JP2014029654A - Image forming system, control method of image forming system, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform distributed printing on print data accumulated in a server device or a storage device of an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: When an image forming system performs printout of print data in an image forming apparatus, input of designation as to whether or not to perform distributed printing on the print data is received. Upon receiving input of designation to perform distributed printing, the image forming system displays a list of image forming apparatuses capable of performing distributed processing of the print data, and subsequently receives designation of an image forming apparatus to perform distributed printing. The image forming system then performs distributed print processing of the print data by using an image forming apparatus operated by a user and the image forming apparatus, the designation of which has been received.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system that prints print data stored in a storage device transmitted from a client device, and more particularly to image formation in which accumulated print data is distributedly printed by a plurality of image forming devices. About the system.

  Conventionally, printing processing of print data created based on a print instruction from a user is not immediately performed, but is temporarily stored in a storage device included in a server apparatus or an image forming apparatus, and then stored by user operation of the image forming apparatus. Accumulated printing is widely performed in which designation of print data is accepted because printing is performed, and printing is output after a print start instruction is accepted.

  In this accumulated printing, in order to start printing the print data, the user must go to the image forming apparatus in order to print the print data. It is effective in reducing the amount and helps to improve information security.

  In addition, the print data printing process is not performed immediately after the user issues a print instruction, but is started after the print instruction is issued by the image forming apparatus. There is also an advantage that can be easily canceled.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention in which, in such a storage printing system, after print data is stored, print settings for printing the print data can be changed.

JP 2010-146353 A

  As described above, accumulated printing has an advantage that printing processing of print data can be easily stopped until a printing instruction is issued by the image forming apparatus. This advantage is particularly effective when printing a large number of pages.

  Conventionally, when printing a large number of pages, distributed printing in which processing is distributed by a plurality of image forming apparatuses has been performed. However, with respect to accumulated printing, a plurality of images are taken into consideration from the viewpoint of information security. It is not considered to perform distributed printing with the forming apparatus. Patent Document 1 mentions changing the print setting of print data, but does not consider any distributed printing by a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system that facilitates distributed printing of print data stored in a server device or an image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming system of the present invention is an image forming system for performing print output of print data stored in a storage device, and print output from print data stored in the storage device. First accepting means for accepting designation of print data to be executed, and second accepting means for accepting distributed print instructions for distributing and printing the print data accepted by the first accepting means with a plurality of image forming apparatuses And a specifying unit for specifying an image forming apparatus capable of performing distributed printing of the print data after receiving the distributed printing instruction by the second receiving unit, and an image forming apparatus specified by the specifying unit In order to perform distributed printing, a creation unit that creates distributed print data based on the print data, and the distributed print data created by the creation unit include a plurality of image forming apparatuses. In it characterized in that it comprises a print execution unit prints out.

  In order to achieve the above object, a control method for an image forming system of the present invention is a control method for an image forming method performed in an image forming system that performs print output of print data accumulated in a storage device, A first reception step for receiving designation of print data for executing print output from print data stored in the storage device, and the print data for which designation has been received in the first reception step is distributed among a plurality of image forming apparatuses. A second receiving step for receiving a distributed printing instruction for printing, a specifying step for specifying an image forming apparatus capable of distributed printing of the print data after receiving the distributed printing instruction in the second receiving step, and the specifying In order to cause distributed printing of the print data by the image forming apparatus specified in the process, a creation process for creating distributed print data based on the print data; and Characterized in that it comprises a print execution step for printing out the distribution print data made by a plurality of image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, a computer program of the present invention is a computer program that can be executed by an image forming system that prints out print data stored in a storage device, and the image forming system is stored in the storage device. First receiving means for receiving designation of print data for executing print output from print data stored in the apparatus, and print printing accepted for designation by the first accepting means by a plurality of image forming apparatuses A second receiving unit that receives a distributed printing instruction, a specifying unit that specifies an image forming apparatus capable of distributed printing of the print data after receiving the distributed printing instruction by the second receiving unit, and the specifying unit Creating distributed print data based on the print data to cause the print data to be distributed on the image forming apparatus specified in And the step, characterized in that to function as a print execution means for printing out the distribution print data created by a plurality of image forming apparatuses in the creation means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming system that can easily perform distributed printing of print data stored in a server apparatus or an image forming apparatus.

1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an image forming system of the present invention. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to the bibliographic information server 101, the print data storage server 102, and the client apparatus 104 in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a multifunction machine 103 in FIG. 1. It is a schematic diagram showing a flow of accumulated printing processing in the image forming system of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation instruction reception process of this invention. 6 is a flowchart showing details of print execution processing of accumulated print data in step S510 of FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of a printing process in step S615 of FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of distributed printing processing in step S613 of FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of distributed printing execution processing in step S814 of FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of distributed printing execution multifunction peripheral addition processing in step S609 in FIG. 6. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a distributed printing / normal use selection screen displayed on an LCD display unit of the multifunction peripheral 103. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a print data designation screen displayed on an LCD display unit of the multifunction machine 103. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a distributed printing execution multifunction device selection screen displayed on an LCD display unit of the multifunction device 103. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a distributed printing multifunction device group management table. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a multifunction machine management table. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of a bibliographic information management table. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of a distributed printing information management table.

  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 an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system of the present invention includes a bibliographic information server 101, a print data storage server 102, multifunction devices 103-1, 103-2, a client device 104, an authentication server 105, a LAN 106, and the like. Has been.

  The bibliographic information server 101 is a server device that stores and manages bibliographic information of print data that is stored and managed by a plurality of print data storage servers 102.

  The print data storage server 102 is a server device that stores and manages print data transmitted from the client device 104 in a storage device. The print data storage server 102 also creates bibliographic information including the user name, document name, print paper size, number of copies, color / monochrome settings, designated model, etc. of the print data received from the client device 104. It has the function to transmit to. The bibliographic information server 101 stores and manages the bibliographic information transmitted from the print data storage server 102 and the print data storage server 102 that transmitted the bibliographic information in association with each other, so that the print data transmitted from the client device 104 is stored. However, it manages which print data storage server 102 stores and manages them.

  The MFPs 103-1 and 103-2 (hereinafter collectively referred to as the MFP 103) receive print data stored in the print data storage server 102 and perform image processing according to the received print data. Device. Note that the MFPs 103-1 and 103-2 are the same group of image forming apparatuses. In the present invention, a multi-function device group capable of performing distributed printing of a single piece of print data when a multi-function device 103 installed in the same model and in a nearby location is subjected to print processing of a large amount of print data. Manage as.

  The client device 104 uses the printer driver to create print data for printing out the contents of the document data edited by the application program from the image forming apparatus. The print data is transmitted to the designated print data storage server 102.

  The authentication server 105 is a server device that performs user authentication processing in response to a user authentication request from the MFP 103 or the client device 104. The user authentication request from the MFP 103 includes IC card identification information or a combination of a user name and a password, and user information having such information is stored and managed by the authentication server 105. If registered in the table, the user is successfully authenticated. The authentication request from the client device 104 includes a combination of a user name and a password. When user information having such information is registered in the user information table, the user is successfully authenticated.

  The LAN 106 is a network for connecting the above devices so that they can communicate with each other. The connection form may be wired / wireless.

  The above is an example of the configuration of the image forming system in the embodiment of the present invention.

  Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus applicable to the bibliographic information server 101 and the print data storage server 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. Further, the ROM 203 or the external memory 211 has a function executed by a basic input / output system (BIOS) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS), which is a control program of the CPU 201, or the bibliographic information server 101 or the print data storage server 102. Various programs and the like to be described later necessary for the realization 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 106 shown in FIG. 1), 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 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 flowcharts to be described later for realizing the present invention is executed by a computer-readable program that 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, a definition file 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.

  Note that the information processing apparatus applicable to the client apparatus 104 and the authentication server 105 in FIG. 1 also has a substantially similar hardware configuration, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 103 of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP 103 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 106 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.

  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 106 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 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.

  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 described above, the image forming apparatus can transmit the image data read from the scanner 314 to the LAN 106, and print out the print data received from the LAN 106 with 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 printed out by the printer 312.

  Next, an overview of printing processing in the image forming system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the image forming system of the present invention, a method in which the print data generated by the client device 104 is directly transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 103 and the multi-function peripheral 103 that has received the print data immediately executes print processing of the print data. First, the printing process is executed in the form described below.

  First, when the CPU of the client device 104 receives a print execution instruction by a user operation, the CPU displays a print setting screen (not shown) on the display device, and performs the model of the multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) that executes the print, duplex / single side It accepts settings such as settings, color / monochrome settings, and the number of copies. Then, print data is created using a printer driver in a form according to these specifications. Then, the client device 104 transmits the created print data to the print data storage server 102 designated in advance ((1) in FIG. 4).

  When receiving the print data transmitted from the client device 104, the CPU 201 of the print data storage server 102 stores the received print data in the external memory 211 ((2) in FIG. 4). Then, from the print data received from the client device 104, the user name, document name, print paper size, number of copies, color / monochrome settings, designated model, print date and time, and the like are acquired, and bibliographic information data is created (( 3)). The CPU 201 of the print data storage server 102 transmits the created bibliographic information data to the bibliographic information server 101 ((4) in FIG. 4).

  The CPU 201 of the bibliographic information server 101 additionally registers the bibliographic information data received from the print data storage server 102 in the bibliographic information data table 1600 shown in FIG. 16 ((5) in FIG. 4).

  Here, an example of the data structure of the bibliographic information data table 1600 stored in the external memory 211 of the bibliographic information server 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the bibliographic information data table 1600 includes an ID 1601, a document name 1602, a user name 1603, the number of copies 1604, a paper size / orientation 1605, a color / monochrome 1606, a duplex / single side 1607, a number of pages 1608, a storage date 1609, The print data storage server 1610, printable model 1611, status 1612, and other data items are provided.

  An ID 1601 is a data item in which identification information for uniquely identifying print data stored and managed by the print data storage server 102 is registered. The document name 1602 is a data item in which the name of the document data used when creating the print data is registered. A user name 1603 is a data item in which information of a user who has instructed creation of the print data is registered.

  The number of copies 1604 is a data item in which the number of copies to be printed is registered. The paper size / orientation 1605 is a data item in which the paper size and orientation used when printing the print data are registered. A color / monochrome 1606 is a data item in which the color setting of the print data is registered. A duplex / single side 1607 is a data item in which information indicating whether to perform duplex printing or single-sided printing when the print data is printed is registered. The page number 1608 is a data item in which the number of pages of the print data is registered.

  A printing date 1609 is a data item in which date information when a print instruction for the print data is given is registered. The print data storage server 1610 is a data item in which information for specifying the print data storage server 102 storing the print data indicated by the bibliographic information data is registered. For example, information used for the MFP 103 to communicate with the print data storage server 102 such as the computer name and IP address of the print data storage server 102 is registered in this data item. The MFP 103 communicates with the print data storage server 102 using the information registered in the data item in the processing described later.

  The printable model name 1611 is a data item in which the model of a multifunction machine that can execute printing of the print data is registered. The status 1612 is a data item in which the status of the print data is registered. The print data status includes printed, unprinted, printing (normal printing), printing (distributed printing), and the like.

  The above is an example of the data structure of the bibliographic information data table 1600.

  Returning to the description of FIG. (1) to (5) in FIG. 4 show the print data creation / registration process. By performing the processes after (6), the print process of the registered print data is executed.

  In order to print the print data stored in the print data storage server 102, the user who has instructed the creation of the print data operates the multi-function peripheral 103 to specify the print data for executing the print processing, and to execute the print execution instruction. Need to be entered.

  For this purpose, the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 103 performs an authentication process for a user who uses the multifunction machine 103 ((6) in FIG. 4). At this time, the multifunction device 103 acquires identification information of the IC card held by the user held over the card reader 319 and transmits the identification information to the authentication server 105. Then, the authentication server 105 specifies user information having the identification information in a user information table (not shown), and transmits the specified user information to the multi-function peripheral 103 to perform authentication processing. If there is no user information having the identification information in the user information table, an authentication error occurs.

  After the user authentication performed in (6) of FIG. 4 is successful, the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 103 requests the bibliographic information server 101 for a list of bibliographic information data corresponding to the authenticated user (FIG. 4). (7)). When the bibliographic information data list request is received from the MFP 103, the CPU 201 of the bibliographic information server 101 searches the bibliographic information data table 1300 using the user identification information (user ID, user name, etc.) included in the list request, Bibliographic information data having the user identification information is acquired. Of the acquired bibliographic information data, print data list data that can be printed by the multifunction device 103 that has requested the list of bibliographic information data is created and transmitted to the requested multifunction device 103 (FIG. 4). (8)).

  When receiving the list data of the bibliographic information data transmitted from the bibliographic information server 101, the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral 103 displays the information on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 307 so that the user can select it ((9 in FIG. 4). )). Then, selection of bibliographic information data corresponding to the print data to be printed is accepted ((10) in FIG. 4).

  Thereafter, when the CPU 301 of the MFP 103 receives a print execution instruction for print data corresponding to the bibliographic information data specified in (10) of FIG. 4, the print data storage server 102 storing the print data is set to the bibliography server 102. The information is specified using the information data, and print data for which a print execution instruction has been received is requested to the specified print data storage server 102 ((11) in FIG. 4). At this time, for example, as information for specifying the print data, the user name and the print date / time in the bibliographic information are transmitted to the print data storage server 102. Of course, information other than the user name and the printing date can be transmitted to the print data storage server 102 as information that can specify the print data.

  When the print data storage server 102 receives the print data request from the multifunction device 103, the print data storage server 102 acquires the requested print data from the external memory 211 and transmits it to the multifunction device 103 ((12) in FIG. 4). At this time, for example, the print data is transmitted to the MFP 103 using the LPR protocol.

  When the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral 103 receives the print data transmitted from the print data storage server 102, the CPU 301 executes a print process for the print data ((13) in FIG. 4). The above is the outline of the printing process by the image forming system of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, it is also possible to instruct distributed printing by a plurality of multifunction peripherals when issuing a print execution instruction for print data. Details of the distributed printing process will be described later. Further, when distributed printing is performed by a plurality of other multifunction devices in the same distributed printing multifunction device group as the multifunction device 103 to which the user has logged in, distributed printing is performed on the multifunction device 103 to which the user has logged in. It is also possible to add to a multifunction device.

  Next, the operation instruction receiving process of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This process is performed by the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 103 and the CPU 201 of the bibliographic information server 101.

  When the user does not use the MFP (no user is logged in), the CPU 301 of the MFP 103 is in an IC card detection waiting state. When it is detected that the IC card is held over the card reader 319 (YES in step S501), IC card information that is information for uniquely identifying the IC card is acquired via the IC card reader 319 (step S502). . Then, by transmitting the acquired IC card information to the authentication server 105, a user authentication request is made to the authentication server 105, and an authentication processing result in the authentication server 105 is received (step S503).

  If the authentication processing result received in step S503 is information indicating that the user authentication has been completed normally (YES in “user authentication OK?” In step S504), the process proceeds to step S505, and the bibliographic information server 101 is notified of login user information.

  When the CPU 301 of the bibliographic information server 101 receives the login user information transmitted from the multifunction machine 101, the CPU 301 of the bibliographic information server 101 stores the login user information 1507 of the record managing the information of the multifunction machine in the multifunction machine management table 1500 shown in FIG. The MFP management table 1500 is updated by registering the login user information transmitted from the MFP 103 (step S507).

  Here, with reference to FIG. 15, the data configuration of the MFP management table 1500 stored in the external memory of the bibliographic information server 101 will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, the MFP management table 1500 includes data items such as ID 1501, name 1502, model name 1503, IP address 1504, installation location 1505, group ID 1506, and login user 1507.

  The ID 1501 is a data item in which identification information for uniquely identifying the multifunction device is registered. A name 1502 is a data item in which the name of each MFP is registered. The model name 1503 is a data item in which information indicating the model of the multifunction device is registered.

  An IP address 1504 is a data item in which an IP address used by the multifunction machine is registered. The installation location 1505 is a data item in which information describing the location where the multifunction peripheral is set is registered. A group ID 1506 is a data item in which information indicating to which distributed printing MFP group the MFP belongs is registered.

  A login user 1507 is a data item in which information (for example, a user ID, a user name, etc.) for identifying a login user is registered in the multifunction peripheral.

  The above is an example of the data configuration of the MFP management table 1500.

  Next, the data configuration of the distributed printing multifunction device group management table 1400 will be described with reference to FIG. The distributed printing multifunction device group management table 1400 is a data table for storing and managing a group of multifunction devices capable of performing distributed printing. When an instruction for distributed printing of print data is given by a certain multifunction device 103, distributed printing can be performed using another multifunction device belonging to the same distributed printing multifunction device group as the multifunction device 103.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the distributed printing multifunction peripheral group management table 1400 includes data items such as a group ID 1401, a distributed printing multifunction peripheral group name 1402, and a description 1403.

  The group ID 1401 is a data item in which identification information for uniquely identifying the distributed printing MFP group is registered. The distributed printing MFP group name 1402 is a data item in which the name of the distributed printing MFP group is registered. Description 1403 is a data item in which information describing the distributed printing MFP group is registered.

  The above is the description of the distributed printing MFP group management table 1400 in FIG.

  Note that group ID information registered in the group ID 1401 of any record stored in the distributed printing multifunction device group table 1400 is registered in the group ID 1506 of the multifunction device management table 1500. This indicates that MFPs having the same information registered in the group ID 1506 belong to the same group.

  Returning to the description of FIG. After the login user information is notified to the bibliographic information server in step S505 in FIG. 5, the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral 103 accepts an operation instruction from the user via the operation unit 308 (step S508).

  If it is determined in step S508 that a print instruction for the stored print data stored in the print data storage server 102 has been received (YES in step S509), the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 103 advances the process to step S510. Performs print execution processing of accumulated print data. Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG. The multifunction device 103 returns the processing to step S508 after the print execution processing of the accumulated print data is completed.

  If it is determined in step S508 that a user logout instruction has been accepted (YES in step S511), the process proceeds to step S512 to notify the bibliographic information server 101 of the user logout. Then, the processing shown in this figure is terminated.

  When the CPU 201 of the bibliographic information server 101 receives a user logout notification from the multi-function peripheral 103 (step S513), the CPU 201 registers the log-in user 1507 of the record managing the information of the multi-function peripheral 103 in the multi-function peripheral management table 1500. By deleting the stored information, the MFP management table 1500 is updated (step S514).

  If the CPU 301 of the MFP 103 determines in step S508 that an instruction other than printing of accumulated print data and logout has been received (NO in step S511), the process proceeds to step S515, and the process instructed by the user. Execute. Thereafter, the process returns to step S508.

  The above is the description of the operation instruction receiving process of the present invention.

  Next, the details of the print execution process for the accumulated print data in step S510 of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. The print execution process of the accumulated print data is a process performed by the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 103 and the CPU 201 of the bibliographic information server.

  First, when the CPU 301 of the MFP 103 determines that the operation instruction received in step S508 in FIG. 5 is a print execution instruction for stored print data (YES in step S509 in FIG. 5), the bibliographic information server 101 is instructed. The bibliographic information of the print data (logged-in user's print data) stored in the print data storage server 102 is requested in accordance with a user's operation instruction during login of the MFP 103 (step S601). At this time, the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral 103 transmits information (for example, a user name and a user ID) for uniquely identifying the login user to the bibliographic information server 101.

  When the CPU 201 of the bibliographic information server 101 receives the request for the bibliographic information transmitted from the multi-function peripheral 103 (step S602), the bibliographic information of the print data of the user who is logged in to the multi-functional peripheral 103 is acquired from the bibliographic information management table 1600. (Step S603) The acquired bibliographic information is transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 103 that has requested the bibliographic information (Step S604).

  When the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 103 acquires the bibliographic information of the log-in user's print data from the bibliographic information server 101 (step S605), is there any bibliographic information whose status is “distributed printing”? In step S606, it is determined whether the logged-in user is performing distributed printing using another multifunction device that belongs to the same group as the multifunction device.

  If YES is determined in the determination process of step S606, the process proceeds to step S607, and the distributed printing / normal use selection screen 1100 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the LCD display unit.

  Here, an example of the configuration of the distributed printing / normal use selection screen 1100 will be described with reference to FIG. In the distributed printing / normal use selection screen 1100, when a user logs in to a multifunction peripheral, distributed printing processing of the print data of the user is performed by another multifunction peripheral in the distributed printing multifunction peripheral group to which the multifunction peripheral belongs. Whether the multifunction device is added to a multifunction device that performs distributed printing, or is it used for purposes other than distributed printing, such as copying, fax transmission, and file transmission It is a screen for receiving instructions.

  In the distributed printing / normal use selection screen 1100, a “Yes” button 1101 and a “No” button 1102 are set. The “Yes” button 1101 is a multifunction device that performs distributed printing processing on the CPU 301 of the multifunction device 103. This button is used to input an instruction to be added to the button. A “No” button 1102 is used for inputting an instruction to be used for purposes other than distributed printing to the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 103.

  The above is an example of the configuration of the distributed printing / normal use selection screen 1100.

  Returning to the description of FIG. When the distributed printing / normal use selection screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed, when an instruction to add to the multi-function peripheral that performs distributed printing is received by receiving a pressing instruction for the “Yes” button 1101 in the screen (step S608). YES), the process proceeds to step S609, and the distributed printing execution multifunction peripheral addition process is performed. Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral 103 determines NO in the determination process of step S606, or determines NO in the determination process of step S608, the process proceeds to step 610, and the print data designation screen shown in FIG. 1200 is displayed on the LCD display unit.

  Here, an example of the configuration of the print data designation screen 1200 displayed on the LCD display unit of the multifunction machine 103 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the print data designation screen 1200 includes a print data list display unit 1201, a print data designation unit 1202, a print button 1203, a distributed print button 1204, a cancel button 1205, and the like.

  The print data list display unit 1201 is a display unit for displaying list information of print data of the login user stored in the print data storage server 102 using the bibliographic information received from the bibliographic information server 101. The print data list display unit 1201 displays the document data, the number of pages, the number of copies, the date and time when the print data was saved, and the like as attribute information of the print data. Of course, other information registered in the bibliographic information management table 1600 may be displayed.

  The print data designation unit 1202 is a designation unit that accepts designation of print data for executing print processing or distributed print processing.

  A print button 1203 is a button used to input a print instruction for print data designated by the print data designation unit 1202 to the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 103. A distributed print button 1204 is a button used to input a distributed print instruction for print data designated by the print data designation unit 1202 to the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral 103. A cancel button 1205 is used to input an instruction to end the print processing of the accumulated print data to the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 103.

  The above is an example of the configuration of the print data designation screen 1200.

  Returning to the description of FIG. After displaying the print data designation screen 1200 in step S610, the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral 103 accepts print data designation by a user operation instruction to the print data designation unit 1202 in the screen (step S611).

  If it is determined that an instruction to press the distributed print button 1204 has been received after accepting designation of print data (YES in step S612), the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 103 advances the process to step S613, and executes the distributed print process. Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG. After the distributed printing process in step S613 is completed, the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 103 returns the process to step S611.

  If it is determined that an instruction to press the print button 1203 has been received after accepting designation of the print data (YES in step S614), the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 103 advances the process to step S615 and executes the print process. Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG. After the printing process in step S615 is completed, the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 103 returns the process to step S611.

  If the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral 103 determines that an instruction to press the cancel button 1205 has been received (YES in step S616), the print execution process for the accumulated print data shown in FIG.

  The above is the description of the print processing of the accumulated print data.

  Next, details of the printing process in step S615 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is a process for executing print processing of print data stored in the print data storage server 102.

  The CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral 103 performs the processing of steps S701 and S702 for all the print data that has been selected in step S611 of FIG. In step S701, the CPU 301 of the MFP 103 specifies the print data storage server 102 in which the print data is stored based on information registered in the print data storage server 1610 in the bibliographic information of the selected print data. In step S702, the print data storage server 102 specified in step S701 is requested for the designated print data.

  When the CPU 201 of the print data storage server 102 receives the print data request from the multi-function peripheral 103 (step S703), the CPU 201 acquires the requested print data from the external memory 211 (step S704) and requests the print data from the multi-function peripheral 103. In response to this, the print data acquired in step S704 is transmitted using the LPR protocol or the like (step S705).

  When receiving the print data transmitted from the print data storage server 102 (step S706), the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 103 prints the received print data from the printer 312 (step S707). When the printing of the print data is completed (YES in step S708), the bibliographic information server 101 is notified of the print data printing end (step S709). The print end notification includes information for specifying print data.

  Note that when designation is received for a plurality of print data in step S611 of FIG. 6, a plurality of print data is transmitted from the print data storage server 102. The CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 103 performs the processing from step S707 to step S709 on all received print data. When these processes are performed on all the print data, the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral 103 ends the print process shown in FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the bibliographic information server 101 receives the print end notification from the multi-function peripheral 103 (step S710), the status of the bibliographic information of the print data specified based on the information for specifying the print data included in the print end notification By setting 1612 to “printed”, the status of the print data is changed (step S711).

  The above is the description of the printing process.

  Next, the details of the distributed printing process in step S613 in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG.

  If the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral 103 determines that an instruction to press the distributed print button 1204 has been received (YES) in step S612 in FIG. 6, the multi-function peripheral 103 can instruct the bibliographic information server 101 to perform distributed printing. MFP information, that is, MFP information belonging to the same distributed printing MFP group as the MFP 103 is requested (step S801).

  When the CPU 201 of the bibliographic information server 101 receives a request for multifunction device information that can be instructed for distributed printing from the multifunction device 103 (step S802), the group ID 1506 of the record managing the multifunction device in the multifunction device management table 1500 is obtained. The distributed printing multifunction device group to which the multifunction device belongs is specified by the group ID registered in the (Step S803), and information of other multifunction devices belonging to the distributed printing multifunction device group is acquired from the multifunction device management table 1500. (Step S804). Then, the acquired MFP information is transmitted to the MFP 103 (step S805).

  The CPU 301 of the multifunction device 103 receives the multifunction device information transmitted from the bibliographic information server 101 (step S806). Then, the distributed printing execution multifunction device selection screen 1300 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the LCD display unit (step S807).

  Here, an example of the configuration of the distributed printing execution multifunction device selection screen 1300 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the distributed printing execution multifunction device selection screen 1300 includes a multifunction device list display unit 1301, a multifunction device designation unit 1302, an execution button 1303, a cancel button 1304, and the like.

  The multifunction device list display unit 1301 is a display unit that displays other multifunction device information that is transmitted from the bibliographic information server 101 and belongs to the same distributed printing multifunction device group as the multifunction device 103. As the information on the multifunction device, information on the name of the multifunction device, the model name, the installation location, and whether it is being used by another user are displayed.

  A multifunction device designation unit 1302 is a designation unit that receives designation of a multifunction device that performs distributed printing of designated print data. Display control is performed so that a multi-function device used by another user (a multi-function device in which “O” is displayed during use) cannot be designated as a multi-function device that performs distributed printing.

  The execution button 1303 is a button for inputting a distributed printing execution instruction to the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 103. A cancel button 1304 is a button used for inputting cancellation of execution of distributed printing to the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral 103.

  The above is an example of the configuration of the distributed printing execution multifunction device selection screen 1300.

  Returning to the description of FIG. In step S807, after the distributed printing execution multifunction device selection screen 1300 is displayed on the LCD display unit, designation of a multifunction device to execute distributed printing is accepted by a user operation instruction to the multifunction device designation unit 1302 on the screen (step S808). ).

  Thereafter, when it is determined that an instruction to press the execution button 1303 has been received in a state where the designation of the multifunction device is accepted (YES in step S809), the CPU 301 of the multifunction device 101 determines the print data that has been designated in step S611 in FIG. Information (bibliographic information ID, etc.) and information on the multifunction peripheral designated in step S808 are acquired (steps S810 and S811, respectively).

  Then, the distributed print execution request including the print data information acquired in step S810 and step S811 and the information on the multifunction peripheral is transmitted to the bibliographic information server 101 (step S812).

  When the CPU 201 of the bibliographic information server 101 receives the distributed printing execution request transmitted from the multifunction machine 103 (step S813), the CPU 201 performs distributed printing execution processing (step S814). Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If the CPU 301 of the MFP 103 determines that an instruction to press the cancel button 1304 on the distributed printing execution MFP selection screen 1300 has been received (YES in step S815), the process proceeds to step S611 in FIG.

  The above is the detailed description of the distributed printing process.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the details of the distributed printing execution process in step S814 in FIG. 8 will be described.

  When the CPU 201 of the bibliographic information server 101 receives the distributed printing execution request from the multifunction machine 101 (step S813 in FIG. 8), the CPU 201 performs the following processing for all print data that has received the distributed printing execution request.

  The CPU 201 of the bibliographic information server 101 specifies the print data storage server 102 in which the print data is stored based on the print data information included in the distributed print execution request (step S901). Then, the print data storage server 102 identified in step S902 is requested for print data (step S903).

  When receiving the print data request from the bibliographic information server 101 (step S903), the CPU 201 of the print data storage server 102 acquires the print data that has received the request stored in the external memory 211 (step S904). The acquired print data is transmitted to the bibliographic information server 101 (step S905). Then, the CPU 201 of the bibliographic information server 101 receives the print data transmitted from the print data storage server 102 (step S906). The above processing is executed for all print data for which a distributed print instruction has been accepted.

  The CPU 201 of the bibliographic information server 101 receives all print data for which a distributed print instruction has been received, and then creates distributed print data in a format that can be printed by the designated multifunction peripheral based on the received print data. (Step 907). At this time, taking into account that a multifunction device other than the designated multifunction device is newly added as a multifunction device that performs distributed printing, the print data is divided into more than the number of designated multifunction devices, and the distributed print data Will be created. Then, the created distributed print data information is additionally registered in the distributed print information management table 1700 shown in FIG. 17 (step 908).

  Here, an example of the data configuration of the distributed printing information management table 1700 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, the distributed print data management table 1700 includes, as data items, a distributed print ID 1701, user names 1702, number of multifunction peripherals 1703, multifunction peripherals 1704 used, number of distributed print data 1705, distributed print data detailed information 1706, and the like. Configured.

  The distributed printing ID 1701 is a data item in which identification information for uniquely identifying distributed printing information is registered. The user name 1702 is a data item in which information for specifying a copy user who has instructed distributed printing indicated by the distributed printing information is registered.

  The number of multifunction peripherals 1703 is a data item in which the number of multifunction peripherals used in the distributed printing indicated by the distributed printing information is registered. The used multifunction device 1704 is a data item in which multifunction device information for specifying a multifunction device to be used for distributed printing indicated by the booklet printing information is registered. In this used multifunction device 1704, multifunction device information of the number registered in the number of multifunction devices 1703 is registered.

  The number of distributed print data 1705 is a data item in which the number of distributed print data (file) created in order to perform distributed printing indicated by the distributed print information is registered. The distributed print data detailed information 1706 is a data item in which detailed information of the distributed print data is registered, and further includes data items such as a file name 1706-1, a used multifunction machine 1706-2, and a status 1706-3. The distributed print data detailed information 1706 is registered in the number registered in the distributed print data number 1705.

  The file name 1706-1 is a data item in which the file name of the divided print data (file) that causes the MFP to perform print processing is registered. The distributed print data is created in step S907 in FIG. The used multifunction machine 1706-2 is a data item in which information of a multifunction machine that executes print processing based on the distributed print data is registered. A status 1706-3 is a data item in which status information of distributed print data is registered. As status information, for example, data items such as “unprinted”, “printing”, and “printing completed” are registered.

  The above is the description of the data configuration of the distributed printing information management table 1700.

  Returning to the description of FIG. After the processing in step S908 is completed, the CPU 201 of the bibliographic information server 101 transmits the distributed print data created in step S907 to the multifunction peripheral designated as the multifunction peripheral performing distributed printing (step S909). Here, different distributed print data is transmitted to each multi-function peripheral designated as a multi-function peripheral that performs distributed printing.

  Then, the distributed print data information transmitted to the multifunction machine 103 is updated. More specifically, information for specifying the MFP that has transmitted the print data is registered in the MFP 1706-2 that uses the distributed print data 1706. In addition, the status 1706-3 is set to “printing”.

  When the CPU 201 of the multi-function peripheral 103 receives the distributed print data transmitted from the bibliographic information server 101 (step S911), the CPU 201 performs a print process of the distributed print data (step S912). After that, it is determined whether the print processing of the distributed print data has been completed (step S913). If it is determined that the print processing has been completed (YES), the process proceeds to step S914, and the bibliographic information server 101 is distributed. Sends print data print end notification.

  When the CPU 201 of the bibliographic information server 101 receives the print end notification of the distributed print data transmitted from the multi-function peripheral 101 (step S915), the CPU 201 of the bibliographic information server 101 changes the status of the print data that has been printed to “print end”. The print information is updated (step S916).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether there is distributed print data whose status is unprinted among the distributed print data registered in the distributed print information including the distributed print data (step S917), and it is determined that there is (YES). In this case, the process proceeds to step S909, and unprinted distributed print data is transmitted to the multifunction peripheral that has transmitted the end notification. Then, the subsequent processing is repeatedly executed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S917 that there is no print data with an unprinted status (NO), the process shown in FIG.

  In the printing process (step S911) of the distributed print data in the MFP 103, when a print error (out of paper, paper jam) or the like occurs, the print data is canceled according to an operation instruction from the user. The bibliographic information server 101 may be notified. In this case, the CPU 201 of the bibliographic information server 101 changes the status of the distributed print data that has received the print cancel notification from “printing” to “unprinted”.

  In this way, if there is a print end notification from any multifunction device that is performing distributed printing, the distributed print data whose status has been newly changed to “unprinted” will receive a print end notification. It will be sent to the sent multifunction device. As a result, it is possible to easily change the multifunction peripheral serving as the output destination of the distributed print data whose printing has been canceled.

  The above is the detailed description of the distributed printing execution process.

  Next, the details of the distributed printing execution multifunction peripheral adding process in step S609 in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is a process of adding a multi-function machine that performs distributed printing.

  If the CPU 201 of the multi-function peripheral 103 determines YES in step S608 of FIG. 6, it sends a distributed print execution multi-function peripheral addition request to the bibliographic information server 101 (step S1001).

  When the CPU 201 of the bibliographic information server 101 receives the distributed printing execution multifunction peripheral addition request transmitted from the multifunction peripheral 103 (step S1002), the CPU 201 refers to the distributed printing information management table 1700 and makes a distributed printing execution multifunction peripheral addition request. Distributed print information to which the MFP 103 can be added is specified (step S1003).

  Thereafter, the CPU 201 of the bibliographic information server 101 determines whether or not the distributed print information identified in step 1003 includes distributed print data whose status is unprinted (step S1004). If NO is determined in this determination process, the process proceeds to step S1005, and a notification that there is no unprinted distributed print data is transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 103.

  When the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral 103 receives the notification that there is no unprinted distributed print transmitted from the bibliographic information server 101 (step S1006), the process proceeds to step S1007, and there is no unprinted distributed print data. Displays that distributed printing cannot be executed by the multifunction device. Then, the process proceeds to step S508 in FIG.

  If it is determined in the determination processing in step S1004 that there is unprinted distributed print data (YES), the CPU 201 of the bibliographic information server 101 advances the processing to step S1008 to store unprinted distributed print data. The distributed print data acquired from the HDD 304 is transmitted to the multifunction peripheral that has issued the distributed print execution multifunction peripheral addition request (step S1009).

  After that, the information of the distributed print data transmitted to the multifunction machine 103 is updated (step S1010). More specifically, information for specifying the MFP that has transmitted the print data is registered in the MFP 1706-2 that uses the distributed print data 1706. In addition, the status 1706-3 is set to “printing”.

  When the CPU 201 of the MFP 103 receives the distributed print data transmitted from the bibliographic information server 101 (step S1011), the CPU 201 performs a print process of the distributed print data (step S1012). After that, it is determined whether the print processing of the distributed print data has been completed (step S1013). If it is determined that the print processing has been completed (YES), the process proceeds to step S1014, and the bibliographic information server 101 is distributed. Sends print data print end notification.

  When the CPU 201 of the bibliographic information server 101 receives the print end notification of the distributed print data transmitted from the multi-function peripheral 101 (step S1015), the CPU 201 of the bibliographic information server 101 changes the status of the print data that has been printed to “print end”. The print information is updated (step S1016).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether there is distributed print data whose status is unprinted among the distributed print data registered in the distributed print information including the distributed print data (step S1017), and it is determined that there is (YES). In this case, the process proceeds to step S909 in FIG. 9, and unprinted distributed print data is transmitted to the multifunction peripheral that has transmitted the end notification. Then, the subsequent processing is repeatedly executed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1017 that there is no print data with an unprinted status (NO), the process shown in FIG. As in FIG. 9, when a print error (out of paper, paper jam) or the like occurs in the print processing (step S911) of the distributed print data in the MFP 103, according to the operation instruction from the user, The bibliographic information server 101 may be notified of print data print cancellation.

  The above is the detailed description of the distributed printing execution multifunction peripheral addition process.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming system that can easily perform distributed printing of print data stored in a server apparatus or an image forming apparatus.

  In addition, after the start of distributed printing, it is possible to easily add a multifunction machine that performs the distributed printing.

  The present invention can be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, program, storage medium, or the like, and can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices. You may apply to the apparatus which consists of one apparatus.

  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. There are also 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 me. 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 Bibliographic Information Server 102 Print Data Storage Server 103-1, 103-2 Multifunction Machine 104 Client Device 105 Authentication Server 106 LAN
201 CPU
202 RAM
203 ROM
204 System Bus 205 Input Controller 206 Video Controller 207 Memory Controller 208 Communication I / F (Interface) 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 (6)

An image forming system that prints out print data stored in a storage device,
First accepting means for accepting designation of print data for executing print output from the print data stored in the storage device;
Second accepting means for accepting a distributed print instruction for distributing and printing the print data accepted by the first accepting means with a plurality of image forming apparatuses;
Specifying means for specifying an image forming apparatus capable of distributed printing of the print data after receiving the distributed printing instruction by the second receiving means;
Creating means for creating distributed print data based on the print data to cause the print data to be distributed printed by the image forming apparatus specified by the specifying means;
An image forming system comprising: a print execution unit configured to print out the distributed print data created by the creation unit using a plurality of image forming apparatuses. Display means for selectively displaying a list of image forming apparatuses specified by the specifying means on a display unit;
The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising: a third receiving unit that receives designation of an image forming apparatus that performs distributed printing from a list of image forming apparatuses displayed on the display unit. User authentication means for performing authentication processing of a user who uses the image forming apparatus;
The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising: a management unit that manages a user who uses each image forming apparatus identified by performing user authentication processing. Determination means for determining whether distributed printing instructed by the user specified in the user authentication process is being executed;
When the determination unit determines that distributed printing is being performed, user authentication is performed, and the image forming apparatus newly used by the user is added to the image forming apparatus that performs the distributed printing. The image forming system according to claim 3, further comprising: a fourth receiving unit that receives an instruction. A control method of an image forming system for performing print output of print data accumulated in a storage device,
A first receiving step of receiving designation of print data for executing print output from the print data stored in the storage device;
A second receiving step for receiving a distributed print instruction for performing distributed printing of the print data received in the first receiving step by a plurality of image forming apparatuses;
A specifying step of specifying an image forming apparatus capable of distributed printing of the print data after receiving a distributed printing instruction in the second receiving step;
A creation step for creating distributed print data based on the print data in order to perform distributed printing of the print data in the image forming apparatus specified in the specifying step;
And a print execution step of printing out the distributed print data created in the creation step with a plurality of image forming apparatuses. A computer program that can be executed by an image forming system that prints out print data stored in a storage device,
The image forming system;
First accepting means for accepting designation of print data for executing print output from the print data stored in the storage device;
Second accepting means for accepting a distributed print instruction for distributing and printing the print data accepted by the first accepting means with a plurality of image forming apparatuses;
Specifying means for specifying an image forming apparatus capable of distributed printing of the print data after receiving the distributed printing instruction by the second receiving means;
Creating means for creating distributed print data based on the print data to cause the print data to be distributed printed by the image forming apparatus specified by the specifying means;
A computer program for causing distributed print data created by the creation means to function as print execution means for printing out a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

Images