmits a logout request to print server 200. When receiving the logout request, the print server 200 cancels the login state of the user A, and the login period of the user A ends. At this stage, the MFP 100 continues the image forming process of the print data of the print data identification information included in the acquisition request A3 executed in the period TA3.

  When the user C logs in by operating the MFP 100 in the period TA3, authentication information is transmitted to the print server 200, and an authentication result is transmitted from the print server 200 to the MFP 100. Here, the characters “OK” indicate that the print server 200 has succeeded in the authentication based on the authentication information of the user C.

  Next, the MFP 100 transmits an output instruction C including one piece of print data identification information to the print server 200. The print server 200 returns a confirmation of reception of the output instruction C to the MFP 100. The print server 200 receives the output instruction C, but is executing print data transmission processing based on the first output instruction, which is the output instruction A, and both the output device and the instruction device use the output instruction A and the output instruction C. The same. For this reason, the print server 200 sets the output instruction B to the second output instruction, interrupts the print data transmission process based on the first output instruction that is the output instruction A, and performs the print data transmission process based on the second output instruction. Start execution.

  Thereafter, the MFP 100 transmits an acquisition request C1 including one piece of print data identification information included in the output instruction C to the print server 200. Since the print server 200 returns the print data of the print data identification information included in the acquisition request C1, the MFP 100 forms an image of the print data received from the print server 200. TC1 indicates a period during which the MFP 100 is executing print processing.

  Next, when user C logs out from MFP 100, MFP 100 transmits a logout request to print server 200. When receiving the logout request, the print server 200 cancels the login state of the user C, and the login period of the user C ends. At this stage, the MFP 100 continues the image forming process of the print data of the print data identification information included in the acquisition request C1 executed in the period TC1.

  Thereafter, when user A operates MFP 100 to log in, authentication information is transmitted to print server 200, and an authentication result is transmitted from print server 200 to MFP 100. Here, the characters “OK” indicate that the print server 200 has succeeded in the authentication based on the authentication information of the user C.

  Next, the MFP 100 transmits to the print server 200 an acquisition request A4 including one print data identification information that has not been transmitted among the four print data identification information included in the output instruction A. Since the print server 200 returns the print data of the print data identification information included in the acquisition request A4, the MFP 100 forms an image of the print data received from the print server 200. TA4 indicates a period during which the MFP 100 is executing print processing. At this stage, the print server 200 completes the execution of the print data transmission process based on the first output instruction which is the output instruction A. Since the user B is in the login period, the print server 200 transmits an inquiry “start?” To the portable information device 510 in order to start the print data transmission process based on the second output instruction that has been waiting. Receiving the inquiry, portable information device 510 transmits a signal “request” requesting the start of print data based on output instruction B to print server 200. The print server 200 that receives the signal “request” for requesting start executes print data transmission processing based on the second output instruction that is the output instruction B, and print data of the print data identification information included in the output instruction B is It is transmitted to output apparatus MFP 100 specified by the apparatus identification information included in output instruction B. MFP 100 forms an image of print data received from print server 200. TB1 indicates a period during which the MFP 100 is executing print processing.

  Thereafter, when user B logs out from portable information device 510, portable information device 510 transmits a logout request to print server 200. When receiving the logout request, the print server 200 cancels the login state of the user B, and the login period of the user B ends. Further, when user A logs out from MFP 100, MFP 100 transmits a logout request to print server 200. When receiving the logout request, the print server 200 cancels the login state of the user A, and the login period of the user A ends.

  As described above, when the user is authenticated and the direct output instruction or the remote output instruction is received, print server 200 in the present embodiment responds to each of direct output instruction or remote output instruction among MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B. Print data is transmitted to a device specified by the included device identification information, for example, MFP 100. For example, a direct output instruction (first output instruction) received when user A logs in to MFP 100 among MFPs 100, 100 </ b> A, and 100 </ b> B, and a direct output instruction (second output) received when user C logs in MFP 100. Is an instruction to transmit print data to the same MFP 100. In this case, the direct output instruction (second output instruction) received when user C logs in to MFP 100 is prioritized. Since user A and user C operate the same MFP 100 together, user A gives the user C the right to operate MFP 100. For this reason, user A is not dissatisfied even if MFP 100 forms an image of print data as a process for user C. On the other hand, the user C does not need to wait for the MFP 100 to form an image of print data as a process for the user A, so the waiting time is shortened.

  Further, when the user A is authenticated within a predetermined period after the image of the print data is formed by the MFP 100 as a process for the user C, the MFP 100 prints the print data suspended as a process for the user A. Image formation is resumed. For this reason, the user A does not need to input a new output instruction, and the operation can be simplified.

  In addition, a direct output instruction (first output instruction) received when user A logs in MFP 100 among MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B, for example, is an instruction to transmit print data to MFP 100, and user B has a portable information device. If the remote output instruction (second output instruction) received when logging in to 510 is an instruction to transmit print data to MFP 100, the direct output instruction (first output) received when user A logs in to MFP 100 Priority is given to the output instruction). MFP 100 operated by user A is different from portable information device 510 operated by user B. For this reason, since user A does not know that user B has been authenticated, it is possible to prevent the image forming process of print data being executed by MFP 100 as a process for user A from being interrupted.

  Further, if user B is logged in after MFP 100 finishes the print data image forming process being executed for user A, the print data for user B is transmitted to MFP 100. As MFP 100 performs processing for user B, print data image forming processing is immediately started. For this reason, the waiting time of the user B can be made as short as possible.

  Even when the user B is logged out, the user B is authenticated within a predetermined period after the MFP 100 finishes the print data image forming process executed as the process for the user A. Then, since print data for user B is transmitted to MFP 100, MFP 100 immediately starts an image forming process for print data as a process for user B. For this reason, the user B does not need to perform an operation for newly giving an output instruction, and the operation can be simplified.

  In the above-described embodiment, the print system 1 has been described. However, the processing illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 13 is executed by the print server 200, and the processing illustrated in FIG. 14 is performed by the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B. Needless to say, the invention can be understood as a print data transmission method for causing the portable information device 510 to execute the processing shown in FIG. Further, the CPU 201 of the print server 200 executes the process shown in FIGS. 9 to 13, the process shown in FIG. 14 is executed by the CPU 111 of each of the MFPs 100, 100 </ b> A, and 100 </ b> B, and the process shown in FIG. It goes without saying that the invention can be understood as a print data transmission program to be executed by the CPU 511 of 510.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Print system, 3 network, 10 ADF, 20 Image reading part, 30 Image formation part, 40 Paper feed part, 50 Post-processing part, 51 Authentication part, 53 Output instruction transmission part, 55 Acquisition request transmission part, 57 Print data reception Unit, 59 job management unit, 61 image formation control unit, 63 interrupt acceptance unit, 65 logout unit, 100, 100A, 100B MFP, 101 main circuit, 111 CPU, 112 RAM, 113 ROM, 114 display unit, 115 operation unit , 116 HDD, 117 data communication control unit, 122 facsimile unit, 123 communication control unit, 200 print server, 201 CPU, 202 ROM, 203 RAM, 204 network I / F, 205 HDD, 206 display unit, 207 operation unit, 208 Bus, 209 External storage device, 251 Print data Reception unit, 253 Spool unit, 255 Server side authentication unit, 257 Output instruction reception unit, 259 Print data transmission unit, 261 Selection unit, 263 Instruction device comparison unit, 271 First output instruction reception unit, 273 Second output instruction reception unit 275 First print data transmission unit, 277 Resume unit, 281 Second print data transmission unit, 283 In-period start unit, 285 Out-of-period start unit, 291 Pull print data, 300 Authentication server, 500 Wireless station, 510 Portable information device 511 CPU, 512 camera, 513 flash memory, 514 wireless communication unit, 515 call unit, 516 display unit, 517 operation unit, 518 wireless LAN I / F, 531 authentication unit, 533 spool information receiving unit, 535 output device designation unit, 537 Output instruction transmission unit.

Claims (8)

Print data receiving means for receiving print data and user identification information from outside;
Spool means for temporarily storing the received print data in association with the user identification information;
Authentication means for receiving and authenticating authentication information from the pointing device;
An output instruction receiving means for receiving an output instruction designating an image forming apparatus as an output destination from the instruction apparatus that has transmitted the authenticated authentication information in a login period starting after successful authentication by the authentication means;
Print data transmission means for transmitting print data associated with user identification information included in the received authentication information out of the stored print data in the image forming apparatus designated by the output instruction;
The output instruction receiving means receives an output destination from the first instruction apparatus that has transmitted the first authentication information during a first login period that starts after successful authentication based on the first authentication information by the authentication means. First output instruction receiving means for receiving a first output instruction designating an image forming apparatus;
In the second login period that starts after successful authentication based on the second authentication information by the authentication means, the first output instruction designates the second output instruction that has transmitted the second authentication information. A second output instruction receiving means for receiving a second output instruction designating the same image forming apparatus as the image forming apparatus,
The print data transmission unit sequentially transmits a plurality of first print data associated with user identification information included in the first authentication information among the stored print data based on the first output instruction. And when the second output instruction is received during the period of time, based on whether or not the first instruction device and the second instruction device are the same, of the plurality of first print data A printing unit including selection means for selecting one of unprinted print data and second print data associated with user identification information included in the second authentication information among the stored print data; server. The selection means selects the second print data when the first instruction device and the second instruction device are the same;
The print server according to claim 1, wherein the print data transmission unit transmits the second print data selected by the selection unit based on the second output instruction unit.   The print data transmission unit responds to the first output instruction when the authentication unit succeeds in the authentication based on the first authentication information within a predetermined period from the completion of the transmission of the second print data. The print server according to claim 2, further comprising: restarting means for restarting transmission of untransmitted print data among the plurality of first print data based on the first print data. The selecting means selects unsent print data from the plurality of first print data when the first instruction device and the second instruction device are different;
The print data transmission unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the print data transmission unit transmits untransmitted print data among the selected first print data based on the first output instruction. server.   The print data transmission unit is configured to perform the second output instruction based on the second output instruction if the transmission of untransmitted print data among the plurality of first print data is within the second login period. The print server according to claim 4, further comprising an in-period start means for transmitting two print data.   The print data transmission means, within a predetermined period from the completion time point, if the completion time point at which transmission of unsent print data among the plurality of first print data is completed is not within the second login period, 6. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an out-of-period start unit that transmits the second print data based on the second output instruction in response to successful authentication based on second authentication information by the authentication unit. The listed print server. A print data transmission method executed by a print server,
Receiving print data and user identification information from outside;
Temporarily storing the received print data in association with the user identification information;
Receiving authentication information from the pointing device and authenticating;
An output instruction receiving step for receiving an output instruction designating an output destination image forming apparatus from the instruction apparatus that has transmitted the authenticated authentication information during a login period starting after successful authentication in the authenticating step; ,
A print data transmission step of transmitting print data associated with user identification information included in the received authentication information among the print data stored in the image forming apparatus designated by the output instruction;
In the output instruction receiving step, an output destination is output from the first instruction device that has transmitted the first authentication information during a first login period that starts after successful authentication based on the first authentication information in the authenticating step. A first output instruction receiving step for receiving a first output instruction designating the image forming apparatus;
In the authenticating step, the first output instruction is designated from the second output instruction that has transmitted the second authentication information during the second login period that starts after successful authentication based on the second authentication information. A second output instruction receiving step of receiving a second output instruction designating the same image forming apparatus as the image forming apparatus to be performed,
The print data transmission step sequentially transmits a plurality of first print data associated with user identification information included in the first authentication information among the stored print data based on the first output instruction. And when the second output instruction is received during the period of time, based on whether or not the first instruction device and the second instruction device are the same, of the plurality of first print data Print data including a step of selecting one of unprinted print data and second print data associated with user identification information included in the second authentication information among the stored print data Transmission method. Receiving print data and user identification information from outside;
Temporarily storing the received print data in association with the user identification information;
Receiving authentication information from the pointing device and authenticating;
An output instruction receiving step for receiving an output instruction designating an output destination image forming apparatus from the instruction apparatus that has transmitted the authenticated authentication information during a login period starting after successful authentication in the authenticating step; ,
A print data transmission step of transmitting print data associated with user identification information included in the received authentication information among the print data stored in the image forming apparatus designated by the output instruction;
In the output instruction receiving step, an output destination is output from the first instruction device that has transmitted the first authentication information during a first login period that starts after successful authentication based on the first authentication information in the authenticating step. A first output instruction receiving step for receiving a first output instruction designating the image forming apparatus;
In the authenticating step, the first output instruction is designated from the second output instruction that has transmitted the second authentication information during the second login period that starts after successful authentication based on the second authentication information. A second output instruction receiving step for receiving a second output instruction specifying the same image forming apparatus as the image forming apparatus to be executed,
The print data transmission step sequentially transmits a plurality of first print data associated with user identification information included in the first authentication information among the stored print data based on the first output instruction. And when the second output instruction is received during the period of time, based on whether or not the first instruction device and the second instruction device are the same, of the plurality of first print data Print data including a step of selecting one of unprinted print data and second print data associated with user identification information included in the second authentication information among the stored print data Send program.

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