JP2003288193A - Server device, image-forming device, client device, image- forming system, program for the server device, program for the client device and control method for the image- forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image-forming system which can provide a user with a desired output result by making an appropriate image-forming device form an image, based on image data. <P>SOLUTION: In the image-forming system, a facsimile machine having a server part in a communication module, a client device and a plurality of printers are connected to a LAN. The client device transmits an attribute value of a device, with which printing is to be processed together with print data to the server part of the facsimile machine. The server part, on acquiring the attribute value of the device with which printing is to be processed together with the print data, retrieves a printer which matches the attribute value (S450). Then, based on the retrieved result, a transfer destination of the print data is set (S460), and the print data are transmitted to the printer of the transfer destination (S470). The printer which receives the print data forms an image on recording paper, based on the print data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming system for forming an image based on image data in any of a plurality of image forming apparatuses in a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus is configured to be connectable to a network, and when image data is received from a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") in the network, print processing is performed, A printer that forms an image based on the image data on a recording sheet is known.

In recent years, a large number of printers that can be connected to the network have been introduced in networks such as in-house LANs, and a user operates a client device such as a PC to print from the printers connected to the network. By selecting a printer to be processed, it has become possible to obtain a printed matter from a desired printer.

That is, for example, for color image data, a printer capable of color printing is selected and processed, or for a large amount of data, a laser printer capable of high-speed printing is selected and processed. Is becoming possible. In addition, it has become possible to directly provide the printed matter to the other party by causing the printer of the other party who wants to deliver the printed matter to perform the printing process.

[0005]

However, in the prior art, the list of printers connected in the network is displayed by the printer name, so that the user can specify the printer to be printed. A user who does not know what kind of printer the printer is, cannot specify an appropriate printer and cause the printer to perform print processing.

In other words, since the displayed information is only the printer name, there is a case where even if it is desired to select a color printable printer for color image data, a color printable printer cannot be properly selected. there were. In addition, since users often do not have knowledge about printers that they do not normally use, if they let the other party's printer perform print processing and provide the other person with printed matter,
In some cases, it was not possible to select an appropriate printer for the other party to perform print processing.

The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an image forming system capable of forming an image based on image data in an appropriate image forming apparatus and providing a user with a desired output result. The purpose is to provide.

[0008]

The invention according to claim 1 made in order to achieve the above object is a server apparatus connected to a network and capable of data communication with a plurality of image forming apparatuses in the network. In addition, a storage means, a data acquisition means, a selection means, and a data transmission means are provided.

That is, in the server apparatus according to the first aspect, the storage unit stores the attribute value for each image forming apparatus in the network with respect to the predetermined attribute of the image forming apparatus, and the data obtaining unit externally stores the attribute value. From the image data, the attribute value of the image forming apparatus that should form an image based on the image data is acquired, and the attribute value acquired by the data acquiring unit and the attribute value of each of the image forming apparatuses stored in the storage unit are acquired. , The selection means selects the image forming apparatus in the network in which the image based on the image data acquired by the data acquisition means is to be formed. Furthermore, the server device causes the image forming device selected by the selecting device to be transmitted to the image forming device by the data transmitting device.
The image data acquired by the data acquisition unit is transmitted via the network.

According to the server device of the present invention configured as described above, for each image forming device in the network, any one of a plurality of preset attribute values with respect to a predetermined attribute of the image forming device is set. By storing the image in the storage unit, the image forming apparatus can be classified according to the characteristics of the apparatus. Then, the image forming apparatus on which an image is to be formed can be designated by the user with the attribute value.

Conventionally, since the image forming apparatus (printer or the like) displayed on the display or the like has to be designated to specify the image forming apparatus to be subjected to the image forming process, the user is required to specify the image forming apparatus. Without understanding the characteristics of the image forming apparatus specified by the name, it was not possible to properly select the image forming apparatus and obtain the desired output result. However, according to the present invention, the user
Even if the user does not understand the name and characteristics of the image forming apparatus, by specifying the attribute value of the image forming apparatus, the server apparatus can be made to select an appropriate image forming apparatus based on the attribute value. The output result of can be obtained. Therefore, by using the server device of the present invention, it is possible to configure an image forming system capable of causing a suitable image forming device to form an image based on image data and providing a user with a desired output result. .

In the server device according to the first aspect, as described in the second aspect, the storage unit stores the attribute value for each image forming apparatus with respect to the attribute regarding the image forming ability of the image forming apparatus. It is recommended that you do. Here, as the attribute relating to the image forming ability of the image forming apparatus, for example, the attribute relating to the recording method (the attribute value is
Values for laser printers, inkjet printers, etc. are possible. ), An attribute related to the presence or absence of the color image forming capability of the image forming apparatus (the attribute value may be a value such as color or monochrome), and an attribute related to the size of the recording paper that can be processed (the attribute value is A3 or A4). , B4, etc. are conceivable.), Etc.

According to the server device of the present invention configured as described above, the user can specify the image forming apparatus to be subjected to the image forming processing by the attribute value relating to the image forming ability of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, even if the image forming ability of each image forming apparatus in the network is not grasped, it is possible to obtain a desired output result by causing an appropriate image forming apparatus to perform image forming processing.

Further, the storage means in the server device according to claim 1 or 2 stores the attribute value for each image forming device in the network with respect to a plurality of attributes of the image forming device. Is good. The data acquisition unit is preferably configured to be able to acquire, together with the image data, attribute values regarding a plurality of attributes of the image forming apparatus that should form an image based on the image data from the outside.

According to the server device of the third aspect having the above-described structure, the user can specify the image forming device to be subjected to the image forming process by the attribute values of the plurality of attributes. Therefore, according to the present invention, a more appropriate image forming apparatus can be caused to perform image forming processing. Incidentally, specifically, the user inputs a color laser printer as an image forming apparatus for forming an image by inputting the attribute value regarding the recording method and the attribute regarding the presence or absence of the color image forming ability into the server apparatus. It is possible to specify, a monochrome laser printer, a color inkjet printer, or a monochrome inkjet printer.

In addition, the storage means in the server device according to the third aspect stores the attribute value for each image forming device with respect to the attribute relating to the image forming ability of the image forming device and the attribute relating to the position of the image forming device. It is recommended that you do. According to the server device of the fourth aspect configured as described above, the user can operate the image forming apparatus installed at a desired position with the attribute value related to the position of the image forming apparatus. Further, when a plurality of types of image forming apparatuses are installed at one location, the user can cause an image forming apparatus having an appropriate image forming capability to perform image forming processing from the plurality of image forming apparatuses. .

The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 may be configured as a dedicated device or may be incorporated in a personal computer used by a user. Further, when each means included in the server device of the present invention is incorporated in a personal computer, a data acquisition means is provided so that the attribute value can be acquired together with image data from an external application such as graphic software executed by the personal computer. May be configured.

In addition to the above, the data acquisition means of the server device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 provides the image data and the attribute value via the network as described in claim 5, and the network thereof. It may be configured to be acquired from the client device connected to. According to the server device of the present invention configured as described above, the user operates the client device and transmits the attribute value of the image forming device to be subjected to the image forming process together with the image data from the client device. Thus, the image forming apparatus can be designated by the attribute value by remote operation, and the image forming apparatus conforming to the attribute value can be caused to perform the image forming processing.

Further, the server device according to claim 5 is,
When a request signal of attribute information relating to the attribute value of each image forming apparatus stored in the storage means is received from the client device in the network via the network, the attribute value of each image forming apparatus in the network stored in the storage means. It is preferable to provide attribute information transmitting means for transmitting the attribute information regarding the attribute information to the requesting client device via the network.

According to the server device of the present invention configured as described above, the attribute information transmission means causes the attribute information relating to the attribute value of each image forming apparatus stored in the storage means to be transferred to the client apparatus on the user side. Therefore, the user can be provided with the attribute information regarding the attribute value of each image forming apparatus in the network via the client apparatus. Therefore, the user can obtain the attribute information on the client device by operating the client device, and based on the attribute information,
It is possible to appropriately specify the attribute value of the image forming apparatus to be image-formed and send the attribute value to the server apparatus.

The server device according to claim 5 or 6 may be incorporated in the image forming apparatus as described in claim 7. According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium, and control means for controlling the image forming means to cause the image forming means to form an image based on the image data on the recording medium. The image forming apparatus includes the server device according to claim 5 or 6, and further includes a switching unit. The switching means determines whether to operate the control means based on the attribute value acquired by the data acquisition means of the server device from the client device, and determines not to operate the control means.
The selection means of the server device is operated.

According to the image forming apparatus having the above-mentioned structure, the user transmits the attribute value to the image forming apparatus to cause the image forming apparatus to perform image forming processing. The image forming processing can be performed by another image forming apparatus in the network. Further, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 7, since the server device can be incorporated in the main body case of the image forming device, the user can secure the installation place of the server device separately from the image forming device. You don't have to.

In addition to the above, the client device capable of performing data communication with the server device according to claim 5 via the network includes an image data storage means and an image data transmission means as described in claim 8. It is better to provide The image data storage unit of the client device according to claim 8 stores the image data, and when the information about the attribute value of the image forming device to form the image is acquired from the operation unit by the external operation of the user, the image is displayed. With the data transmission means,
The attribute value of the image forming apparatus on which an image is to be formed and the image data read from the image data storage means are transmitted to the server apparatus via the network.

According to the client device of the present invention configured as described above, the user can send the attribute value without directly selecting the image forming device by himself / herself. The described server device can be made to select an appropriate image forming device in the network. As a result, a desired output result can be obtained by performing an image forming process on an appropriate image forming apparatus in the network.

Further, as described in claim 9, the client device capable of data communication with the server device according to claim 6 via the network has an image data storage means, a request means, and a display. It is preferable to provide a control means and an image data transmission means. The client device according to claim 9 stores the image data in the image data storage unit, and when a command signal is input from the operation unit by an external operation of the user, the request unit causes the storage unit of the server device. When a request signal of attribute information relating to the attribute value of each image forming apparatus stored by the server is transmitted to the server apparatus via the network and the attribute information is received from the server apparatus via the network as a response result of the request signal, display control is performed. The means displays the attribute information on the display means, and the selection information relating to the attribute value of the image forming apparatus for forming an image is acquired from the operation unit by the external operation of the user.
The attribute value of the image forming apparatus that should form the image set based on the selection information and the image data read from the image data storage unit are transmitted to the server apparatus via the network.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the attribute information relating to the attribute value of each image forming apparatus stored in the storage section of the server apparatus is acquired via the network and displayed on the display section. By displaying, it is possible to provide the user with attribute information regarding the image forming apparatus in the network. Therefore, the user can grasp the attribute value of each image forming apparatus in the network and appropriately specify the attribute value of the image forming apparatus to be image-formed. As a result, the user can cause the image forming apparatus that can obtain a more appropriate output result to perform the image forming process.

In addition to the above, the image forming system according to a tenth aspect includes a server apparatus according to the fifth or sixth aspect connected to a network, and a server apparatus connected to the network and via the network. 10. A client apparatus according to claim 8 or 9 capable of bidirectional communication between two or more, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network and capable of receiving image data transmitted from a server apparatus via the network. , Are provided.

According to the image forming system configured as described above, the user operates the client device and transmits the attribute value from the client device, thereby causing the server device to select an appropriate image forming device. be able to. That is, according to this image forming system, it is possible to cause a suitable image forming apparatus in the network to form an image based on the image data and provide the user with a desired output result.

Further, the invention according to claim 11 is characterized in that a computer is provided with the data acquisition means, the selection means, and the data transmission means in the server device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. It is a server device program for realizing the function of. The personal computer or the like, which comprises a RAM or the like that functions as a storage unit that stores an attribute value for each image forming apparatus in the network, and is capable of data communication with a plurality of image forming apparatuses in the network. If the server device program is installed, the device can be configured as the server device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

In addition, the invention described in claim 12 is a program for a client device for causing a computer to realize the function as the image data transmitting means in the client device according to claim 8. An RA that functions as a client device program having such a configuration as an image data storage unit that stores image data.
The client device according to claim 8 can be configured by installing the personal computer including M and the like in a personal computer capable of performing data communication with the server device according to claim 5 via a network.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a request means, a display control means, and an image data transmission means in the client device according to the ninth aspect are provided to a computer.
Is a program for a client device for realizing the function as. A client device program having such a configuration is provided with a RAM or the like that functions as image data storage means for storing image data, and data communication is possible with the server device according to claim 6 via a network. When installed in a personal computer, the client device according to claim 9 can be configured.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an image forming apparatus in an image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses, wherein image data is externally formed and an image based on the image data is formed. The attribute value of the image forming apparatus to be formed is acquired, and the image forming apparatus based on the image data is selected based on the attribute value and the attribute value of each image forming apparatus in the image forming system. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus that causes the selected image forming apparatus to form an image based on image data.

According to the image forming apparatus control method of the fourteenth aspect, by allowing the user to specify the attribute value of the image forming apparatus to be image-formed, an appropriate image forming apparatus based on the attribute value can be displayed. Since an image based on the image data can be formed, the user can be provided with a desired output result.

[0034]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
A description will be given with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a facsimile apparatus 2 as an image forming apparatus of the present invention, which incorporates a server unit 110 having a function as a server apparatus of the present invention, and PCs 12, 13, 214 as client apparatuses of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system 1 in which a plurality of printers Pr1 to Pr4 are network-connected. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an external configuration of the facsimile device 2, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an internal configuration of the facsimile device 2.

As shown in FIG. 1, the facsimile machine 2
Includes a line controller 3 and a communication module 5. The line control unit 3 is provided with an external connection port 4 (see FIG. 4). The external connection port 4 is connected to a telephone of a splitter 8 installed in a building (home, office, etc.). Analog wire L1 (2 core wire, 4
A so-called telephone line consisting of a core wire) is connected.

On the other hand, the communication module 5 has a WAN side connection port 6 and a LAN side connection port 7,
The N-side connection port 6 is connected to the ADSL (Asy
LA to the connection port for mmmetric DSL) modem
The LAN side connection port 7 is connected to the LAN cable L3 connected to the ADSL modem 9 connected via the N cable L2, and the LAN side connection port 7 is connected to the hub (HUB) 11. still,
As is well known, the ADSL modem 9 is a DSL (Digital Subscriber) capable of accessing the Internet using a telephone line that is widely used in ordinary households.
It is a signal conversion device for connecting the communication module 5 to a service center of Line) so that bidirectional communication is possible.

The hub (HUB) 11 is also connected to a plurality of LAN terminals such as a plurality of PCs 12 and 13, printers Pr1 to Pr4 (network-connectable ink jet printers, laser printers, etc.). That is,
The hub (HUB) 11 is connected to a local area network (LAN) in the building composed of the LAN terminals, and the facsimile device 2 and the PCs 12 and 1 are connected.
3 and the printers Pr1 to Pr4 are configured to be capable of bidirectional communication with each other via a LAN.

On the other hand, the splitter 8 is a well-known splitter used when using ADSL, and has a first signal of approximately 4 kHz or less and a higher frequency than that transmitted from the splitter 21 installed on the base station side. The transmission signal in which the second signal for ADSL is superposed is separated into the first signal and the second signal, the first signal is output to the connection port for the telephone and the second signal is the ADSL modem. While being output to the above-mentioned connection port for communication, the signal input from each connection port is superimposed and transmitted to the splitter 21 on the base station side.

That is, the facsimile apparatus 2 of this embodiment is
The line control unit 3 is used to connect to a subscriber telephone in a public line network (that is, public switched telephone network: PSTN), and further, a wide area network (WAN) is connected via a communication module 5 and an ADSL modem 9. ) Is configured to connect to the Internet. Further, the facsimile apparatus 2 operates by a router control unit 101, which will be described later, of the communication module 5 so that the communication apparatus (WWW server 22, PC 214, etc.) in the Internet and each L in the LAN.
AN terminal (PCs 12, 13 and printers Pr1 to Pr4)
Is configured to function as a router that routes data (IP packets) transmitted and received between

Further, the facsimile apparatus 2 of this embodiment is
An image is optically read from a manuscript, image data representing the image is converted to facsimile data, which is transmitted to an external facsimile device 23 connected to the public line network through the analog line L1 and an external facsimile device 23. In addition to the normal function (facsimile function) of receiving facsimile data transmitted from the public network via the public line network and the analog line L1 and forming an image based on the facsimile data on a recording sheet, a printer function and a copy function are provided. Have

This printer function means the PCs 12, 13,
214, a function of forming an image based on image data for printing (hereinafter, referred to as “print data”) transmitted from a word processor or the like on a recording sheet as a recording medium. , Receive print data from an external PC via the PC interface (PC I / F) 24, or L via the communication module 5.
When print data is received from the PCs 12 and 13 in the AN, an image based on the data is formed on the recording paper. The copy function means a copying function of reading an image from a document using a scanner unit 35 and a recording unit 37 described later and forming an image on a recording sheet based on the image data.

In the facsimile apparatus 2 having such a function, as shown in FIG. 2, a handset (H / S) 26 is attached to the side of the main body case 25, and an operation panel is attached to the front of the upper surface. 27 are provided. The operation panel 27 has a telephone number (FAX number) of the other party.
Numeric keys 271 for inputting and the start key 27
2. Various operation keys 270 such as a selection key 273 and a liquid crystal display (LCD) 274 for displaying information related to various functions are provided.

In addition, a first paper feed tray 29 for accommodating the recording paper to be fed into the apparatus is provided at the upper rear portion of the main body, and the recording paper is placed on the first paper feed tray 29. A second paper feed tray 31 for manually supplying the recording paper by the user is provided. Further, on it, a document feed tray 33 for placing a document sheet for reading is placed.
Is provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main body has a scanner section 35 for reading an image from an original, a recording section 37 for forming a multicolor image on a recording sheet, and each of these sections. A board (not shown) on which a CPU 39 (see FIG. 4) that controls driving is mounted is incorporated.

In the scanner section 35, the document feed tray 3
The document placed on the sheet feeding roller 4 is detected by a document sensor (not shown), and as shown by an arrow A in FIG.
The sheet is picked up one by one by a sheet feeding function composed of 1 and separation pad 43 and the like, and thereafter, is conveyed to a reading device 47 by a conveying roller 45. Then, in the reading device 47,
The image formed on the document is read. Further, the document after the image is read by the reading device 47 is printed by the paper discharge roller 49
The sheet is ejected to the first sheet ejection tray 51 provided in the front through.

In addition to the above document sensor, the scanner unit 35 includes a document front sensor 53 for detecting the beginning of the document, a document rear sensor 55 for detecting the trailing end of the document, and
Is provided, the CPU 39 controls the respective units in the scanner unit 35 to adjust the paper feed based on the detection results from these sensors, and realizes the operation of the scanner unit 35.

On the other hand, in the recording section 37, the first paper feed tray 2
9 or the recording paper placed on the second paper feed tray 31,
As indicated by an arrow B in FIG. 3, the sheets are taken one by one by a sheet feeding mechanism including a sheet feeding roller 57 and a separation pad 59. Then, the recording paper is sent to the image forming apparatus 63 via the carrying roller 61. In the image forming apparatus 63, a multicolor image is formed on a recording paper by a combination of toners of a plurality of colors (cyan, magenta, yellow and black in this embodiment). The recording paper that has passed through the image forming apparatus is sent to the fixing device 65 on the downstream side. Then, in the fixing device 65, the toner image is fixed on the recording paper. Further, the recording paper after passing through the fixing device is ejected by a paper ejection roller 6
A second paper discharge tray 6 provided on the front surface of the main body via
It is discharged to 9.

The image forming apparatus 63 is configured to operate the laser light scanning device 71 to irradiate the photosensitive drum with laser light and form an electrostatic latent image on the surface thereof.
This laser beam scanning device 71, in accordance with a command from the CPU 39, emits a laser beam based on image data to a laser emitting section 77, a laser beam reflecting lens 78, and a laser beam reflected by the lens 78 onto a photosensitive drum. A reflection mirror 79 for guiding is provided. In addition, the image forming apparatus 6
Reference numeral 3 denotes a toner tank 73 that stores toner. The toner supplied from the toner tank 73 is attached to the photosensitive drum after the electrostatic latent image is formed, and the transfer roller 75 charges the recording paper. The toner adhered to the photosensitive drum is transferred to the recording paper. However,
The configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 63 shown in FIG.
3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the function of FIG. That is, the image forming apparatus 63 of the present embodiment has a configuration as a well-known image forming apparatus capable of forming color toner images. As described above, the toner image is formed for each color and the toner images are formed. It is configured to form a color toner image by superposing.

Next, the electrical configuration of the facsimile apparatus 2 will be described. 4. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the facsimile apparatus 2 of this embodiment. Further, FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing the data structure in the RAM 83 (FIG. 5A), an explanatory view showing the data structure in the ROM 81 (FIG. 5B), and a destination information storage unit 83c described later. It is explanatory drawing (the same figure (c)) showing a data structure.

The facsimile device 2 mainly includes the CPU 3
9, ROM 81, RAM 83, scanner unit 35, encoder 85, recording unit 37, decoder 87, operation keys 270, LC
A D274, a modem 89, a line control unit 3, a PC interface (PC I / F) 24, a mail control unit 91, and a function expansion interface 93 are provided, each of which is a bus 9
It is connected via 5. The communication module 5 is connected to the function expansion interface 93.

The CPU 39 plays a central role in controlling the apparatus, and is configured to integrally control the entire apparatus. That is, for example, the CPU 39 reads a control processing program recorded in advance in the ROM 81, and executes processing such as transmission / reception of facsimile data and destination registration according to the program.

The ROM 81 stores a facsimile function program group 81a (see FIG. 5B) necessary for operating the apparatus as a facsimile apparatus. Specifically, for example, a reception program or the like for causing the line control unit 3 to form an image on the recording unit 37 based on the facsimile data received from the external facsimile device 23 is used as the facsimile function program.
It is stored in the OM81.

Further, in the ROM 81, the device
A printer function program group 81b necessary for operating as a printer for printing data transmitted from C or the like is stored. In addition, in the ROM 81, a recording unit control program 81c called by the above program and other various programs not shown,
Various data necessary for executing the program are stored in advance.

On the other hand, the RAM 83 is a work memory 83a (see FIG. 5A) necessary for various controls, and a transmission / reception data storage section 83 for storing facsimile data and the like.
b, a destination information storage unit 83c that stores destination information about the destination of the facsimile data, and the like.

Further, the destination information storage section 83c is shown in FIG.
As shown in (c), the configuration is such that a telephone number can be stored as destination information regarding the destination of facsimile data,
Furthermore, the mail address is stored in association with this telephone number. That is, in the facsimile device 2, in addition to the transmission / reception of the facsimile data via the public network by the destination device (external facsimile device 23),
In the case of being configured to be able to send and receive e-mail via the Internet, the address information can be registered in the form of both a telephone number and an email address for one address Has been done.

The scanner section 35 is for reading a document when transmitting or copying facsimile data (copying a document). As described above, the scanner unit 35 according to the present exemplary embodiment acquires a document from the document feed tray 33,
The reading device 47 reads an image and outputs image data as a reading result to the encoder 85 and the like.

Further, the encoder 85 executes an encoding process in order to convert the image data read by the scanner section 35 into image data of G3 compression format which is a fax format, and outputs the image data after the processing. It is configured to On the other hand, the decoder 87 decodes the fax format image data,
The recording unit 37 is configured to convert into image data for printing that can be processed.

As described above, the recording section 37 is configured to function as a so-called color laser printer capable of forming a color image, and the recording section control program 8 is provided.
Decoder 8 according to a command from CPU 39 which executes 1c.
The image data decoded by 7 and a color image based on print data transmitted from the server unit 110 described later are printed on a recording sheet using the image forming apparatus 63, and the recording sheet after printing is output. Is configured.
The recording unit 37 of the present embodiment is also configured to be capable of single-color printing, and is configured to be able to form an image using only toner of a designated color in accordance with a command from the CPU 39. .

In addition, the operation key 270 is provided on the operation panel 27 as described above, and outputs a command signal for performing various processing operations such as registration of destination information and designation of a destination according to the user's operation. It is configured to input into the device. Similarly, the LC provided on the operation panel 27
The D274 is provided as a display unit for displaying various messages such as a message for guiding the user in the operation procedure and an error message. In addition, L of this embodiment
The CD 274 has a function as a touch panel, and is configured to display one-touch keys at the time of address designation of facsimile data and registration of address information, and to acquire operation information of the user and input it into the apparatus. ing.

The modem 89 is for transmitting / receiving facsimile data to / from the external facsimile apparatus 23 connected to the public line network via the splitter 8 via the line control unit 3. The line control unit 3 performs operations such as sending a dial signal to the public line network and responding to a calling signal from the public line network. For example, the line control unit 3 sets itself to an external facsimile device 23 via the public line network. Connect to communicate.

On the other hand, the PC interface 24 is used when connecting the PC and the facsimile apparatus 2 via a parallel interface or the like, and receives print data or the like from the PC. Further, the mail control unit 91 realizes transmission / reception of facsimile data by electronic mail by transmitting / receiving electronic mail to / from an external communication device connected to the Internet.

That is, the mail control unit 91 converts the binary image data in the fax format encoded by the encoder 85 into the image data in the text code, and at the same time, the header information including the mail address of the transmission destination is included in the data. The image data in the fax format can be converted into the image data in the email format that can be sent as an email by the addition to the image data, or conversely, the image data in the email format received via the communication module 5 via the Internet. Is converted into fax format image data. The data, which has been subjected to the inverse format conversion into the image data in the fax format by the mail control unit 91, is decoded by the decoder 87 into the image data that can be output by the recording unit 37, and then printed on the recording paper.

Function extension interface (I / F) 93
Is a serial interface such as AIO (analog input / output) or RS232C configured so that the communication module 5 including the router control unit 101 configured as a separate body can be detachably connected.

The communication module 5 includes a router control unit 101, a hub (HUB) 103, an IP telephone unit 105, a wireless processing unit 107, a server unit 110, and a router control unit 10.
It is provided with an interface connection terminal 109 connected to 1. The communication module 5 is connected to the interface 93 via the interface connection terminal 109.

The router control unit 101 uses the ADSL modem 9
It is for transmitting and receiving IP packets to and from a communication device on the Internet via the Internet, and functions as a broadband router having a well-known IP masquerade function and routing function.

In other words, the router control unit 101 uses the IP masquerade function to mutually convert the private IP address used in the LAN and the global IP address used in the WAN (in the present embodiment, the Internet) to perform the routing function. With the terminal on the LAN side,
A communication device (WWW server 22) on the WAN side is connected to enable bidirectional communication.

For example, the router control unit 101 uses the hub 10
By transmitting and receiving data to and from the IP telephone unit 105, the wireless processing unit 107, and the server unit 110 via A. 3, the IP telephone unit 105, the wireless processing unit 107, and the server unit 110 are transmitted via the ADSL modem 9. Connect to the Internet so that two-way communication is possible. Furthermore, the router control unit 10
1 communicates with each LAN terminal (PC 12, 13 and printers Pr1 to Pr4) in the LAN connected to the LAN side connection port 7 via the hub 103,
A LAN terminal in a LAN is connected to the Internet so that bidirectional communication is possible. That is, for example, the router control unit 101
By controlling the route, the data received from the WWW server 22 in the Internet is transmitted to the destination LAN terminal.

In addition to this, the router control section 101 can communicate with the CPU 39 of the apparatus main body side through the interface 93. That is, the LAN terminals (PCs 12 and 13, printers Pr1 to Pr4), the IP telephone unit 105, the wireless processing unit 107, and the server unit 110 bidirectionally communicate with the CPU 39 on the apparatus main body side via the router control unit 101 and the interface 93. For example, when the CPU 39 of the facsimile apparatus 2 acquires print data from the server unit 110 via the router control unit 101, the CPU 39 executes the printer function program, and the recording unit control program is executed in the program. 81c is called and the recording unit 37 is controlled to form an image based on the data.

On the other hand, the hub 10 is connected to the router control unit 101.
The IP telephone unit 105 connected via 3 is configured to store a voice signal in an IP packet and perform voice communication (call) with an external IP telephone via the Internet. The wireless processing unit 107 is for performing wireless communication between an external wireless communication device and the facsimile device 2, and is a Bluetooth standard (a short-range wireless communication standard) or an IrDA standard (an infrared communication standard). )
According to the wireless connection method, the external wireless communication device is connected to each unit in the facsimile device 2 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. That is, in the facsimile device 2, each LAN terminal can be connected to the facsimile device 2 by a wired connection method by using the connection port 7 connected to the hub 103.
By using 7, the LAN terminal can be connected to the facsimile apparatus 2 by a wireless connection method.

In addition, the server unit 110 includes a CPU 11
1, a ROM 113, a RAM 115, a network interface 117, etc., and communicates with the router control unit 101 via the network interface 117 to connect itself to the Internet or to communicate with the CPU 39 on the apparatus main body side. It is configured to perform data communication between them. Further, the server unit 110 is connected to the LAN via the router control unit 101, and each LA in the LAN is connected.
It is configured such that bidirectional data communication can be performed with N terminals (PCs 12, 13 and printers Pr1 to Pr4).

Here, FIG. 6 shows the RAM of the server unit 110.
Explanatory diagram showing the data structure in 115 ((a) of the same figure), R
Explanatory diagram showing the data structure in the OM 113 (FIG. 2B)
Is. The server unit 110 has a web print function for forming an image on the recording unit 37 based on the data acquired from the WWW server 22 via the router control unit 101, a single-color printing function for printing the image on the recording unit 37 in a single color, and a machine for printing. A silent printing function of operating the recording unit 37 in the silent printing mode in which the sound is suppressed to print an image on the recording unit 37,
A log saving function of saving log information related to each process executed by the server unit 110, a PC transfer function of transferring data acquired from the WWW server 22 to the PCs 12 and 13 connected to the LAN via the LAN side connection port 7, and the like. It is configured to realize these functions by the web print function program group 113a stored in the ROM 113, and whether to operate each function based on various setting information (that is, ON / OFF of the function). It is configured to be able to switch.

Further, the server unit 110 includes the router control unit 1
01 via the client device (PC12, 1
3) or print data (PDL data, etc.) received from the client device (PC 214) in the WAN, is transferred to the printers Pr1 to Pr4 connected to the LAN as necessary, and is printed by the transfer destination printer. ,
The printer transfer function program group 113b stored in the ROM 113 realizes this function.

The RAM 115 of the server unit 110 is
As shown in FIG. 6A, a work memory 115a, a transmission / reception data storage unit 115b for storing data received from the outside (WWW server 22, PCs 12, 13, 214, etc.) and data to be transmitted to the outside, WWW server 22. Address (URL: Uniform Resource Lo
URL information storage unit 115 that stores information)
c, the device 2 and printers Pr1 to Pr4 in the LAN
Is configured to function as a printer attribute storage unit 115d that stores an attribute table related to the attribute value of, an access prohibition database 115e that stores URL information of an access prohibition destination, and the like.

The URL information storage unit 115c is configured to be able to store a plurality of memo information and scheduler setting data in association with the URL indicating the data acquisition destination.
As is well known, the URL is address information composed of a server address, directory information, a file name and the like.

In this memo information, the URL is currently marked in Roman letters, and it is difficult to know which home page to access only by displaying it.
Since the display area of 4 is also limited, it is not easy to find the target URL.
The communication module 5 of the present embodiment associates the memo information externally input by the user's operation of the operation panel 27 with the corresponding URL. URL information storage unit 115
It is configured to register with c.

The setting data for the scheduler is WW
This is for periodically acquiring data from the W server 22, and the server unit 110 executes the web print function program stored in the ROM 113 to periodically acquire data from the WWW server 22. Further, the server unit 110 in the facsimile apparatus 2 of the present embodiment is
When data is acquired from the WWW server 22 by the web print function, the URL information in the access prohibition database 115e is referenced to determine whether the data at the URL destination is inappropriate for printing, When it is determined that the data is inappropriate, the data is not acquired from the WWW server 22.

The attribute table stored in the printer attribute storage unit 115d has a data structure as shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of the attribute table. As shown in FIG. 7, the printer attribute storage unit 1
Address information (IP addresses) of the printers Pr1 to Pr4 in the network is stored in the attribute table 15d. In addition, in the attribute table, the image forming apparatus (facsimile apparatus 2 and each of the printers Pr1 to Pr) is displayed.
With respect to each of the plurality of attributes relating to the image forming ability of the image forming apparatus such as 4) the installation place (that is, the position) and the recording method, the presence / absence of the color image forming ability (color / monochrome), and the recording paper size, Attribute values are stored for each of the facsimile device 2 and each of the printers Pr1 to Pr4. In FIG. 7, the attribute value shown in the line “Pr0” is the attribute value for each attribute of the facsimile apparatus 2. In addition, the attribute values shown in the rows of "Pr1" to "Pr4" are attribute values related to the attributes of the printers Pr1 to Pr4.

More specifically, regarding the attribute relating to the installation location, a plurality of preset attribute values (NEAR_) relating to the installation location are set for each of the devices 2, Pr1 to Pr4.
Any one of A, NEAR_B, and NEAR_C) is assigned. This value is used for each device 2, Pr1 to Pr4
In the attribute table shown in FIG. 7, the value “NEAR_A” is set in the facsimile machine 2 installed near Mr. A's seat in the attribute table shown in FIG.
Is assigned to the printer P installed near Mr. B's seat.
The value "NEAR_B" is assigned to r1 and the printer Pr2, and the value "NEAR_C" is assigned to the printers Pr3 and Pr4 installed near Mr. C's seat.
In addition, according to this attribute value, each device 2, Pr1 to Pr4
Are classified by installation location.

In addition, regarding the attribute relating to the recording method,
Attribute values (LASER, INKJET) related to a plurality of preset recording methods for each device 2, Pr1 to Pr4
One of the values is assigned. This value is a value representing the recording method of each device 2, Pr1 to Pr4, and in the attribute table shown in FIG. 7, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum by scanning the laser light, and this is used. The value "LASER" is assigned to the laser type image forming apparatus (facsimile apparatus 2, printer Pr1 and printer Pr3) that forms an image on recording paper with toner. In addition, the image forming apparatus (printer Pr2 and printer Pr4) that forms an image by the inkjet method has a value "I".
NKJET ”is assigned. It should be noted that each of the devices 2, Pr1 to Pr4 is classified according to the recording method by the attribute value.

In addition to the above, in the attribute relating to the presence / absence of the color image forming ability, the facsimile apparatus 2 capable of forming an image in color, the printer Pr1 and the printer Pr4.
The value "COLOR" is assigned to each of the printers, and the value "MONO" is assigned to each of the monochrome printers Pr2 and Pr3 that do not have the image forming capability of other colors.

In the attribute relating to the recording sheet size, the attribute value relating to the recording sheet size which can be printed by each device is assigned to each of the devices 2, Pr1 to Pr4. For example, when the facsimile device 2 is configured to be able to print on recording paper up to A4 size, the value “A4” is assigned as the attribute value related to the recording paper size of the facsimile device 2.

The server unit 1 of the facsimile apparatus 2
The reference numeral 10 creates an attribute table by executing the connection confirmation processing shown in FIG.
The attribute table is stored in the printer attribute storage unit 115d of the AM 115. FIG. 8 shows the CP of the server unit 110.
It is a flowchart showing the connection confirmation process executed by U111.

When the connection confirmation processing is executed, the CPU 111
First, in step S110, the hub (HU) is used to acquire the connection terminal information about the LAN terminal connected to the LAN.
B) A request signal for the connection terminal information is sent to the LAN via 11 to search for a LAN terminal. Then, when the connection terminal information is acquired from each LAN terminal as a response result of the request signal (S120), an attribute table is created based on the connection terminal information and stored in the printer attribute storage unit 115d (S130). ). The connection terminal information includes address information (IP address) of each LAN terminal, information about attribute values of each printer Pr1 to Pr4, and the like.

When the attribute table has been created, C
In step S140, the PU 111 receives a reception process described later (see FIG. 1).
The execution of 3) is started, and the reception process is operated in parallel with the connection confirmation process. After this, the CPU 111
It is determined whether or not a predetermined time has passed (S150), and when the predetermined time has passed, a request signal of connection terminal information is sent again to the LAN to search for a LAN terminal (S16).
0). Then, the process proceeds to S170, and it is determined whether or not the end command is input due to the power-off of the apparatus body or the like. If not, the process returns to S150. On the other hand, if the end command is input, the process ends. The attribute table is updated every predetermined time by the operation of this connection confirmation processing (S160) and the linked operation of the reception processing described later.

Subsequently, the client device (PC 12, 1
3, 214) and CPU 14 of the client device
The printer selection process executed by will be described. 9. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the client device (PC 12, 13, 214). Client device (PC1
2, 13) are similar to a well-known personal computer, CPU 14, ROM 15, RAM 16, display 17, keyboard 18, hard disk drive (H
DD) 19, LAN interface (LAN I / F) 2
0, etc., and the LAN interface 20 is
Facsimile device 2 connected to LAN and connected via LAN
And data communication is possible. The client device (PC 214) is connected to the WAN, and its configuration is basically the same as that of the client device (PC 12, 13) in the LAN.

The RAM 16 is configured to function as a work memory 16a for temporarily storing image data created by the user using various types of applications, such as the keyboard 18 and a mouse (not shown). A printer selection program 19a executed by the CPU 14 is stored in the HDD 19.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the printer selection processing executed by the CPU 14. Here, LA
The operation of the client device (PC 12, 13) in N will be described.
14) basically operates in the same manner except that communication is performed via WAN (Internet).

The CPU 14 operates the keyboard 1 by the user externally operating the selection screens of various applications.
When it is determined that the print command signal is input from the operation unit such as 8 or the mouse, the printer selection process (printer selection program 19a) is executed. When the printer selection processing is executed, the CPU 14 controls the LAN interface 20 to cause the facsimile apparatus 2 to pass through the LAN to each apparatus 2 in the LAN stored in the printer attribute storage unit 115d 2, Pr1.
A request signal for attribute information relating to the attribute value of Pr4 is transmitted (S210), and thereafter, in S220, it waits until the attribute information is received from the facsimile apparatus 2 as a response result of the attribute information request signal via the LAN. The operation on the side of the facsimile apparatus 2 at this time will be described later.

When the attribute information is received (S220)
Yes), and controls the display 17 as a display unit to display the attribute information as the print destination setting screen shown in FIG. 11 (S230). 11. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the print destination setting screen displayed on the display 17.

As shown in FIG. 11, on the print destination setting screen, the user understands the attribute values related to the installation locations of the respective devices 2, Pr1 to Pr4 installed in the LAN and the attribute values related to the recording method. It is displayed in an easy-to-use format. Also,
The print destination setting screen is configured so that the user can select any attribute value for each attribute by an external operation using the keyboard 18, the mouse, or the like. still,
In the example shown in FIG. 11, as the attribute value related to the installation location,
The value "NEAR_A" corresponding to the display "Around Mr. A"
Is selected, and “LASER” corresponding to the display of “Recording by laser” is selected as the attribute value related to the recording method.

When the "OK" button is pressed by the user in this state, the CPU 14 determines that the print destination has been selected (Yes in S240), and sets the print destination when the "OK" button is pressed. The selection information regarding the attribute value selected and designated on the screen is obtained, and based on the selection information, the printing condition data storing the attribute value of the device to be subjected to the printing process (that is, image formation) is created (S250). In the image forming system 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to store attribute values regarding a plurality of attributes in the print condition data. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the attribute values of the device to be printed are: Values "NEAR_A" and "LASER"
The print condition data storing is created.

Then, the image data which is the target of the print command is read from the RAM 16 and converted into image data for printing (print data) as necessary,
A print request signal storing the print data and the print condition data is created (S260). After this, the CPU 14
Converts the print request signal into an IP packet and transmits it to the facsimile apparatus 2 (S270), and ends the printer selection process.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view schematically showing the structure of the print request signal. The print command is a print command for instructing color printing in A4, and "NEAR_A" and "LASER" are selected and designated as the attribute values of the device to be printed by the print destination setting screen. In this case, the CPU 14 is, as shown in FIG.
"NEAR_A", "LASER", "COLOR",
The print condition data storing the attribute value "A4" is created (S250), this is stored in the print request signal together with the print data (S260), and the data is transmitted to the facsimile apparatus 2 via the LAN (S270).

Subsequently, the CPU 11 of the facsimile apparatus 2
The reception process executed by 1 will be described. Incidentally, FIG.
3 is a flowchart showing a receiving process executed by the CPU 111. This reception process is performed in parallel with the connection confirmation process. When the receiving process is executed, the CPU 111
First, in S310, the process waits until a signal is received from the outside via the LAN or the Internet, and if it is determined that the signal is received, the process proceeds to S320 to analyze the received signal. Then, based on the analysis result, it is determined that the received signal includes the connection terminal information (S330).
Yes), the CPU 111 updates the attribute table stored in the printer attribute storage unit 115d to the attribute table corresponding to the current connection status of the LAN terminal, based on the received connection terminal information (S335), and the processing thereafter. To S3
In step 70, it is determined whether or not an instruction to end the receiving process is input by turning off the power of the apparatus body. If the instruction to end the receiving process is input, the receiving process is ended. If not, The process proceeds to S310, and waits again for receiving a signal from the outside.

On the other hand, based on the analysis result of S320,
It is determined No in S330, and the received signal is L in S340.
An attribute information request signal (printer selection process S) transmitted from the client device (PC 12, 13) in the AN or the client device (PC 214) in the Internet.
210 (see 210) (Yes in S340).
s), the CPU 111 shifts the processing to S343, and each device 2, Pr1 to P1 in the LAN stored in the attribute table.
Create attribute information about the attribute value of r4 (S343),
This is transmitted to the requesting client device via the LAN or the Internet (S345). By this transmission, the print destination setting screen (see S230 of printer selection processing) is displayed on the client device. Further, when the processing in S345 is completed, the CPU 111 shifts the processing to S370, determines whether or not the end command is input, and if it is input, the reception processing is ended and the input must be made. If so, the process returns to S310.

In addition, based on the analysis result in S320, it is determined No in S330 and S340, and S350.
When it is determined that the received signal is the print request signal transmitted from the client device (PC 12, 13, 214) via the LAN or the Internet (Yes in S350), the CPU 111 shifts the processing to S360,
Executes print / transfer processing. Incidentally, FIG. 14 shows the CPU 11
3 is a flowchart showing a print / transfer process executed by No. 1;

When the print / transfer processing is executed, the CPU 11
First, the print data and the print condition data are first extracted and acquired from the print request signal (S410). Then, the attribute value of each attribute of the facsimile apparatus 2 is read from the attribute table stored in the printer attribute storage unit 115d (S420). After that, the CPU 111 prints the print data extracted from the print request signal on the basis of the attribute value of the facsimile apparatus 2 and the attribute value included in the received print condition data in the recording unit 37 of the apparatus. It is determined whether or not to perform (S430). When the print condition data includes attribute values relating to a plurality of attributes, the CPU 1
11 extracts the plurality of attribute values from the print condition data (S410), and comprehensively makes the above determination based on the attribute values and the read attribute value of the facsimile apparatus 2 (S430).

For example, the attribute value "NEA" is added to the print condition data.
R_A ”,“ LASER ”,“ COLOR ”, and
When "A4" is stored, the received attribute value matches the attribute value of the facsimile apparatus 2, so the CPU 111 determines that the recording unit 37 of the apparatus should perform print processing. Then, the process proceeds to S435, the print data is transmitted to the CPU 39 of the apparatus main body, and the CPU 3
9 controls the recording unit 37, and causes the recording unit 37 to form an image based on the print data on the recording paper. After that, the print / transfer processing is ended.

On the other hand, if the received print condition data includes the attribute value "NEAR_B" and the like, and the received attribute value does not match the facsimile device 2, the CPU
In S430, the 111 determines that the printing process is not performed in the apparatus 2, and the process proceeds to S440. And CP
The U111 reads the attribute value of each attribute of the next device (printer Pr1) from the attribute table stored in the printer attribute storage unit 115d (S440), and the attribute value and the attribute value received from the client device, On the basis of the above, it is determined whether or not the attribute values of both match (S45).
0). When the print condition data includes attribute values related to a plurality of attributes, the CPU 111 makes a comprehensive determination in S450 based on the plurality of attribute values and the read attribute value, as in S430. .

Here, if it is determined that they do not match, the CPU
111 returns the process to S440, reads the attribute value (printer Pr2) of the next device from the attribute table, and again in S450, the received attribute value is the printer attribute storage unit 1
It is determined whether or not the attribute value read from 15d matches.

Then, when it is determined that they match (S450
Yes), the CPU 111 shifts the processing to S460,
The address information of the device having the matching attribute value is read out, and the device having the matching attribute value is set as the transfer destination of the received print data as an image forming device to be subjected to print processing. After that, the CPU 111 transmits the print data to the transfer destination printer via the LAN (S470). That is, CP
The U111 adds the IP address of the destination printer as the destination address information to the print data to generate an IP packet, which is then transmitted to the network interface 1
17 and the router control unit 101 to send to the LAN. By this operation, the CPU 111 causes the transfer destination printers Pr1 to Pr4 to receive the print data and causes the transfer destination printers Pr1 to Pr4 to form an image based on the print data.

When the processing in S470 is completed, CP
The U111 terminates the print / transfer processing, and determines in S370 of the reception processing whether the termination command is input from the outside. If it is not input, the process returns to S310, and if it is input, the reception process is ended. In addition, based on the analysis result of S320, S
If No at 330, S340 and S350,
The CPU 111 proceeds directly to the process of S370 and ends the reception process if the end command is input.

As described above, the image forming system 1 of the present embodiment,
Facsimile device 2 constituting the image forming system 1
Although the configuration of the client device (PC 12, 13, 214) has been described, according to the image forming system 1, the server unit 110 of the facsimile device 2 receives the print data and the attribute value of the printer to be subjected to the print processing. , The print data transfer destination printer is selected, the print data is transferred to the transfer destination printer, and the transfer destination printer is made to form an image based on the print data on the recording paper. By operating 13, 214 to specify an attribute value and transmitting the attribute value to the facsimile apparatus 2, it is possible to perform a print process on a desired printer and obtain a desired output result.

For example, when the user wants to perform color printing, he or she operates the PCs 12, 13 and 214 to send the attribute value "COLOR" together with the print data to the facsimile apparatus 2, thereby enabling the color printing apparatus 2, Pr1, P
An image based on the print data can be formed on r4. In addition, if you want to give Mr. B a printed matter,
By transmitting the attribute value “NEAR_B” together with the print data to the facsimile device 2, the printers Pr1 and Pr2 installed near Mr. B can form an image based on the transmitted print data.

In addition to this, the user can cause an apparatus conforming to the plurality of attribute values to perform print processing by transmitting the attribute values related to the plurality of attributes to the facsimile apparatus 2 together with the print data. That is, for example, in the case of wanting to give a color printed matter to Mr. C, the PC 12, 13, 214 is operated to set the attribute values "NEAR_C" and "COLOR".
To the facsimile device 2, the printer Pr4 can form a color image based on the print data.

Further, since the facsimile apparatus 2 updates the attribute table at every predetermined time, the optimum image forming apparatus at that time is selected based on the attribute value acquired from the client apparatus (PC 12, 13, 214). It can be printed. The storage unit in the server device of the present invention is the printer attribute storage unit 115d of the server unit 110.
The CPU 111 is a data acquisition unit for printing and
In the transfer process, the network interface 117 is L
Operation for extracting and acquiring print data as image data of the present invention and print condition data including an attribute value of an image forming apparatus to be subjected to print processing from a print request signal received from a client apparatus via an AN or the Internet. This is realized in (S410).

The operation of the selecting means selecting an image forming apparatus in the network for forming an image is performed by the CPU.
111, based on the attribute values of the printers Pr1 to Pr4 in the LAN described in the attribute table, searches for a printer that matches the attribute value acquired from the client device (S440 and S450), and finds the matching printer. ,
This is realized by the operation of setting the transfer destination of the print data (S460).

In addition to this, the data transmission means is the CPU 111.
However, the print data received from the client device is transferred to the transfer destination printer via the LAN (S470). Further, the attribute information transmitting means is a CP
This is realized in S340 to S345 of the reception process executed by U111.

The image forming means of the present invention corresponds to the recording section 37 of the facsimile apparatus 2, and the control means is the CPU.
In step S435, the print data is transmitted to the apparatus main body side by the CPU 111, and the CPU 39 indirectly controls the recording unit 37 to cause the recording unit 37 to form an image based on the print data. ing.

The function as the server device of the present invention is incorporated in the server section 110 of the facsimile device 2. Further, in the switching means, the CPU 111 sends the print data to the facsimile device 2 in step S430 of the print / transfer processing.
It is realized by the operation of executing S440 to S460 when it is determined whether or not the print processing is performed and when it is determined that the print processing is not performed (S430 No).

Besides, the image data storage means of the client device corresponds to the RAM 16. Then, the request unit is S210 of the printer selection process executed by the CPU 14.
The display control means is implemented in S220 and S230.
Has been realized in. The image data transmitting means is C
Printer selection processing executed by the PU 14 S240 to S2
It is realized in 70.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.
Various aspects can be adopted. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the image forming system 1 is configured by incorporating the server unit 110 having the function of the server device of the present invention into the facsimile device 2 having the printer function. An image forming system for selecting a printer may be configured by the same operation as the image forming system 1 by connecting a dedicated server device having the same function as the unit 110 to the LAN.

Further, in the above embodiment, after the power supply of the apparatus main body is turned on, the CPU 111 is caused to execute the connection confirmation processing to acquire the attribute value from the printer and create the attribute table. Run
The user may be allowed to specify the attribute value of each printer, an attribute table may be created in advance based on the input information, and the attribute table may be stored in a memory or the like.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system 1 of this embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an external configuration of the facsimile device 2.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an internal configuration of the facsimile apparatus 2.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the facsimile apparatus 2.

5 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure in a ROM 81 and a RAM 83. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a ROM 113 and a RAM 1 of the server unit 110.
It is explanatory drawing showing the data structure in 15.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an attribute table stored in a printer attribute storage unit 115d.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a connection confirmation process executed by the CPU 111.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of PCs 12 and 13 as client devices.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a printer selection process executed by the CPU.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a print destination setting screen.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a print request signal.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a reception process executed by the CPU 111.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating print / transfer processing executed by the CPU 111.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Image forming system, 2, 23 ... Facsimile device,
3 ... Line control unit, 5 ... Communication module, 9 ... ADSL modem, 12, 13, 214 ... PC, 14, 39, 111
... CPU, 15, 81, 113 ... ROM, 16, 83,
115 ... RAM, 17 ... Display, 18 ... Keyboard, 19 ... HDD, 19a ... Printer selection program,
20 ... LAN interface, 22 ... WWW server, 2
7 ... Operation panel, 35 ... Scanner section, 37 ... Recording section, 7
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Laser beam scanning device, 81c ... Recording part control program, 16a, 83a, 115a ... Work memory, 83
b, 115b ... Transmission / reception data storage unit, 93 ... Interface, 101 ... Router control unit, 110 ... Server unit, 11
3b ... Program group for printer transfer function, 115d ... Printer attribute storage unit, 117 ... Network interface, 270 ... Operation keys, 274 ... LCD, Pr1 to Pr
4 ... Printer

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Kazuma Aoki             15-1 Naedai-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Prefecture             Within Lazer Industry Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 BB10 HJ08 HN05 HN15                       HN27 HP00 HP08 HQ03 HQ17                       HR07                 5B021 AA01 BB00 EE03                 5C062 AA02 AA05 AA13 AA29 AA35                       AB20 AB42 AC38 AF14

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A server device connected to a network and capable of data communication with a plurality of image forming devices in the network, wherein each image forming device in the network has a predetermined attribute of the image forming device. A storage unit that stores the attribute value, a data acquisition unit that externally acquires, together with the image data, the attribute value of the image forming apparatus that should form an image based on the image data, and the attribute value that the data acquisition unit acquires. And an attribute value of each of the image forming apparatuses stored in the storage unit,
Selecting means for selecting an image forming apparatus in the network to form an image based on the image data acquired by the data acquiring means; and image data acquired by the data acquiring means for the image forming apparatus selected by the selecting means. And a data transmitting unit for transmitting the data via the network. 2. The server apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores an attribute value for each image forming apparatus with respect to an attribute regarding an image forming ability of the image forming apparatus. 3. The storage unit stores an attribute value for each image forming apparatus in the network with respect to a plurality of attributes of the image forming apparatus, and the data acquisition unit externally acquires the image data together with the image data. The server device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the server device is configured to be able to acquire attribute values regarding the plurality of attributes of the image forming apparatus that should form an image based on the above. 4. The storage unit stores an attribute value for each image forming apparatus with respect to an attribute relating to the image forming ability of the image forming apparatus and an attribute relating to the position of the image forming apparatus. The server device according to 1. 5. The data acquisition means acquires the image data and the attribute value from a client device connected to the network via the network. The server device according to any one. 6. The storage unit, when the data acquisition unit receives a request signal of attribute information regarding an attribute value of each image forming apparatus stored in the storage unit from a client device in the network via the network. 6. The attribute information transmitting means for transmitting the attribute information regarding the attribute value of each image forming apparatus stored in the network to the requesting client apparatus via the network. The server device described. 7. An image comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium; and a control unit that controls the image forming unit to cause the image forming unit to form an image based on image data on the recording medium. 7. A forming device, which incorporates the server device according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising: the control device based on the attribute value acquired from the client device by the data acquisition device of the server device. The image forming apparatus comprises: a switching unit that operates the selection unit of the server device when it determines whether to operate the control unit and determines that the control unit does not operate. 8. A client device capable of data communication with the server device according to claim 5 via a network, the image data storage means storing image data, and an operation unit operated by a user's external operation. When the information regarding the attribute value of the image forming apparatus for forming the image is acquired from the image forming apparatus, the attribute value of the image forming apparatus for forming the image and the image data read from the image data storage unit are acquired via the network. An image data transmitting unit for transmitting to a server device, and a client device. 9. A client device capable of performing data communication with the server device according to claim 6 via a network, the image data storage means storing image data, and an operation unit operated by a user's external operation. When a command signal is input from, a request signal of attribute information related to the attribute value of each image forming apparatus stored in the storage unit of the server apparatus,
Request means for transmitting to the server device via the network; and a display for displaying the attribute information on the display means when the attribute information is received from the server device via the network as a response result of the request signal. When the selection information regarding the attribute value of the image forming apparatus on which the image is to be formed is acquired from the control unit and the operation unit by the external operation of the user, the attribute value of the image forming apparatus on which the image is to be formed is based on the selection information. And an image data transmission unit that transmits the image data read from the image data storage unit to the server device via the network. 10. The server device according to claim 5, which is connected to a network, and the server device, which is connected to a network and is capable of bidirectional communication with the server device via the network. An image forming apparatus comprising: the client apparatus according to claim 9; and a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network and capable of receiving image data transmitted from the server apparatus via the network. system. 11. The computer according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
A server device program for realizing the functions of the data acquisition unit, the selection unit, and the data transmission unit in the server device according to any one of the above. 12. A program for a client device for causing a computer to realize the function as the image data transmitting unit in the client device according to claim 8. 13. A program for a client device for causing a computer to realize the functions as the requesting unit, the display control unit, and the image data transmitting unit in the client device according to claim 9. 14. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus in an image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses, wherein an attribute value of the image forming apparatus that is to form an image based on the image data together with image data from the outside. The image forming apparatus which acquires the image forming apparatus and which forms the image based on the image data is selected based on the attribute value and the attribute value of each image forming apparatus in the image forming system, and the selected image forming apparatus is selected. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, which comprises forming an image based on image data.