JP2008027085A - Image forming system, image forming apparatus, job management method and job management program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow an image forming apparatus desired by a user among a plurality of image forming apparatuses to perform print. <P>SOLUTION: An operating device among a plurality of MFPs is provided with: a box generation part 13 for assigning a user area to user identification information when the information is given; a related MFP extraction part 15 for extracting an MFP capable of executing a function desired by the user as a related MFP; a box generation request part 17 for allowing the user area to be assigned to user identification information with respect to the related MFP; a group list generation part 31 for generating a group list including device identification information on the operating device and related MFP; a group list transmission part 33 for transmitting the group list to the related MFP; a job reception/storage part 21 for storing print jobs into the user area when the print jobs are received; and a job transmission part 23 for transmitting the print jobs to the related MFP identified by the device identification information included in the group list. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, a job management method, and a job management program, and in particular, an image forming system capable of printing on an image forming apparatus desired by a user among a plurality of image forming apparatuses, and the system Forming an image forming apparatus, a job management method and a job management program executed by the image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, communication technology using a network has been developed, and a plurality of users can share a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the network. For this reason, the user can select and print a desired image forming apparatus. On the other hand, a plurality of users may use one image forming apparatus at the same time. In this case, there is a problem that a waiting time until a print job is executed increases.

  As a technique for dealing with this problem, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-216116 discloses a plurality of printers having a pull print function via a predetermined communication medium, a document server, a virtual printer server, and various user data processing devices. A network system connected to the data processing apparatus for selecting one or a plurality of appropriate printers from among the plurality of printers when the pull print job is issued to the data processing apparatus; Issuing means for issuing the same print job to all the printers, and detecting means for detecting the printer that first started execution of the print job in the virtual printer server; The print job is detected when a printer that has started execution of the print job is detected. Network system comprising: the deleting means, the instructing deletion of the print job have been described for other printers that do not start the execution of.

However, the conventional network system has a problem that the printer that first started the print job executes the print job, and the user cannot select which of the plurality of printers executes the print job.
JP 2001-216116 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is an image forming system capable of printing on an image forming apparatus desired by a user among a plurality of image forming apparatuses. Is to provide.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of printing on an image forming apparatus desired by a user among other image forming apparatuses connected to a network and the self apparatus.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a job management method capable of printing on an image forming apparatus desired by a user among a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a job management program capable of printing on an image forming apparatus desired by a user among a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming system is an image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network, and each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes data. Storage means for storing a user area, a user area allocation means for allocating a part of the storage area of the storage means to the user identification information as a user area when the user identification information is given, an operation reception means for receiving a user operation When the user identification information is accepted by the operation accepting means, an access permission means for permitting access to the storage user area assigned to the user identification information, and an instruction for executing the print job stored in the user area by the operation accepting means Is received, a job execution means for executing the print job, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses When at least one target device is assigned a user area to the user identification information given by the user area allocating means, a function selection that selects a function desired by the user as a user selection function from among functions that can be executed by the target device. Means for extracting, as a related device, an image forming device capable of executing at least all of the user-selected functions from among a plurality of image forming devices as a related device, and for identifying the extracted related device and a target device, respectively Group list generating means for generating a group list including apparatus identification information and given user identification information, group list storage means for storing the group list in the storage means, and transmitting the group list to the related apparatus, Group list storage request means to be stored and user area allocation A user area allocation requesting means for transmitting the user identification information given to the associated apparatus to the associated apparatus, and causing the associated apparatus to allocate a user area to the user identification information; A storage request unit, and each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses further assigns a print job reception unit that receives a print job including user identification information, and assigns the received print job to the user identification information included in the print job. And print job storage requesting means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus identified by the apparatus identification information included in the group list and storing the print job in the image forming apparatus.

  According to this aspect, when a user area is assigned to the target device, an image forming apparatus capable of executing at least all user selection functions desired by the user is extracted as a related apparatus. A user area is assigned to the same user identification information in the target device and the related device, and a group list including device identification information for identifying the related device and the target device is stored. For this reason, since the user area is allocated to all of the related apparatuses simply by allocating the user area to one target device, the user does not need to perform the work of allocating the user area with the related apparatus. Further, when the print job is received, the print job is stored in the user area assigned to the user identification information included in the print job, and is transmitted to the related device identified by the device identification information included in the group list. And memorized. For this reason, since the print job is stored in the target device and the related apparatus only by storing the print job in either the target device or the related apparatus, the print job is stored in either the target device or the related apparatus. Can be executed. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming system capable of printing on an image forming apparatus desired by a user among a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

  Preferably, each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses further includes a deletion unit that deletes the print job from the user area in response to execution of the print job by the job execution unit, and a print job executed by the job execution unit. Print job deletion requesting means for transmitting job identification information for identifying the image to the image forming apparatus identified by the apparatus identification information included in the group list, and causing the image forming apparatus to delete the print job.

  According to this aspect, in response to execution of the print job, the print job is deleted from the user area, and the print job is also deleted in the related apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the print job from being stored indefinitely and to effectively use the storage resource.

  Preferably, the group list includes function identification information for identifying the user-selected function, and each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses further detects the new image forming apparatus when connected to the network. Function information acquisition means for acquiring function information including function identification information for identifying functions provided in the image forming apparatus from the new image forming apparatus, and function information acquired from the new image forming apparatus are stored in the storage means. When all the user functions included in the group list are included, the user identification information included in the group list is transmitted to the group device identified by the device identification information included in the group list, and the new image forming apparatus New user area allocation requesting means for allocating user areas to user identification information and apparatus identification information of new image forming apparatuses are grouped. A group list updating unit for adding to the list, and an update request unit for transmitting the updated group list to the image forming apparatus specified by the apparatus identification information included in the group list and requesting the group list to be updated. .

  According to this aspect, when a new image forming apparatus is connected to the network, the group list is updated and a user area is assigned to the user identification information included in the group list in the new image forming apparatus. For this reason, only by connecting an image forming apparatus to the network, a user area is automatically generated according to the function of the image forming apparatus. For this reason, it is possible to simplify the work of assigning the user area to the image forming apparatus newly connected to the network.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with another image forming apparatus connected to a network, and has a storage unit for storing data and user identification information. When the user identification information is received by the user area allocation means for allocating a part of the storage area of the storage means to the user identification information as a user area, the operation reception means for receiving a user operation, and the operation reception means, Among the functions that can be executed when the user area is assigned to the user identification information given by the user area assignment means and the access permission means for permitting access to the storage user area assigned to the user identification information A function selection unit for selecting a user-desired function as a user selection function, and a user selection function among a plurality of image forming apparatuses An extraction means for extracting an image forming apparatus capable of executing at least all as a related apparatus; and a group list generating means for generating a group list including apparatus identification information for identifying each of the extracted related apparatus and the self apparatus. A group list storage unit for storing the group list in the storage unit, and a user area allocation request unit for transmitting the user identification information given to the user area allocation unit to the related apparatus and causing the related apparatus to allocate the user area to the user identification information. And a print job receiving means for receiving a print job including user identification information, and storing the received print job in a user area assigned to the user identification information included in the print job and identifying the device included in the group list Sent to the image forming apparatus identified by the information and sent to the image forming apparatus Comprising a print job storage request means for storing the print job, the.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of printing on an image forming apparatus desired by a user among other image forming apparatuses connected to the network and the self apparatus.

  Preferably, when an instruction to execute a print job stored in the user area is received by the operation receiving unit, the job execution unit that executes the print job, and the job execution unit executes the print job, A deletion unit that deletes the print job from the user area, and job identification information for identifying the print job executed by the job execution unit are transmitted to the image forming apparatus identified by the apparatus identification information included in the group list, Print job deletion requesting means for causing the forming apparatus to delete the print job;

  Preferably, the group list includes function identification information for identifying a user-selected function, and when detecting that a new image forming apparatus is connected to the network, the group list identifies a function included in the new image forming apparatus. Function information acquisition means for acquiring function information including the function identification information from the new image forming apparatus, and all user functions included in the group list stored in the storage means for the function information acquired from the new image forming apparatus. The user identification information included in the group list is transmitted to a new image forming apparatus, and a new user area allocation requesting means for causing the new image forming apparatus to allocate a user area to the user identification information, and a new image A group list updating means for adding device identification information of the forming device to the group list, and an updated group list. Transmitted to the image forming apparatus identified by the device identification information included in the list, further comprising an update request unit for requesting the update of the group list.

  According to still another aspect of the invention, a job management method includes an image forming apparatus including a communication unit for communicating with another image forming apparatus connected to a network, and a storage unit for storing data. The user management information, a step of assigning a part of the storage area of the storage means to the user identification information as a user area, a step of receiving a user operation, and an operation receiving step When the user identification information is accepted by the user apparatus, when the user area is allocated to the user identification information given by the step of permitting access to the storage user area allocated to the user identification information and the user area allocation step, Selecting a function desired by the user from among the functions that can be executed as a user selection function, and a plurality of images A step of extracting, as a related device, an image forming device capable of performing at least all of the user selection functions from the forming devices as a related device, and a group list including device identification information for identifying each of the extracted related device and its own device. A step of generating, a step of storing the group list in the storage means, a step of transmitting the user identification information given to the user area assignment step to the related device, causing the related device to assign a user area to the user identification information, and a user A step of receiving a print job including identification information, and an image identified by the device identification information included in the group list while storing the received print job in a user area assigned to the user identification information included in the print job Sent to the forming device and recorded the print job on the image forming device. Comprising a step of, the.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a job management method capable of printing on an image forming apparatus desired by a user among a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a job management program includes an image forming apparatus including a communication unit for communicating with another image forming apparatus connected to a network, and a storage unit for storing data. When the user identification information is given, a step of assigning a part of the storage area of the storage means to the user identification information as a user area, a step of accepting a user operation, and an operation acceptance step When the user identification information is accepted by the user apparatus, when the user area is allocated to the user identification information given by the step of permitting access to the storage user area allocated to the user identification information and the user area allocation step, Selecting a function desired by the user from among the functions that can be executed as a user selection function Extracting, as a related device, an image forming device capable of executing at least all of the user selection functions from among a plurality of image forming devices, and device identification information for identifying each of the extracted related device and its own device. A step of generating a group list, a step of storing the group list in a storage means, and transmitting user identification information given to the user area allocating step to the related apparatus, causing the related apparatus to allocate a user area to the user identification information. A step of receiving a print job including user identification information; storing the received print job in a user area assigned to the user identification information included in the print job; and device identification information included in the group list. Sent to the identified image forming device and printed on the image forming device To execute the steps of storing the job, the image forming apparatus.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a job management program capable of printing on an image forming apparatus desired by a user among a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an image forming system is an image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network and at least one information processing apparatus, and the at least one information processing apparatus includes: Print condition receiving means for receiving an input of print conditions, extraction means for extracting an image forming apparatus that can form an image from a plurality of image forming apparatuses according to the print conditions, and a print job including the received print conditions A print job storage requesting unit that transmits to the related device and stores the data in the related device. Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes an operation receiving unit that receives a user operation, and a storage unit that stores data. The print job is stored in response to receiving the print job from the information processing apparatus. Comprising a print job storage means for storing the stage, the execution instruction of the print job stored in the storage means by the operation accepting unit is accepted, and a job execution means for executing the print job.

  According to this aspect, the print job is transmitted to and stored in all of the image forming apparatuses that can execute the print conditions, and thus it is possible to print on the image forming apparatus desired by the user among the plurality of image forming apparatuses. An image forming system can be provided.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes a group list generation unit that generates a group list including device identification information for identifying the extracted related device, and the print job storage request unit associates the group list with the print job. The print job storage unit of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses associates the print job with the group information in response to receiving the print job and the group information from the information processing apparatus. Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses further includes a deletion unit that deletes the print job and the group information from the storage area in response to the print job being executed by the job execution unit, and a job Job identification information for identifying the print job executed by the execution means Was transmitted to the image forming apparatus identified by the device identification information included in the group list comprises a print job deletion request means for deleting the print job and the group list to the image forming apparatus.

  Preferably, the at least one information processing apparatus is any of a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall outline of an image forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming system 1 includes MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) 100, 101, 102 and a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) 200 each connected to a network 2. In the figure, an example in which three MFPs 100, 101, and 102 are connected to the network 2 is shown, but in the present embodiment, an example in which ten MFPs 100 to 109 are connected to the network 2 will be described. To do. Further, in place of MFPs 100 to 109, any device having a function of forming an image may be a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, or the like. Further, the number of PCs 200 and MFPs 100 to 109 is not limited.

  The network 2 is a local area network (LAN), and the connection form may be wired or wireless. Further, the network 2 is not limited to a LAN, and may be a network using a public switched telephone network (Public Switched Telephone Networks). Furthermore, the network 2 is connected to a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet.

  The PC 105 is a general computer, and a printer driver program for controlling the MFPs 100 to 109 is installed. If the types of MFPs 100 to 109 are different, a plurality of printer driver programs for controlling MFPs 100 to 109 are installed in PC 200.

  The MFPs 100 to 109 may have the same or different functions, but basically, an image reading function for reading a document and outputting image data, an image processing function for processing image data, The image forming function includes at least one of an image forming function for forming an image on a sheet such as paper based on image data, a post-processing function such as punching and sorting on the sheet after image formation, and a facsimile transmission / reception function. Although the MFPs 100 to 109 may not have the same functions, the MFP 100 will be described here assuming that the MFP 100 has the functions of at least one of the other MFPs 101 to 109.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the MFP. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the functions of the MFP. 2 and 3, MFP 100 includes a main circuit 110, a document reading unit 130 for reading a document, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 120 for conveying a document to document reading unit 130, An image forming unit 140 for forming an image on a sheet or the like based on image data output by the document reading unit 130 reading the document, a paper feeding unit 150 for supplying the image to the image forming unit 140, and a sheet A post-processing unit 160 for discharging paper and an operation panel 170 as a user interface are included.

  The main circuit 110 includes a CPU 111, a communication interface (I / F) unit 112, a ROM 113, a RAM 114, an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable ROM) 115, a hard disk drive (HDD) 116 as a mass storage device, A facsimile unit 117 and a card interface (I / F) 118 to which a flash memory 118A is attached are included. CPU 111 is connected to ADF 120, document reading unit 130, image forming unit 140, paper feeding unit 150, and operation panel 170, and controls the entire MFP 100.

  The ROM 113 stores a program executed by the CPU 111 or data necessary for executing the program. The RAM 114 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program. The RAM 114 temporarily stores read data (image data) continuously sent from the document reading unit 130.

  Operation panel 170 is provided on the upper surface of MFP 100 and includes a display unit 170A and an operation unit 170B. The display unit 170A is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic ELD (Electro Luminescence Display), and displays an instruction menu for the user, information about acquired image data, and the like. The operation unit 170B includes a plurality of keys, and accepts input of various instructions, data such as characters and numbers by user operations corresponding to the keys. Operation unit 170B further includes a touch panel provided on display unit 170A.

  Communication I / F unit 112 is an interface for connecting MFP 100 to network 2. The CPU 111 communicates with the MFPs 101 to 109 or the PC 200 via the communication I / F unit 112 to transmit / receive data.

  The facsimile unit 117 is connected to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and transmits facsimile data to the PSTN or receives facsimile data from the PSTN. The facsimile unit 117 stores the received facsimile data in the HDD 116 or outputs it to the image forming unit 140. The image forming unit 140 prints the facsimile data received by the facsimile unit 117 on a sheet. Further, the facsimile unit 117 converts the data stored in the HDD 116 into facsimile data, and transmits the facsimile data to a facsimile apparatus connected to the PSTN.

  The card I / F 118 is mounted with a flash memory 118A. The CPU 111 can access the flash memory 118A via the card I / F 118. The CPU 111 loads the job management program recorded in the flash memory 118A attached to the card I / F 118 onto the RAM 114 and executes it. The program executed by the CPU 111 is not limited to the job management program recorded in the flash memory 118A, and the job management program stored in the HDD 116 may be loaded into the RAM 114 and executed. In this case, another computer connected to the network 2 may rewrite the job management program stored in the HDD 116 of the MFP 100 or may write a new job management program. Further, MFP 100 may download a job management program from another computer connected to network 2 and store the job management program in HDD 116. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU 111 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

The ADF 120 handles a plurality of documents mounted on the document table, and sequentially conveys them one by one to the document reading unit 130. The ADF 120 conveys the document to the document reading unit 130 to read the both sides of the document, reads the front side, and then turns the document over and conveys the document to the document reading unit 130 to read the back side. . The document reading unit 130 optically reads image information such as photographs, characters, pictures, and the like from the document and acquires image data. When image data is input, the image forming unit 140 prints an image on a sheet such as a sheet based on the image data.

  The paper feed unit 150 has a plurality of paper feed trays, and supplies the sheets stored in the designated paper feed tray to the image forming unit 140 one by one. Each of the plurality of paper feed trays stores a paper sheet of a size selected from a plurality of paper sheets in a direction selected from a plurality of directions. Here, the paper feed unit 150 has three first to third paper feed trays, the first paper feed tray stores A4 size paper in the vertical direction, and the second paper feed tray is A4 size paper. The paper is stored in the horizontal direction, and the third paper feed tray stores A3 size paper in the vertical direction. In addition, when duplex printing is specified, the paper feeding unit 150 reverses the paper conveyed to the image forming unit 140 and conveys it again to the image forming unit 140 in order to form images on both sides of the paper.

  The post-processing unit 160 discharges the sheet on which the image is formed. The post-processing unit 160 includes a plurality of paper discharge trays and includes a sorting unit, a punch hole processing unit, and a staple processing unit. The sorting unit sorts and outputs a plurality of sheets on which images are formed to a plurality of paper discharge trays. The punch hole processing unit opens a punch hole in the paper. The staple processing unit performs staple processing to collect a plurality of sheets on which images are formed.

  HDD 116 provided in each of MFPs 100 to 109 in the present embodiment has a storage area (hereinafter referred to as “user box”) allocated in advance for each user. The user box is associated with user identification information for identifying the user. Upon receiving a print job, each of MFPs 100 to 109 stores the print job in a user box associated with user identification information included in the print job. Thus, when the user operates PC 200 or MFPs 101-109 to transmit a print job to MFP 100, MFPs 100-109 store the received print jobs in a user box assigned to the user. Also, when the user operates each of MFPs 100 to 109 to input a print job, each of MFPs 100 to 109 stores the input print job in a user box assigned to the user. For example, if the user of the MFP 100 inputs print conditions to the operation unit 170B and causes the document reading unit 130 to scan a document, a print job including the image data output from the document reading unit 130 and the print conditions is generated. The print job is stored in the user box of the user.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the functions of the PC. Referring to FIG. 4, PC 200 is executed by a central processing unit (CPU) 201 that is connected to bus 220 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 203 that records a program to be executed by CPU 201. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 205 for loading a program and storing data during program execution, a hard disk drive (HDD) 207 as a mass storage device, and a card interface in which a flash memory 208 is mounted (I / F) 209, a communication I / F 211 for connecting the CPU 200 to the network 2, and an operation unit 219 functioning as an interface with the user.

  The CPU 201 loads the printer driver program recorded in the flash memory 208 attached to the card I / F 209 into the RAM 205 and executes it. The program executed by the CPU 201 is not limited to the driver program recorded in the flash memory 208, and the program stored in the HDD 207 may be loaded into the RAM 205 and executed. In this case, another computer connected to the network 2 may rewrite the driver program stored in the HDD 207 of the PC 200 or may write a new driver program. Further, the PC 200 may download a driver program from another computer connected to the network 2 and store the driver program in the HDD 207. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU 201 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  The operation unit 219 includes an input unit 219A and a display unit 219B. The input unit 219A is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse for receiving an input of an operation by the user of the PC 200. The display unit 219B is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device (LCD), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display panel, or a cathode ray tube (CRT). A pointing device such as a touch panel may be used for the input unit 219A.

  The communication I / F 211 is a communication interface for connecting the PC 200 to the network 2. As a result, the PC 200 can communicate with the other MFPs 100 to 109. The PC 200 and the other MFPs 100 to 109 are connected via the network 2, but may be directly connected using a serial interface or a parallel interface. The communication I / F 211 uses an interface according to the connection form between the PC 200 and each of the other MFPs 100 to 109.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the functions of the CPU 111 provided in the MFP according to the first embodiment, together with data stored in the HDD 116. Referring to FIG. 5, CPU 111 includes a box management unit 10 for managing user boxes, a job management unit 20 for managing print jobs, and a group list management unit 30 for managing group lists. Including.

  Box management unit 10 extracts a user authentication unit 11 for authenticating a user, a box generation unit 13 for generating a user box, and an apparatus having the same attribute as MFP 100 from other MFPs 101 to 109 as related MFPs. A related MFP extraction unit 15 for requesting a user box, and a box generation requesting unit 17 for requesting the related MFP to generate a user box.

  Upon receiving the box generation instruction, the box generation unit 13 generates a user box 41 in the HDD 116. When the user inputs a box generation instruction to the operation unit 170B, the box generation unit 13 receives the box generation instruction from the operation unit 170B. When a box generation request unit 17 (to be described later) included in another MFP 101 to 109 transmits a box generation instruction, the communication I / F 112 receives the box generation instruction from the PC 200, and the box generation unit 13 receives the box generation instruction from the communication I / F 112. Accepts box generation instructions. Upon receiving the box generation instruction, the box generation unit 13 allocates a part of the storage area of the HDD 116 to the user box and associates the user identification information included in the generation instruction with the user box.

  When receiving the user identification information, the user authentication unit 11 determines whether or not it matches the user identification information stored in advance in the HDD 116. If the two match, the received user identification information is authenticated. The user identification information may be authenticated using a combination of user identification information and authentication information such as a password. When authenticating the user identification information, the user authentication unit 11 permits access to the user box associated with the user identification information. That is, the user can execute the print job stored in the user box on condition that the user identification information input to the operation unit 170B is authenticated by the user authentication unit 11.

  When the user box is generated by the box generation unit 13, the related MFP extraction unit 15 selects a function desired by the user from among the functions executable by the MFP 100 as a user selection function, and the user is selected from among the other MFPs 101 to 109. An MFP capable of executing at least all of the selection functions is extracted as an executable device. Specifically, related MFP extraction unit 15 displays a function selection screen for displaying a list of function identification information for identifying functions executable by MFP 100 on display unit 170A, and accepts a user selection function. Then, the MFPs 101 to 109 are requested to transmit the function information, and the function information transmitted from the other MFPs 101 to 109 is received. The function information includes function identification information of functions that can be executed by the MFPs 101 to 109. Then, the related MFP extraction unit 15 compares each of the function information received from the MFPs 101 to 109 with the user selection function, and determines all of the MFPs that have transmitted the function information including all of the function identification information included in the user selection function. Extracted as related MFP. The related MFP extraction unit 15 outputs the extracted device identification information of all related MFPs to the box generation request unit 17 and the group list generation unit 31.

  When the box generation unit 13 generates a user box, the box generation request unit 17 requests each associated MFP to generate a user box. Specifically, the box generation request unit 17 transmits a box generation instruction including user identification information associated with the user box generated by the box generation unit 13 to all related MFPs.

  The group list management unit 30 receives the group list from any of the group list generation unit 31 that generates the group list, the group list transmission unit 33 that transmits the group list to all related MFPs, and the other MFPs 101 to 109. A group list receiving unit 35. When the related MFP device identification information is input from the related MFP extraction unit 15, the group list generation unit 31 generates a group list, stores the group list in the HDD 116, and outputs the group list to the group list transmission unit 33. As a result, the group list 45 is stored in the HDD 116. FIG. 7 is a first diagram illustrating an example of the format of the group list. The group list includes user identification information associated with the user box generated by box generation unit 13, apparatus identification information of self apparatus MFP 100, and apparatus identification information of all related MFPs. Note that a user selection function may be included in the group list.

  When the group list is input from the group list generation unit 31, the group list transmission unit 33 specifies a related MFP other than the own device from the device identification information included in the group list, and communicates the group list to all the related MFPs. / F unit 112 for transmission. When the communication I / F unit 112 receives a group list from any of the other MFPs 101 to 109, the group list receiving unit 35 stores the group list in the HDD 116. As a result, the group list 45 is stored in the HDD 116. That is, the group list transmitted by the group list transmission unit 33 of the MFP 100 is received by the communication I / F unit 112 of each related MFP and stored in the HDD 106 by the group list reception unit 35. In addition, the group list transmitted from MFP 101 to 109 by group list transmission unit 33 to MFP 100 is received by communication I / F unit 112 of MFP 100 and stored in HDD 106 of MFP 100 by group list reception unit 35.

  The job management unit 20 includes a job reception / storage unit 21, a job transmission unit 22, a job execution unit 25, and a job deletion unit 27. The job reception / storage unit 21 receives a print job and stores it in the user box 41 of the HDD 116. As a result, the print job 42 is stored in the user box 41. The job reception / storage unit 21 receives a print job received from the PC 200 by the communication I / F unit 112 or a print job input by the user to the operation unit 170B, and is associated with user identification information included in the print job. A print job is stored in the box 41. FIG. 6 shows an example of a print job format. The print job includes job identification information for identifying the print job, user identification information, print conditions, and print data.

  When the job execution unit 25 receives a job execution instruction, it reads and executes the print job stored in the user box 41. The job execution instruction includes job identification information for identifying a print job. When the user inputs a job execution instruction to the operation unit 170B, the job execution unit 25 receives the job execution instruction from the operation unit 170B. As described above, since the user authentication unit 11 permits access to the user box 41 on the condition that the authentication of the user identification information is successful, the job execution unit 25 is associated with the authenticated user identification information. Only the print job stored in the user box 41 is executed. When executing the print job, the job execution unit 25 outputs job identification information and user identification information of the print job to the job deletion unit 27.

  The job deletion unit 27 deletes the print job 42 executed by the job execution unit 25 from the user box 41. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the print job 42 from being stored in the user box 41 indefinitely and to effectively use the storage area of the HDD 116. The job deletion unit 27 requests all the related MFPs to delete the same print job as the print job 42 executed by the job execution unit 25. Specifically, the job deletion unit 27 reads the group list 45 including the user identification information input from the job execution unit 25 from the HDD 116, and specifies related MFPs other than the own device from the device identification information included in the group list. . Then, a job deletion instruction including job identification information of the print job 42 executed by the job execution unit 25 is transmitted to all the related MFPs. When the communication I / F unit 112 receives a job deletion instruction from the other MFPs 101 to 109, the job deletion unit 27 deletes the print job specified by the job identification information included in the job deletion instruction from the HDD 116. That is, the job deletion instruction transmitted by the job deletion unit 27 of the MFP 100 is received by the communication I / F unit 112 of each related MFP, and the print executed by the job execution unit 25 of the MFP 100 by the job deletion unit 27 of each related MFP. The same print job as the job 42 is deleted from the HDD 106.

  Next, a process executed by each of MFPs 100 to 109 when a user box is generated in MFP 100 will be described. Here, MFP 100 operated by the user is referred to as an operation device. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of user box management processing executed by the controller device. The user box management process shown in FIG. 8 is a process executed by the CPU 111 of each of the MFPs 100 to 109 when the CPU 111 of each of the MFPs 100 to 109 executes the job management program. Here, since the operation apparatus is MFP 100, a case will be described in which MFP 100 executes the user box management process shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 8, CPU 111 of operation device MFP 100 determines whether or not a box generation instruction has been accepted (step S01). When the user inputs a box generation instruction to the operation unit 170B, the CPU 111 receives the box generation instruction from the operation unit 170B. If a box generation instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S02. If a box generation instruction is not accepted, the process ends. In other words, the user box management process is a process that is executed on condition that a user inputs a box generation instruction to operation unit 170B of operation apparatus MFP100.

  In step S02, user identification information is received. The CPU 111 displays a box generation screen including an area for inputting user identification information on the display unit 170A, and accepts user identification information input by the user to the operation unit 170B. And the user box relevant to the received user identification information is produced | generated (step S03). Specifically, a part of the storage area of the HDD 116 is allocated to the user box, and the user identification information received in step S02 is associated with the user box.

  In the next step S04, it is determined whether or not a user box is generated in the related MFP. Whether or not to generate a user box in the related MFP may be set in the operation apparatus MFP 100 in advance or may be confirmed with the user. If a user box is generated for the associated MFP, the process proceeds to step S05. If not, the process ends.

  In step S05, a function information transmission request is transmitted to apparatus MFPs 101-109 other than the operation apparatus. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of user box management processing executed by a device other than the operation device. 9 is a process executed by the CPU 111 of each of the MFPs 100 to 109 when the CPU 111 of each of the MFPs 100 to 109 executes the job management program. Here, since the operation device is MFP 100, a case will be described in which CPUs 111 of devices MFP 101 to 109 other than operation device MFP 100 execute the user box management processing shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 9, CPU 111 of each of apparatus MFPs 101 to 109 other than operation apparatus MFP 100 determines whether or not a function information transmission request has been received (step S101). If communication I / F unit 112 receives a function information transmission request from operation apparatus MFP 100, the process proceeds to step S102, and if not, the process proceeds to step S103. In step S102, function information including function identification information of all functions executable by the apparatus itself is returned to operation apparatus MFP100. Therefore, each of apparatuses MFP 101 to 109 other than operation apparatus MFP 100 transmits function information to operation apparatus MFP 100.

  Returning to FIG. 8, CPU 111 of operation device MFP 100 proceeds to step S 07 if function information has been received from all devices MFP 101 to 109 other than operation device MFP 100 (YES in step S 06). Is returned to step S05. In step S07, a function selection screen is displayed on display unit 170A, and selection of a function input by the user to operation unit 170B is accepted.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function selection screen. Function selection screen shown in FIG. 10 displays a list of functions that can be executed by operation apparatus MFP 100 in a selectable manner. However, of the functions that can be executed by operation apparatus MFP 100, functions that cannot be executed unless selected are displayed in a pre-selected state and cannot be selected by the user. Here, the user box identification information for identifying the user box, the PDL (Page Description Language) held by the apparatus, and the access authority are displayed in a non-selectable state. The selectable functions include a staple function, a color printing function, a punch function, a biometric authentication function, and a paper size that can be specified. It shows that operation apparatus MFP 100 has a stapling function, a color printing function, a punching function, and a biometric authentication function, and can specify A4 size paper, A3 size paper, and B5 size paper. When a check box corresponding to each function is designated, that function is selected. Here, the selected function is referred to as a selection function.

  Returning to FIG. 8, in step S08, selection is accepted until function selection is completed (NO in step S08). If function selection is completed (YES in step S08), the process proceeds to step S09. In step S09, an MFP capable of executing the selection function is extracted as a related MFP from apparatuses MFP101 to 109 other than operating apparatus MFP100. Specifically, in step S06, the function information received from apparatuses MFP 101 to 109 other than operation apparatus MFP 100 is compared with the selected function, and the MFP that has transmitted the function information including the function identification information of all the selected functions is determined as the related MFP. And Here, a case where the MFP 101 and the MFP 102 are extracted as related MFPs will be described.

  In the next step S10, a group list is generated. The group list includes the user identification information received in step S02, the device identification information of operation device MFP100, and the device identification information of each of related MFPs 101 and 102. Then, a group list display screen for displaying the generated group list is displayed on the display unit 170A (step S11). FIG. 11 shows an example of the group list display screen. Referring to FIG. 11, device identification information “DeviceA” of MFP 100 is displayed in the “Target” item indicating the operation device, device identification information of MFPs 101 to 109 other than the operation device is displayed side by side, and device identification information is displayed. A check box is displayed corresponding to each. Check boxes corresponding to the device identification information “DeviceC” and “DeviceF” of the related MFPs 101 and 102 are marked to indicate that they are related MFPs. This is to inform the user that the user box has been generated in the related MFPs 101 and 102.

  Returning to FIG. 8, in step S <b> 12, the generated group list is stored in HDD 116. Then, a user box generation request is transmitted to each of the related MFPs 101 and 102 (step S13). The user box generation request includes the user identification information received in step S02. Next, the group list generated in step S10 is transmitted to each of the related MFPs 101 and 102 (step S14), and the process ends.

  Referring to FIG. 9, in step S <b> 103, CPU 111 of each of apparatus MFPs 101 to 109 other than operation apparatus MFP 100 determines whether or not a user box generation request has been received. Here, operation device MFP 100 transmits a user box generation request to related MFPs 101 and 102, so that related MFPs 101 and 102 receive the user box generation request and the process proceeds to step S104. Since the request is not received, step S104 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S105. In step S104, the CPU 111 of each of the related MFPs 101 and 102 generates a user box related to the user identification information included in the user box generation request, and advances the processing to step S105. Specifically, a part of the storage area of the HDD 116 is allocated to the user box, and the user identification information received in step S02 is associated with the user box.

  In step S105, CPU 111 of each of apparatus MFPs 101-109 other than operation apparatus MFP 100 determines whether or not a group list has been received. Here, since operation apparatus MFP 100 transmits the group list to related MFPs 101 and 102, related MFPs 101 and 102 receive the group list, and the process proceeds to step S106. However, MFPs 103 to 109 do not receive the group list. Step S106 is skipped and the process ends. In step S106, each of the related MFPs 101 and 102 stores the received group list in the HDD 116, and ends the process.

  As described above, when the user operates operation device MFP 100 to generate a user box on operation device MFP 100, related MFPs 101 and 102 that can execute the selection function selected by the user are determined, and the user box is stored in related MFPs 101 and 102. Generated. For this reason, the user can access the user boxes generated in the MFPs 101 and 102.

  Next, processing executed in each of MFPs 100 to 109 when a print job is stored in MFP 100 and executed by MFP 100 will be described. Here, MFP 100 operated by the user is referred to as an operation device. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of job management processing executed by the controller device. The job management process shown in FIG. 12 is a process executed by the CPU 111 of each of the MFPs 100 to 109 when the CPU 111 of each of the MFPs 100 to 109 executes the job management program. Here, since the operation apparatus is MFP 100, a case where MFP 100 executes the job management process shown in FIG. 12 will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 12, CPU 111 of operation device MFP 100 determines whether a print job has been accepted (step S21). The CPU 111 receives a print job that the communication I / F unit 112 receives from the PC 200 or a print job that the user inputs to the operation unit 170B. If a print job is accepted, the process proceeds to step S22; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S26. In step S22, the received print job is stored in the user box 41 associated with the user identification information included in the print job.

  In the next step S23, it is determined whether or not a group list including user identification information included in the print job is stored in the HDD. If such a group list is stored, the process proceeds to step S25; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S26. In step S24, a group list including user identification information included in the print job received in step S21 is read. Then, the print job storage request is transmitted to all the related MFPs included in the group list (step S25). Here, a case where the group list includes apparatus identification information of MFPs 100, 101, and 102 will be described as an example. Of the device identification information included in the group list, device identification information other than the device identification information of operating device MFP 100 is the device identification information of the related MFP. Therefore, since MFPs 101 and 102 are related MFPs here, CPU 111 of operation device MFP 100 transmits a print job storage request to related MFPs 101 and 102.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of job management executed by an apparatus other than the operation apparatus. The job management process shown in FIG. 13 is a process executed by the CPU 111 of each of the MFPs 100 to 109 when the CPU 111 of each of the MFPs 100 to 109 executes the job management program. Here, since the operation device is MFP 100, a case will be described in which CPUs 111 of devices MFP 101 to 109 other than operation device MFP 100 execute the user box management processing shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 13, CPU 111 of each of apparatus MFPs 101 to 109 other than operation apparatus MFP 100 determines whether a print job storage request has been received (step S111). Here, since operation apparatus MFP 100 transmits a print job storage request to related MFPs 101 and 102, related MFPs 101 and 102 receive the print job storage request and the process proceeds to step S112. Since the request is not received, step S111 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S113. In step S112, the CPU 111 of the associated MFP 101 or 102 stores the print job in the user box related to the user identification information included in the print job storage request, and advances the process to step S113.

  Returning to FIG. 12, in step S26, it is determined whether or not the user authentication is successful. If successful, the process proceeds to step S27, and if not successful, the process is terminated. Due to the success of user authentication, the CPU 111 accepts user identification information. In the next step S27, if a print job execution instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S28, and if not, the process ends. When the user authentication is successful, the CPU 111 displays the job identification information of the print job stored in the user box associated with the user identification information received by the user authentication on the display unit 170A. If the user indicates any of the displayed job identification information, the CPU 111 receives an execution instruction for the print job, reads the print job from the user box (step S28), and executes the print job (step S29). .

  Next, it is determined whether or not to delete the executed print job (step S30). Whether or not to delete the print job may be preset in operation apparatus MFP 100 or may be confirmed with the user. If the print job is deleted, the process proceeds to step S31. If not, the process ends. In step S31, the print job executed in step S29 is deleted from the user box, and the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S32, the group list including the user identification information accepted by the user authentication in step S26 is read. Then, a print job deletion request is transmitted to all the related MFPs included in the group list (step S33). Here, a case where the group list includes apparatus identification information of MFPs 100, 101, and 102 will be described as an example. Of the device identification information included in the group list, device identification information other than the device identification information of operating device MFP 100 is the device identification information of the related MFP. Therefore, since MFPs 101 and 102 are related MFPs here, CPU 111 of operation device MFP 100 transmits a print job deletion request to related MFPs 101 and 102. The print job deletion request includes job identification information for identifying the print job executed in step S29.

  Referring to FIG. 13 again, CPU 111 of each of apparatus MFPs 101 to 109 other than operation apparatus MFP 100 determines whether or not a print job deletion request has been received (step S113). Here, since operation apparatus MFP 100 transmits a print job deletion request to related MFPs 101 and 102, related MFPs 101 and 102 receive the print job deletion storage request, and the process proceeds to step S114. Since no deletion request is received, step S114 is skipped and the process is terminated. In step S114, the CPU 111 of the associated MFP 101 or 102 deletes the print job specified by the job identification information included in the print job deletion request from the HDD 116, and ends the process.

  Next, a case where a new MFP 110 is connected to the network 2 will be described. In this case, the group list management unit 30 generates a group list including a user selection function when generating the group list. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of group list update processing executed in each of MFPs 100 to 109 that are already connected to network 2. 14 is a process executed by the CPU 111 of each of the MFPs 100 to 109 when the CPU 111 of each of the MFPs 100 to 109 executes the job management program. Since the group list update processing executed by MFPs 100 to 109 is the same, here, a case where CPU 111 of MFP 100 executes group list update processing will be described as an example. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of user box management processing executed by the new MFP 110 connected to the network. The user box management process shown in FIG. 15 is a process executed by the CPU 111 of the MFP 110 when the CPU 111 of the MFP 110 executes a job management program.

  Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, CPU 111 of MFP 100 determines whether or not it is detected that new MFP 110 is connected to network 2 (step S <b> 41). If a new MFP 110 is detected, the process proceeds to step S42, but if not detected, a standby state is entered. In other words, the group list update process is a process executed on condition that a new MFP 110 connected to the network 2 is detected. In step S 42, a function information transmission request is transmitted to the new MFP 110.

  The CPU 111 of the new MFP 110 determines whether a function information transmission request has been received (step S101). If a function information transmission request is received, the process proceeds to step S102; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S103. In step S102, function information including function identification information of all functions that can be executed by the own apparatus is returned to MFP 100.

  In step S43, CPU 111 of MFP 100 determines whether or not function information is received from new MFP 110. If function information is received, the process proceeds to step S44, and if not, the process returns to step S42.

  In step S44, CPU 111 of MFP 100 reads a group list stored in HDD 116. If a plurality of group lists are stored, one of them is selected and read out. Then, the function information of the new MFP 110 received in step S43 is compared with the function information included in the group list (step S45). In step S46, if the function information of the new MFP 110 includes function identification information of all the function information included in the group list, the process proceeds to step S47. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S47, the device identification information of the new MFP 110 is added to the group list. Then, the group list stored in the HDD 116 is updated (step S48). Further, a group list update request is transmitted to MFPs other than the group list own device (step S49). The update request includes a group list to which device identification information of the new MFP 110 is added. When the MFPs 101 to 109 other than the new MFP 110 and the MFP 100 receive the group list update request, the group list is updated by rewriting the corresponding group list with the group list included in the update request.

  In the next step S50, a user box generation request is transmitted to the new MFP 110. The user box generation request includes user identification information included in the group list updated in step S48. Next, the group list updated in step S48 is transmitted to the new MFP 110 (step S51). Further, the print job stored in the user box associated with the user identification information included in the group list updated in step S48 is transmitted to the new MFP 110 (step S52). In the next step S53, it is determined whether or not an unprocessed group list is stored in the HDD. If an unprocessed group list is stored, the process returns to step S44, and if not, the process ends. Thereby, the process of step S44-step S52 is performed about all the group lists memorize | stored in HDD116.

  Referring to FIG. 15, CPU 111 of new MFP 110 determines whether or not a user box generation request has been received in step S <b> 103. If a user box generation request is received, the process proceeds to step S104. If a user box generation request is not received, step S104 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S105. In step S104, a user box related to the user identification information included in the user box generation request is generated, and the process proceeds to step S105. Specifically, a part of the storage area of the HDD 116 is allocated to the user box, and the user identification information included in the user box generation request is associated with the user box.

  In step S105, it is determined whether a group list has been received. If the group list is received, the process proceeds to step S106. If not, step S106 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S107. Here, the group list transmitted by MFP 100 is received, and the process proceeds to step S106. In step S106, the received group list is stored in HDD 116, and the process proceeds to step S107.

  In step S107, it is determined whether a print job has been received. If a print job is received, the process proceeds to step S108; otherwise, step S108 is skipped and the process ends. Here, the print job transmitted by MFP 100 is received, and the process proceeds to step S108. In step S108, the received print job is stored in the user box associated with the user identification information included in the print job.

  Thus, when a new MFP 110 is connected to the network 2, a user box is generated in the new MFP 110, and a print job is stored in the user box. For this reason, it is not necessary to generate a new user box in the new MFP 110.

  As described above, in the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment, when a user box is assigned to the operation apparatus MFP 100, the MFPs 101 and 102 that can execute at least all user selection functions desired by the user are related MFPs. Extracted as In operation device MFP 100 and related MFPs 101 and 102, a user area is assigned to the same user identification information, and a group list including device identification information for identifying operation device MFP 100 and related MFPs 101 and 102, respectively. Remembered. For this reason, the user area is allocated to all of the related MFPs 101 and 102 only by allocating the user area to one operation apparatus MFP 100, so that the user does not need to perform the work of allocating the user area in the related MFPs 101 and 102.

  When the print job is received, the print job is stored in the user area assigned to the user identification information included in the print job, and is transmitted to the related MFP identified by the device identification information included in the group list. And memorized. For example, if the related MFPs identified by the device identification information included in the group list are MFPs 100 to 102, the print jobs are stored in MFPs 100 to 102 only by storing the print jobs in any of MFPs 100 to 102. For this reason, one of the related MFPs 100 to 102 can execute the print job.

  Further, in response to execution of the print job, the print job is deleted from the user area, and the print job is also deleted in the related MFP identified by the device identification information included in the group list. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the print job from being stored indefinitely and to effectively use the storage resource.

  Further, when a new MFP 110 is connected to the network 2, the group list is updated and a user area is assigned to the user identification information included in the group list in the new MFP 110. For this reason, simply connecting the MFP 110 to the network 2 automatically generates a user area according to the functions provided in the MFP 110. For this reason, it is possible to simplify the work of assigning the user area to the MFP 110 newly connected to the network 2.

<Second Embodiment>
In the image forming system in the first embodiment, user boxes are generated in MFP 100 to MFP 109, but in the image forming system in the second embodiment, user boxes are not generated in MFP 100 to MFP 109. The print job is stored in a plurality of MFPs. Hereinafter, the overall outline of the image forming system in the second embodiment for generating the first user box is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, and the functions of the MFP and PC are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. It is the same as the functional block diagram shown. Therefore, description thereof will not be repeated here.

  FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram illustrating an overview of the functions of the CPU provided in the PC according to the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 16, CPU 201 authenticates user of PC 200, user authentication unit 51, job reception unit 53 for receiving a print job, related MFP extraction unit 55, group list generation unit 57, A print instruction unit 59.

  The user authentication unit 51 receives user identification information input by the user to the input unit 219 </ b> A, and determines whether or not the user authentication information matches the user identification information stored in advance in the HDD 207. If the two match, the received user identification information is authenticated. If the authentication is successful, the user authentication unit 51 outputs the received user identification information to the job reception unit 53. The user identification information may be authenticated using a combination of user identification information and authentication information such as a password.

  The job reception unit 53 receives a print job. For example, when the user specifies data to be printed on the PC 200 and print conditions, the CPU 201 generates a print job. The print job includes job identification information for identifying the print job, user identification information authenticated by the user authentication unit 51, print conditions, and print data. Job accepting portion 53 accepts the generated print job and outputs the print job to related MFP extracting portion 55, group list creating portion 57 and print instruction portion 59.

  When a print job is input from job accepting unit 53, related MFP extracting unit 55 extracts an MFP that can perform print processing from the MFPs 100 to 109 under the print conditions included in the print job. Specifically, related MFP extraction unit 55 requests MFPs 100 to 109 to transmit function information, and receives function information transmitted from MFPs 100 to 109. The function information includes function identification information of functions that can be executed by MFPs 100 to 109. Then, based on the function information received from each of MFPs 100 to 109, related MFP extraction unit 55 determines whether or not each of MFPs 100 to 109 can execute the printing process under the printing conditions. Then, the apparatus identification information of the MFP that can execute the printing process under the printing conditions is output to the group list generation unit 57. Hereinafter, the MFP that the related MFP extraction unit determines to be able to execute print processing under the print conditions is referred to as a related MFP.

  When the related MFP device identification information is input from the related MFP extraction unit 55, the group list generation unit 57 generates a group list and outputs the group list to the print instruction unit 59. FIG. 17 is a second diagram illustrating an exemplary format of the group list. The group list includes print job identification information for identifying a print job and device identification information of all related MFPs.

  The print instruction unit 59 transmits the print job and the group list to each related MFP specified by the device identification information included in the group list.

  FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram showing an overview of the functions of the CPU provided in the MFP according to the second embodiment. Since the functions of the CPU 111 provided in each of the MFPs 100 to 109 are the same, the function will be described by taking the CPU 111 provided in the MFP 100 as an example.

  CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 includes a job / group list reception / storage unit 21A, a job execution unit 25A, and a job / group list deletion unit 27A. The job / group list reception / storage unit 21 </ b> A receives the print job and the group list from the PC 200 and associates them with each other and stores them in the HDD 116. As a result, the print job and the group list are associated with each other and stored in the HDD 166.

  Upon receiving a job execution instruction, job execution unit 25A reads and executes a print job stored in HDD 116. The job execution instruction includes job identification information for identifying a print job. When the user inputs a job execution instruction to the operation unit 170B, the job execution unit 25A receives the job execution instruction from the operation unit 170B. When executing the print job, the job execution unit 25A outputs job identification information of the print job to the job / group list deletion unit 27A.

  The job / group list deletion unit 27A deletes the print job executed by the job execution unit 25A and the group list associated therewith from the HDD 116 user box 41. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the print job and the group list from being stored in the HDD 116 indefinitely, and to effectively use the storage area of the HDD 116. The job / group list deletion unit 27A requests all of the related MFPs to delete the same print job as the print job 42 executed by the job execution unit 25A and the group list associated therewith. Specifically, the job / group list deletion unit 27A reads from the HDD 116 a group list associated with the print job specified by the job identification information input from the job execution unit 25A, and apparatus identification information included in the group list. The related MFP other than its own device is identified from the above. Then, a job deletion instruction including job identification information of the print job executed by the job execution unit 25A is transmitted to all the related MFPs.

  When the communication I / F unit 112 receives a job deletion instruction from the other MFPs 101 to 109, the job / group list deletion unit 27A and the print job specified by the job identification information included in the job deletion instruction and the associated job group list deletion unit 27A The group list is deleted from the HDD 116. That is, the job deletion instruction transmitted by job / group list deletion unit 27A of MFP 100 is received by communication I / F unit 112 of each associated MFP, and job execution of MFP 100 is performed by job / group list deletion unit 27A of each associated MFP. The same print job as the print job executed by the unit 25A and the group list associated therewith are deleted from the HDD 106.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a print job execution instruction process executed on the PC. The print job execution instruction process shown in FIG. 10 is a process executed by the CPU 201 when the CPU 201 included in the PC 200 executes the print job execution instruction program. The print job execution instruction program is a part of the printer driver program. Referring to FIG. 19, CPU 201 of PC 200 determines whether a print job generation instruction has been accepted (step S91). When the user inputs designation of print conditions and data to the input unit 219A, the CPU 201 receives a print job generation instruction and generates a print job. If a print job generation instruction has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S92; otherwise, a standby state is entered. That is, the print job execution instruction is a process executed on condition that a print job generation instruction is input to the input unit 219A. In step S92, a function information transmission request is transmitted to MFPs 100-109.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of job execution processing executed by the MFP. The job execution process shown in FIG. 20 is a process executed by the CPU 111 of each of the MFPs 100 to 109 when the CPU 111 of each of the MFPs 100 to 109 executes the job management program. Referring to FIG. 20, CPU 111 of each of MFPs 100 to 109 determines whether a function information transmission request has been received (step S121). If communication I / F unit 112 receives a function information transmission request from PC 200, the process proceeds to step S122; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S123. In step S122, function information including function identification information of all functions executable by the device itself is returned to PC 200. Therefore, each of MFPs 100 to 109 transmits function information to PC 200.

  Returning to FIG. 19, if CPU 201 of PC 200 receives function information from all MFPs 100 to 109 (YES in step S <b> 93), the process proceeds to step S <b> 94; otherwise, the process returns to step S <b> 92. In step S94, an MFP capable of executing the print conditions included in the print job is extracted from the MFPs 100 to 109 as a related MFP. Specifically, in step S93, based on the function information received from each of MFPs 100 to 109, it is determined whether or not the print conditions included in the print job can be executed. Here, a case where MFPs 100 to 102 are extracted as related MFPs will be described.

  In the next step S95, a group list is generated. The group list includes job identification information for identifying the print job received in step S91, and apparatus identification information for each of the associated MFPs 100 to 103. Then, a group list display screen for displaying the generated group list is displayed on the display unit 219B (step S96). By displaying the group list, the user can be notified that the print job is stored in the related MFPs 100 to 103. Then, the print job and the group list are transmitted to the related MFPs 100 to 103 respectively.

  Referring to FIG. 20 again, in step S123, CPU 111 of each of MFPs 100-109 determines whether a print job and a group list have been received. Here, since the PC 200 transmits the print job and the group list to the related MFPs 100 to 103, the related MFPs 100 to 103 receive the print job and the group list, and the process proceeds to step S124. Since the job and the group list are not received, step S124 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S125. In step S124, CPU 111 of related MFPs 100 to 103 associates the print job with the group list, stores them in HDD 116, and advances the process to step S125.

  In step S125, each CPU 111 of MFPs 100 to 109 determines whether an instruction to execute a print job has been received. If a print job execution instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S126; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S132. Here, an example will be described in which CPU 111 of MFP 100 receives an instruction to execute a print job. Since CPU 111 of MFP 100 accepts an instruction to execute a print job, the process proceeds to step S126, and each of CPUs 111 to 109 advances the process to step S132.

  In step S126, CPU 111 of MFP 100 reads the print job for which execution has been instructed from HDD 116. Then, the print job is executed (step S127). Next, it is determined whether or not to delete the executed print job (step S128). Whether or not to delete the print job may be preset in MFPs 100 to 109 or may be confirmed with the user. If the print job is to be deleted, the process proceeds to step S129; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S132.

  In step S129, the group list associated with the print job executed in step S127 is read. Then, a print job deletion request is transmitted to all the related MFPs specified in the group list (step S130). Here, a case where the group list includes device identification information of MFPs 100 to 103 will be described as an example. A print job deletion request is transmitted to the MFPs 101 to 103 specified by the apparatus identification information of the self apparatus MFP 100 among the apparatus identification information included in the group list. The print job deletion request includes job identification information for identifying the print job executed in step S127. Then, the print job executed in step S127 and the group list associated therewith are deleted from the HDD 116 (step S131), and the process proceeds to step S132.

  The CPU 111 of each of the MFPs 100 to 109 determines whether or not a print job deletion request has been received in step S132. Here, since MFP 100 transmits a print job deletion request to related MFPs 101 to 103, related MFPs 100 to 103 receive the print job deletion storage request and the process proceeds to step S133. Since no deletion request is received, step S133 is skipped and the process is terminated. In step S133, the CPU 111 of the associated MFPs 101 to 103 deletes the print job specified by the job identification information included in the print job deletion request and the group list associated therewith from the HDD 116, and ends the process.

  As described above, in the image forming system according to the second embodiment, when a print condition is input to PC 200, all of MFPs 100 to 102 that can execute the print condition out of MFPs 100 to 109 have a print job and MFP 100. ˜102, a group list including the device identification information of each is transmitted and stored. For this reason, it is possible to print on what the user desires among the plurality of MFPs 100 to 102.

  Further, when a print job is executed in any of the plurality of MFPs 100 to 102, the print job and the group list related to the print job are deleted in all of the MFPs 100 to 102. For this reason, the storage area of the HDD 106 can be used effectively.

<Third Embodiment>
In the image forming system according to the third embodiment, each of MFPs 100 to 109 includes a part of the functions of PC 200 according to the second embodiment. Specifically, among the functions of the CPU 201 included in the PC 200 shown in FIG. 16, the related MFP extracting unit 55 and the group list generating unit 57 are provided in the CPUs 111 of the MFPs 100 to 109. In this case, the print instruction unit 59 included in the CPU 201 of the PC 200 transmits a print job to any of the MFPs 100 to 109. Here, a case where a print job is transmitted to MFP 100 will be described as an example.

  In this case, when the CPU 111 of the MFP 100 receives a print job from the PC 200, the CPU 111 executes the processes of steps S92 to S97 of the print job execution instruction process shown in FIG. 19, and displays the received print job and the generated group list. Associate them and store them in the HDD 116.

  In the image forming system according to the third embodiment, part of the processing executed by the PC 200 in the second embodiment is caused to be executed by any of the MFPs 100 to 109, so that the addition of the PC 200 is reduced. can do.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image forming system 1 has been described. Needless to say, the invention can be understood as a job management method or a job management program executed in each of the MFPs 100 to 109.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is a diagram showing an overall outline of an image forming system in one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an MFP. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of functions of an MFP. FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the function of PC. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an overview of functions of a CPU provided in the MFP according to the first embodiment, together with data stored in an HDD. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job format. It is a 1st figure which shows an example of a format of a group list. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the user box management process performed with an operating device. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of the user box management process performed with apparatuses other than an operating device. It is a figure which shows an example of a function selection screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a group list display screen. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of job management processing executed by the operation device. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of the job management performed with apparatuses other than an operating device. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of group list update processing executed by an MFP already connected to a network. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of user box management processing executed by a new MFP connected to a network. It is a functional block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the function of CPU with which PC in 2nd Embodiment is provided. It is a 2nd figure which shows an example of a format of a group list. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating an overview of functions of a CPU provided in an MFP according to a second embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a print job execution instruction process executed on a PC. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of job execution processing executed in the MFP. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system, 2 network, 10 box management part, 11 user authentication part, 13 box production | generation part, 15 related MFP extraction part, 17 box production request part, 20 job management part, 21 job reception / storage part, 21A Group list reception / storage unit, 22 Job transmission unit, 25 Job execution unit, 25A Job execution unit, 27 Job deletion unit, 27A Job / group list deletion unit, 30 Group list management unit, 31 Group list generation unit, 33 Group list Transmission unit, 35 Group list reception unit, 41 User box, 42 Print job, 45 Group list, 51 User authentication unit, 53 Job reception unit, 55 Extraction unit, 57 Group list generation unit, 59 Print instruction unit, 100-109 MFP 110 main times Path, 111 CPU, 112 communication I / F unit, 113 ROM, 114 RAM, 115 EEPROM, 116 HDD, 117 facsimile unit, 118 card I / F, 118A flash memory, 120 ADF, 130 document reading unit, 140 image forming unit , 150 paper feed unit, 160 post-processing unit, 170 operation panel, 170A display unit, 170B operation unit, 200 PC, 201 CPU, 203 ROM, 205 RAM, 207 HDD, 208 flash memory, 209 card I / F, 211 communication I / F, 219 operation unit, 219A input unit, 219B display unit.

Claims (11)

An image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network,
Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes:
Storage means for storing data;
When user identification information is given, user area allocation means for allocating a part of the storage area of the storage means to the user identification information as a user area;
Operation accepting means for accepting a user operation;
When the user identification information is accepted by the operation accepting means, an access permission means for permitting access to a storage user area assigned to the user identification information;
A job execution unit that executes the print job when an instruction to execute the print job stored in the user area is received by the operation reception unit;
At least one target device of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is
When the user area is assigned to the user identification information given by the user area assignment means, a function selection means for selecting a function desired by the user as a user selection function among functions executable by the target device;
Extracting means for extracting, as a related device, an image forming apparatus capable of executing at least all of the user selection functions from the plurality of image forming apparatuses;
Group list generating means for generating a group list including device identification information for identifying each of the extracted related devices and the target device, and the given user identification information;
Group list storage means for storing the group list in the storage means;
Group list storage requesting means for transmitting the group list to the related device and storing the group list in the related device;
User area allocation requesting means for transmitting the user identification information given to the user area allocating means to the related apparatus and causing the related apparatus to allocate the user area to the user identification information;
A group list storage requesting means for transmitting the group list to the related device and storing the group list in the related device;
Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses further includes:
Print job accepting means for accepting a print job including user identification information;
The received print job is stored in the user area assigned to the user identification information included in the print job, and transmitted to the image forming apparatus identified by the apparatus identification information included in the group list, An image forming system comprising: a print job storage request unit that stores the print job in an image forming apparatus. Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses further includes:
A deletion unit that deletes the print job from the user area in response to the print job being executed by the job execution unit;
Job identification information for identifying the print job executed by the job execution unit is transmitted to the image forming apparatus identified by the apparatus identification information included in the group list, and the print job is deleted from the image forming apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising: a print job deletion request unit that causes The group list includes function identification information for identifying the user-selected function,
Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses further includes:
Function information for acquiring from the new image forming apparatus functional information including function identification information for identifying a function of the new image forming apparatus when it is detected that a new image forming apparatus is connected to the network Acquisition means;
When the function information acquired from the new image forming apparatus includes all user functions included in the group list stored in the storage unit, the user identification information included in the group list is included in the group list. New user area allocation requesting means for transmitting to the group apparatus identified by the apparatus identification information and causing the new image forming apparatus to allocate the user area to the user identification information;
Group list update means for adding device identification information of the new image forming apparatus to the group list;
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an update request unit configured to transmit the updated group list to an image forming apparatus specified by the apparatus identification information included in the group list, and to request an update of the group list. Image forming system. An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with another image forming apparatus connected to a network,
Storage means for storing data;
When user identification information is given, user area allocation means for allocating a part of the storage area of the storage means to the user identification information as a user area;
Operation accepting means for accepting a user operation;
When the user identification information is accepted by the operation accepting means, an access permission means for permitting access to a storage user area assigned to the user identification information;
When the user area is assigned to the given user identification information by the user area assignment means, a function selection means for selecting a function desired by the user as a user selection function among functions executable by the own device;
Extracting means for extracting, as a related device, an image forming apparatus capable of executing at least all of the user selection functions from the plurality of image forming apparatuses;
A group list generating means for generating a group list including device identification information for identifying each of the extracted related device and its own device;
Group list storage means for storing the group list in the storage means;
User area allocation requesting means for transmitting the user identification information given to the user area allocating means to the related apparatus and causing the related apparatus to allocate a user area to the user identification information;
Print job accepting means for accepting a print job including user identification information;
The received print job is stored in the user area assigned to the user identification information included in the print job, and transmitted to the image forming apparatus identified by the apparatus identification information included in the group list. An image forming apparatus comprising: a print job storage requesting unit that stores the print job in the image forming apparatus. A job execution unit that executes the print job when an instruction to execute the print job stored in the user area is received by the operation reception unit;
A deletion unit that deletes the print job from the user area in response to the print job being executed by the job execution unit;
Job identification information for identifying the print job executed by the job execution unit is transmitted to the image forming apparatus identified by the apparatus identification information included in the group list, and the print job is deleted from the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a print job deletion requesting unit. The group list includes function identification information for identifying the user-selected function,
Function information for acquiring from the new image forming apparatus functional information including function identification information for identifying a function of the new image forming apparatus when it is detected that a new image forming apparatus is connected to the network Acquisition means;
When the function information acquired from the new image forming apparatus includes all the user functions included in the group list stored in the storage unit, the user identification information included in the group list is used as the new image forming apparatus. A new user area allocation requesting means for causing the new image forming apparatus to allocate the user area to the user identification information;
Group list update means for adding device identification information of the new image forming apparatus to the group list;
5. The update request unit according to claim 4, further comprising an update request unit that transmits the updated group list to an image forming apparatus specified by the apparatus identification information included in the group list, and requests update of the group list. Image forming apparatus. A job management method executed by an image forming apparatus including a communication unit for communicating with another image forming apparatus connected to a network, and a storage unit for storing data.
Assigning a part of the storage area of the storage means to the user identification information as the user area when given the user identification information;
Receiving a user operation; and
When the user identification information is accepted by the operation acceptance step, permitting access to the storage user area assigned to the user identification information;
When the user area is assigned to the given user identification information by the user area assignment step, a function desired by the user is selected as a user selection function among functions executable by the own device;
Extracting an image forming apparatus capable of executing at least all of the user selection functions from the plurality of image forming apparatuses as a related apparatus;
Generating a group list including device identification information for identifying each of the extracted related device and its own device;
Storing the group list in the storage means;
Transmitting the user identification information given to the user area allocation step to the related device, causing the related device to allocate a user area to the user identification information;
Receiving a print job including user identification information;
The received print job is stored in the user area assigned to the user identification information included in the print job, and transmitted to the image forming apparatus identified by the apparatus identification information included in the group list, Storing the print job in an image forming apparatus. A job management program executed by an image forming apparatus including a communication unit for communicating with another image forming apparatus connected to a network and a storage unit for storing data,
Assigning a part of the storage area of the storage means to the user identification information as the user area when given the user identification information;
Receiving a user operation; and
When the user identification information is accepted by the operation acceptance step, permitting access to the storage user area assigned to the user identification information;
When the user area is assigned to the given user identification information by the user area assignment step, a function desired by the user is selected as a user selection function among functions executable by the own device;
Extracting an image forming apparatus capable of executing at least all of the user selection functions from the plurality of image forming apparatuses as a related apparatus;
Generating a group list including device identification information for identifying each of the extracted related device and its own device;
Storing the group list in the storage means;
Transmitting the user identification information given to the user area allocation step to the related device, causing the related device to allocate a user area to the user identification information;
Receiving a print job including user identification information;
The received print job is stored in the user area assigned to the user identification information included in the print job, and transmitted to the image forming apparatus identified by the apparatus identification information included in the group list, A job management program for causing the image forming apparatus to execute a step of storing the print job in the image forming apparatus. An image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network and at least one information processing apparatus,
The at least one information processing apparatus includes:
Print condition accepting means for accepting input of print conditions;
An extracting unit that extracts, as a related device, an image-forming device that can form an image according to the print condition from the plurality of image forming devices;
Print job storage requesting means for transmitting a print job including the accepted print condition to the extracted related device and storing the print job in the related device;
Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes:
Operation accepting means for accepting a user operation;
Storage means for storing data;
Print job storage means for storing the print job in the storage means in response to receiving the print job from the information processing apparatus;
An image forming system comprising: a job execution unit that executes a print job when an instruction to execute a print job stored in the storage unit is received by the operation reception unit. The information processing apparatus includes:
Further comprising group list generation means for generating a group list including device identification information for identifying the extracted related device;
The print job storage requesting unit transmits the group list to the related apparatus together with the print job, and stores the group list in the related apparatus.
The print job storage unit of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses associates the print job with the group information in response to receiving the print job and the group information from the information processing apparatus, and stores the print job in the storage unit. Remember,
Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses further includes:
A deletion unit that deletes the print job and the group information from the storage area in response to the print job being executed by the job execution unit;
Job identification information for identifying the print job executed by the job execution means is transmitted to the image forming apparatus identified by the apparatus identification information included in the group list, and the print job and the image forming apparatus are transmitted to the image forming apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 11, further comprising: a print job deletion request unit that deletes the group list.   The image forming system according to claim 9, wherein the at least one information processing apparatus is one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

Images