JP2012153092A - Image forming device and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable confidential printing.SOLUTION: In a first MFP 3A, a processability determination part 36 determines whether printing data can be processed or not. When it is determined that the printing data can be processed, a printer 10 prints the printing data. A security determination part 35 determines whether the printing data is security printing data or non-security printing data. When it is determined that the printing data is the non-security printing data and the printing data cannot be processed, a security conversion part 37 converts the printing data from the non-security printing data to the security printing data. A network I/F 18 transmits the printing data converted to the security printing data to a second MFP 3B or a third MFP 3C.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that prints print data received via a network, and an image forming method executed in the image forming apparatus.

  In recent offices or the like, a form in which a plurality of PCs (Personal Computers) use printers connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) is common.

In general, a user issues a print instruction by operating a PC, thereby causing a printer connected to the PC via a network to execute printing.
When the print target is a confidential document, the user designates a security print. Specifically, the security print data is created by adding the authentication information to the print information in the PC. If the security print data is received, the printer stores the received data in the storage area and waits for the user to input authentication information. When correct authentication information is input, the printer prints security print data (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In general, the print data is PDL (Page Description Language) print data, and the printer converts the received PDL print data into image data by rasterizing. When receiving the PDL print data, the image forming apparatus first determines whether rasterization is possible by analyzing the received data. Specifically, the above determination is made with reference to the type of PDL language described in the Language column of PJL (Printer Job Language). If it is determined that rasterization cannot be performed, the printer transmits PDL print data to another printer via the network. Therefore, in that case, printing is executed by a printer different from the printer that the user first tried to execute printing (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2008-123173 A JP 2010-89406 A

In a printer as shown in Patent Document 2, even if the transmitted print data is non-security print data (normal print data), it is transferred to another printer, where rasterization processing and print processing are executed.
Here, the inventors of the present application have newly noticed the following problems. In the above case, the printer on which the non-security print data is actually printed is different from the first designated printer. Actually, the first designated printer may be non-security, but if it is another printer, it may be difficult to print it as it is and to be seen by others. For example, the first designated printer is in the section of the department to which the user belongs, and the other printer is in the section of another department. In this case, the above-mentioned document (a document that is not confidential to the person in the department to which it belongs but is confidential to the person in the other department) will be printed as it is on the printer in the other department. Is not preferred.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a document that requires a security print designation when printing with another image forming apparatus even if it is not necessary to designate a security print when printing with the first designated image forming apparatus. It is to enable printing while maintaining confidentiality.

  Hereinafter, a plurality of modes will be described as means for solving the problems. These aspects can be arbitrarily combined as necessary.

An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is connected to a client apparatus and one or more other image forming apparatuses via a network. The image forming apparatus includes a reception unit, a processability determination unit, a print unit, a security determination unit, a security conversion unit, and a print data transmission unit. The receiving unit can receive print data transmitted from the client device. The processability determination unit determines whether the print data can be processed. If it is determined that the print data can be processed, the print unit prints the print data. The security determination unit determines whether the print data is security print data or non-security print data. If it is determined that the print data is non-security print data, and the print data is further unprocessable, the security conversion unit converts the print data from the non-security print data to the security print data. The print data transmission unit transmits the print data converted into the security print data to one or a plurality of other image forming apparatuses.
In this apparatus, when non-security print data that cannot be processed is transmitted, the processability determination unit determines that the print data cannot be processed, and the security print data determination unit The print data is determined to be non-secure print data. As a result, the security conversion unit converts the print data from non-secure print data to secure print data. Then, the print data transmission unit transmits the print data converted into the security print data to one or a plurality of other image forming apparatuses.
As described above, when the print data is non-security print data and cannot be processed by the first image forming apparatus, the print data is converted into security print data and then transferred to another image forming apparatus. Transferred. Accordingly, non-security print data that is not preferably printed in a non-security manner by an image forming apparatus other than the first designated image forming apparatus is printed while maintaining confidentiality.

  The security conversion unit may convert the print data from the non-security print data to the security print data by rewriting the attribute information regarding the security print of the non-security print data and adding the authentication information.

  The authentication information may be common authentication information used in common by a plurality of users. In this case, since it is not necessary to newly request the user to register authentication information, the convenience of the image forming system is improved for the user.

  The image forming apparatus may further include an authentication information storage unit that stores authentication information. In this case, the security conversion unit reads the authentication information from the authentication information storage unit and gives it to the non-security print data.

  The image forming apparatus may further include a conversion setting unit that sets presence / absence of conversion by the security conversion unit. Accordingly, the user can change the setting of the security conversion unit so that the non-security print data is sent to another image forming apparatus without being converted to the security print data.

  The image forming apparatus may further include a function information storage unit that stores function information of one or more other image forming apparatuses. In this case, the print data transmission unit determines whether one or more other image forming apparatuses satisfy the transmission destination condition based on the function information, and then, based on the determination result, the image forming apparatus that is the transmission destination To decide.

  The function information may include a PDL language supported by one or more other image forming apparatuses.

If it is determined that there are a plurality of other image forming apparatuses that satisfy the transmission destination condition, the print data transmission unit may transmit the print data to a plurality of other image forming apparatuses that satisfy the transmission destination condition.
In this apparatus, since the print data is transmitted to a plurality of other image forming apparatuses, convenience when the user takes out the printed matter is improved.

  The image forming apparatus may further include a notification unit that notifies the client apparatus of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus that prints the print data converted into the security print data is found. In this case, the user can immediately go to the image forming apparatus on which printing is performed.

  If the image forming apparatus that prints the print data converted into the security print data is found, the image forming apparatus may further include a display unit that displays the image forming apparatus. In this case, the user can go to the image forming apparatus that first transmitted the print data and immediately go to the image forming apparatus where printing is performed.

The image forming apparatus further includes a reception unit, an authentication information determination unit, and an information transmission unit. The reception unit receives input of the following information.
-Image forming apparatus information in which one image forming apparatus is designated from among a plurality of image forming apparatuses to which the print data converted into the security print data is transmitted-Authentication information-Print start time information of the security print data Authentication information determination The unit determines whether the input authentication information is correct. If it is determined that the authentication information is correct, the information transmission unit transmits the information received by the reception unit to one image forming apparatus.
In this apparatus, the user designates a new image forming apparatus and further sets a print start time. Then, the user goes to the location of the newly designated image forming apparatus and acquires the printed matter there. Since the newly designated image forming apparatus does not perform printing before the print start time, the user can see the printed matter when others arrive at the newly designated image forming apparatus before the print start time. Can be prevented.

An image forming method according to another aspect of the present invention is executed by an image forming apparatus connected to a client apparatus and one or more other image forming apparatuses via a network. The image forming method includes the following steps.
◎ Step of receiving print data transmitted from client device ◎ Step of determining whether print data can be processed ◎ Step of printing print data if it is determined that print data can be processed ◎ Step of determining whether the print data is security print data or non-security print data ◎ If it is determined that the print data is non-security print data and the print data is further unprocessable, Step of converting print data from non-secure print data to secure print data Step of sending print data converted to secure print data to one or more other image forming apparatuses In this method, non-secure print data And when print data that cannot be processed is sent, It is determined that printing data is not processed further print data is determined to be non-security printing data. As a result, the print data is converted from non-secure print data to secure print data. Then, the print data converted into the security print data is transmitted to one or a plurality of other image forming apparatuses.
As described above, when the print data is non-security print data and cannot be processed by the first image forming apparatus, the print data is converted into security print data and then transferred to another image forming apparatus. Transferred. Accordingly, non-security print data that is not preferably printed in a non-security manner by an image forming apparatus other than the first designated image forming apparatus is printed while maintaining confidentiality.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when printing with the first designated image forming apparatus, it is not necessary to designate the security print, but when printing with another image forming apparatus, it is necessary to designate the security print. Can be printed while maintaining confidentiality.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining grouping setting processing (registration processing) in an image forming system employing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an MFP in which an image forming apparatus is mounted. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a control unit included in a transfer source MFP and a control unit included in a transfer destination MFP. The flowchart which shows a Web grouping display process. The flowchart which shows a web grouping setting process. The figure which shows an example of the registration screen displayed at the time of a registration process. 6 is a flowchart illustrating printer grouping settings on the MFP panel. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the printing condition of non-security print data. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job list screen. The figure which shows an example of a printing apparatus list screen. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print data reception transfer processing. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print data reception transfer processing. 6 is a flowchart showing print processing of a secure print data transfer destination. 9 is a flowchart showing secure print data transfer source management processing. 10 is a flowchart showing secure print data transfer source print processing. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the printing condition of the non-security print data in other embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing secure print data transfer source print instruction processing in another embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing secure print data transfer destination print instruction processing in another embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing secure print data transfer destination print instruction processing in another embodiment.

(1) Image Forming System An image forming system 1 in which an embodiment of the present invention is adopted will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining registration processing in an image forming system employing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The image forming system 1 has a plurality of MFPs (Multifunction Peripherals) connected via a LAN 4. The three MFPs shown in FIG. 1 are a first MFP 3A, a second MFP 3B, and a third MFP 3C.

(2) Client Device The function of the client device 5 will be described. The client device 5 is a personal computer. When a user prints a document using the client device 5, the user opens the document with various applications, and then performs a printing operation. Then, the printer driver installed in the client device 5 is activated. The printer driver converts drawing instruction data created by the application into PDL data using a page description language. The PDL data is transmitted as a print job to, for example, the first MFP 3A via the LAN 4.

  At the head of the print job (print data), job control information (print setting) described in PJL is described. The job control information is information for controlling the operation of the printer 10 such as the paper size and the paper type. The job control information describes the presence or absence of security. The user sets job control information when transmitting print data in the client device 5.

  In the print job, PDL data described in a page description language is described following the job control information. The PDL data has a plurality of command data and text data and / or image data. The command data includes various conditions relating to rasterization and information indicating areas where each text data and / or each image data is arranged. Text data is data corresponding to character information. Image data is data corresponding to image information. Examples of PDL types include PCL (Printer Control Language (registered trademark)), PS (Post Script (registered trademark)), and XPS (XML Paper Specification).

(3) Function of MFP The function of the first MFP 3A will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the MFP in which the image forming apparatus is mounted. The functions described below are common to the first MFP 3A, the second MFP 3B, and the third MFP 3C.
The first MFP 3A is a network multifunction device having a print function, a copy function, a FAX (facsimile) function, and an IFAX (Internet FAX) function. Specifically, the first MFP 3A has a printer 10, a scanner 11, a FAX control unit 12, and an IFAX control unit 13. The first MFP 3A further includes an operation unit 14, a display unit 15, an NCU (Network Control Unit) 16, a modem 17, and a network I / F 18. The first MFP 3 </ b> A includes a bus 19, and each unit in the first MFP 3 </ b> A is connected to each other by the bus 19.

  The printer 10 prints the facsimile data received by the FAX control unit 12 and IFAX control unit 13, the image data created by the scanner 11 based on the copy instruction, and the print data sent from the client device 5. That is, the printer 10 functions as an output unit for the facsimile function, copy function, and printer function of the network multifunction peripheral. The printer 10 employs, for example, an electrophotographic method.

  The scanner 11 realizes a scanner function for reading an image from a document. The scanner 11 has an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), for example.

  The FAX control unit 12 controls transmission / reception of FAX via a PSTN (Public Switched Telephony Network) 91 performed by the NCU 16 and the modem 17. The IFAX control unit 13 controls transmission / reception of IFAX performed via the network I / F 18.

  The network I / F 18 functions as a communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from other devices via the LAN 4. For example, the network I / F 18 receives PDL data from the client device 5.

  The operation unit 14 includes a touch panel and hard keys, and can accept an operation from the user. That is, the user can input an instruction such as copy, scan, or facsimile transmission using the operation unit 14. The display unit 15 displays various information including the contents of the operation input by the operation unit 14. The display unit 15 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel.

The control unit 20 is a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 20 is a control unit that controls each unit of the first MFP 3A, and implements a copy function, a printer function, a facsimile function, a network function, and the like by reading and executing various programs stored in the ROM. The ROM stores control programs or preset parameters. The RAM functions as a work area for executing the program.
Although not specifically described as a component, the control unit 20 has a function of determining whether the input authentication information is correct and a rasterizing function of converting PDL data into image data.

(4) Control Unit Next, functional components provided in the control unit 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a control unit included in the transfer source MFP and a control unit included in the transfer destination MFP.

  In FIG. 3, the control unit 20 when the first MFP 3A functions as a print data transfer source is referred to as a first control unit 20A for convenience. For convenience, the control unit 20 of the second MFP 3B when functioning as a transfer destination is referred to as a second control unit 20B. Note that the actual MFP 3 has both functions of a first control unit 20A that functions as a transfer source and a second control unit 20B that functions as a transfer destination. In FIG. 3, a part of the configuration of the MFP 3 is omitted.

(4-1) First Control Unit First, the first control unit 20A included in the first MFP 3A serving as a transfer source will be described. The first control unit 20A includes a registration unit 21, an information acquisition unit 22, a generation unit 23, a transfer control unit 24, a management unit 25, and a storage unit 28.

  The registration unit 21 registers one or more printers that are candidates for a print data transfer destination. A printer as a transfer destination candidate is an apparatus that is connected to the first MFP 3A so as to be able to transmit and receive information and has a security print function. In the present embodiment, the second MFP 3B and the third MFP 3C are printers that are transfer destination candidates, and are registered by the registration unit 21.

  The registration unit 21 registers a supported print function and PDL for each MFP. As the printing function, for example, a double-sided printing function, a finisher function, and the like are registered. For example, PCL, PS, etc. are registered as PDL. In addition, when the registration unit 21 supports the GDI (Graphic Device Interface) format, the registration unit 21 registers that fact. That is, a printer that can execute print processing by decoding print data (GDI data) described in the GDI format is registered to support the GDI format. In addition, the registration unit 21 registers the name, IP address, installation location, and the like of the printer.

  When the print data transmitted from the client apparatus 5 is received, the transfer control unit 24 performs control for transferring the print data to one or more printers registered in the registration unit 21.

  When the transfer control unit 24 receives the security print data, it issues a Job ID for identifying the security print data, and then adds the Job ID and transfers the security print data. As will be described later, when non-secure print data is received and transferred, it is converted to secure print data before transfer.

  After the security print data is transferred, the generation unit 23 generates list information of the first MFP 3A and the printer to which the security print data is transferred for the user. The list information generated by the generation unit 23 is transmitted to the client device 5 by the network I / F 18. Further, the generation unit 23 generates list information of print jobs waiting for printing for security printing. This list information is also transmitted to the client device 5 by the network I / F 18.

  The management unit 25 manages the print data so that the print data is not duplicated. When the printer 10 of the own apparatus starts printing, the management unit 25 transmits, via the network I / F 18, a deletion instruction for instructing deletion of the security print data to the second MFP 3B and the third MFP 3C to which the security print data has been transferred. To do. In addition, the management unit 25 transmits a print completion notification to the effect that the printing of the print data has been completed through the network I / F 18 together with the deletion instruction.

  When the management unit 25 receives an inquiry about whether or not to allow printing of print data from the second MFP 3B and the third MFP 3C as the transfer destination, the management unit 25 returns a print start OK response or a print start NG response depending on the situation. To do. Specifically, the management unit 25 returns a print start OK response when the inquiry is the first time and printing is not executed in the first MFP 3A. On the other hand, if the inquiry is not the first inquiry, or if printing is being executed by the first MFP 3A, the management unit 25 returns a print start NG response.

  In addition, when the security print printing completion notification is received from the second MFP 3B and the third MFP 3C as the transfer destination, the management unit 25 deletes the security print data stored in the storage unit 28 provided in the first control unit 20A. Thereby, unnecessary data can be deleted, and the same security print can be prevented from being executed again in the first MFP 3A.

  The first control unit 20A further includes a security determination unit 35, a processability determination unit 36, a security conversion unit 37, and a transmission destination determination unit 38. The security determination unit 35 determines whether the print data is security print data or non-security data. Specifically, PJL security ON / OFF is determined. The processability determination unit 36 determines whether the print data can be processed (for example, whether the type of PDL can be rasterized). Specifically, the type of PJL PDL is determined. The security conversion unit 37 converts non-security data into security data. Specifically, the PJL security data is changed from OFF to ON. The transmission destination determination unit 38 determines whether or not the other MFP 3 satisfies the transmission destination condition, and then determines a transmission destination MFP based on the determination result.

(4-2) Second Control Unit Next, the second control unit 20B included in the second MFP 3B and the third MFP 3C serving as transfer destinations will be described. The second control unit 20B includes a storage unit 31 and a management unit 32.

  The storage unit 31 stores the security print data transferred from the first MFP 3A in association with the JobID. When the deletion instruction and the print completion notification are received from the first MFP 3A, the management unit 32 deletes the security print data stored in the storage unit 31.

  When the authentication information is received by the operation unit 14 of the second MFP 3B, the management unit 32 determines whether or not the authentication information is correct. If the authentication information is correct, the management unit 32 sends an inquiry about whether or not to print the print data. The data is transmitted to the first MFP 3A via the network I / F 18. Then, when a print start OK response is returned in response to the inquiry, the management unit 32 causes the printer 10 to print the corresponding print data. On the other hand, when the print start NG response is returned, the management unit 32 does not cause the printer 10 to execute printing.

(5) Grouping Setting Next, operations of the first MFP 3A serving as the transfer source and the second MFP 3B and the third MFP 3C serving as the transfer destination in the image forming system 1 will be described. First, registration processing (grouping setting for setting a plurality of MFPs as one group) by the first MFP 3A as a transfer source will be described. The registration process request may be performed by the user operating the client device 5 or by the user operating the operation unit 14 provided in the first MFP 3A.

(5-1) Grouping Setting by Client Device Operation First, a grouping setting process performed in response to a request transmitted from the client device 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing Web grouping display processing. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the Web grouping setting process. The following operation is executed by the first control unit 20A of the first MFP 3A.

  In step S1, the first control unit 20A waits for reception of an HTTP request for requesting a list of printers that can be registered by a user operation. The HTTP request transmission is performed by the user operating the client device 5 (P11A in FIG. 1).

  In Step S2, the first control unit 20A transmits SRVLOC Attribute Request to a plurality of printers by multicast (P12 in FIG. 1). Various information can be requested by the SRVLOC Attribute Request. The second MFP 3B and the third MFP 3C receive the SRVLOC Attribute Request, and return the SRVLOC Attribute Reply to the first MFP 3A (P13 in FIG. 1). The SRVLOC Attribute Reply includes the print function and PDL supported by the second MFP 3B and the third MPF 3C, in addition to that when the GDI format is supported, and the IP address, installation location, and the like.

  In step S <b> 3, it is determined whether or not the information acquisition unit 22 of the first control unit 20 </ b> A has received SRVLOC Attribute Reply. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S4, and if “No”, the process proceeds to step S5.

  In step S4, after the information acquisition unit 22 receives the SRVLOC Attribute Reply, the registration unit 21 additionally registers the transmission source of the SRVLOC Attribute Reply in the printer list. For example, when SRVLOC Attribute Reply is received from the second MFP 3B, the second MFP 3B is registered. Further, the generation unit 23 generates list information of printers that can be registered, using information included in the SRVLOC Attribute Reply. The process then returns to step S3.

In step S5, the first control unit 20A determines whether or not the reception time has increased. That is, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the SRVLOC Attribute Request was transmitted in step S2. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S6, and if “No”, the process proceeds to step S3.
In step S6, the first controller 20A determines whether or not one or more SRVLOC Attribute Replies have been received since the SRVLOC Attribute Request was transmitted in step S2. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S7, and if “No”, the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S7, the generation unit 23 of the first control unit 20A creates printer list response data. The printer list response data stores the following data relating to the acquired plurality of MFPs.
-Device IP address information-Device location information-Device unit information-Device compatible PDL, GDI information

In step S8, the generation unit 23 of the first control unit 20A creates error response data.
In step S9, when the process proceeds from step S7, the first control unit 20A returns the generated printer list information to the client apparatus 5 as an HTTP response to the HTTP request for the printer list. As a result, the user can give a registration instruction by viewing the registration screen 81 (FIG. 6) on which the list of printers that can be registered shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a registration screen displayed during registration. The registration screen 81 displays a list of printers that can be registered, and a setting button 82 for instructing registration. As printer list information, a printer name, an installation location, and detailed printer information are displayed. As detailed information of the printer, when a supported print function and PDL / GDI format are supported, this is displayed.
In step S9, when the process has shifted from step S8, the first control unit 20A transmits an HTTP response indicating an error to the client apparatus 5. In this case, registration is not performed because information about printers that can be registered has not been obtained.

In FIG. 5, a Web printer grouping setting process is executed.
In step S11, the first control unit 20A waits for an HTTP request for requesting printer registration to be transmitted. The above HTTP request transmission is performed when the user views the registration screen 81 displayed on the display of the client device 5 and clicks the setting button 82.

  In step S12, the registration unit 21 of the first control unit 20A registers the registration contents described above for each printer. Specifically, for each printer that has returned SRVLOC Attribute Reply, the IP address, installation location, supported PDL and print function, and if the GDI format is supported, the registration unit 21 be registered. Through the above processing, in the present embodiment, the second MFP 3B and the third MFP 3C are registered in response to a request transmitted from the client device 5.

(5-2) Grouping Setting by MFP Operation A case where the printer grouping setting is performed in response to a request received by the operation unit 14 of the first MFP 3A will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing printer grouping settings on the MFP panel.
In this embodiment, the user operates the first MFP 3A to make printer grouping settings.

  In step S21, the first control unit 20A waits for the user to input a request for displaying a list of printers that can be registered from the operation unit 14 (P11B in FIG. 1).

  Steps S22 to S28 are substantially the same as Steps S2 to S8 described above, and a description thereof is omitted here.

  In step S29, the display unit 15 displays printer list information. Accordingly, the user can input a printer grouping setting request by looking at the registration screen 81 on which a list of printers that can be registered is displayed.

  In step S30, the first control unit 20A waits for the user to input a printer grouping setting request by operating the operation unit 14.

  In step S31, the registration unit 21 registers the IP address, the installation location, the supported PDL and the printing function, and, if the GDI format is supported, for each printer that has returned SRVLOC Attribute Reply. To do.

(6) Print Data Transfer Next, print data transfer processing by the first MFP 3A will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11A, and 11B. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the printing status of non-security print data. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job list screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print device list screen. 11A and 11B are flowcharts showing the print data reception / transfer process.

  In step S41 of FIG. 11A, the transfer control unit 24 of the first control unit 20A waits for print data to be transmitted from the client device 5. If the print data is transmitted, the process proceeds to step S42.

  The print data is transmitted while the user looks at the information displayed on the display of the client device 5. Hereinafter, display information in the client device 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job list screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print device list screen.

  In FIG. 9, a list screen 83 of a print job list is shown. The list screen 83 is an example of a screen displayed by the client device 5. The list screen 83 includes print job list information. In the example of FIG. 9, a print job whose print data file name is “TestPrint” is displayed. When the user designates this print job by double-clicking or the like, the screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the client device 5.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the print device list screen 84. The print device list screen 84 includes list information of the first MFP 3A and MFPs (second MFP 3B, third MFP 3C) to which the security print data has been transferred. This list information indicates MFPs that can perform security printing for print data whose file name is “TestPrint”. In the example of FIG. 10, the three MFPs with printer names “V-1111”, “V-1112”, and “V-1113” correspond to the first MFP 3A as the transfer source, the second MFP 3B as the transfer destination, and the third MFP 3C as the transfer destination. The user can select an MFP that performs security printing by looking at the printing device list screen 84.

  In step S42, the processability determination unit 36 of the transfer control unit 24 determines whether the first MFP 3A supports the received print data. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S43, and if “No”, the process proceeds to step S45.

  In step S43, the security determination unit 35 of the transfer control unit 24 determines whether the received print data is security print data. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S44, and if “No”, the process proceeds to step S53.

In step S44, since the received print data is “support / non-security” print data, the raster data generation unit (not shown) of the first control unit 20A analyzes the PJL data and the PDL data, and further images the PDL data. Convert to data. As a result, printing is executed in the first MFP 3A.
Through the processes in steps S42 to S44, the “support / non-security” print data is printed in the first MFP 3A.

Hereinafter, the “unsupported” data transfer process in steps S45 to S52 will be described.
In step S <b> 45, the first control unit 20 </ b> A determines whether there is an MFP registered by the registration unit 21. If "Yes", the process proceeds to step S46, and if "No", the process ends. In this case, print data is not transferred.
In step S46, the first control unit 20A generates a JobID.

  In step S47, the transmission destination determination unit 38 of the transfer control unit 24 determines whether or not there is at least one transfer destination candidate printer that supports the PDL of the received print data. That is, it is determined whether or not the PDL of the received print data is registered by the registration unit 21 for the transfer destination candidate printer. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S 43, and if “No”, the process ends.

  As described above, the transmission destination determination unit 38 determines whether one or more other image forming apparatuses satisfy the transmission destination condition based on the function information, and then transmits based on the determination result. The previous image forming apparatus is determined. In this embodiment, all image forming apparatuses that satisfy the transmission destination condition are determined as transmission destinations.

  In step S48, the security determination unit 35 of the transfer control unit 24 determines whether the received print data is security data. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S51, and if “No”, the process proceeds to step S49. “Yes” is determined in step S48 when the received print data is “unsupported security” print data. Therefore, step S49 and step S50 are skipped.

  By the way, the case of “No” in step S48 is a case where the client device 5 sets the “unsupported / non-security” print data to the first MFP 3A (P21 in FIG. 8). Therefore, in that case, in step S49 and step S50, the security conversion of the “unsupported / non-security” data is performed by the security conversion unit 37 (P22 in FIG. 8). That is, in step S49, the attribute information related to the security print of the non-security print data is rewritten (the security print in PJL is changed from OFF to ON). In step S50, system authentication information (system user information and system password information) stored in the storage unit 28 of the first MFP 3A is additionally written in the print data.

  The system authentication information added here is system user information and system password information registered in advance in the first MFP 3A. That is, since the common authentication information is commonly used by a plurality of users, it is not necessary to newly request the user to input authentication information. As a result, the convenience of the image forming system 1 is improved for the user.

  In step S51, the transfer control unit 24 transmits the security print data (JobID, PJL data, and PDL data) to the corresponding MFP via the network I / F 18. In this embodiment, the security print data is transferred to the second MFP 3B and the third MFP 3C (P23 in FIG. 8). Note that the security print data handled here includes print data received as “unsupported / security” print data and print data that has been security converted after being received as “unsupported / non-security” print data. .

  In step S52, the transfer control unit 24 determines whether data has been transmitted to all transfer destination MFPs. If “Yes”, the process ends. If “No”, the process returns to step S 48.

  Through the processes in steps S49 to S52, the “unsupported / non-security” print data is converted into secure print data, and then transferred to another MFP as secure print data. The operation after the user transmits a print instruction from the client device 5 to the first MFP 3A (P21 in FIG. 8) will be described with reference to FIG. After the first MFP 3A transmits the security print data to the second MFP 3B and the third MFP 3C, the first MFP 3A causes the client device 5 to display the data transfer destination MFP with a browser. The first MFP 3 </ b> A may represent an MFP whose data has been transferred to the display unit 15. Thus, even when the user goes to the first MFP 3A, the user can immediately go to the second MFP 3B. Based on the above information, the user M moves from the client device 5 to, for example, the second MFP 3B (M1 in FIG. 8), and inputs authentication information and a print instruction (P24 in FIG. 8). Then, the second MFP 3B transmits a print start request to the first MFP 3A (P25 in FIG. 8). Then, the first MFP 3A transmits a print start OK to the second MFP 3B (P26 in FIG. 8). Then, the second MFP 3B executes the printing process (P27 in FIG. 8). Further, the second MFP 3B transmits a data deletion request to the first MFP 3A (P28 in FIG. 8). The first MFP 3A transmits a data deletion command to the third MFP 3C (P29 in FIG. 8).

  Furthermore, as described above, if the transmission destination determination unit 38 determines that there are a plurality of other image forming apparatuses that satisfy the transmission destination condition, the print data is transferred to the plurality of other image forming apparatuses that satisfy the transmission destination condition. Send. Therefore, convenience when the user takes out the printed matter is improved.

  As described above, when the non-security print data cannot be processed by the first designated image forming apparatus, the non-security print data is converted into the security print data and then transferred to another image forming apparatus. Accordingly, non-security print data that is not preferably printed in a non-security manner by an image forming apparatus other than the first designated image forming apparatus is printed while maintaining confidentiality. For example, if the first MFP 3A is the printer V-1111 shown in FIG. 10, the second MFP 3B is the printer V-1112, and the third MFP 3C is the printer V-1113, the user working in the software department on the fourth floor In general, printing is performed using the third MFP 3A. A document that is not confidential for people in the same department is transmitted as non-secure print data. However, if the print data cannot be processed in the first MFP 3A, the print data is transmitted to the second MFP 3B in the technical management department on the fourth floor and the general affairs department on the fifth floor. Therefore, the user can print by going to any MFP and inputting authentication information or the like. That is, in this embodiment, since the printed matter is transmitted as a security document, members of the technical management department on the fourth floor or the general affairs department on the fifth floor cannot see the document.

Hereinafter, the “support / security” data transfer process in steps S53 to S58 of FIG. 11B will be described.
In step S53, the first control unit 20A generates a JobID. In addition, print data and authentication information included in the security print data are stored in the storage unit 28.

  In step S54, since it is “support / security” print data, the first control unit 20A analyzes the PJL data and the PDL data, and converts the PDL data into image data as a result. Further, the first control unit 20A compresses the image data with a FAX code and stores it in the storage unit 28.

  In step S55, the first control unit 20A determines whether there is an MFP registered by the registration unit 21. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S56, and if “No”, the process ends. In this case, print data is not transferred.

  In step S56, the transmission destination determination unit 38 of the transfer control unit 24 determines whether there is at least one transfer destination candidate MFP that supports the PDL of the received print data. That is, it is determined whether or not the PDL of the received print data is registered by the registration unit 21 for the transfer destination candidate printer. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S 57. If “No”, the process ends.

In step S57, the transfer control unit 24 transmits the security print data (JobID, PJL data, and PDL data) to the corresponding MFP printer via the network I / F 18.
In step S58, first control unit 20A determines whether or not data has been transmitted to all transfer destination MFPs. If “Yes”, the process ends. If “No”, the process returns to step S57.

  Through the processes in steps S53 to S58, the “support / security” print data is transferred to another MFP.

(7) Security Print in Transfer Destination Printer Processing when the transfer destination second MFP 3A executes security print will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing print processing of the secure print data transfer destination. This process is executed by the second control unit 20B of the second MFP 3B.

  In step S61, the second control unit 20B waits for the selected JobID and correct authentication information (user ID, password) to be input by the user (P24 in FIG. 8).

  In step S62, the management unit 32 of the second control unit 20B transmits an inquiry as to whether or not security printing is permitted to the first MFP 3A as the transfer source (P25 in FIG. 8).

In step S63, the management unit 32 of the second control unit 20B determines whether a print start OK response has been received (whether a print start NG response has been received). If “Yes” (P26 in FIG. 8), the process proceeds to step S64. If “No”, the process proceeds to step S70.
In step S70, the second control unit 20B displays on the display unit 15 that a security print has already been executed by another MFP.

  In step S64, the second control unit 20B determines whether the print data to be printed is PDL data. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S65, and if “No”, the process proceeds to step S71.

In step S65, the second control unit 20B rasterizes (analyzes and develops) one page of PDL data to generate image data.
In step S66, the printer 10 prints one page of image data (P27 in FIG. 8).
In step S67, the second control unit 20B confirms whether or not all pages have been printed for the received print data. If “No”, the process returns to step S65, and if “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S68.

In step S71, the second control unit 20B decodes one page of GDI data to generate image data.
In step S72, the printer 10 prints one page of image data (P27 in FIG. 8).
In step S73, the second control unit 20B confirms whether or not all pages have been printed for the received print data. If “No”, the process returns to step S71, and if “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S68.

In step S68, the management unit 32 of the second control unit 20B deletes the security print data stored in the storage unit 31 together with the JobID, user information, and user password.
In step S69, the management unit 32 of the second control unit 20B transmits a print completion notification and a data deletion request to the transfer source first MFP 3A via the network I / F 18 (P28 in FIG. 8).
Through the above processing, the security print is performed in the second MFP 3B as the transfer destination.

(8) Security Print Data Transfer Source Management Process The secure print data transfer source management process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing secure print data transfer source management processing.
In step S81, the management unit 25 of the first control unit 20A determines whether or not an inquiry has been received from the second MFP 3B as the transfer destination regarding whether or not security printing is permitted. If “Yes” (P25 in FIG. 8), the process proceeds to step S83. If “No”, the process proceeds to step S82.
In step S82, the management unit 25 of the first control unit 20A determines whether or not a deletion instruction has been received from the second MFP 3B as the transfer destination. If “Yes” (P28 in FIG. 8), the process proceeds to step S86, and if “No”, the process returns to step S81.

  In step S83, the management unit 25 of the first control unit 20A determines whether printing has started in the image forming system 1. When printing is performed by the own machine, and when a permission response has already been returned in response to another inquiry, it is determined that printing has been started. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S85, and if “No”, the process proceeds to step S84.

  In step S84, the management unit 25 of the first control unit 20A starts printing to the MFP that has transmitted the print start request when the inquiry is the first inquiry and printing has not been executed by the own machine. An OK response is returned (P26 in FIG. 8).

In step S85, the management unit 25 of the first control unit 20A starts printing with respect to the MFP that has transmitted the print start request when the inquiry is not the first inquiry or when printing is executed by the own machine. An NG response is returned.
In step S86, the management unit 25 of the first control unit 20A transmits a print completion notification and a deletion instruction to the third MFP 3C, which is an MFP other than the second MFP 3B that is the notification source. (P29 in FIG. 8). In addition, the management unit 25 of the first control unit 20 </ b> A deletes the corresponding security print data from the storage unit 28.

In step S87, the management unit 25 of the first control unit 20A determines whether a print completion notification and a deletion instruction have been transmitted to all corresponding MFPs. If “Yes”, the process returns to step S81, and if “No”, the process returns to step S86.
Through the processes in steps S81 to S87, it is possible to prevent duplicate security printing from being performed in the image forming system 1.

(9) Security Print in Transfer Source MFP Next, processing when the transfer source first MFP 3A executes the security print will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing secure print data transfer source print processing. This process is executed by the first control unit 20A of the first MFP 3A.
In Step S91, the first control unit 20A waits for the selected JobID and correct authentication information (user ID, password) to be input by the user.

  In step S92, the first control unit 20A. It is determined whether the security print is printed by another MFP. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S99, and if “No”, the process proceeds to step S93.

In step S99, the first control unit 20A displays on the display unit 15 that a security print has already been executed by another MFP.
In step S93, the first control unit 20A determines whether the print data to be printed is PDL data. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S 94. If “No”, the process proceeds to step S 100.

In step S94, the first control unit 20A rasterizes (analyzes / decompresses) one page of PDL data, thereby generating image data.
In step S95, the printer 10 prints one page of image data.
In step S96, the first control unit 20A confirms whether or not all pages have been printed for the received print data. If “No”, the process returns to step S94, and if “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S97.

In step S100, the first controller 20A performs a decoding process for one page of GDI data.
In step S101, the printer 10 prints one page of image data.
In step S102, the first control unit 20A confirms whether or not all pages have been printed for the received print data. If “No”, the process returns to step S100, and if “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S97.

In step S97, the management unit 25 of the first control unit 20A deletes the security print data together with the Job ID, user information, and user password.
In step S98, the management unit 25 of the first control unit 20A transmits a print completion notification and a data deletion request together with the JobID to the second MFP 3B and the third MFP 3C as transfer destinations via the network I / F 18.
With the above processing, the security print is performed in the transfer source first MFP 3A.

(10) Features The above embodiment can be expressed as follows.
(A) The first MFP 3A is connected to the client device 5, the second MFP 3A, and the second MFP 3B via the LAN 4. The first MFP 3A includes a network I / F 18 (transmission unit / reception unit), a processability determination unit 36, a printer 10 (print unit), a security determination unit 35, and a security conversion unit 37. The network I / F 18 can receive print data transmitted from the client device 5. The processability determination unit 36 determines whether the print data can be processed. If it is determined that the print data can be processed, the printer 10 prints the print data. The security determination unit 35 determines whether the print data is security print data or non-security print data. If it is determined that the print data is non-security print data and the print data is not processable, the security conversion unit 37 converts the print data from the non-security print data to the security print data. The network I / F 18 transmits the print data converted into the secure print data to the second MFP 3B and the third MFP 3C.

  In this case, when non-security print data that cannot be processed is transmitted, the processability determination unit 36 determines that the print data cannot be processed, and the security determination unit 35 prints the print data. The data is determined to be non-secure print data. As a result, the security conversion unit 37 converts the print data from non-secure print data to secure print conversion data. Then, the network I / F 18 transmits the print data converted into the security print data to the second MFP 3B and the third MFP 3C.

  As described above, when the non-security print data cannot be processed by the first designated image forming apparatus, the non-security print data is converted into the security print data and then transferred to another image forming apparatus. Accordingly, non-security print data that is not preferably printed in a non-security manner by an image forming apparatus other than the first designated image forming apparatus is printed while maintaining confidentiality.

(B) The image forming method is executed by the first MFP 3A connected to the client device 5, the second MFP 3B, and the third MFP 3C via the network. The image forming method includes the following steps.
Step for receiving print data transmitted from the client device 5 (step S41 in FIG. 11A)
Step for determining whether the print data transmitted from the client device 5 can be processed (step S42 in FIG. 11A)
If it is determined that the print data 5 can be processed, the step of printing the print data (step S44 in FIG. 11A)
Step for determining whether the print data 5 is security print data or non-security print data (step S48 in FIG. 11A)
If it is determined that the print data is non-secure print data and the print data is further unprocessable, the step of converting the print data from non-secure print data to secure print data (step S49 in FIG. 11A) , S50)
Sending the print data converted into the security print data to the second MFP 3B and the third MFP 3C (step S51 in FIG. 11A)

  In this method, when print data that is non-security print data and cannot be processed is transmitted, it is determined that the print data cannot be processed, and further, the print data is determined to be non-security print data. . As a result, the print data is converted from non-secure print data to secure print conversion data. The print data converted into security print data is transmitted to another image forming apparatus.

  As described above, when the non-security print data cannot be processed by the first designated image forming apparatus, it is converted to security print data and then transferred to another image forming apparatus. Accordingly, non-security print data that is not preferably printed in a non-security manner by an image forming apparatus other than the first designated image forming apparatus is printed while maintaining confidentiality.

(11) Other Embodiments Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, a plurality of embodiments and modifications described in this specification can be arbitrarily combined as necessary.

(A) With reference to FIGS. 15 to 18, an embodiment will be described in which a user designates a printing date and time in the first MFP 3 </ b> A and thereby the user acquires a printed matter in the second MFP 3 </ b> B. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining a printing state of non-security print data according to another embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a secure print data transfer source print instruction process in another embodiment. FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B are flowcharts showing secure print data transfer destination print instruction processing in another embodiment.
First, steps S41 to S58 of FIGS. 11A and 11B described in the above embodiment are executed. As a result, the “non-support / non-security” print data is transmitted from the first MFP 3A to the second MFP 3B (P31 in FIG. 15), and then the non-security print data is converted into the secure print data in the second MFP 3B (P32 in FIG. 15). ). Then, the “unsupported security” print data is transferred to the second MFP 3B and the third MFP 3C (P33 in FIG. 15). In this example, the process shown in FIG. 13 in the embodiment is also executed.

  The transfer source print instruction process for secure print data will be described with reference to FIG.

  In Step S111, the first control unit 20A waits for the selected JobID and correct authentication information (user ID, password) to be input by the user (P34 in FIG. 15).

In step S112, the first control unit 20A waits for a user to input a print execution instruction and an MFP instruction to execute printing (P34 in FIG. 15). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the second MFP 3B is selected.
In step S113, the first control unit 20A waits for the user to input the print execution date / time of the security print data from the operation unit 14 (P34 in FIG. 15).

In step S114, the first control unit 20A transmits JobID, user information, user password information, and print date / time information to the second MFP 3B via the network I / F 18 (P35 in FIG. 15).
In step S115, first control unit 20A determines whether an error notification is received from second MFP 3B. If “No”, the process ends. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S116.
In step S116, the first control unit 20A displays a print instruction error on the display unit 15.

  A process when the second MFP 3A as the transfer destination executes the security print will be described with reference to FIGS. 17A and 17B. 17A and 17B are flowcharts showing the print processing of the secure print data transfer destination. This process is executed by the second control unit 20B of the second MFP 3B.

  In step S121, the second control unit 20B waits for JobID, user information, and user password information to be transmitted (P35 in FIG. 15).

  In step S122, the management unit 32 of the second control unit 20B transmits an inquiry as to whether or not security printing is permitted to the transfer source first MFP 3A (P36 in FIG. 15).

In step S123, the management unit 32 of the second control unit 20B determines whether a print start OK response has been received (whether a print start NG response has been received). If “Yes” (P37 in FIG. 8), the process proceeds to step S124. If “No”, the process proceeds to step S132.
In step S132, the management unit 32 of the second control unit 20B notifies the first MFP 3A that a security print has already been executed by another MFP.

In step S124, the management unit 32 of the second control unit 20B transmits a print instruction OK notification to the first MFP 3A (P38 in FIG. 15).
In step S125, the second control unit 20B waits for the designated print date and time.

  In step S126, the second control unit 20B determines whether the print data to be printed is PDL data. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S127, and if “No”, the process proceeds to step S133.

In step S127, the second control unit 20B rasterizes (analyzes and develops) one page of PDL data, thereby generating image data.
In step S128, the printer 10 prints one page of image data (P39 in FIG. 15).
In step S129, the second control unit 20B confirms whether or not all pages have been printed for the received print data. If “No”, the process returns to step S127, and if “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S130.

In step S133, the second control unit 20B performs a decoding process for one page of GDI data, thereby generating image data.
In step S134, the printer 10 prints the image data (P39 in FIG. 15).
In step S135, it is confirmed whether or not all pages have been printed for the received print data. If “No”, the process returns to step S133, and if “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S130.

In step S130, the management unit 32 of the second control unit 20B deletes the security print data stored in the storage unit 31 together with the JobID, user information, and user password.
In step S131, the second control unit 20B transmits a print completion notification and a data deletion request to the transfer source first MFP 3A via the network I / F 18 (P40 in FIG. 15).
With the above processing procedure, the security print is performed in the second MFP 3B as the transfer destination.

Through the above processing, the “unsupported / non-security” print data is converted into secure print data and then transferred to another MFP. The operation after the user transmits a print instruction from the client device 5 to the first MFP 3A will be described with reference to FIG. After the first MFP 3A transmits the security print data to the second MFP 3B and the third MFP 3C, the first MFP 3A causes the client device 5 to display the data transfer destination MFP with a browser. The first MFP 3 </ b> A may represent an MFP whose data has been transferred to the display unit 15. Thus, even when the user goes to the first MFP 3A, the user can immediately go to the second MFP 3B. Based on the above information, the user M moves from the client apparatus 5 to the first MFP 3B (M2 in FIG. 15), confirms the transfer destination MFP, and then inputs authentication information and a print instruction, as shown in FIG. (P34 in FIG. 15). Then, the information is transmitted to the second MFP 3B (P35 in FIG. 15). Subsequently, the second MFP 3B transmits a print start request to the first MFP 3A (P36 in FIG. 15). Then, the first MFP 3A transmits a print start OK to the second MFP 3B (P37 in FIG. 15), and then the second MFP 3B transmits a print instruction OK to the eleventh MFP 3A (P38 in FIG. 15). Finally, the second MFP 3B executes the printing process at the designated time (P27 in FIG. 8). The user M moves from the first MFP 3A to the second MFP 3B before the designated printing time (M3 in FIG. 15), and obtains a printed material by the second MFP 3B.
In this apparatus, the user designates a new image forming apparatus (in this embodiment, the second MFP 3B) and further sets the print start time. Then, the user goes to the location of the newly designated image forming apparatus and acquires the printed matter there. Since the newly designated image forming apparatus does not print before the print start time, the user can see the printed matter by arriving at the newly designated image forming apparatus before the designated time. Can be prevented.

  (B) The first MFP 3A may further include a conversion setting unit (not shown) that sets whether or not security conversion is performed by the security conversion unit 37. Accordingly, the user can change the setting so that the non-security print data is sent to another image forming apparatus without being converted into the security print data.

  (C) In the above-described embodiment, the authentication information is common authentication information commonly used by a plurality of users. However, the authentication information may be unique to each user.

  (D) In the above embodiment, when the second MFP 3B as the transfer destination executes the security print, the inquiry is transmitted to the first MFP 3A as the transfer source. However, this inquiry transmission need not be performed.

(E) In the above description, the MFP 3 equipped with the image forming apparatus has been described as an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. However, the embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention has a printer function. Other functions such as a scanner and FAX may not be provided.
In the above embodiment, the authentication information is input via the operation panel constituting the operation unit 14, but the authentication information is input using an IC card or the like. May be.

  The present invention can be widely applied to image forming apparatuses connected to other image forming apparatuses via a network.

1 Image forming system 3 MFP
3A 1st MFP
3B 2nd MFP
3C 3rd MFP
4 LAN
5 Client device 10 Printer 11 Scanner 12 FAX control unit 13 IFAX control unit 14 Operation unit 15 Display unit 16 NCU
17 Modem 18 Network I / F
19 Bus 20 Control unit 20A First control unit 20B Second control unit 21 Registration unit 22 Information acquisition unit 23 Generation unit 24 Transfer control unit (information transmission unit, print data transmission unit, notification unit)
25 Management Department (Authentication Information Judgment Department)
28 storage unit (function information storage unit)
31 Storage Unit 32 Management Unit 35 Security Judgment Unit 36 Processability Judgment Unit 37 Security Conversion Unit 38 Destination Judgment Unit 81 Registration Screen 82 Setting Button 83 List Screen 84 Printing Device List Screen

Claims (12)

An image forming apparatus connected to a client apparatus and one or more other image forming apparatuses via a network,
A receiving unit capable of receiving print data transmitted from the client device;
A processability determination unit that determines whether the print data can be processed;
If it is determined that the print data can be processed, a print unit that prints the print data;
A security judgment unit for judging whether the print data is security print data or non-security print data;
If it is determined that the print data is non-security print data and the print data is further unprocessable, a security conversion unit that converts the print data from non-security print data to security print data;
A print data transmission unit that transmits the print data converted into the security print data to the one or more other image forming apparatuses;
An image forming apparatus.   2. The security conversion unit according to claim 1, wherein the security conversion unit rewrites attribute information related to security printing of the non-secure print data and adds authentication information to convert the print data from non-secure print data to secure print data. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the authentication information is common authentication information commonly used by a plurality of users. An authentication information storage unit that stores the authentication information;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the security conversion unit reads the authentication information from the authentication information storage unit and assigns the authentication information to the non-security print data.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a conversion setting unit configured to set presence / absence of conversion by the security conversion unit. A function information storage unit that stores function information of the one or more other image forming apparatuses;
The print data transmission unit determines whether the one or more other image forming apparatuses satisfy a transmission destination condition based on the function information, and then, based on the determination result, the image forming apparatus of the transmission destination The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the function information includes a PDL language supported by the one or more other image forming apparatuses.   The print data transmission unit transmits the print data to a plurality of other image forming apparatuses satisfying the transmission destination when it determines that there are a plurality of other image forming apparatuses satisfying the transmission destination. The image forming apparatus according to 6 or 7.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a notification unit that notifies the client apparatus of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus that prints the print data converted into the security print data is identified. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus that prints the print data converted into the security print data is identified. . Image forming apparatus information in which one image forming apparatus is designated from among a plurality of image forming apparatuses to which print data converted from non-secure print data to secure print data is transmitted, the authentication information, and the secure print data A reception unit that receives input of print start time information;
An authentication information determination unit for determining whether the authentication information is correct or not;
The image formation according to claim 8, further comprising: an information transmission unit configured to transmit information received by the reception unit to the one image forming apparatus if the authentication information is determined to be correct. apparatus. An image forming method executed by an image forming apparatus connected to a client apparatus and one or more other image forming apparatuses via a network,
Receiving print data transmitted from the client device;
Determining whether the print data can be processed;
If it is determined that the print data is processable, printing the print data; and
Determining whether the print data is secure print data or non-secure print data;
If it is determined that the print data is non-secure print data, and if it is further determined that the print data cannot be processed, converting the print data from non-secure print data to secure print data;
Transmitting the print data converted into the security print data to one or more other image forming apparatuses;
An image forming method.

Images