JP2004078969A - Image forming apparatus, server machine and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve usability and operation efficiency for users in a printer system. <P>SOLUTION: A digital copier system 102, which has a set of applications that include a copy application, a scanner application and a printer application, is used in an image forming system that is provided with a plurality of client machines 103 and a file server 104 providing various services, which are connected with the digital copier system 102 via a network 101. The digital copier system 102 has a scanner/printer controller 107, which converts a specified command that is included in a print job into a command that is defined in a print profile if the print job, which is generated in the client machine 103, and the print profile to specify print conditions, which is held in the file server 104, are connected and then transmitted from the file server 104. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

{Circle around (1)} The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a server machine, and an image forming system in a network system which improves convenience when printing is performed using a printer device, a scanner device, a copier device, and the like via a network.

In recent years, various network systems have been used in general offices due to improvements in computer technology and various image processing technologies, improvement of network environment, development of communication technology, and the like.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic configuration of a network printing system which is an example of a conventional network system. A printer 1001 as a printer device for outputting an image to a recording sheet, and a network for connecting the printer 1001 to a network 1002 are shown. An interface controller (hereinafter abbreviated as NIC) 1003 and a printer controller that converts a print data stream input via the NIC 1003 into printable image data and outputs it to the printer 1001 and controls the printer 1001 1004, a plurality of workstations (hereinafter, referred to as WS) 1005 as client machines connected to the network 1002, a network 1002 and the NIC 1003, Printer 1001 and the printer controller 1004 and a plurality of WS1005 organically connected, and a printer server 1006 as a server machine for providing various services.

In the above configuration, the network printing system uses the printer 1001 as a common resource in a plurality of WSs 1005 arranged on the network 1002. That is, it is a shared type system through a network. For example, when printing is performed from one of the WSs 1005, the user first specifies files such as documents and image information to be printed on the WS 1005, sets print conditions such as the number of copies, and generates a print job.

Next, when the print job is transferred to the printer server 1006 via the network 1002, the print job is queued in time series by the print queue function of the printer server 1006. The printer server 1006 queues print jobs input from a plurality of WSs 1005 in the order of input (in chronological order).

The printer server 1006 transfers print jobs queued in time series by the print queue function to the printer controller 1004 via the network 1002 and the NIC 1003 in a predetermined order (for example, in the order of input). At the same time, a message (print completion notification) indicating that printing of the transferred print job has been completed is output to the corresponding WS 1005.

When a print job is input, the printer controller 1004 converts a print data stream in the input print job into printable image data and outputs the image data to the printer 1001, and controls the printer 1001 to print on a recording sheet. Form an image.

As described above, in the conventional network printing system, a print job output from each WS 1005 is temporarily input to the printer server 1006, and is managed in a time-series manner by the print queue function. The printer 1001 can be shared and used.

A network printing system based on a copier device is also provided in which a copier device is connected to a network instead of the printer 1001.

However, as one of the above-mentioned conventional network printing systems, a network printing system based on a copier device by connecting a copier device to the network via the network is conceivable. A function for improving the convenience of work for inputting image information from a copier device via a network has not been particularly provided.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and in a network printing / scanning system based on a copier apparatus, an appropriate message is generated based on a completed or interrupted state of a print job in a printer. It is an object of the present invention to provide a function of notifying a user and further improving the convenience and work efficiency of a work of inputting image information from a copier device via a network.

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 includes an image forming apparatus having an application group including a copy application, a scanner application, and a printer application, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus via a network. In an image forming apparatus used in an image forming system including a client machine and a server machine for providing various services, a print job generated by the client machine and printing conditions of the server machine are provided. When a print profile for designating the print job is transmitted from the server machine in a state of being joined, the predetermined command included in the print job is replaced with a command defined in the print profile, and the replacement is performed. Executing the print job based on the received command. That.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, when the print profile is not joined to the print job, printing is performed based on a predetermined command included in the print job. It is characterized by executing a job.

In addition, a server machine according to claim 3 includes an image forming apparatus having an application group including a copy application, a scanner application, and a printer application, and a plurality of client machines connected to the image forming apparatus via a network. A server machine used in an image forming system including a server machine that provides various services receives a print job generated by the client machine and uses the print profile by the client machine. When selected, the print job and the print profile are joined, and the print job and the print profile are sent to the image forming apparatus in a joined state.

An image forming system according to a fourth aspect includes an image forming apparatus having an application group including a copy application, a scanner application, and a printer application, and a plurality of client machines connected to the image forming apparatus via a network. In an image forming system including a server machine that provides various services, the client machine generates a print job, and the server machine includes a print profile for causing the client machine to specify print conditions. When the use of the print profile is selected by the client machine, the image forming apparatus includes a joining unit that joins the print job and the print profile. Are joined When receiving from the server machine, a predetermined command included in the print job is replaced with a command defined in the print profile, and the print job is executed based on the replaced command. I do.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, an image forming apparatus having an application group including a copy application, a scanner application, and a printer application, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus via a network. In an image forming apparatus used in an image forming system including a client machine and a server machine that provides various services, a print job generated by the client machine and print conditions that the server machine has are specified. When a print profile for a job is sent from the server machine in a state of being joined, a predetermined command included in the print job is replaced with a command defined in the print profile, and printing is performed based on the replaced command. By executing a job, the print profile can be changed. It is possible to set the print condition of each user used have an effect that can be provided an image forming apparatus with improved convenience for the user.

Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, when the print profile is not joined to the print job, the print job is executed based on a predetermined command included in the print job. According to the execution configuration, even when the print profiles are not joined, printing can be automatically performed with a predetermined command, so that an image forming apparatus with improved convenience for the user can be provided.

According to the server machine of the third aspect, an image forming apparatus having an application group including a copy application, a scanner application, and a printer application, a plurality of client machines connected to the image forming apparatus via a network, and In a server machine used in an image forming system including a server machine that provides various services, a print job generated by a client machine is received, and use of a print profile is selected by the client machine. In this case, the print job and print profile are joined, and the print job and print profile are joined and sent to the image forming apparatus, so that the print conditions for each user are set using the print profile. Can be used Runode, an effect that it provides a server machine with improved convenience for the user.

According to the image forming system of the present invention, an image forming apparatus having an application group including a copy application, a scanner application, and a printer application, a plurality of client machines connected to the image forming apparatus via a network, and 2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming system including a server machine that provides various services, a client machine generates a print job, and a server machine includes a print profile for allowing a client machine to specify printing conditions and a client profile. When the use of a print profile is selected by the machine, a joining means for joining the print job and the print profile is provided, and the image forming apparatus sends the print job and the print profile from the server machine in a joined state. If received, print Jobs are replaced with the commands defined in the print profile, and the print job is executed based on the replaced commands, thereby setting the print conditions for each user using the print profile. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming system with improved convenience for the user.

A method for notifying a print job execution result, a method for setting scan conditions in a network system, and a network printing / scanning system in a network system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to network printing based on a copier apparatus including a scanner and a printer. / Scanning system as an example
[1] System configuration of this embodiment [2] Function of each part configuring system [3] Software and hardware configuration of digital copier system [4] Data processing flow of scanner / printer controller [5] Network operation [6] Network printer function of this embodiment [7] Network scanner function of this embodiment [8] Status inquiry function of this embodiment [9] Refer to drawings in order of printer driver, scanner driver and utility And will be described in detail.

[1] System Configuration of the Present Embodiment The network printing / scanning system of the present invention requires a plurality of client machines, a digital copier system, and a LAN (local area network) system to be used. It is composed of a network and an OS.

There are various types of network OSs, such as those that require a file server machine and those that have both a server function and a client function on a single client machine. Here, the network / OS is not particularly mentioned. Anyway, in this system configuration, there is a physical LAN configuration, some network OS is incorporated, and by using them, any client machine and digital copier system can be connected to the server machine (on which The overall configuration will be described on the assumption that bidirectional communication can be performed via operating server software.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic hardware configuration of a network printing / scanning system according to the present embodiment, which is roughly divided into a network-compatible digital copier system 102 connected to a network 101 and a client connected to the network 101. A server that provides various services by organically connecting a plurality of workstations (hereinafter, referred to as WS) 103 as machines and a digital copier system and a plurality of WSs 103 via a network 101. And a file server 104 which is a machine.

The digital copier system 102 includes a copier device 105 including a scanner 110a and a printer 110b, a network interface controller (hereinafter, referred to as NIC) 106 for connecting the copier device 105 to the network 101, and a NIC 106. A scanner / printer controller 107 for converting the input print data stream into printable image data and outputting the print data stream to the copier device 105, and controlling the copier device 105, and a facsimile (FAX) modem connected to a telephone line And a hard disk drive (HDD) 109 connected to the scanner / printer controller 107.

The copier apparatus 105 is a copier apparatus that is completed by itself, and includes a scanner 110a having an ARDF (automatic reversing document feeder) and a printer 110b having abundant paper handling (paper feed tray, double-sided apparatus, paper ejection apparatus) And an image processing unit (IPU) 110c for performing various image processing on video data read by the scanner 110a or video data input from the scanner / printer controller 107. An operation panel 110 having a touch panel mounted thereon, and a copier controller 112 for controlling the copier engine unit 110 and controlling input / output of the operation panel 111 are provided.

The operation panel 111 is composed of, for example, a display unit of a 400 × 640 dot LCD and a touch panel divided into 16 × 16 areas. Function settings and scanner function settings are possible. Further, status messages required by the scanner / printer function can be displayed.

The control of the copier engine unit 110 by the copier controller 112 includes checking the configuration of the copier engine unit 110 in order to determine what options are installed, and checking the state of each paper feed tray. , The status of the duplexer, the status of the paper output device, the status of the ARDF, the setting of the paper path for each of the above units, the activation of the operation of the scanner 110a / printer 110b, the progress of the process This indicates the control for confirming the error and for checking the situation in detail when an error occurs.

As shown, the scanner / printer controller 107 and the copier device 105 instruct a video interface (interface A) for inputting image data read by the scanner 110a and outputting image data to the printer 110b and a scanner / printer operation. The operation panel 111 is connected by a command / response interface (interface B) that communicates with the operation panel 111 and performs communication with the operation panel 111.

The scanner / printer controller 107 is connected to the network 101 via the NIC 106, and receives a printer data stream, scanner operation / edit commands, and read image data.

Further, the scanner / printer controller 107 is connected to an external telephone line by a FAX modem 108, restores the received FAX data, converts the FAX data to the resolution of the printer 110b if necessary, converts the FAX data into a page buffer memory ( (Not shown) and temporarily outputs the print data to the copier apparatus 105. Also, in the case of FAX transmission, if a FAX transmission instruction and a destination telephone number are added to the print data at the time of transfer from the host (WS 103), FAX transmission is executed. At this time, if the receiver at the transmission destination receives the same print data (here, print data expressed in a printer language instead of a bit image), the data is transferred through the FAX modem 108 with the data stream as it is. On the other hand, if it is a general FAX receiver, after converting to a FAX transmission image, necessary data compression is further performed, and transmission is performed through the FAX modem 108. In this system, the facsimile function will not be described any further.

Although not shown, the scanner / printer controller 107 has a general parallel and serial interface as a printer connection interface, and has a SCSI-2 interface as a scanner connection interface. Therefore, it can be used as a normal one-to-one connection printer and scanner. Here, the interface of the one-to-one connection will not be further described. Hereinafter, it is assumed that all data input / output of the scanner / printer is performed via the network 101.

(4) The scanner / printer controller 107 has a function of performing input / output of a printer and input / output of a scanner centering on a page buffer memory. Here, the outline of the input / output of the printer and the outline of the local input of the scanner will be described.

In the input / output of the printer, the print data transferred from the WS 103 to the scanner / printer controller 107 is data corresponding to a printer language supported by the scanner / printer controller 107. Printer languages include, for example, PostScript and PCL. The scanner / printer controller 107 can be variously used, such as one that supports a single printer language, one that supports a plurality of printer languages, and the like. The printer language to be used for printing is selected in advance by a command from the WS 103, is set by using the operation panel 111 immediately before using the copier apparatus 105, or the scanner / printer controller is used. In 107, the printer language data is automatically determined and automatically switched.

The scanner / printer controller 107 converts print data (print data stream) input from the WS 103 to generate image data in a page buffer memory in units of one page, and sends the image data to the copier engine unit 110 in units of one page. Output raster data.

The local input of the scanner is performed according to the following input operation procedure (operation order).
(1) Using the operation panel 111, a scan profile (to be described in detail later) generated and registered in advance in the WS 103 is selected.
(2) The original to be read is set on the reading table of the scan 110a.
(3) Press the start key on the operation panel 111 to start document scanning.
(4) The scan data is directly compressed into image data in units of one page and stored in the page buffer memory of the scanner / printer controller 107.
(5) Subsequently, if the page buffer memory has a capacity enough to store the data of one page of the next original, the scanning operation is continuously performed. If the capacity of the page buffer memory is insufficient, the scan operation is waited until data is moved to the HDD 109 which is a local hard disk connected to the scanner / printer controller 107.
(6) When there are a plurality of scan pages, a file is automatically added to the file name by adding a page order number.
(7) After the compressed data is temporarily stored in the HDD 109, it is compressed and decompressed again on the page buffer memory, converted into the designated TIFF, and stored in the external file server 104 in units of one job. You.

The above is the transfer operation of the image data in the scanner operation. Naturally, the transferred image data is read out by the user onto the WS 103 and used for some purpose. The write operation and the read operation are completely separated by using a file as an interface.

(4) In the above operation, when writing image data to the HDD 109, image data compression is performed in order to improve memory efficiency and data storage speed. Also, when transferring image data from the HDD 109 to the file server 104 side, image data may be compressed in order to reduce the amount of data. However, the image data may be stored in the secondary memory and transferred to the WS 103. The image data compression method at the time does not need to be the same, and each can take an independent method. Both should use a convenient compression method. In this embodiment, the TIFF format is used for the image file (image data) transferred from the scanner / printer controller 107 to the file server 104.

(4) When the reading operation of all the originals is completed, the user removes the original, returns to the WS 103 where the user operates with the original, and releases the copier apparatus 105 to another user. Therefore, unlike the conventional scanner, the scanner is not occupied until all the scanning operations and operations are completed.

Next, an output operation operation (operation procedure) performed by the user in the WS 103 will be briefly described.
(1) Access the image file read from the file server 104 using utility software from the WS 103.
Here, it is possible to upload all image data as an image file without converting it as it is, but at least on the file server 104 side, it is possible to match the transfer format requested by the utility software of the WS 103. is necessary. In this embodiment, no special conversion is required because the TIFF format is used.
(2) When moving an image file on the file server 104 side to the WS 103 side, there are two methods, a COPY function and a MOVE function. The COPY function transfers an image file to the WS 103 while leaving the original image file on the file server 104 side. The MOVE function deletes the image file on the file server 104 immediately after the image file is correctly transferred to the WS 103 side.
(3) The image file moved to the WS 103 is incorporated into commercially available application software capable of handling images, thereby achieving the final purpose.

[2] Function of Each Unit Constituting the System Next, the function of each unit (the network 101, the digital copier system 102, the WS 103, and the file server 104) constituting the system will be described.

The file server 104 (the server machine of the present invention) has the functions shown in Tables 1 and 2 below.

The NIC 106 (the network interface controller of the present invention) has the functions shown in Table 3 below.

The scanner / printer controller 107 (the scanner / printer controller of the digital copier system of the present invention) has the functions shown in Tables 4 and 5 below.

The WS 103 (the client machine of the present invention) has the functions shown in Table 6 below.

[3] Software and Hardware Configuration of Digital Copier System FIG. 2 shows the overall software configuration of the digital copier system of the present embodiment, and the lowest layer is a software called a driver that drives a hardware interface. There are groups (Interface Drivers). These are controlled based on an embedded real-time / multitasking OS (System OS), and a plurality of irregularly occurring task groups are scheduled and executed without delay.

(4) On the embedded OS, there are a group of manager software for efficiently using common hardware resources such as a memory / timer, and a group of system utility software that can be commonly used by each application.

(4) The driver group, manager group, and utility group are provided with interfaces for real applications, and are used by real applications (Embedded Applications) such as printer / scanner / FAX transmission / FAX reception.

The NIC driver, HDD driver, FAX modem driver, and host driver exchange data between the NIC 106, HDD 109, and FAX modem 108 and each application or utility. The host driver is a parallel / serial interface for printers and a scanner. And data exchange between the device side and the host side.

(4) The engine driver exchanges status with the copier engine unit 110, sets paper handling, activates print / scan, communicates with the operation panel 111, and the like.

The printer driver controls input / output of printer video data (DMA settings, smoothing settings, etc.). The scanner driver controls input of scanner video data (DMA settings, data compression method settings, scan mode settings.) Etc.).

The memory manager manages the RAM, and dynamically allocates memory by providing or releasing one physical memory according to each task or application request, and efficiently using limited memory. It is often used.

The file manager is for efficiently managing the HDD 109 as the secondary memory, and is software for managing a file list, registering / deleting a file name, and controlling a chain between a list and a real storage area.

(4) The timer can be used in common by each task and application, and the right to use the timer is handed over as necessary.

(4) The font manager provides font data required by each printer language upon request.

Data compression, image rotation, etc. are software groups that can be used in common when processing images with scanners, printers, FAX transmissions, and FAX receptions. There are various other software groups that can be used in common. Is omitted.

FIG. 3 shows the overall hardware configuration of the digital copier system of the present embodiment, which is a general hardware configuration, and includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a timer 304, and a host which is a physical interface. I / F 305, NIC I / F 306, FAX modem I / F 307, engine I / F 310, operation panel I / F 311 and HDD I / F 312, and printer video DMA I / F 308 which is an input / output control part of a printer / scanner video signal. , A scanner, a video, a DMA I / F 309, and the like.

The input / output of video signals to / from the printer / scanner is fast. Direct input / output to / from the memory by DMA, smoothing control at the output of the printer (image quality improvement technology), data compression at the input of the scanner, etc. are ASIC / LSI etc. (Printer / video / DMAI / F 308 and scanner / video / DMAI / F 309).

The RAM 303 has a scalable configuration and is physically one continuous memory, but is logically used for multiple purposes by the memory manager. Each application software or utility software requests the memory capacity required by the software from the memory manager, acquires the memory capacity, and starts work. If a sufficient memory capacity cannot be obtained, work cannot be performed, and the user must wait until the memory becomes available. For example, if there is a request from the scanner during operation of the printer, both functions will operate if there is sufficient memory capacity, but if insufficient, the scanner function will wait until the printer function ends.

(4) The ROM 302 stores necessary programs, but the programs may be stored in the HDD 109. In this case, only a program for loading a necessary program from the HDD 109 may be stored in the ROM 302. The loaded program operates on the RAM 303.

The program provided on the ROM 302 or the HDD 109 is modularized for each application software. For example, the above-described scanner service software (scanner application software) is loaded into one ROM module or loaded into the HDD 109. Independent of the above, the scanner function can be made optional and provided only to the user who needs it, thereby avoiding the burden on the user who does not need the scanner function.

[4] Data Processing Flow of Scanner / Printer Controller Next, a data processing flow of the scanner / printer controller 107 will be described. In general, print data is finally printed on recording paper as raster data while changing its form in the controller. The data form is changed between memory-to-memory (transfer between memories), resulting in a flow as shown in FIG. In the figure, processing a to processing e indicate change processing performed between memory-to-memory.

The specific contents of the processes a to e are as follows.
Process a: Synchronizing a data stream asynchronously transferred from the outside using an input data buffer.
Process b: The data stream is divided into job units and stored in the job data buffer. The job unit means a printer language unit (ex: PCL, 5 / PS2) and a user unit.
Process c: Each job is converted into intermediate data (display list) in page units. This is two-dimensional arrangement data including actual page layout information, funt information, and paper size information.
Process d: Intermediate data is fixed in page units and mechanically converted to a raster image.
Process e: The frame is synchronized with the copier engine unit 110 and output as video data.

(4) Reverse page control for the face-up stack and jump page control for duplex printing are performed by storing them in the HDD in the form of intermediate data and searching for the required page order.

In general, there are the following three data formats when saving page data (intermediate data) to the HDD, but the data is stored as intermediate data or raster data for reverse page control and interlaced page control. I do.

(1) Storage as a job data file One job often includes a plurality of pages. In general, the conditions specified on the previous page (for example, the specification of the font, the specification of the page format, and the like) are often inherited by the subsequent page and have an influence. Therefore, the page order cannot be controlled for each job, and this method cannot be adopted.

(2) Storage as intermediate page data (display list) file Files can be stored in page units, and page order control is possible. As an advantage, the data volume is generally small. Data volume does not depend on resolution. On the downside, it takes time to convert to a final raster. Downloads, fonts, etc. may be deleted during the job.

(3) Storage as a raster data file Data can be stored in page units, and page order control is possible. As an advantage, no post-processing time is required because the data has already been converted to raster. It is certain because it is the final data format. As a disadvantage, the data amount is large. The amount of data depends on the resolution.

(4) Whether to store the data in the HDD using the intermediate data or the raster data is limited to the intermediate data having a small data amount in consideration of the input / output data transfer rate to the HDD. The input / output time to the HDD becomes a bottleneck, and print performance is greatly affected.

(4) Assuming that 40 bytes are added per character, the standard text for performance regulation (average about 5 Kbytes / page) is 200 Kbytes / page for intermediate data. Assuming that 100 pages are prepared as a spooler for reverse page control and interlaced page control, a capacity of 20 Mbytes is required for the HDD. When configuring a multi-function machine with the digital copier system 102, a large amount of memory (HDD) is included. It is good to assume in advance how much HDD capacity is required. The allocation shown in Table 7 seems appropriate for general use.

[5] Network operation Next, the network operation will be described.
A multi-function machine based on the digital copier system 102, in particular, a printer / scanner copier, is a shared-type system product via a network. Of course, it can be used as a one-to-one printer through a general serial / parallel interface, and can also be used as a one-to-one scanner through SCSI. However, a driver / utility used through a network is more important.

For the network printing / scanning system of the present embodiment, the first priority is given to Novell's NetWare. The protocol used for network communication supports NetWare IPX / SPX and Unix TCP / IP, and Apple's AppleTalk, but for simplicity of description, only the NetWare environment is limited.

サ ー ビ ス The service provided as a network solution of this system is MFSA. It is provided via an NLM (Multi-function Service Agent) and client side driver / utility software that communicates therewith. The services provided are as follows.

(1) Network printing system (MFSA.NLM / Printer)
-Print completion notification message-Print profile handling (confirmation and selection)
-Print queue handling (confirmation and selection)
(2) Network scanning system (MFSA.NLM / Scanner)
-Scan profile handling-Scan image file handling (3) Network Curie function-Printer status-Scanner status

However, MFSA. NLM / Printer and MFSA. The NLM / Scanner is in a separable form. For example, MFSA. NLM / Printer is included in the NIC Option Kit, and MFSA. The NLM / Scanner can be included in the scan option kit and provided to the customer as a separate option each.

Note that the Network は Query function is compatible with It operates independently of the NLM, and the client-side software communicates directly with the printer and NIC.

[6] Network printer function of this embodiment The network printing / scanning system of this embodiment has two features of the network printer function: (1) a print completion notification and (2) a print profile definition. Provide service functions to customers.

Here, the print completion notification service function is to provide a print completion notification message to the client side (WS 103) when the print output is actually completed after a print request is made. Further, an appropriate message service is provided not only when the printing is completed but also when the printing is interrupted due to a jam or a running out of paper.

(4) The print profile definition service function allows the unique paper path and paper handling (for example, output bin designation, staple designation, etc.) of this system to be defined in the print job profile. If the user specifies his or her own paper path or paper handling when performing his print, the print can be performed as desired without using a printer driver dedicated to this system. Can be.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a network printing operation and a job flow in a NetWare environment.

On the WS 103 side, a printer driver, a printer network utility, and print notice software are installed.

The file server 104 includes a print queue server (identical to the existing one), a print profile, a message queue, and an MFSA. NLM is mounted.

The NIC 106 of the digital copier system 102 is equipped with print server software for extracting a print job from a print queue and software for returning print notices (print execution results).

The scanner / printer controller 107 includes software for queuing a print job, software for executing printing, and software for generating a message for an execution result and transferring the message to the NIC 106.

Here, the (1) print completion notification will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. All print jobs generated by the printer driver on the WS 103 side are transferred to a print queue of Novell1 / NetWare. A plurality of NetWare print queues can be assigned to one printer. At this time, at least one queue is assigned as a normal NetWare print queue, and the other queue is MFSA. It is allocated as a print queue for NLM / Printer. MFSA. When a print job is requested through the NLM, the user can receive a print completion notification message when the actual printing is completed.

The operation flow of the print completion notification will be described with reference to FIG. First, a print job generated by the printer driver on the WS 103 is transferred to a print queue on the file server 104 via the network (LAN) 101. The print queue queues print jobs transferred from a plurality of WSs 103 on the network 101 in the order of input (that is, in chronological order).

Next, PSERVER (print job input software) on the NIC 106 pulls out the print job from the print queue on the file server 104 via the network 101, and extracts the drawn print job from the scanner / printer controller 107. Transfer to

(4) The scanner / printer controller 107 stores the input print job in a local print queue in the scanner / printer controller 107.

Next, the scanner / printer controller 107 fetches the print jobs from the local print queue in time series, transfers the print jobs to the copier apparatus 105, and executes the print jobs.

Thereafter, when printout is actually completed in the copier apparatus 105 or when the job is interrupted due to paper jam, paperout, or the like, the scanner / printer controller 107 generates a corresponding message and transfers it to the NIC 106. . The NIC 106 transmits the input message to the MFSA. Transfer to NLM.

{MFSA. The NLM stores the message transferred from the NIC 106 in a message queue, extracts the message in time series, and delivers the message to the print job requester (WS 103).

As described above, in the present system, when the print job is completed on the copier apparatus 105 side, the scanner / printer controller 107 generates a message according to the completion state of the print job, and sends the message via the NIC 106 and the file server 104. Since the message is delivered to the corresponding WS 103, an appropriate message can be generated and notified to the user based on the completed or interrupted state of the print job in the copier apparatus 105 (that is, the printer).

On the other hand, in the case of a normal NetWare printing system, the user cannot receive a message when printing is actually completed. However, the print completion notification can be received by the conventional NetWare, but when the print job is transferred from the print queue on the file server 104 to the scanner / printer controller 107, the file server 104 notifies the print completion. Is output, which is irrelevant to whether or not printing is actually completed. Therefore, even if printing was interrupted for some reason, it could not be received as a message. However, as described above, in the system of this embodiment, a print completion notification is generated when printing is actually completed, and an appropriate message can be received when the printing is interrupted.

@Regarding the reception of the message on the WS 103 side, for example, the user may use the MFSA. Even if a print job is requested through the NLM, there is a case where it is troublesome to receive a print completion notification (including a stop notification) or a case where it is desired not to disturb the current work. Therefore, in this embodiment, the user (WS 103) can set whether to receive the print completion notification. Specifically, a selection switch for selecting whether or not a print completion notification is required is provided in a print profile to be described later, or a required / unnecessary selection item is provided in a utility for a print function and the item is selected. May be used as a switch.

{However, the scanner / printer controller 107 generates a print completion / interruption notification message regardless of the necessity / unnecessity of the user, and always transfers it to the NIC 106. The NIC 106 always sends the message to the MFSA. Transfer to NLM. Here, if MFSA. If the NLM does not receive the message (for example, a failure), the NIC 106 repeats the transfer operation several times at a certain time interval. If the message cannot be transferred even after repeating the predetermined number of times, the corresponding message is discarded.

{As described above, the MFSA. The NLM stores the message from the scanner / printer controller 107 in a message queue and returns the message to the requesting user (WS 103) of the corresponding print job. At this time, if the WS 103 does not need to receive the print completion / interruption notification message, the corresponding message is discarded.

If the user has already logged out, the MFSA. The NLM temporarily stores the corresponding message, and immediately returns the message when the same user logs on again. If the job requesting user logs off and is not turned on during a preset period, the MFSA. The NLM automatically discards the message.

The following messages a) to d) are prepared as print completion / interruption messages.
a) Print Completion with success
b) Print Suspension with paper jam
c) Print Suspension with paper out
d) Print Suspension with some error

Next, (2) the definition and control procedure of the print profile will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In both Windows and DOS environments, users create their own print profiles and use MFSA. You can register with the NLM. The print profile controls print jobs such as paper handling and print-out finishing.

First, a print job generated by the printer driver on the WS 103 is transferred to a print queue on the file server 104 via the network (LAN) 101. The print queue queues print jobs transferred from a plurality of WSs 103 on the network 101 in the order of input (that is, in chronological order).

On the other hand, the print profile created by the print network utility on the WS 103 is transferred to the print profile on the file server 104 via the network (LAN) 101, and the MFSA. Stored and held by the NLM.

Next, when PSERVER (print job input software) on the NIC 106 extracts a print job from the print queue on the file server 104 via the network 101, the MFSA. The NLM checks whether the print profile of the user of the print job has been registered or has been requested.

{MFSA. The NLM combines a print job file with a print profile when a corresponding print profile exists and is requested to be used. The combined print job and print profile are transferred to the NIC 106.

The NIC 106 transfers the print job including the print profile to the scanner / printer controller 107.

(4) The scanner / printer controller 107 stores the input print job in a local print queue in the scanner / printer controller 107.

Next, the scanner / printer controller 107 fetches the print jobs from the local print queue in time series, transfers the print jobs to the copier apparatus 105, and executes the print jobs. At this time, if the print profile is included, the command in the print job is replaced with the command in the print profile (overwriting).

Thereafter, when printout is actually completed in the copier apparatus 105 or when the job is interrupted due to paper jam, paperout, or the like, the scanner / printer controller 107 generates a corresponding message and transfers it to the NIC 106. . The NIC 106 transmits the input message to the MFSA. Transfer to NLM.

{MFSA. The NLM stores the message transferred from the NIC 106 in a message queue, extracts the message in time series, and delivers the message to the print job requester (WS 103).

As described above, in the system according to the present embodiment, when a print profile is created on the WS 103 side and the use of the print profile is set, the old print profile is rewritten with the new print profile on the scanner / printer controller 107 side. When the user wants to change the print condition, the contents of the print profile can be changed. In addition, a print profile can be set for each print job, which improves convenience.

{Also, the MFSA. When the use of the print profile is requested, the NLM combines the print profile with the print job data and transfers it to the scanner / printer controller 107.

(4) The print profile describes commands related to paper handling. If there is a request to use the print profile, the scanner / printer controller 107 invalidates the command related to paper handling described in the actual print data and validates the command described in the print profile. To

On the other hand, if the use of the print profile is not required, the MFSA. The NLM transfers only actual print data to the scanner / printer controller 107, and does not transfer a print profile. At this time, the print job performs a normal print operation.

In addition, MFSA. The NLM has a default print profile, which can be copied and assigned by a printer network utility (software) on the WS 103 side, assigned a user name, edited, and changed / registered. It is also possible to re-edit or rename a print profile that has already been registered.

(4) The print job data is queued in a print queue on the file server 104, then extracted in time series, and transferred to the scanner / printer controller 107. When a print job is extracted from the print queue and transferred to the scanner / printer controller 107, the MFSA. The NLM checks whether a print profile with the same user name exists, and if a print profile with the same user name exists and a use request is made, the NLM changes the print profile to the print job. After joining at the beginning, the job is transferred to the scanner / printer controller 107 as a new print job file.

On the other hand, if the print profile does not exist or its use is prohibited, the MFSA. The NLM transfers the print profile to the scanner / printer controller 107 without joining the print profile to the print job. At this time, the print job is handled as normal print data.

When the scanner / printer controller 107 detects that a print profile is joined to the print job, the scanner / printer controller 107 converts a command related to paper handling included in the original print job into a command defined in the print profile. Replace. Therefore, the user can execute printing in a form different from the setting contents set by the printer driver on the WS 103 side. This function is effective on a DOS client machine, and can be effectively used on a Windows client machine. For example, you can set the output tray permanently until you change the user's own output tray. Once set, the output tray assigned to the user can be set without having to set the output tray in the printer driver each time. Can always be printed out.

Table 8 below shows the items that can be set and registered in the print profile. Note that items that can be replaced by commands are defined as print profile items.

[7] Network Scanner Function of the Present Embodiment FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a network scanning operation and a job flow in a NetWare environment.

The WS 103 is equipped with a scanner driver, a scan profile handler, and a scan image file handler. Note that both the scan profile handler and the scan image file handler are collectively called a scanner network utility.

The file server 104 has a scan profile, a scan image file, and an MFSA. NLM (here, MFSA. NLM / Scanner) software is installed.

@ The NIC 106 stores the scan profile and the scan image file in the MFSA. NLM, and delivers it to the scanner / printer controller 107. It also receives a scan image file from the scanner / printer controller 107 and receives the MFSA. The software to be delivered to NLM is installed. These are functionally the same as the network printer function.

(4) The scanner / printer controller 107 handles the scan profile and displays the selected image on the operation panel 111, the software for executing the local scanning, and the scan image file (image file) through the NIC 106 into the MFSA. The software to be delivered to NLM is installed.

The operation of the network scanner function can be divided into the following three stages. The operations of these three stages can be executed independently in time.
Stage 1: Scan profile handling Stage 2: Local scanning Stage 3: Scan image file handling

Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the contents of work performed in each stage will be specifically described. First stage: The following operations are performed in scan profile handling.
1) Generation of scan profile on WS103 (operation of scanner driver)
2) Copy the scan profile to the MFSA. Transfer / register to NLM (scanner / driver work)
3) Display a list of registered scan profiles (work with scanner network utility or OS command)
4) MFSA. Scan profile reading confirmation from NLM (work of scanner network utility)
5) Editing / changing the read scan profile (work of the scanner / network utility)
6) Re-register the read scan profile (operation of the scanner network utility)
7) MFSA. Delete existing scan profile on NLM (work with scanner network utility or OS command)
8) MFSA. Rename existing scan profile on NLM (work with scanner network utility or OS command)
9) Activate scan profile priority (operation of scanner network utility)

In this embodiment, all scan profiles are MFSA. It is stored on the file server 104 by the NLM. The scanner / printer controller 107 stores copies of all scan profiles on the scanner / printer controller 107. Thereafter, if any changes are made to the scan profile, the copy on scanner / printer controller 107 is immediately updated.

{Also, the MFSA. The NLM is activated when transferring a scan profile to the scanner / printer controller 107. The timing is when a new scan profile is registered in the scan profile in the file server 104, when it is updated, and when the power is turned on. In other words, the MFSA. Is set so that all the scan profiles on the scanner / printer controller 107 are always the latest. NLM becomes active.

{Also, the MFSA. A default scan profile is prepared for the scan profile managed by the NLM. The default scan profile is copied by the scanner network utility on the WS 103 side, and the name is changed, edited, changed, and re-registered. Can be.

と し て As another embodiment, all scan profiles are stored in MFSA. A method in which storage is performed only on the file server 104 by the NLM and a copy of the scan profile is not stored on the scanner / printer controller 107 may be used. In this case, a required scan profile on the file server 104 is transferred to the scanner / printer controller 107 each time in response to a request from the scanner / printer controller 107.

The following shows the items managed by the scan profile.
a) Specification of document size and direction b) Specification of document conveyance mode c) Specification of document reading quality d) Specification of resolution e) Specification of scan area f) Specification of brightness g) Specification of contrast h) Specification of threshold i) Specification of image file name j) Specification of TIFF parameters

Next, the work content of the second stage: local scanning will be described with reference to FIG.
1) Activating the network scanner function from the operation panel 111 2) Displaying a list of scan profile names on the operation panel 111 However, at the top of the list, the latest scan profile specified by the user (WS 103) is given priority. Bring your name. Also, the name of the recently used scan profile is preferentially displayed at the top of the list.
3) Designation / selection of name of desired scan profile Note that a list of contents of the scan profile is displayed as a result.
4) Check the list of contents of the scan profile. 5) Mount the document on the feeder (ARDF). 6) Press the scan start switch (copy start switch), and start scanning as a result. In the case of a multi-document scan by the ARDF, the repetition of Feed-in, Scanning, and Feed-out is automatically executed until all documents are completed.
7) Temporarily compress the scanned image and store it in HDD 109 8) After completion of all scans, extract image data from HDD 109, decompress and convert to TIFF again under specified conditions 9) Convert TIFF through NIC 106 The MFSA. Transfer to NLM 10) MFSA. NLM stores the received TIFF in the memory in the file server 104

To perform local scanning, a scan profile can be selected from the operation panel 111 on the copier apparatus 105. Further, prior to executing local scanning from the utility on the WS 103 side, a scan profile to be selected can be activated. The name of the most recently activated or used scan profile is displayed at the top of the list.

After the local scanning is completed according to the procedure, the scanner / printer controller 107 transfers the stored image file to the MFSA. Transfer to NLM. MFSA. If the NLM is not ready to receive the image file (eg, lack of file space, failure of file server 104, etc.), the image file is stored in scanner / printer controller 107. Thereafter, the MFSA. When the NLM becomes communicable again, the scanner / printer controller 107 immediately stores the image file in the MFSA. Transfer to NLM. In this case, the scanner / printer controller 107 repeats the image file transfer operation several times at designated time intervals.

If the scanner / printer controller 107 runs out of space for storing an image file during local scanning, the scanner / printer controller 107 displays a message on the operation panel 111 indicating that memory space is insufficient.

Also, if a document feed jam occurs during local scanning, the scanner / printer controller 107 displays the number of originals scanned so far and confirms the number of originals to be continued in order to confirm the number of originals to be continued. Prompts the user for the document number. At this time, the scanner / printer controller 107 combines the previously stored image file with the image file input in the subsequent scan.

(4) In order to prevent double feeding of the document, the scanner / printer controller 107 displays the number of pages that have already been scanned on the operation panel 111 during the execution of the scanning operation. When all the scans have been completed, the total number of pages is displayed, so that the user can confirm whether or not the double feed has resulted as a result of checking the number of originals and the number of scans completed.

In addition, various errors and problems can occur when performing local scanning. In that case, it is necessary to display an appropriate message on the operation panel 111. In this embodiment, the following message is displayed.
a) Insufficient memory when executing image processing b) Insufficient capacity of local hard disk (HDD 109) c) Processing is too complicated to proceed with processing d) Scan profile name is invalid e Insufficient storage space in file server 104

After the local scanning is completed, the scanner / printer controller 107 displays the name of the corresponding image file on the operation panel 111. The display of the name of the image file is necessary for the user to perform subsequent processing.

Next, the work content of the third stage: scan image file handling will be described with reference to FIG.
1) Extraction of image file from file server 104 (operation of scanner driver)
2) Check the list of stored image files (scanned image files) (work with scanner network utility or OS command)
3) Monitor image display of image file (work of scanner network utility)
4) Transferring the image file to the WS 103 (scanner network utility or OS command work)
5) Deletion of image file (work of scanner network utility or OS command)
6) Rename image file (scanner network utility or OS command work)

{MFSA. The NLM does not automatically transfer the image file to the WS 103. Information about all network scans (both scan profiles and image files) is stored and stored on file server 104. Thereafter, the image file is transferred from the file server 104 to the WS 103 only when there is a transfer request.

(4) The scanner / printer controller 107 generates a TIFF using the specified parameters. Then, the MFSA. Transfer the TIFF format image file to the NLM. TIFF parameters are specified in the scan profile.

The scanned image file (image file) is named by the following two methods.

(1) First, when a name is set in the scan profile, the name of the scan image file uses the name specified in the scan profile. When the name of the same scan image file is already used when setting the name in the scan profile, a warning is given to the WS 103 side.

Second, if no name is set in the scan profile, the name of the scan image file itself is used as the name of the scan image file. At this time, the extension is changed without changing the name of the scan profile. For example, xxxxxxxxx. From im0 to xxxxxxxxx. Nine file names up to im9 can be used. This assumes that one scan job is stored under one file name.

(4) The file names of scan image files are managed in a tree structure. Therefore, a tree structure also appears on the operation panel 111 of the copier apparatus 105.

[8] Status inquiry function of the present embodiment Both the network printer function and the network scanner function of this system inquire about the status and configuration as MIB (management information base) via SNMP (simple network management protocol). Can be. An SNMP manager, which is utility software on the WS 103 side, can take out an NIC MIB, a printer MIB (standard and custom), and a scanner MIB. This inquiry function is performed by the MFSA. The process is executed by direct communication between the WS 103 and the digital copier system 102 without going through the NLM.

ス テ ー タ ス Referring to Fig. 9, the mechanism of status query is shown. If the NIC 106 receives an inquiry (command) for the NIC / MIB, the NIC 106 returns the prepared information as it is (response). When there is an inquiry (command) of the printer MIB or the scanner MIB, each MIB is used by using a command / response (PSI0) defined between the NIC 106 and the scanner / printer controller 107. Is returned.

The following describes (1) a list of printer / MIB inquiry items, (2) a list of scanner / MIB inquiry items, and (3) a network management function required for utility software on the WS 103 side.

(1) Printer / MIB inquiry items a) Paper feed tray configuration * Paper size and setting direction for each tray * Presence or absence of paper for each tray b) Paper discharge tray configuration and status * Standard 1 bin tray * 1 bin finisher ** Whether overflow occurs ** Effectiveness of staple function * 3 bin sorter ** Job assignment status * 15 bin sorter ** Job assignment status ** Existence of remaining paper in any tray c) Printer error status * Serviceman call error * User recoverable error * Paper jam * Supply status * Current machine status d) Printer type and name e) Configuration of paper feed / discharge device

(2) Scanner / MIB inquiry items a) Scanner error status * Serviceman call error * User recoverable error * Original jam * Current machine status b) Usable memory capacity c) Available hard disk capacity

(3) Network Management Function Required for WS103 Utility Software The WS103 utility software requires the following minimum network management functions.
a) Checking the online / offline status of the machine b) Connection status of the print queue and connection status of the connected printer c) Changing the settings of the print queue and selecting the printer d) Checking the waiting status of the jobs in the print queue e ) Changing the priority of jobs in the print queue f) Setting the inquiry interval time for status confirmation (SNMP call interval)

[9] Printer drivers, scanner drivers and utilities Drivers are required regardless of network applications or Sdanto Aron (printer / scanner). It is the job of the lower-level interface on the WS 103 side to flow each job via a network or to flow through separate interfaces for the printer, scanner, and copier device. We will not mention the lower level interfaces here.

(4) The network printing / scanning system of this embodiment supports the following printer driver, scanner driver and utility.

As a printer driver / utility,
a) PCL5e / Windows 3.1 Printer Driver
b) PostScript 2 / Windows 3.1 Printer Driver
c) PostScript 2 / Macintosh Printer Driver
d) TIFF / Windows 3.1 Printer utility
Support.

Also, as a scanner driver / utility,
a) TWAIN / Windows 3.1 Scanner Driver (for SCSI and virtual)
b) TWAIN / Macintosh Scanner Driver (for SCSI)
c) ISIS / Windows 3.1 Scanner Driver (for SCSI and virtual)
d) ISIS / Macintosh Scanner Driver (for SCSI)
Support.

Furthermore, [items to be supported by the printer driver] and [items to be supported by the scanner driver] are shown in order.

[Items to be supported by the printer driver]
1) Paper size selection 2) Paper tray selection a) Automatic selection b) Physical tray designation * Large capacity paper tray (LCIT)
* 1st paper tray * Manual paper tray * 2nd paper tray * 3rd paper tray * 4th paper tray 3) Designation of printing direction a) Portrait b) Landscape

4) Specifying the output tray a) Standard 1-bin output tray b) 1-bin finisher (optional)
c) 3-bin sorter (optional)
* Upper tray * Middle tray * Lower tray d) 15 bin finisher (optional)
* Top tray (No.1)
* Intermediate tray (No. 2 to No. 15)
* Interrupt tray

5) Setting the number of copies a) Standard 1-bin output tray * Stack up to 250 sheets b) 1-bin finisher (optional)
* Stack up to 1500 sheets c) 3-bin sorter (optional)
* Upper tray: stack up to 500 sheets * Middle tray: stack up to 250 sheets * Lower tray: stack up to 250 sheets d) 15 bin finisher (optional)
* Top tray: stacks up to 150 sheets * Intermediate tray: stacks up to 50 sheets * Interrupt tray: stacks up to 100 sheets

6) Sorting setting a) Standard 1-bin output tray * Insertion of separation sheet; On / Off
b) 1 bin finisher (optional)
* Offset stack; On / Off
c) 3-bin sorter (optional)
* Upper tray; Offset stack; On / Off
* Middle / lower tray; separation sheet inserted; On / Off
d) 15 bin finisher (optional)
* Multi-stage tray; Separation sheet insertion; On / Off
* Interruption tray; Separation sheet insertion; On / Off

7) Specification of staple a) Staple function; On / Off
b) Staple position * 1 stop at upper right * 2 stops at center of left end * 2 stops at center of upper end

8) Selection of image quality adjustment a) Smoothing; On / Off
9) Resolution selection a) Standard image (300 dpi)
b) Detailed image (400 dpi)
c) Fine image (600 dpi)
10) Duplex / single-side designation a) Single-sided printing b) Double-sided printing * Long end binding * Short end binding

The TIFF print utility software combines TIFF and print conditions to generate a print job. The print conditions are described using JPL with utility software. This specifies paper handling. However, from the above printing conditions, the items of the designation of the printing direction and the designation of the resolution are excluded.

@The TIFF print utility software must combine the TIFF data with the print condition file before transferring the print data to the printer. It is desirable to provide a socket to which filter software for converting TIFF 8-bit gray scale data to 1-bit halftone data can be added as an option. The reason is that the printer of the copier apparatus 105 may not be able to print 8-bit gray scale data.

[Items to be supported by the scanner driver]
1) Setting of document size and document method a) Paper size and short-end conveyance b) Paper size and long-end conveyance 2) Designation of document conveyance mode a) Book type scan b) Single-sided multi-sheet scan * Page forward scan ( (Upward installation)
* Page reverse scan (downward installation)
c) Double-sided scanning of multiple pages * Scanning pages in normal order (upward installation)
* Page reverse scan (downward installation)

3) Designation of read image data format a) Character / line drawing mode (1-bit monochrome)
b) Halftone mode (1-bit halftone)
* Photo mode (dither processing)
* Fine photo mode (dither processing (for fine))
* Text / photo mixed mode (error diffusion processing)
c) Gray scale mode (8-bit gray scale)
4) Resolution specification a) X direction resolution (25 to 1600 dpi)
b) Y direction resolution (25 to 1600 dpi)
c) XY resolution (25 to 1600 dpi)
5) Designation of reading area a) Offset in X direction b) Offset in Y direction c) Length in X direction d) Length in Y direction

6) Designation of image quality mode a) Normal image b) Smooth image c) Clear image d) Linear image 7) Brightness setting a) Bright and dark 7 levels 8) Contrast setting a) High and low 7 levels 9) Threshold setting a ) 7 levels of black and white 10) Designation of image inversion a) Inversion / non-inversion; On / Off

All one-to-one scanner operations via SCSI are executed by the scanner driver on the WS 103 side. The processing flow is as follows.

1) Pull in original from ARDF (only when ARDF is installed)
a) Automatic pull-in of a single document b) Automatic pull-in of multiple documents 2) Setting scan conditions 3) Receiving scan data a) Pre-scan data b) Main scan data 4) Document ejection from ARDF (ARDF) Only when wearing)
a) Automatic ejection of single document b) Automatic ejection of multiple documents

The reason why both the normal page order mode and the reverse page order mode are required in the network scanner function will be described. The digital copier system 102 of the present embodiment is based on the copier device 105. When the copier apparatus 105 is used as a base, an original to be read is set on the ARDF upward, and scanning is started from the last page of the original. This method can transport the document most efficiently, and the speed of repetitive scanning is high. However, there is a problem that pages are reversed after scanning.

Therefore, in order to correct this, in the case of reverse page order, a scan image file (scan image file) is temporarily generated for each page, and after all scans are completed, the page order is changed. This is to reverse and merge as one file.

As described above, the image forming apparatus, the server machine, and the image forming system according to the present invention are useful for a printing system using a printer, a scanner, a copier, and the like via a network.

FIG. 1 is a schematic hardware configuration diagram of a network printing / scanning system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overall configuration of software of the digital copier system of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overall configuration of hardware of the digital copier system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a data processing flow of the scanner / printer controller of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a network printing operation and a job flow in a NetWare environment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation flow of a print completion notification. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation and a job flow of network scanning in a NetWare environment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation flow of a network scanner function. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a status query mechanism according to the embodiment; FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a network printing system that is an example of a conventional network system.

Explanation of reference numerals

101 Network 102 Copier System 103 Workstation (WS)
104 File Server 105 Copier Device 106 Network Interface Controller (NIC)
107 Scanner / Printer Controller 108 FAX (Facsimile) Modem 109 HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
110 Copier engine unit 110a Scanner (scanner device)
110b Printer (printer device)
110c IPU (Image Processing Unit: Image Processing Unit)
111 Operation panel 112 Copier controller

Claims (4)

An image forming apparatus having an application group including a copy application, a scanner application, and a printer application;
An image forming apparatus used in an image forming system including a plurality of client machines connected to the image forming apparatus via a network and a server machine for providing various services,
When a print job generated by the client machine and a print profile for designating printing conditions of the server machine are transmitted from the server machine in a joined state, the print job is added to the print job. An image forming apparatus, wherein a predetermined command included is replaced with a command defined by the print profile, and the print job is executed based on the replaced command. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the print profile is not joined to the print job, the print job is executed based on a predetermined command included in the print job. An image forming apparatus having an application group including a copy application, a scanner application, and a printer application;
In a server machine used in an image forming system including a plurality of client machines connected to the image forming apparatus via a network and a server machine providing various services,
Receiving a print job generated by the client machine and, if use of the print profile has been selected by the client machine, performing a join between the print job and the print profile; And transmitting the print profile to the image forming apparatus in a state where the print profile and the print profile are joined. An image forming apparatus having an application group including a copy application, a scanner application, and a printer application;
An image forming system comprising: a plurality of client machines connected to the image forming apparatus via a network; and a server machine for providing various services.
The client machine generates a print job,
The server machine associates a print profile for allowing the client machine to specify print conditions and, if the client machine has selected use of the print profile, the print job and the print profile. Equipped with joining means for joining,
The image forming apparatus replaces a predetermined command included in the print job with a command defined in the print profile when the print job and the print profile are received from the server machine in a joined state. And performing the print job based on the replaced command.

Images