JP2005150857A - Remote copy system and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the throughput of a local copying apparatus (image forming apparatus) for performing remote copying. <P>SOLUTION: In step S501, a copy function setting screen is displayed to wait an operation instruction by a user. If the instruction is inputted in step S502, it is determined whether or not it should be decided to perform remote copying (whether or not a print output destination device setting screen display key is selected). If the instruction is an instruction other than selection of the print output destination device setting screen display key, processing corresponding to the instruction is performed, and the process returns to the step S501. If it is determined that the print output destination device setting screen display key is selected in step S502, in step S503, remote copying print is reserved for all the remote devices previously registered, and the print output destination device setting screen is displayed in which all the reserved remote devices are listed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote copy system and method, and more particularly, to a remote copy system, an image forming apparatus, a remote copy method, and a recording related to control of a remote copy system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network. It relates to media and programs.

  When a printer of a local copy device (image forming apparatus) is executing printing, a remote copy system may be used as means for quickly printing out a copy using a scanner of the local copy device.

  This is composed of a plurality of copy devices connected by a network, or one or more copy devices and a plurality of print devices, and an image scanned by one copy device is transferred to another copy device via the network. Alternatively, it is a system that transmits to one of the print devices (image forming apparatuses) and prints.

  In this system, the scanner can be used in the local copy device, but the printer can be used from other copy devices or print devices connected to the network, such as when the printer is executing a job. By selecting one as a print output destination, an image scanned by the local copy device can be output to a remote device (image forming apparatus), and the copy throughput of the entire system can be improved.

  In addition, a screen for specifying the remote device that is the output destination when performing remote copy is displayed on the operation unit of the local copy device, and the user can select any remote device from this list as the output destination of the remote copy. Can be selected.

  Several documents disclose the technical contents related to the conventional technology as described above, and there is also a document describing the technology related to the cooperation between the scanner and the printer (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-257827 A

  However, in such a remote copy system, when the user selects a remote device in the local copy device or after selecting the remote device, the job is actually executed and the job is transmitted to the remote device. In the meantime, other jobs may be processed by the selected remote device. That is, prior to the user's job, a remote copy job is transmitted from another device to the selected remote device, or a local copy job is executed on the selected remote device. Sometimes. As a result, the job transmitted by the user himself is processed after the other jobs described above, and as a result, the user may be very late in printout.

  Therefore, in the local copy device, while the remote device that is the remote output destination is being selected, or until the remote copy job is actually transmitted to the selected remote device, the selected remote device has another Prevents preferential acceptance of jobs from remote copy devices, prevents delays in output of remote copy jobs from local copy devices due to remote copy jobs of other devices, and increases the printout throughput of the entire remote copy system There is a need for an improved remote copy system.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide remote copy print output by interrupting a remote copy print job transmitted from another remote copy device (image forming apparatus). It is an object of the present invention to provide a remote copy system and method capable of preventing the delay of image data and improving the throughput of a local copy device (image forming apparatus) that performs remote copy.

  In order to achieve such an object, a remote copy system according to the present invention includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network, and the first image forming apparatus transmits a print job including captured data to the network. Is transmitted to the second image forming apparatus, and the second image forming apparatus can process the print job and print it out. The first image forming apparatus A start accepting unit for accepting a process start instruction for determining the second image forming apparatus; and a reservation notice for reserving a process for the print job when the start accepting unit accepts the start instruction, Transmitting to one or a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of processing the print job among the plurality of image forming apparatuses via the network. Characterized in that a about means (step S502,503,602,603).

  Here, the first image forming apparatus includes a confirmation receiving unit that receives a confirmation instruction for confirming the second image forming apparatus, and the print job is received from the time point when the confirmation reception unit receives the confirmation instruction. The reservation cancellation notification for canceling the reservation is sent to the one or more image forming apparatuses other than the second image forming apparatus until the time when the image is transmitted to the second image forming apparatus. And a reservation canceling means that transmits the request via the network (steps S505 to 510, 706, and 606 to 611).

  In addition, the reservation canceling unit sends the reservation cancel notification to the one or more image forming apparatuses other than the second image forming apparatus when the confirmation receiving unit receives the confirmation instruction. It can be characterized by transmitting via the network (steps S505, 506, 606, 607).

  The first image forming apparatus may further include a display unit that displays information of the image forming apparatus to which the reservation notification is transmitted by the reservation unit (steps S503 and S603).

  In addition, the reservation cancellation unit transmits the reservation cancellation notification to the image forming apparatus other than the second image forming apparatus whose information is displayed by the display unit via the network. (Steps S506, 706, and 607).

  The reservation notification may be characterized by giving an instruction to process the print job with the highest priority after the reservation notification (step S503).

  Further, the reservation cancellation notice may instruct to return to the processing of the print job before the reservation notice (steps S506 and S706).

  Further, the display means does not display information on the image forming apparatus to which the reservation notification is transmitted from an image forming apparatus that is processing a print job or an image forming apparatus other than the first image forming apparatus. (Steps S603 and 607).

  Further, in the image forming apparatus in which information is displayed by the display unit, when a print job process is started or when the confirmation instruction is received from another image forming apparatus, the display content on the display unit is changed. (Steps S605 and 612).

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus of a remote copy system according to the present invention has a function of the first image forming apparatus described above.

  In order to achieve the above object, a remote copy method according to the present invention includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network, and the first image forming apparatus transfers a print job including captured data to the network. In the remote copy method of the system in which the second image forming apparatus can process the print job and output the print job, the CPU of the first image forming apparatus includes: A start accepting step for accepting a process start instruction for determining the second image forming apparatus; and a reservation notice for reserving a process for the print job when the start instruction is accepted in the start accepting step; Among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, one or more image forming apparatuses capable of processing the print job are connected to the network. It said CPU via chromatography click is characterized in that a reservation transmitting.

  In addition, the code | symbol in the figure in embodiment corresponding to the component of a claim was shown by (). However, the constituent elements described in the claims are not limited to the constituent elements in the embodiment of the above () part.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent delay in remote copy print output caused by interruption of a remote copy print job transmitted from another remote copy device (image forming apparatus), and to perform local copy for remote copy. There is an effect of improving the throughput of the device (image forming apparatus).

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the location which has the same function in each drawing, and duplication of description is abbreviate | omitted.

Embodiment 1-1
Embodiment 1-1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Device configuration)
The remote copy system of Embodiment 1-1 is a system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected via a LAN (local area network) 130 as shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a controller unit 101, an operation unit 102 that forms a user interface, a scanner 104 that is an image input device, and a printer 103 that is an image output device. The operation unit 102, the scanner 104, and the printer 103 are connected to the controller unit 101. The controller unit 101 controls the entire apparatus and is connected to the LAN 130.

  Similarly, the image forming apparatuses 110 and 120 include controller units 111 and 121, operation units 112 and 122, and printers 113 and 123, respectively. The image forming apparatus 120 includes a scanner 124, but the image forming apparatus 110 includes only a print function that does not include a scanner. As described above, in this remote copy system, each image forming apparatus connected by the LAN 130 may or may not have a scanner function, except for at least one image forming apparatus that actually performs scanning. The controller units 111 and 121 of the image forming apparatuses 110 and 120 are connected to the LAN 130.

  The remote copy system according to the embodiment 1-1 includes, for example, a remote including scan data captured by the scanner 104 of the image forming apparatus 100 when the printer 103 of the image forming apparatus 100 serving as a local copy device is executing printing. The copy job is transmitted to the remote image forming apparatus 110 or 120 via the LAN 130 and printed out.

  Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 in the remote copy system of FIG. Here, the other image forming apparatuses 110 and 120 have substantially the same configuration as that of the image forming apparatus 100, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a controller unit 101 that connects a scanner 104 and a printer 103, and connects a LAN 130 and a public line (WAN) 219. The controller unit 101 inputs and outputs image information and device information in a copy function, a printer function that prints out data supplied from the outside via the LAN 130, and a communication function that includes a facsimile function via the public line (WAN) 219. And control of the entire apparatus.

  The controller unit 101 starts up the system based on a boot program stored in a ROM (read only memory) 203, reads various control programs stored in an HDD (hard disk drive) 204 on the system, and reads the RAM ( A random access memory (CPU) 202 is used as a work area, and a CPU (central processing unit) 201 that executes predetermined processing is included. The HDD 204 stores the various programs and image data. In addition to the RAM 202, ROM 203, and HDD 204, the CPU 201 includes an operation unit I / F (operation unit interface) 205, a LAN I / F (LAN interface) 206, a modem 207, and an image bus I / F (image bus interface) 209. Connected through.

  The operation unit I / F 205 is an interface with the operation unit 102, and transfers image data displayed on the operation unit 102 to the operation unit 102, transfers a signal generated by an operation input in the operation unit 102 to the CPU 201, and the like. Do. The operation unit 102 includes a current setting state for each function related to image formation, a display unit for displaying an information input screen for inputting setting information regarding each function, a key for inputting setting information for each function, and the like. It has an input part. The LAN I / F 206 is connected to the LAN 130 and inputs / outputs information via the LAN 130. The modem 207 is connected to a public line (WAN) 219 and inputs / outputs information via the public line 219.

  The image bus I / F 209 includes a bus bridge that connects the image bus 210 and the system bus 208 and converts a data structure. The image bus 210 includes a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus that can transfer image data at a high speed or a bus that conforms to the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394 standard. Connected to the image bus 210 are a RIP (raster image processor) 211, a device I / F (device interface) 212, a scanner image processing unit 213, a printer image processing unit 214, an image rotation processing unit 215, and an image compression processing unit 216. ing. The RIP 211 expands a PDL (Page Description Language) code into a bitmap image.

  A device I / F 212 connects the scanner unit 104 or the printer 103, which are image input / output devices, to the controller unit 101, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. Here, the device I / F 212 and the scanner 104 are connected via a cable 217, and the device I / F 212 and the printer 103 are connected via a cable 218, respectively. A scanner image processing unit 213 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. The printer image processing unit 214 performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on the print output image data. The image rotation processing unit 215 performs rotation processing of image data. The image compression processing unit 216 performs compression / decompression processing such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) for multi-valued image data and JBEG, MMR, MH (modified Huffman) for binary image data.

  As described above, the CPU 201 of the controller unit 101 comprehensively controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 208 based on each control program, and reads image information from the scanner 104 via the device I / F 212. Then, after performing predetermined processing on the read image information, control is performed such as outputting the image information to the printer 103 via the device I / F 212.

  Next, control of the operation unit 102 by the CPU 201 of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the operation unit 102 of FIG. 2 and its surroundings. In the operation unit 102, as shown in FIG. 3, the touch panel 304 and the key group 303 of each hard key are connected to the CPU 201 via the input port 301 of the operation unit I / F 205, and indicate the pressed position of the touch panel 304. The position information and key information corresponding to pressing of the key group 303 are input to the CPU 201 via the input port 301. An LED (light emitting diode) 305 and an LCD (liquid crystal display) 306 of the operation unit 102 are connected to the CPU 201 via the output port 302 of the operation unit I / F 205, and the LED 201 is turned on and the LCD 306 is displayed by the CPU 201. Be controlled.

(Description of Operation of Embodiment 1-1)
The operation of the system of Embodiment 1-1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 (A) to (C) and FIG. 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating operation screens displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus 100 that is a local copy device in the remote copy system according to the first exemplary embodiment 1-1. Each screen in FIGS. 4A to 4C is displayed on the LCD 306 in the operation unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 100, and the input from the touch panel 304 and the coordinate position of each soft key on the currently displayed screen. The CPU 201 processes the relationship, and interprets an instruction from the user on the operation screen.

  FIG. 4A shows a copy function setting screen for using a copy function including local copy and remote copy. Reference numeral 401 in the figure denotes a print output destination device setting screen display key 401 for displaying a screen for selecting a print output destination device. A print output destination device display area 402 displays a name associated with the print output destination device so that the user can recognize the currently set print output destination device. Here, “Local Printer” is displayed, indicating that the output destination of the print is the local copy device displaying this operation screen. Reference numeral 403 denotes a device status display area for displaying the status of the print destination device and the device configuration with an icon or other pattern. This displays the type and overview of the device set as the print destination, the presence or absence of a scanner or finisher, the configuration of the paper feed stage, and the status such as error or sleep. Here, it can be seen that the model of the print device can be confirmed by the design, and that a scanner and finisher are also installed.

  On the screen of FIG. 4A, settings such as copy magnification, copy paper size, finishing, copy density, number of copies, and setting values are displayed. Details thereof are well known to those skilled in the art and are omitted here.

  Next, FIG. 4B is a screen for setting a print output destination device, which is displayed when the key 401 is selected on the screen of FIG. Reference numeral 404 in the figure denotes a list for displaying a list of print output devices, which is a device list display area. Each row of this list is associated with each device from the left side of the figure, an icon field indicating the device status and device configuration, a status display field (in this example, “ready”) that displays the current status of the device. A name display field (in this example, “local printer”, “Printer No. 1”, etc.) for displaying the name of the current character. Here, a total of four printer devices including local printers are displayed. The printer devices displayed in this list are only those in which the network address is recorded in advance in a recording medium such as the HDD 204 or RAM 202 in the local copy device.

  In FIG. 4B, the local printer in the name display field indicates a local copy device, and Printer Nos. 1 to 3 which are three printers other than the local printer are printers of remote devices connected to the local copy device via a network. is there. In the icon field of each row of the list 404, an icon indicating the network is displayed on the right side of the icon indicating the device configuration. Each line in the list 404 can be exclusively selected by detecting a touch on the touch panel by the user, and the background color of the selected line is changed. Here, the remote device “Printer No. 1” in the second line from the top is selected. Reference numeral 405 denotes a confirmation key for confirming the remote device selected in the list 404 as a remote device to be printed and closing the screen of FIG. In FIG. 4B, when the key 405 is selected, the currently selected printer device, that is, the remote device of “Printer No. 1” is determined as the print output destination device, and this screen is closed.

  FIG. 4C shows a screen when the key 405 is selected in FIG. 4B and the print output destination device setting screen is closed. The screen in FIG. 4C is a screen before the print output destination device setting screen is displayed, that is, basically the same screen as FIG. 4A, but is displayed in the print output destination device display area 402. The device name is changed to the name “Printer No. 1” which is the output destination set on the previous print output destination device setting screen, that is, the printer of the remote device. Further, the device status icon displayed in the device display area 403 is also changed to that of “Printer No. 1” displayed on the previous print output device setting screen.

  After changing the print output destination device in this way, the user makes other settings related to printing, and instructs the start of copying by pressing the copy start key included in the key group 303 of the local copy device. When copying is started, a remote copy job including scan data captured by the scanner 104 of the image forming apparatus 100 that is a local copy device is transmitted to “Printer No. 1” that is a remote device via the LAN 130 and printed. Out.

  As described above, the screen of FIG. 4B is a screen displayed for setting and changing the print output destination. That is, displaying the print output destination device setting screen as shown in FIG. 4B can determine that the user performs print output to a printer other than the local copy device such as remote copy printing. However, while this print output destination device screen is being displayed or the print output destination device is determined by this screen and before copying is started, the remote device selected as the print output destination device is connected to the local copy device connected by the network. There is a possibility that another remote copy job is received from a third device other than the above. In this case, the remote copy job from the local copy device is processed after the other remote copy job from the third device, and as a result, the print output may be delayed.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment 1-1, the output destination device setting is performed at the timing when the user determines to perform remote copy, that is, at the timing when the print output destination device setting screen as shown in FIG. Remote copy printing is reserved for all remote devices displayed in the list 404 on the screen. Reservation here means "notify in advance that a remote copy job for remote copy print processing may be sent to the remote device, and the remote device accepts the remote copy job after the notification. In other words, the priority of job processing is set in the remote device so that processing is performed before other remote copy jobs ”.

  In the example of FIG. 4B, this print output destination device setting screen is displayed on all three remote device printers “Printer No. 1”, “Printer No. 2”, and “Printer No. 3” displayed in the list. Make a reservation for remote copy printing at the moment when is displayed. Also, at the timing when the print output destination device is determined on the print output destination device setting screen of FIG. 4B, the print reservation of all devices other than the device determined as the output destination is canceled. In the example of FIG. 4B, the remote device “Printer No. 1” in the list 404 is determined as the print output destination at the timing when the key 405 is selected, so that the timing at which the key 405 is pressed. , Cancel the remote copy print reservation for the “Printer No. 2” and “Printer No. 3” remote devices. The cancellation of the reservation here means “notifying the remote device to perform normal job processing for processing various remote copy jobs on a first-come-first-served basis, and causing the remote device to set such normal job processing. That ".

  Note that the print output destination device setting screen of FIG. 4B is displayed, and the remote copy print is reserved for all the remote devices displayed in the list 404, and the key 405 is left unselected. In this case, the remote copy print reservation is canceled after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the print output destination device setting screen in FIG. 4B returns to the copy function setting screen in FIG. The display time of the print output destination device setting screen in B) may be monitored by a timer.

  The flow of these series of processes is shown in the flowchart of FIG. This processing procedure shows the contents of the control processing executed by the CPU 201, and is executed by the CPU 201 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 203 or the HDD 204, and is necessary in the image forming apparatus 100 as this local copy device. Sometimes executed.

  First, in step S501, the copy function setting screen shown in FIG. 4A is displayed, and an input of an operation instruction from the user to the operation unit 102 of the local copy device is awaited. If there is any instruction input from the user, the next step is performed. In the next step S502, it is determined whether or not it is determined to perform remote copy, that is, whether or not the print output destination device setting screen display key 401 is selected in FIG. Here, if the instruction is other than the selection of the print output destination device setting screen display key 401, a process according to the instruction is performed, and then the process returns to the process of step S501.

  If it is determined in step S502 that the print output destination device setting screen display key 401 has been selected, in step S503, remote copy printing is reserved for all remote devices registered in advance, and the reservation is made. A print output destination device setting screen as shown in FIG. 4B, which displays all remote devices as a list, is displayed. In other words, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits, via the network, a reservation notification that notifies the remote device in advance that a remote copy job for remote copy print processing may be transmitted. The remote device that has received the reservation notification sets the priority of job processing so that the remote copy job is processed before other remote copy jobs received after the reservation notification. For setting the job processing priority in the remote device, a well-known queue management method, flow control, or the like may be applied.

  In step S504, a user selection instruction on the print output destination device setting screen is processed. That is, an exclusive selection by touching the touch panel of the user of each row in the list 404, a selection instruction of the confirmation key 405, and the like are detected. Further, in step S505, it is determined whether or not the instruction processing is an instruction to determine a print output destination device, that is, whether or not to select the key 405 in FIG. If it is determined in step S505 that the instruction from the user is not a selection instruction for the key 405, processing in accordance with the input instruction is performed, and the process returns to step S504.

  If it is determined in step S505 that the instruction from the user is an instruction to select the key 405, in step S506, the reservation is canceled for all remote devices other than the device selected as the print output destination device. Close the print output setting screen. In other words, the image forming apparatus 100 performs normal job processing (processing before receiving a reservation notification) for processing various remote copy jobs on a first-come-first-served basis for remote devices other than the device selected as the print output destination device. A reservation cancellation notification for notifying the cancellation of the above-mentioned reservation is transmitted via the network. The remote device that has received the reservation cancellation notification sets to return to such normal job processing. Also, the device selected as the print output destination device on this screen is set in the internal data as the print output destination.

  Further, in step S507, the copy function setting screen shown in FIG. 4C displaying the device selected as the above-described print output destination device is displayed, and an operation instruction from the user is awaited for input as in step S501. If an instruction from the user is input, it is determined in step S508 whether the instruction from the user is the start of copying. If it is determined in step S508 that the instruction is not a copy start instruction, an instruction according to the input instruction from the user is issued, and the process returns to step S507. If it is determined in step S508 that a copy start instruction has been input, a copy job is executed in step S509. Further, in step S510, when the document to be copied is scanned and preparation for transmission to the device that performs printing is completed, the job is transmitted to the print output destination device together with the scan data.

  In this manner, when copying is started, the image forming apparatus 100 that is a local copy device transmits a remote copy job including scan data captured by the scanner 104 to the remote device via the LAN 130 and prints it out. .

Embodiment 1-2
In the embodiment 1-1 described above, in step S506 of FIG. 5, immediately after the print output destination device is determined, the reservation for the remote device that is excluded from the print output candidates is canceled. However, as another form, the reservation corresponding to step S506 may be canceled at any timing between step S505 and step S510 in FIG. As an example, in the embodiment 1-2 of the present invention, the reservation is canceled immediately after the copy start instruction is input after the remote copy print reservation. Embodiment 1-2 of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIGS. 1-4 (C) and FIG.

(Device configuration)
The apparatus configuration of the present embodiment 1-2 is the same as that of the embodiment 1-1 described above.

(Description of Operation of Embodiment 1-2)
The operation of the system according to Embodiment 1-2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 (A) to 4 (C) and FIG. 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating operation screens displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus 100 that is a local copy device in the remote copy system according to the exemplary embodiment 1-2. The basic display mode is the same as in Embodiment 1-1 described above. Therefore, hereinafter, operations unique to the embodiment 1-2 will be described.

  In the example of FIG. 4B, this print output destination device setting screen is displayed on all three remote device printers “Printer No. 1”, “Printer No. 2”, and “Printer No. 3” displayed in the list. Make a reservation for remote copy printing at the moment when is displayed. However, in the present embodiment 1-2, print reservations for all devices other than the device determined as the output destination are made at the timing when the print output destination device is determined on the print output destination device setting screen in FIG. Do not cancel. In the example of FIG. 4B, the remote device “Printer No. 1” in the list 404 is determined as the print output destination at the timing when the key 405 is selected, but at the timing when the key 405 is pressed. The remote copy print reservation is not canceled for the remote devices of “Printer No. 2” and “Printer No. 3”.

  FIG. 4C shows a screen when the key 405 is selected in FIG. 4B and the print output destination device setting screen is closed. In the screen of FIG. 4C, the device name displayed in the print output destination device display area 402 is “Printer No. 1” which is the output destination set on the previous print output destination device setting screen, that is, the printer of the remote device. ". Furthermore, the device status icon displayed in the device display area 403 is also that of “Printer No. 1” displayed on the previous print output device setting screen. After changing the print output destination device in this way, the user makes other settings related to printing, and instructs the start of copying by pressing the copy start key included in the key group 303 of the local copy device.

  In the present embodiment 1-2, printing of all devices other than the device determined as the output destination at the timing of instructing the start of copying by pressing the copy start key on the copy function setting screen of FIG. Cancel the reservation. In the example of FIG. 4C, “Printer No. 2” and “Printer” in the list 404 shown in FIG. 4B other than the remote device of “Printer No. 1” determined as the print output destination. The remote copy print reservation is canceled at the timing when the remote device No. 3 is instructed to start copying.

  When copying is started, a remote copy job including scan data captured by the scanner 104 of the image forming apparatus 100 that is a local copy device is transmitted to “Printer No. 1” that is a remote device via the LAN 130. Print out.

  Note that the copy function setting screen shown in FIG. 4C is displayed, and copying is started in a state where remote copy printing is reserved for all remote devices displayed in the list 404 shown in FIG. 4B. If left uninstructed, the remote copy print reservation is canceled after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the copy function setting screen in FIG. 4C returns to the copy function setting screen in FIG. 4A. In addition, the display time of the copy function setting screen in FIG. 4C may be monitored by a timer.

  The flow of these series of processes is shown in the flowchart of FIG. This processing procedure shows the contents of the control processing executed by the CPU 201, and is executed by the CPU 201 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 203 or the HDD 204, and is necessary in the image forming apparatus 100 as this local copy device. Sometimes executed.

  The processes from step S501 to S504 are the same as those in the embodiment 1-1. If it is determined in step S505 that the instruction from the user is not a selection instruction for the key 405, processing in accordance with the input instruction is performed, and the process returns to step S504.

  If it is determined in step S505 that the instruction from the user is a selection instruction for the key 405, the print output destination device setting screen as shown in FIG. 4B is closed. Also, the device selected as the print output destination device on this screen is set in the internal data as the print output destination.

  Further, in step S507, the copy function setting screen shown in FIG. 4C displaying the device selected as the above-described print output destination device is displayed, and an operation instruction from the user is awaited for input as in step S501. If an instruction from the user is input, it is determined in step S508 whether the instruction from the user is the start of copying. If it is determined in step S508 that the instruction is not a copy start instruction, an instruction according to the input instruction from the user is issued, and the process returns to step S507.

  If it is determined in step S508 that a copy start instruction has been input, the reservation is canceled in step S706 for all remote devices other than the device selected as the print output destination device. That is, the remote device is notified to perform normal job processing for processing various remote copy jobs on a first-come-first-served basis, and such normal job processing is set in the remote device. In step S509, a copy job is executed. Further, in step S510, when the document to be copied is scanned and preparation for transmission to the device that performs printing is completed, the job is transmitted to the print output destination device together with the scan data.

  In this manner, when copying is started, the image forming apparatus 100 that is a local copy device transmits a remote copy job including scan data captured by the scanner 104 to the remote device via the LAN 130 and prints it out. .

As described above, according to the embodiments 1-1 and 1-2, in the remote copy system, when it is determined that the remote copy is to be performed, all the outputs that can be output are performed. By reserving a job of a remote device, it is possible to prevent a delay in remote copy print output caused by interruption of a remote copy job transmitted from another device, and to guarantee the throughput of the remote copy device.

  Also, before outputting a job to the remote copy output destination device, all reserved remote copy reserved jobs other than the output destination are canceled. As a result, a state in which a plurality of remote devices are reserved simultaneously can be minimized, and a decrease in throughput of the entire remote copy system can be suppressed.

Embodiment 2
In the embodiment 1-1, the job reservation in the remote device is to guarantee the output priority order of the reserved job with priority on the reception time with respect to the remote copy job received after the reservation. On the other hand, some device configurations do not guarantee the output priority order for job reservation, but guarantee the output order only when the actual job is confirmed. As will be described in detail below, in the second embodiment of the present invention, a function of “provisional reservation” that is a reservation that does not determine job processing for a remote device and does not enter a job transmission waiting state, and job processing Is introduced and a "real reservation" function is put in place to wait for job transmission. The second embodiment of the present invention is directed to a remote copy system configured by remote devices that can be selected by such temporary reservation and main reservation. The basic configuration of Embodiment 2 of the present invention is the same as that of Embodiment 1-1 described above with reference to FIGS. The second embodiment will be further described with reference to FIG. 4D and FIG.

(Device configuration)
The apparatus configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the above-described embodiment 1-1.

(Description of operation of Embodiment 2)
Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4D and FIG. 4A to 4D are diagrams illustrating operation screens displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus 100 that is a local copy device in the remote copy system according to the second embodiment. ) To (C) are basically displayed in the same manner as in Embodiment 1-1. Therefore, hereinafter, operations unique to the second embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 4A is a copy function setting screen for using a copy function including local copy and remote copy. Keys and display areas such as reference numerals 401, 402, and 403 in the figure are the same as those in the embodiment 1-1. It is the same as the description. FIG. 4B shows a screen displayed when the print output destination device setting screen display key 401 is selected in FIG. FIG. 4B is a screen for selecting a print output destination device, and keys and display areas such as 404 and 405 are the same as those described in the embodiment 1-1. At the timing when the screen of FIG. 4B is displayed, all remote devices displayed in the list on this screen are temporarily reserved. The provisional reservation here means “notifying the remote device in advance that a remote copy job for remote copy print processing may be transmitted”.

  In the second embodiment, the remote device displayed in the list 404 of FIG. 4B is one in which the network address is registered in advance in the local copy device, and no print job is currently being executed and printing is performed. Only devices that have not been booked.

  FIG. 4D shows the case where the actual print reservation is sent from another device to the remote device “Printer No. 2” in FIG. 4B or the device “Printer No. 2” itself. Is a screen when local printing is performed. As described above, the remote device that receives the reservation or the printer is executing the job is deleted from the list 404. As a result, even if the priority order of the job reservation from the image forming apparatus 100 is not guaranteed in the temporarily reserved remote device, the remote reservation is performed when the reservation of the print job or job is executed in the temporarily reserved remote device. Since the device is excluded from the provisional reservation selection target, as a result, the job reservation from the image forming apparatus 100 is guaranteed the priority order for the remote devices remaining in the list 404. In this case, when the currently selected remote device is deleted from the list 404, the background color of the selected row in the list 404 is appropriately moved up and down, and the selection is moved to another remote device. Further, when all remote devices are deleted from the list 404, a local copy device is selected.

  In FIG. 4B, when the key 405 is selected, the job is reserved for the currently selected device and the temporary reservation is canceled for all other remote devices. Close the screen. The reservation here means “notify in advance that a remote copy job for remote copy print processing has been sent to the remote device, and let the remote device set the transmission wait state” is there. Here, the cancellation of the temporary reservation means “notifying the remote device that the temporary reservation has been canceled”. FIG. 4C is a screen displayed after the key 405 is selected on the screen of FIG. 4B, and the content is the same as in Embodiment 1-1.

  The flow of these series of processes is shown in the flowchart of FIG. This processing procedure shows the contents of the control processing executed by the CPU 201, and is executed by the CPU 201 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 203 or the HDD 204, and is necessary in the image forming apparatus 100 as this local copy device. Sometimes executed.

  First, in step S601, the copy function setting screen shown in FIG. 4A is displayed, and an input of an operation instruction from the user to the operation unit 102 of the local copy device is awaited. If there is any instruction input from the user, the processing of the next step is performed. In the next step S602, it is determined whether or not it is determined to perform remote copy, that is, whether or not the print output destination device setting screen display key 401 is selected in FIG. Here, if the instruction is other than the selection of the print output destination device setting screen display key 404, the process returns to the process of step S601 after performing the process according to those instructions.

  If it is determined in step S602 that the print output destination device setting screen display key 401 has been selected, in step S603, no print job is currently being executed for all remote devices registered in advance. Further, a print output destination device as shown in FIG. 4B that selects a non-reserved device, makes a temporary reservation for remote copy printing for the remote device, and displays a list of all the temporarily reserved remote devices as a list. Display the setting screen. That is, the image forming apparatus 100 inquires of a remote device registered in advance about the status via the network, does not currently execute the print job, and does not execute the main reservation (the main reservation notification to which the remote copy job is transmitted). A temporary reservation notification to notify in advance that a remote copy job for remote copy print processing may be sent to a remote device that has not been confirmed to be in a waiting state for transmission). Send over the network.

  In step S604, the user's selection instruction is processed on the print output destination device setting screen shown in FIG. 4B in which all the temporarily reserved remote devices are displayed as a list. That is, an exclusive selection by touching the touch panel of the user of each row in the list 404, a selection instruction of the confirmation key 405, and the like are detected. Further, in step S605, the remote device displayed on the print output destination device setting screen is inquired of the status via the network, and whether or not the print job or the job reservation is received, that is, whether the status has been changed. Detect if. If a change in state is detected in any remote device in step S605, the display of the remote device list 404 is updated in step S612. Here, the remote device that has executed the print job or received the main reservation of the job is deleted from the list 404, and the process returns to step S604.

  If no change in the status of the remote device is detected in step S605, it is determined in step S606 whether the instruction from the user is an instruction to determine a print output destination device, that is, whether the key 405 is selected in FIG. Determine if. If it is determined in step S606 that the instruction from the user is not a selection instruction for the key 405, processing in accordance with the input instruction is performed, and the process returns to step S604.

  If it is determined in step S606 that the instruction from the user is a selection instruction for the key 405, in step S607, the device selected as the print output destination device is fully reserved and selected as the print output destination device. Cancel the temporary reservation for all remote devices other than the device and close the print output destination setting screen. In other words, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits a reservation notification for notifying that the remote copy job is transmitted to the remote device via the network. The remote device that has received the reservation notification sets the status to a transmission waiting state. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits, via a network, a temporary reservation cancellation notification for notifying that the temporary reservation has been canceled to a remote device that has not been fully reserved. Also, the device selected as the print output destination device on this screen is set in the internal data as the print output destination.

  Further, in step S608, the copy function setting screen shown in FIG. 4C, which displays the device selected as the above-mentioned print output destination device, is displayed, and an operation instruction from the user is awaited for input as in step S601. If an instruction from the user is input, it is determined in step S609 whether the instruction from the user is the start of copying. If it is determined in step S609 that the instruction is not a copy start instruction, an instruction according to the input instruction from the user is issued, and the process returns to step S608. If it is determined in step S609 that a copy start instruction has been input, a copy job is executed in step S610. Further, in step S611, when the document to be copied is scanned and preparation for transmission to the device that performs printing is completed, the job is transmitted to the print output destination device together with the scan data.

  In this manner, when copying is started, the image forming apparatus 100 that is a local copy device transmits a remote copy job including scan data captured by the scanner 104 to the remote device via the LAN 130 and prints it out. .

As described above, according to the second embodiment, even if the reservation order of the remote copy job reservation is not guaranteed in the remote device temporarily reserved in the remote copy system, the temporarily reserved remote device In this case, the remote device is excluded from the provisional reservation selection at the time when the print job or the main reservation of the job is executed. As a result, the reservation of the remote copy job is given priority to the remote devices remaining in the list 404. Will be guaranteed.

Other Embodiments In addition to the embodiments described above, the following embodiments can be implemented.
1) A software program for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment in an apparatus or a computer in the system connected to the various devices so that the various devices are operated so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. The present invention includes those implemented by supplying a code and operating the various devices according to a program stored in a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus.
2) In this case, the program code of the software itself realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and means for supplying the program code to the computer, for example, the program code are stored. This storage medium constitutes the present invention.
3) As a storage medium for storing the program code, for example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD (compact disc [disk])-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM Etc. can be used.
4) The function of the above-described embodiment is realized not only by executing the program code supplied by the computer, but also the OS (Operating System) or other application in which the program code is running on the computer. Needless to say, the program code is included in the embodiment of the present invention even when the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized in cooperation with software or the like.
5) Further, after the supplied program code is stored in the memory of the function expansion board of the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is stored in the function expansion board or function storage unit based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the present invention includes a case where the CPU or the like provided performs some or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
6) Although the above-described embodiment has been described for the purpose of illustrating the present invention, modifications can be made in addition to the above-described embodiment. As long as the modification is based on the technical idea of the present invention described in the claims, the modification is within the technical scope of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the remote copy system in Embodiment 1-1 of this invention, 1-2, and Embodiment 2. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiments 1-1 and 1-2 and Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation unit of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiments 1-1, 1-2, and Embodiment 2 of the present invention and a configuration around the operation unit. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation unit screen according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 5A is a copy function setting screen, FIG. 5B is a print output destination device setting screen, FIG. It is a figure which shows the print output destination device setting screen from which the device was deleted. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in Embodiment 1-1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in Embodiment 1-2 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

100, 110, 120 Image forming apparatus 101, 111, 121 Controller unit 102, 112, 122 Operation unit 103, 113, 123 Printer 104, 124 Scanner 130 LAN
201 CPU
202 RAM
203 ROM
204 HDD
205 Operation unit I / F
206 LAN I / F
207 Modem 208 System bus 209 Image bus I / F
210 Image bus 211 RIP
212 Device I / F
213 Scanner image processing unit 214 Printer image processing unit 215 Image rotation processing unit 216 Image compression processing unit 217, 218 Cable 219 WAN
301 Input Port 302 Output Port 303 Key Group 304 Touch Panel 305 LED
306 LCD
401 Print output destination device setting screen display key 402 Print output destination device display area 403 Device status display area 404 List 405 Confirm key

Claims (21)

The second image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network, and the first image forming apparatus transmits a print job including the captured data to the second image forming apparatus via the network. In a remote copy system in which the forming apparatus can process the print job and print it out,
The first image forming apparatus includes:
Start accepting means for accepting a process start instruction for determining the second image forming apparatus;
One or a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of processing the print job out of the plurality of image forming apparatuses when the start receiving unit receives the start instruction, and issuing a reservation notification for reserving the processing of the print job. In contrast, a remote copy system comprising: reservation means for transmitting via the network. The first image forming apparatus includes:
Confirmation accepting means for accepting a confirmation instruction for confirming the second image forming apparatus;
A reservation cancellation notification for canceling the reservation is sent between the time when the confirmation accepting unit accepts the confirmation instruction and the time when the print job is transmitted to the second image forming apparatus. 2. The remote copy system according to claim 1, further comprising: a reservation cancellation unit configured to transmit to the one or a plurality of image forming apparatuses other than the apparatus via the network. The reservation cancellation unit sends the reservation cancellation notification to the one or more image forming apparatuses other than the second image forming apparatus when the confirmation receiving unit receives the confirmation instruction. The remote copy system according to claim 2, wherein the remote copy system transmits the data via a remote copy. The first image forming apparatus includes:
4. The remote copy system according to claim 2, further comprising display means for displaying information of the image forming apparatus to which the reservation notice is transmitted by the reservation means. The reservation cancellation unit transmits the reservation cancellation notification to an image forming apparatus other than the second image forming apparatus whose information is displayed by the display unit via the network. Item 5. The remote copy system according to Item 4. The remote copy system according to claim 1, wherein the reservation notification instructs the print job to be processed with the highest priority after the reservation notification. The remote copy system according to claim 6, wherein the reservation cancellation notification instructs to return to processing of a print job before the reservation notification. The display means does not display information of an image forming apparatus to which the reservation notice is transmitted from an image forming apparatus that is processing a print job or an image forming apparatus other than the first image forming apparatus. Item 6. The remote copy system according to Item 4 or 5. In the image forming apparatus in which information is displayed by the display unit, when a print job process is started or when the confirmation instruction is received from another image forming apparatus, the display content on the display unit is changed. 9. The remote copy system according to claim 8, wherein   An image forming apparatus for a remote copy system, which has the function of the first image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The second image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network, and the first image forming apparatus transmits a print job including the captured data to the second image forming apparatus via the network. In a remote copy method of a system in which a forming apparatus can process the print job and print it out,
A start acceptance step in which the CPU of the first image forming apparatus accepts an instruction to start a process for determining the second image forming apparatus;
One or a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of processing the print job out of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, when a start instruction is received in the start receiving step, In contrast, a remote copy method comprising: a reservation step transmitted by the CPU via the network. A confirmation accepting step in which the CPU accepts a confirmation instruction to confirm the second image forming apparatus;
A reservation cancellation notification for canceling the reservation is received between the time when the confirmation instruction is received and the time when the print job is transmitted to the second image forming apparatus. The remote copy method according to claim 11, further comprising: a reservation canceling step that the CPU transmits to the one or more image forming apparatuses other than the apparatus via the network. In the reservation cancellation step, when the confirmation instruction is received in the confirmation reception step, the reservation cancellation notification is sent to the one or more image forming apparatuses other than the second image forming apparatus. The remote copy method according to claim 12, wherein the CPU transmits the data via a remote control. 14. The remote copy method according to claim 12, further comprising: a display step in which the CPU displays information of the image forming apparatus to which the reservation notification is transmitted in the reservation step. In the reservation canceling step, the CPU transmits the reservation canceling notification to the image forming apparatus other than the second image forming apparatus in which information is displayed in the displaying step via the network. The remote copy method according to claim 14. 16. The remote copy method according to claim 11, wherein the reservation notification instructs to process the print job with the highest priority after the reservation notification. The remote copy method according to claim 16, wherein the reservation cancellation notification instructs to return to processing of a print job before the reservation notification. The display step does not display information of the image forming apparatus to which the reservation notification is transmitted from an image forming apparatus that is processing a print job or an image forming apparatus other than the first image forming apparatus. Item 16. The remote copy method according to Item 14 or 15. In the image forming apparatus in which information is displayed in the display step, when the processing of the print job is started or when the confirmation instruction is received from another image forming apparatus, the display content displayed in the display step is changed. The remote copy method according to claim 18, further comprising a changing step.   20. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute each step of the remote copy method according to claim 11 is recorded. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the remote copy method according to any one of claims 11 to 19.

Images