JP6854172B2 - Image processing system and image forming equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing system and an image forming apparatus, and in particular, in an environment in which a plurality of image forming apparatus are connected to a network, an image capable of printing a print file containing image information or the like from a desired image forming apparatus. The present invention relates to a processing system and an image forming apparatus.

Conventionally, in an environment in which a plurality of image forming devices are connected to a network, a user-owned information processing device connected to the same network transmits a print file to be printed to a specified image forming device, and information on the print file is transmitted. Is being printed on paper.

In addition, after connecting a plurality of image forming devices and a dedicated print server to a network and temporarily saving the print file transmitted from the user-owned information processing device in the print server, the user wants to print the image information. By going to the desired image forming apparatus and inputting a print request for the print file in the image forming apparatus, the print file temporarily stored in the print server is acquired from the print server, and the desired image forming apparatus is obtained. A printing system that prints the information of the print file is also used.

Further, in an environment where there is no print server and a plurality of image forming devices are connected to the network, one image forming device A is set as a master machine having a function as a print server, and the master machine is transferred. All incoming print files are temporarily saved, and in response to a print request from another image forming apparatus B, a predetermined print file is transmitted to the image forming apparatus B, and the print file information is sent from the image forming apparatus B. A printing system that performs printing is also used.

Further, in Patent Document 1, in an environment in which a plurality of user terminals storing image data and a plurality of image forming devices are connected to a network, each image forming device has a user ID and an IP address of the user terminal. When the user moves to the desired image forming device, the user inputs the user ID in the image forming device and performs the authentication process, and the authentication is successful, the image forming device sets the data. , An image processing system that sends request information to the user terminal corresponding to the input user ID, receives the image data stored in the user terminal from the user terminal, and prints the image of the image data on paper. Has been proposed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-39527

However, as in the past, in a printing system using a dedicated print server, it is necessary to introduce a dedicated print server separately from the image forming apparatus, so that the system construction cost becomes high and printing is attempted. Since all the data is centrally stored in the print server, when the print server becomes unavailable after saving the print file in the print server, such as when the print server is under maintenance, electronic data is sent from the desired image forming apparatus. Cannot be printed.

Further, in general, the image forming apparatus is provided with a storage device for executing a copy function, a scanner function, etc., but one image forming apparatus is used as a master machine having a function as a print server. When setting, it is necessary to secure a storage capacity for temporarily storing all the transferred print files in order to execute the function as a print server. That is, in the master machine, it is necessary to secure the storage capacity required for executing the original copy function and the scanner function of the image forming apparatus, and then secure the storage capacity for the print server function. Compared to a print server, the storage capacity that can be used to temporarily store print files may be smaller.

Further, if the reception of the print file by the print server function and the transmission of the print file to another image forming apparatus are concentrated, there is a problem that the original copy function of the image forming apparatus is affected and the processing capacity is reduced. ..
Also, as with the problems when using a print server, all print files to be printed are saved centrally on the master machine, so the master machine can be used after saving the print files on the master machine. When it disappears, the print file cannot be printed from another image forming apparatus.

Further, in Patent Document 1, neither a print server nor an image forming apparatus serving as a master machine is required, but when the user prints with a desired image forming apparatus, the user terminal storing the image data is always connected to the network. In the state where a plurality of image data to be printed are stored in the user terminal, all the plurality of image data can only be printed, and only the desired image data cannot be selectively printed. ..

Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and in consideration of, for example, the remaining storage capacity of an image forming apparatus for temporarily storing a print file, without providing a dedicated print server. , An image processing system capable of distributing and storing print files in a plurality of image forming devices, avoiding concentration of access to one image forming device, and preventing a decrease in the processing capacity of the image forming device. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus.

The present invention is an image processing system including one first image forming apparatus and one or a plurality of second image forming apparatus connected by a network, the first and second image forming apparatus. However, an information input unit for inputting a print file for printing, a storage unit for temporarily storing the input print file, and a communication unit for transmitting and receiving information between image forming devices connected to a network. The first image forming apparatus includes a file acquisition requesting unit for acquiring a print file from another image forming apparatus and a print execution unit for printing information of a predetermined print file on paper, and the first image forming apparatus is its own storage unit. The print management information about the image forming apparatus that temporarily stores the print files input by all the image forming apparatus is stored in the second image forming apparatus, and the print file temporarily saved in the storage unit is stored in the second image forming apparatus. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the file movement requesting unit moves the print file temporarily stored in the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus. Then, in an arbitrary image forming apparatus, the print management information is acquired from the first image forming apparatus, and the print management information is used to select a desired print file to be printed and to select the selected print file. When a print request is input, the file acquisition request unit acquires the selected print file from the first or second image forming apparatus in which the selected print file is stored. It provides an image processing system characterized by printing the information of the selected print file on paper by a print execution unit of the arbitrary image forming apparatus.

Further, the file movement requesting unit is the first image forming apparatus when the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the second image forming apparatus is larger than the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the first image forming apparatus. The print file temporarily stored in the storage unit of the above is moved to a second image forming apparatus.
According to this, the print file temporarily stored in the storage unit of the first image forming apparatus is moved to the second image forming apparatus having a relatively large remaining capacity, so that the first image forming apparatus can be used. It is possible to prevent the storage capacity of the storage unit from being exhausted, and by storing the print files in a plurality of image forming devices in a distributed manner, it is possible to prevent access from being concentrated on one first image forming device.

Further, the print management information includes a remaining capacity list in which the remaining capacity of each storage unit is stored for each image forming apparatus, and the first image forming apparatus uses the remaining capacity list. A remaining capacity comparison unit for comparing the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the first image forming apparatus and the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the plurality of second image forming apparatus is further provided, and the remaining capacity comparing unit is the first. When the second image forming apparatus which is larger than the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the image forming apparatus 1 and has the largest remaining capacity is detected, the file movement requesting portion receives the image forming apparatus of the first image forming apparatus. The print file temporarily stored in the storage unit is moved to the second image forming apparatus having the largest remaining capacity.
According to this, the print file temporarily stored in the storage unit of the first image forming apparatus is moved to the second image forming apparatus having the largest remaining capacity having a relatively large remaining capacity.
By distributed storage of print files in consideration of the remaining capacity of the storage units of all the image forming devices, the storage units of a plurality of image forming devices can be used more efficiently, and the storage units of the first image forming apparatus can be used more efficiently. It is possible to prevent the storage capacity of the storage unit from being exhausted.

Further, the print management information includes a remaining capacity list in which the remaining capacity of each storage unit is stored for each image forming apparatus, and the first image forming apparatus uses the remaining capacity list. A remaining capacity comparison unit for comparing the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the first image forming apparatus and the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the plurality of second image forming apparatus is further provided, and the remaining capacity comparing unit is the first. When a plurality of second image forming devices having a remaining capacity larger than the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the image forming apparatus 1 are detected, the file movement requesting unit is stored in the storage unit of the first image forming apparatus. Moving the temporarily stored print file to any second image forming apparatus of the second image forming apparatus having a remaining capacity larger than the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the first image forming apparatus. It is characterized by.

Further, the print management information includes a print information list in which information for identifying a print file temporarily stored in each storage unit is stored for each image forming apparatus, and the arbitrary image forming apparatus is included. In, using the print information list acquired from the first image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus in which the selected print file is temporarily stored is detected, and the detected image forming apparatus is another. In the case of the second image forming apparatus, the file acquisition requesting unit acquires the selected print file from the second image forming apparatus.

Further, the first and second image forming apparatus further include a file deleting unit temporarily stored in its own storage unit, and the first image forming apparatus deletes a file in another image forming apparatus. The print execution unit prints the information of the selected print file on paper, and then the selected print file is temporarily stored in the first image forming apparatus. If, the file deletion unit of the first image forming apparatus deletes the selected print file, and the selected print file is not temporarily stored in the first image forming apparatus. Requests the second image forming apparatus in which the selected print file is temporarily stored to delete the temporarily stored print file, and the file deletion requesting unit requests the deletion of the temporarily stored print file. The file deletion unit of the second image forming apparatus, which has been temporarily stored, deletes the selected print file.
According to this, after printing the information of the print file on the paper, the temporarily saved print file is deleted in the image forming apparatus in which the selected print file is temporarily saved, so that the selected print file is deleted. It is possible to increase the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the image forming apparatus in which the image forming device is temporarily stored, and prevent the storage capacity of the storage unit of the image forming apparatus from being exhausted.

The present invention is an image processing system including one first image forming apparatus connected by a network and one or a plurality of second image forming apparatus, and the first and second images. A print file intended to be printed is distributed and stored in the forming apparatus, and print management information specifying the image forming apparatus in which the print file is stored is stored in the first image forming apparatus, and any arbitrary image forming apparatus is stored. In the image forming apparatus, the first or second image in which the desired print file to be printed is stored by using the print management information acquired from the first image forming apparatus. It provides an image processing system characterized in that it is obtained from a forming apparatus and then printed.

Further, the present invention temporarily stores a communication unit that transmits / receives information to another image forming apparatus connected to a network and a print file input for the purpose of printing, and for each self and other image forming apparatus. A storage unit that stores a print information list in which information for identifying a print file that is temporarily stored is stored, and a print file that is stored in another image forming apparatus by the communication unit are used to form the other image. A file acquisition request unit acquired from the apparatus and a print execution unit that prints information of a predetermined print file on paper are provided, a desired print file is selected using the print information list, and the selected print file is selected. However, when it is temporarily stored in another image forming apparatus, the file acquisition requesting unit acquires the selected print file from the other image forming apparatus in which the selected print file is temporarily stored. After that, or when the selected print file is temporarily stored in the storage unit, after the selected print file is acquired from the storage unit, the print execution unit is acquired. It provides an image forming apparatus characterized by printing the information of a print file on paper.

The present invention also relates to a file printing method for an image processing system including one first image forming apparatus connected by a network and one or a plurality of second image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus stores print management information about the image forming apparatus that temporarily stores the print files input by all the image forming apparatus, and the print file input by any image forming apparatus is stored in the first image forming apparatus. When the print file is temporarily stored in the image forming apparatus and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the print file temporarily stored in the first image forming apparatus is moved to the second image forming apparatus, and in any image forming apparatus, the print file is temporarily stored. When the print management information is acquired from the first image forming apparatus and a selection of a desired print file to be printed using the print management information and a print request for the selected print file are input, the print management information is described. If the selected print file is temporarily stored in another image forming apparatus, after the selected print file is acquired from the other image forming apparatus in which the selected print file is temporarily stored. , The information of the selected print file is printed on paper by the arbitrary image forming apparatus, or the selected print file is temporarily stored in the arbitrary image forming apparatus into which the printing request is input. If so, the present invention provides a file printing method of an image processing system characterized in that the information of the selected print file is read out by the arbitrary image forming apparatus and printed on paper.

According to the present invention, the first image forming apparatus stores in its own storage unit the print management information regarding the image forming apparatus that currently temporarily stores the print files input by all the image forming apparatus, and determines the print management information. When the condition is satisfied, the file movement requesting unit of the first image forming apparatus moves the print file temporarily stored in the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus to form an arbitrary image. In the apparatus, when the selection of the desired print file to be printed and the print request are input by using the print management information acquired from the first image forming apparatus, the selected print file is printed on the selected print file. Since the file is acquired from the first or second image forming apparatus in which the file is currently stored and the information of the selected print file is printed on the paper, the print file is distributed and saved in a plurality of image forming apparatus. It is possible to prevent access from being concentrated on the first image forming apparatus of the table and prevent the processing capacity of the image forming apparatus from being reduced.

It is a schematic connection diagram of one Example of the image processing system of this invention. It is a block diagram of one Example of the master unit among the image forming apparatus of this invention. It is a block diagram of one Example of the sub-master unit among the image forming apparatus of this invention. It is a block diagram of one Example of the handset among the image forming apparatus of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of one Example of the information used in the image forming apparatus of this invention. This is an outline sequence of an embodiment of a process of saving a print file in a sub master unit. This is an outline sequence of an embodiment of a process of printing a print file saved in a master unit. This is an outline sequence of an embodiment of a process of printing a print file saved in a sub-master unit. It is a detailed sequence of an example of the process of saving a print file in a master unit. It is a detailed sequence of an embodiment of the process of saving a print file in a sub master unit. This is a detailed sequence of an embodiment of a process of printing a print file saved in a master unit on a slave unit. This is a detailed sequence of an embodiment of a process of printing a print file saved in the master unit on the master unit. This is a detailed sequence of an embodiment of a process of printing a print file saved in the master unit on the sub master unit. This is a detailed sequence of an embodiment of a process of printing a print file saved in a sub master unit on a slave unit. This is a detailed sequence of an embodiment of a process of printing a print file saved in the sub master unit on the master unit. This is a detailed sequence of an embodiment of a process of printing a print file saved in the sub-master unit on the sub-master unit. This is an example of a flowchart in a master unit for saving a print file. This is an embodiment of the flowchart in the sub-master unit of the print file saving process. This is an example of a flowchart of a process of printing a print file saved in a master unit or a sub master unit in a slave unit. This is an example of a flowchart of a process of printing a print file saved in the master unit or the sub master unit in the sub master unit. This is an example of a flowchart of a process of deleting a print file saved in the sub-master unit in the sub-master unit. This is an example of a flowchart of a process of printing a print file saved in the master unit or the sub master unit in the master unit. This is an example of a flowchart of a process of printing a print file saved in the master unit or the sub master unit in the master unit.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the description of the following examples does not limit the present invention.
<Configuration of image processing system>
FIG. 1 shows a schematic connection diagram of an embodiment of the image processing system of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, the image processing system of the present invention includes an information processing device 2 connected via a network 1 and an image forming device (11, 12, 13). Further, the image forming apparatus includes one master unit and one or a plurality of sub master units as described later, and is connected to each other by the network 1.

As the network 1, any currently available wired or wireless network such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network such as the Internet may be used.
For example, a plurality of image forming devices arranged in the same premises and a plurality of information processing devices (PCs) 2 are connected via a premises network (LAN) 1.

The information processing device (hereinafter, also referred to as a PC) 2 is an electronic device such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or another mobile terminal. In the present invention, the present invention will be described as a device that mainly creates image information composed of images, characters, and the like, and transmits the image information to an image forming apparatus.

The image forming apparatus is an apparatus for processing image information, and is an apparatus having at least a function of printing image information composed of images, characters, and the like on paper. For example, it is a printer having a printing function, or a multifunction device (MFP: Multifunction Peripheral) having a copying function, a printing function, a scanner function, a fax function, a communication function, and the like.
In the present invention, the image forming apparatus is classified into three types: a master unit 11 (hereinafter, also referred to as MM), a sub master unit 12 (hereinafter, also referred to as SM), and a slave unit 13 (hereinafter, also referred to as CM). And.
The master unit 11 corresponds to the first image forming apparatus described above, and the sub master unit 12 corresponds to the second image forming apparatus described above.

The master unit 11 (MM) has a function of printing image information on paper, and temporarily prints image information sent from the information processing apparatus PC and image information input by the master unit MM or another image forming apparatus. An image forming device equipped with a temporary storage unit that stores the print file and print management information that stores information that identifies the image forming device in which the print file is stored and information that indicates the current remaining capacity of a plurality of image forming devices. is there.
Of the plurality of image forming devices connected to the network, one image forming device is initially set as the master unit MM in advance. Any image forming apparatus may be used as the master unit MM, but it is preferable to set an image forming apparatus having a large maximum storage capacity in the master unit MM in order to provide as large a temporary storage unit as possible.

The temporary storage unit corresponds to a part of the storage unit of the master unit MM, and can store a plurality of image information up to a predetermined maximum storage capacity. As will be described later, the image information file saved in the temporary storage unit is called a save file. When the print process is executed, for example, after reading the save file stored in the temporary storage unit and printing on a predetermined paper, the printed save file is deleted from the temporary storage unit.
The print management information includes a remaining capacity list and a print information list, as will be described later.

The sub-master unit 12 (SM) has a function of printing image information on paper, and temporarily stores the image information sent from the information processing device PC and the image information input by the master unit MM or another image forming device. It is an image forming apparatus provided with a temporary storage unit for storing information.
However, when the file move request sent from the master unit MM is received, the image information sent from the master unit MM is temporarily saved in the temporary storage unit. For example, when the remaining capacity of the sub master SM's own temporary storage is larger than the remaining capacity of the master MM's temporary storage, the master unit MM sent it to the sub master SM's temporary storage. Image information is temporarily saved.

That is, the temporary storage unit of the sub-master unit SM is used as a preliminary storage unit for the master unit MM, stores image information as distributed as possible, and particularly prevents a decrease in the processing capacity of the master unit MM.
As the sub-master unit SM, any image forming device other than the master unit MM among a plurality of image forming devices connected to the network may be set in advance in the sub-master unit SM. The sub master unit SM may be one unit or a plurality of units.

Further, among the image forming devices other than the master unit MM, all the image forming devices or some image forming devices having a maximum storable capacity larger than a predetermined value may be set in the sub master unit SM. Further, the image forming apparatus set as the sub master unit SM may be actively changed based on the current remaining capacity of the image forming apparatus.
Alternatively, all image forming devices other than the master unit MM may be set in the sub master unit SM.

The slave unit 13 (CM) has a function of printing image information on paper, is an image forming device other than the master unit MM and the sub master unit SM, and has a temporary storage unit for temporarily storing the above-mentioned image information. It is an image forming apparatus that is not provided.

Since the master unit MM, the sub master unit SM, and the slave unit CM are all image forming devices, the same model may be used. However, the type mode information may be stored as the function setting information of the image forming apparatus, and for example, in the image forming apparatus used as the master unit MM, the information meaning "master unit" may be initially set in the type mode information. .. Further, the image forming apparatus used as the sub master unit SM may be initially set with information meaning "sub master unit" in the type mode information, and the image forming apparatus used as the slave unit CM may be set to the type mode. Information that means "slave unit" may be initially set in the information.
Alternatively, the image forming apparatus in which nothing is set in the type mode information may function as either a "slave unit" or a "sub-master unit" in advance.

In the following embodiment, as a general rule, the image information sent from the information processing apparatus PC to the image forming apparatus is assumed to be a print file intended for printing, such as when the master unit MM is out of order. Except for special circumstances, the print file shall be temporarily saved as a save file in the master unit MM. In addition, when a predetermined condition is met, such as when the remaining capacity of the temporary storage unit of the master unit MM is small, the print file temporarily saved in the master unit MM is saved in one of the sub master unit SMs having a sufficient remaining capacity. It shall be moved to.
Therefore, in the present invention, the print file intended to be printed is distributed and stored in either the master unit MM or one or a plurality of sub master unit SMs.

Further, in any of the master unit MM, the sub master unit SM, and the slave unit CM, the user can select a desired print file and execute the print operation.
The user inputs a save request for saving a desired print file on the information processing device PC owned by the user, or any of the master unit MM, the sub master unit SM, and the slave unit CM, and then the parent. Go to the image forming device of the machine MM, the sub master SM, and the slave CM for which you want to execute the printing process, and input the operation to print the desired print file.

Since the master unit MM stores print management information for identifying the image forming apparatus in which the print file is stored, it is acquired from the master unit MM in any image forming apparatus in which the user has input a print request. The desired print file to be printed is acquired from the master unit MM or the sub master unit SM in which the desired print file is stored by using the printed management information, and then printed.
As a result, the user can output the paper on which the image information of the desired print file is printed in the image forming apparatus that has performed the printing operation without knowing the image forming apparatus in which the desired print file is temporarily stored.

<Explanation of the configuration of the image forming device-master unit MM>
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the master unit among the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
In FIG. 2, the master unit MM11 of the image forming apparatus of the present invention mainly includes a control unit 21, an operation unit 22, an information input unit 23, a display unit 24, an output unit 25, a communication unit 26, and a print information list acquisition unit 31. Saved file location confirmation unit 32, file acquisition request unit 33, print execution unit 34, file deletion unit 35, print file acquisition unit 36, file deletion request unit 37, file move request unit 38, print information list update unit 39, remaining capacity It includes a management unit 40 and a storage unit 50.

The control unit 21 is a part that controls the operation of each component such as an information input unit, and is mainly realized by a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / O controller, a timer, and the like.
The CPU organically operates various hardware based on a control program stored in advance in a ROM or the like to execute the information input function, the printing function, and the like of the present invention.

The operation unit 22 is a part for inputting information such as characters and selecting and inputting a function, and for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like is used.

The information input unit 23 is a part for inputting predetermined information, and in particular, a part for inputting a print file intended to be printed.
For example, input information such as a document in which image data, character figures, etc. are described. The input information is stored in the storage unit 50. In particular, information intended for printing is stored as a print file.
The information input unit 23 corresponds to an interface for connecting an external storage medium such as a scanner that reads image data or a USB memory.
There are various methods for inputting information such as image data and documents. For example, a document on which the information is printed is read by a scanner, and the electronic data of the read document is stored in the storage unit 50.

Further, an electronic data file such as an image or a document to be input is saved in an external storage medium such as a USB memory, the USB memory or the like is connected to an input interface such as a USB terminal, and a predetermined input operation is performed by the operation unit 22. By performing the above, a desired electronic data file stored in a USB memory or the like is read out and stored in the storage unit 50.
The method of inputting information such as images and documents is not limited to the above, and an electronic data file may be received from the information processing device 2, the server, or the like via the LAN 10.

The display unit 24 is a part for displaying information, and displays information necessary for executing each function, a result of executing the function, and the like in order to inform the user. For example, when an LCD, an organic EL display, or the like is used and a touch panel is used as the operation unit 22, the display unit and the touch panel are arranged so as to overlap each other.

The output unit 25 is a part that outputs information, and corresponds to, for example, a printer that prints information on a paper medium and outputs the information. Alternatively, the information may be output to an external storage medium such as a USB memory.

The communication unit 26 connects to the network 1 and transmits / receives information between the image forming devices connected to the network, and requests information with the information processing device PC and other image forming devices (sub master unit SM, slave unit CM). And the part that sends and receives response information.
For example, in the information processing device (PC) 2, when a user creates image information consisting of an image, characters, or the like and inputs an image information storage request in order to print the image information, the image information is output. When the save request including the image information is transmitted to the network and the save request including the image information is received by the communication unit 26 of the master unit MM, the image information is temporarily saved as a save file in the temporary storage unit of the master unit MM. Will be done.
As the communication method, a communication method based on any existing standard can be used, and either wired communication or wireless communication may be used.

The print information list acquisition unit 31 is a unit for acquiring a print information list stored in the storage unit 50 of the master unit MM. The master unit MM corresponds to reading out a print information list stored in its own storage unit 50. As will be described later, the print information list stores information for identifying the save file currently saved for each master unit MM and sub master unit SM, so that the user can select a save file to print. , The read print information list is used.

The storage file location confirmation unit 32 is a unit for confirming the device that stores the temporarily stored storage file. In the case of the master unit MM, the process of receiving a save file location confirmation request from another image forming device, the process of finding the save location of the save file for which confirmation was requested using the print information list, and the found save file. Performs the process of sending a save file location confirmation response including the save location of.
For example, as described later, when a save file location confirmation request is received from the handset CM, the print information list is searched to find the save location of the save file specified in the confirmation request, and the save file save location. A save file location confirmation response including is sent to the slave unit CM.

The file acquisition request unit 33 is a portion for acquiring a print file from another image forming apparatus, and is a portion for transmitting and receiving an acquisition request and an acquisition response for a predetermined saved file between the image forming apparatus. For example, it transmits information requesting another image forming apparatus to send a saved file, and conversely, transmits the acquired saved file to the requesting image forming apparatus.

For example, it receives a process of sending a file acquisition request to an image forming apparatus in which a predetermined saving file is stored, and a file acquisition response to which the predetermined saving file sent from the image forming apparatus is attached. Perform processing. The saved file attached to the received file acquisition response is stored in the storage unit 50 as a print file.
When a file acquisition request is received from another image forming apparatus, the saved file stored in its own storage unit 50 is read out, and a file acquisition response with the read saved file attached is transmitted.

The print execution unit 34 is a portion that prints the information of the print file stored in the storage unit 30 on the paper, and the paper on which the information is printed is output from the output unit 25.
In the present invention, in any image forming apparatus including the master unit MM, print management information is acquired from the master unit MM, and the print management information is used to select a desired print file to be printed and the selected print file. When the print request of is input, the file acquisition request unit 33 acquires the selected print file from the master unit MM or the sub master unit SM in which the selected print file is currently saved, and the above The print execution unit 34 of any image forming apparatus prints the information of the selected print file on the paper.

The file deletion unit 35 is a unit for deleting a saved file temporarily stored in its own storage unit.
For example, if the print execution unit 34 prints the information of the print file selected by the user on paper, and then the selected print file is temporarily stored in the storage unit 50 of the master unit MM, the master unit MM The file deletion unit 35 of the above deletes the selected print file from the storage unit 50.
As a result, the remaining capacity of the storage unit 50 is increased.
The functional blocks from the control unit to the file deletion unit described above are provided not only in the master unit MM but also in other image forming devices (sub master unit SM, slave unit CM).

The print file acquisition unit 36 is a unit that acquires (reads) the print file stored in the storage unit 50. The read print file is given to the print execution unit 34 and printed.
If the file to be printed is a saved file that has already been saved in the temporary storage section of its own storage section, the saved file is acquired as a print file.
The print file acquisition unit 36 is a functional block included in the master unit MM and the sub master unit SM.

The file deletion request unit 37 is a part that requests the sub-master unit SM to delete the saved file temporarily stored in the sub-master unit SM. This file deletion request is made after printing of the saved file is completed, and the file deletion request contains information indicating the saved file to be deleted.
For example, after printing the information of the print file selected by the user on the paper by the print execution unit 34, if the selected print file is not temporarily saved in the master unit MM, the file deletion request unit 37 may display the file deletion request unit 37. Requests the sub-master SM, in which the selected print file is temporarily saved, to delete the temporarily saved print file. After that, the file deletion unit 35 of the sub-master unit SM in which the selected print file is temporarily saved deletes the selected print file.

Further, after receiving the file deletion request, the sub-master unit SM sends a file deletion completion notification indicating that the saved file has been deleted to the master unit MM after deleting the saved file, so that the file deletion request unit 37 uses this. Receive the file deletion completion notification and confirm that the saved file was actually deleted. The file deletion request unit 37 is a functional block included in the master unit MM.

The file move request unit 38 is a part for moving the print file temporarily stored in the storage unit 50 of the master unit MM to the sub master unit SM, and requests the sub master unit SM to move the print file. Send a file move request.
A save file that you want the sub-master SM to temporarily save is attached to the file move request.
When a predetermined condition as described later is satisfied, the file move request unit 38 sends a file move request to one or more sub-master units SM that satisfy the condition, and temporarily saves the file in the master unit MM. Move the existing print file to the sub master unit SM.

Further, after the sub-master unit SM that has received the file move request saves the saved file, the save completion notification is sent from the sub-master unit SM, so that the file move request unit 38 receives the save completion notification. , Confirm that the save file was actually saved. The file movement request unit 38 is a functional block provided only in the master unit MM.

The print information list update unit 39 is a part that updates the print information list stored in the storage unit 50.
For example, after printing the save file saved in the temporary storage section of the storage section 50 of the master unit MM, the save file is deleted from the storage section 50, so that the information of the save file currently saved is stored. It is also necessary to delete the information of the saved file from the print information list. Therefore, after printing the saved file, an update process is performed to delete the information of the saved file from the print information list.

Further, when a saved file is newly saved in the temporary storage unit of the storage unit 50 of the master unit MM, information indicating that the saved file is saved in the master unit MM is added to the print information list. Perform update processing. Further, when a new save file is saved in the sub master unit SM or when the save file saved in the sub master unit SM is deleted, the print information list is updated in the same manner.
The print information list update unit 39 is a functional block included in the master unit MM.

The remaining capacity management unit 40 is a portion that manages the remaining storage capacity of the storage unit 50 (hereinafter, also referred to as the remaining capacity), that is, the free capacity that can be used as a temporary storage unit.
The remaining capacity management unit 40 manages the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the master unit MM and the remaining capacity of the storage unit of all the sub master unit SMs. For example, check the remaining capacity of the master unit MM and the sub master unit SM, update the remaining capacity list, and compare the remaining capacity of the master unit MM with the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM.
The remaining capacity management unit 40 is mainly composed of a self-remaining capacity confirmation unit 40a, a remaining capacity confirmation request unit 40b, a remaining capacity list update unit 40c, a remaining capacity list confirmation unit 40d, and a remaining capacity comparison unit 40e.
Here, the self-remaining capacity confirmation unit 40a is a functional block included in the master unit MM and the sub master unit SM, and the other configurations (40b to 40e) are functional blocks included in the master unit MM.

The self-remaining capacity confirmation unit 40a is a part for confirming the remaining capacity of the storage unit 50 of the self-image forming apparatus, and the remaining capacity is, for example, the currently used storage capacity from the maximum storage capacity of the storage unit 50. Calculated by subtraction processing. The remaining capacity changes by adding and deleting a storage file to the temporary storage unit of the storage unit of the image forming apparatus.

The remaining capacity confirmation request unit 40b is a part that requests another image forming apparatus to confirm the remaining capacity and informs the master unit MM of the current remaining capacity of the image forming apparatus.
For example, the master unit MM sends a remaining capacity confirmation request to the sub master unit SM to which the saved file has been moved. Further, the remaining capacity confirmation request unit 40b receives the remaining capacity confirmation response sent from the sub master unit SM. The remaining capacity confirmation response includes the current remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM.

The remaining capacity list updating unit 40c is a portion that updates the remaining capacity list stored in the master unit MM. When the current remaining capacity of the master unit MM or sub master unit SM is changed due to the addition or deletion of the save file to the master unit MM or sub master unit SM, the contents of the remaining capacity list are updated.
For example, the remaining capacity of the sub-master unit SM included in the above-mentioned remaining capacity confirmation response is used to change the remaining capacity of the sub-master unit SM in the remaining capacity list.

The remaining capacity list confirmation unit 40d is a portion that reads out the remaining capacity list stored in the master unit MM. Mainly, for comparison of the remaining capacity described later, the remaining capacity of all the image forming devices stored in the remaining capacity list is read out.

The remaining capacity comparison unit 40e is a portion for comparing the remaining capacities of all the image forming devices stored in the remaining capacity list. That is, the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the master unit MM and the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the plurality of sub-master unit SMs are compared with each other. By comparison, the image forming apparatus having the largest remaining capacity is found.
This comparison is performed to determine in which image forming apparatus the print file requested to be saved by the user is saved.

For example, when the remaining capacity of the master unit MM is the largest among the master unit MM and the plurality of sub master unit SMs, the print file requested to be saved is saved in the master unit MM.
Further, when the remaining capacity of the specific sub-master unit SM is the largest among the master unit MM and the plurality of sub-master units SM, the print file requested to be saved is saved in the specific sub-master unit SM. In this case, the print file requested to be saved by the user is temporarily saved in the master unit MM, so the print file is moved to a specific sub master unit SM and the print file temporarily saved in the master unit MM is deleted. ..

The storage unit 50 is a unit for storing information and a program necessary for executing each function of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. In the present invention, in particular, a print file input by the information input unit is temporarily stored. To do.
A semiconductor storage element such as a ROM, RAM, or flash memory, a storage device such as an HDD or SSD, or other storage medium is used for the storage unit 50.

The storage unit 50 stores, for example, a print file 51, self-remaining capacity information 52, a temporary storage unit 53, print management information 55, and the like.
Here, the temporary storage unit 53 is a portion that temporarily stores the storage file 54 received or input for printing.
Further, the print management information 55 is a portion that stores information about the image forming apparatus that currently temporarily stores the print files input by all the image forming apparatus including the master unit MM and the sub master unit SM, for example. , The remaining capacity list 56 and the print information list 57 are stored.

The print file 51 means a file that is actually printed by the print execution unit 34.
For example, if the file requested to be printed is a save file saved in the temporary storage section of the master unit MM, the save file saved in the temporary storage section of the master unit MM is the print file. If the file requested to be printed is a save file saved in the temporary storage unit of the sub master unit SM, the save file acquired from the sub master unit SM becomes the print file.

The self-remaining capacity information 52 is information indicating the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the self-image forming apparatus.
In the case of the master unit MM, it is information indicating the remaining capacity of the master unit MM. The self-remaining capacity confirmation unit 40a described above calculates the current remaining capacity and stores it as the self-remaining capacity information 52. Further, the remaining capacity list updating unit 40c writes the self-remaining capacity information 52 of the master unit MM to the remaining capacity of the master unit MM in the remaining capacity list 56.

The self-remaining capacity information 52 means the free capacity that is not currently used among the maximum storage capacity of the storage unit 50 of the master unit MM. However, if the storage area of the temporary storage unit 53 for temporarily storing the storage file for printing is fixedly secured in advance and the maximum storage capacity of the temporary storage unit 53 is determined, the free space of the temporary storage unit 53 is determined. May be stored as self-remaining capacity information 52.
Further, the self-remaining capacity information 52 is stored in the master unit MM and the sub master unit SM.

The temporary storage unit 53 is a print file requested to be saved by the user for the purpose of printing, and has an area for temporarily storing the print file input by the information input unit 23 or received by the communication unit 26. means. The file saved in the temporary storage unit 53 is called a save file 54.
One or more storage files 54 are stored in the temporary storage unit 53, and in principle, storage is maintained until the storage file 54 is printed, and printing of the storage file 54 is completed in any of the image forming devices. In some cases, the saved file is deleted.
Further, the temporary storage unit 53 is provided in the master unit MM and the sub master unit SM.

As described above, the print management information 55 stores information about the image forming apparatus that currently temporarily stores the print files input by all the image forming apparatus, but mainly, the identification information of the image forming apparatus. And the information that identifies the remaining capacity of the device or the storage file stored in the device are stored in association with each other. For example, the remaining capacity list 56 and the print information list 57 are included.
The print management information 55 is information stored only in the master unit MM.
It is preferable that the master unit MM is connected to an image forming apparatus capable of storing a storage file, acquires predetermined information, and initially sets the remaining capacity list 56 and the print information list 57 in advance.

FIG. 5 shows an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of information used in the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
The remaining capacity list 56 is a list that stores the remaining capacity of each storage unit for each image forming apparatus capable of storing a storage file. As shown in FIG. 5A, the identification information (ID) of each image forming apparatus and the remaining capacity (RC) of the device are stored in association with each other for each of the master unit MM and the plurality of sub master units SM. To.
For example, it remembers that the remaining capacity of the master unit MM having the ID MM001 is RC0 (for example, 10GB). Similarly, the remaining capacity of each of the other plurality of sub-master units SM (SM011 to SM01n) is stored.

When the master unit MM is initialized and connected to the network, the sub master unit SM connected to the network is searched, and the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM is acquired from the found sub master unit SM. It is preferable to store the remaining capacity of the sub-master unit SM in the remaining capacity list 56 in advance. The remaining capacity of the master unit MM itself is also stored in advance in the remaining capacity list 56.
Also, when a new sub-master SM is connected to the network, the new sub-master SM connects to the master MM and sends the remaining capacity of the new sub-master SM to the master MM. It may be stored in the remaining capacity list 56. Alternatively, the master unit MM periodically searches for the sub master unit SM connected to the network, acquires the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM from the found sub master unit SM, and obtains the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM, and the remaining capacity list 56 In addition, it may be updated.

The print information list 57 is a list in which information for identifying a storage file currently temporarily stored in each storage unit is stored for each image forming apparatus capable of storing the storage file.
As shown in FIG. 5 (b), for example, the identification information (ID) of the image forming apparatus and the name of the saved file stored in the storage unit of the master unit MM and the plurality of sub master units SM. (FL) is stored in association with it. However, the stored information does not have to be the name of the saved file itself, and may be any information that can uniquely identify each saved file and can be uniquely identified by the stored image forming apparatus.
Further, in order to transmit information from the master unit MM to the sub master unit SM, for example, the IP address and MAC address of the sub master unit SM are stored as the information of the sub master unit SM in addition to the identification information (ID). You may leave it.

In FIG. 5 (b), for example, the identification information (ID) of MM001 and the saved file names (FL) of FL001 and FL002 are stored in association with each other. This is the master unit MM having the ID of MM001. Indicates that a save file named FL001 and a save file named FL002 are currently saved in. Similarly, the names of the save files stored in the storage unit of each sub-master unit SM are also stored for the other plurality of sub-master units SM (SM011 to SM01n).

Further, the print information list 57 is also connected to the network when the master unit MM is initially set or when a new sub master unit SM is connected to the network, as in the remaining capacity list 56. The sub-master unit SM is searched, the name of the save file saved in the sub-master unit SM is acquired from the found sub-master unit SM, and the save file is displayed in the print information list 57 for each sub-master unit SM. It is preferable to memorize the name of.

The print information list 57 is mainly used for detecting an image forming apparatus in which a print file is temporarily stored.
For example, in any image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus in which the print file selected by the user is temporarily stored is detected by using the print information list 57 acquired from the master unit MM, and the detected image forming apparatus is detected. However, in the case of another sub-master unit SM, the file acquisition request unit 33 of any image forming apparatus acquires the selected print file from the sub-master unit SM.

The above is the configuration of an embodiment of the master unit MM.
The master unit MM, in particular, has a communication unit 26 that transmits / receives information to another image forming apparatus connected to the network, and a self and other image forming apparatus that temporarily stores a print file input for the purpose of printing. The storage unit 50 that stores the print information list 57 that stores the information that identifies the print file that is temporarily stored for each, and the print file that is stored in another image forming device by the communication unit 26, etc. It is characterized by including a file acquisition request unit 33 acquired from the image forming apparatus of the above and a print execution unit 34 for printing information of a predetermined print file on paper.

Further, in the master unit MM, when a desired print file is selected using the print information list 57 and the selected print file is temporarily stored in another image forming apparatus, the file acquisition request unit 33 is used. , After acquiring the selected print file from another image forming apparatus in which the selected print file is temporarily stored, or when the selected print file is temporarily stored in the storage unit 50, After acquiring the selected print file from the storage unit 50, the print execution unit 34 prints the information of the acquired print file on the paper.
As a result, not only the prints are temporarily saved in the master unit MM, but also the print files are distributed and saved in other image forming devices, so that access is concentrated on one master unit MM when printing is executed. It is possible to prevent the processing capacity of the master unit MM from being reduced.

<Explanation of the configuration of the image forming device-sub master unit SM>
FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the sub-master unit among the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
In FIG. 3, the sub-master unit SM12 of the image forming apparatus of the present invention mainly includes a control unit 71, an operation unit 72, an information input unit 73, a display unit 74, an output unit 75, a communication unit 76, and a print information list acquisition unit 81. A storage file location confirmation unit 82, a file acquisition request unit 83, a print execution unit 84, a file deletion unit 85, a print file acquisition unit 86, a self-remaining capacity confirmation unit 87, and a storage unit 90 are provided.
The operation of each function block (81 to 90) shown in FIG. 3 is almost the same as the operation of each function block of the master unit MM shown in FIG. 2, so details will be omitted and different parts will be described. ..

The print information list acquisition unit 81 transmits a print information list acquisition request to the master unit MM in the sub master unit SM, and receives a print information list acquisition response from the master unit MM. The print information list stored in the master unit MM is attached to the print information list acquisition response.
In the sub-master unit SM, the received print information list is displayed on the display unit 74, so that the user selects a save file to be printed.

In the sub master unit SM, the save file location confirmation unit 82 performs a process of transmitting a save file location confirmation request to the master unit MM and a process of receiving a save file location confirmation response from the master unit MM.
The save file location confirmation request to be transmitted includes information that identifies the file that the user has selected and wants to print and that wants to confirm the location.
In addition, the received save file location confirmation response includes information indicating the location where the file whose location is to be confirmed is saved. The information indicating the location where the file is stored is the information that identifies the image forming apparatus in which the file is temporarily stored.

The print file acquisition unit 86 is a unit for acquiring (reading) the print file stored in the storage unit 90 in the sub master unit SM. The read print file is given to the print execution unit 84 and printed.
If the file to be printed is a saved file that has already been saved in the temporary storage section of its own storage section, the saved file is acquired as a print file.

The self-remaining capacity confirmation unit 87 is a part for confirming the remaining capacity of its own storage unit 90 in the sub master unit SM, and the remaining capacity is currently used from, for example, the maximum storage capacity of the storage unit 90. It is calculated by subtraction processing that subtracts the storage capacity.
Further, although not shown, when the sub-master unit SM receives the remaining capacity confirmation request from the master unit MM, the self-remaining capacity confirmation unit 87 confirms the remaining capacity of its own storage unit 90 and calculates. It has a function to send the remaining capacity confirmation response including the current self-remaining capacity to the master unit MM.

The storage unit 90 of the sub-master unit SM stores, for example, a print file 91, self-remaining capacity information 92, a storage file 94 stored in the temporary storage unit 93, master unit information 95, and the like.
Here, the temporary storage unit 93 stores the save file 94 received by the move request from the master unit MM, and saves the save file 94 until the save file is printed, like the master unit MM.
The master unit information 95 is information for identifying the master unit MM, and when transmitting information such as a print information list acquisition request, a file acquisition request, a print completion notification, and a remaining capacity confirmation response to the master unit MM, It is used to identify the destination. As the master unit information 95, for example, the IP address or MAC address of the master unit MM is used.
However, the print management information is not stored in the sub master unit SM.

<Explanation of the configuration of the image forming device-slave unit CM>
FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the slave unit among the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
In FIG. 4, the slave unit CM13 of the image forming apparatus of the present invention mainly includes a control unit 101, an operation unit 102, an information input unit 103, a display unit 104, an output unit 105, a communication unit 106, and a print information list acquisition unit 111. It includes a save file location confirmation unit 112, a file acquisition request unit 113, a print execution unit 114, a file deletion unit 115, and a storage unit 120.

Of the functional blocks (101 to 115) shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 101, the operation unit 102, the information input unit 103, the display unit 104, the output unit 105, and the communication unit 106 are the master unit MM and the sub master unit. The operation is the same as the operation of each function block of SM, and the print information list acquisition unit 111, the save file location confirmation unit 112, the file acquisition request unit 113, the print execution unit 114, and the file deletion unit 115 are sub-master units SM. Since the operation is almost the same as the operation of each function block of, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Unlike the master unit MM and the sub master unit SM, the slave unit CM does not have a temporary storage unit, and the storage unit 120 contains print files 121 to be printed and master unit information 122 as information related to printing. Be remembered. The self-remaining capacity information and print management information are not stored in the handset CM.

<Outline of print file saving process Sequence explanation>
FIG. 6 shows an outline sequence of an embodiment of the process of saving the print file in the sub master unit.
As described above, the print file input by the user for the purpose of printing and the print file sent from the information processing device are temporarily stored in either the master unit MM or the sub master unit SM as a save file. It will be saved.
However, the input file is temporarily saved in the master unit MM.
Here, an outline sequence of once saving to the master unit MM, moving the saved file to the sub master unit SM, and temporarily saving to the sub master unit SM will be described.

In FIG. 6, the operation device for inputting the print file to be printed by the user is referred to as the master unit MM, and the storage device for storing the save file is referred to as the sub master unit SM.
Further, it is assumed that the remaining capacity list 56 and the print information list 57 are stored in advance in the master unit MM.

First, in step M1, the user inputs a file save request including the print file FL222 in the master unit MM in order to save the print file FL222 to be printed. The file save request may be made by using, for example, the operation unit 22 or the information input unit 23.
When the file save request is input in step M2, the print file FL222 is temporarily saved in the temporary storage section 53 of the storage section of the master unit MM.

In step M3, the remaining capacity list confirmation unit 40d confirms the remaining capacity list 56.
Here, the remaining capacities of the master unit MM and the sub master unit SM stored in the remaining capacity list 56 are read out.
In step M4, the remaining capacity comparison unit 40e compares the remaining capacities of the master unit MM and the sub master unit SM, and determines which is larger.
If it is determined that the remaining capacity of the sub-master unit SM is larger than the remaining capacity of the master unit MM, the print files are distributed and saved, and temporarily saved in the master unit MM to prevent a decrease in the processing capacity of the master unit. Move the printed file FL222 to the sub master unit SM, which has a relatively large remaining capacity.

In step M5, the master unit MM transmits a file move request with the print file FL222 attached to the sub master unit SM.
In step S1, when the communication unit 76 of the sub-master unit SM receives the file move request with the print file FL222 attached, the print file FL222 is saved in the temporary storage unit 93 of the storage unit of the sub-master unit SM.

In step M6, the file deletion unit 35 of the master unit MM deletes the print file FL222 temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 53. As a result, since the print file FL222 is deleted, the remaining capacity of the storage unit 50 of the master unit MM is the same as the state before step M1 and does not change.

In step M7, the remaining capacity confirmation request unit 40b of the master unit MM transmits the remaining capacity confirmation request to the sub master unit SM.
In step S2, when the communication unit 76 of the sub-master unit SM receives the remaining capacity confirmation request, the self-remaining capacity confirmation unit 87 calculates the remaining capacity of the sub-master unit SM. In the sub-master unit SM, since the print file FL222 is added to the temporary storage unit 93 of the storage unit of the sub-master unit SM, the remaining capacity of the sub-master unit SM is reduced.
In step S3, the sub-master unit SM transmits a remaining capacity confirmation response including the calculated remaining capacity of the sub-master unit SM to the master unit MM.

In step M8, when the master unit MM receives the remaining capacity confirmation response including the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM, the remaining capacity list update unit 40c updates the remaining capacity list 56. Here, as described above, since the remaining capacity of the sub-master unit SM is decreasing, the remaining capacity of the sub-master unit SM in the remaining capacity list 56 is changed.

In step M9, since the new print file FL222 is saved in the sub master unit SM, the print information list update unit 39 updates the print information list 57. Here, the name of the print file FL222 is added to the save file name for the sub master unit SM in the print information list 57.

When it is determined by the above sequence that the remaining capacity of the sub-master unit SM is larger than the remaining capacity of the master unit MM, the print file FL222 requested to be saved is saved in the sub-master unit SM and the remaining capacity list. The remaining capacity and the save file name for the sub-master unit SM of 56 and the print information list 57 are changed.

In the above sequence, when the condition that the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM is larger than the remaining capacity of the master unit MM is satisfied, the print file temporarily saved in the master unit MM is moved to the sub master unit SM. An example is shown.
However, the conditions for moving the print file to the sub master unit SM are not limited to the above conditions.

For example, the print file temporarily saved in the master unit MM may be moved to the sub master unit SM when any of the following conditions is satisfied.
(1) When the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the sub master unit SM is larger than the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the master unit MM, the print file temporarily stored in the storage unit of the master unit MM is transferred to the sub master unit. Move to SM.
This corresponds to the above condition.

(2) Using the remaining capacity list, compare the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the master unit MM with the remaining capacity of the storage unit of multiple sub-master unit SMs, and compare the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the master unit MM. When the sub-master SM with the largest and largest remaining capacity is detected, the print file temporarily stored in the storage unit of the master MM is moved to the sub-master SM with the largest remaining capacity.

(3) Using the remaining capacity list, compare the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the master unit MM with the remaining capacity of the storage unit of a plurality of sub-master unit SMs, and compare the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the master unit MM. When multiple sub-master SMs with a large remaining capacity are detected, the print files temporarily stored in the storage unit of the master unit MM are stored in the storage unit of the master unit MM. Move to one of the sub-master SMs.

(4) When the remaining capacity of the master unit MM becomes smaller than the preset reference remaining capacity (threshold), the print file temporarily stored in the storage unit of the master unit MM has the largest remaining capacity. Move to the sub master unit SM with. Alternatively, when a plurality of sub-master SMs having a remaining capacity larger than the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the master unit MM are detected, the print file temporarily stored in the storage unit of the master unit MM is stored in the master unit MM. It may be moved to one of a plurality of sub-master SMs having a remaining capacity larger than the remaining capacity of the unit.

(5) When other functions such as the copy function are being executed on the master unit MM and the state in which there is only a margin of processing capacity of a predetermined value or less continues, the file is temporarily saved in the storage unit of the master unit MM. Move the print file to the sub master unit SM, which has the largest remaining capacity. In this case, the remaining capacity of the sub-master unit SM that moves the print file does not have to be larger than the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the master unit MM.

(6) Even if the master unit MM is in operation but special processing such as maintenance is being performed and there is a risk that normal operation may not be possible, the print file temporarily saved in the storage unit of the master unit MM. To the sub-master unit SM, which has the largest remaining capacity.

If there are multiple print files temporarily stored in the storage unit of the master unit MM, instead of moving all the multiple print files to the same sub master unit SM, for example, as follows. It is preferable to distribute and move a plurality of print files to several sub-master SMs based on any of the above criteria.

(1) Check the file sizes of a plurality of print files temporarily stored in the storage unit of the master unit MM, and preferentially move the print file having a large file size to the sub master unit SM.

(2) Check the file sizes of multiple print files temporarily stored in the storage unit of the master unit MM, and transfer all print files whose file size is larger than the specified size to different sub master unit SMs one by one. Move it.

(3) If multiple print files temporarily stored in the storage unit of the master unit MM are arranged in descending order of file size and the print files are moved, the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the master unit MM is a predetermined value. Select multiple print files in descending order of file size as shown below, and transfer the selected multiple print files to one or more sub-master units SM that have a remaining capacity larger than the remaining capacity of the master unit MM. , Separately distributed movement.

<Outline of printing process of print file Explanation of sequence>
After the print file is saved in the master unit MM or the sub master unit SM, the user goes to the image forming apparatus where he / she wants to print the print file and operates to print the print file.
When a user performs an operation to print a print file, the device to which the file acquisition request is sent differs depending on the device in which the print file is saved.

FIG. 7 shows an outline sequence of an embodiment of a process of printing a print file stored in the master unit.
In FIG. 7, an operation device in which a user selects a print file to be printed and performs a print operation is referred to as a slave unit CM, and a storage device for storing a save file to be printed is referred to as a master unit MM.
Further, it is assumed that the remaining capacity list 56 and the print information list 57 are stored in advance in the master unit MM, and the print file FL001 itself that the user wants to print is saved in the master unit MM and stored in the print information list 57. Supposes that the name of the print file FL001 is stored in association with the master unit MM.

First, in step C1, it is assumed that the user performs an input operation for requesting a print information list by using the operation unit 102 of the slave unit CM.
In step C2, the print information list acquisition unit 111 of the slave unit CM transmits the print information list acquisition request to the master unit MM.

When the print information list acquisition request is received in step M11, the print information list acquisition unit 31 of the master unit MM acquires the print information list 57 from the storage unit 50.
In step M12, the acquired print information list 57 is included in the print information list acquisition response and transmitted to the slave unit CM that has sent the print information list acquisition request.

When the slave unit CM receives the print information list 57 in step C3, the print information list 57 is displayed on the display unit 104.
In step C4, the user confirms the displayed print information list 57, selects the print file FL001 to be printed from the print information list 57, and performs an operation meaning a print request.

According to the print information list 57, since the name of the selected print file FL001 is stored in association with the master unit MM, it can be seen that the print file FL001 is stored in the master unit MM.
In step C5, the file acquisition request unit 113 of the slave unit CM transmits a file acquisition request including the name of the print file FL001 to the master unit MM in which the print file FL001 is stored.

In step M13, when the master unit MM receives the file acquisition request, the print file acquisition unit 36 acquires (reads) the print file FL001 from its own storage unit 50.
In step M14, the acquired print file FL001 is attached to the file acquisition response and transmitted to the slave unit CM that has sent the file acquisition request.

When the print file FL001 is received in step C6, the print execution unit 114 of the slave unit CM performs the print process of the print file FL001.
In step C7, the output unit 105 of the slave unit CM outputs the paper on which the information of the print file FL001 is printed.

By the above sequence, the user selects the print file FL001 to be printed in the slave unit CM and performs an operation meaning a print request, so that the user does not know the device (master unit MM) in which the print file FL001 is saved. However, the paper on which the information of the print file FL001 is printed is output from the slave unit CM operated by the user.

FIG. 8 shows an outline sequence of an embodiment of a process of printing a print file saved in the sub master unit.
In FIG. 8, an operation device in which a user selects a print file to be printed and performs a print operation is referred to as a slave unit CM, and a storage device for storing a save file to be printed is referred to as a sub master unit SM.
Further, it is assumed that the remaining capacity list 56 and the print information list 57 are stored in advance in the master unit MM, and the print file FL222 itself that the user wants to print is saved in the sub master unit SM, and the print information list 57 is stored. It is assumed that the name of the print file FL222 is stored in the sub-master unit SM in association with the sub-master unit SM.

In FIG. 8, the same numbers are assigned to the steps that perform the same processing as in FIG. 7.
The processing of steps C1 to C3 in the slave unit CM of FIG. 8 and the processing of steps M11 and M12 in the master unit MM are the same processing as in FIG.
In step C4, the user confirms the displayed print information list 57, selects the print file FL222 to be printed from the print information list 57, and performs an operation meaning a print request.

According to the print information list 57, since the name of the selected print file FL222 is stored in association with the sub-master unit SM, it can be seen that the print file FL222 is stored in the sub-master unit SM.
In step C5, the file acquisition request unit 113 of the slave unit CM transmits the file acquisition request, but unlike FIG. 7, the file acquisition request including the name of the print file FL222 is sent to the sub-parent in which the print file FL222 is stored. Send to machine SM.

In step S11, when the sub-master unit SM receives the file acquisition request, the print file acquisition unit 86 acquires (reads) the print file FL222 from its own storage unit 90.
In step S12, the acquired print file FL222 is attached to the file acquisition response and transmitted to the slave unit CM that has sent the file acquisition request.

After that, as in FIG. 7, when the print file FL222 is received in step C6, the print execution unit 114 of the slave unit CM performs the printing process of the print file FL222, and in step C7, the output unit 105 of the slave unit CM performs the printing process. , The paper on which the information of the print file FL222 is printed is output.

In the sequence of FIG. 8, the storage location of the print file FL222 is different from that of FIG. 7, but as in FIG. 7, the user simply selects the print file FL222 to be printed in the slave unit CM and performs an operation meaning a print request. Then, even if the user does not know the device (sub master unit SM) in which the print file FL222 is stored, the paper on which the information of the print file FL222 is printed is output from the slave unit CM operated by the user.

<Explanation of detailed sequence of print file saving process>
Here, an example of a detailed sequence in which a print file input by a user or a print file sent from an information processing device is temporarily saved in the master unit MM and a detailed sequence in which the print file is temporarily saved in the sub master unit SM will be described. To do.

(Preservation Example 1)
FIG. 9 shows a detailed sequence of an embodiment of the process of saving the print file in the master unit.
In FIG. 9, the operation device for inputting the print file to be printed by the user is defined as the master unit MM.
Further, it is assumed that the remaining capacity list 56 and the print information list 57 are stored in advance in the master unit MM. It is assumed that the remaining capacity list 56 stores that the remaining capacity of the master unit MM is 10 GB and the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM is 8 GB.

It is assumed that neither the master unit MM nor the sub master unit SM stores the name of the saved file in the print information list 57. That is, it is assumed that the save file to be printed is not saved in either the master unit MM or the sub master unit SM.
Further, the name of the print file that the user wants to print is FL001, and the file size of the print file FL001 is 3 GB.

First, in step M101, the user inputs a file save request including the print file FL001 in the master unit MM in order to save the print file FL001 to be printed. The file save request may be made by using, for example, the operation unit 22 or the information input unit 23.
However, although the operating device is described here as the master unit MM, the user-owned information processing device PC, the sub master unit SM, and the slave unit CM may be used as the operating device.
For example, the information processing device PC may create a print file FL001 and send a file save request including the print file FL001 to the master unit MM.

When the control unit 21 detects that the file storage request has been input in step M102, the print file FL001 is temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 53 of the storage unit of the master unit MM.

In step M103, the remaining capacity list confirmation unit 40d confirms the remaining capacity list 56.
Here, the remaining capacities of the master unit MM and the sub master unit SM stored in the remaining capacity list 56 are read out.
In step M104, the remaining capacity comparison unit 40e compares the remaining capacities of the master unit MM and the sub master unit SM, and determines which is larger.
As described above, when the remaining capacity list 56 is confirmed, the remaining capacity of the master unit MM is 10 GB and the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM is 8 GB. Therefore, the remaining capacity of the master unit MM is that of the sub master unit SM. It is determined that it is larger than the remaining capacity.
If it is determined that the remaining capacity of the master unit MM is larger than the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM, the master unit MM has more remaining capacity, so the print file FL001 is saved in the master unit MM. Leave it alone.

In step M105, the self-remaining capacity confirmation unit 40a calculates the remaining capacity of the master unit MM.
In the master unit MM, since the print file FL001 has already been added to the temporary storage unit 53 of the storage unit in step M102, the remaining capacity of the master unit MM is reduced by the file size (3 GB) of the print file FL001. doing. That is, the remaining capacity of the master unit MM is 10-3 = 7GB.

In step M106, the remaining capacity list updating unit 40c updates the remaining capacity list 56. Here, as described above, since the remaining capacity of the master unit MM is reduced to 7 GB, the remaining capacity of the master unit MM in the remaining capacity list 56 is changed to 7 GB.

In step M107, since the new print file FL001 is saved in the master unit MM, the print information list update unit 39 updates the print information list 57. Here, the name of the print file FL001 is added to the save file name for the master unit MM in the print information list 57.

When it is determined that the remaining capacity of the master unit MM is larger than the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM as in the above sequence, the print file FL001 requested to be saved is saved in the master unit MM and the remaining capacity is saved. The remaining capacity and the save file name for the master unit MM in the list 56 and the print information list 57 are changed.

(Preservation Example 2)
FIG. 10 shows a detailed sequence of an embodiment of the process of saving the print file in the sub master unit.
Here, the same step numbers as those in FIG. 9 are assigned to the steps that perform the same processing as in FIG.
In FIG. 10, an operating device for inputting a print file to be printed by a user is a master unit MM.
Further, it is assumed that the remaining capacity list 56 and the print information list 57 are stored in advance in the master unit MM. It is assumed that the remaining capacity list 56 stores that the remaining capacity of the master unit MM is 7 GB and the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM is 8 GB.

In the print information list 57, it is assumed that the master unit MM stores the name of the saved file FL001, but the sub master unit SM does not store the name of the saved file. That is, it is assumed that only the master unit MM stores one storage file to be printed.
Further, the name of the print file that the user wants to print is FL222, and the file size of the print file FL222 is 2 GB.

In FIG. 10, the processes from step M101 to step M103 are executed in the same manner as in FIG.
That is, when the user inputs a file save request including the print file FL222 to be printed, the print file FL222 is temporarily saved in the temporary storage unit 53 of the storage unit of the master unit MM and stored in the remaining capacity list 56. Read the remaining capacity of the existing master unit MM and sub master unit SM.

Next, in step M104, the remaining capacity comparison unit 40e compares the remaining capacities of the master unit MM and the sub master unit SM, and determines which is larger.
In FIG. 10, when the remaining capacity list 56 is confirmed, the remaining capacity of the master unit MM is 7 GB and the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM is 8 GB. Therefore, the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM is the remaining capacity of the master unit MM. It is judged to be larger than the capacity.

If it is determined that the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM is larger than the remaining capacity of the master unit MM, the sub master unit SM has more remaining capacity, so the print files are distributed and saved, and the processing of the master unit is performed. In order to prevent a decrease in capacity, the print file FL222 temporarily saved in the master unit MM is moved to the sub master unit SM.

When multiple sub-master SMs are set, the remaining capacity of the master MM is compared with the remaining capacity of the plurality of sub-master SMs, and the image forming device having the largest remaining capacity is selected. Will be done.
When the image forming apparatus having the largest remaining capacity is the master unit MM, the print file FL222 remains stored in the master unit MM as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus having the largest remaining capacity is the sub-master unit SM, the print file FL222 temporarily stored in the master unit MM is moved to the sub-master unit SM having the largest remaining capacity.

In step M111, the master unit MM transmits a file move request with the print file FL222 attached to the sub master unit SM.
In step S101, the communication unit 76 of the sub-master unit SM receives the file move request with the print file FL222 attached.
In step S102, the received print file FL222 is stored in the temporary storage unit 93 of the storage unit of the sub-master unit SM.

In step S103, the sub-master unit SM transmits a save completion notification indicating that the print file FL222 has been saved to the master unit MM.
In step M112, the master unit MM receives the save completion notification and confirms that the movement of the print file FL222 is completed.

In step M113, the file deletion unit 35 of the master unit MM deletes the print file FL222 temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 53. As a result, since the print file FL222 is deleted, the remaining capacity of the storage unit 50 of the master unit MM is the same as the state before step M1 and does not change.

In step M114, the remaining capacity confirmation request unit 40b of the master unit MM transmits the remaining capacity confirmation request to the sub master unit SM.
In step S104, the communication unit 76 of the sub-master unit SM receives the remaining capacity confirmation request.

In step S105, the self-remaining capacity confirmation unit 87 calculates the remaining capacity of the sub-master unit SM. In the sub-master unit SM, since the print file FL222 is added to the temporary storage unit 93 of the storage unit of the sub-master unit SM, the remaining capacity of the sub-master unit SM is reduced. That is, the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM is 8-2 = 6GB.
In step S106, the sub-master unit SM transmits a remaining capacity confirmation response including the calculated remaining capacity (6GB) of the sub-master unit SM to the master unit MM.

In step M115, the master unit MM receives the remaining capacity confirmation response including the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM.
Next, similarly to FIG. 9, in step M106, the remaining capacity list updating unit 40c updates the remaining capacity list 56. Here, since the remaining capacity of the sub-master unit SM is decreasing, the remaining capacity of the sub-master unit SM in the remaining capacity list 56 is changed to 6GB.

In step M107, since the new print file FL222 is saved in the sub master unit SM, the print information list update unit 39 updates the print information list 57. Here, the name of the print file FL222 is added to the save file name for the sub master unit SM in the print information list 57.

When it is determined that the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM is larger than the remaining capacity of the master unit MM as in the above sequence, the print file FL222 requested to be saved is saved in the sub master unit SM and remains. The remaining capacity and the save file name for the sub master unit SM of the capacity list 56 and the print information list 57 are changed.

<Explanation of detailed sequence of print processing of print file>
Here, one of a detailed sequence in which the saved file temporarily saved in the master unit MM is printed by a predetermined image forming device and a detailed sequence in which the saved file temporarily saved in the sub master unit SM is printed by a predetermined image forming device. An embodiment will be described.
The user goes to either the master unit MM, the sub master unit SM, or the slave unit CM, and performs an operation to print the saved file already input by the user.
The image forming apparatus on which the user performs a printing operation may be any of the master unit MM, the sub master unit SM, and the slave unit CM, but the sub master unit SM and the slave unit CM are networks capable of communicating with the master unit MM. It is assumed that it is connected to.

(Printing Example 1)
FIG. 11 shows a detailed sequence of an embodiment of a process of printing a print file saved in the master unit on the slave unit.
In FIG. 11, an operation device in which a user selects a print file to be printed and performs a print operation is a slave unit CM, and a storage device for storing a storage file to be printed is a master unit MM.
Further, it is assumed that the remaining capacity list 56 and the print information list 57 are stored in advance in the master unit MM, and the print file FL001 itself that the user wants to print is stored in the master unit MM. The file size of the print file FL001 is 3 GB.

Further, it is assumed that the print information list 57 stores the name of the print file FL001 in association with the master unit MM and the name of the print file FL222 in association with the sub master unit SM. It is assumed that the remaining capacity list 56 stores that the remaining capacity of the master unit MM is 7 GB and the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM is 6 GB .

First, in step C201, it is assumed that the user performs an input operation for requesting a print information list by using the operation unit 102 of the slave unit CM.
In step C202, the print information list acquisition unit 111 of the slave unit CM transmits the print information list acquisition request to the master unit MM.

In step M201, the master unit MM receives the print information list acquisition request.
In step M202, the print information list acquisition unit 31 of the master unit MM acquires (reads) the print information list 57 from the storage unit 50.
In step M203, the acquired print information list 57 is included in the print information list acquisition response and transmitted to the slave unit CM that has sent the print information list acquisition request.

In step C203, the slave unit CM receives the print information list acquisition response including the print information list 57.
In step C204, the received print information list 57 is displayed on the display unit 104.
In step C205, the user confirms the displayed print information list 57, selects the print file FL001 to be printed from the print information list 57, and performs an operation meaning a print request.

In step C206, the save file location confirmation unit 112 of the slave unit CM sends a save file location confirmation request including the name of the print file FL001 to the master unit MM in order to confirm the save location of the print file FL001.
In step M204, the save file location confirmation unit 32 of the master unit MM receives the save file location confirmation request.

In step M205, the save file location confirmation unit 32 of the master unit MM confirms the location of the print file FL001 by using the print information list 57. Here, it is confirmed that the print file FL001 is saved in the master unit MM.
In step M206, the master unit MM sends a save file location confirmation response indicating that the location of the print file FL001 is the master unit MM to the slave unit CM that has sent the save file location confirmation request.

In step C207, the slave unit CM receives the save file location confirmation response.
Here, by confirming the save file location confirmation response, it can be seen that the print file FL001 is saved in the master unit MM.
In step C208, the file acquisition request unit 113 of the slave unit CM transmits a file acquisition request including the name of the print file FL001 to the master unit MM in which the print file FL001 is stored.

In step M207, the master unit MM receives the file acquisition request.
In step M208, the print file acquisition unit 36 acquires the print file FL001 from the storage unit 50 of the master unit MM.
In step M209, the acquired print file FL001 is attached to the file acquisition response and transmitted to the slave unit CM that has sent the file acquisition request.

In step C209, the slave unit CM receives the file acquisition response including the print file FL001.
In step C210, the received print file FL001 is temporarily stored in the storage unit 120.
In step C211 the print execution unit 114 of the slave unit CM executes the print process of the print file FL001. As a result, the output unit 105 of the slave unit CM outputs the paper on which the information of the print file FL001 is printed.

In step C212, the slave unit CM sends a print completion notification indicating that printing of the print file FL001 is completed to the master unit MM.
In step C213, the file deletion unit 115 of the slave unit CM deletes the print file FL001 temporarily stored in the slave unit CM.

In step M210, the master unit MM receives the print completion notification.
In step M211 the file deletion unit 35 of the master unit MM deletes the print file FL001 temporarily stored in the master unit MM. As a result, the print file FL001 having a file size of 3 GB has been deleted, so that the remaining capacity of the master unit MM increases from 7 GB to 10 GB.
In step M212, the self-remaining capacity confirmation unit 40a of the master unit MM calculates the remaining capacity of the master unit MM. As described above, it is confirmed that the remaining capacity of the master unit MM has increased to 10 GB.

In step M213, the remaining capacity list updating unit 40c of the master unit MM updates the remaining capacity list 56. Here, as described above, since the remaining capacity of the master unit MM has increased to 10 GB, the remaining capacity of the master unit MM in the remaining capacity list 56 is changed.

In step M214, since the print file FL001 temporarily stored in the master unit MM is deleted, the print information list update unit 39 updates the print information list 57.
Here, the name of the print file FL001 is deleted from the save file name for the master unit MM in the print information list 57, and the save file name for the master unit MM disappears.

By the above sequence, the user selects the print file FL001 to be printed in the slave unit CM and performs an operation meaning a print request, so that the user does not know the device (master unit MM) in which the print file FL001 is saved. However, the paper on which the information of the print file FL001 is printed is output from the slave unit CM operated by the user.

(Printing Example 2)
FIG. 12 shows a detailed sequence of an embodiment of a process of printing a print file stored in the master unit on the master unit.
The same step number is assigned to the step that performs the same process as that shown in FIG.
In FIG. 12, the operation device in which the user selects the print file to be printed and performs the printing operation is referred to as the master unit MM, and the storage device for storing the save file to be printed is also referred to as the master unit MM.

Further, it is assumed that the remaining capacity list 56 and the print information list 57 are stored in advance in the master unit MM, and the print file FL001 itself that the user wants to print is stored in the master unit MM. The file size of the print file FL001 is 3 GB.

Further, it is assumed that the print information list 57 stores the name of the print file FL001 in association with the master unit MM and the name of the print file FL222 in association with the sub master unit SM. It is assumed that the remaining capacity list 56 stores that the remaining capacity of the master unit MM is 7 GB and the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM is 6 GB .

First, unlike FIG. 11, in step M221, it is assumed that the user performs an input operation for requesting a print information list using the operation unit 22 of the master unit MM.
In step M202, the print information list acquisition unit 31 of the master unit MM acquires (reads) the print information list 57 from the storage unit 50.

In step M222, the acquired print information list 57 is displayed on the display unit 24.
In step M223, the user confirms the displayed print information list 57, selects the print file FL001 to be printed from the print information list 57, and performs an operation meaning a print request.

In step M205, the save file location confirmation unit 32 of the master unit MM confirms the location of the print file FL001 by using the print information list 57. Here, it is confirmed that the print file FL001 is saved in the master unit MM.
In step M208, the print file acquisition unit 36 acquires the print file FL001 from the storage unit 50 of the master unit MM.

In step M224, the print execution unit 34 of the master unit MM executes the print process of the print file FL001. As a result, the output unit 25 of the master unit MM outputs the paper on which the information of the print file FL001 is printed.

In step M211 the file deletion unit 35 of the master unit MM deletes the print file FL001 temporarily stored in the master unit MM. As a result, the print file FL001 having a file size of 3 GB has been deleted, so that the remaining capacity of the master unit MM increases from 7 GB to 10 GB.

Hereinafter, the processes of steps M212, M213, and M214 are executed in the same manner as in FIG.
That is, the self-remaining capacity confirmation unit 40a of the master unit MM calculates the remaining capacity of the master unit MM and confirms that the remaining capacity of the master unit MM has increased to 10 GB.
Further, the remaining capacity list update unit 40c of the master unit MM updates the remaining capacity list 56 and changes the remaining capacity of the master unit MM in the remaining capacity list 56.
Further, the print information list update unit 39 updates the print information list 57 and deletes the name of the print file FL001 from the save file name for the master unit MM in the print information list 57.

By the above sequence, the user selects the print file FL001 to be printed on the master unit MM and performs an operation meaning a print request, so that the user does not know the device (master unit MM) in which the print file FL001 is saved. However, the paper on which the information of the print file FL001 is printed is output from the master unit MM operated by the user.

(Printing Example 3)
FIG. 13 shows a detailed sequence of an embodiment of a process of printing a print file saved in the master unit on the sub master unit.
In FIG. 13, an operation device in which a user selects a print file to be printed and performs a print operation is referred to as a sub master unit SM, and a storage device for storing a save file to be printed is referred to as a master unit MM.
Further, it is assumed that the remaining capacity list 56 and the print information list 57 are stored in advance in the master unit MM, and the print file FL001 itself that the user wants to print is stored in the master unit MM. The file size of the print file FL001 is 3 GB.

Further, it is assumed that the print information list 57 stores the name of the print file FL001 in association with the master unit MM and the name of the print file FL222 in association with the sub master unit SM. It is assumed that the remaining capacity list 56 stores that the remaining capacity of the master unit MM is 7 GB and the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM is 6 GB .

In the print processing flowchart of FIG. 13, an input operation for requesting a print information list performed by the user, a selection operation for the print file FL001 to be printed, and an input operation for printing request are performed on the sub-master unit SM. Although it differs from FIG. 11 in that printing on paper is executed by the sub master unit SM and communication is performed between the sub master unit SM and the master unit MM, step S201 performed by the sub master unit SM. The contents of the processes from to S213 are the same as the contents of the processes from steps C201 to C213 performed in the slave unit CM shown in FIG. 11, respectively.

The contents of the processes performed by the master unit MM from steps M201 to M214 are the same as the contents of the processes performed by the master unit MM shown in FIG.
Therefore, since the contents of each step in FIG. 13 can be referred to those shown in FIG. 11, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Therefore, also in the sequence of FIG. 13, the device (master unit MM) in which the print file FL001 is saved by the user selecting the print file FL001 to be printed on the sub master unit SM and performing an operation meaning a print request. Even if the user does not know, the paper on which the information of the print file FL001 is printed is output from the sub-master unit SM operated by the user.

(Printing Example 4)
FIG. 14 shows a detailed sequence of an embodiment of a process of printing a print file saved in the sub master unit on the slave unit.
The same step number is assigned to the step that performs the same process as that shown in FIG.
In FIG. 14, an operation device in which a user selects a print file to be printed and performs a print operation is referred to as a slave unit CM, and a storage device for storing a save file to be printed is referred to as a sub master unit SM.

Further, it is assumed that the remaining capacity list 56 and the print information list 57 are stored in advance in the master unit MM, and the print file FL222 itself that the user wants to print is stored in the sub master unit SM. .. The file size of the print file FL222 is 2 GB.

Further, it is assumed that the print information list 57 stores the name of the print file FL001 in association with the master unit MM and the name of the print file FL222 in association with the sub master unit SM. It is assumed that the remaining capacity list 56 stores that the remaining capacity of the master unit MM is 7 GB and the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM is 6 GB .

First, the processing of the slave unit CM from steps C201 to C204 and the processing of the master unit MM from steps M201 to M203 are the same processing as those shown in FIG.
That is, if the user performs an input operation requesting a print information list in the slave unit CM, the print information list acquisition request is transmitted to the master unit MM, and the print information list 57 is acquired in the master unit MM and is a child. The print information list 57 transmitted to the machine CM and received by the handset CM is displayed on the display unit 104.

In step C205, the user confirms the displayed print information list 57, selects the print file FL222 to be printed from the print information list 57, and performs an operation meaning a print request.

In step C206, the save file location confirmation unit 112 of the slave unit CM transmits a save file location confirmation request including the name of the print file FL222 to the master unit MM in order to confirm the save location of the print file FL222.
In step M204, the save file location confirmation unit 32 of the master unit MM receives the save file location confirmation request.

In step M205, the save file location confirmation unit 32 of the master unit MM confirms the location of the print file FL222 using the print information list 57. Here, it is confirmed that the print file FL222 is saved in the sub master unit SM.
In step M206, the master unit MM sends a save file location confirmation response indicating that the location of the print file FL222 is the sub master unit SM to the slave unit CM that has sent the save file location confirmation request.

In step C207, the slave unit CM receives the save file location confirmation response.
Here, by confirming the save file location confirmation response, it can be seen that the print file FL222 is saved in the sub master unit SM.
In step C208, the file acquisition request unit 113 of the slave unit CM transmits a file acquisition request including the name of the print file FL222 to the sub master unit SM in which the print file FL222 is stored.

In step S221, the sub master unit SM receives the file acquisition request.
In step S222, the print file acquisition unit 86 of the sub-master unit SM acquires the print file FL222 from the storage unit 90 of the sub-master unit SM.
In step S223, the acquired print file FL222 is attached to the file acquisition response and transmitted to the slave unit CM that has sent the file acquisition request.

In step C209, the slave unit CM receives the file acquisition response including the print file FL222.
In step C210, the received print file FL222 is temporarily stored in the storage unit 120.
In step C211 the print execution unit 114 of the slave unit CM executes the print process of the print file FL222. As a result, the output unit 105 of the slave unit CM outputs the paper on which the information of the print file FL222 is printed.

In step C212, the slave unit CM sends a print completion notification indicating that printing of the print file FL222 is completed to the master unit MM.
In step C213, the file deletion unit 115 of the slave unit CM deletes the print file FL222 temporarily stored in the slave unit CM.

In step M210, the master unit MM receives the print completion notification of the print file FL222.
In step M202, the print information list acquisition unit 31 of the master unit MM acquires (reads) the print information list 57 from the storage unit 50.
In step M230, the save file location confirmation unit 32 of the master unit MM confirms the location of the print file FL222 that has been printed by using the print information list 57. Here, it is confirmed that the print file FL222 is saved in the sub master unit SM.

In step M231, the file deletion request unit 37 of the master unit MM transmits a file deletion request requesting the deletion of the print file FL222 to the sub master unit SM in which the print file FL222 is stored.
In step S224, the sub-master unit SM receives the file deletion request.
In step S225, the file deletion unit 85 of the sub master unit SM deletes the print file FL222.
Here, if the print file FL222 is deleted, the size of the print file FL222 is 2 GB, so the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM increases from 6 GB to 8 GB.

In step S226, the sub-master unit SM sends a file deletion completion notification indicating that the print file FL222 has been deleted to the master unit MM.
In step M232, the master unit MM receives the file deletion completion notification.
In step M233, the remaining capacity confirmation request unit 40b transmits the remaining capacity confirmation request to the sub-master unit SM that has sent the file deletion completion notification.

In step S227, the sub master unit SM receives the remaining capacity confirmation request.
In step S228, the self-remaining capacity confirmation unit 87 of the sub-master unit SM confirms the self-remaining capacity.
Here, it is confirmed that the self-remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM is 8 GB.
In step S229, the sub-master unit SM transmits a remaining capacity confirmation response including the self-remaining capacity (8 GB) of the sub-master unit SM to the master unit MM.
In step M234, the master unit MM receives the remaining capacity confirmation response.
By confirming the received remaining capacity confirmation response, it can be seen that the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM has increased to 8 GB.

In step M213, the remaining capacity list updating unit 40c of the master unit MM updates the remaining capacity list 56. Here, as described above, since the remaining capacity of the sub-master unit SM has increased to 8 GB, the remaining capacity of the sub-master unit SM in the remaining capacity list 56 is changed.

In step M214, since the print file FL222 temporarily stored in the sub master unit SM is deleted, the print information list update unit 39 updates the print information list 57.
Here, the name of the print file FL222 is deleted from the save file name for the sub master unit SM in the print information list 57, and the save file name for the sub master unit SM disappears.

By the above sequence, the user selects the print file FL222 to be printed in the slave unit CM and performs an operation meaning a print request, so that the user knows the device (sub master unit SM) in which the print file FL222 is saved. Even if it is not, the paper on which the information of the print file FL222 is printed is output from the slave unit CM operated by the user.

(Printing Example 5)
FIG. 15 shows a detailed sequence of an embodiment of a process of printing a print file saved in the sub master unit on the master unit.
The same step number is assigned to the step that performs the same process as the process shown in the above flowchart.
In FIG. 15, an operation device in which a user selects a print file to be printed and performs a print operation is referred to as a master unit MM, and a storage device for storing a save file FL222 to be printed is referred to as a sub master unit SM.

Further, it is assumed that the remaining capacity list 56 and the print information list 57 are stored in advance in the master unit MM, and the print file FL222 itself that the user wants to print is stored in the sub master unit SM. .. The file size of the print file FL222 is 2 GB.

Further, it is assumed that the print information list 57 stores the name of the print file FL001 in association with the master unit MM and the name of the print file FL222 in association with the sub master unit SM. It is assumed that the remaining capacity list 56 stores that the remaining capacity of the master unit MM is 7 GB and the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM is 6 GB .

First, as in FIG. 12, in step M221, it is assumed that the user performs an input operation for requesting a print information list by using the operation unit 22 of the master unit MM.
In step M202, the print information list acquisition unit 31 of the master unit MM acquires (reads) the print information list 57 from the storage unit 50.
In step M222, the acquired print information list 57 is displayed on the display unit 24.
Up to this point, the process is the same as that in FIG.

In step M223, the user confirms the displayed print information list 57, selects the print file FL222 to be printed from the print information list 57, and performs an operation meaning a print request.

In step M205, the save file location confirmation unit 32 of the master unit MM confirms the location of the print file FL222 using the print information list 57. Here, it is confirmed that the print file FL222 is saved in the sub master unit SM.

In step M251, the file acquisition request unit 33 of the master unit MM transmits the file acquisition request to the sub master unit SM in which the print file FL222 is stored.
In step S221, the sub master unit SM receives the file acquisition request.
In step S222, the print file acquisition unit 86 of the sub-master unit SM acquires the print file FL222 from the storage unit 90 of the sub-master unit SM.
In step S223, the file acquisition response with the acquired print file FL222 attached is transmitted to the master unit MM that has sent the file acquisition request.

In step M252, the master unit MM receives the file acquisition response.
In step M253, the master unit MM temporarily stores the received print file FL222 in the storage unit 50.

In step M224, the print execution unit 34 of the master unit MM executes the print process of the print file FL222 in the same manner as in FIG. As a result, the output unit 25 of the master unit MM outputs the paper on which the information of the print file FL222 is printed.
In step M211 the file deletion unit 35 of the master unit MM deletes the print file FL222 temporarily stored in the master unit MM.

Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 14, the master unit MM executes the processes of steps M202 and M230 to M234, and the sub master unit SM executes the processes of steps S224 to S229.

That is, when the print information list 57 is acquired from the storage unit 50 of the master unit MM in step M202, the location of the print file FL222 that has been printed is confirmed in step M230 by using the print information list 57. Here, it is confirmed that the print file FL222 is saved in the sub master unit SM.

Further, in step M231, when the file deletion request unit 37 of the master unit MM sends a file deletion request requesting deletion of the print file FL222 to the sub master unit SM in which the print file FL222 is saved, step S225. In, the file deletion unit 85 of the sub master unit SM deletes the print file FL222.
Here, if the print file FL222 is deleted, the size of the print file FL222 is 2 GB, so the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM increases from 6 GB to 8 GB.

In step S226, when a file deletion completion notification indicating that the print file FL222 has been deleted is transmitted from the sub master unit SM to the master unit MM, the remaining capacity confirmation request unit 40b sends a remaining capacity confirmation request in step M233. Send the file deletion completion notification to the sub-master SM that sent it.

When the sub-master unit SM receives the remaining capacity confirmation request in step S227, the self-remaining capacity confirmation unit 87 of the sub-master unit SM confirms the self-remaining capacity in step S228.
Here, it is confirmed that the self-remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM is 8 GB.
In step S229, the sub-master unit SM transmits a remaining capacity confirmation response including the self-remaining capacity (8 GB) of the sub-master unit SM to the master unit MM, and in step M234, the master unit MM sends a remaining capacity confirmation response. Receive. By confirming the received remaining capacity confirmation response, it can be seen that the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM has increased to 8 GB.

Hereinafter, as in FIG. 14, the master unit MM executes the processes of steps M213 and M214.
That is, the remaining capacity list update unit 40c of the master unit MM updates the remaining capacity list 56, and changes the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM in the remaining capacity list 56 to 8 GB.
Further, the print information list update unit 39 updates the print information list 57 and deletes the name of the print file FL222 from the save file name for the sub master unit SMM in the print information list 57.

By the above sequence, the user selects the print file FL222 to be printed on the master unit MM and performs an operation meaning a print request, so that the user knows the device (sub master unit SM) in which the print file FL222 is saved. Even if it is not, the paper on which the information of the print file FL222 is printed is output from the master unit MM operated by the user.

(Printing Example 6)
FIG. 16 shows a detailed sequence of an embodiment of a process of printing a print file saved in the sub-master unit on the sub-master unit.
The same step number is assigned to the step that performs the same process as the process shown in the above flowchart.
In FIG. 16, an operation device in which a user selects a print file to be printed and performs a print operation is referred to as a sub-master unit SM, and a storage device for storing a save file to be printed is also referred to as the same sub-master unit SM. However, if there are multiple sub-master SMs, the sub-master SM that performs the print operation and the sub-master SM that stores the saved file may be different.

Further, it is assumed that the remaining capacity list 56 and the print information list 57 are stored in advance in the master unit MM, and the print file FL222 itself that the user wants to print is stored in the sub master unit SM. .. The file size of the print file FL222 is 2 GB.

Further, it is assumed that the print information list 57 stores the name of the print file FL001 in association with the master unit MM and the name of the print file FL222 in association with the sub master unit SM. It is assumed that the remaining capacity list 56 stores that the remaining capacity of the master unit MM is 7 GB and the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM is 6 GB .

First, in FIG. 16, the device on which the user performs an input operation is the sub-master unit SM, which is different from FIG. 14, but the processing of the sub-master unit SM in steps S201 to S207 is shown in FIG. 14, respectively. This is the same as the processing of the slave unit CM from steps C201 to C207.
Further, the processing of the master unit MM in steps M201 to M206 is the same processing as the processing shown in FIG.

That is, if the user performs an input operation requesting a print information list in the sub master unit SM, the print information list acquisition request is transmitted to the master unit MM, and the print information list 57 is acquired in the master unit MM. It is transmitted to the sub-master unit SM, and the sub-master unit SM displays the received print information list 57 on the display unit.

After that, the user confirms the displayed print information list 57, selects the print file FL222 to be printed from the print information list 57, and performs an operation meaning a print request. In order to confirm the save location of FL222, a save file location confirmation request including the name of the print file FL222 is sent to the master unit MM.
When the master unit MM receives the save file location confirmation request, the location of the print file FL222 is confirmed using the print information list 57. Here, it is confirmed that the print file FL222 is saved in the sub master unit SM.

When the save file location confirmation response indicating that the location of the print file FL222 is the sub master SM is sent from the master unit MM to the sub master unit SM that has sent the save file location confirmation request, in step S207, The sub master unit SM receives the save file location confirmation response.
Here, by confirming the save file location confirmation response, it can be seen that the print file FL222 is saved in the sub master unit SM itself.
Therefore, in step S222, the print file FL222 stored in the own storage unit 90 is acquired (read).

However, when multiple sub-master SMs are set and a save file location confirmation response indicating that the location of the print file FL222 is "another sub-master SM" is received,
The file acquisition request unit 83 of the sub-master unit SM transmits a file acquisition request including the name of the print file FL222 to the “other sub-master unit SM” in which the print file FL222 is stored.
Then, the file acquisition response to which the print file FL222 is attached is received from the "other sub-master unit SM", the print file FL222 is acquired, and the print file FL222 is temporarily stored in the storage unit 90.

In step S211 the print execution unit 84 of the sub-master unit SM executes the print process of the print file FL222. As a result, the output unit 75 of the sub-master unit SM outputs the paper on which the information of the print file FL222 is printed.
In step S212, the sub-master unit SM transmits a print completion notification indicating that printing of the print file FL222 is completed to the master unit MM.

After that, in step M210, the master unit MM receives the print completion notification of the print file FL222, and executes the same processing as the nine processes from step M210 to step M214 shown in FIG.
Further, also for the sub master unit SM, the same processing as the processing from step S224 to step S229 shown in FIG. 14 is executed.

That is, the master unit MM confirms the location of the print file FL222 that has been printed, sends a file deletion request requesting the deletion of the print file FL222 to the sub master unit SM in which the print file FL222 is saved, and deletes the file. The sub-master SM that receives the request deletes the print file FL222. In the sub-master SM, the remaining capacity increases from 6GB to 8GB by deleting the print file FL222 with a file size of 2GB.
After deleting the print file FL222, the sub-master unit SM sends a file deletion completion notification to the master unit MM.

When the master unit MM receives the file deletion completion notification, it sends a remaining capacity confirmation request to the sub master unit SM, and when the sub master unit SM receives the remaining capacity confirmation request, the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM is 8 GB. Confirm that.
After that, the sub-master unit SM transmits a remaining capacity confirmation response including the remaining capacity of the sub-master unit SM to the master unit MM, and when the master unit MM receives the remaining capacity confirmation response, the remaining capacity list 56 includes the remaining capacity confirmation response. The remaining capacity of the sub-master unit SM is updated, and the name of the print file FL222 is deleted from the save file names for the sub-master unit SM in the print information list 57.

By the above sequence, the user selects the print file FL222 to be printed on the sub master unit SM and performs an operation meaning a print request, so that the user can select the device (sub master unit SM) in which the print file FL222 is saved. Even if you do not know it, the paper on which the information of the print file FL222 is printed is output from the sub-master unit SM operated by the user.

<Explanation of flowchart of print file saving process>
Here, the flowchart of the print file saving process will be described separately for the master unit MM and the sub master unit SM.
FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of the flowchart in the master unit for saving the print file.
The flowchart of the master unit MM includes a case where the print file requested to be saved is saved in the master unit MM and a case where the print file is moved to the sub master unit SM.

In step ST1 of FIG. 17, the control unit 21 checks whether or not a file save request by the user is input.
The user prepares a file to be printed, and inputs the print file by using, for example, the operation unit 22 and the information input unit 23 in the master unit MM. Alternatively, a file save request with a print file attached may be sent from the user-owned information processing device PC to the master unit MM.

If a file save request is input in step ST2, the process proceeds to step ST3, and if not, the process returns to step ST1.
In step ST3, the input print file is temporarily saved as a save file 54 in the temporary storage section 53 of the storage section.

In step ST4, the remaining capacity list confirmation unit 40d confirms the remaining capacity list 56.
Here, the remaining capacities of all the image forming devices (master unit MM, sub master unit SM) stored in the remaining capacity list are read out, the remaining capacities are compared, and the image forming apparatus having the maximum remaining capacity is detected. ..
In step ST5, if the image forming apparatus having the maximum remaining capacity is the master unit MM, the process proceeds to step ST6, and if not, the process proceeds to step ST9.
When the image forming apparatus having the maximum remaining capacity is the master unit MM, the save file temporarily saved in the temporary storage unit 53 of the storage unit of the master unit MM is saved as it is.

In step ST6, the self-remaining capacity confirmation unit 40a confirms the self-remaining capacity of the master unit MM.
Since the saved file temporarily saved in step ST3 has been added, the self-remaining capacity of the master unit MM is reduced by the amount of the saved file.
In step ST7, the remaining capacity list updating unit 40c updates the remaining capacity list 56. Here, the remaining capacity of the master unit MM is changed.
In step ST8, the print information list update unit 39 updates the print information list 57. Here, since the input save file is temporarily saved in the master unit MM, the name of the input save file is stored in the print information list 57 as the save file of the master unit MM.
After that, the process returns to step ST1.

In step ST9, since the image forming apparatus having the maximum remaining capacity is the sub master unit SM other than the master unit MM, the file movement requesting unit 38 refers to the image forming apparatus (sub master unit SM) having the maximum remaining capacity. And send a file move request. To the file move request, the save file itself temporarily saved in the temporary storage section 53 of the storage section of the master unit MM is attached.
The sub-master unit SM that receives the file move request saves the attached save file in its own temporary storage unit, and then sends a save completion notification to the master unit MM.

In step ST10, it is checked whether or not the save completion notification is received.
If the save completion notification is received in step ST11, the process proceeds to step ST12, and if not, the process returns to step ST10.
In step ST12, the file deletion unit 35 deletes the saved file temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 53 of the storage unit of the master unit MM.

In step ST13, the remaining capacity confirmation request unit 40b transmits a remaining capacity confirmation request to the image forming apparatus (sub master unit SM) having the maximum remaining capacity.
Upon receiving the remaining capacity confirmation request, the sub-master unit SM confirms its own remaining capacity and sends a remaining capacity confirmation response including its own remaining capacity to the master unit MM.
In step ST14, it is checked whether or not the remaining capacity confirmation response is received.
If the remaining capacity confirmation response is received in step ST15, the process proceeds to step ST7, and if not, the process returns to step ST14.

In step ST7, the remaining capacity list update unit 40c updates the remaining capacity list 56, but here, the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM included in the remaining capacity confirmation response is used to use the remaining capacity of the sub master unit SM. The remaining capacity of is changed.
In step ST8, the print information list update unit 39 updates the print information list 57. Here, since the input save file is moved to the sub master unit SM and temporarily saved, the name of the input save file is stored in the print information list 57 as the save file of the sub master unit SM. File.
After that, the process returns to step ST1.

As described above, the input print file is distributed and saved in either the master unit MM or the sub master unit SM in consideration of the remaining storage capacity of the master unit MM and the sub master unit SM. Compared to the case where the print file is temporarily saved only, it is possible to prevent access from being concentrated on the master unit MM and prevent the processing capacity of the master unit MM from being reduced.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of the flowchart in the sub-master unit of the print file storage process.
In the flowchart of the sub master unit SM, when the file move request sent from the master unit MM is received, the print file is temporarily saved, and the remaining capacity of the print file after the temporary save is transmitted to the master unit MM. To do.

In step ST21, it is checked whether or not the file move request sent from the master unit MM is received.
If the file move request is received in step ST22, the process proceeds to step ST23, and if not, the process returns to step ST21.
In step ST23, the save file attached to the file move request is temporarily saved in the temporary storage unit 93 of the storage unit of the sub master unit SM.

In step ST24, the save completion notification of the save file is sent to the master unit MM.
In step ST25, it is checked whether or not the remaining capacity confirmation request sent from the master unit MM is received.
If the remaining capacity confirmation request is received in step ST26, the process proceeds to step ST27, and if not, the process returns to step ST25.

In step ST27, the self-remaining capacity confirmation unit 87 acquires (recalculates) its own remaining capacity.
Since the saved file is temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 93 of the storage unit of the sub-master unit SM, the remaining capacity of the sub-master unit SM is reduced.
In step ST28, the remaining capacity confirmation response including its own remaining capacity is transmitted to the master unit MM.
Then, the process returns to step ST21.

<Explanation of the flow chart of the print process of the print file>
Here, the flowchart of the print process of the print file will be described separately for the image forming apparatus (slave unit CM, sub-master unit SM, master unit MM) in which the user performs an input operation for printing.

(Printing process of slave unit)
FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of a flowchart of a process of printing a print file saved in the master unit or the sub master unit in the slave unit.
In the flowchart of the slave unit CM, since the file to be printed is not temporarily saved in the slave unit CM, printing is executed after acquiring the print file requested to be printed from the master unit MM or the sub master unit SM.

In step ST41 of FIG. 19, it is checked whether or not the print information list acquisition request has been input by the user. The user inputs a print information list acquisition request using, for example, the operation unit 102.
If a print information list acquisition request is input in step ST42, the process proceeds to step ST43, and if not, the process returns to step ST41.

In step ST43, the print information list acquisition unit 111 transmits the print information list acquisition request to the master unit MM.
When the master unit MM receives the print information list acquisition request, it reads the print information list 57 and sends the print information list acquisition response including the print information list 57 to the slave unit CM that sent the print information list acquisition request. To do.

In step ST44, it is checked whether or not the print information list acquisition response is received.
If the print information list acquisition response is received in step ST45, the process proceeds to step ST46, and if not, the process returns to step ST44.
In step ST46, the received print information list 57 is displayed on the display unit 104.
The user looks at the displayed print information list 57, uses the operation unit 102 to input a file to be printed, and performs an input operation meaning a print request.

In step ST47, the user checks that the file to be printed has been selected and that a print request has been entered.
If a file selection and a print request are input in step ST48, the process proceeds to step ST49, and if not, the process returns to step ST47.

In step ST49, the save file location confirmation unit 112 transmits a save file location confirmation request to the master unit MM. The save file location confirmation request includes a file name for identifying the file selected by the user.
When the master unit MM receives the save file location confirmation request, the print information list 57 is used to search for the image forming apparatus that stores the selected file. The save file location confirmation response including the save location of the found file is sent to the slave CM that sent the save file location confirmation request.

In step ST50, it is checked whether or not the save file location confirmation response sent from the master unit MM is received.
If the save file location confirmation response is received in step ST51, the process proceeds to step ST52, and if not, the process returns to step ST50.

In step ST52, the save location included in the save file location confirmation response is confirmed, and if the file save location is the master unit MM, the process proceeds to step ST53, and if the file save location is the sub master unit SM, the process proceeds to step ST54.

In step ST53, the file acquisition request unit 113 transmits a file acquisition request to the master unit MM. The file acquisition request includes the name of the print file to be acquired.
In step ST54, the file acquisition request unit 113 transmits a file acquisition request to the sub-master unit SM in which the print file to be printed is stored. The file acquisition request includes the name of the print file to be acquired.

The master unit MM or sub master unit SM that receives the file acquisition request reads the saved file saved in its own storage unit, sends a file acquisition response with the saved file attached, and the slave unit that sent the file acquisition request. Send to CM.

In step ST55, it is checked whether or not the file acquisition response is received.
If the file acquisition response is received in step ST56, the process proceeds to step ST57, and if not, the process returns to step ST55.
In step ST57, the saved file attached to the file acquisition response is stored in the storage unit 120 as the print file 121.

In step ST58, the print execution unit 114 prints the print file 121. As a result, the output unit 105 outputs the paper on which the information of the print file 121 is printed.
In step ST59, the print completion notification is transmitted to the master unit MM.
In step ST60, the printed file 121 is deleted from the storage unit 120.
Then, the process returns to step ST41.
The above is an example of the flowchart of the printing process of the slave unit CM.

(Printing process of sub master unit)
FIG. 20 shows an embodiment of a flowchart of a process of printing a print file saved in the master unit or the sub master unit in the sub master unit.
FIG. 21 shows an embodiment of a flowchart of a process of deleting a print file saved in the sub-master unit in the sub-master unit.
The print process of FIG. 20 and the delete process of FIG. 21 may be started at the same time as multitasking.

The printing process of the sub-master unit SM shown in FIG. 20 is almost the same as the printing process of the slave unit CM of FIG. 19, but in the sub-master unit SM, a file to be printed is stored in its own storage unit 90. The processing in the case of is different from the flowchart of FIG.
In FIG. 20, the same step numbers are assigned to the steps that perform the same processing as in FIG.

Since the processes from step ST41 to step ST51 in FIG. 20 are the same as those in FIG. 19, detailed description thereof will be omitted.
When the user looks at the print information list, selects a file to print, and inputs a print request, a confirmation request for the location of the selected print file is sent to the master unit MM, and the selection is made from the master unit MM. Receives a save file location confirmation response that includes the save location of the printed file.

After step ST51, in step ST71, the save location included in the save file location confirmation response is confirmed, and if the file save location is the master unit MM or another sub master unit SM, the process proceeds to step ST72 and the sub is own. In the case of the master unit SM, the process proceeds to step ST73.
In step ST73, the print file selected by the user is stored in the temporary storage unit 93 of the storage unit of its own sub-master unit SM, so that the print file is read from the temporary storage unit 93. After that, the process proceeds to step ST58, and the same processing as in FIG. 19 is performed.

On the other hand, in step ST72, since the file storage location is the master unit MM or another sub master unit SM, the file acquisition request unit 83 determines the master unit MM or another sub master unit SM in which the print file to be printed is saved. To send a file acquisition request. The file acquisition request includes the name of the print file to be acquired.

After that, the process proceeds to step ST55, and the processes from step ST55 to step ST60 are executed in the same manner as in FIG.
That is, the print file selected by the user is acquired, printing is executed, and the printed file is deleted.
Then, the process returns to step ST41.
The above is an example of the flowchart of the printing process of the sub master unit SM.

The deletion process of FIG. 21 shows a process of deleting a print file saved in its own sub-master unit SM when a file deletion request is received from the master unit MM.
In step ST81 of FIG. 21, it is checked whether or not the file deletion request sent from the master unit MM has been received.
The file deletion request sent from the master unit MM includes the name of the file to be deleted.
If the file deletion request is received in step ST82, the process proceeds to step ST83, and if not, the process returns to step ST81.

In step ST83, the file deletion unit 85 deletes the print file having the name included in the file deletion request from the temporary storage unit 93 of its own storage unit.
In step ST84, a file deletion completion notification indicating that the file requested to be deleted is deleted is sent to the master unit MM.

In step ST85, it is checked whether or not the remaining capacity confirmation request sent from the master unit MM has been received.
If the remaining capacity confirmation request is received in step ST86, the process proceeds to step ST87, and if not, the process returns to step ST85.

In step ST87, the self-remaining capacity confirmation unit 87 confirms the self-remaining capacity. In step ST83, since the print file is deleted from the temporary storage unit 93 of its own storage unit, its remaining capacity is increasing.
In step ST88, the confirmed self-remaining capacity is included in the remaining capacity confirmation response and transmitted to the master unit MM.
The above is an example of the flowchart of the file deletion process of the sub master unit SM.

(Printing process of the master unit)
22 and 23 show an embodiment of a flowchart of a process of printing a print file saved in the master unit or the sub master unit in the master unit.
In the flowchart of the master unit MM, the processing content differs depending on whether the image forming apparatus in which the print file selected for printing is temporarily saved is the master unit MM or the sub master unit SM.
If the file to be printed is temporarily saved in the sub-master unit SM, after acquiring the print file requested to be printed from the sub-master unit SM, print is executed and the sub-master unit SM is requested to delete the file. To send.

In step ST101 of FIG. 22, as in step ST41 of FIG. 19, it is checked whether or not the print information list acquisition request has been input by the user. The user inputs a print information list acquisition request using, for example, the operation unit 22 of the master unit MM.
If the print information list acquisition request is input in step ST102, the process proceeds to step ST103, and if not, the process returns to step ST101.

In step ST103, the print information list acquisition unit 31 reads out the print information list 57 stored in the storage unit 50.
In step ST104, the read print information list 57 is displayed on the display unit 104.
The user looks at the displayed print information list 57, uses the operation unit 22 to input a file to be printed, and performs an input operation meaning a print request.

In step ST105, the user checks that the file to be printed has been selected and that a print request has been entered.
If a file selection and a print request are input in step ST106, the process proceeds to step ST107, and if not, the process returns to step ST105.

In step ST107, the save file location confirmation unit 32 performs the save file location confirmation process. That is, the location of the file requested to be printed is confirmed by using the read print information list 57.
In step ST108, if there is no location of the file requested to be printed, the process proceeds to step ST109, and if there is a location of the file requested to be printed, the process proceeds to step ST110.
In step ST109, a warning is displayed on the display unit 24 indicating an input error indicating that the selected file is not saved anywhere, and the process returns to step ST101.

If the location (file storage location) of the saved file confirmed in step ST110 is the sub master unit SM, the process proceeds to step ST111, and if it is the own master unit MM, the process proceeds to step ST112.
In step ST112, since the print file selected by the user is stored in the temporary storage unit 53 of the storage unit of the master unit MM, the storage file 54 is read from the temporary storage unit 53. Then, the process proceeds to step ST116.
In step ST116, the print execution unit 34 prints the save file 54. As a result, the output unit 25 outputs the paper on which the information of the save file 54 is printed.
In step ST117, the printed save file 54 is deleted from the storage unit 50.

On the other hand, in step ST111, since the file storage location is the sub-master unit SM, the file acquisition request unit 33 transmits a file acquisition request to the sub-master unit SM in which the print file to be printed is stored. The file acquisition request includes the name of the print file to be acquired.

The sub-master unit SM that receives the file acquisition request reads the saved file saved in its own storage unit and sends a file acquisition response with the saved file attached to the master unit MM that sent the file acquisition request. ..

In step ST113, it is checked whether or not the file acquisition response is received.
If the file acquisition response is received in step ST114, the process proceeds to step ST115, and if not, the process returns to step ST113.
In step ST115, the saved file attached to the file acquisition response is stored in the storage unit 50 as the print file 51.

In step ST116, the print execution unit 34 prints the print file 51. As a result, the output unit 25 outputs the paper on which the information of the print file 51 is printed.
In step ST117, the printed print file 51 is deleted from the storage unit 50.
After step ST117, the process proceeds to step ST121 in FIG.

In step ST121 of FIG. 23, similarly to step ST103, the print information list acquisition unit 31 reads out the print information list 57 stored in the storage unit 50.
In step ST122, the print information list 57 is used to confirm the save location of the printed file.
In step ST123, if the location of the confirmed file (file storage location) is the own master unit MM, the process proceeds to step ST124, and if it is the sub master unit SM, the process proceeds to step ST127.

In step ST124, the self-remaining capacity confirmation unit 40a confirms the self-remaining capacity. When the save file 54 is deleted from the temporary storage unit 53 of its own storage unit in step ST117, the self-remaining capacity of the master unit MM is increasing.

In step ST125, the remaining capacity list updating unit 40c of the master unit MM updates the remaining capacity list 56. When the remaining capacity of the master unit MM increases, the remaining capacity of the master unit MM in the remaining capacity list 56 is changed.
In step ST126, the print information list update unit 39 updates the print information list 57.
When the save file 54 temporarily stored in the master unit MM is deleted, the name of the printed save file is deleted from the save file names for the master unit MM in the print information list 57.
After that, the process returns to step ST101 of FIG.

In step ST127, the file deletion request unit 37 transmits a deletion request for the printed file to the sub-master unit SM that stores the printed file.
This file deletion request includes the name of the printed print file.
Upon receiving the file deletion request, the sub-master unit SM deletes the requested print file from the temporary storage unit of the sub-master unit SM, and sends a file deletion completion notification to the master unit MM.
The file deletion completion notification includes the name of the deleted print file.

In step ST128, it is checked whether or not the file deletion completion notification has been received.
If the file deletion completion notification is received in step ST129, the process proceeds to step ST130, and if not, the process returns to step ST128.
In step ST130, the remaining capacity confirmation request unit 40b transmits the remaining capacity confirmation request to the sub-master unit SM that has sent the file deletion completion notification.
Upon receiving the remaining capacity confirmation request, the sub-master unit SM confirms its own remaining capacity and sends a remaining capacity confirmation response including its own remaining capacity to the master unit MM.

In step ST131, it is checked whether or not the remaining capacity confirmation response has been received.
If the remaining capacity confirmation response is received in step ST132, the process proceeds to step ST133, and if not, the process returns to step ST131.
In step ST133, the remaining capacity of the sub-master unit SM included in the received remaining capacity confirmation response is acquired.

After that, the process proceeds to step ST125, and the remaining capacity list updating unit 40c of the master unit MM updates the remaining capacity list 56. Here, the remaining capacity of the sub-master unit SM in the remaining capacity list 56 is changed by using the remaining capacity of the acquired sub-master unit SM.
In step ST126, the print information list update unit 39 updates the print information list 57.
When the print file temporarily stored in the sub-master unit SM is deleted, the name of the printed print file is deleted from the saved file name for the sub-master unit SM in the print information list 57. After that, the process returns to step ST101 of FIG.
The above is an example of the flowchart of the printing process of the master unit MM.

As described above, the print file input for the purpose of printing is distributed and saved in either the master unit MM or the sub master unit SM, so compared to the case where the print file is temporarily saved only in the master unit MM. , It is possible to prevent access from being concentrated on the master unit MM in the print file saving process and the print process, and it is possible to prevent the processing capacity of the master unit MM that also executes other functions such as the copy function from being reduced.

1 network,
2 Information processing device (PC),
11 Image forming device (master unit: MM),
12 Image forming device (sub master unit: SM),
13 Image forming device (slave unit: CM),
21 Control unit,
22 Operation unit,
23 Information input section,
24 Display,
25 output section,
26 Communication Department,
31 Print information list acquisition department,
32 Saved file location confirmation section,
33 File acquisition request section,
34 Print Execution Department,
35 File deletion part,
36 Print file acquisition section,
37 File deletion request section,
38 File move request section,
39 Print Information List Update Department,
40 Remaining capacity management department,
40a Self-remaining capacity confirmation unit,
40b Remaining capacity confirmation request section,
40c Remaining capacity list update section,
40d Remaining capacity list confirmation unit,
40e Remaining capacity comparison unit,
50 storage,
51 print file,
52 Self-remaining capacity information,
53 Temporary storage,
54 Saved file,
55 Print management information,
56 Remaining capacity list,
57 Print information list,
71 Control unit,
72 Operation unit,
73 Information input section,
74 Display,
75 output unit,
76 Communication Department,
81 Print information list acquisition department,
82 Saved file location confirmation section,
83 File acquisition request section,
84 Print Execution Department,
85 File deletion part,
86 Print file acquisition department,
87 Self-remaining capacity confirmation unit,
90 storage,
91 print file,
92 Self-remaining capacity information,
93 Temporary storage,
94 save file,
95 Master unit information,
101 Control unit,
102 Operation unit,
103 Information input section,
104 Display,
105 output unit,
106 Communication Department,
111 Print information list acquisition unit,
112 Saved file location confirmation section,
113 File acquisition request section,
114 Printing Execution Department,
115 File deletion part,
120 storage,
121 print file,
122 Master unit information

Claims (7)

An image processing system including one first image forming apparatus and one or more second image forming apparatus connected by a network.
The first and second image forming apparatus
An information input unit for inputting a print file for printing, a storage unit for temporarily storing the input print file, a communication unit for transmitting and receiving information between image forming devices connected to a network, and the like. It is provided with a file acquisition request unit for acquiring a print file from the image forming apparatus of the above and a print execution unit for printing information of a predetermined print file on paper.
The first image forming apparatus
The print management information about the image forming apparatus that temporarily stores the print files input by all the image forming apparatus is stored in the storage unit of the self.
A file movement requesting unit for moving a print file temporarily stored in the storage unit of the self to a second image forming apparatus is provided.
When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the file movement requesting unit moves the print file temporarily stored in the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus.
In an arbitrary image forming apparatus, the print management information is acquired from the first image forming apparatus, and the print management information is used to select a desired print file to be printed and a print request for the selected print file. Is input, the file acquisition requesting unit acquires the selected print file from the first or second image forming apparatus in which the selected print file is stored, and the optional The information of the selected print file is printed on the paper by the print execution unit of the image forming apparatus of the above.
When the print management information includes a print information list in which information for identifying a print file temporarily stored in each storage unit is stored for each image forming apparatus, the arbitrary image forming apparatus is described. In, the image forming apparatus in which the selected print file is temporarily stored is detected by using the print information list acquired from the first image forming apparatus, and the detected image forming apparatus is the second. In the case of the image forming apparatus, the image processing system is characterized in that the file acquisition requesting unit acquires a selected print file from the second image forming apparatus. An image processing system including one first image forming apparatus and one or more second image forming apparatus connected by a network.
The first and second image forming apparatus
An information input unit for inputting a print file intended for printing,
A storage unit that temporarily stores the input print file and
A communication unit that sends and receives information between image forming devices connected to the network,
A file acquisition request unit that acquires print files from other image forming devices,
A print execution unit that prints information from a predetermined print file on paper,
A file deletion unit for deleting a print file temporarily stored in the storage unit is provided.
The first image forming apparatus
The print management information about the image forming apparatus that temporarily stores the print files input by all the image forming apparatus is stored in the storage unit of the self.
A file movement requesting unit for moving a print file temporarily stored in the storage unit of the self to a second image forming apparatus,
The second image forming apparatus is provided with a file deletion requesting unit that requests deletion of the print file temporarily stored in the second image forming apparatus.
When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the file movement requesting unit moves the print file temporarily stored in the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus.
In an arbitrary image forming apparatus, the print management information is acquired from the first image forming apparatus, and the print management information is used to select a desired print file to be printed and a print request for the selected print file. Is input, the file acquisition requesting unit acquires the selected print file from the first or second image forming apparatus in which the selected print file is stored, and the optional The information of the selected print file is printed on the paper by the print execution unit of the image forming apparatus of the above.
After printing the information of the selected print file on the paper by the print execution unit,
When the selected print file is temporarily stored in the first image forming apparatus, the file deletion unit of the first image forming apparatus deletes the selected print file.
If the selected print file is not temporarily stored in the first image forming apparatus, the file deletion request unit is sent to the second image forming apparatus in which the selected print file is temporarily stored. On the other hand, the file deletion unit of the second image forming apparatus, which requests the deletion of the temporarily saved print file and the selected print file is temporarily saved, deletes the selected print file. An image processing system characterized by this. The file movement requesting unit stores the first image forming apparatus when the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the second image forming apparatus is larger than the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the first image forming apparatus. The image processing system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the print file temporarily stored in the unit is moved to a second image forming apparatus. The print management information includes a remaining capacity list in which the remaining capacity of each storage unit is stored for each image forming apparatus.
The first image forming apparatus uses the remaining capacity list to compare the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the first image forming apparatus and the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the plurality of second image forming apparatus. Equipped with a remaining capacity comparison unit
When the remaining capacity comparison unit detects a second image forming apparatus that is larger than the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the first image forming apparatus and has the largest remaining capacity.
The claim is characterized in that the file movement requesting unit moves a print file temporarily stored in the storage unit of the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus having the largest remaining capacity. The image processing system according to any one of 1 to 3. The print management information includes a remaining capacity list in which the remaining capacity of each storage unit is stored for each image forming apparatus.
The first image forming apparatus uses the remaining capacity list to compare the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the first image forming apparatus and the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the plurality of second image forming apparatus. Equipped with a remaining capacity comparison unit
When the remaining capacity comparison unit detects a plurality of second image forming devices having a remaining capacity larger than the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the first image forming device,
The file movement requesting unit has a second having a remaining capacity of a print file temporarily stored in the storage unit of the first image forming apparatus, which is larger than the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the first image forming apparatus. The image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image processing apparatus is moved to any second image forming apparatus. A file printing method for an image processing system that includes one first image forming apparatus and one or more second image forming apparatus connected by a network.
Information about an image forming apparatus that temporarily stores print files input by all the image forming apparatus in the first image forming apparatus, and is temporarily stored in each image forming apparatus for each image forming apparatus. Stores print management information that contains a print information list that stores information that identifies the print file that is being printed.
The print file input by any image forming apparatus is temporarily stored in the first image forming apparatus, and the print file is temporarily stored in the first image forming apparatus.
When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the print file temporarily stored in the first image forming apparatus is moved to the second image forming apparatus, and the print file is moved to the second image forming apparatus.
In an arbitrary image forming apparatus, the print management information is acquired from the first image forming apparatus, and the print management information is acquired.
When a selection of a desired print file to be printed using the print management information and a print request for the selected print file are input.
In any image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus in which the selected print file is temporarily stored is detected by using the print information list acquired from the first image forming apparatus, and the detected image forming is formed. When the device is a second image forming device, the selected print file is acquired from the second image forming device, and the selected print file is acquired.
A file printing method of an image processing system, characterized in that information of the selected print file is printed on paper by the arbitrary image forming apparatus. A file printing method for an image processing system that includes one first image forming apparatus and one or more second image forming apparatus connected by a network.
The first image forming apparatus stores print management information about the image forming apparatus that temporarily stores the print files input by all the image forming apparatus.
The print file input by any image forming apparatus is temporarily stored in the first image forming apparatus, and the print file is temporarily stored in the first image forming apparatus.
When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the print file temporarily stored in the first image forming apparatus is moved to the second image forming apparatus, and the print file is moved to the second image forming apparatus.
In an arbitrary image forming apparatus, the print management information is acquired from the first image forming apparatus, and the print management information is used to select a desired print file to be printed and a print request for the selected print file. If is entered,
The arbitrary image forming apparatus obtains the selected print file from the first or second image forming apparatus in which the selected print file is stored, and the arbitrary image forming apparatus obtains the selected print file. The information of the selected print file is printed on paper, and the information is printed on paper.
After that, when the selected print file is temporarily stored in the first image forming apparatus, the selected print file is deleted in the first image forming apparatus.
When the selected print file is not temporarily stored in the first image forming apparatus, the first image forming apparatus temporarily stores the selected print file in the second image forming apparatus. The feature is that the apparatus is requested to delete the temporarily saved print file, and the selected print file is deleted in the second image forming apparatus in which the selected print file is temporarily saved. The file printing method of the image processing system.

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