JP2017076194A - Image forming system and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system that improves the accuracy in specifying data that is a source of an image formed on a recording medium.SOLUTION: A server receives a first print instruction, generates first print data, and transmits the first print data to an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus forms an image of the received first print data, acquires a first scan image obtained by reading a recording medium on which the image of the first print data is formed, and transmits the first scan image to the server. The server associates the first scan image with data specified by the first print instruction, and when the first scan image matches with a second scan image obtained by reading the recording medium on which the image of the first print data is formed by the image forming apparatus, specifies the data associated with the first scan image. The image forming apparatus transmits a print request command including a second print condition to the server; the server generates second print data on the basis of the specified data and the second print condition and transmits the second print data to the image forming apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system and an image forming method, and more particularly to an image forming system for forming an image of data stored in a server and an image forming method executed in the image forming system.

  In some cases, a multifunction peripheral (hereinafter referred to as “MFP”) is controlled using a service provided by a cloud server connected to the Internet. For example, it is a case where data stored in a cloud server is printed on an MFP. In this case, in the image printed by the MFP, for example, the character size, color or monochrome may differ from the image desired by the user. In this case, in order to print with the same data with different print conditions, it is necessary to reconnect to the cloud server and print on the MFP.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-122641 discloses that in a server computer, print target data transmitted from a computer is stored in a print target data storage unit, and the print data creation unit creates print data. The communication unit transmits the data for printing to the multifunction device, and the first page data of the created print data is stored in the page data storage unit. An image forming system is described in which when print settings are transmitted, new print data according to the print setting instructions is created by the print data creation means, and the communication unit transmits the data to the multifunction peripheral.

However, in the image forming system described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-122641, for example, the first page data of print data stored in a server computer and a printed matter obtained by printing the print data with a multifunction peripheral are included. There is a problem that it cannot cope with different cases. For example, when the data for printing is poor in the multifunction device and an image including noise is printed, the read data obtained by reading the printed matter with the multifunction device includes noise, but the first page stored in the server computer. This data does not contain noise. In addition, when the font corresponding to the print data is not installed in the multifunction device and printing is garbled, the read data read from the printed matter by the multifunction device is garbled but is stored in the server computer. The data on the first page is not garbled. Also, when printing on colored paper with a multifunction device, the background of the scanned data read by the multifunction device is different from white, but the first page of data stored in the server computer has a white background. It is. Furthermore, while the printing data is data for printing one page on one sheet of paper, if the multi-function machine is printed under printing conditions that consolidate multiple pages on one sheet of paper, the multi-function machine reads the printed matter. The read data is an image of a plurality of pages, but the first page data stored in the server computer is an image of one page.
JP 2007-122641 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 an image forming system with improved accuracy for specifying data that is the basis of an image formed on a recording medium. It is to be.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming method with improved accuracy for specifying data that is the basis of an image formed on a recording medium.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming system is an image forming system including a server and an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with the server. The image forming apparatus includes: a first instruction receiving unit that receives a first print instruction that specifies a print condition; and a first print data generation unit that generates first print data based on the first print instruction. A first image reading unit that reads an image formed on the image forming unit, an image forming unit that forms an image, a paper discharge unit that accumulates a recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming device, an image forming device, and a paper discharge unit. Between the second image reading means for reading an image formed on the recording medium by the image forming means and an image of the first print data generated by the server A first print unit to be formed by the image forming unit, and a first scan image acquiring unit configured to acquire a first scan image output by the second image reading unit reading the recording medium on which the image forming unit has formed the image of the first print data. And a second scan image acquisition unit that acquires a second scan image that is read and output by the first image reading unit from the recording medium on which the image forming unit forms an image of the first print data. Any one of the forming apparatuses includes an association unit that associates the first scan image with data specified by the first print instruction, and the second scan image acquired by the second scan image acquisition unit matches the first scan image. A data specifying unit that specifies data associated with the first scan image, and the image forming apparatus further includes a second printout. A print requesting means for sending a print request command for requesting printing of data specified by the data specifying means to the server, wherein the server further receives the print request command, and the data specifying means And second print data generating means for generating second print data based on the data specified by the above and the second print condition included in the print request command.

  According to this aspect, when the image forming apparatus forms an image of the first print data generated by the server and acquires a first scan image obtained by reading a recording medium on which the image of the first print data is formed, the server and Any one of the image forming apparatuses associates the first scan image with the data specified by the first print instruction. When either one of the server and the image forming apparatus further acquires a second scan image output by reading the recording medium on which the image of the first print data is formed, the second scan image is the first scan image. If it matches, the data associated with the first scan image is specified. When the image forming apparatus transmits a print request command including the second print condition and requesting printing of the specified data to the server, the server receives the print request command and the specified data and print Second print data is generated based on the second print condition included in the request command. The case where the second scan image matches the first scan image is a case where the second scan image and the first scan image are data obtained by reading the same recording medium. For this reason, since the comparison object is the same, the data used as the origin of a 2nd scan image can be pinpointed correctly. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming system with improved accuracy for specifying data that is the basis of an image formed on a recording medium.

  Preferably, the server further comprises authentication means for authenticating the user on condition that the user is registered in advance, and data storage means accessible on condition that the user is authenticated by the authentication means. The first instruction accepting unit accepts a first print instruction for specifying data stored in the data storage unit based on an instruction from the user authenticated by the authenticating unit, and the second print data generating unit receives the first print instruction by the authenticating unit. Regardless of whether or not it is authenticated, the data specified by the data specifying means is read from the data storage means, and the second print data is obtained based on the read data and the second print condition included in the print request command. Generate.

  According to this aspect, the server specifies data based on an instruction from an authenticated user, generates first print data, and receives a print request command, regardless of whether the user is authenticated. First, the specified data is read, and the second print data is generated based on the read data and the second print condition. For this reason, even a user who cannot access data stored in the server can form an image of the data.

  Preferably, the server further includes an authentication unit for authenticating the user on the condition that the user is a pre-registered user, and a data storage unit having an area accessible only to the user for each of the plurality of users. The first instruction receiving means includes data stored in an area accessible only to the first user of the data storage means and the second user of the output destination based on an instruction from the first user authenticated by the authentication means The first print data generation unit generates first print data addressed to the second user based on the first print instruction, and the image forming apparatus authenticates the user. An authentication unit, wherein the first printing unit is connected to the server in response to the second user being authenticated by the device-side authentication unit. The image forming unit forms an image of the first print data generated for the second user, and the second print data generating unit specifies the data regardless of whether or not the first user is authenticated by the authentication unit. The data specified by the means is read from an area accessible only by the first user of the data storage means, and second print data is generated based on the read data and the second print condition included in the print request command To do.

  According to this aspect, on the basis of an instruction from the first user authenticated by the server, the data stored in the area accessible only by the first user and the second user of the output destination are specified and addressed to the second user In response to authenticating the second user, the image forming apparatus forms an image of the first print data generated for the second user by the server. Therefore, the user can form an image of data when a specific user operates the image forming apparatus. Further, even a user who cannot access data stored in the server can form an image of the data.

  Preferably, the server further includes notification means for notifying the first user that the data specified by the data specifying means has been printed under the second print condition.

  According to this aspect, the user who has instructed printing can know that the data instructed to form an image has been formed again, and has been printed by changing the printing conditions.

  Preferably, the server includes association means and data specifying means, and the image forming apparatus further comprises first scan image transmission means for transmitting the first scan image to the server, and the association provided by the server. The means associates the received first scan image with the data specified by the first print instruction in response to receiving the first scan image from the image forming apparatus, and the print request means obtains the second scan image. A print request command including the second scan image acquired by the means, and the data specifying means provided in the server compares the second scan image included in the print request command received from the image forming apparatus with the first scan image. To do.

  According to this aspect, the server associates the first scan image received from the image forming apparatus with the data specified by the first print instruction, and the second scan image included in the print request command received from the image forming apparatus. Is compared with the first scan image. Therefore, data can be specified when the image forming apparatus that transmits the first scan image is different from the image forming apparatus that transmits the print request command.

  Preferably, the first scan image transmission means transmits data identification information for identifying data specified by the first print instruction received together with the first print data from the server together with the first scan image, and The means associates the first scan image received from the image forming apparatus with the data specified by the data identification information received together with the first scan image from the image forming apparatus.

  According to this aspect, the data specified by the first print instruction can be easily associated with the first scan image.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus includes an association unit and a data specifying unit, and the association unit is a data identification for identifying the data received together with the first print data from the server and specified by the first print instruction. The information is associated with the first scan image acquired by the first scan image acquisition unit, and the print request unit transmits a print request command including data identification information associated with the first scan image that matches the second scan image. To do.

  According to this aspect, the image forming apparatus associates the first scan image with the data identification information of the data specified by the first print instruction, and the data identification information associated with the first scan image that matches the second scan image. A print request command including "and" is sent to the server. For this reason, data can be reliably identified by the server while reducing the processing load of the server.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes editing means for editing the first print condition received together with the first print data from the server in order to determine the second print condition.

  According to this aspect, since the first print condition is edited in order to determine the second print condition, it is easy to set the print condition.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further causes the image forming unit to form an image of the received second print data when receiving the second print data from the server in response to the transmission of the print request command. Is provided.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of servers, and the image forming apparatus associates the first scan image with server identification information for identifying a server that has generated the first print data among the plurality of servers, A server specifying unit that specifies a server associated with the first scan image when the second scan image acquired by the scan image acquiring unit matches the first scan image; Send the command to the identified server.

  According to this aspect, even when there are a plurality of servers, it is possible to specify data that is the basis of an image formed on a recording medium.

  Preferably, the server includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses, and the server further includes first transmission means for transmitting the first print data to a first target apparatus specified by the first print instruction among the plurality of image forming apparatuses; A second transmission unit configured to transmit the two print data to a second target apparatus that has transmitted a print request command among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and the first target apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes: A plurality of image forming apparatuses comprising at least a first printing unit and a first scanning image transmission unit among a printing unit, a first scan image acquisition unit, a second scan image acquisition unit, and a print request unit The second target device includes a first print unit, a first scan image acquisition unit, a second scan image acquisition unit, and a print request unit. If, comprising at least a print request unit.

  According to this aspect, the first print data is image-formed by any of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and the second print data is image-formed by any of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. For this reason, the user who instruct | indicates printing can form the image of 1st print data and 2nd print data in arbitrary apparatuses among several image formation.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming method is an image forming method executed in an image forming system including a server and an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with the server. An image forming apparatus that executes a first instruction receiving step for receiving a first print instruction for specifying one print condition, and a first print data generating step for generating first print data based on the first print instruction. A first image reading unit that reads an image formed on a document, an image forming unit that forms an image, a paper discharge unit that stores a recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming device, and an image forming device and a discharge unit. And a second image reading unit that is disposed between the paper unit and reads an image formed on the recording medium by the image forming unit. A first printing step for causing the image forming means to form an image of one print data; and a first scan image that is output by the second image reading means reading the recording medium on which the image forming means has formed the image of the first print data. A first scan image acquisition step of acquiring, and a second scan image acquisition step of acquiring a second scan image output by the first image reading unit reading the recording medium on which the image forming unit has formed the image of the first print data And an association step for associating one of the server and the image forming apparatus with the data specified by the first print instruction and the second scan image acquired in the second scan image acquisition step. If the scanned image is the same as the first scanned image, identify the data associated with the first scanned image And a print request step for sending a print request command to the server for requesting printing of the data specified in the data specification step, including the second print condition. The second print for generating the second print data on the basis of the second print condition included in the print request command using the data specified in the data request step in response to receiving the print request command. And a data generation step.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an image forming method with improved accuracy for specifying data that is the basis of an image formed on a recording medium.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall outline of an image forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an MFP in one embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of a hardware configuration of an MFP according to the present embodiment. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the outline | summary of the hardware constitutions of the cloud server in this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the function of CPU with which the cloud server in 1st Embodiment is provided. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU provided in the MFP according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary flow of a print service process according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of print processing according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a reprint service process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in an MFP according to a second modification. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of print processing in a second modification. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in an MFP according to a second embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the function of CPU with which the cloud server in 2nd Embodiment is provided. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of print processing according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a reprint service process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in an MFP according to a fourth modification. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of print processing in a fourth modification.

  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.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an overall outline of an image forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming system 1 includes cloud servers 300 and 300A, a gateway (G / W) device 200, MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) 100, 100A, and 100B, and a personal computer ( (Hereinafter referred to as “PC”) 400. Each of the cloud servers 300, 300A, the PC 400, and the gateway device (G / W) 200 is connected to the Internet 5 and can communicate with each other via the Internet 5. Furthermore, each of the cloud servers 300, 300A, the PC 400, and the gateway device 200 can communicate with other computers connected to the Internet 5.

  The gateway device 200 is further connected to a local area network (LAN) 3, and MFPs 100, 100 A, and 100 B are connected to the LAN 3. The gateway device 200 can communicate with MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B connected to the LAN 3. Furthermore, each of gateway apparatus 200 and MFPs 100, 100 </ b> A, and 100 </ b> B can communicate with other computers connected to LAN 3.

  The gateway device 200 connects the LAN 3 and the Internet 5. Therefore, the cloud servers 300 and 300A can communicate with any of the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B.

  Since the hardware configurations and functions of gateway device 200 and PC 400 are well known, description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment, cloud servers 300 and 300A function as file servers, and data stored for user A based on user A's instructions is stored in MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B. A service for causing the apparatus designated by the user A, for example, the MFP 100 to print is provided. Specifically, the services provided by the cloud servers 300 and 300A are specified by the user A as print destinations for printing the data specified by the user A under the print conditions specified by the user A. The MFP 100 is made to print. More specifically, when user A operates PC 400 to access server 300 and designates data stored in cloud server 300, MFP 100, and print conditions, cloud server 300 is designated by user A. Print data for printing the received data is transmitted to MFP 100. MFP 100 prints on the print data received from cloud server 300.

  The hardware configurations and functions of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B are basically the same. Therefore, in the following description, MFP 100 will be described as an example unless otherwise specified. Further, the hardware configurations and functions of the cloud servers 300 and 300A are basically the same. Therefore, in the following description, the cloud server 300 will be described as an example unless otherwise specified.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the MFP according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of the MFP according to the present embodiment. 2 and 3, MFP 100 functioning as an image forming apparatus includes a main circuit 110, a document reading unit 130 for reading a document, and an automatic document transport device for transporting a document to document reading unit 130. 120, an image forming unit 140 for forming an image on a sheet or the like based on image data output by the document reading unit 130 reading the document, an image reading unit 145, and an image forming unit 140 for supplying the sheet Sheet feeding unit 150 and an operation panel 160 as a user interface.

  The automatic document feeder 120 automatically conveys a plurality of documents set on the document tray 125 one by one to a predetermined document reading position set on the platen glass of the document reading unit 130, and the document reading unit The document on which the image formed on the document is read by 130 is discharged onto the document discharge tray 127. The document reading unit 130 includes a light source that irradiates light to the document conveyed to the document reading position and a photoelectric conversion element that receives light reflected from 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 140. The paper feed unit 150 conveys the paper stored in the paper feed tray to the image forming unit 140.

  The image forming unit 140 forms an image by a well-known electrophotographic method, and the image data after data processing is obtained by performing various data processing such as shading correction on the image data input from the document reading unit 130. Alternatively, based on image data received from the outside, an image is formed on a sheet conveyed by the sheet feeding unit 150, and the sheet on which the image is formed is discharged to a sheet discharge tray 155.

  The image reading unit 145 is provided between the image forming unit 140 and the paper discharge tray 155 in the paper conveyance path, and reads an image formed on the paper discharged by the image forming unit 140. The image reading unit 145 includes a light source that irradiates the paper discharged from the image forming unit 140 and a photoelectric conversion element that receives the light reflected by the paper, and scans an image according to the size of the paper. The image forming unit 140 can use, for example, a line sensor.

  The main circuit 110 includes a CPU 111 that controls the entire MFP 100, a communication interface (I / F) unit 112, a ROM 113, a RAM 114, a hard disk drive (HDD) 115 as a mass storage device, a facsimile unit 116, An external storage device 117. CPU 111 is connected to automatic document feeder 120, document reading unit 130, image forming unit 140, sheet feeding unit 150, and operation panel 160, and controls the entire MFP 100.

  The facsimile unit 116 is connected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and transmits facsimile data to the PSTN or receives facsimile data from the PSTN. The facsimile unit 116 stores the received facsimile data in the HDD 115, converts it into print data that can be printed by the image forming unit 140, and outputs the print data to the image forming unit 140. As a result, the image forming unit 140 forms an image on a sheet of facsimile data received by the facsimile unit 116. Further, the facsimile unit 116 converts the data stored in the HDD 115 into facsimile data, and transmits the facsimile data to a facsimile machine connected to the PSTN.

  Communication I / F unit 112 is an interface for connecting MFP 100 to a network. The communication I / F unit 112 communicates with other computers or data processing devices connected to the network using a communication protocol such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or FTP (File Transfer Protocol). Note that the network to which the communication I / F unit 112 is connected is a local area network (LAN), and the connection form may be wired or wireless. The network is not limited to a LAN, and may be a wide area network (WAN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), the Internet, or the like.

  The ROM 113 stores a program executed by the CPU 111 or data necessary for executing the program. The RAM 114 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program. Further, the RAM 114 temporarily stores the read images continuously sent from the document reading unit 130.

  Operation panel 160 is provided on the upper surface of MFP 100. Operation panel 160 includes a display unit 161 and an operation unit 163. The display unit 161 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device (LCD), and displays an instruction menu for a user, information about acquired image data, and the like. Instead of the LCD 165, for example, an organic EL (electroluminescence) display can be used as long as the device displays an image.

  The operation unit 163 includes a touch panel 165 and a hard key unit 167. The touch panel 165 is a capacitive type. Note that the touch panel 165 is not limited to the capacitance method, and other methods such as a resistance film method, a surface acoustic wave method, an infrared method, and an electromagnetic induction method can be used.

  The touch panel 165 is provided with its detection surface superimposed on the display unit 161 on the upper or lower surface of the display unit 161. Here, the size of the detection surface of the touch panel 165 and the size of the display surface of the display unit 161 are the same. For this reason, the coordinate system of the display surface and the coordinate system of the detection surface are the same. The touch panel 165 detects the position where the user points the display surface of the display unit 161 on the detection surface, and outputs the coordinates of the detected position to the CPU 111. Since the coordinate system of the display surface and the coordinate system of the detection surface are the same, the coordinates output from the touch panel 165 can be replaced with the coordinates of the display surface. Hereinafter, the coordinates that the touch panel 165 detects and outputs on the detection surface when the user instructs the display surface of the display unit 161 are also referred to as the coordinates of the display surface.

  Hard key portion 167 includes a plurality of hard keys. The hard key is, for example, a contact switch. The touch panel 165 detects a position designated by the user on the display surface of the display unit 161. When the user operates the MFP 100, the user often takes an upright posture, and thus the display surface of the display unit 161, the operation surface of the touch panel 165, and the hard key unit 167 are arranged facing upward. This is because the user can easily visually recognize the display surface of the display unit 161 and the user can easily instruct the operation unit 163 with a finger.

  The external storage device 117 is controlled by the CPU 111, and a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) 118 or a semiconductor memory is mounted. In this embodiment, an example in which the CPU 111 executes a program stored in the ROM 113 will be described. However, the CPU 111 controls the external storage device 117 to read a program to be executed by the CPU 111 from the CD-ROM 118. The read program may be stored in the RAM 102 and executed.

  The recording medium for storing a program to be executed by the CPU 111 is not limited to the CD-ROM 118, but is a flexible disk, a cassette tape, an optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). )), A semiconductor memory medium such as an IC card, an optical card, a mask ROM, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), and an EEPROM (Electrically EPROM). Further, the CPU 111 downloads a program from a computer connected to the network and stores it in the HDD 115, or loads the program stored in the HDD 115 into the RAM 114 so that the computer connected to the network writes the program to the HDD 115. Then, it may be executed by the CPU 111. 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.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an outline of the hardware configuration of the cloud server according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, the cloud server 300 includes a CPU 301 for controlling the entire cloud server 300, a ROM 302 for storing a program to be executed by the CPU 301, a RAM 303 used as a work area for the CPU 301, and data Including a communication unit 305 for connecting the CPU 301 to the Internet 5, a display unit 306 for displaying information, an operation unit 307 for accepting user operation input, and an external storage device 309. .

  The external storage device 309 is loaded with a CD-ROM 309A. The CPU 301 can access the CD-ROM 309A via the external storage device 309. The CPU 301 loads the program recorded on the CD-ROM 309A mounted on the external storage device 309 into the RAM 303 and executes it. The medium for storing the program executed by the CPU 301 is not limited to the CD-ROM 309A, and may be a semiconductor memory such as an optical disk, an IC card, an optical card, a mask ROM, an EPROM, or an EEPROM.

  The program executed by the CPU 301 is not limited to the program recorded on the CD-ROM 309A, and the program stored in the HDD 304 may be loaded into the RAM 303 and executed. In this case, another computer connected to the Internet 5 may rewrite the program stored in the HDD 304 of the cloud server 300 or may add a new program and write it. Further, the cloud server 300 may download a program from another computer connected to the Internet 5 and store the program in the HDD 304. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU 301 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the CPU provided in the cloud server according to the first embodiment. The functions illustrated in FIG. 5 are functions formed in the CPU 301 when the CPU 301 included in the cloud server 300 executes a program stored in the ROM 302, the HDD 304, or the CD-ROM 309A. Referring to FIG. 5, the CPU 301 included in the cloud server 300 includes an authentication unit 351, a first instruction reception unit 353, a first print data generation unit 355, a first transmission unit 357, an association unit 361, A print request receiving unit 363, a data specifying unit 365, a second print data generating unit 367, a second transmitting unit 369, and a notifying unit 371 are included.

  The authentication unit 351 authenticates a user who operates the cloud server 300. A user who operates the cloud server 300 is a user who uses a service provided by the cloud server 300. Here, a case where the user A operates the PC 400 and uses a service provided by the cloud server 300 will be described as an example. When the communication unit 305 receives a connection request from the PC 400, the authentication unit 351 controls the communication unit 305 to establish a communication path with the PC 400 and returns a login screen to the PC 400 via the communication unit 305. When a user who operates the PC 400 inputs a user ID and a password to the PC 400 according to a login screen displayed on the PC 400, the PC 400 transmits an authentication request including the user ID and password to the cloud server 300. When the communication unit 305 receives the authentication request from the PC 400, the authentication unit 351 authenticates the user using the user ID and password included in the authentication request. For example, the user ID and password of a user who can use the service provided by the cloud server 300 are registered in advance, and the authentication unit 351 stores the same user ID and password as the user ID and password included in the authentication request. If it is not registered, authentication is not performed.

  When authenticating the user A who operates the PC 300, the authentication unit 351 uses the user ID of the user A included in the authentication request and the path identification information for identifying the communication path established with the PC 400 as the first. The data is output to the instruction receiving unit 353. When the authentication unit 351 does not authenticate the user A who operates the PC 400, the authentication unit 351 controls the communication unit 305 to transmit an error message to the PC 400 and disconnect the communication path established with the PC 400.

  First instruction accepting unit 353 accepts an operation input by user A who operates PC 400. The first instruction receiving unit 353 receives an operation for specifying data, an operation for specifying an output destination, and an operation for specifying a first print condition.

  For each user registered as a user who can use the service provided by the cloud server 300, the HDD 304 has an area accessible only to that user. For example, the HDD 304 has an area accessible only to the user A who operates the PC 400. This area cannot be accessed by users other than user A. The first instruction accepting unit 353 accepts an operation for designating data stored in an area accessible only to the user A. For example, the first instruction receiving unit 353 controls the communication unit 305 to display a list in which the data identification information for identifying data stored in an area accessible only to the user A of the HDD 304 is listed as the authentication unit 351. Is transmitted to the PC 400 via the communication path specified by the path identification information input from the PC. If the user A who operates the PC 400 selects data identification information from the list displayed on the PC 400, the PC 400 transmits the selected data identification information to the cloud server 300. When the communication unit 305 receives the data identification information from the PC 400, the first instruction receiving unit 353 receives the designation of data specified by the received data identification information. The first instruction receiving unit 353 outputs the data identification information received from the PC 400 to the first print data generation unit 355, and the data identification information received from the PC 400 and the user identification information of the user A input from the authentication unit 351. Are output to the first transmitter 357.

  Further, first instruction receiving unit 353 controls communication unit 305 to receive a list of device identification information for identifying MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B registered in advance as output destinations from authentication unit 351. To the PC 400 via the communication path specified by the path identification information. If the user A operating the PC 400 selects one piece of device identification information from the list displayed on the PC 400, the PC 400 transmits the selected device identification information to the cloud server 300. When the communication unit 305 receives the device identification information from the PC 400, the first instruction receiving unit 353 receives a designation that specifies the device specified by the received device identification information as an output destination. The first instruction receiving unit 353 outputs the device identification information received from the PC 400 to the first transmission unit 357. Here, a case where MFP 100 is designated by user A as an output destination apparatus will be described as an example.

  In addition, the first instruction receiving unit 353 controls the communication unit 305 to display a setting screen for setting print conditions on the PC 400 via the communication path specified by the path identification information input from the authentication unit 351. Send. When the user A operating the PC 400 inputs print conditions to the PC 400 according to the setting screen displayed on the PC 400, the PC 400 transmits the print conditions input by the user A to the cloud server 300. When the communication unit 305 receives a print condition from the PC 400, the first instruction accepting unit 353 accepts designation of the received print condition. The first instruction receiving unit 353 outputs the print condition received from the PC 400 to the first print data generating unit 355.

  The first print data generation unit 355 receives the data identification information and the first print condition from the first instruction reception unit 353. The first print data generation unit 355 reads data specified by the data identification information input from the first instruction reception unit 353 from an area accessible only by the user A of the HDD 304. The first print data generation unit 355 generates first print data based on the read data and the first print condition input from the first instruction receiving unit 353. Although the first print data is not particularly limited, here, the first print data is data described in PDL (Page Description Language). The first print data is not limited to PDL, but may be data described in, for example, PJL (Printer Job Language) or PCL (Printer Control Language). The first print data generation unit 355 outputs the first print data to the first transmission unit 357.

  The first transmission unit 357 receives device identification information, data identification information, and user identification information from the first instruction reception unit 353, and receives first print data from the first print data generation unit 355. The first transmission unit 357 controls the communication unit 305 to specify the first print data, the data identification information, and the automatic information to the device specified by the device identification information input from the first instruction receiving unit 353, here, the MFP 100. Send a scan command. In addition, the first transmission unit 357 outputs a set of data identification information and user identification information input from the first instruction receiving unit 353 to the notification unit 371. The user identification information input from the first instruction receiving unit 353 is information for identifying the user A who has instructed transmission of print data. The data identification information input from the first instruction receiving unit 353 is data identification information of data designated by the user A.

  In this example, the first transmission unit 357 transmits the first print data, the data identification information, and the automatic scan command to the MFP 100. However, the first print data is data specified by the data identification information. Therefore, if the first print data is determined, the data identification information is determined. For this reason, print data identification information for identifying the first print data may be transmitted instead of the data identification information.

  Here, the operation of MFP 100 that receives first print data, data identification information, and an automatic scan command transmitted by cloud server 300 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the CPU provided in the MFP according to the first embodiment. The functions shown in FIG. 5 are functions formed in CPU 111 when CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 executes an authentication print program stored in ROM 113, HDD 115, or CD-ROM 118. Referring to FIG. 6, CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 includes first print unit 51, first scan image acquisition unit 53, first scan image transmission unit 55, second scan image acquisition unit 57, and print condition reception. A section 59, a print request section 61, and a second print section 63.

  When the communication I / F unit 112 receives the first print data, the data identification information, and the automatic scan command, the first print unit 51 acquires the first print data, the data identification information, and the automatic scan command. The first print unit 51 controls the image forming unit 140 based on the first print data to form an image on a sheet, and outputs a reading instruction to the first scan image acquisition unit 53 based on an automatic scan command. Further, the first print unit 51 outputs device identification information and data identification information for identifying the device that has transmitted the first print data, the data identification information, and the automatic scan command to the first scan image transmission unit 55. To do. Here, the first print unit 51 will be described by taking as an example a case where the communication I / F unit 112 receives first print data, data identification information, and an automatic scan command from the cloud server 300. In this case, the first print unit 51 outputs the device identification information and data identification information of the cloud server 300 to the first scan image transmission unit 55.

  The image forming unit 140 controlled by the first print unit 51 forms an image of the first print data on a sheet. Since the paper on which the image of the first print data is formed is stored in the paper discharge tray 155, a user near the MFP 100 can hold the paper on which the image of the first print data is formed. Here, an example will be described in which the user B holds the paper on which the image of the first print data is formed. Note that the user who holds the paper on which the image of the first print data is formed may be the user A who instructed transmission of the first print data.

  The first scanned image acquisition unit 53 controls the image reading unit 145 in response to an input of a reading instruction from the first printing unit 51 to read an image formed on the sheet output by the image forming unit 140. Make it. Since the image reading unit 145 outputs a first scan image obtained by converting the read image into electronic data, the first scan image acquisition unit 53 acquires and acquires the first scan image output by the image reading unit 145. The first scan image is output to the first scan image transmission unit 55.

  The image forming unit 140 controlled by the first print unit 51 forms an image of the first print data on a sheet. Therefore, the image read by the image reading unit 145 is an image of the first print data formed on the paper by the image forming unit 140. The first scan image may be electronic data obtained by reading an image of a first page of paper that is first output by the image forming unit 140, or images of all of a plurality of pages of paper that are output by the image forming unit 140. It may be electronic data obtained by reading. Here, an example will be described in which the first scan image is electronic data obtained by reading the image of the first page of paper output first by the image forming unit 140.

  The first scan image transmission unit 55 receives device identification information and data identification information from the first print unit 51, and receives a first scan image from the first scan image acquisition unit 53. The first scan image transmission unit 55 controls the communication I / F unit 112 to transmit the set of the first scan image and the data identification information to the cloud server 300 specified by the device identification information.

  The second scan image acquisition unit 57 controls the document reading unit 130 based on a reprint instruction from the user who operates the operation unit 163 to read the document placed on the document tray 125. For example, when a reprint instruction is assigned to one of a plurality of hard keys of the hard key unit 167 included in the operation unit 163 and the user instructs the hard key, the reprint instruction is accepted.

  A user who can input a reprint instruction is a user who has a sheet on which an image of the first print data is formed. When accepting a reprint instruction, the document placed on the document tray 125 is a sheet on which the first print data is formed on the image forming unit 140 by the first print unit 51. Here, as an example, the user B places a sheet on which an image of the first print data is formed on the document tray 125 and operates the operation unit 163 to indicate a hard key to which a reprint instruction is assigned. Explained. Since the document reading unit 130 outputs a second scan image obtained by converting the read image into electronic data, the second scan image acquisition unit 57 acquires and acquires the second scan image output by the document reading unit 130. The second scanned image is output to the print request unit 61.

  The print condition receiving unit 59 receives a second print condition input by the user operating the operation unit 163 to the operation unit 163. For example, when the print condition setting screen for accepting the print condition is displayed on the display unit 161 and the user B inputs the print condition to the operation unit 163 according to the print condition setting screen, the second print condition is accepted. The print condition receiving unit 59 outputs the received second print condition to the print request unit 61. The print condition receiving unit 59 may communicate with the cloud server 300 to receive and display a print condition setting screen prepared by the cloud server 300. Further, the operation authority may be transferred to the cloud server 300 so that the MFP 100 emulates the terminal of the cloud server 300 and the user B who operates the operation unit 163 sets the second print condition in the cloud server 300. .

  The print request unit 61 receives the second scan image from the second scan image acquisition unit 57 and the second print condition from the print condition reception unit 59. The print request unit 61 controls the communication I / F unit 112 to transmit the second scan image and the second print condition to the cloud server 300 and output a print instruction to the second print unit 63. The cloud server 300 may be associated with the reprint instruction, and the cloud server 300 may be specified in response to the input of the reprint instruction.

  Based on the second print data, the second print unit 63 receives the second print data from the cloud server 300 after the print instruction is input from the print request unit 61 and the communication I / F unit 112 receives the second print data. The image forming unit 140 is controlled to form an image on a sheet.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the association unit 361 included in the CPU 301 of the cloud server 300 controls the communication unit 305 so that the communication unit 305 receives the first scan image and the data identification information from the MFP 100. One scan image is associated with data identification information. The data specified by the data identification information received by the communication unit 305 is data designated by the user A for printing. The first scan image received by communication unit 305 is an image obtained by MFP 100 reading an image of a sheet on which an image of data specified by the data identification information received by communication unit 305 is formed by image reading unit 145. The associating unit 361 stores the set of the first scan image and the data identification information in the HDD 115 and outputs it to the data specifying unit 365.

  When the communication unit 305 receives a set of the second scan image and the second print condition from the MFP 100, the print request receiving unit 363 outputs the set of the second scan image and the second print condition to the data specifying unit 365, The second print condition is output to the second print data generation unit 367, and device identification information for identifying the MFP 100 that has transmitted the set of the second scan image and the second print condition is output to the second transmission unit 369. .

  The data specifying unit 365 receives a set of data identification information and the first scan image from the association unit 361 and receives a set of the second scan image and the second print condition from the print request receiving unit 363. The data specifying unit 365 compares the second scan image with the first scan image in response to the input of the set of the second scan image and the second print condition from the print request receiving unit 363, and the second scan image The first scan image that matches is identified. When a plurality of sets of data identification information and first scan images are input from the association unit 361, the data specifying unit 365 receives each of the plurality of first scan images from the print request receiving unit 363. A first scan image that matches the second scan image is identified by comparison with the image. When specifying the first scan image that matches the second scan image, the data specifying unit 365 outputs the data identification information paired with the specified first scan image to the second print data generating unit 367 and notifies it. The instruction is output to the notification unit 371. The notification instruction includes data identification information paired with the identified first scan image, the second scan image input from the print request receiving unit 363, and the print condition.

  The coincidence between the first scan image and the second scan image is when the first scan image and the second scan image are the same. When a document is read by the document reading unit 130 or a sheet is read by the image reading unit 145, the document or the sheet may be conveyed with an inclination with respect to the conveyance direction. For this reason, the first scan image and the second scan image are corrected so that the slopes of the regions where the images are represented match in the first scan image and the second scan image, respectively, and the corrected first scan image and second scan image are corrected. It is preferable to compare two scan images. In addition, it is preferable to correct the first scan image and the second scan image so as to eliminate the difference between the first scan image and the second scan image due to the difference in function between the document reading unit 130 and the image reading unit 145. For example, the first scan image and the second scan image are color-matched from the characteristics of the document reading unit 130 and the image reading unit 145, respectively. Further, the first scan image and the second scan image may be binarized and compared. Furthermore, the first scan image and the second scan image may be recognized, and when the characters recognized from each match, it may be determined that the first scan image and the second scan image match.

  The second print data generating unit 367 receives data identification information from the data specifying unit 365 and receives second print conditions from the print request receiving unit 363. The second print data generating unit 367 reads data specified by the data identification information input from the data specifying unit 365. Here, the data specified by the data identification information input from the data specifying unit 365 is stored in an area accessible only to the user A of the HDD 304. When the data identification information is input from the data specifying unit 365, the second print data generating unit 367 can be accessed only by the user A of the HDD 304 even if the user A is not authenticated by the authentication unit 351. The data specified by the data identification information input from the data specifying unit 365 is read out from this area. Then, the second print data generation unit 367 generates second print data based on the read data and the second print condition input from the print request reception unit 363. The second print data is not particularly limited, but here is data described in PDL. Note that the second print data is not limited to PJL, and may be data described in PCL, for example. The second print data generation unit 367 outputs the second print data to the second transmission unit 369.

  The second transmission unit 369 receives device identification information from the print request reception unit 363 and receives second print data from the second print data generation unit 367. The second transmission unit 369 controls the communication unit 305 to transmit the second print data to the device specified by the device identification information input from the print request reception unit 363, here, the MFP 100.

  The notification unit 371 receives a set of data identification information and user identification information from the first transmission unit 357 and receives a notification instruction from the data specification unit 365. The notification instruction includes data identification information, a second scan image, and a print condition. In response to a notification instruction input from the data specifying unit 365, the notification unit 371 receives an input from the data specifying unit 365 out of a set of data identification information and user identification information input from the first transmission unit 357. The user identification information paired with the same data identification information as the data identification information included in the notified instruction is specified. The notification unit 371 notifies the user specified by the specified user identification information of the second scan image and the print condition included in the notification instruction. For example, for each user registered in advance in the cloud server 300, a notification destination network address, for example, an e-mail address is registered, and the notification unit 371 specifies the user specified by the specified user identification information. The e-mail address is set as the destination, an e-mail attached with the second scan image and the print condition included in the notification instruction is generated, the communication unit 305 is controlled, and the generated e-mail is transmitted. Here, since the data specified by the user A is specified by the data specifying unit 365, a second scan image obtained by reading a sheet printed with the data specified by the user A under the first print condition specified by the user A, An e-mail addressed to user A is transmitted with the second print condition set by user B on MFP 100 attached. As a result, the user A can know that the data he / she has instructed to print is printed under the second print condition.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of print service processing according to the first embodiment. The print service process is a process executed by the CPU 301 when the CPU 301 included in the cloud server 300 executes a service providing program stored in the ROM 302, the HDD 304, or the CD-ROM 309A. Referring to FIG. 7, CPU 301 determines whether a login request has been accepted (step S01). For example, when the user A operates the PC 400 and inputs an instruction to receive provision of services from the cloud server 300 to the PC 400, the PC 400 transmits a login request to the cloud server 300. When the communication unit 305 receives a login request from the PC 400, the login request is accepted. The process waits until a login request is accepted (NO in step S01). If a login request is accepted (YES in step S01), the process proceeds to step S02.

  In step S02, it is determined whether or not the user has been successfully authenticated. For example, when a user operating the PC 400 that transmits a login screen to the PC 400 that has transmitted the login request and displays the login screen inputs a user ID and a password according to the login screen, the PC 400 transmits the user ID and password to the cloud server 300. Reply to If the user ID and password received from the PC 400 are registered in advance, the user who operates the PC 400 is authenticated, but if not registered, it is not authenticated. If the user authentication is successful, the process proceeds to step S03; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S09. In step S09, an error is returned to PC 400, and the process returns to step S01. Here, a case where the user A who operates the PC 400 is authenticated will be described as an example.

  In step S03, it is determined whether print settings have been accepted. The process waits until print settings are accepted (NO in step S03). If print settings are accepted (YES in step S03), the process proceeds to step S04. The print settings include data settings to be printed, first print condition settings, and output destination settings. For example, a user who operates the PC 400 to transmit a print setting screen having an area where data identification information, print conditions, and an output destination can be input to the PC 400, and displays the print setting screen, identifies data according to the print setting screen. The PC 400 transmits the data identification information, the print condition, and the device identification information to the cloud server 300. When the communication unit 305 receives data identification information, print conditions, and apparatus identification information from the PC 400, it is determined that print settings have been accepted. Here, a case where MFP 100 is set as an output destination as print settings will be described as an example.

  In step S04, the data set as the processing target in step S03 is read from the HDD 304, and first print data for printing the read data in accordance with the first print condition set in step S03 is generated. In the next step S05, the data identification information of the data set as the processing target in step S03, the first print data generated in step S04, and the automatic scan command are transmitted to the MFP 100 set as the output destination in step S04. To do.

  In the next step S06, the data set as the processing target is associated with the authenticated user, and the process proceeds to step S07. Specifically, a set of data identification information of data set as a processing target and user identification information of the authenticated user A is stored in the HDD 304. In step S07, it is determined whether a logout instruction has been accepted. If a logout instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S08; otherwise, the process returns to step S03. In step S08, a logout process is executed for user A who operates PC 400, and the process returns to step S01. The logout process is, for example, a process in which the communication unit 305 disconnects a communication path established with the PC 400.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of print processing according to the first embodiment. The print process is a process executed by CPU 111 when CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 executes a print program stored in ROM 113, HDD 115, or CD-ROM 118. Referring to FIG. 8, CPU 111 determines whether data identification information, first print data, and an automatic scan command have been received (step S51). If communication I / F unit 112 receives data identification information, first print data, and automatic scan command from cloud server 300, the process proceeds to step S52. If not, the process proceeds to step S56.

  In step S52, the image forming unit 140 is controlled to form an image of the received first print data, and the process proceeds to step S53. In step S53, the first page of paper on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 140 is scanned. Specifically, the image reading unit 145 is controlled to cause the image forming unit 140 to form an image of the first print data, and then read the image formed on the sheet first discharged by the image forming unit 140. And the electronic data which the image reading part 145 reads and outputs an image is acquired as a 1st scan image (step S54). In the next step S55, the acquired first scan image and data identification information are transmitted to the cloud server 300.

  In step S56, it is determined whether operation unit 163 has accepted an operation. If the operation is accepted, the process proceeds to step S57. If not, the process returns to step S51. In step S57, it is determined whether the accepted operation is a reprint instruction. If so, the process proceeds to step S58; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S59. In step S59, a process corresponding to the accepted operation is executed, and the process returns to step S51.

  In step S58, the original is read, and the process proceeds to step S59. Specifically, the document reading unit 130 is controlled to read an image of the document placed on the document tray 125. In step S59, the electronic data output by the original reading unit 130 reading the first page of the original is acquired as a second scan image. The process waits until the second print condition is accepted (NO in step S60). If the second print condition is accepted (YES in step S60), the process proceeds to step S61. For example, a setting screen for setting print conditions is displayed on the display unit 161, and print conditions input by the user to the operation unit 163 are received.

  In step S61, the second scan image acquired in step S59 and the second print condition accepted in step S60 are transmitted to a predetermined transmission destination, and the process proceeds to step S62. A transmission destination may be registered corresponding to the reprint process. Here, a case where the cloud server 300 is registered as a transmission destination corresponding to the reprint process will be described as an example. In this case, the second scan image and the second print condition are transmitted to the cloud server 300.

  In the next step S62, it is determined whether or not the second print data is received from the cloud server 300 that has transmitted the second scan image and the second print condition. The second print data is data generated by the cloud server 300 that receives the second scan image and the second print condition. Details of the second print data will be described later. If the second print data is received, the process proceeds to step S62; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S64. In step S63, the image forming unit 140 is controlled to form an image of the received second print data, and the process returns to step S51.

  In step S64, it is determined whether an error has been received from the cloud server 300 that has transmitted the second scan image and the second print condition. If an error is received, the process proceeds to step S65; otherwise, the process returns to step S62. In step S65, an error message is displayed on display 161, and the process returns to step S51.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a reprint service process flow according to the first embodiment. The reprint service process is a process executed by the CPU 301 when the CPU 301 included in the cloud server 300 executes a service providing program stored in the ROM 302, the HDD 304, or the CD-ROM 309A. Referring to FIG. 9, it is determined whether the first scan image and the data identification information are received (step S11). If the first scan image and the data identification information are received, the process proceeds to step S12. If not, step S12 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S13. In step S12, the received first scan image and data identification information are stored in association with each other in HDD 304, and the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, it is determined whether the second scan image and the second print condition are received. If the second scan image and the second print condition are received, the process proceeds to step S14. If not, the process returns to step S11. In step S14, the transmission source apparatus that has transmitted the second scan image and the second print condition is specified, and the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S15, one of the first scan images stored in HDD 304 in step S12 is selected as a processing target. In the next step S16, the second scan image received in step S13 is compared with the first scan image selected as the processing target in step S15. In the next step S17, the process branches depending on the comparison result in step S16. If the second scan image matches the first scan image, the process proceeds to step S19; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S18. In step S18, it is determined whether or not the first scan image stored in the HDD 304 includes a first scan image that has not been selected as a processing target in step S15. If there is a first scan image that is not selected as a processing target, the process returns to step S15; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S25. In step S25, an error is returned to the transmission source device specified in step S14, and the process returns to step S11.

  In step S19, data identification information associated with the first scan image selected in step S15 is specified. Since the first scan image is stored in the HDD 304 in association with the data identification information in step S12, the data identification information stored in association with the first scan image selected in step S15 is read from the HDD 304. In the next step S20, the user associated with the data of the read data identification information is specified. In step S06 of the print service process shown in FIG. 7, the HDD 304 stores a set of data identification information and user identification information. In step S20, a set including the same data identification information as the data identification information specified in step S19 is extracted from the set of data identification information and user identification information stored in HDD 304. Identify the included user identification information.

  In the next step S21, the data specified by the data identification information specified in step S19 is read from the HDD 304, and the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, second print data is generated based on the read data and the second print condition received in step S13, and the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the second print data is transmitted to the transmission source device specified in step S14, and the process proceeds to step S24.

  In step S24, the user specified in step S20 is notified that the data printed by the user has been printed, and the process returns to step S11. Specifically, the second scan image received in step S13 and the second print condition are attached, and an e-mail addressed to the user specified in step S20 is generated and transmitted. Here, since user A is specified, the second scan image obtained by reading the paper designated by user A under the first print condition designated by user A and the second print set by MFP 100 on MFP 100 are specified. An e-mail addressed to user A is transmitted with the conditions attached. As a result, the user A can know that the data that the user has instructed to print has been printed, and can also know the second printing condition set by the printing.

  In the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment, for example, the user A instructs the print to the cloud server 300 by specifying data, the first print condition, and the output destination. An image of one print data is formed on a sheet by a device designated as an output destination. For example, when user A designates MFP 100 as an output destination among MFPs 100, 100 </ b> A, and 100 </ b> B, MFP 100 forms an image of the first print data. A user in the vicinity of MFP 100 can have a sheet on which an image of the first print data is formed. For example, when a user B different from the user A has a sheet on which an image of the first print data is formed, the user B may have an image formed on the sheet different from an image desired by the user B. For example, when a plurality of pages are desired to be printed for each page but the first print condition is set to consolidate the plurality of pages into one page, when the print quality is poor, or when printed on colored paper, Etc. In this case, the user B cannot access an area accessible only by the user A of the HDD 304 of the cloud server 300, and therefore cannot change the first print condition and form an image on the sheet.

  In the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment, when forming an image of the first print data, the MFP 100 acquires a first scan image obtained by reading a recording medium on which the image of the first print data is formed. The first scan image is transmitted to the server, and the cloud server 300 associates the first scan image with the data specified by the first print instruction that is the source of the first print data. User B then inputs a reprint instruction to one of MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, for example, MFP 100A, using the paper on which the image of the first print data is formed by MFP 100 as an original, and causes MFP 100A to read the original and When the two print conditions are input, MFP 100A transmits to cloud server 300 the second scan image obtained by reading the recording medium on which the image of the first print data is formed, and the second print conditions. In the cloud server 300, the first scan image that matches the second scan image is identified, the data associated with the first scan image is identified, and the data from the area accessible only by the user A of the HDD 304 of the cloud server 300 is used. , The second print data is generated according to the second print condition designated by the user B, and is transmitted to the MFP 100A to which the user B has input the reprint instruction. The case where the second scan image matches the first scan image is a case where the second scan image and the first scan image are data obtained by reading the same sheet. For this reason, since the comparison object is the same, the data used as the origin of the 2nd scan image can be specified correctly. Since MFP 100A forms the image of the second print data on the sheet, user B has the sheet on which the image printed by the user B with the data designated by user A is printed. Can do.

  Further, for example, when the user A has a sheet on which the image of the first print data is formed, the user A may have an image formed on the sheet different from the image desired by the user A. For example, when the print quality is poor or when printed on colored paper. Further, the user A may desire to print under a printing condition different from the first printing condition. In this case, the user A must log in to the cloud server 300 and receive a service in order to access an area accessible only by the user A of the HDD 304 of the cloud server 300. However, the user A inputs a reprint instruction to one of the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B, for example, the MFP 100A, using the paper on which the image of the first print data is formed by the MFP 100 as an original, and causes the MFP 100A to read the original and If the two print conditions are input, the cloud server 300 reads the data designated by the user A from the area accessible only by the user A of the HDD 304 of the cloud server 300, and the second print condition is designated according to the second print condition designated by the user A. Print data is generated and transmitted to MFP 100A to which user A has input a reprint instruction. As a result, the user A does not log in to the cloud server 300, but the MFP 100A forms an image of the second print data on the paper, so the data designated by the user A is printed under the second print conditions designated by the user A. The user A can obtain the sheet on which the image is formed.

  Further, the HDD 304 included in the cloud server 300 has an area that can be accessed only by an authenticated user on the condition that the user who operates the cloud server 300 is authenticated. The cloud server 300 can be accessed only by an authenticated user. If a first print instruction specifying data stored in an accessible area is received and a print request command is received from any of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B, is the user operating cloud server 300 authenticated? Regardless of whether or not, data stored in an area accessible only to the authenticated user is read out to generate second print data. Therefore, even a user who cannot access data stored in the cloud server 300 can form an image of the data.

  Further, the cloud server 300 notifies the user A that the data designated by the user A has been printed under the second print condition. For this reason, the user who has instructed the printing is notified that the printing conditions have been changed, so that the user who has instructed the printing knows that the data instructing the image formation has been formed again. Can do.

  For example, the cloud server 300 associates the first scan image received from the MFP 100 with the data specified by the first print instruction, and performs the first scan on the second scan image included in the print request command received from the MFP 100A. Compare with the image. Therefore, data can be specified when MFP 100 that transmits the first scan image is different from MFP 100A that transmits the print request command.

  Also, for example, the cloud server 300 transmits data identification information for identifying data designated by the user A together with the print data to the MFP 100, for example, together with the first scan image. The first scan image received from MFP 100 is associated with the data specified by the data identification information received together with the one scan image. For this reason, the data designated by the user A can be easily associated with the first scan image.

<First Modification>
As the print condition designated by the user A, the print condition may include user identification information for specifying a user who can print. Here, a case will be described as an example where user A designates user B as a user who can print. In this case, the cloud server 300 receives, from the PC 400 operated by the user A, the first print condition including the user identification information for specifying the user B.

  When the first print condition includes user identification information of a user who can print, the cloud server 300 generates first print data including the user identification information, and an apparatus designated as an output destination, here The first print data is transmitted to MFP 100.

  When the communication I / F unit 112 receives the first print data, the data identification information, and the automatic scan command from the cloud server 300, the first print unit 51 included in the MFP 100 temporarily stores them in the HDD 115. When the user who operates the operation unit 163 is authenticated and the first print data including the same user identification information as the user identification information of the authenticated user is stored in the HDD 115, the first print unit 51 stores the first print data from the HDD 115. One print data, data identification information, and an automatic scan command are read, and the image forming unit 140 is controlled based on the first print data to form an image on a sheet. Here, since user A designates user B as a user who can print, when user B operates MFP 100 and is authenticated by MFP 100, MFP 100 performs the first print including user identification information of user B. Data is read from the HDD 115 and an image of the first print data is formed. For this reason, the user A can limit the user who holds the paper on which the image of the first print data is formed to the user B. Accordingly, when the user A instructs the cloud server 300 to print, the image of the first print data generated by the cloud server 300 is formed on the sheet when the user B logs into the MFP 100. The sheet on which the image of the first print data is formed can be obtained.

  Further, as a print condition designated by the user A, the output destination may be the user instead of the apparatus. Here, a case where user A designates user B as an output destination will be described as an example. In this case, the cloud server 300 receives, from the PC 400 operated by the user A, print settings that use user identification information for specifying the user B as an output destination.

  When the user identification information is set as the print destination as the print setting, the cloud server 300 temporarily stores a set of the user identification information and the first print data.

  The first print unit 51 included in the MFP 100 transmits a download request including the user identification information of the authenticated user to the cloud server in response to the user operating the operation unit 163 being authenticated. Here, a case where the user B is authenticated and the download request includes the user identification information of the user B will be described as an example. The cloud server 300 that receives the download request automatically stores the first print data, the data identification information, and the first print data that is paired with the same user identification information as the user identification information included in the download request. A scan command is returned to MFP 100.

  The first print unit 51 included in the MFP 100 controls the image forming unit 140 based on the first print data in response to receiving the first print data, the data identification information, and the automatic scan command after transmitting the download request. Then, an image is formed on the paper. Here, since user A designates user B as an output destination, when user B operates MFP 100 and is authenticated by MFP 100, the first print data temporarily stored in cloud server 300 is downloaded to form an image. To do. For this reason, the user A can limit the user who holds the paper on which the image of the first print data is formed to the user B. Accordingly, when the user A instructs the cloud server 300 to print, the image of the first print data generated by the cloud server 300 is formed on the sheet when the user B logs into the MFP 100. The sheet on which the image of the first print data is formed can be obtained.

  Further, when the image formed on the sheet that user B has is different from the image desired by user B, user B uses MFP 100 as a document on which the image of the first print data has been formed, and MFPs 100, 100A, 100B. For example, if the reprint instruction is input to the MFP 100A, the MFP 100A is caused to read the original, and the second print condition is input, the cloud server 300 can be accessed only by the user A of the HDD 304 of the cloud server 300. The data designated by the user A is read out, second print data is generated according to the second print condition designated by the user B, and is transmitted to the MFP 100A to which the user B has input a reprint instruction. As a result, MFP 100A forms the image of the second print data on the paper, so that user B can have the paper on which the image printed by the data specified by user A under the printing conditions specified by user B is formed. it can.

<Second Modification>
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the cloud server 300 is registered in advance in each of the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B has been described as an example. In the second modification, none of the cloud servers 300 and 300A is registered in advance in the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B, respectively. Hereinafter, differences from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described.

  The overall outline of the image forming system 1 in the second modification is the same as the overall outline shown in FIG. The appearance and hardware configuration of each of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B are the same as the overview and hardware configuration shown in FIGS. The hardware configuration of each of the cloud servers 300 and 300A is the same as the hardware configuration shown in FIG. The functions of the CPU 301 included in each of the cloud servers 300 and 300A are the same as the functions shown in FIG. Therefore, description is not repeated here.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU provided in the MFP according to the second modification. Referring to FIG. 10, the functions of CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 in the second modified example are different from the functions shown in FIG. 6 in that server association unit 71 and server specifying unit 73 are added, and a print request is made. The part 61 is changed to the print request part 61A. Other functions are the same as the functions shown in FIG. 6, and thus description thereof will not be repeated here.

  The server association unit 71 receives the device identification information of the device that has transmitted the first print data, the data identification information, and the automatic scan command from the first print unit 51, and receives the first scan image acquisition unit 53 from the first print data. A scanned image is input. The server association unit 71 associates the device that has transmitted the first print data with the first scan image. Specifically, a set of the device identification information and the first scan image of the device that has transmitted the first print data is stored in the HDD 115 and is output to the server specifying unit 73.

  The server specifying unit 73 receives a set of device identification information and a first scan image from the server association unit 71, and receives a second scan image from the second scan image acquisition unit 57. The server specifying unit 73 compares the second scan image input from the second scan image acquisition unit 57 with the first scan image in response to the second scan image input from the second scan image acquisition unit 57. The first scan image that matches the second scan image input from the second scan image acquisition unit 57 is specified. When a plurality of sets of device identification information and first scan images are input from the server association unit 71, the server specifying unit 73 receives a plurality of first scan images from the second scan image acquisition unit 57. A first scan image that matches the second scan image is identified by comparison with the second scan image. When the server specifying unit 73 specifies the first scan image that matches the second scan image, the server specifying unit 73 outputs the device identification information paired with the specified first scan image to the print request unit 61A.

  The print request unit 61A receives the second scan image from the second scan image acquisition unit 57, the second print condition from the print condition reception unit 59, and the device identification information from the server specification unit 73. The print request unit 61A controls the communication I / F unit 112 to transmit the second scan image and the second print condition to the device specified by the device identification information, here the cloud server 300, and the second A print instruction is output to the print unit 63.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of print processing in the second modification. Referring to FIG. 11, the printing process in the second modification is different from the process shown in FIG. 8 in that step S55A is added after step S55, and steps S71 and S72 are added after step S60. That is, step S61 is changed to step S61A. Other processing is the same as the processing shown in FIG. 8, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In step S55A, the first scan image acquired in step S54 is associated with the device identification information of the device that has transmitted the data identification information, the first print data, and the automatic scan command received in step S51. Specifically, a set of the first scan image and device identification information is stored in HDD 115.

  In step S60, when the second print condition is accepted, in the next step S71, the second scan image acquired in step S59 is compared with the first scan image stored in the HDD 304 in step S55A. Then, the first scan image that matches the second scan image is specified. In the next step S72, the device specified by the device identification information associated with the first scan image specified in step S71 is specified as the transmission destination device, and the process proceeds to step S61A.

  In step S61A, the second scan image acquired in step S59 and the second print condition received in step S60 are transmitted to the apparatus specified in step S72, and the process proceeds to step S62.

  When the first print data is received from the cloud server 300, the MFP 100 according to the second modification associates the first scan image with the device identification information of the cloud server 300, and receives the first print data from the cloud server 300A. The first scan image is associated with the device identification information of the cloud server 300A. When acquiring the second scan image, the data identification information and the second print condition are transmitted to the device associated with the first scan image that matches the second scan image in the cloud servers 300 and 300A. Therefore, when receiving the first print data from the cloud server 300, the data identification information and the second print condition are transmitted to the cloud server 300, and when the first print data is received from the cloud server 300A, The data identification information and the second print condition are transmitted to the cloud server 300A. Therefore, it is possible to deal with a case where there are a plurality of cloud servers 300 and 300A. The user B causes the MFP 100, 100A, 100B to form an image of the first print data, for example, cause the MFP 100 to read the paper on which the image of the first print data is formed, and input the second print condition to the MFP 100. Then, the data designated by the user A can be printed on the MFP 100 under the second print condition.

<Second Embodiment>
The image forming system 1 in the second embodiment is configured such that each of the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B has some of the functions of the cloud server 300 in the image forming system 1 in the first embodiment. is there.

  The overall outline of the image forming system 1 in the second embodiment is the same as the overall outline shown in FIG. The appearance and hardware configuration of each of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B are the same as the overview and hardware configuration shown in FIGS. The hardware configuration of each of the cloud servers 300 and 300A is the same as the hardware configuration shown in FIG. The functions of the CPU 301 included in each of the cloud servers 300 and 300A are the same as the functions shown in FIG. Therefore, description is not repeated here.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in the MFP according to the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 12, the function of CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 is different from the function shown in FIG. 6 in that association unit 81 and data specifying unit 83 are added in place of first scan image transmission unit 55. The print condition receiving unit 59 and the print request unit 61 are changed to a print condition editing unit 59B and a print request unit 61B, respectively. Other functions are the same as the functions shown in FIG. 6, and thus description thereof will not be repeated here.

  When the communication I / F unit 112 receives the first print data, the data identification information, and the automatic scan command, the first print unit 51 acquires the first print data, the data identification information, and the automatic scan command. The first print unit 51 controls the image forming unit 140 based on the first print data to form an image on a sheet, and outputs a reading instruction to the first scan image acquisition unit 53 based on an automatic scan command. The first print unit 51 also outputs the first print data and the data identification information to the association unit 81.

  The association unit 81 receives data identification information and first print data from the first print unit 51, and receives a first scan image from the first scan image acquisition unit 53. The association unit 81 associates the data identification information, the first scan image, and the first print data. Specifically, a set of the data identification information, the first scan image, and the first print data is stored in the HDD 115 and output to the data specifying unit 83.

  The data specifying unit 83 receives a set of data identification information, the first scan image, and the first print data from the association unit 81, and receives the second scan image from the second scan image acquisition unit 57. In response to the input of the second scan image from the second scan image acquisition unit 57, the data specifying unit 83 compares the second scan image with the first scan image input from the association unit 81. The first scan image is specified. When a plurality of sets of data identification information, first scan images, and first print data are input from the association unit 81, the data specifying unit 83 receives each of the plurality of first scan images from the print request reception unit 363. The first scan image that matches the second scan image is identified. When specifying the first scan image that matches the second scan image, the data specifying unit 83 outputs the data identification information paired with the specified first scan image to the print request unit 61B, and also specifies the specified first scan image. The first print data paired with one scan image is output to the print condition editing unit 59B.

  In response to the input of the first print data from the data specifying unit 83, the print condition editing unit 59B analyzes the first print data and specifies the first print condition. Then, the print condition editing unit 59B accepts an editing operation input to the operation unit 163 by the user operating the operation unit 163, and determines the second print condition in which the first print condition is changed. For example, when the print condition setting screen for displaying the first print condition is displayed on the display unit 161 and the user B inputs an operation for editing the print condition to the operation unit 163 according to the print condition setting screen, the first print condition is changed. . The print condition editing unit 59B outputs the second print condition after changing the first print condition to the print request unit 61B.

  The print request unit 61B receives the second print condition from the print condition editing unit 59B and the data identification information from the data specifying unit 83. The print request unit 61B controls the communication I / F unit 112 to transmit the data identification information and the second print condition to the cloud server 300 and output a print instruction to the second print unit 63. The cloud server 300 may be associated with the reprint instruction, and the cloud server 300 may be specified in response to the input of the reprint instruction.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the CPU provided in the cloud server according to the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 13, the function of CPU 301 included in cloud server 300 in the second embodiment is different from the function shown in FIG. 5 in that association unit 361 and data specifying unit 365 are deleted. The print request reception unit 363, the second print data generation unit 367, and the notification unit 371 are changed to a print request reception unit 363A, a second print data generation unit 367A, and a notification unit 371A, respectively. The other functions are the same as those shown in FIG. 5, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated here.

  When the communication unit 305 receives the data identification information and the second print condition from the MFP 100, the print request reception unit 363A outputs the data identification information and the second print condition to the second print data generation unit 367A and also receives the data identification. The device identification information for identifying MFP 100 that has transmitted the information and the second print condition is output to second transmission unit 369.

  The second print data generation unit 367A reads the data specified by the data identification information in response to the input of the data identification information and the second print condition from the print request reception unit 363A. Here, the data received from the MFP 100 and specified by the data identification information input from the print request receiving unit 363 is stored in an area accessible only to the user A of the HDD 304. When the data identification information is input from the print request receiving unit 363A, the second print data generating unit 367A is accessed only by the user A included in the HDD 304 even if the user A is not authenticated by the authentication unit 351. Data specified by the data identification information input from the print request receiving unit 363A is read from the possible area. Then, the second print data generating unit 367A generates second print data based on the read data and the second print condition input from the print request receiving unit 363A, and the second print data is transmitted to the second transmitting unit. Output to 369.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of print processing according to the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 14, the printing process in the second embodiment is different from the process shown in FIG. 8 in that step S55, step S60 and step S61 are changed to step S55B, step S60B and step S61B, respectively. The point is that Steps S81 to S86 are added between Step S59 and Step S60. Other processing is the same as the processing shown in FIG. 8, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In step S55B, the first print condition is acquired by analyzing the first print data received in step S51, the first scan image acquired in step S54, and the data identification information received in step S51. The first print condition is associated, and the process returns to step S51. Specifically, a set of the first scan image, the data identification information, and the first print condition is stored in the HDD 115.

  In step S81, one of the first scan images stored in HDD 304 in step S55B is selected as a processing target. In the next step S82, the second scan image acquired in step S59 is compared with the first scan image selected as the processing target in step S81. In the next step S83, the process branches depending on the comparison result in step S82. If the second scan image matches the first scan image, the process proceeds to step S84; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S85. In step S85, it is determined whether or not there is a first scan image not selected as a processing target in step S81 among the first scan images stored in HDD 115. If there is a first scan image that is not selected as a processing target, the process returns to step S81; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S86. In step S86, an error message is displayed on display 161, and the process returns to step S51.

  In step S84, the data identification information associated with the first scan image selected in step S81 is specified, and the process proceeds to step S60B. Since the first scan image is stored in the HDD 115 in association with the data identification information and the first print condition in step S55B, the data identification information stored in association with the first scan image selected in step S81 is read from the HDD 115. .

  In step S60B, the second print condition is accepted, and the process proceeds to step S61B. The first print condition associated with the first scan image selected in step S81 is specified, and the second print condition is accepted by changing the specified first print condition. Since the first print condition is stored in the HDD 304 in association with the first scan image and the data identification information in step S55B, the first print condition stored in association with the first scan image selected in step S81 is stored from the HDD 115. The second print condition is accepted by reading and changing.

  In the next step S61B, the data identification information specified in step S84 and the second print condition accepted in step S60B are transmitted to a predetermined transmission destination, and the process proceeds to step S62. A transmission destination may be registered corresponding to the reprint process. Here, a case where the cloud server 300 is registered as a transmission destination corresponding to the reprint process will be described as an example. In this case, the data identification information and the second print condition are transmitted to the cloud server 300.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a reprint service process flow according to the second embodiment. The reprint service process in the second embodiment is different from the process shown in FIG. 9 in that step S11, step S12, step S15 to step S19, and step S25 are deleted, and step S13 is changed to step S13A. It is a changed point.

  In step S13A, it is determined whether or not the data identification information and the second print condition are received. The process waits until the data identification information and the second print condition are received (NO in step S13A). If the data identification information and the second print condition are received (YES in step S13A), the process proceeds to step S14. . In step S14, the transmission source apparatus that has transmitted the data identification information and the second print condition is specified, and the process proceeds to step S20. In step S20, a set including the same data identification information as the data identification information received in step S13A is extracted from the set of data identification information and user identification information stored in HDD 304. Identify the included user identification information.

  In the next step S21, the data specified by the data identification information received in step S13A is read from the HDD 304, and the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, second print data is generated based on the read data and the second print condition received in step S13A, and the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the second print data is transmitted to the transmission source device specified in step S14, and the process proceeds to step S24.

  In step S24, the user specified in step S20 is notified that the data printed by the user has been printed, and the process returns to step S11. Here, since user A is specified, the second scan image obtained by reading the paper designated by user A under the first print condition designated by user A and the second print set by MFP 100 on MFP 100 are specified. An e-mail addressed to user A is transmitted with the conditions attached. As a result, the user A can know that the data that the user has instructed to print has been printed, and can also know the second printing condition set by the printing.

  In image forming system 1 according to the second embodiment, MFP 100 that receives the first print data stores the first scan image, the data identification information, and the first print condition in association with each other, and acquires the second scan image. At this point, the data identification information and the first print condition associated with the first scan image that matches the second scan image are specified. Therefore, the cloud server 300 does not need to perform processing for storing the first scan image in association with the data identification information and extracting the first scan image that matches the second scan image. For this reason, the processing load of the cloud server 300 can be reduced. In addition, since the second print condition can be changed based on the first print condition, it is easy to set the second print condition.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the MFP 100 that receives the first print data stores the set of the first scan image, the data identification information, and the first print condition, but the MFP 100 stores the first print data. If a set of one-scan image, data identification information, and first print condition is shared with other MFPs 100A and 200B, reprinting is performed from the cloud server 300 by operating one of the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B. You can receive service.

<Third Modification>
In the image forming system 1 according to the second embodiment as well, as in the first modification, user identification information for specifying a printable user may be included as a print condition designated by the user A. Good. Here, a case will be described as an example where user A designates user B as a user who can print. In this case, the cloud server 300 receives, from the PC 400 operated by the user A, the first print condition including the user identification information for specifying the user B.

  Also in the image forming system 1 in the second embodiment, as in the first modification, the user A designates the user, not the apparatus, as the output destination, and includes the designated user identification information in the print settings. Also good. Here, a case where user A designates user B as an output destination will be described as an example. In this case, the cloud server 300 receives user identification information for specifying the user B and the first print condition from the PC 400 operated by the user A.

<Fourth Modification>
In the fourth modification, none of the cloud servers 300 and 300A is registered in advance in the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B, respectively. Hereinafter, differences from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described.

  The overall outline of the image forming system 1 in the fourth modification is the same as the overall outline shown in FIG. The appearance and hardware configuration of each of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B are the same as the overview and hardware configuration shown in FIGS. The hardware configuration of each of the cloud servers 300 and 300A is the same as the hardware configuration shown in FIG. The functions of the CPU 301 provided in each of the cloud servers 300 and 300A are the same as the functions shown in FIG. Therefore, description is not repeated here.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in the MFP according to the fourth modification. Referring to FIG. 16, the function of CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 in the fourth modification is different from the function shown in FIG. 12 in that association section 81 and data identification section 83 are associated with association section 81 </ b> C and data identification. This is a point that the print request unit 61B is changed to the print request unit 61C. Other functions are the same as the functions shown in FIG. 12, and thus description thereof will not be repeated here.

  The association unit 81 </ b> C receives data identification information and first print data from the first print unit 51, and receives a first scan image from the first scan image acquisition unit 53. The association unit 81C associates the data identification information, the first scan image, and the first print data. Specifically, a set of the data identification information, the first scan image, and the first print data is stored in the HDD 115 and output to the data specifying unit 83.

  The association unit 81C includes a server association unit 82. The server association unit 82 receives the device identification information of the device that has transmitted the first print data, the data identification information, and the automatic scan command from the first print unit 51, and receives the first scan image acquisition unit 53 from the first print data. A scanned image is input. The server association unit 82 associates the device that has transmitted the first print data with the first scan image. Specifically, a set of the device identification information and the first scan image of the device that has transmitted the first print data is stored in the HDD 115 and is output to the server specifying unit 84.

  The data specifying unit 83C receives a set of data identification information, a first scan image, and first print data from the association unit 81C, and receives a second scan image from the second scan image acquisition unit 57. When the second scan image is input from the second scan image acquisition unit 57, the data specifying unit 83C compares the first scan image input from the association unit 81C and matches the second scan image. The first scan image is specified. When specifying the first scan image that matches the second scan image, the data specifying unit 83C outputs the data identification information paired with the specified first scan image to the print request unit 61C, and also specifies the specified first scan image. The first print data paired with one scan image is output to the print condition editing unit 59B.

  The data specifying unit 83C includes a server specifying unit 84. The server specifying unit 84 receives a set of device identification information and a first scan image from the server association unit 82, and receives a second scan image from the second scan image acquisition unit 57. The server specifying unit 84 compares the second scan image input from the second scan image acquisition unit 57 with the first scan image in response to the second scan image input from the second scan image acquisition unit 57. The first scan image that matches the second scan image input from the second scan image acquisition unit 57 is specified. When a plurality of sets of device identification information and first scan images are input from the server association unit 82, the server specifying unit 84 receives the plurality of first scan images from the second scan image acquisition unit 57. A first scan image that matches the second scan image is identified by comparison with the second scan image. When the server specifying unit 84 specifies the first scan image that matches the second scan image, the server specifying unit 84 outputs the device identification information paired with the specified first scan image to the print request unit 61C.

  The print request unit 61C receives the second print condition from the print condition reception unit 59A and the device identification information from the server specifying unit 84. The print request unit 61C controls the communication I / F unit 112 to transmit the data identification information and the second print condition to the device specified by the device identification information, here the cloud server 300, and the second print A print instruction is output to the unit 63.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of print processing in the fourth modification. Referring to FIG. 17, the printing process in the fourth modification differs from the process shown in FIG. 14 in that step S55C is added after step S55B, and step S91 is added after step S84. It is. Other processing is the same as the processing shown in FIG. 14, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In step S55C, the first scan image acquired in step S54 is associated with the device identification information of the device that has transmitted the data identification information, the first print data, and the automatic scan command received in step S51. Specifically, a set of the first scan image and device identification information is stored in HDD 115.

  When the data identification information is specified in step S84, the apparatus identification information associated with the first scan image selected in step S81 is specified in the next step S91, and the process proceeds to step S60B.

  When the first print data is received from the cloud server 300, the MFP 100 according to the fourth modification associates the first scan image with the device identification information of the cloud server 300, and receives the first print data from the cloud server 300A. The first scan image is associated with the device identification information of the cloud server 300A. When acquiring the second scan image, the data identification information and the second print condition are transmitted to the device associated with the first scan image that matches the second scan image in the cloud servers 300 and 300A. Therefore, when receiving the first print data from the cloud server 300, the data identification information and the second print condition are transmitted to the cloud server 300, and when the first print data is received from the cloud server 300A, The data identification information and the second print condition are transmitted to the cloud server 300A. Therefore, it is possible to deal with a case where there are a plurality of cloud servers 300 and 300A. The user B causes the MFP 100, 100A, 100B to form an image of the first print data, for example, cause the MFP 100 to read the paper on which the image of the first print data is formed, and input the second print condition to the MFP 100. Then, the data designated by the user A can be printed on the MFP 100 under the second print condition.

  If the set of the first scan image and device identification information stored in MFP 100 is shared with other MFPs 100A and 200B, user B can select the first print data image of MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B. The reprint service can be provided from the cloud server 300 by operating any one of the MFPs 100, 100 </ b> A, and 100 </ b> B, not limited to the forming apparatus.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image forming system 1 has been described. However, the processing illustrated in FIG. 7, 9, or 15 is executed by the cloud server 300 or 300A, and the image forming system 1 illustrated in FIG. Needless to say, it can be understood as an image forming method for causing the MFPs 100, 100A, and 100B to execute the processing shown in FIG.

  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.

1 Image forming system, 3 LAN, 5 Internet, 100, 100A, 100B MFP, 200 gateway device, 300, 300A cloud server, 110 main circuit, 111 CPU, 112 communication I / F unit, 113 ROM, 114 RAM, 115 HDD , 116 facsimile unit, 117 external storage device, 118 CD-ROM, 120 automatic document feeder, 130 document reading unit, 140 image forming unit, 145 image reading unit, 150 paper feeding unit, 160 operation panel, 161 display unit, 163 Operation unit, 165 Touch panel, 167 Hard key unit, 301 CPU, 302 ROM, 303 RAM, 304 HDD, 305 Communication unit, 306 Display unit, 307 Operation unit, 309 External storage device, 51 First print unit, 53 First scan Image acquisition unit, 5 Second scan image transmission unit, 57 Scan image acquisition unit, 59, 59A Print condition reception unit, 59B Print condition editing unit, 61, 61A, 61B, 61C Print request unit, 63 Second print unit, 71 Server association unit, 73 server identification unit, 81, 81C association unit, 82 server association unit, 83, 83C data identification unit, 84 server identification unit, 351 authentication unit, 353 instruction reception unit, 355 print data generation unit, 357 first transmission unit , 361 Association section, 363, 363A Print request receiving section, 365 Data specifying section, 367, 367A Print data generating section, 369 Second transmitting section, 371, 371A Notifying section.

Claims (12)

An image forming system including a server and an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with the server,
The server
First instruction receiving means for receiving a first print instruction for specifying data and a first print condition;
First print data generation means for generating first print data based on the first print instruction,
The image forming apparatus includes a first image reading unit that reads an image formed on a document;
An image forming means for forming an image;
A paper discharge unit for storing a recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus;
A second image reading unit disposed between the image forming apparatus and the paper discharge unit and configured to read an image formed on a recording medium by the image forming unit;
First print means for causing the image forming means to form an image of the first print data generated by the server;
A first scan image acquisition unit for acquiring a first scan image output by the second image reading unit reading the recording medium on which the image forming unit has formed the image of the first print data;
A second scan image acquisition unit that acquires a second scan image that the first image reading unit reads and outputs the recording medium on which the image forming unit forms an image of the first print data;
One of the server and the image forming apparatus is
Association means for associating the first scanned image with data specified by the first print instruction;
Data specifying means for specifying data associated with the first scan image when the second scan image acquired by the second scan image acquisition means matches the first scan image;
The image forming apparatus further includes:
A print requesting means for sending a print request command for requesting printing of the data specified by the data specifying means to include a second print condition;
The server further includes:
Second print data generation for generating second print data based on the data specified by the data specifying means and the second print condition included in the print request command in response to receiving the print request command And an image forming system. The server further includes:
An authentication means for authenticating the user on the condition that it is registered in advance;
Data storage means accessible on the condition that the user is authenticated by the authentication means,
The first instruction accepting unit accepts the first print instruction for specifying data stored in the data storage unit based on an instruction by a user authenticated by the authentication unit;
The second print data generation unit reads the data specified by the data specifying unit from the data storage unit regardless of whether the user is authenticated by the authentication unit, and reads the read data and the data The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the second print data is generated based on the second print condition included in the print request command. The server further includes:
An authentication means for authenticating the user on condition that the user is registered in advance;
Data storage means having an area accessible only to the user for each of a plurality of users,
The first instruction accepting unit is configured to, based on an instruction from the first user authenticated by the authentication unit, data stored in an area accessible only by the first user included in the data storage unit and the output destination Accepting the first print instruction to identify two users;
The first print data generation means generates the first print data addressed to the second user based on the first print instruction,
The image forming apparatus further includes an apparatus-side authentication unit that authenticates a user,
The first print means outputs an image of the first print data generated by the server to the second user in response to the authentication of the second user by the apparatus-side authentication means. To form
The second print data generating means is configured so that only the first user having the data storage means has data specified by the data specifying means regardless of whether or not the first user is authenticated by the authenticating means. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system reads out from an accessible area, and generates second print data based on the read data and the second print condition included in the print request command.   The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the server further comprises notification means for notifying the first user that the data specified by the data specifying means has been printed under the second print condition. . The server includes the association means and the data specifying means,
The image forming apparatus further includes first scan image transmission means for transmitting the first scan image to the server,
The association means included in the server associates the received first scan image with data specified by the first print instruction in response to the reception of the first scan image from the image forming apparatus. ,
The print request means transmits a print request command including the second scan image acquired by the second scan image acquisition means;
The data specifying unit provided in the server compares the second scan image included in the print request command received from the image forming apparatus with the first scan image. Image forming system. The first scan image transmission means transmits data identification information for identifying data specified by the first print instruction, received together with the first print data from the server, together with the first scan image,
6. The association unit according to claim 5, wherein the associating unit associates the first scan image received from the image forming apparatus with data specified by data identification information received together with the first scan image from the image forming apparatus. Image forming system. The image forming apparatus includes the association unit and the data specifying unit,
The associating means receives the first print data received from the server together with the first print data, and data identification information for identifying data specified by the first print instruction is acquired by the first scan image acquiring means. Associated with the scanned image,
5. The image according to claim 1, wherein the print request unit transmits a print request command including the data identification information associated with the first scan image that matches the second scan image. Forming system.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising an editing unit that edits the first print condition received together with the first print data from the server in order to determine the second print condition. Forming system.   The image forming apparatus further causes the image forming unit to form an image of the received second print data when receiving the second print data from the server in response to transmission of the print request command. The image forming system according to claim 1, comprising two printing means. Including a plurality of the servers,
The image forming apparatus includes a server association unit that associates the first scan image with server identification information for identifying a server that has generated the first print data among the plurality of servers.
Server identification means for identifying a server associated with the first scan image when the second scan image acquired by the second scan image acquisition means matches the first scan image;
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the print request unit transmits the print request command to the specified server. Including a plurality of the image forming apparatuses,
The server further includes: a first transmission unit configured to transmit the first print data to a first target device identified by the first print instruction among the plurality of image forming devices;
Second transmission means for transmitting the second print data to a second target apparatus that has transmitted the print request command among the plurality of image forming apparatuses,
Of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the first target device includes the first print unit, the first scan image acquisition unit, the second scan image acquisition unit, and the print request unit. 1 print means and the first scan image transmission means,
Of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the second target apparatus includes the first print unit, the first scan image acquisition unit, the second scan image acquisition unit, and the print request unit. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising at least a two-scan image acquisition unit and the print request unit. An image forming method executed in an image forming system including a server and an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with the server,
To the server,
A first instruction receiving step for receiving a first print instruction for specifying data and a first print condition;
Performing a first print data generation step of generating first print data based on the first print instruction;
The image forming apparatus includes a first image reading unit that reads an image formed on a document;
An image forming means for forming an image;
A paper discharge unit for storing a recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus;
A second image reading unit that is disposed between the image forming apparatus and the paper discharge unit and reads an image formed on the recording medium by the image forming unit;
In the image forming apparatus,
A first printing step for causing the image forming means to form an image of the first print data generated by the server;
A first scan image acquiring step of acquiring a first scan image output by the second image reading unit reading the recording medium on which the image forming unit has formed the image of the first print data;
A second scan image acquiring step of acquiring a second scan image output by the first image reading unit reading the recording medium on which the image forming unit has formed the image of the first print data;
Either one of the server and the image forming apparatus,
An associating step associating the first scanned image with data specified by the first print instruction;
When the second scan image acquired in the second scan image acquisition step is the same as the first scan image, a data specifying step for specifying data associated with the first scan image is executed,
In addition to the image forming apparatus,
Including a second print condition, and executing a print request step for sending a print request command for requesting printing of the data specified in the data specifying step to the server,
In addition to the server,
A second print data generating step for generating second print data based on the second print condition included in the print request command, in response to receiving the print request command; And an image forming method.

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