JP2003345548A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To print a document stored in a plurality of devices by either of the devices without being aware of which device stores the document by a user. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming system comprises: a display means for obtaining the list of documents from all devices having the main functions connected to a preliminarily designated network and displaying the list of the documents; and a print means for obtaining the designated document from the device which stores it and printing the document. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an image forming system having an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine having a network communication function, an electronic sorting function, and a document storage function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image is read by reading images of all originals to be copied, temporarily storing the image data in a memory such as a hard disk, and repeatedly reading out image data of an arbitrary original from the memory. 2. Description of the Related Art Digital copiers having a sorting function are known.
In such a copying machine, it is possible to discharge copy sheets in a sorted state without having a sorting device having a plurality of bins.

Further, a digital copying machine receives data of an application PDL (page description language) of a host computer through a network, develops the data from the PDL into a bitmap image, and similarly stores the data in a memory such as a hard disk. 2. Description of the Related Art A PDL image electronic sort function for repeatedly reading an arbitrary image from a memory, printing and sorting the image is known.

Further, the area of the hard disk of the digital copying machine is individually divided, and the image read by the scanning device or the image obtained by expanding the PDL from the host device into a bitmap is temporarily stored in its own area (personal box). It is known that when printing an image from the personal box, the user inputs a password for accessing his / her area from the operation unit of the copying machine and prints the image. Since such a system does not require reading or bitmap development from the second printing, it is possible to improve productivity.

Further, there has been proposed a system capable of taking out image data stored in a certain device from another device and printing the image data on another device. In such a system, even if the device storing the image data cannot be printed for some reason, it is possible to print the image data using another device.

[0006]

By the way, in the above system, for example, the user needs to remember which personal box of which device stores the image data stored by the user. When the number of devices increases, the number of users of the devices increases, or when a long time has passed since storage, there has been a problem that the trouble of searching for image data becomes extremely large.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. When a user prints image data, the user selects and prints desired image data without being conscious of a device or a box. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming system capable of improving productivity.

[0008]

An image forming system according to the present invention is configured as follows.

(1) A system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses, wherein each of the image forming apparatuses includes a first identifying unit for uniquely identifying itself in the system, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses stored therein. A second identification unit that uniquely identifies image data, a communication unit that communicates with another image forming apparatus, a first storage unit that stores image data received via the communication unit, and the communication unit. A second storage unit that stores information for identifying the image data received through the display unit, and a display unit that displays identification information of all image data included in all devices stored in the second storage unit, Print output means for printing out image data, and first data acquisition means for acquiring identification information of image data stored in another image formation apparatus through the communication means in a desired image formation apparatus When A second data acquisition unit for acquiring image data stored in another image forming apparatus via the communication unit based on the identification information acquired using the first data acquisition unit, and the acquired image data Is provided with control means for printing out by the printing means.

(2) In the configuration of (1), the communication means is a network communication means for performing network communication with the host device.

(3) In the above configuration (1) or (2), the display means is a means for performing display without making the user aware of which device stores the image data to be displayed.

(4) In the configuration of (1), (2) or (3), the display means has a plurality of conditions for determining a display order when displaying a list of image data.

(5) In the configuration of (1) or (2) or (3) or (4), when displaying the list of the image data, the display means displays the display content based on the information input by the user. Is a means for limiting

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The reader unit 1 reads an image of a document, and records image data corresponding to the document image on a recording sheet according to image data from the printer unit 2 and the image input / output control unit 3. The image input / output control unit 3 is connected to the reader unit 1, and includes a facsimile unit 4, a file unit 5, a network interface unit 7, and an LI which is a kind of PDL.
It comprises a formatter section 8 of PS, a formatter section 9 of PostScript which is also a kind of PDL, a core section 10 and the like. The formatter units 8 and 9 are expansion means for expanding the received code data into image data.

The facsimile unit 4 decompresses the compressed image data received via the telephone line, transfers the decompressed image data to the core unit 10, compresses the image data transferred from the core unit 10, and compresses the image data. The compressed image data is transmitted via a telephone line. A magneto-optical disk drive unit 6 is connected to the file unit 5. The file unit 5 compresses the image data transferred from the core unit 10 and sets the compressed image data in the magneto-optical disk drive unit 6 together with a keyword for searching the image data. Is stored in the magneto-optical disk. The file unit 5 searches for compressed image data stored in the magneto-optical disk based on the keyword transferred via the core unit 10, reads out the searched compressed image data, decompresses it, and decompresses it. The image data is transferred to the core unit 10.

The network interface unit 7 includes a personal computer or workstation (hereinafter, referred to as PC / WS) 11 as a host device and a core unit 10.
The interface between. The network interface unit 7 also serves as an interface between the core unit 10 and another digital copying machine 13 similarly connected to the network. When a document image or the like is read from the hard disk of another digital copying machine according to the present embodiment, the reading is performed through the network interface unit 7.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a network server, which is the center of network control. Formatter parts 8 and 9 are P
The PDL data transferred from the C / WS 11 is developed into image data recordable by the printer unit 2. As will be described later, the core unit 10 controls the flow of data among the reader unit 1, facsimile unit 4, file unit 5, network interface unit 7, and formatter units 8 and 9.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the image forming apparatus having the above-described structure. Reference numeral 100 denotes a main body of a digital copying machine, and 189 denotes a circulating automatic document feeder (RDF). The reader unit 1 shown in FIG.
The upper part of the main body, the printer section 2 is shown at 110 to 16 in FIG.
3 corresponds to the portion inside the main body.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 101 denotes a platen glass as a document table, and 102 denotes a scanner, which includes a document illumination lamp 103, a scanning mirror 104, and the like. Then, the scanner 102 is reciprocally scanned in a predetermined direction by a motor (not shown), so that the reflected light 107 of the document passes through the lens 108 via the scanning mirrors 104 to 106 and forms an image on the CCD 109 as an image sensor.

Reference numeral 120 denotes an exposure control unit composed of a laser, a polygon scanner, etc., which is converted into an electric signal by the CCD image sensor 109 and modulated based on an image signal subjected to predetermined image processing described later. 129 is irradiated on the photosensitive drum 110.

Around the photosensitive drum 110, a primary charger 112, a developing device 121, a transfer charger 118, a cleaning device 116, and a pre-exposure lamp 114 are provided. In the image forming unit 126, the photosensitive drum 110 is rotated by a motor (not shown) in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, and is charged to a desired potential by the primary charger 112. Is irradiated, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. This photosensitive drum 11
The electrostatic latent image formed on 0 is developed by the developing device 121 and is visualized as a toner image.

On the other hand, the transfer paper fed from the upper cassette 131 or the lower cassette 132 by the pickup rollers 133 and 134 is sent to the upper portion of the main body by the feed rollers 135 and 136, and is fed to the transfer belt by the registration rollers 137. Then, the visualized toner image is transferred to the transfer paper by the transfer charger 118. After the transfer, the photosensitive drum 110 is cleaned of residual toner by the cleaning device 116, and the residual charge is erased by the pre-exposure lamp 114.

The transfer paper after the transfer is transferred to a transfer belt 130.
The toner image is recharged by the pre-fixing chargers 139 and 140, sent to the fixing device 141, fixed by pressure and heat, and discharged out of the main body 100 by the discharge roller 142.

Reference numeral 119 denotes a pre-suction charger for adsorbing the transfer paper sent from the registration roller 137 to the transfer belt 130. The pre-suction charger 119 is used to rotate the transfer belt 130 and is paired with the pre-suction charger 119 for transfer. Belt 130
Is provided with a transfer belt roller (not shown) for adsorbing and charging the transfer paper.

The main body 100 is provided with a deck 150 capable of storing, for example, 4000 transfer papers. The lifter 151 of the deck 150 rises according to the amount of the transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 152.
In addition, a multi-bypass tray 15 capable of storing 100 sheets of transfer paper.
3 are equipped.

Further, in FIG. 2, reference numeral 154 denotes a paper discharge flapper, which switches the path between the double-side recording side or the multiple recording side and the paper discharge side. The transfer paper fed from the paper discharge roller 142 is switched by the paper discharge flapper 154 to a double-sided recording side or a multiple recording side. Reference numeral 157 denotes a multiplex flapper for switching the path between double-sided recording and multiplexed recording.
By inverting this to the left in the drawing, the transfer paper can be directly guided to the lower transport path 158 without passing through the reverse path 155.

Reference numeral 159 denotes a paper feed roller for feeding the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 110 through the path 160. 161
Reference numeral denotes a discharge roller which is disposed near the discharge flapper 154 and discharges the transfer sheet switched to the discharge side by the discharge flapper 154 to the outside of the apparatus.

At the time of double-sided recording (double-sided copying), the discharge flapper 154 is raised, the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the right, the copied transfer paper is passed through the transport path 155, and then the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the left. Then, the sheet is stored in the re-feed tray 156 in a reversed state via the transport path 158. At the time of multiplex recording (multiple copying), the discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the multiplex flapper 157 is tilted to the left, and the copied transfer sheet is stored in the refeed tray 156 after passing through the transport path 158. The transfer paper stored in the re-feed tray 156 is guided to the registration roller 137 of the main body 100 via the path 160 by the paper feed roller 159 one by one from below.

When the transfer paper is to be inverted and discharged from the main body 100 (backside discharge), the discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the flapper 157 is tilted rightward, and the copied transfer paper is transferred to the transport path 155 side. After the rear end of the transfer sheet passes through the first feed roller 162, the transfer sheet is conveyed to the second feed roller 162a side by the reversing roller 163, and the transfer sheet is turned over by the discharge roller 161 and discharged out of the apparatus. I do.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reader unit 1. As shown in FIG. The image data output from the CCD 209 is A
The analog / digital conversion is performed in the / D · SH unit 210, and shading correction is performed. This A /
The image data processed by the D / SH unit 210 is transferred to the printer unit 2 via the image processing unit 211 and the core unit 10 of the image input / output control unit 3 via the interface (I / F) unit 213. Transferred to

The CPU 214 controls the image processing unit 211 and the interface unit 213 in accordance with the settings set on the operation unit of the main body 100 in FIG. For example, when a copy mode in which a trimming process is performed by the operation unit to perform copying is set, the image processing unit 211 performs the trimming process and transfers the image data to the printer unit 2. When the facsimile transmission mode is set on the operation unit, the interface unit 213 transfers image data and a control command corresponding to the set mode to the core unit 10.
Such a control program of the CPU 214 is stored in the memory 21.
6 is controlled by the CPU 214 while referring to the memory 216. Further, the memory 216 is a CPU 2
It is also used as 14 work areas.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the core unit 10. As shown in FIG. The image data from the reader unit 1 is sent to the data processing unit 3
21 and the control command from the reader unit 1
Transferred to U323. The data processing unit 321 performs image processing such as image rotation processing and scaling processing. The image data transferred from the reader unit 1 to the data processing unit 321 responds to a control command transferred from the reader unit 1. Facsimile unit 4, file unit 5, network interface unit 7 via interface unit 320
Transferred to

The network interface unit 7
Is transferred to the data processing unit 321 to determine whether the PDL is LIPS or PostScript, and is transferred to the appropriate formatter unit 8 or 9 for image data. Expands to data. The image data is transferred to the data processing unit 321 and then to the facsimile unit 4 and the printer unit 2.

The image data from the facsimile unit 4 is transferred to the data processing unit 321 and then to the printer unit 2, file unit 5, and network interface unit 7. The image data from the file unit 5 is transferred to the data processing unit 321 and then to the printer unit 2, facsimile unit 4, and network interface unit 7.

The CPU 323 performs such control according to a control program stored in the memory 324 and a control command transferred from the reader unit 1. The memory 324 is also used as a work area of the CPU 323. MIB (M
analysis Information Bas
e) A database called e) has been built and SNM
The printer unit 2 can be managed by communicating with a computer on the network via the P protocol.

In personal box printing, the communication unit communicates with the network interface unit 7 of another digital copying machine using, for example, the TCP / IP protocol, and passes through the core unit 10 of another digital copying machine to the reader unit 1 of another digital copying machine. The original in the personal box in the hard disk 257 of the image storage unit 255 of FIG. 5 in the image processing unit 211 of FIG.
0, The original image is received by the TCP / IP protocol via the network interface unit 7.

The original image received from the other digital copying machine is received from the network interface unit 7, passed through the core unit 10 and the reader unit 1, and then transmitted to the printer unit 2.
And print it out.

As described above, it is possible to perform processing combining functions such as reading of an original image, printing of an image, transmission and reception of an image, storage of an image, and input / output of data from / to a computer centering on the core unit 10. It has become.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the image processing unit 211.

The image subjected to A / D conversion and shading correction by the A / D / SH unit 210 is input as Black luminance data, and sent to the log conversion unit 250. The log conversion unit 250 stores an LUT for converting the input luminance data into density data, and converts the luminance data into density data by outputting a table value corresponding to the input data.

Thereafter, the density data is sent to the binarizing section 251. The binarization unit 251 binarizes the multi-valued density data, and the density value becomes “0” or “255”. Since the binarized 8-bit image data is converted into 1-bit image data of “0” or “1”, the amount of image data stored in the memory is reduced.

However, when the image is binarized as described above, the number of gradations of the image changes from 256 gradations to two gradations.
Generally, image data such as photographic images having a large number of halftones is significantly deteriorated by binarization. Therefore, it is necessary to perform pseudo halftone expression using binary data. For example, 2
An error diffusion method is used as a method for pseudo-halftone expression using value data. According to this method, if the density of a certain image is larger than a certain threshold value, it is determined that the density data is “255”, and if the density of the image is equal to or less than a certain threshold value, it is determined that the data is “0”. In this method, the difference between the actual density data and the binarized data is distributed to surrounding pixels as an error signal. The distribution of the error is performed by multiplying a weight coefficient on a matrix prepared in advance by the error generated by the binarization, and adding the result to surrounding pixels. As a result, the density average value of the entire image is stored, and the halftone can be represented in a pseudo binary manner.

The binarized image data is sent to the control unit 2
52. The bitmap image data obtained by expanding the PDL from the computer is input from the core unit 10, and this data has already been expanded as binary image data by the LIPS formatter unit 8 or the PS formatter unit 9 at the previous stage of the core unit 10. Control unit 2
52.

In accordance with a command from the main body 100, the control unit 252 uses a document read from the RDF or platen glass, an image passed through the A / D / SH unit 210, or a bitmap obtained by expanding the PDL from the interface unit 213. Is stored in the image storage unit 255 or the image storage unit 2
The image data is sequentially read from 55 and output.

The image storage unit 255 has a SCSI controller 256 and a hard disk (memory) 257.
The image data is written to the hard disk 257 according to a command from the CSI controller 256. Then, the plurality of image data stored in the hard disk 257 are printed in an order according to the editing mode specified by the operation unit. For example, when the PDL images sent from the first page are printed in reverse order and electronically sorted, the PDL bitmap images of all pages sent from the host device are temporarily stored in the hard disk 257, and then the last page is first stored in the hard disk 257. Hard disk 25 in order toward the page
The image is read from 7 and printed. This operation is repeated for the number of copies requested by the host device, thereby realizing electronic sorting.

The image data called from the image storage unit 255 and the image data not stored in the image storage unit 255 are sent to the smoothing unit 253. The smoothing unit 253 first converts the 1-bit data into 8-bit data, and sets the image data signal to “0” or “255”.

The converted image data is replaced with a weighted average value obtained by summing the values obtained by multiplying the density values of the neighboring pixels by the coefficients on a predetermined matrix. As a result, the binary data is converted into multi-valued data in accordance with the density value of the neighboring pixels, and an image quality closer to the read image can be reproduced.
The smoothed image data is input to the gamma correction unit 254. The γ correction unit 254 performs conversion using an LUT in consideration of the characteristics of the printer when outputting density data.
The output is adjusted according to the density value set on the operation unit.
As a result, the processed image is transferred to the printer unit 2,
Print output is performed.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a basic screen of the liquid crystal display panel of the operation unit.

This screen is a touch panel, and the functions are executed by touching the insides of the displayed functions.

An extended function key 501 is used to extend functions, and by pressing this key 501, page continuous copying, double-sided copying, multiple copying, moving, binding margin,
Enter a setting mode such as frame erasing. When the image mode key 502 is pressed, a setting mode for shading, shadowing, trimming, and masking the copied image is entered. A user mode key 503 is used to set a user use environment, for example, to set buzzer ON / OFF, and to set ON / OFF of cassette auto selection.
This is for setting OFF, setting the automatic density adjustment method, and the like. When the advanced zoom key 504 is pressed, the X
The mode enters a mode in which the magnification is independently changed in the direction and the Y direction, and a mode of a zoom program for calculating the magnification in accordance with the document size and the copy size.

The M1 key 505, the M2 key 506, and the M3 key 507 are keys to be pressed when recalling the registered mode memories. A call key 508 is a key pressed to register the current copy mode in each mode memory.

An option key 509 is a key for setting optional functions such as a film projector for copying directly from a film. Further, this key 509 is also pressed when setting a favorite key.

A sorter key 510 is used to set whether to use a mechanical sorter or an electronic sorter, to sort the sorter, and to set a mode such as group. The mixed original key 511 is a key that is pressed when an A4 size and an A3 size, or a B5 size and a B4 size original are set together in the original feeder.

The same-size key 512 is a key to be pressed when setting the copy magnification to 100%. Reduction key 514, enlargement key 5
Reference numeral 15 denotes a key to be pressed when performing a standard reduction or enlargement.
The zoom key 516 is a key for setting a magnification, for example, between 25% and 800%. The paper selection key 513 is
This key is pressed to select a copy sheet. Density key 5
18 and 520 are darkly copied each time the key 518 is pressed.
Each time the key 520 is pressed, a thin copy is made. Density display section 51
The display 7 changes right and left when the density keys 518 and 520 are pressed. An A key 519 is a key to be pressed for automatic density adjustment copying of a document with a dark background such as a newspaper.

The HiFi key 521 is a key to be pressed when copying a document having a high halftone density such as a photo document.
The character emphasis key 522 is a key to be pressed when characters are to be emphasized in copying a character document.

The guide key 523 is a key to be pressed when the function of a certain key is unknown, and the description of the key is displayed.

The copy key 524 is a key that is pressed when performing a copying operation. When the key 524 is pressed,
The basic screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed.

The fax key 525 is a key to be pressed when performing a fax. The file key 526 is a key to be pressed when outputting file data. A printer key 527 is a key that is pressed when the user wants to change the print density or refer to a print output result of a PDL image from a remote host device.

A form registration key 540 is used for setting a document set on the RDF as a form image as a form image on the hard disk 25.
7 is a key to be pressed when storing in the form area.

A form synthesizing key 541 is a key which is pressed when a plurality of form images stored in the form area of the hard disk 257 are selected, OR-combined with a document set on the RDF, and printed.

FIG. 7 is an example of a screen displayed when a button for instructing printing of a stored document (not shown) is pressed.

Reference numeral 701 denotes a column for displaying a document name representing the contents of the document, 702 a column for displaying the owner of the document, and 703 a column for displaying the date and time when the document was created. These pieces of information are stored in the hard disk 257 together with the document data. Also, it is obtained from another device via the network interface unit 7. By touching each row displayed in these columns, the document displayed at that position can be selected. Further, by touching the selected document, the selected state can be released.

Reference numerals 704 and 705 denote scroll keys.
If the list of documents does not fit in one screen, pressing these keys scrolls the display contents to display other documents.

Reference numeral 706 denotes a display condition change key, and when this key is pressed, a transition is made to a setting screen for changing the display condition shown in FIG. Reference numeral 707 denotes a document search key. When this key is pressed, the screen transitions to a screen shown in FIG. 9 for inputting a keyword for searching for a document. Reference numeral 708 denotes a detailed information key. When this key is pressed, the screen transitions to a screen for displaying detailed information of a document (not shown). The detailed information of the document indicates such information as the paper size and the number of pages of the document which are not displayed in FIG.

Reference numeral 709 denotes a print key. By pressing this key, a document in a selected state can be printed. Reference numeral 710 denotes a cancel key. Pressing this key interrupts the printing process of the stored document and makes a transition to the standard screen of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a screen for setting the display order of the document list displayed in FIG.

By pressing the key 801, the condition “display document names in Japanese alphabetical order” is set, and the list screen of FIG. 7 is updated. By pressing the key 802, the condition "display owners in alphabetical order" is set, and the list screen of FIG. 7 is updated. By pressing the key 803, a condition of "displaying the creation date and time in the new order" is set, and the list screen of FIG. 7 is updated. By pressing the key 804, a condition of "displaying creation date and time in chronological order" is set, and the list screen of FIG. 7 is updated. A key 805 is a cancel key. Pressing this key interrupts the display order setting process, and transits to FIG. 7 without changing the display order.

FIG. 9 is a screen for inputting a keyword for searching a document.

A keyword input area 901 is used to input a keyword into this area using a software keyboard shown in the lower half of FIG. Reference numeral 902 denotes a search key. By pressing this key, a keyword input area 9 is displayed.
A list of documents that match the keyword input at 01 is displayed on the screen of FIG. A key 903 is a cancel key. By pressing this key, the keyword input process is interrupted, and the process proceeds to FIG.

FIG. 10 is a screen for designating a network for searching for a device when obtaining document data and accompanying information such as a document name and an owner from another device via the network interface unit 7. .

Reference numeral 1001 denotes a list of networks to be searched. In this example, each network is obtained by separating a character string “XXXX (X is a number from 0 to 255)” representing a network and an 8-digit hexadecimal number representing a netmask with a symbol “:”. It is notation. List 10
By touching each row of 01, it is possible to select that row. Further, it is possible to cancel the selected state by touching the selected row. 100
Reference numeral 2 denotes an additional key. By pressing this key, a network to be searched can be added to the list.
Reference numeral 1003 denotes an edit key. By pressing this key, a line in a selected state can be edited. Reference numeral 1004 denotes a delete key. By pressing this key, a line in a selected state can be deleted.

Reference numeral 1005 denotes an enter key. Pressing this key saves the value set and terminates the process of setting the network to be searched. Reference numeral 1006 denotes a cancel key. By pressing this key, the set value is discarded.
The setting processing of the network to be searched ends.

FIG. 11 shows a processing procedure for displaying the document list of FIG.

In step 1101, a list N of networks to be searched when searching for the device set on the screen of FIG. 10 is obtained, and the process proceeds to step 1102. In step 1102, the processes in steps 1103 and 1104 are performed on each element of the list N obtained in step 1101. In step 1103, an inquiry is made to a certain element of the list N as to whether or not the element corresponds to the function proposed in the present invention. In step 1104, the address (device) that has responded to the inquiry is stored in the list L.

In step 1105, steps 1102-
The processing of steps 1106 and 1107 is performed on each element of the list L generated in 1104. Step 11
At 06, a list of documents is requested for an address which is an element of the list L. In step 1107, the list of acquired documents is stored in the list D.

In step 1108, steps 1105 to 1105
The contents of the list D generated in 1107 are displayed as a document list in FIG. 7 based on the display conditions set on the screen in FIG.

FIG. 12 shows a processing procedure when the print key 709 in FIG. 7 is pressed.

At step 1201, an inquiry is made to the address (device) at which the selected document is stored.
In step 1202, it is determined whether there is a response within a specified time. If there is a response, the process proceeds to step 1203, and if there is no response, the process proceeds to step 1206. In step 1203, the ID of the selected document is transmitted to the address (device) to request image data. In step 1204, it is determined whether or not the image data has been sent.
Transition to 05, if not sent, step 1
Transit to 207. In step 1205, the received image data is received, and printing is performed every time one page is received.

At step 1206, an error message indicating that communication with the address (device) was not normally performed is displayed. In step 1204, the address (device)
An error message indicating that image data could not be obtained from is displayed.

[0081]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The user can print a desired document from any device without being aware of which device stores the desired document. Even if the number of devices and the number of users are increased or the locations of the devices are dispersed, the document storage function can be effectively used.

Further, it is possible to prepare a plurality of document display conditions,
By providing a document search function, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required for a user to find a desired document.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal structure of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a reader unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a core unit.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing unit.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a basic screen of a liquid crystal display panel of an operation unit.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a stored document list screen of the operation unit.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display condition setting screen of the operation unit.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a document search screen of the operation unit.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a device search target network setting screen of the operation unit.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Leader section 2 Printer section 3 Image input / output control unit 4 Facsimile part 5 File section 6 Magneto-optical disk drive unit 7 Network interface 8 LIPS formatter 9 Postscript (PS) formatter 10 Core part 11 Workstation 12 Network server 13 Digital copier

   ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page    F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AQ06 AR03                       CQ27 CQ34 HJ06 HL04 HN19                 5B021 AA19 BB01 BB02 BB04 CC09                       EE04 NN18 PP04                 5C062 AA05 AA13 AA14 AB03 AB11                       AB20 AB23 AB41 AB42 AC05                       AC09 AC22 AC25 AC29 AC30                       AC61 AF13

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A system comprising a plurality of image forming apparatuses, wherein each image forming apparatus includes a first identification unit for uniquely identifying itself in the system, and a plurality of images stored therein. Second identification means for uniquely identifying data;
A communication unit that communicates with another image forming apparatus; a first storage unit that stores image data received through the communication unit; and a second storage unit that stores information identifying the image data received through the communication unit. Second storage means, display means for displaying identification information of all image data included in all devices stored in the second storage means, and print output means for printing out the image data. In the image forming apparatus, the first data obtaining means for obtaining the identification information of the image data stored in another image forming apparatus via the communication means, and the first data obtaining means obtained by using the first data obtaining means A second data acquisition unit for acquiring image data stored in another image forming apparatus via the communication unit based on the identification information; and printing out the acquired image data by the printing unit. Image forming system, characterized in that it comprises a control means for. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit is a network communication unit that performs network communication with a host device. 3. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the display unit performs display without making a user aware of which device stores the image data to be displayed. 4. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the display unit has a plurality of conditions for determining a display order when displaying a list of image data. 5. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the display means limits display contents based on information input by a user when displaying a list of image data.