JP2013003696A - Printing system, image forming apparatus, processing method of the same and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mechanism capable of storing print data in an information processor, and printing desired printing data stored in the information processor from an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: The information processor transmits the printing data to the image forming apparatus, receives the transmitted printing data from the image forming apparatus, stores the received printing data, and when a print request including specifying information for specifying the printing data is received from the image forming apparatus, acquires the printing data for which the print request is made, and outputs the acquired printing data to the image forming apparatus which has made the print request. Also, the image forming apparatus receives the printing data from the information processor, transmits the received printing data to the information processor to be a reception origin of the printing data, stores bibliographic information including printing data specifying information for specifying the received printing data and storage destination information of the printing data, and makes the print request for the printing data to the information processor corresponding to the storage destination information of the bibliographic information.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system that stores print data in an information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a processing method thereof, and a program.

  In recent years, due to heightened security awareness in the market and the prevention of misprinting, print data that has been output as is in the past when a print instruction is issued from a client terminal is temporarily stored in the HDD or client terminal in the MFP, and the user's final print There is a need for a printing system that performs printing according to instructions.

  In order to respond to such a request, when a user issues a print instruction at a client terminal, it is stored in the client terminal before being sent to the multifunction device, and the multifunction device is provided with an authentication function. A technique is disclosed in which stored information is acquired, the acquired information is displayed on the UI of the multifunction peripheral, and then printed in response to a final user output instruction.

JP 2007-279785 A

  However, in the technique such as Patent Document 1, a complicated setting may be required from the user. For example, the printer driver is normally created by specifying the host name of the multifunction device to be output. However, in the technique such as Patent Document 1, in order to store data in the client terminal, the output destination of the printer driver is the client terminal of its own. You must change the hostname to

  In addition, simply storing print data in the client terminal does not know the location (client terminal) where the print data is stored in the multifunction device, so the print data must be stored in the client terminal and stored in the client terminal. It was necessary to make a setting to notify.

  In order to simplify the setting for notifying that print data is being saved, a configuration is also possible in which when print data is saved from a client terminal, the print data is broadcast and delivered to each multifunction device. However, since broadcast packets cannot cross segments in an environment where network segments are separated, there is a case where print data information cannot be notified to the target multifunction peripheral depending on the environment.

  Furthermore, it is conceivable that the print management server unifies the print data. However, since it takes time to manage the server, some companies do not want to install the print management server.

  In the case of realizing functions other than the basic functions of the multifunction peripheral, the current multifunction peripheral can install an application that operates on the multifunction peripheral and use an extended function. However, depending on the type of multifunction device, there is a multifunction device that does not have (small) an HDD (for example, a storage area for storing print data) that can be used by this application. Cannot be held on the multi-function peripheral, and it has been difficult to realize reservoir printing in which reservoir printing is performed so that printing is not performed immediately after a client terminal issues a print instruction.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism capable of storing print data in an information processing apparatus and printing desired print data stored in the information processing apparatus from the image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve an object of the present invention, a printing system including an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus, wherein the information processing apparatus transmits first print data to the image forming apparatus; A second print data receiving means for receiving the print data transmitted by the first print data transmitting means from the image forming apparatus; and a print data storage means for storing the print data received by the second print data receiving means. A print request receiving unit that receives a print request including specific information for specifying print data from the image forming apparatus; and the print data storage unit that receives the print data that has been received by the print request receiving unit. Output means for outputting the acquired print data to the image forming apparatus requested to print, the image forming apparatus from the information processing apparatus Second print data receiving means for receiving print data, and second print data transmitting means for transmitting the print data received by the second print data receiving means to the information processing apparatus as a print data receiving source And bibliographic information including print data specifying information for specifying print data received by the second print data receiving unit and storage location information of the print data received by the second print data receiving unit A bibliographic information storage unit, a print request unit that makes a print request for print data corresponding to the selected bibliographic information to the information processing apparatus corresponding to the storage destination information of the selected bibliographic information, and the print request unit And printing means for receiving and printing the print data requested for printing from the information processing apparatus.

  Further, when the image forming apparatus determines that the print data received by the second print data receiving unit is stored, the storage determining unit determines whether the print data is stored by the storage determining unit. The image forming apparatus further includes a print data storage unit that stores the print data, and the second print data transmission unit returns the received print data when it is determined that the print data is not stored. Therefore, the print data is transmitted to the information processing apparatus that is the reception source of the print data.

  The image forming apparatus further includes a print data storage determining unit that determines whether or not the print data is stored in the image forming apparatus, and the printing unit is the print data storage determining unit. Is determined to be stored in the image forming apparatus, print data corresponding to the selected bibliographic information is acquired and printed, and it is determined that the print data is not stored in the image forming apparatus. In this case, the print data requested to be printed by the print request unit is received from the information processing apparatus and printed.

  Further, the storage destination information of the bibliographic information is the information processing apparatus of the transmission destination that has transmitted the print data by the second print data transmission means or the information processing of the reception source that has received the print data by the second print data reception means. It is information for specifying the apparatus or the image forming apparatus storing the print data.

  In addition, the bibliographic information includes user identification information, and the image forming apparatus stores log-in information corresponding to the user identification information logged in by the log-in means from a log-in unit that logs in according to the user identification information and the bibliographic information storage unit. The apparatus further comprises bibliographic information acquisition means to be acquired and display means for displaying the bibliographic information acquired by the bibliographic information acquisition means.

  The bibliographic information is acquired by the information processing apparatus or the image forming apparatus.

  Further, in order to achieve the object of the present invention, the print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, the transmitted print data is received from the image forming apparatus, the received print data is stored, and the print stored according to the print request is stored. An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus capable of outputting data to an image forming apparatus requested to print, wherein the print data receiving means receives print data from the information processing apparatus, and the print data Print data transmission means for transmitting the print data received by the reception means to the information processing apparatus as a print data reception source; print data specifying information for specifying the print data received by the print data reception means; Bibliographic information storage means for storing bibliographic information including print data storage destination information received by the print data receiving means, and storage of the selected bibliographic information A print requesting unit for requesting printing of print data corresponding to the selected bibliographic information to the information processing device corresponding to the information, and receiving the print data requested by the print requesting unit from the information processing device. Printing means for printing.

  According to the present invention, print data can be stored in an information processing apparatus, and desired print data stored in the information processing apparatus can be printed from the image forming apparatus.

1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a printing system (printing system). 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to a client PC 200. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a controller unit of the multifunction peripheral 100. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a client PC (information processing apparatus) and a multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus). FIG. It is a processing outline figure showing the flow of processing of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the user information file in this embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a document list screen displayed on the operation unit 308 of the multifunction peripheral 100. FIG. 6 is a flowchart relating to processing from a print instruction on the client PC 200 to storing print data in the multifunction peripheral in the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart relating to processing for logging in to the MFP 100 and performing printing in the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the bibliographic information management file in this embodiment. 12 is a flowchart relating to processing from a print instruction on a client PC 200 to storing print data in a multifunction peripheral in another embodiment. 12 is a flowchart relating to processing for logging in to the multifunction peripheral 100 and performing printing in another embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a printing system (printing system) in which a client PC (client terminal) and a multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) according to the present invention can communicate via a network (LAN 700).

  A printer driver is installed in the client PC 200, and the printer driver can create print data based on data received from the application program and transmit the print data to the multi-function device 100. Upon receiving the print data, the MFP 100 acquires the destination host name (client PC name) and sends the received print data back to the host. In this embodiment, the host name is used, but an IP address that can be acquired by TCP / IP communication may be used.

  On the client PC 200, a client application operates to receive print data sent from the multifunction machine and store it in the HDD of the client PC 200. The client application acquires bibliographic information in the print data when receiving the print data. The acquired bibliographic information is transmitted to the MFP 100 that is the print data transmission source. By transferring the print data and the bibliographic information, the multifunction peripheral 100 and the client PC 200 can share the bibliographic information.

  An application for managing printing operates on the multifunction peripheral 100, detects a user's login to the multifunction peripheral 100, and displays a list of bibliographic information stored in the login user's client PC 200 as an image as shown in FIG. An application that manages printing issues a print request to its multifunction device to the client application on the client PC 200 in which target (selected) print data is stored in accordance with a user's print instruction. The client application that has received the print request prints the target print data on the multifunction peripheral 100 that has transmitted the request.

  In the present embodiment, the client PC 200 and the multifunction peripheral 100 are each configured as a single unit, but may be configured as a plurality of units.

  Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus applicable to the client PC 200 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to the client PC 200 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls devices and controllers connected to the system bus 204. Further, the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 requires a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System), an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS), which is a control program of the CPU 201, or a function executed by each PC, which will be described later. Various programs are stored.

  A RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program or the like necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 203 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 205 controls input from a keyboard (KB) 209 or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). A video controller 206 controls display on a display device such as a CRT display (CRT) 210. In FIG. 2, although described as CRT 210, the display device is not limited to the CRT, but may be another display device such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by the administrator as needed.

  A main controller 207 is connected to an HDD, a flexible disk (FD), or a PCMCIA card slot via an adapter for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like. The access to the external memory 211 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory is controlled.

  A communication I / F controller 208 connects and communicates with an external device via a network, and executes communication control processing on the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the CRT 210 by executing, for example, outline font development (rasterization) processing on a display information area in the RAM 203. In addition, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 210.

  Various programs to be described later for realizing the present invention are recorded in the external memory 211 and executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 203 as necessary. Furthermore, definition files and various information tables used when executing the program are also stored in the external memory 211, and a detailed description thereof will be described later.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the controller unit that controls the multifunction peripheral 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the controller unit of the multifunction peripheral 100 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit which is connected to a scanner unit 314 functioning as an image input device and a printer unit 312 functioning as an image output device, and is connected to a LAN or a public line (WAN) (for example, PSTN or ISDN). To input / output image data and device information.

  In the controller unit 316, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system. Reference numeral 302 denotes a RAM, which is a system network memory for operating the CPU 301, and is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

  A ROM 303 stores a system boot program and various control programs. A hard disk drive (HDD) 304 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit (UI) 308 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 308 to the operation unit 308. The operation unit I / F 307 serves to transmit information (for example, user information) input by the system user from the operation unit 308 to the CPU 301. Note that the operation unit 308 includes a display unit having a touch panel, and various instructions can be given by a user pressing (touching with a finger or the like) a button displayed on the display unit.

  A network interface (Network I / F) 305 is connected to a network (LAN) and inputs / outputs data. A modem (MODEM) 306 is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

  Reference numeral 318 denotes an external interface (external I / F), which is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, and RS-232C. In this embodiment, for reading an IC card required for authentication The card reader 319 is connected to the external I / F unit 318. The CPU 301 can control reading of information from the IC card by the card reader 319 via the external I / F 318, and can acquire information read from the IC card. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 309.

  Reference numeral 320 denotes an image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F), which is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.

  The image bus 315 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 315.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 310 develops vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image. A printer interface (printer I / F) 311 connects the printer unit 312 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 313 connects the scanner unit 314 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 317 performs correction, processing, and editing on input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 317 performs image data rotation and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data.

  The scanner unit 314 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 gives an instruction to the scanner unit 314, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. Perform the action.

  The printer unit 312 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array directly on the paper. There is an inkjet method for printing an image, but any method may be used. The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 301. The printer unit 312 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has a paper cassette corresponding thereto.

  The operation unit 308 has an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The operation unit 308 displays an operation screen of the system. When a displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F 307. To the CPU 301 via The operation unit 308 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 308 is used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two color LEDs, green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used. Further, the stop key of the operation unit 308 functions to stop the operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 308 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  The card reader 319 reads information stored in an IC card (for example, Sony FeliCa (registered trademark)) under the control of the CPU 301, and reads the read information via the external I / F 318. The CPU 301 is notified.

  With the above-described configuration, the multi-function device 100 can transmit the image data read from the scanner unit 314 to the LAN 700 and print out the print data received from the LAN using the printer unit 312.

  Further, the image data read from the scanner unit 314 can be fax-transmitted on the public line by the modem 306, and the image data received by FAX from the public line can be output by the printer unit 312.

  Next, a functional block diagram of the client PC 200 (information processing apparatus) and the multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, basic functions will be described, and detailed control processed by each functional unit will be described in a flowchart described later.

  The client PC 200 includes a first print data transmission unit 401, a second print data reception unit 402, a print data storage unit 403, a print request reception unit 404, and an output unit 405. The multifunction machine includes a second print data receiving unit 406, a second print data transmission unit 407, a bibliographic information storage unit 408, a print request unit 409, and a printing unit 410.

  A first print data transmission unit 401 is a functional unit that transmits print data to a multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus).

  The second print data receiving unit 402 is a functional unit that receives the transmitted print data from the multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus).

  The print data storage unit 403 is a functional unit that stores received print data.

  The print request receiving unit 404 is a functional unit that receives a print request including specific information for specifying print data from a multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus).

  The output unit 405 is a functional unit that acquires the received print data requested for printing and outputs the acquired print data to the multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) requested to print.

  The second print data receiving unit 406 is a functional unit that receives print data from the client PC 200 (information processing apparatus).

  The second print data transmission unit 407 is a functional unit that transmits the received print data to the client PC 200 (information processing apparatus) that is the print data reception source.

  The bibliographic information storage unit 408 is a functional unit that stores bibliographic information including print data specifying information for specifying the received print data and storage destination information for the received print data.

  The print request unit 409 is a functional unit that issues a print request for print data corresponding to the selected bibliographic information to the information processing apparatus corresponding to the storage destination information of the selected bibliographic information.

  The printing unit 410 is a functional unit that receives print data requested for printing from the information processing apparatus and prints it.

  First, the outline of the processing of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a process outline diagram showing a process flow of the present embodiment.

  In 501, application data (documents) generated by various applications on the client PC 200 by a user is received using a printer driver installed on the client PC 200 to receive a print instruction to the set output target multifunction peripheral.

  In 502, in response to receiving the print instruction, the printer driver converts the application data into data (for example, a page description language file) that can be printed by the multifunction peripheral, and executes RAW printing. Specifically, the converted print data is transmitted to the RAW port (No. 9100) of the multifunction machine. Note that the above-described printing mechanism executes printing in a normally set printing flow.

  In 503, the print application operating on the multifunction peripheral monitors the RAW port (number 9100) of the multifunction peripheral and receives print data transmitted from the client PC 200. The print application that received the print data transfers the received print data as it is to the client application of the client PC 200 that is the print data transmission source. At the time of transfer, the print data is not stored in the HDD of the multifunction peripheral, but the received print data is transferred as it is to the client application.

  The client application that has received the print data transfer from the multifunction peripheral stores the received print data in a predetermined folder of the client PC 200. Also, the bibliographic information of the stored print data is acquired and transmitted to the MFP that is the print data transfer source. Upon receiving the bibliographic information, the MFP printing application stores the bibliographic information in the bibliographic information management file of the MFP HDD.

  In this embodiment, when print data is transferred from the multi-function peripheral to the client PC 200, bibliographic information is generated by the client PC 200 and transmitted to the multi-function peripheral. However, this has a low processing capacity of the multi-function peripheral. The bibliographic information is generated from information that can be acquired from the header information and communication information of the print data when the print data is transmitted from the client PC 200 to the multifunction device. Is also possible. In this case, the storage destination host name (IP address) of the client PC 200 is acquired by communication (TCP / IP or the like) and stored as bibliographic information.

  In step 504, the user logs in to the multifunction device by holding the IC card over the user or when authentication is successful by inputting user information. The printing application that has detected the user's login acquires the bibliographic information of the user from the bibliographic information stored in the multi-function peripheral 503 and displays it as a document list on the multi-function peripheral screen.

  In step 505, a document to be printed is selected from the document list displayed in step 504 by a user operation, and a print command is executed by pressing a “print start” button. The print application that has detected the print command acquires the storage destination host name from the document (bibliographic information) selected in the document list on the screen, and identifies the document to the client application of the client PC 200 with this storage destination host name. A print command including a document name is sent.

  In 506, the client application that has received the print command from the print application of the multifunction peripheral acquires target print data based on the document name for identifying the document included in the print command, and performs LPR printing of the print data. To send print data to the MFP. The multifunction device receives the print data and executes printing.

  As described above, even when there is no HDD area for storing print data, it is possible to realize the reserve printing, and it is possible to realize the reserve printing without being aware of the network environment such as the segment.

  Next, detailed processing of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart relating to processing from a print instruction on the client PC 200 to storing print data in the multi-function peripheral in the present embodiment.

  In step S <b> 801, the printer driver obtains application data by the CPU 201 and generates data (print data such as PDL) that can be printed by the multifunction peripheral 100.

  In step S <b> 802, the CPU 201 transmits the print data generated in step S <b> 801 to the RAW port (number 9100) of the multifunction peripheral 100. That is, a first print data transmission process (print data transmission control process) for transmitting print data to the image forming apparatus.

  In step S803, the CPU 301 receives print data transmitted from the client PC 200 (specifically, the port 9100 is monitored and connection is started when data is transmitted from the outside). That is, a second print data reception process (print data reception control process) for receiving print data from the information processing apparatus.

  In step S804, when the CPU 301 starts receiving data in step S803, the host name of the print data transmission source is extracted from the connect information and stored in the memory.

  In step S805, the CPU 301 transmits the print data received in step S803 to the client PC 200 having the host name acquired in step S804. Specifically, when the print data is received in step S803, the received packet is transferred as it is to the host acquired in step S804 without storing the print data in the HDD of the multifunction machine. That is, this is a second print data transmission process (print data transmission control process) for transmitting the received print data to the information processing apparatus that is the print data reception source.

  In step S806, the CPU 201 receives the print data transferred from the client PC 200 in step S805, and stores it in a predetermined folder on the HDD of the client PC 200. That is, the second print data reception process (print data reception control process) for receiving the transmitted print data from the image forming apparatus, and the print data storage process (print data storage control process) for storing the received print data. .

  In step S807, the CPU 201 acquires the host name of the transfer source multifunction peripheral 100 from the connection information when the print data starts to be received, and stores it in the memory (RAM).

  In step S808, the CPU 201 analyzes the inside of the print data while saving the received print data, acquires bibliographic information (document ID, user name, save destination host name, document name) and stores it in the memory. At this time, the document ID and the storage path of the HDD are linked and held. Further, the storage destination host name is the host name of the client PC 200 itself.

  In step S809, after the print data is received by the CPU 201, the print data acquisition completion information and the bibliographic information (document ID, user name, storage destination host name, document name) acquired in step S808 are acquired in step S807. The information is transmitted to the multifunction device 100 corresponding to the name.

  In step S810, the CPU 301 receives print data acquisition completion information and bibliographic information (document ID, user name, storage destination host name, document name) from the client PC 200 of the transfer destination host.

  In step S811, the CPU 301 receives the received print data acquisition information and bibliographic information (document ID (print data specifying information), user name (user identification information), storage destination host name (print data storage location information), document name. The bibliographic information is written in the bibliographic information management file (FIG. 10) held in the HDD of the multi-function peripheral 100, and further held on the memory (RAM). The reason for saving in the memory is to display the document list efficiently. That is, it is a bibliographic information storage process (bibliographic information storage control process) for storing bibliographic information including print data specifying information for specifying the received print data and storage location information of the received print data.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart relating to processing for logging in to the MFP 100 and performing printing in the present embodiment.

  In step S <b> 901, the CPU 301 detects a user login to the multifunction peripheral 100. To log in the user, the user inputs authentication information to the multifunction peripheral 100, and the authentication information input as described above is searched from a user information file as shown in FIG. 6 based on the authentication information. If the search is successful, the user is logged in as a successful authentication. That is, a login process for logging in according to the user identification information.

  Note that the authentication information input by the user may be various information depending on the authentication method. For example, in the case of card authentication, it may be a card manufacturing number, or in the case of a user ID input type authentication method, it may be a user ID and a password.

  When the user is searched from the user information file shown in FIG. 6, the user is notified that the user has logged in to various applications operating on the multifunction peripheral 100. When logged in, login information including a user name (user identification information) is stored in the RAM of the multifunction device. Upon receiving the notification, various applications acquire login information.

  The user information file in FIG. 6 stores a user ID, a user name, a mail address, and the like in association with each other.

  In step S902, the user name of the logged-in user is acquired from the login information acquired in step S901 by the CPU 301 and stored in the memory. Based on the user name, bibliographic information with the same user name is extracted from the bibliographic information held on the memory in step S811, and held on the memory. That is, it is a bibliographic information acquisition process for acquiring bibliographic information corresponding to the logged-in user identification information.

  In step S903, the CPU 301 displays the bibliographic information held in the memory in step S902 as a document list on a screen on the multi-function peripheral 100 with a UI as shown in FIG. That is, it is a display process for displaying bibliographic information.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a document list screen displayed on the operation unit 308 of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The document list screen is configured to acquire bibliographic information of the print data of the user who has logged into the multifunction peripheral 100 and display the document name, print settings, number of pages, date and time. The print settings, the number of pages, the date and time are not shown, but are stored in the bibliographic information management of FIG.

  The document list screen is configured to be able to select print data (document) to be printed, and can select print data and issue a print execution instruction in accordance with a user instruction.

  In step S904, the CPU 301 selects a document to be printed from the document list displayed in step S903, and determines whether or not there is a print instruction in accordance with pressing of the “print start” button on the screen. If there is a print instruction, the process proceeds to step S905. If there is no print instruction, it waits until it is pressed.

  In step S905, the CPU 301 acquires the document ID from the bibliographic information corresponding to the selected print target document, and stores it in the memory.

  In step S906, the CPU 301 generates a print request packet including the document ID (specific information for specifying print data) held in the memory.

  In step S907, the CPU 301 transmits the print request packet generated in step S906 to the client PC 200 according to the storage destination host name. That is, it is a print request process for requesting the information processing apparatus corresponding to the storage destination information of the selected bibliographic information to print the print data corresponding to the selected bibliographic information.

  In step S908, the CPU 201 receives the print request packet transmitted in step S907. In other words, this is a print request reception process (print request reception control process) for receiving a print request including specific information for specifying print data.

  In step S909, the CPU 201 acquires the host name of the MFP 100 that is the print request transmission source from the connection information of the print request packet, and stores it in the memory.

  In step S910, the CPU 201 acquires the document ID to be printed included in the print request packet. A storage destination path associated with the document ID is acquired from the acquired document ID of the print target and the document ID stored in the memory in step S808, and print data is searched from the storage destination path. Then, the print data searched according to the document ID is printed on the multifunction peripheral 100. Since the multifunction peripheral 100 monitors the RAW port (9100), printing cannot be performed if the RAW port (9100) is transmitted to the RAW port (9100) as it is, and printing is executed by a printing unit other than RAW printing. For example, LPR which is a print command of Windows (registered trademark), FTP (File Transfer Protocol) printing prepared as a general printing protocol, IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) printing, or the like is used. That is, it is an output process for acquiring the received print data for which the print request has been received and outputting the acquired print data to the image forming apparatus for which the print request has been made.

  In step S911, the multifunction peripheral 100 receives the print data transmitted from the client PC 200 in step S910 by the CPU 301.

  In step S912, the CPU 301 prints the print data received in step S911. In other words, it is a printing process (printing control process) in which print data requested for printing is received from the information processing apparatus and printed.

  Next, the bibliographic information management file of FIG. 10 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a bibliographic information management file stored in the HDD 304 of the multi-function device 100.

  The bibliographic information management file is for storing bibliographic information about print data. The document ID for uniquely identifying the print data, the user name of the user who printed the print data, and the host where the print data is stored Name, document name of print data, and the like are stored.

  As will be described later with reference to FIG. 11, the host name of the print data storage destination is the host of the multifunction device 100 when the multifunction device 100 has an area for storing the print data, and the print data is stored in the storage region. The name is remembered.

  Next, detailed processing of another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart relating to processing from a print instruction on the client PC 200 to storing print data in the multi-function peripheral according to another embodiment.

  Note that the same steps as those in FIG. 8 are given the same step numbers and description thereof is omitted.

  In step S1201, the CPU 301 determines whether the HDD 304 has an area for storing the print data received in step S803. That is, it is a storage determination process for determining whether or not to store the received print data. Whether there is an area to be stored in the HDD 304 is determined based on whether the print application of the multifunction peripheral 100 has storage location information (for example, a path). Note that the determination of whether or not there is an area to be stored is not limited to this. If it is determined that there is a storage destination, the process proceeds to step S1207. If it is determined that there is no storage destination, the process proceeds to step S1202.

  In step S1202, when the CPU 301 starts receiving data in step S803, the host name of the print data transmission source is extracted from the connect information and stored in the memory.

  In step S1203, the CPU 301 analyzes the inside of the print data, acquires bibliographic information (document ID, user name, document name), and stores it in the memory.

  In step S1204, the CPU 301 writes the document ID, user name, document name, and host name of the transmission source stored in the memory in the bibliographic information management file of FIG. The storage destination host name corresponds to the transmission source host name.

  In step S1205, the CPU 301 transmits the print data received in step S803 to the client PC 200 having the host name acquired in step S1202. That is, a second print data transmission process (transmission control process) that is transmitted to the information processing apparatus that is the reception source of the print data in order to return the received print data when it is determined not to store the print data.

  In step S1206, the CPU 201 receives print data and saves the print data in a storage area managed by the client application. This print data is associated with the bibliographic information of the multifunction peripheral 100 by the document ID.

  In step S1207, the CPU 301 analyzes the inside of the print data, acquires bibliographic information (document ID, user name, document name), and stores the document ID, user name, document stored in the bibliographic information management file in FIG. Write the name and the host name of the sender. The storage destination host name corresponds to the host name of the multifunction device 100.

  In step S1208, the received print data is stored in the HDD 304 of the multi-function peripheral 100. Note that the print data stored in the MFP 100 is associated with the bibliographic information by the document ID. That is, this is print data storage processing for storing print data in the image forming apparatus when it is determined to store print data.

  Next, detailed processing of another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart relating to processing for logging in to the MFP 100 and performing printing in another embodiment.

  Note that the same steps as those in FIG. 9 are given the same step numbers and description thereof is omitted.

  In step S <b> 1301, the CPU 301 refers to the storage destination host name of the selected bibliographic information, and determines whether or not it matches the host name of the MFP. In other words, this is print data storage determination processing for determining whether print data is stored in the multi-function peripheral.

  If it matches the host name of the MFP, the process proceeds to step S1302, and if it does not match the host name of the MFP, the process proceeds to step S906.

  In step S1302, the CPU 301 searches and acquires print data from the area where the print data is stored according to the document ID of the selected bibliographic information. The acquired print data is printed in step S912. In step S912, that is, when it is determined that the print data is stored in the image forming apparatus, the print data corresponding to the selected bibliographic information is acquired and printed, and the print data is stored in the image forming apparatus. If it is determined that the print data has not been printed, the print data requested to be printed is received from the information processing apparatus and printed.

  Although the embodiment has been described above, according to the present embodiment, the print data is accumulated in the information processing apparatus without storing the print data in the desired multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus), and the multifunction peripheral ( Desired print data can be printed from the print data stored in the information processing apparatus.

  In addition, even when the number of segments cannot be exceeded in the network environment, it is possible to realize storage printing in which print data is stored in the client terminal (client PC 200).

  In addition, there are (less) HDDs that do not have HDDs that can be used by applications running on the MFP (for example, storage areas for storing print data), and print data is held on the MFP. Even in an environment where it is not possible to store, when printing is instructed by the client terminal (client PC 200), it is possible to realize reservoir printing so that it is not immediately printed.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  In addition, the program according to the present invention is a program that allows a computer to execute the processing methods of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 11, and 12, and the storage medium according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. A program capable of being executed by the computer in the processing method of FIG. 12 is stored. Note that the program in the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each apparatus in FIGS. 8, 9, 11, and 12.

  As described above, a recording medium that records a program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by executing the reading.

  In this case, the program itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon A disk, solid state drive, or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on an instruction of the program is actually It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written to the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board is based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

100 MFP 200 Client PC
700 LAN
401 First print data transmission unit 402 Second print data reception unit 403 Print data storage unit 404 Print request reception unit 405 Output unit 406 Second print data reception unit 407 Second print data transmission unit 408 Bibliographic information storage unit 409 Print request unit 410 Print unit

Claims (11)

A printing system including an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus,
The information processing apparatus includes:
First print data transmitting means for transmitting print data to the image forming apparatus;
Second print data receiving means for receiving the print data transmitted by the first print data transmitting means from the image forming apparatus;
Print data storage means for storing the print data received by the second print data receiving means;
A print request receiving means for receiving a print request including specific information for specifying print data from the image forming apparatus;
The print request received by the print request receiving unit is acquired from the print data storage unit, and an output unit that outputs the acquired print data to the image forming apparatus requested to print,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Second print data receiving means for receiving print data from the information processing apparatus;
Second print data transmitting means for transmitting the print data received by the second print data receiving means to the information processing apparatus that is a print data receiving source;
A bibliography for storing bibliographic information including print data specifying information for specifying print data received by the second print data receiving means and storage location information of the print data received by the second print data receiving means Information storage means;
Print request means for requesting printing of print data corresponding to the selected bibliographic information to the information processing apparatus corresponding to the storage destination information of the selected bibliographic information;
A printing system comprising: a printing unit that receives and prints print data requested by the print request unit from the information processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes:
Storage determining means for determining whether or not to store the print data received by the second print data receiving means;
A print data storage unit that stores the print data in the image forming apparatus when the storage determination unit determines to store the print data;
When it is determined that the print data is not stored, the second print data transmission unit transmits the received print data to the information processing apparatus serving as a print data reception source in order to return the print data. The printing system according to claim 1. The image forming apparatus includes:
A print data storage determining unit that determines whether the print data is stored in the image forming apparatus;
The printing unit acquires and prints print data corresponding to the selected bibliographic information when the print data storage determination unit determines that the print data is stored in the image forming apparatus, and prints The print data requested by the print request unit is received from the information processing apparatus and printed when it is determined that the data is not stored in the image forming apparatus. Printing system.   The storage destination information of the bibliographic information is the information processing device of the transmission destination that has transmitted the print data by the second print data transmission unit, the information processing device of the reception source that has received the print data by the second print data reception unit, or The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing system is information for specifying the image forming apparatus that stores the print data. The bibliographic information includes user identification information,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Login means for logging in according to the user identification information;
Bibliographic information acquisition means for acquiring bibliographic information corresponding to the user identification information logged in by the login means from the bibliographic information storage means;
The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying bibliographic information acquired by the bibliographic information acquisition means.   The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the bibliographic information is acquired by the information processing apparatus or the image forming apparatus. Sends print data to the image forming apparatus, receives the transmitted print data from the image forming apparatus, stores the received print data, and outputs the stored print data according to the print request to the image forming apparatus that requested the print An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus capable of
Print data receiving means for receiving print data from the information processing apparatus;
Print data transmission means for transmitting the print data received by the print data reception means to the information processing apparatus that is the reception source of the print data;
Bibliographic information storage means for storing bibliographic information including print data specifying information for specifying print data received by the print data receiving means, and storage location information of the print data received by the print data receiving means;
Print request means for requesting printing of print data corresponding to the selected bibliographic information to the information processing apparatus corresponding to the storage destination information of the selected bibliographic information;
An image forming apparatus, comprising: a printing unit that receives and prints print data requested by the print request unit from the information processing apparatus. A processing method of a printing system including an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus,
The information processing apparatus is
A first print data transmission control step for controlling transmission of print data to the image forming apparatus;
A second print data reception control step for receiving and controlling the print data transmitted in the print data transmission control step from the image forming apparatus;
A print data storage control step for storing the print data received in the second print data reception control step in a storage means;
A print request reception control step for receiving and controlling a print request including specific information for specifying print data from the image forming apparatus;
Obtaining the print data requested by the print request received in the print request reception control step from the storage unit, and executing the output step of outputting the acquired print data to the image forming apparatus requested to print,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A second print data reception control step for controlling reception of print data from the information processing apparatus;
A second print data transmission control step for controlling transmission of the print data received in the second print data reception control step to the information processing apparatus that is a print data reception source;
Bibliographic information including print data specifying information for specifying the print data received in the second print data reception control step and storage location information of the print data received in the second print data reception control step is stored. A bibliographic information storage control step stored in the means;
A print request step for making a print request for print data corresponding to the selected bibliographic information to the information processing apparatus corresponding to the storage location information of the selected bibliographic information;
And a print control step of receiving print data requested to be printed in the print request step from the information processing apparatus and performing print control. Sends print data to the image forming apparatus, receives the transmitted print data from the image forming apparatus, stores the received print data, and outputs the stored print data according to the print request to the image forming apparatus that requested the print An image forming apparatus processing method capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus capable of
The image forming apparatus includes:
Print data reception control means for controlling reception of print data from the information processing apparatus;
Print data transmission control means for controlling transmission of print data received by the print data reception control means to the information processing apparatus that is the reception source of print data;
Bibliographic information for storing bibliographic information including print data specifying information for specifying print data received by the print data reception control unit and storage location information of the print data received by the print data reception control unit in a storage unit Memory control means;
Print request means for requesting printing of print data corresponding to the selected bibliographic information to the information processing apparatus corresponding to the storage destination information of the selected bibliographic information;
And a print control unit that receives print data requested by the print request unit from the information processing apparatus and performs print control. A program that can be executed by a printing system including an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus,
The information processing apparatus;
First print data transmitting means for transmitting print data to the image forming apparatus;
Second print data receiving means for receiving the print data transmitted by the first print data transmitting means from the image forming apparatus;
Print data storage means for storing the print data received by the second print data receiving means;
A print request receiving means for receiving a print request including specific information for specifying print data from the image forming apparatus;
The print request received by the print request receiving unit is acquired from the storage unit, and functions as an output unit that outputs the acquired print data to the image forming apparatus requested to print,
The image forming apparatus;
Second print data receiving means for receiving print data from the information processing apparatus;
Second print data transmitting means for transmitting the print data received by the second print data receiving means to the information processing apparatus that is a print data receiving source;
A bibliography for storing bibliographic information including print data specifying information for specifying print data received by the second print data receiving means and storage location information of the print data received by the second print data receiving means Information storage means;
Print request means for requesting printing of print data corresponding to the selected bibliographic information to the information processing apparatus corresponding to the storage destination information of the selected bibliographic information;
A program that causes print data requested to be printed by the print request unit to function as a print unit that receives and prints from the information processing apparatus. Sends print data to the image forming apparatus, receives the transmitted print data from the image forming apparatus, stores the received print data, and outputs the stored print data according to the print request to the image forming apparatus that requested the print A program executable by an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus capable of
The image forming apparatus;
Print data receiving means for receiving print data from the information processing apparatus;
Print data transmission means for transmitting the print data received by the print data reception means to the information processing apparatus that is the reception source of the print data;
Bibliographic information storage means for storing bibliographic information including print data specifying information for specifying print data received by the print data receiving means, and storage location information of the print data received by the print data receiving means;
Print request means for requesting printing of print data corresponding to the selected bibliographic information to the information processing apparatus corresponding to the storage destination information of the selected bibliographic information;
A program that causes print data requested to be printed by the print request unit to function as a print unit that receives and prints from the information processing apparatus.

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