JP2013073550A - Image forming system, control method of image forming system, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that can print printing data including confidential information in an image forming system that can print printing data stored in another image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: When an image forming apparatus is requested to transmit bibliographic information from another image forming apparatus that is to print printing data including confidential information only from an image forming apparatus storing the print data, the image forming apparatus creates a bibliographic information list in such a way that bibliographic information corresponding to the printing data including the confidential information is not included in a list, and transmits the created bibliographic information list to the another image forming apparatus that has requested the bibliographic information.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for starting print processing of print data after receiving a print instruction for print data stored in a storage device.

  In order to prevent inadvertent spread of information due to leaving the print data unnecessarily or wasteful printing, when print data is received from the information processing apparatus, printing is not started immediately, but once the hard disk (HD) A printing system is proposed in which printing is started after an instruction for print data is input via an operation panel of a printing apparatus.

  For example, a system has been proposed in which print data stored in a certain multifunction device on the network can be printed from another multifunction device. In such a system, data printed according to the output instruction from the client terminal is received by the storage print application on the multifunction device, stored on the HDD of the multifunction device, and bibliographic information on print jobs between the multifunction devices. By sharing this, it is possible to print from a remote multifunction device on the network (a multifunction device different from the multifunction device in which the print job is stored).

  Patent Document 1 discloses an invention in which print data is temporarily stored in a server device, and then print data is printed from an arbitrary printing device. In this invention, the user goes to a printing apparatus that issues a print instruction for the print data stored in the printing apparatus, selects print data for executing print processing from the print data stored in the operation panel, By instructing execution of printing, printing processing of the selected print data is started. In this way, the accumulated print data can be printed from an arbitrary printing apparatus.

JP 2006-350497 A

  In the above-described printing system that allows a print job stored in a certain multifunction device to be printed from another multifunction device or the printing system disclosed in Patent Document 1, printing data is printed by an arbitrary printing device. This will increase the risk of information leakage. For example, if a HR user can output a confidential information job containing HR information on a multifunction device other than his / her own seat, the HR information will be viewed by users other than the HR department due to leaving the printed matter at the output destination. Risk occurs.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention prints print data having a specific property, such as print data including a confidential document, in a system that allows printing data stored in a storage device to be printed from the printing device. The aim is to limit the possible printing devices.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming system of the present invention is an image forming system in which a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus are communicably connected, and the first image forming apparatus is connected to the first image forming apparatus. The forming apparatus stores a first receiving unit that receives print data from a client device, a creating unit that creates bibliographic information of the print data received by the first receiving unit, the print data, and the bibliographic information. A storage unit stored in the apparatus; a request unit that requests bibliographic information of the print data from the second image forming apparatus when a print request for the print data is received in accordance with an operation of the operation unit; and the request unit Bibliographic information transmitted from the second image forming apparatus in response to the bibliographic information request by the second bibliographic information, bibliographic information of print data stored in the storage device, and the second receiving unit. Display means for selectively displaying the bibliographic information of the print data received by the means on the display section, first receiving means for receiving selection of the bibliographic information displayed on the display section, and the first receiving means A first acquisition unit that acquires print data corresponding to the bibliographic information received in step B, and a print output unit that prints out the print data acquired by the first acquisition unit. The apparatus includes: a second receiving unit that receives a request for bibliographic information of print data by the requesting unit of the first image forming apparatus; and a confidential information after receiving a request for bibliographic information of print data by the second receiving unit. A second creation unit that creates a list of bibliographic information using bibliographic information corresponding to print data that does not include information, and a list of bibliographic information created by the second creation unit are stored in the first image forming apparatus. Sending The bibliographic information received by the first receiving unit is the bibliographic information received from the second image forming apparatus. Print data corresponding to the bibliographic information is requested to the second image forming apparatus, and the second image forming apparatus accepts the request in response to the print data request from the first image forming apparatus. Is further provided with a second transmission unit that transmits the image data to the first image forming apparatus, and the first acquisition unit acquires the print data transmitted from the second transmission unit.

  In order to achieve the above object, a control method for an image forming system according to the present invention is a control method for an image forming system in which a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus are communicably connected. A first receiving process in which the first image forming apparatus receives print data from the client apparatus, and a bibliography of the print data received by the creating unit of the first image forming apparatus in the first receiving process. The second image forming apparatus when a print request for print data is received in accordance with a creation step for creating information, a storage step for storing the print data and the bibliographic information in a storage device, and an operation of the operation unit A requesting process for requesting bibliographic information of print data, a second receiving process for receiving bibliographic information transmitted from the second image forming apparatus in response to a request for bibliographic information in the requesting process, and the storage Bibliographic information of the print data stored in the display and bibliographic information of the print data received by the second receiving means are displayed on the display unit so as to be selectable, and the bibliography displayed on the display unit A first reception step for receiving selection of information, a first acquisition step for acquiring print data corresponding to the bibliographic information received in the first reception step, and the print data acquired in the first acquisition step. A print output process for performing print output, wherein the second image forming apparatus receives a request for bibliographic information of print data by a request unit of the first image forming apparatus, and A second creation step of creating a list of bibliographic information using the bibliographic information corresponding to the print data not including confidential information after receiving a request for the bibliographic information of the print data in the second reception step; Create A first transmission step of transmitting the list of bibliographic information created in the process to the first image forming apparatus, and the bibliographic information for which selection has been received in the first reception step is the second image. When the bibliographic information is received from the forming apparatus, the first acquisition step requests the second image forming apparatus for print data corresponding to the bibliographic information, and the second image forming apparatus In response to a print data request from the first image forming apparatus, a second transmission step of transmitting the print data for which the request has been received to the first image forming device is further executed, and the first acquisition step includes: The print data transmitted from the second transmission unit is acquired.

  In order to achieve the above object, a computer program of the present invention is a computer program that can be executed in an image forming system in which a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus are communicably connected. A first receiving unit that receives print data from the client device, a creation unit that creates bibliographic information of the print data received by the first receiving unit, the print data, and the Storage means for storing bibliographic information in a storage device; and request means for requesting bibliographic information for print data from the second image forming apparatus when a print data print request is received in accordance with an operation of the operation unit; , Second receiving means for receiving bibliographic information transmitted from the second image forming apparatus in response to a request for bibliographic information by the request means, and stored in the storage device Bibliographic information of the print data and bibliographic information of the print data received by the second receiving unit are selectably displayed on the display unit, and the bibliographic information displayed on the display unit is selected. 1 receiving means, a first obtaining means for obtaining print data corresponding to the bibliographic information accepted by the first accepting means, and a print output for performing print output of the print data obtained by the first obtaining means The second image forming apparatus is made to function as a means, and the second image forming apparatus receives a request for bibliographic information of print data by the request means of the first image forming apparatus, and the second receiving means A second creation means for creating a list of bibliographic information using the bibliographic information corresponding to the print data not including confidential information after receiving the request for the bibliographic information, and the book created by the second creation means The bibliographic information received from the second image forming apparatus is the bibliographic information that functions as a first transmission unit that transmits a list of information to the first image forming apparatus and the selection is received by the first reception unit. The acquisition means requests the second image forming apparatus for print data corresponding to the bibliographic information, and further sends the second image forming apparatus from the first image forming apparatus. In response to the print data request, the print data that has received the request is caused to function as a second transmission unit that transmits the request to the first image forming apparatus, and the first acquisition unit is transmitted from the second transmission unit. Print data is acquired.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to restrict printing apparatuses that can print confidential documents stored in a storage device.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an image forming system of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example in the hardware constitutions of the information processing apparatus applicable as client PC102 of FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of processing performed by the image forming apparatus 101 in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the starting process of step S501 of FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of print data storage processing in step S503 in FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of my printer setting change processing in step S505 of FIG. 5. 6 is a flowchart showing details of a print instruction reception process in step S507 of FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of bibliographic information list creation / print data list display processing in step S903 of FIG. 9; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of a printing process in step S906 in FIG. 9; FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of a print execution process in the print process started in step S1108 of FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an initial screen displayed on an LCD display unit of an operation unit 308 of the image forming apparatus 101. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an authentication request screen displayed on an LCD display unit of an operation unit 308 of the image forming apparatus 101. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a My Printer setting screen on an LCD display unit of an operation unit 308 of the image forming apparatus 101. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a print instruction screen on an LCD display unit of an operation unit 308 of the image forming apparatus 101. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the data registered into the IC card. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of bibliographic information stored in a RAM 302 of the image forming apparatus 101. FIG.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an image forming system according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system of the present invention includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses 101, a plurality of client PCs 102, and a network such as a LAN 103 that connects them so that they can communicate with each other. .

  The image forming apparatus 101 stores the print data transmitted from the client PC 102 in a storage device such as an HDD 304, which will be described later, and executes a print process based on the print data after receiving a print instruction for the stored print data. . For example, it is composed of a multifunction machine or a laser beam printer. The image forming apparatus 101 is configured not only to print data stored in the storage device of the image forming apparatus 101 but also to perform printing stored in the storage device of another image forming apparatus.

  The client PC 102 is an information processing apparatus used by the user. Various application programs and printer drivers are installed in the client PC 102. Document data created by the application program is created using the printer driver to create print data for printing from the image forming apparatus 101. Transmit to the forming apparatus 101.

  The above is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the image forming system of the present invention.

  Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus applicable to the client PC 102 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. In addition, the ROM 203 or the external memory 211 is configured to realize a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS), which is a control program of the CPU 201, or a function executed by a client device or each server device. Various necessary programs to be described later are stored.

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

  An input controller 205 controls input from an input device 209 such as a keyboard and a pointing device. A video controller 206 controls display on a display device such as the display device 210. These are used by the operator as needed.

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

  A communication I / F (interface) controller 208 is connected to and communicates with an external device via a network (for example, the LAN 103 shown in FIG. 1), and executes communication control processing in the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the display device 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 202, for example. Further, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the display device 210.

  The processing of each step shown in the flowchart to be described later for realizing the present invention is executed by a program that can be read and executed by a computer, and the program is recorded in the external memory 211. Then, it is executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 202 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. Various application programs, printer drivers, and the like are also recorded in the external memory, and are executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 202 as necessary.

  The above is an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus applicable to the client PC 102 in FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a hardware configuration of a multifunction machine applicable as the image forming apparatus 101 in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a multifunction peripheral that can be used as the image forming apparatus 101 in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit which is connected to a scanner 314 functioning as an image input device and a printer 312 functioning as an image output device, while being connected to a LAN (for example, the LAN 103 shown in FIG. 1) or a public line (WAN). By connecting to (for example, PSTN or ISDN), input / output of image data and device information is performed.

  In the controller unit 316, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system. A RAM 302 is a system work memory for the CPU 301 to operate, 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. The print data received from the client device 102 is also stored in the HDD 304.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit 308. Further, the operation unit I / F 307 serves to transmit the key information (for example, pressing of the start button) input from the operation unit 308 to the CPU 301.

  A network interface (network I / F) 305 is connected to a network such as the LAN 103 and inputs / outputs data. A 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, RS-232C, and the like, and is required when performing user authentication in this embodiment. A card reader 319 for reading a non-contact IC card (storage medium) is connected to the external I / F 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.

  An image bus interface (image bus I / F) 320 connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed, and is a bus bridge that converts a 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 312 and the controller unit 316, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 313 connects the scanner 314 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 317 corrects, processes, and edits 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. Then, the image processing unit 317 drives the scanner 314 to perform image processing on the image data that has been read, converts the image data into a file outputable format (for example, a PDF format file), and cooperates with the CPU 301 to perform network processing. A file of image data can be transmitted to an external device via the I / F 305.

  The scanner 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 314, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. I do.

  The printer 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 an image is directly printed on paper by ejecting ink from a minute nozzle array. There are inkjet methods for printing, but any method may be used. The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 301. The printer 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 or manually performing logout processing of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  The card reader 319 reads information stored in the non-contact IC card under the control of the CPU 301 and notifies the CPU 301 of the read information via the external I / F 318.

  With the configuration as described above, the image forming apparatus 101 can transmit the image data read from the scanner 314 to the LAN 103 and print out the print data received from the LAN 103 by the printer 312.

  Also, the image data read from the scanner 314 can be faxed to the public line by the modem 306, and the image data received by fax from the public line can be output by the printer 312.

  The above is an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 in FIG.

  Next, an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 101 includes a storage unit 401, a print data acquisition unit 402, a confidential document determination unit 403, a bibliographic information generation unit 404, a bibliographic information request unit 405, a bibliographic information transmission unit 406, a print data list. A display unit 407, a print data designation receiving unit 408, a print data request unit 409, a print data transmission unit 410, a print execution unit 411, and the like are provided.

  The storage unit 401 stores various types of data used by the image forming apparatus 101 in processes described later. The print data storage unit 401-1 stores the print data acquired from the client PC 102 by the print data acquisition unit 402. The bibliographic information storage unit 401-2 includes a bibliographic information list 401-21 for managing the bibliographic information of each print data stored in the print data storage unit 401-1 created by the bibliographic information generation unit 404, and printing of the logged-in user. A log-in user bibliographic information list 401-22 for managing data bibliographic information is stored.

  A print data acquisition unit 402 acquires print data transmitted from the client PC 102 or another image forming apparatus 101. The print data transmitted from the client PC 102 is stored in the print data storage unit 401-1.

  The confidential document determination unit 403 determines whether the print data transmitted from the client PC 102 acquired by the print data acquisition unit 402 is created based on a document including confidential information (print data including confidential information). Determine whether or not.

  The bibliographic information generation unit 404 generates bibliographic information based on the print data received from the client PC 102 by the print data acquisition unit 402. The data structure of the bibliographic information will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The bibliographic information request unit 405 requests bibliographic information corresponding to the print data of the user who has logged in to the image forming apparatus 101 from other image forming apparatuses.

  In response to a request for bibliographic information from another image forming apparatus, the bibliographic information transmission unit 406 sends bibliographic information corresponding to the print data of the user who has received the request to the other image forming apparatus that has made the request. Send.

  The print data list display unit 407 displays, on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 308, a list of print data that can be printed by the login user based on the bibliographic information included in the login user bibliographic information list.

  A print data designation accepting unit 408 accepts designation of print data to be printed by the print execution unit 411.

  The print data request unit 409 stores the print data when the print data received by the print data specification receiving unit 408 is stored in the print data storage unit 401-1 of another image forming apparatus. The print data is requested to the other image forming apparatus.

  The print data transmission unit 410 acquires the print data requested by the print data request unit 409 of another image forming apparatus from the print data storage unit 401-1 and transmits it to the other image forming apparatus that has made the request. To do.

  The print execution unit 411 prints out the print data that has been designated by the print data designation acceptance unit 408.

  The functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 has been described above.

  Next, an overview of processing performed by the image forming apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG. A program for causing the image forming apparatus 101 to execute this processing is stored in the HDD 304, and when executing this processing, the CPU 301 loads the program into the RAM 302 and executes this processing according to control by the loaded program. . An example will be described in which print data including confidential information can be printed only from an image forming apparatus in which the print data is stored.

  When the power is turned on, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 performs activation processing (step S501). Details of this processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of the activation process in step S501 of FIG. First, the CPU 301 activates various programs for executing various functions of the image forming apparatus 101 and performs various settings (steps not shown). At this time, a program for causing the CPU 301 to execute processing shown in a flowchart described later is also started. Thereafter, the CPU 301 creates a bibliographic information list (empty at the time of creation) used for storing the bibliographic information in the RAM 302 according to the control of the program (step S601). Thereafter, print data stored in the HDD 304 is acquired (step S602).

  Thereafter, the processes in steps S603 and S604 are performed on all print data. In step S603, bibliographic information of the print data is created using information acquired from the print data. In step S604, the bibliographic information created in step S603 is added to the bibliographic information list created in step S601.

  Here, an example of the data structure of the bibliographic information will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, bibliographic information includes user name 1801, document name 1802, number of copies 1803, number of pages 1804, duplex printing / single-sided printing 1805, paper size 1806, color setting 1807, page layout 1808, storage date and time 1809, data. Data items such as a size 1810, an IP address 1811, a confidential flag 1812, and the like are provided.

  A user name 1801 is a data item in which information of a user who has instructed printing of print data corresponding to the bibliographic information (the owner of the print data) is registered.

  The document name 1802 is a data item in which the name of the document data from which the print data corresponding to the bibliographic information is created is registered. Information registered in the document name 1802 is displayed in the document name display field 1602-1 of the print data list display unit 1602 of the print instruction screen 1600 shown in FIG.

  The number of copies 1803 is a data item in which the number of copies for printing the print data corresponding to the bibliographic information is registered. The information registered in the number of copies 1803 is displayed in the page number / number of copies display field 1602-3 of the print data list display portion 1602.

  The number of pages 1804 is a data item in which the number of pages of print data corresponding to the bibliographic information is registered. The information registered in the page number is displayed in the page number / copy number display column 1602-3 of the print data list display unit 1602 of the print instruction screen 1600.

  Double-sided printing / single-sided printing 1805 is a data item in which information about whether the print data corresponding to the bibliographic information is printed by double-sided printing or single-sided printing is registered. Information registered in the double-sided / single-sided printing 1805 is displayed in the print setting display field 1602-2 of the print data list display unit 1602 of the print instruction screen 1600.

  The paper size 1806 is a data item in which paper size information for printing print data corresponding to the bibliographic information is registered. Information registered in the paper size 1806 is displayed in the print setting display field 1602-2 of the print data list display unit 1602 of the print instruction screen 1600.

  A color 1807 is a data item in which information on whether printing of print data corresponding to the bibliographic information is performed by color printing, monochrome printing, or two-color printing is registered. The information displayed in the color 1807 is displayed in the print setting display field 1602-2 of the print data list display unit 1602 of the print instruction screen 1600.

  A page layout 1808 is a data item in which information on the print layout (2 in 1, 4 in 1, etc.) of the print data corresponding to the bibliographic information is registered. Information registered in the page layout 1808 is displayed in the print setting display field 1602-2 of the print data list display unit 1602 of the print instruction screen 1600. Note that the information registered in the above data items is acquired from the print data by the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 and registered in each of the above data items.

  A storage date and time 1809 is a data item for registering date and time information related to print data corresponding to the bibliographic information. The date and time information to be registered in the storage date and time 1809 is not limited to the creation date and time information when the print data is created by the client PC 102 or the reception date and time when the image forming apparatus 101 receives the print data. I do not care. The date / time information registered in the storage date / time 1809 is displayed in the time / size display field 1602-4 of the print data list display unit 1602 of the print instruction screen 1600.

  The data size 1810 is a data item in which the data size of the print data corresponding to the bibliographic information is registered. The information registered in the data size 1810 is displayed in the time / size display field 1602-4 of the print data list display unit 1602 of the print instruction screen 1600.

  The IP address 1811 is a data item in which the IP address of a printer in which print data corresponding to the bibliographic information is stored is registered. When creating the bibliographic information corresponding to the print data, the image forming apparatus 101 registers the IP address set in the image forming apparatus 101 as the IP address 1811.

  The confidential flag 1812 is a data item in which information indicating whether the print data corresponding to the bibliographic information includes confidential information is registered. For example, TRUE is registered when confidential information is included, and FALSE is registered when it does not include confidential information. When this flag is set to TRUE, for example, an image that can execute printing of the print data, such as enabling print output only from the image forming apparatus 101 that stores the print data. The forming equipment is limited.

  The above is the description of the data structure of the bibliographic information.

  Returning to the description of FIG. When the processing of step S603 and step S604 is completed for all the print data acquired in step S602, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 advances the processing to step S605 and starts monitoring the RAW port (port number: 9100). To do. Thereafter, a communication port for communicating with another image forming apparatus 101 is opened (step S606). The above is the detailed description of the initialization process in step S501 of FIG.

  Returning to the description of FIG. After completion of the initialization processing in step S501, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 accepts a setting change request from the user regarding whether print data has been received through the RAW port (step S502) or from the user (my printer will be described later). (Step S504) and whether the IC card has been deceived by the card reader 319 (whether the IC card has been detected: step S506).

  If it is determined that the print data from the client PC 102 has been received (YES in step S502), the print data storage process in step S503 is performed. Details of this print data storage processing will be described later with reference to FIG. When the print data is received through the RAW port, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 performs the process of step S503 on the assumption that the print data has been received from the client PC 102. When print data is received at another port (for example, LPR port: port number 515), the received print data is printed.

  If it is determined that a request for changing the setting of my printer has been received (YES in step S504), the setting change process in step S505 is performed. Details of the setting change processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If it is detected that the IC card has been tampered with by the card reader 319 (YES in step S506), a print instruction acceptance process in step S507 is performed. Details of the print instruction reception process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The above processing is repeated until it is determined that this processing is finished (YES in step S508). The outline of the processing performed by the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 has been described above.

  Next, the details of the print data storing process in step S503 in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a flow of a series of processes from when the CPU 201 of the client PC 102 receives an instruction to create print data to when the print data storage process by the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 ends will be described.

  When the CPU 201 of the client PC 102 receives a print instruction for the document data edited by the application program installed in the client PC 102, the CPU 201 of the client PC 102 displays the UI of the printer driver on the display device 210, and the document The designation of the image forming apparatus 101 that performs data printing is received (step S701).

  Thereafter, print data for printing out the document data is generated using a printer driver corresponding to the image forming apparatus 101 that has received the designation in step S701 (step S702), and the generated print data is generated in step S701. Transmission is made to the RAW port of the designated image forming apparatus 101 (step S703).

  When the image forming apparatus 101 receives the print data from the client PC 102 via the RAW port (step S721: the reception is started, YES is determined in step S502 in FIG. 5), the image forming apparatus 101 is based on the received print data. The print process is not executed immediately, but the received print data is stored in the HDD 304 (step S702). Thereafter, various types of information necessary for generating bibliographic information is acquired from the print data (step S723), and bibliographic information of the received print data is created using the acquired various types of information (step S724). The created bibliographic information is additionally registered in the bibliographic information list on the RAM 302 (step S725). The IP address of the own device is registered in the IP address 1811 of the bibliographic information.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether the received print data is a confidential document (a document including confidential information) (step S726). The determination of the confidential document can be performed by, for example, including a method of determining whether the print data generated by the client PC 102 is a confidential document and determining based on the information. Depending on whether the keyword is included in the print data, it may be determined whether the data is a confidential document. Of course, other methods can be adopted.

  If it is determined in the determination process in step S726 that the document is a confidential document (YES), the process proceeds to step S727, and the confidential flag 1812 of the bibliographic information is set to TRUE. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S726 that the document is not a confidential document (NO), the process proceeds to step S728, and the confidential flag 1812 of the bibliographic information is set to FALSE.

  The above is the detailed description of the print data storing process in step S503 in FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the details of the my printer setting change process in step S505 of FIG. 5 will be described. This process is performed when it is determined that an instruction to press the user setting button 1301 on the initial screen 1300 shown in FIG. 13 is accepted (YES in step S504 in FIG. 5). In the present invention, each user can set an arbitrary image forming apparatus 101 that is frequently used as a my printer.

  My printer is an image forming apparatus set as an image forming apparatus normally used by a user. Therefore, a lot of print data of the user is stored as compared with other image forming apparatuses. Therefore, when the user designates print data to be printed out by an image forming apparatus other than the My Printer, not only the print data stored in the image forming apparatus other than the My Printer but also stored in the My Printer. The print data can be specified as print data to be printed out.

  First, the CPU 301 displays an authentication request screen shown in FIG. 14 on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 308 (step S801). Then, it is determined whether the card reader 319 detects an IC card.

  Here, the details of the authentication request screen 1400 will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the authentication request screen 1400 includes a message display unit 1401 and a cancel button 1402.

  The message display unit 1401 is a display unit that displays a message to the user that the card reader 319 tricks the IC card. A cancel button 1402 is a button used to input an instruction to end the my printer setting change process to the CPU 301.

  When the authentication request screen 1400 is displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 308 and the IC card is inserted in the card reader 319, the My Printer Setting screen 1500 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the LCD display unit. become.

  The above is the description of the configuration of the authentication request screen in FIG.

  Returning to the description of FIG. After displaying the authentication request screen 1400 in step S801, the CPU 301 has detected an IC card that has been trapped by the card reader 319 (step S802), or has received a cancel instruction input by receiving a press of the cancel button 1402 ( Step S803) will be determined. If it is determined that a cancel instruction has been accepted (YES in step S803), this process ends.

  If it is determined that an IC card has been detected (YES in step S802), the user name and my printer information registered in the tricked IC card are acquired (steps S804 and S805). Note that if the user has not yet set the My Printer, the My Printer information is not acquired in Step S805.

  Here, data registered in the IC card will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, a card ID 1701, user name 1702, and my printer information 1703 are registered in the IC card used in the present invention.

  The card ID 1701 is a data item in which identification information (ID) for uniquely identifying an IC card is registered.

  The user name 1702 is a data item in which the user name of the user who owns the IC card is registered. Note that the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 specifies print data corresponding to the login user based on the user name registered in the user name 1702 and the user name 1801 of the bibliographic information in the process described later. .

  My printer information 1703 is a data item for registering my printer information of the user who owns the IC card. Any information may be registered as long as the information can identify the printer. In this embodiment, description will be made assuming that the IP address of the image forming apparatus set as My Printer is registered in My Printer Information 1703. If the user has not set My Printer, no data is registered in My Printer Information 1703 of the IC card held by the user.

  Of course, information other than the above may be registered in the IC card. The above is the description of the data registered in the IC card.

  After the processing of step S805 in FIG. 8 is completed, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 displays the my printer setting screen shown in FIG. 15 on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 308. Here, an example of the configuration of the My Printer setting screen will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 15, a user name display unit 1501, a my printer IP address input unit 1502, a registration button 1503, and a cancel button 1504 are set on the my printer setting screen 1500.

  A user name display unit 1501 is a display unit that displays a user name of a user whose My Printer setting is to be changed. Information registered in the user name 1702 of the IC card acquired from the IC card in step S804 in FIG. Is displayed.

  The my printer IP address input unit 1502 is an input field for inputting the IP address of the image forming apparatus 101 set as the user's my printer. When any of the image forming apparatuses 101 has already been set as the My Printer when changing the setting of My Printer, the IP address acquired in Step S805 in FIG. The my printer setting screen 1500 is displayed in the form input in 1502.

  A registration button 1503 is used to input an instruction to set the image forming apparatus 101 having the IP address input to the my printer IP address input unit 1502 as the user's my printer to the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 being operated by the user. It is a button used for.

  A cancel button 1504 is a button used for inputting cancel of the setting change process of the my printer to the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101.

  The above is the description of the configuration of the my printer setting screen 1500 in FIG.

  Returning to the description of FIG. After the processing in step 805 is completed, it is determined whether or not the My Printer information (My Printer IP address) has been acquired from the IC card (Step S806). If YES is determined in the step S806, the process proceeds to a step S807, and the acquired my printer information is set in the my printer IP address input unit 1502 on the my printer setting screen.

  Thereafter, the my printer setting screen 1500 is displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 308 (step S808). Then, the input of the IP address of the image forming apparatus 101 set by the user as his / her own printer is received (step S809).

  When the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 receives an instruction to press the cancel button 1504 on the my printer setting screen 1500 (YES in step S810), the CPU 301 ends the process without changing the setting of the my printer.

  On the other hand, if an instruction to press the registration button 1503 on the my printer setting screen 1500 is accepted (YES in step S811), the process proceeds to step S812, and the my printer information 1703 of the IC card placed on the card reader 319 is obtained. The IP address input to the my printer IP address input unit 1502 is registered. If an instruction to press the registration button is received in a state where nothing is input to the my printer IP address input unit 1502, the information registered in the my printer information 1703 of the IC card may be deleted. The registered My Printer information may be left as it is.

  The above is the detailed description of the setting change process of the my printer information in step S505 of FIG.

  In the above description, an example of setting the My Printer by inputting the IP address of the My Printer has been described. However, when the authentication request screen 1400 of FIG. 14 is displayed, the IC card is displayed on the card reader 319. Of course, it is possible to set the My Printer by registering the IP address of the image forming apparatus in the My Printer Information 1703 in the IC card.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the details of the print instruction receiving process in step S507 of FIG. 5 will be described.

  First, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 acquires user name information and my printer information from an IC card placed on the card reader 319 (steps S901 and S902). Thereafter, bibliographic information list creation / print data list display processing is performed (step S903). Details of this processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of the bibliographic information list creation / print data list display process in step S903 of FIG. In this bibliographic information list creation / print data list display process, a process for creating a bibliographic information list of print data corresponding to the login user and displaying a list of print data corresponding to the login user based on the bibliographic information list is performed. Do.

  First, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 creates empty list information on the RAM 302 for storing bibliographic information corresponding to the login user (step S1001). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the user has set the My Printer because the My Printer information has been acquired / not acquired in Step S902 in FIG. 9 (Step S1002).

  If it is determined in step S1002 that the my printer is not set (NO), the process proceeds to step S1007. On the other hand, if it is determined that the my printer is set (YES), the process proceeds to step S1003, and the image forming apparatus set as the my printer is the own apparatus (the image forming apparatus to which the user has logged in). Determine if there is.

  If it is determined in step S1003 that the image forming apparatus set as the My Printer is its own (YES), the process proceeds to step S1007. On the other hand, if it is determined that the own printer is not set as the own printer (NO: other image forming apparatus), the process proceeds to step S1004, and another image set as the my printer is obtained. A bibliographic information acquisition request for print data corresponding to the login user is transmitted to the forming apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as “my printer”).

  Upon receiving the bibliographic information acquisition request from the image forming apparatus 101 (step S1021), the my printer CPU 301 receives a bibliographic information list (response target bibliographic information list: initially empty) State) is created on the RAM 302 (step S1022). From the bibliographic information list on the RAM 302 (the bibliographic information list storing the bibliographic information of all the user's print data stored in the HDD 304), the print data of the target user (logged-in user of the image forming apparatus 101) is stored. Bibliographic information is acquired (step S1023).

  Thereafter, the processing of step S1024 and step S1025 is performed for all the bibliographic information acquired in step S1023.

  In step S1024, based on the information registered in the confidential flag 1812 of the bibliographic information, it is determined whether the bibliographic information is a bibliography of a confidential document. If it is determined in step S1024 that the document is not the bibliographic information of the confidential document (NO), the process proceeds to step S1025, and the bibliographic information is added to the bibliographic information list created in step S1022. If the CPU 301 of the My Printer determines in step S1024 that the bibliographic information is a confidential document (YES), the process of step S1025 is not performed for the bibliographic information. In order to prevent print data including confidential documents from being printed out from other than the image forming apparatus storing the print data, the present invention performs such processing. In this way, it is possible to limit image forming apparatuses that can print out print data including confidential information.

  Then, for all the bibliographic information acquired in step S1023, after executing the processing of step S1024 and step S1025, the process proceeds to step S1026, and the bibliographic information of the print data corresponding to the login user of the image forming apparatus 101 is additionally registered. The response target bibliographic information list sent is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101 that has made the request.

  When the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 receives the response target bibliographic information list from My Printer (step S1005), the process proceeds to step S1006, and the response received in step S1005 is added to the bibliographic information list for the login user created in step S1001. Add bibliographic information included in the target bibliographic information list.

  In step S1007, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 prints the print data corresponding to the login user from the bibliographic information list in the RAM 302 (the bibliographic information list in which the bibliographic information of all user print data stored in the HDD 304 is stored). Get bibliographic information for. Then, the bibliographic information acquired in step S1007 is added to the bibliographic information list for the login user created in step S1001 (step S1008).

  Then, the bibliographic information included in the login user bibliographic information list is sorted in the order of the date and time registered in the storage date and time 1809, for example (step S1009). Thereafter, a list of print data corresponding to the bibliographic information added to the login user bibliographic information list is set in the print data list display unit 1602 of the print instruction screen 1600 of FIG. 16 (step S1010, LCD display unit of the operation unit 308). The print instruction screen 1600 is displayed on the screen (step S1011).

  The above is the details of the bibliographic information list creation / print data list display process of step S903 in FIG.

  Here, an example of the configuration of the print instruction screen 1600 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, a login user name display unit 1601, a print data list display unit 1602, and a print start button 1603 are set on the print instruction screen 1600.

  The login user name display unit 1601 is a display unit that displays a user name of a user who has logged into the image forming apparatus 101. Here, information stored in the user name 1702 of the IC card is acquired and displayed.

  The print data list display unit 1602 displays a list of print data corresponding to the login user. This is obtained from the bibliographic information of the print data corresponding to the logged-in user stored in the RAM 302 of the own device and the bibliographic information of the print data corresponding to the user stored in the RAM 302 of the logged-in user's My Printer. Will be displayed.

  The print data list display section 1602 displays a document name display field 1602-1, a print setting display field 1602-2, a page number / copy number display field 1602-3, and a time / size display field in order to display information about print data. 1602-4 is set.

  The document name display field 1602-1 is a display field for displaying the name (document name) of the document data from which the print data is created. The document name display field 1602-1 includes the document name of the bibliographic information. This is a display field in which information registered in 1802 is displayed.

  A print setting display field 1602-2 is a display field for displaying print settings (color setting, paper size setting, single-sided / double-sided setting, page layout setting) when printing the print data. -2 displays information registered in bibliographic information duplex printing / single-sided printing 1805, paper size 1806, color 1807, and page layout 1808.

  The page number / copy number display column 1602-3 is a display column for displaying the number of pages of print data and the number of print copies. The page number / copy number display column 1602-3 includes the number of pages 1804 and the number of copies 1803 of bibliographic information. The information registered in is displayed.

  The time / size display field 1602-4 is a display field for displaying the storage time and size of the print data. In this time / size display field 1602-4, the bibliographic information storage date 1809 and the data size 1810 are registered. Displayed information is displayed.

  Further, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 accepts designation of print data to be printed by an operation instruction to the print data list display unit 1602. For print data that has been designated as print data to be printed out, the selection / non-selection check box 1602-5 is checked.

  A print start button 1603 is a button used to instruct the CPU 301 to start printing of print data that has been designated as a print target. When an instruction to press the button is received, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 starts printing processing of the print data for which the designation is received.

  The above is the description of the configuration of the print instruction screen 1600 in FIG.

  Returning to the description of FIG. After the bibliographic information list creation display processing in step S903 is completed and the print instruction screen 1600 shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 selects / deselects print data via the print instruction screen 1600. An instruction input is accepted (step S904).

  Thereafter, when CPU 301 determines that a print start instruction input by receiving a press instruction for print start button 1603 set in print instruction screen 1600 has been received (YES in step S905), the process proceeds to step S906, and selection is performed. The print processing of the print data that has been accepted is started. Details of this processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  The above is the detailed description of the print instruction receiving process in step S507 of FIG.

  Next, details of the printing process in step S906 in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is performed by the image forming apparatus 101 and my printer.

  First, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 acquires bibliographic information corresponding to the print data received in step S904 in FIG. 9 from the login user bibliographic information list stored in the RAM 302 (step S1101). Thereafter, the following processing is repeatedly executed for the bibliographic information acquired in step S1101.

  In step S1102, it is first determined whether the printer set as the my printer of the logged-in user is the printer (own device). If it is determined that the my printer is the printer (YES), the process proceeds to step S1104.

  On the other hand, if NO is determined in the determination processing in step S1102, whether the storage location of the print data corresponding to the bibliographic information is the HDD 304 (local) of the image forming apparatus 101 based on the IP address 1811 of the bibliographic information. Whether or not the HDD 304 of the my printer is determined (step S1103). Here, when the IP address registered in the IP address 1811 of the bibliographic information matches the IP address set in the image forming apparatus 101, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 determines that the determination process is local. If they do not match, the printer is determined to be my printer.

  If it is determined in step S1103 that it is local, the process proceeds to step S1104.

  In step S1104, the CPU 301 acquires print data corresponding to the bibliographic information stored in the HDD 304.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1103 that the printer is my printer, the process proceeds to step S1105, and a print data request corresponding to the bibliographic information is transmitted to my printer of the login user.

  Upon receiving a print data request from another image forming apparatus 101 (step S1121), the CPU 301 of the my printer acquires the print data that has received the request from the HDD 304 (step S1122), and makes a request for the acquired print data. The image is transmitted to the other image forming apparatus 101 (step S1123). At that time, the CPU 301 of the my printer transmits print data to a port other than the RAW port. The CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 receives the print data (step S1106).

  The image forming apparatus 101 performs print processing of the print data after acquiring the print data stored in the HDD 304 in Step 1104 or after receiving the print data transmitted from the login user's My Printer in Step S1106. A printing process to be performed is started (step S1107). Processing performed in this printing process will be described with reference to FIG.

  The above is the detailed description of the printing process in step S907 of FIG.

  Next, an overview of processing performed in the printing process started in step S1107 in FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 101 prints the print data acquired from the HDD 304 in step S1104 or the print data received from my printer (step S1201).

  If it is determined that the printing process in step S1201 has failed due to some confirmation (YES in step S1202), the process proceeds to step S1203, and an error notification screen is displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 308.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1202 that the print processing of the print data has been completed normally (YES), the process proceeds to step S1204, and it is determined whether the printer set as the login user's My Printer is the own device. Determine (My printer is the printer ?: Step S1204). If it is determined YES in this determination process, the process proceeds to step S1206. If it is determined NO, the process proceeds to step S1205.

  In step S1205, it is determined whether the storage location of the print data for which printing has ended is the own (local) HDD 304 or the My Printer HDD 304. In this determination process, if it is determined that the current state is local, the process proceeds to step S1206. On the other hand, if it is determined that the printer is my printer, the process advances to step S1208.

  If YES is determined in step S1204 or if local is determined in step S1205, the CPU 301 deletes the bibliographic information corresponding to the print data from the bibliographic information list stored in the RAM 302 (step S1206). Also, the print data for which the printing process has been completed is deleted from the HDD 304 (step S1207).

  If it is determined in step S1205 that the print data storage location is the HDD 304 of the My Printer, the process proceeds to Step S1208, and a print data deletion request is transmitted to the My Printer.

  Upon receiving a print data deletion request from the image forming apparatus 101 (step S1221), the My Printer CPU 301 receives a delete request that is included in the bibliographic information stored in the RAM 302 of the My Printer. Information is deleted (step S1222). Also, the print data for which the deletion request has been received from the image forming apparatus 101 is deleted from the HDD 304 (step S1223).

  The above is the description of the processing executed in the printing process started in step S1107 in FIG.

  In the above description, the confidential document is permitted to be printed only from the image forming apparatus 101 in which the confidential document is stored. However, the confidential document may be printed only from the my printer.

  Note that the present invention includes a software program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments directly or remotely from a system or apparatus. The present invention also includes a case where the system or the computer of the apparatus is achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code.

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, and the like.

  Examples of the recording medium for supplying the program include a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW. In addition, there are magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R), and the like.

  As another program supply method, a browser on a client computer is used to connect to an Internet home page. The computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function can be downloaded from the homepage by downloading it to a recording medium such as a hard disk.

  It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. Let It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the downloaded key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the computer executing the read program. In addition, based on the instructions of the program, an OS or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can also be realized by the processing.

  Further, the program read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  The above-described embodiments are merely examples of implementation in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereto. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical idea or the main features thereof.

101 Image forming apparatus 102 Client PC
103 LAN
201 CPU
202 RAM
203 ROM
204 System Bus 205 Input Controller 206 Video Controller 207 Memory Controller 208 Communication Interface (I / F) Controller 209 Input Device 210 Display Device 211 External Memory 301 CPU
302 RAM
303 ROM
304 Hard disk drive (HDD)
305 Network interface (I / F)
306 Modem 307 Operation unit interface (I / F)
308 Operation unit 309 System bus 310 RIP
311 Printer interface (I / F)
312 Printer 313 Scanner Interface (I / F)
314 Scanner 315 Image bus 316 Controller unit 317 Image processing unit 318 External interface (I / F)
319 Card Reader 320 Image Bus Interface (I / F)

Claims (5)

An image forming system in which a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus are communicably connected,
The first image forming apparatus
First receiving means for receiving print data from a client device;
Creating means for creating bibliographic information of the print data received by the first receiving means;
Storage means for storing the print data and the bibliographic information in a storage device;
Request means for requesting the bibliographic information of the print data from the second image forming apparatus when a print data print request is received in accordance with the operation of the operation unit;
Second receiving means for receiving bibliographic information transmitted from the second image forming apparatus in response to a request for bibliographic information by the requesting means;
Display means for selectively displaying the bibliographic information of the print data stored in the storage device and the bibliographic information of the print data received by the second receiving means on a display unit;
First accepting means for accepting selection of bibliographic information displayed on the display unit;
First acquisition means for acquiring print data corresponding to the bibliographic information received by the first reception means;
Print output means for performing print output of the print data acquired by the first acquisition means;
With
The second image forming apparatus includes:
Second accepting means for accepting a request for bibliographic information of print data by the requesting means of the first image forming apparatus;
A second creation means for creating a list of bibliographic information using the bibliographic information corresponding to the print data not including confidential information after the request for the bibliographic information of the print data is received by the second reception means;
First transmission means for transmitting a list of bibliographic information created by the second creation means to the first image forming apparatus;
With
When the bibliographic information received by the first receiving unit is the bibliographic information received from the second image forming apparatus, the first acquisition unit sends the second image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus. Request print data corresponding to the bibliographic information,
The second image forming apparatus further includes a second transmission unit that transmits the print data for which the request has been received to the first image forming apparatus in response to the print data request from the first image forming apparatus,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the first acquisition unit acquires the print data transmitted from the second transmission unit. 2. The acquisition unit according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit receives the print data from the second image forming apparatus through a port different from a port through which the first reception unit receives print data from the client device. Image forming system. The first image forming apparatus includes:
A second obtaining unit for obtaining identification information for specifying the second image forming apparatus;
3. The bibliographic information is requested to the second image forming apparatus specified by using the identification information acquired by the second acquisition unit. Image forming system. A control method of an image forming system in which a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus are communicably connected,
The first image forming apparatus is
A first receiving step of receiving print data from the client device;
A creation step of creating bibliographic information of the print data received in the first reception step;
A storage step of storing the print data and the bibliographic information in a storage device;
A requesting step of requesting bibliographic information of the print data from the second image forming apparatus when a print data print request is received according to the operation of the operation unit;
A second receiving step of receiving bibliographic information transmitted from the second image forming apparatus in response to a request for bibliographic information in the requesting step;
A display step of selectively displaying the bibliographic information of the print data stored in the storage device and the bibliographic information of the print data received by the second receiving unit on the display unit;
A first receiving step for receiving selection of bibliographic information displayed on the display unit;
A first acquisition step of acquiring print data corresponding to the bibliographic information received in the first reception step;
A print output step of performing print output of the print data acquired in the first acquisition step;
Run
A second receiving step in which the second image forming apparatus receives a request for bibliographic information of print data in the requesting step;
A second creation step of creating a list of bibliographic information using bibliographic information corresponding to print data not including confidential information after receiving a request for bibliographic information of print data in the second reception step;
A first transmission step of transmitting a list of bibliographic information created in the second creation step to the first image forming apparatus;
Run
If the bibliographic information received in the first receiving step is the bibliographic information received from the second image forming device, the second obtaining unit may receive the bibliographic information from the second image forming device. Request print data corresponding to the bibliographic information,
The second image forming apparatus includes:
In response to a print data request from the first image forming apparatus, further executing a second transmission step of transmitting the print data for which the request has been received to the first image forming apparatus;
The method for controlling an image forming system, wherein the first acquisition step acquires the print data transmitted in the second transmission step. A computer program executable by an image forming system in which a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus are communicably connected,
A first receiving unit configured to receive print data from a client device;
Creating means for creating bibliographic information of the print data received by the first receiving means;
Storage means for storing the print data and the bibliographic information in a storage device;
Request means for requesting the bibliographic information of the print data from the second image forming apparatus when a print data print request is received in accordance with the operation of the operation unit;
Second receiving means for receiving bibliographic information transmitted from the second image forming apparatus in response to a request for bibliographic information by the requesting means;
Display means for selectively displaying the bibliographic information of the print data stored in the storage device and the bibliographic information of the print data received by the second receiving means on a display unit;
First accepting means for accepting selection of bibliographic information displayed on the display unit;
First acquisition means for acquiring print data corresponding to the bibliographic information received by the first reception means;
Functioning as print output means for performing print output of the print data acquired by the first acquisition means,
The second image forming apparatus;
Second accepting means for accepting a request for bibliographic information of print data by the requesting means of the first image forming apparatus;
A second creation means for creating a list of bibliographic information using the bibliographic information corresponding to the print data not including confidential information after the request for the bibliographic information of the print data is received by the second reception means;
Causing the list of bibliographic information created by the second creating means to function as a first sending means for sending to the first image forming apparatus;
When the bibliographic information whose selection is received by the first receiving unit is bibliographic information received from the second image forming apparatus, the acquisition unit sends the bibliographic information to the second image forming apparatus. Request print data corresponding to
The second image forming apparatus is further caused to function as a second transmission unit that transmits the print data that has received the request to the first image forming apparatus in response to the print data request from the first image forming apparatus.
The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the first acquisition unit acquires the print data transmitted from the second transmission unit.

Images