JP2005149089A - Image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily select a printer 100 in an image processing system in which a user selects the printer 100 on the basis of an installed position to execute printing. <P>SOLUTION: In the system, an information processor 200 inquires of the printer 100 whether a printing result required for the user can be obtained or not (printing can be executed or not) (by a notification request means 204) and the printer 100 responses to the availability of printing execution (by a notification means 101) and only the positional information of the printer 100 capable of executing printing is displayed on a display part 202 in the information processor 200 on the basis of the response result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing system in which a user selects and prints a printing apparatus according to an installation position.

  In the conventional technique, the information processing apparatus acquires the position information of the printing apparatus connected to the network from the position recognition unit included in the printing apparatus. The position information is displayed on the display unit of the information processing apparatus. A user of the printing apparatus selects a printing apparatus to be used based on the display on the display unit, and starts printing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Alternatively, the information processing apparatus may be provided with a position recognition device, and printing may be started by selecting a printing apparatus closest to the information processing apparatus from among a plurality of printing apparatuses.

However, in these conventional technologies, the position information of all the printing apparatuses connected to the network is displayed on the display unit of the information processing apparatus, including the printing apparatuses that cannot obtain the printing result desired by the user. Is done. For example, a printing device in which no paper is loaded, a printing device in which only a paper that is not desired by the user even when a paper is loaded, and the like are displayed on the display unit. In such a case, there remains a problem that the user cannot obtain a desired print result.
JP 2001-142665 A

  The problem to be solved is that the position information of all the printing devices connected to the network is displayed on the display unit of the information processing device, including the printing device that cannot obtain the desired printing result. It is a point to be done.

  In the present invention, the information processing apparatus makes an inquiry to the printing apparatus as to whether or not the printing result desired by the user can be obtained (whether or not printing can be performed). The printing apparatus responds to the inquiry as to whether or not printing can be performed. Based on the result, the main feature is that only the position information of the printing apparatus capable of printing is displayed on the display unit of the information processing apparatus.

  In the present invention, the printing apparatus is provided with notification means for notifying the information processing apparatus whether or not its own print execution is possible, and the information processing apparatus includes a print result desired by the user based on the notified print execution possibility. By providing the display control means for selecting and displaying only the printing apparatus that can obtain the image, it is possible to obtain the effect of helping to improve the convenience when the user selects the printing apparatus.

  A computer-readable program for executing the notification means and the display control means is stored in a predetermined memory, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executes the program, thereby allowing a print desired by the user. Since the position information of only the executable printing apparatus is displayed on the display unit of the information processing apparatus, the object can be achieved without increasing the number of parts.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the configuration of the first embodiment.
As shown in the figure, in the image processing system according to the first embodiment, a printing apparatus 100 is connected to an information processing apparatus 200 via a network 1. Here, for convenience of explanation, only one printing apparatus 100 and one information processing apparatus 200 are shown, but a plurality of them are usually connected.

The printing apparatus 100 is a terminal apparatus such as a printer that receives a print job from the information processing apparatus 200 via the network 1 and outputs a print image. This corresponds to the image forming apparatus in the claims.
The information processing apparatus 200 is a terminal device such as a PC (personal computer) that creates a print job and sends the print job to the printing apparatus 100 via the network 1. It corresponds to the information processing device in the claims.
The network 1 is usually a network line laid in a small area such as a LAN (local area network).

The printing apparatus 100 includes a notification unit 101 therein, and the information processing apparatus 200 includes an installation position storage unit 201, a display unit 202, a display control unit 203, and a notification request unit 204 therein.
Details of the printing apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus 200 will be described below.

FIG. 2 is a detailed explanatory diagram of the configuration of the first embodiment.
As illustrated, the printing apparatus 100 includes a program memory 102, a CPU 103, a memory 104, a transmission / reception unit 105, a printing unit 106, a printer bus 107, and a notification program 108.
The information processing apparatus 200 includes a program memory 205, a CPU 206, a mouse 207, a transmission / reception unit 208, a memory 209, a bus 210, a display control program 211, a notification request program 212, and an installation position storage memory 213. Prepare.

First, details of the printing apparatus 100 will be described.
The program memory 102 is a memory that stores a control program for controlling the entire printing apparatus 100. In this embodiment, a notification program 108 is further stored. In response to a request from the information processing apparatus 200, the notification program 108 determines whether or not the user can execute printing, and notifies the information processing apparatus 200 via the network 1 of the result. It is a program for executing.

  Here, the criteria for determining whether or not to execute printing desired by the user include, for example, the presence or absence of consumables such as paper, toner, drums, and fixing devices, whether or not an error has occurred, whether or not a paper jam has occurred, and whether the cover is open.・ Closed etc. are included.

  The CPU 103 is a central processing unit that controls the entire printing apparatus 100. The CPU 103 accepts print data sent from the information processing apparatus 200 via the network 1 by the transmission / reception unit 105, temporarily stores it in the memory 104, and print control program (not shown) stored in the program memory 102. ) To create bitmap data, and control the printing unit 106 to execute printing. In particular, in this embodiment, the notification program 108 is also executed.

  The memory 104 is a work area used when the CPU 103 executes a print control program and a notification program. The transmission / reception unit 105 is a part that serves as an interface when the printing apparatus 100 performs transmission / reception of information to / from the network 1. The printing unit 106 is a part that executes printing. A printer bus 107 is an information path for electrically connecting the above-described components within the printer.

  In the above description, execution of the notification program by the CPU 103 notifies the information processing apparatus 200 about whether or not the printing apparatus 100 (image forming apparatus) can execute printing in response to a request from the information processing apparatus 200. This corresponds to the means 101 (FIG. 1).

Next, details of the information processing apparatus 200 will be described.
The program memory 205 is a memory that stores a control program that controls the entire information processing apparatus 200. In this embodiment, a display control program 211 and a notification request program 212 are further stored. The display control program 211 is a program that selects the printing device to be displayed on the display unit 202 and executes the display control unit 203 (FIG. 1) that displays on the display unit 202. The notification request program 212 is a program that executes notification request means 204 (FIG. 1) for requesting notification from the information processing apparatus 200 to the printing apparatus regarding whether or not the user can perform printing.

  The CPU 206 is a central processing unit that controls the entire information processing apparatus 200. The CPU 206 is a part that executes a print control program (not shown) stored in the program memory 205 to create print data, and sends the print data to the printing apparatus 100 via the network 1. In particular, in this embodiment, the display control program 211 and the notification request program 212 are also executed.

  The mouse 207 is a part that selects a desired printing apparatus from the printing apparatuses displayed on the display unit 202, and is a part that serves as an interface between the user and the information processing apparatus 200. The transmission / reception unit 208 is a part that serves as an interface when the information processing apparatus 200 performs transmission / reception of information with the network 1.

  The memory 209 is a work area used when the CPU 206 executes a print control program, a display control program, and a notification request program. In particular, in the present embodiment, an installation position storage memory 213 is provided therein. Details of the installation position storage memory 213 will be described.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the installation position storage memory according to the first embodiment.
As shown in the figure, each column is described in the first row. The first column represents the identifier of the printing apparatus. The second and third columns indicate the X coordinate (first position) of the printing apparatus. (Second column) and Y coordinate (third column). Here, as an example, the unit is represented by m (meter). On the numerical table, for example, (1) a central printer, (2) a northern printer, (3) an eastern printer, and (4) a southeast corner printer are registered.

Next, the stored contents of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a layout diagram of the printing apparatus.
As shown in the figure, assuming that the size of the office is 20 m, first, a reference point is determined. Here, the upper left is taken as an example. This reference point is represented based on the X coordinate (second column) and the Y coordinate (third column) in FIG. Further, (1) is added as an identifier for the central printer, (2) for the north printer, (3) for the eastern printer, and (4) for the southeast corner printer.

  The registration of the printing device may be registered in advance by the user or administrator of the printing device, or a positioning system provided in the printing device using radio waves such as GPS (Global Positioning System). The result of positioning may be received and represented. Further, instead of the X coordinate (second column) and the Y coordinate (third column) used here, it may be expressed by latitude and longitude. Furthermore, not only the installation position of the printing apparatus but also the installation position of the information processing apparatus may be registered.

Returning to FIG. 2, the bus 210 is an information path for electrically connecting the above-described components in the information processing apparatus 200.
In the above description, execution of the notification request program 212 by the CPU 206 is the notification request unit 204 (FIG. 1) that requests the printing apparatus 100 for notification. In addition, when the CPU 206 executes the display control program 211, a display that selectively displays the installation position of the printing apparatus 100 stored in the installation position storage memory 213 on the display unit 202 based on whether printing can be executed. It is the control means 203 (FIG. 1). Further, the installation position storage memory 213 corresponds to the installation position storage means 201 (FIG. 1).

The operation of the image processing system according to the first embodiment described above will be described.
FIG. 5 is an operation flowchart of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
Steps S1-1 to S1-6 in the figure will be described in the order of steps.
Step S1-1
When the CPU 206 (FIG. 2) executes the notification request program 212 (FIG. 2), it is used from the information processing apparatus 200 (FIG. 2) to the printing apparatus 100 (FIG. 2) via the network 1 (FIG. 2). An inquiry is made as to whether or not printing can be executed for the desired printing desired by the user. Here, as an example, an inquiry is made only to the printing apparatus 100 (FIG. 2), but it is usually made to a plurality of printing apparatuses. Inquiries to a plurality of printing apparatuses may be executed one by one based on a predetermined order, or all the printing apparatuses connected to the network by broadcast transmission may be collectively performed. May be executed. This step corresponds to the notification request unit 204 (FIG. 1).

Step S1-2
The information processing apparatus 200 (FIG. 2) waits for a notification from the printing apparatus 100 (FIG. 2). If you accept the notification, proceed to the next.
Step S1-3
The CPU 206 (FIG. 2) executes the display control program 211 (FIG. 2), and performs a desired print requested by the user based on the installation position information of the printing apparatus stored in the installation position storage memory 213 (FIG. 2). A possible printing apparatus and an impossible printing apparatus are determined, and a diagram representing the installation position information of the printing apparatus is created and displayed on the display unit 202 (FIG. 2). At this time, a diagram representing only a printing device capable of printing may be created and displayed on the display unit 202 (FIG. 2). In step S1-2, it may be determined that a printing apparatus that does not receive a notification even after a certain time has elapsed cannot be printed. This step corresponds to the display control means 203 (FIG. 1).

Step S1-4
The user clicks the mouse 207 (FIG. 2) while viewing the display on the display unit 202 (FIG. 2), and selects a printing apparatus for which printing is requested.
Step S1-5
A user creates print data.
Step S1-6
The created print data passes through the transmission / reception unit 208 (FIG. 2), is sent to the predetermined printing apparatus 100 via the network 1 (FIG. 2), and the flow ends.

FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
This figure is a flow showing the operation of the printing apparatus 100 that has accepted the notification request sent from the information processing apparatus 200 (FIG. 2) in step S1-1. Steps S1-7 to S1-9 will be described in the order of steps.
Step S1-7
The CPU 103 (FIG. 2) determines whether the desired printing requested by the user is possible by executing the notification program 108 (FIG. 2). If printing is possible at this time, the process proceeds to step S1-8. If printing is not possible, the process proceeds to step S1-9.

Step S1-8
The CPU 103 (FIG. 2) uses the transmission / reception unit 105 (FIG. 2) to notify the information processing apparatus 200 via the network 1 (FIG. 2) that printing is possible.
Step S1-9
The CPU 103 (FIG. 2) notifies the information processing apparatus 200 that printing is impossible via the network 1 (FIG. 2) using the transmission / reception unit 105 (FIG. 2). Steps S1-7 to S1-9 correspond to the notification unit 101 (FIG. 1).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of selective display according to the first embodiment.
This figure is a detailed description of the operation of the display control means 203 (FIG. 1) of the information processing apparatus 200.
Step S1-10
Initialization of the display unit 202 is executed. Here, “initialization” refers to erasing the past display displayed on the display unit 202. For example, when a nearby map is superimposed and displayed in accordance with the installation position of the printing apparatus, the map is once deleted, and processing such as reading and drawing is executed again.

Step S1-11
The CPU 206 (FIG. 2) takes in the installation position information of the printing apparatus stored in the installation position storage memory 213 (FIG. 2) in advance. Further, it receives a notification from the printing apparatus 100 (FIG. 2) about whether or not desired printing can be executed.
Step S1-12
The CPU 206 (FIG. 2) determines, for each printing apparatus, whether printing is possible for each of the printing apparatuses included in the installation position information of the printing apparatus based on the notification about whether or not desired printing can be performed. If printing is possible, the process proceeds to step S1-13, and if printing is not possible, the process proceeds to step S1-14.

Step S1-13
The CPU 206 (FIG. 2) recognizes that the printing apparatus that has been notified that printing can be performed is printable according to the installation position information.
Step S1-14
The CPU 206 (FIG. 2) recognizes the printing apparatus that has been notified that printing cannot be performed as printing impossible according to the installation position information.
Note that steps S1-11 to S1-14 are repeatedly executed individually for all printing apparatuses included in the installation position information.

Step S1-15
The CPU 206 (FIG. 2) displays on the display unit 202 (FIG. 2) the print availability information of the printing apparatus obtained by the above steps as a diagram. This display is collectively executed for all of the notified printing apparatuses.
FIG. 8 is a printing availability information display diagram of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
This figure is an example of print permission information of the printing apparatus displayed on the display unit 202 (FIG. 1) by the display control means 203 (FIG. 1).

A black circle in the figure represents a printing apparatus (printer) capable of printing, and a white circle in the figure represents a printing apparatus (printer) incapable of printing. The star symbol represents the information processing apparatus, and the rectangular frame represents the arrangement of the desks in the office.
Further, (0), (1), (2), (3), and (4) are attached to the white circles, black circles, and stars as respective identifiers.
The user who sees the printing permission information (FIG. 8) of the printing apparatus cannot print the printing apparatus (printer) with the identifier (1) and the printing apparatus (printer) with the identifier (2). Know that the printing device (printer) and the printing device (printer) with the identifier (4) can print. Furthermore, the printer (printer) that can be printed closest to the information processing apparatus 200 is known to be the printer (printer) having the identifier (4).

  The user clicks the mouse cursor in accordance with the printing device (printer) having the identifier (3) that can be printed or the printing device (printer) having the identifier (4), that is, selects the printing device. As a result, the print data is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200 (FIG. 2) to the selected printing apparatus 100 (FIG. 2). At this time, the identifier of the selected printing apparatus may be popped up on the display unit 202 (FIG. 2). By doing so, the user does not make an erroneous selection. Note that nothing happens when the user places the mouse cursor on the white circle printing device and clicks. That is, print data is not transmitted to the printing apparatus.

Alternatively, when a mouse cursor is placed on a white circle printing device and clicked, a means for inquiring about the reason why printing cannot be performed to the printing device and displaying the result on the display unit 202 (FIG. 2) may be further provided. .
In addition, a printable printing apparatus (here, the printing apparatus with the identifier (4)) in which the information processing apparatus 200 (FIG. 2) is installed closest is automatically selected to transmit print data. good. In this case, a means for obtaining the distance between the information processing apparatus 200 (FIG. 2) and the printing apparatus is further provided.

  Furthermore, when only one printing apparatus can be printed, that printing apparatus may be automatically selected. However, when the information processing apparatus 200 (FIG. 2) automatically selects a printing apparatus, it is misunderstood by the user to provide a means for displaying only the selected printing apparatus on the display unit 202 (FIG. 2). Can be avoided.

  In the above description, the notification unit 101, the display control unit 203, and the notification request unit 204 are all described as the control unit of the CPU 103 or the CPU 206 based on a computer-readable program. However, the present invention is limited to this example. is not. That is, all or a part of these means may be a functional block composed of an electronic circuit.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the printing apparatus is provided with notification means for notifying whether or not printing is possible, and further, the user desires the information processing apparatus based on the notification received from the printing apparatus. Since only the printing device capable of printing is displayed on the display unit and the user selects the printing device, the user does not select the printing device that cannot be printed, and the convenience is improved.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the configuration of the second embodiment.
As shown in the figure, in the image processing system according to the second embodiment, a printing apparatus 100 is connected to an information processing apparatus 300 via a network 1. Here, for convenience of explanation, only one printing apparatus 100 and one information processing apparatus 300 are shown, but a plurality of them are usually connected.

The printing apparatus 100 is a terminal apparatus such as a printer that receives a print job from the information processing apparatus 300 via the network 1 and outputs a print image. This corresponds to the image forming apparatus in the claims.
The information processing apparatus 300 is a terminal device such as a PC (personal computer) that creates a print job and sends the print job to the printing apparatus 100 via the network 1. It corresponds to the information processing device in the claims.
The network 1 is normally a network line laid in a small area such as a LAN (local area network).

The printing apparatus 100 includes a notification unit 101 therein, and the information processing apparatus 300 includes a printer information storage unit 301, a selection notification request unit 304, a printing condition determination unit 305, and a display control unit 203 therein. And a display unit 202.
In the following, details of the information processing apparatus 300 will be described only with respect to differences from the first embodiment. The same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment. The details of the printing apparatus 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a detailed explanatory diagram of the configuration of the second embodiment.
As shown, the information processing apparatus 300 includes a program memory 306, a CPU 206, a mouse 207, a transmission / reception unit 208, a memory 309, a printer information storage memory 313, a bus 210, a display control program 211, and a selection notification request. A program 312 and a printing condition determination program 314 are provided.

  The program memory 306 is a memory that stores a control program that controls the entire information processing apparatus 300. In this embodiment, a display control program 211, a printing condition determination program 314, and a selection notification request program 312 are stored. This printing condition determination program 314 determines the processing conditions included in the printing contents requested by the user, for example, the printing conditions such as the printing paper size of the document to be printed, and the like (FIG. 9). It is a program for executing. The selection notification request program 312 is a program that executes selection notification requesting means 304 (FIG. 9) that requests the printing apparatus 100 to notify whether or not the user can execute printing based on the above processing specifications. is there.

  The memory 309 is a work area used when the CPU 206 executes a print control program, a print condition determination program, a display control program, and a selection notification request program. In particular, in this embodiment, a printer information storage memory 313 is provided therein. Details of the printer information storage memory 313 will be described.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the printer information storage memory according to the second embodiment.
As shown in the figure, each column is described in the first row. The first column represents the identifier of the printing apparatus. The second and third columns indicate the X coordinate (first position) of the printing apparatus. (Second column) and Y coordinate (third column). Here, as an example, the unit is represented by m (meter). Further, the printing specifications of the printing apparatus such as the printable paper size are stored in the fourth column. On the numerical table, for example, (1) a central printer, (2) a northern printer, (3) an eastern printer, and (4) a southeast corner printer are registered.

Here, the layout of the printing apparatus is exactly the same as that of FIG.
Registration of the printing device may be registered in advance by a user or administrator of the printing device, or a positioning system provided in the printing device using radio waves such as GPS (Global Positioning System). The result of positioning may be received and represented. Further, instead of the X coordinate (second column) and the Y coordinate (third column) used here, it may be expressed by latitude and longitude. Furthermore, not only the installation position of the printing apparatus but also the installation position of the information processing apparatus may be registered.

  In the above description, execution of the selection notification request program 312 by the CPU 206 is the selection notification request unit 304 (FIG. 9) that requests the printing apparatus 100 to notify. In addition, when the CPU 206 executes the display control program 211, a display for selectively displaying the installation position of the printing apparatus 100 stored in the printer information storage memory 313 on the display unit 202 based on whether or not printing can be executed. Control means 203 (FIG. 9). Further, the execution of the printing condition determination program 314 by the CPU 206 corresponds to the printing condition determination unit 305 (FIG. 9) for determining the processing specifications (printing conditions) included in the printing content requested by the user.

The operation of the image processing system according to the second embodiment described above will be described.
FIG. 12 is an operation flowchart of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.
Steps S2-1 to S2-8 will be described in the order of steps.
Step S2-1
The CPU 206 (FIG. 10) executes the printing condition determination program 314 (FIG. 10) to inquire the printing conditions such as the paper size from the application or the user and determine the printing conditions (processing specifications). This step corresponds to the printing condition determination unit 305 (FIG. 9).

Step S2-2
The CPU 206 (FIG. 10) executes the selection notification request program 312 (FIG. 10), and determines a printing apparatus to inquire about whether or not printing can be executed for a print request desired by the user.
Step S2-3
The CPU 206 (FIG. 10) inquires of the printing apparatus 100 (FIG. 10) determined as the inquiry destination about whether or not printing can be executed via the network 1 (FIG. 10). Here, as an example, only the printing apparatus 100 (FIG. 10) is inquired, but is usually made for a plurality of printing apparatuses. Steps S2-2 and S2-3 correspond to the selection notification request unit 304 (FIG. 9).

Step S2-4
The information processing apparatus 300 (FIG. 10) waits for a notification from the printing apparatus 100 (FIG. 10). If you accept the notification, proceed to the next.
Step S2-5
The CPU 206 (FIG. 10) executes the display control program 211 (FIG. 10), and performs desired printing requested by the user based on the installation position information of the printing apparatus stored in the printer information storage memory 313 (FIG. 10). A possible printing apparatus and an impossible printing apparatus are determined, and a diagram representing the installation position information of the printing apparatus is created and displayed on the display unit 202 (FIG. 10). At this time, a diagram representing only a printing device capable of printing may be created and displayed on the display unit 202 (FIG. 10). In step S2-4, it may be determined that a printing apparatus that does not receive a notification even after a certain time has passed cannot be printed. This step corresponds to the display control means 203 (FIG. 9).

Step S2-6
The user clicks the mouse 207 (FIG. 10) while viewing the display on the display unit 202 (FIG. 10), and selects a printing apparatus for which printing is requested.
Step S2-7
A user creates print data.
Step S2-8
The created print data passes through the transmission / reception unit 208 (FIG. 10), is sent to the predetermined printing apparatus 100 via the network 1 (FIG. 10), and the flow ends.

FIG. 13 is an operation flowchart of the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment.
This figure is a flow showing the operation of the printing apparatus 100 that has accepted the notification request sent from the information processing apparatus 300 (FIG. 10) in step S2-3. Steps S2-9 to S2-11 will be described in the order of steps.
Step S2-9
The CPU 103 (FIG. 10) determines whether the desired printing requested by the user is possible by executing the notification program 108 (FIG. 10). If printing is possible at this time, the process proceeds to step S2-10, and if printing is not possible, the process proceeds to step S2-11.

Step S2-10
The CPU 103 (FIG. 10) uses the transmission / reception unit 105 (FIG. 10) to notify the information processing apparatus 300 via the network 1 (FIG. 10) that printing is possible.
Step S2-11
The CPU 103 (FIG. 10) uses the transmission / reception unit 105 (FIG. 10) to notify the information processing apparatus 300 that printing is impossible via the network 1 (FIG. 10). Steps S2-9 to S2-11 correspond to the notification unit 101 (FIG. 9).

  The explanation of the operation of the display control unit 203 of the second embodiment and the printability information display diagram of the printing apparatus of the second embodiment obtained as a result thereof are the same as those of the display control unit 203 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. The description of the operation is omitted because it is common to the print permission / inhibition information display diagram of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

  In the above description, all of the notification unit 101, the display control unit 203, the selection notification request unit 304, and the print condition determination unit 305 have been described as the control unit of the CPU 103 or the CPU 206 based on a computer-readable program. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. That is, all or a part of these means may be a functional block composed of an electronic circuit.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the printing condition determination unit that determines the processing specifications from the printing content requested by the user, and the image forming apparatus that stores in advance the printing specifications of the printing apparatus connected to the network. By providing information storage means, the processing specifications required by the user and the printing specifications of the printing apparatus are compared and referenced, and a notification request is sent to the printing apparatus that is known from the beginning that the printing result desired by the user cannot be printed. The effect that the network traffic at the time of printing can be reduced by not performing the process can be further added to the effect of the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the configuration of the third embodiment.
As shown in the figure, in the image processing system according to the third embodiment, a printing apparatus 100 is connected to an information processing apparatus 400 via a network 1. Here, for convenience of explanation, only one printing apparatus 100 and one information processing apparatus 400 are shown, but a plurality of them are usually connected.

The printing apparatus 100 is a terminal apparatus such as a printer that receives a print job from the information processing apparatus 400 via the network 1 and outputs a print image. This corresponds to the image forming apparatus in the claims.
The information processing apparatus 400 is a terminal device such as a PC (personal computer) that creates a print job and sends the print job to the printing apparatus 100 via the network 1. It corresponds to the information processing device in the claims.
The network 1 is normally a network line laid in a small area such as a LAN (local area network).

The printing apparatus 100 includes a notification unit 101 therein, and the information processing apparatus 400 includes a printer information storage unit 301, a selection notification request unit 304, a printing condition determination unit 305, and a display control unit 203 therein. , A display unit 202 and a notification information update unit 401.
The details of the information processing apparatus 400 will be described below only with respect to differences from the second embodiment. The same components as those in the second embodiment or the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the respective embodiments. The details of the printing apparatus 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 15 is a detailed explanatory diagram of the configuration of the third embodiment.
As shown, the information processing apparatus 400 includes a program memory 405, a CPU 206, a mouse 207, a transmission / reception unit 208, a memory 409, a printer information storage memory 313, a notification information storage memory 411, a bus 210, and display control. A program 211, a selection notification request program 312, a printing condition determination program 314, and a notification information update program 410 are provided.

  The program memory 405 is a memory that stores a control program that controls the entire information processing apparatus 400. In this embodiment, a display control program 211, a printing condition determination program 314, a selection notification request program 312 and a notification information update program 410 are stored. The notification information update program 410 is a program for executing the notification information update unit 401 (FIG. 14) that instructs the display control program 211 to update the diagram indicating the installation position of the printing apparatus 100.

The memory 409 is a work area used when the CPU 206 executes a print control program, a print condition determination program, a display control program, a selection notification request program, and a notification information update program 410. In particular, in this embodiment, a printer information storage memory 313 and a notification information storage memory 411 are provided therein.
The notification information storage memory 411 is a memory that temporarily stores notification information from the printing apparatus 100.

The operation of the image processing system according to the third embodiment described above will be described.
FIG. 16 is an operation flowchart of the information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment.
Steps S3-1 to S3-9 will be described in the order of steps.
Step S3-1
The CPU 206 (FIG. 15) executes the printing condition determination program 314 (FIG. 15) to inquire the printing conditions such as the paper size from the application or the user and determine the printing conditions (processing specifications). This step corresponds to the printing condition determination unit 305 (FIG. 14).

Step S3-2
The CPU 206 (FIG. 15) executes the selection notification request program 312 and determines a printing apparatus that inquires about whether or not printing can be executed for a print request desired by the user.
Step S3-3
The CPU 206 (FIG. 15) inquires of the printing apparatus 100 (FIG. 15) determined as the inquiry destination as to whether printing can be executed via the network 1 (FIG. 15). Here, as an example, an inquiry is made only to the printing apparatus 100 (FIG. 15), but it is usually made to a plurality of printing apparatuses. Inquiries to a plurality of printing apparatuses may be executed one by one based on a predetermined order, or all the printing apparatuses connected to the network by broadcast transmission may be collectively performed. May be executed. Steps S3-2 and S3-3 correspond to the selection notification request unit 304 (FIG. 14).

Step S3-4
The information processing apparatus 400 (FIG. 15) waits for a notification from the printing apparatus 100 (FIG. 15). If the notification is accepted, the process proceeds to the next step. If there is no notification for a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S3-7.
Step S3-5
When receiving a notification from the printing apparatus, the CPU 206 (FIG. 15) updates the notification information storage memory 411 (FIG. 15) with the notification returned from the printing apparatus and temporarily stores it. This step corresponds to the notification information update unit 401 (FIG. 14).

Step S3-6
The CPU 206 (FIG. 15) executes the display control program 211 (FIG. 1), and performs desired printing requested by the user based on the installation position information of the printing apparatus stored in the printer information storage memory 313 (FIG. 15). A possible printing apparatus and an impossible printing apparatus are determined, and a diagram representing the installation position information of the printing apparatus is created and displayed on the display unit 202 (FIG. 15). At this time, a diagram representing only a printing apparatus capable of printing may be created and displayed on the display unit 202 (FIG. 15). Further, in step S3-4, it may be determined that a printing apparatus that does not receive a notification even after a certain time has passed cannot be printed. This step corresponds to the display control means 203 (FIG. 14). Here, it is necessary to pay attention to the following points. That is, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, all the printing apparatuses notified are collectively displayed on the display unit 202 (FIG. 15). In the third embodiment, the printing apparatuses notified are individually displayed. Is displayed. This will be described again with reference to the drawings at the end of this embodiment.

Step S3-7
The CPU 206 (FIG. 15) proceeds to step S3-8 when the user selects a printing apparatus for which printing is requested by clicking the mouse 207 (FIG. 15) while viewing the display on the display unit 202 (FIG. 15). Until the user selects a printing apparatus for which printing is requested, the process returns to step S3-4, waits for a notification from another printing apparatus, and repeats steps S3-4 to S3-7.

Step S3-8
A user creates print data.
Step S3-9
The created print data passes through the transmission / reception unit 208 (FIG. 15), is sent to the predetermined printing apparatus 100 via the network 1 (FIG. 15), and the flow ends.

In the following, the state of display on the display unit 202 (FIG. 15) regarding whether or not printing can be executed in order from the notified printing apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 17 is a first view of printability information display of the printing apparatus according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a second view of the printability information display diagram of the printing apparatus according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a third view illustrating the printability information display of the printing apparatus according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a fourth view of printability information display of the printing apparatus according to the third embodiment.
All of the figures are overlaid with office layouts. The rectangular frame represents one desk, the black circle represents a printable printer, the white circle represents an unprintable printer, the star represents an information processing apparatus, and (0) to (4) represent identifiers.

In FIG. 17, (2) the northern printer is displayed as an unprintable printer, in FIG. 18, (2) the northern printer is displayed as an unprintable printer, and (4) the southeast corner printer is displayed as a printable printer. Yes. In FIG. 19, (2) the northern printer is displayed as an unprintable printer, (4) the southeast corner printer and (3) the eastern printer are displayed as printable printers. In FIG. 20, (2) the northern printer and (1) the central printer are displayed as non-printable printers, and (4) the southeast corner printer and (3) the eastern printer are displayed as printable printers.
If the printer is selected by the user between FIGS. 17 to 20 (step S3-7), the notification information is not updated.

  In the above description, the notification unit 101, the display control unit 203, the selection notification request unit 304, the print condition determination unit 305, and the notification information update unit 401 are all described as the control unit of the CPU 103 or CPU 206 based on a computer-readable program. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. That is, all or a part of these means may be a functional block composed of an electronic circuit.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the notification information update unit 401 (FIG. 2) and the notification information storage memory 411 (FIG. 15) are provided, so that printing can be executed in order from the notified printing apparatus. Whether or not it is possible is displayed on the display unit 202 (FIG. 15), so that the user can select a printing device without waiting for notification from all the printing devices. As a result, the user convenience is improved.

  In the above description, only a printer is illustrated as an example of a printing apparatus (image forming apparatus), but the present invention can also be applied to a copier or the like. In addition, although the selection of the printing device is to be clicked with the mouse, the information processing device is provided with input means other than the mouse from the user, such as means for selecting using the keyboard and means for selecting the display unit as a touch panel. You may make it select. The display control program may be an application program or a driver program.

  In the second embodiment, the notification request is made only to the printing device selected based on the processing specifications (printing conditions), but the notification request is made to all the printing devices connected to the network. When displaying the installation position of the printing apparatus, selection based on the processing specifications and the printing specifications of the printing apparatus may be performed.

In all the embodiments described above, the installation location of the printing apparatus is assumed to be a relatively narrow range such as an office. For example, a notification request is made to a printing apparatus installed in a remote place, Whether to execute printing may be displayed, and the user may be allowed to select from a wide range.
Furthermore, when the installation position of the printing apparatus is displayed on the display unit, there may be provided means for updating information displayed in accordance with a user instruction.

1 is a block diagram of a configuration of Example 1. FIG. 2 is a detailed explanatory diagram of a configuration of Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an installation position storage memory according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a layout diagram of a printing apparatus. 3 is an operation flowchart of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. 3 is an operation flowchart of the printing apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. 3 is a flowchart of selective display according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a printability information display diagram of the printing apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. 6 is a block diagram of a configuration of Example 2. FIG. 5 is a detailed explanatory diagram of a configuration of Example 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a printer information storage memory according to a second embodiment. 6 is an operation flowchart of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. 6 is an operation flowchart of the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment. 6 is a block diagram of a configuration of Example 3. FIG. 10 is a detailed explanatory diagram of a configuration of Example 3. FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart of the information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a first view illustrating a printability information display diagram of the printing apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a second display diagram of printability information on the printing apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a third display diagram of printability information on the printing apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a fourth display diagram of printability information on the printing apparatus according to the third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Network 100 Printing apparatus 101 Notification means 102 Program memory 103 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 104 Memory 105 Transmission / reception part 106 Printing part 107 Printer bus 108 Notification program 200 Information processing apparatus 201 Installation position memory | storage means 202 Display part 203 Display control means 204 Notification request means 205 Program memory 206 CPU
207 Mouse 208 Transmission / reception unit 209 Memory 210 Bus 211 Display control program 212 Notification request program 213 Installation position storage memory

Claims (6)

An image system including an image forming apparatus connected via a network and an information processing apparatus having a display unit that displays an installation position of the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
In response to a request from the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus includes a notification unit that notifies the information processing apparatus whether the image forming apparatus can execute printing in response to a desired print request
The information processing apparatus includes:
An installation position storage means for storing the installation position of the image forming apparatus in advance;
Notification request means for requesting the notification to the image forming apparatus;
An image processing system comprising: a display control unit that selectively displays the installation position stored in the installation position storage unit on the display unit based on whether or not the printing can be performed. The image processing system according to claim 1,
The image forming apparatus includes:
It is further equipped with a coronation system that measures its own installation position,
The installation position storage means includes
A positioning result of the positioning system received via the network is stored in advance. An image system including an image forming apparatus connected via a network and an information processing apparatus having a display unit that displays an installation position of the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
In response to a request from the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus includes a notification unit that notifies the information processing apparatus whether the image forming apparatus can execute printing in response to a desired print request
The information processing apparatus includes:
Notification request means for requesting the notification to the image forming apparatus;
An image forming apparatus information storage unit in which an installation position and a printing specification of the image forming apparatus are stored in advance;
Printing condition determining means for determining a processing specification for the desired print request;
Selection for requesting notification about whether or not the image forming apparatus can execute printing only to the image forming apparatus whose processing specifications determined by the printing condition determining means match the printing specifications stored in the image forming apparatus information storage means Notification request means;
An image processing system comprising: a display control unit that selectively displays the installation position stored in the image forming apparatus information storage unit on the display unit based on whether or not the printing can be performed. In the image processing system according to claim 3,
The image forming apparatus includes:
It is further equipped with a positioning system that measures its own installation position,
In the image forming apparatus information storage means,
A positioning result of the positioning system received via the network is stored in advance. In the image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The information processing apparatus includes:
An image processing system, further comprising notification information updating means for updating the display of the display unit every time the notification is received. In the image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
If the information processing apparatus cannot receive the notification within a predetermined time, the display control means determines that printing cannot be performed.

Images