JP2014110033A - Information processor, image formation system, and control program of information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten a user's waiting time in the case of making an image forming apparatus execute an image formation output.SOLUTION: In an information processor with a printer driver installed, generation processing and transmission processing a print job and display processing of a print preview screen are executed in parallel, and an image formation output is executed on the basis of the print job transmitted to the image forming apparatus in advance by transmitting an execution instruction to the image forming apparatus when an operation for starting to execute the image formation output is received after displaying the print preview screen.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an image forming system, and a control program for the information processing apparatus, and more particularly to a print job generation method in the information processing apparatus.

  In recent years, there has been a tendency to digitize information, and image processing apparatuses such as printers and facsimiles used for outputting digitized information and scanners used for digitizing documents have become indispensable devices. Such an image processing apparatus is often configured as a multifunction machine that can be used as a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, or a copier by providing an imaging function, an image forming function, a communication function, and the like.

  The user operates an image forming apparatus used for outputting digitized information such as a document file (hereinafter referred to as “print target data”) among such image processing apparatuses to execute image forming output. In general, by operating an information processing apparatus such as a PC (Personal Computer), the print target data is converted into image data such as PDL (Page Description Language) data in a printer driver installed in the information processing apparatus. A print job is generated by conversion, and the generated print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

  When a user operates such an image forming apparatus to execute image forming output, generally, the user operates an information processing apparatus such as a PC before causing the printer driver to generate a print job. The printer driver is caused to generate a print preview that is an image of the print result, and the generated print preview is displayed on the display unit. The user confirms the print preview, causes the printer driver to generate a print job, and transmits the generated print job to the image forming apparatus.

  Therefore, according to such a printer driver, when the user operates the image forming apparatus to execute the image forming output, the user actually confirms the image of the print result once in the print preview, so that the image forming apparatus actually Before the image forming output is executed, it is possible to confirm in advance whether or not the printing result desired by the user is obtained, and it is possible to reduce printing failures.

  By the way, as described above, an information processing apparatus in which such a printer driver is installed is configured to generate a print job after receiving a user instruction after a print preview is displayed and transmit the generated print job. It has become. Therefore, such an information processing apparatus generates and transmits a print job in addition to the processing time for generating a print preview when the image forming apparatus is operated by a user operation to execute image formation output. This processing time will occur as a waiting time for the user.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to reduce a waiting time of a user when an image forming apparatus executes an image forming output.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an information processing apparatus that generates an execution instruction for causing an image forming apparatus to execute image forming output, and that receives an output condition when causing the image forming apparatus to execute image forming output A condition receiving unit; an information display control unit for displaying information on an output result when the image forming apparatus executes image formation output based on the execution command; and the information display control unit An instruction for executing an image forming output based on the output condition received by the output condition receiving unit, and a standby instruction for causing the image forming apparatus to wait for the execution of the image forming output based on the execution command when displayed. A command generation unit that generates the command, a command transmission unit that transmits the execution command and the standby command generated by the command generation unit to the image forming apparatus, and the information An execution start instruction receiving unit for receiving an execution start instruction for causing the image forming apparatus to start executing an image forming output based on the execution command when the information is displayed by a display control unit; and the execution start instruction receiving unit When the execution start instruction is received by the execution start instruction generation unit for generating an execution start instruction for starting execution of the execution instruction transmitted by the instruction transmission unit, and the execution generated by the execution start instruction generation unit An execution start command transmission unit that transmits a start command to the image forming apparatus.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system for causing an image forming apparatus to execute an image forming output based on an execution instruction generated in the information processing apparatus, wherein the information processing apparatus An output condition receiving unit that receives an output condition when executing image forming output, and an information display that displays information about an output result when the image forming apparatus executes image forming output based on the execution command on the display unit When the information is displayed by the control unit and the information display control unit, an execution command for image formation output based on the output condition received by the output condition reception unit, and the execution command for the image forming apparatus A command generation unit that generates a standby command for waiting for execution of image formation output based on the command generation unit, the execution command generated by the command generation unit, and the standby command. An instruction transmission unit for transmitting to the image forming apparatus, and an execution start instruction for causing the image forming apparatus to start executing an image forming output based on the execution command when the information is displayed by the information display control unit. An execution start instruction generation unit that generates an execution start instruction that starts execution of the execution instruction transmitted by the instruction transmission unit when the execution start instruction reception unit receives the execution start instruction by the execution start instruction reception unit. And an execution start command transmission unit that transmits the execution start command generated by the execution start command generation unit to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus receives the execution command and the standby command. And an instruction storage unit for executing the instruction received together with the waiting instruction according to the waiting instruction received by the instruction receiving part. According to the execution start instruction received by the execution start instruction receiving unit, the execution start instruction receiving unit receiving the execution start instruction receiving unit, and the execution start instruction receiving unit being stored in the execution instruction storage unit And an image formation output control unit that causes the image formation output unit to execute image formation output based on an execution command.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control program for an information processing apparatus for generating an execution instruction for causing an image forming apparatus to execute an image forming output, wherein the image forming apparatus executes an image forming output. A step of receiving the output condition, a step of displaying information on an output result when causing the image forming apparatus to execute the image forming output based on the execution command, and a step of displaying the information by the information display control unit. An instruction for executing an image forming output based on the output condition received by the output condition receiving unit, and a standby instruction for causing the image forming apparatus to wait for the execution of the image forming output based on the execution command when displayed. A step of transmitting the execution command and the standby command generated by the command generation unit to the image forming apparatus; A step of receiving an execution start instruction for causing the image forming apparatus to start executing an image forming output based on the execution command when the information is displayed by the information display control unit; and the execution by the execution start instruction receiving unit A step of generating an execution start command for starting execution of an execution command transmitted by the command transmission unit when a start instruction is received; and the execution start command generated by the execution start command generation unit And transmitting to the information processing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, the waiting time of the user can be shortened when the image forming apparatus can execute the image forming output.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation mode of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows typically the hardware constitutions of the client terminal which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus and a client terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a functional configuration of a printer driver according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining processing in the client terminal when the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention executes image forming output. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the client terminal when the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention executes image forming output. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the client terminal when the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention executes image forming output. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the image forming apparatus when the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention executes image forming output. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of an image forming apparatus selection screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the printing condition setting screen which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the print preview screen which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the print preview screen which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the image forming apparatus when the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention executes image forming output. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the image forming apparatus when the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention executes image forming output. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the image forming apparatus when the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention executes image forming output. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the image forming apparatus when the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention executes image forming output.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, as an example of an image forming system, the above image forming is performed from an image forming apparatus that executes image forming output on a transported recording medium and a client terminal that is an information processing apparatus such as a PC (Personal Computer). An image forming system including a printer driver installed in the client terminal and used as a control program in order to control the operation of the apparatus will be described as an example.

  Note that the printer driver according to the present embodiment is configured to display digitized information such as a document file (hereinafter referred to as “print target data”) and PDL (Page Description Language) data based on designated printing conditions. It is configured to generate a print job by converting into image data, and transmit the generated print job to the image forming apparatus. Further, the printer driver according to the present embodiment generates print preview screen display information for displaying a print preview screen that is an image of a print result based on the print target data and the printing conditions, and the generated print preview screen display A print preview screen is displayed on the display unit of the client terminal based on the information.

  In such an image forming system, one of the gist according to the present embodiment is that an information processing apparatus in which a printer driver is installed performs print job generation processing and transmission processing in parallel with print preview screen display processing. There is to do. Therefore, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the user when the image forming apparatus executes image forming output. Details will be described below.

  First, an operation mode of the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation mode of an image forming system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system according to the present embodiment is operated by connecting an image forming apparatus 1 and a client terminal 2 via a network 3 such as Ethernet (registered trademark). Note that the number of image forming apparatuses and client terminals connected to the network 3 is merely an example, and a large-scale system in which more of these are connected may be used. Further, the image forming apparatus and the client terminal may be connected to different networks, and these networks may be connected and operated via a wide area network such as a public line.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that can be used as a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, and a copier by providing an imaging function, an image forming function, a communication function, and the like. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 generates CMYK or monochrome drawing data based on the image data included in the print job transmitted from the client terminal 2 via the network 3, and the image is generated based on the generated drawing data. It has a function as a color printer or a monochrome printer that executes formation output.

  The client terminal 2 is an information processing terminal operated by a user, and is realized by an information processing apparatus such as a PC. The client terminal 2 may be realized by a portable information terminal such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The client terminal 2 is installed with a printer driver for controlling the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment converts the print target data into image data such as PDL data by a user operation, generates a print job for causing the image forming apparatus 1 to perform printing, and generates the network 3 Can be sent through. When the image forming apparatus 1 can process the print target data itself, the print target data may be image data.

  The network 3 in FIG. 1 is a limited network such as an office LAN (Local Area Network), but may be connected via a wide area network such as the Internet or a public line. .

  Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 and the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a hardware configuration of the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an engine for realizing a scanner, a printer, and the like in addition to the hardware configuration shown in FIG. In the following description, the hardware configuration of the client terminal 2 will be described as an example, but the same applies to the image forming apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment includes the same configuration as that of a general server or PC. That is, the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 20, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 30, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 40, and an I / F 50. Connected through. Further, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 60 and an operation unit 70 are connected to the I / F 50.

  The CPU 10 is a calculation means and controls the operation of the entire client terminal 2. The RAM 20 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 10 processes information. The ROM 30 is a read-only nonvolatile storage medium and stores a program such as firmware. The HDD 40 is a non-volatile storage medium that can read and write information, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, and the like.

  The I / F 50 connects and controls the bus 80 and various hardware and networks. The LCD 60 is a visual user interface for the user to check the state of the client terminal 2. The operation unit 70 is a user interface such as a keyboard and a mouse for the user to input information to the client terminal 2.

  In such a hardware configuration, a program stored in a storage medium such as the ROM 30, the HDD 40, or an optical disk (not shown) is read into the RAM 20, and the CPU 10 performs an operation according to the program loaded into the RAM 20, whereby the software control unit Is configured. A functional block that realizes the function of the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment is configured by a combination of the software control unit configured as described above and hardware.

  Next, functional configurations of the image forming apparatus 1 and the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 and the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an image forming unit 110, a data management unit 120, a data storage unit 130, a display panel 140, and a network I / F 150. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment further includes units for functioning as a multifunction peripheral, such as a scanner unit and a facsimile unit.

  The image forming unit 110 is an image forming unit that executes image forming output based on an input print job, and includes an image processing unit 111, an engine control unit 112, and a print engine 113. The image forming unit 110 generates drawing data to be printed out based on image data included in the input print job. The drawing data is information for drawing an image to be formed in the image forming operation by the print engine 113 as an image forming unit. The engine control unit 112 serves as a driving unit that controls or drives the print engine 113. That is, in this embodiment, the engine control unit 112 functions as an image formation output control unit. The print engine 113 executes image formation output based on the drawing data generated by the image processing unit 110 under the control of the engine control unit 112. That is, in this embodiment, the print engine 113 functions as an image forming output unit.

  The data management unit 120 manages data such as storing data such as input print jobs in the data storage unit 130 or deleting data such as print jobs stored in the data storage unit 130. The data storage unit 130 stores data such as input print jobs. The data storage unit 130 is realized by a volatile storage medium such as the RAM 20 shown in FIG. 2 or a non-volatile storage medium such as the HDD 40.

  The display panel 140 is an output interface that visually displays the state of the image forming apparatus 1, and serves as a touch panel when the user directly operates the image forming apparatus 1 or inputs information to the image forming apparatus 1. It is also an input interface. That is, the display panel 140 includes a function for displaying an image for receiving an operation by the user. The display panel 140 is realized by the LCD 60 and the operation unit 70 shown in FIG. The network I / F 150 is an interface for the image forming apparatus 1 to communicate with other devices such as the client terminal 2 via the network, and uses an Ethernet (registered trademark) or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface. The network I / F 150 is realized by the I / F 50 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment includes an OS (Operating System) 200, an application 300, a printer driver 400, a data storage unit 500, a display panel 600, and a network I / F 700.

  The OS 200 is an operating system such as Microsoft Windows (registered trademark) or Linux (registered trademark). The application 300 is software that directly has a function for a user of the client terminal 2 to perform an operation desired to be executed on the client terminal 2, such as a text editing program, a word processor, and spreadsheet software. The printer driver 400 is a device driver for using the image forming apparatus 1 and generates a print job for causing the image forming apparatus 1 to perform printing as described above. Further, as described above, the printer driver 400 according to the present embodiment generates print preview screen display information for displaying a print preview screen that is an image of a print result, based on the print target data and the print conditions, A print preview screen is displayed on the LCD 60 of the client terminal 2 based on the generated print preview screen display information.

  Note that the application 300 notifies the OS 200 of an instruction for displaying a print condition setting screen, or notifies the print target data and print conditions. The OS 200 also notifies the instruction or image notified from the application 300. Information is notified to the printer driver 400. As a result, the printer driver 400 displays the print condition setting screen on the LCD 60 of the client terminal 2 in accordance with the instruction notified from the OS 200, or print preview screen display information based on the print target data and the print condition notified from the OS 200. And a print preview screen is displayed on the LCD 60 according to the generated print preview screen display information, and a print job is generated based on the print target data and print conditions notified from the OS 200, and the generated print job is displayed as an image. The data is transmitted to the forming apparatus 1 via the network 3.

  The data storage unit 500 stores data such as image data generated by the printer driver 400, print setting information, and print target data. The data storage unit 500 is realized by a volatile storage medium such as the RAM 20 shown in FIG. 2 or a non-volatile storage medium such as the HDD 40. The display panel 600 is an output interface that visually displays the state of the client terminal 2. The display panel 600 is realized by the LCD 60 shown in FIG.

  The network I / F 700 is an interface for the client terminal 2 to communicate with other devices such as the image forming apparatus 1 via the network, and uses an Ethernet (registered trademark) or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface. The network I / F 700 is realized by the I / F 50 shown in FIG.

  Next, the functional configuration of the printer driver 400 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the functional configuration of the printer driver 400 according to this embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the printer driver 400 according to the present embodiment includes a printing module 410, a preview module, and a communication unit 430.

  The print module 410 is a module that performs processing related to generation of a print job, and includes a print condition setting screen display unit 411, a print condition setting information storage unit 412, a print condition setting unit 413, a print job generation unit 414, and a print ID issue unit. 415. The print condition setting screen display unit 411 performs processing for displaying the print condition setting screen on the display panel 600.

  The print condition setting information storage unit 412 includes, for example, print condition items that can be set by the printer driver 400, such as the designated range of the number of printed sheets, the designated range of scaling, the presence / absence of staple setting, and the presence / absence of aggregation. Print condition setting information, which is information related to the setting range and setting format of each item, is stored. The print condition setting unit 413 receives input and designation of information on the print condition setting screen. The print job generation unit 414 generates a print job based on the print target data and the print conditions specified on the print condition setting screen. The print condition setting information storage unit 412 is realized by the HDD 40 shown in FIG.

  The print ID issuing unit 415 issues a print ID for distinguishing each of the plurality of print jobs generated by the print job generating unit 414. The print ID includes the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the network device provided in the client terminal 2, the host name of the client terminal 2, the IP address of the client terminal 2, the user name that operates the client terminal 2, the print target data, and the like. It is issued based on the file and document name of the print file, the time and date when the print job is generated.

  The preview module 420 performs processing for displaying a print preview screen on the display panel 600, and is a module for receiving a change in print conditions on the print preview screen. The preview module 420 includes a print preview screen display unit 421 and a print condition change. Part 422. The print preview screen display unit 421 performs processing for displaying the print preview screen on the display panel 600. The print condition changing unit 422 receives a change in print condition on the print preview screen.

  The communication unit 430 notifies the information received from the image forming apparatus 1 via the network I / F 700 to each part of the printer driver 400, and the information notified from each part of the printer driver 400 via the network I / F 700. It transmits to the image forming apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, an example in which the preview module 420 is provided in the printer driver 400 will be described. As another example, the client terminal 2 has a preview separately from the printer driver 400. A dedicated application having the same function as that of the module 420 may be provided, or the same function as that of the preview module 420 may be realized by a GDI (Graphics Device Interface) function which is a drawing engine provided as a standard in the OS 200. .

  In such an image forming system, one of the gist according to the present embodiment is that a print job generation process and a transmission process and a print preview screen display process are performed in parallel in the client terminal 2 in which the printer driver 400 is installed. To be executed. Therefore, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the user when the image forming apparatus 1 executes image forming output.

  Next, processing when the image forming system according to the present embodiment executes image forming output will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining processing in the client terminal 2 when the image forming system according to the present embodiment executes image forming output.

  When the image forming system according to the present embodiment executes image forming output, first, the user needs to input a print instruction to the active application 300 by operating the client terminal 2. When the user inputs a print instruction to the application 300, as shown in FIG. 5, the application 300 receives an input of the print instruction (S501), and selects an image forming apparatus for displaying an image forming apparatus selection screen on the display panel 600. Screen display information is generated (S504). Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus selection screen is a screen that displays a list of image forming apparatuses 1 that are connected to the client terminal 2 and are capable of executing image forming output from the client terminal 2. It is. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the image forming apparatus selection screen according to the present embodiment.

  The application 300 displays the image forming apparatus selection screen on the display panel 600 based on the generated image forming apparatus selection screen display information (S503), and allows the user to select an image forming apparatus for executing image forming output. . When the user operates the client terminal 2 to select one of the image forming apparatuses from the image forming apparatus selection screen, the application 300 accepts the selection of the image forming apparatus (S504), and according to the selected image forming apparatus. The printer driver 400 is notified of a print instruction (S505).

  Upon receiving a print instruction from the OS 200, the printer driver 400 generates print condition setting screen display information for causing the display panel 600 to display a print condition setting screen as shown in FIG. 10 (S506). Based on the generated print condition setting screen display information, the printer driver 400 displays a print condition setting screen on the display panel 600 via the OS 200 and the application 300 (S507), and allows the user to specify print target data and print conditions. . Hereinafter, the print target data and the printing conditions are collectively referred to as “print data”.

  Here, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of the print condition setting screen according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, a list of functions provided in the image forming apparatus 1 is displayed as a “function” column on the print condition setting screen according to the present embodiment, and “function” is displayed as the “print condition” column. For each function displayed in the column, the printing conditions for causing the image forming apparatus 1 to execute image forming output are displayed so as to be designated. The “print file” in the “function” column is an item for inputting the storage location of the print file serving as print target data by a user operation. Therefore, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 is caused to execute image forming output from the client terminal 2, the print file stored in the storage location input in the “print file” field is stored. Will be printed. As described above, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, the user can designate print target data and printing conditions on the printing condition setting screen as shown in FIG.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 10, a “preview” button is arranged on the print condition setting screen according to the present embodiment. When print data is designated by a user operation and this “preview” button is pressed, The printer driver 400 according to the present embodiment displays a print preview screen as shown in FIG. 11 on the display panel 600 based on the designated print data. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of a print preview screen according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the print preview screen according to the present embodiment displays a print preview that is an image of a print result and a print condition change list that displays a list of print conditions that can be changed.

  The print target data includes PDF (Portable Document Format) data, XPS (XML Paper Specification) data, and the like. In particular, when the data to be printed is XPS format data, “Print Capability” defines each setting item as a printing condition, a setting range / setting format of each setting item, and the like for each defined setting item. The print condition is specified by specifying a specific value or format using “Print Ticket”. That is, “Print Capability” corresponds to the printing condition setting information stored in the printing condition setting information storage unit 412, and “Print Ticket” corresponds to the printing condition specified on the printing condition setting screen.

  When the user operates the client terminal 2 to specify print target data and print conditions on the print condition setting screen, the application 300 receives the specified print data and notifies the printer driver 400 via the OS 200. (S508). When the printer driver 400 is notified of the print data designated by the application 300 via the OS 200, the printer driver 400 generates a print job based on the notified print data (S509), and the generated print job is imaged via the OS 200. The data is transmitted to the forming apparatus 1 (S510). The details of the processing of S507 to S511 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, input of a print instruction (S501), generation and display of an image forming apparatus selection screen (S502, S503), and reception of selection of an image forming apparatus ( S504), notification of print instruction (S505), and reception of designated print data (S508) are performed by the application 300 and notified to the printer driver 400 via the OS 200. , May be performed by the OS 200, or may be performed directly by the printer driver 400.

  Next, processing when the image forming system according to the present embodiment executes image forming output will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 and FIGS. 13 to 16. 6 and 7 are flowcharts for explaining processing when the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment causes the image forming apparatus 1 to execute image forming output. 8 and 13 to 16 are flowcharts for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment executes image forming output.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment causes the image forming apparatus 1 to execute image forming output, first, the print condition setting screen display unit 411 is displayed on the display panel 600 as shown in FIG. Print condition setting screen display information for displaying such a print condition setting screen is generated (S601), and the print condition setting screen is displayed on the display panel 600 via the OS 200 and the application 300 (S602). And let the user specify printing conditions.

  Then, when the user operates the client terminal 2 to specify the print target data and the print condition on the print condition setting screen and press any of the “Preview” button, the “Print” button, and the “Cancel” button, The print condition setting unit 413 determines which one of the “preview” button, the “print” button, and the “cancel” button has been pressed via the OS 200 and the application 300 (S603).

  When the print condition setting unit 413 determines that the “cancel” button has been pressed in the determination process of S603 (S603 / Cancel), the client terminal 2 outputs an image formation output to the image forming system according to the present embodiment. Ends the processing for execution (end).

  If the print condition setting unit 413 determines in the determination process of S603 that the “print” button has been pressed (S603 / print), the print target data and print conditions specified via the OS 200 and the application 300 are displayed. Is received (S604), button press information A which is information indicating which of the “print” button and the “preview” button is pressed is generated (S605), the specified print data and the generated button press are generated. Information A is notified to the print job generation unit 414. That is, in this embodiment, the print condition setting unit 413 functions as an output condition receiving unit, and print target data and print conditions (print data) are received as output conditions.

  When the print job generation unit 414 is notified of the print data and the button press information A from the print condition setting unit 413, the print job generation unit 414 analyzes the notified button press information A and detects that the “print” button is pressed ( In step S606, the notified print data is converted into image data such as PDL data, and a print job including the image data and a print execution command which is a command for instructing execution of printing is generated (S607). Then, the print job generation unit 414 transmits the generated print job from the network I / F 700 to the image forming apparatus selected on the image forming apparatus selection screen via the OS 200 (S608). Then, the client terminal 2 ends the process when the image forming system according to the present embodiment executes image forming output (end).

  On the other hand, if the print condition setting unit 413 determines in the determination process of S603 that the “preview” button has been pressed (S603 / preview), the print condition setting unit 413 receives print data designated via the OS 200 and the application 300 (S609). ), Button press information A is generated (S610), the designated print data and the generated button press information A are notified to the print job generation unit 414, and the designated print data is notified to the print preview screen display unit 421. To do.

  When the print job generation unit 414 is notified of the print data and the button press information A from the print condition setting unit 413, the print job generation unit 414 analyzes the button press information A and detects that the “preview” button is pressed (S611). The print ID issuing unit 415 issues a print ID (S612), and the issued print ID and the print data notified from the print condition setting unit 413 are associated with each other and stored in the data storage unit 500 (S613). That is, in this embodiment, the print ID issuing unit 415 functions as an execution command identification information generation unit, and a print ID is generated as execution command identification information. In the present embodiment, the data storage unit 500 functions as an output condition storage unit, and the print job generation unit 414 functions as an output condition storage control unit and an association unit. As described above, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, the print ID and the print data are associated with each other and stored in the data storage unit 500. Therefore, the print data can be easily identified based on the print ID, and the data storage can be performed. The print data can be easily referred to from the unit 500.

  When the print job generation unit 414 stores the print data and the print ID issued by the print ID issuing unit 415 in association with each other in the data storage unit 500, the print job notified from the print condition setting unit 413 is stored as PDL data or the like. The image data is converted into image data, a print job including a print standby command that is a command for instructing the image data and print standby is generated (S614), and the generated print job and the print ID are notified to the communication unit 430. . That is, in the present embodiment, the print job generation unit 414 functions as an instruction generation unit, a print job is generated as an execution instruction, and a print standby command is generated as a standby instruction.

  When the communication unit 430 is notified of the print ID and the print job from the print job generation unit 414, the communication unit 430 sets the notified print ID and the print job as a set, and sets the OS 200 to the image forming apparatus selected on the image forming apparatus selection screen. Via the network I / F 700 (S615). That is, in the present embodiment, the print job generation unit 414 and the communication unit 430 function as a command transmission unit.

  As described above, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, the print ID and the print job are associated with each other and transmitted to the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the image forming apparatus can easily identify the print job based on the print ID. In addition, it is possible to easily refer to the print job. As described above, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when the “preview” button is pressed on the print condition setting screen, the print preview screen is displayed and at the same time, a print job is generated and the image is formed. Sent to the device. Therefore, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, the print job has already been transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 at the stage of causing the image forming apparatus 1 to execute image forming output. When executing the output, it is possible to shorten the waiting time of the user.

  As described above, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when the “preview” button is pressed on the print condition setting screen, the print preview screen is displayed and a print job including a print standby command is simultaneously displayed. Generated and transmitted to the image forming apparatus. Therefore, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, even when the “preview” button is pressed on the print condition setting screen and a print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming apparatus 1 outputs an image forming output. It becomes possible to wait without executing.

  On the other hand, when the print data is notified from the print condition setting unit 413, the print preview screen display unit 421 performs the processing of S616 and S617 described below in parallel with the processing of S609 to S615.

  That is, when the print data is notified from the print condition setting unit 413, the print preview screen display unit 421 generates print preview screen display information for displaying the print preview screen as shown in FIG. 11 on the display panel 600. Then, a print preview screen is displayed on the display panel 600 via the OS 200 and the application 300 (S617). That is, in the present embodiment, the print preview screen display unit 421 functions as an information display control unit, the display panel 600 functions as a display unit, and the print preview screen is displayed on the display unit as information related to the output result. .

  Then, the communication unit 430 sets the print ID and the print job as a set and transmits them to the image forming apparatus 1 (S615). When the print preview screen display unit 421 displays the print preview screen on the display panel 600 (S617), The client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment performs the processing after S701 shown in FIG. 7 (S618). As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus is operated to execute the image forming output, the user can confirm the image of the print result once on the print preview screen. Before the image forming apparatus executes image forming output, it is possible to confirm in advance whether or not a printing result desired by the user is obtained, and it is possible to reduce printing failures.

  That is, when the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment completes the processing of S615 and S617, the print condition change unit 422 changes the print condition in the print condition change list on the print preview screen as shown in FIG. If the user presses either the “print” button or the “cancel” button by operating the client terminal 2 without detection (S701 / NO), the “print” button or the It is determined which of the “Cancel” buttons has been pressed (S702).

  If the print condition changing unit 422 determines in the determination process of S702 that the “print” button has been pressed (S702 / print), it determines which of the “print” button or “cancel” button has been pressed. The button press information B, which is the information shown, is generated (S703), and the generated button press information B is notified to the print job generation unit 414.

  When notified of the button press information B from the print condition changing unit 422, the print job generating unit 414 analyzes the notified button press information B and detects that the “print” button is pressed (S704). A print job including a print start command which is a command for canceling the print standby and starting execution of printing is generated (S705), and the generated print job and the print ID issuing unit 415 are issued in the processing of S612. The communication unit 430 is notified of the print ID. In other words, in this embodiment, the print job generation unit 414 functions as an execution start instruction receiving unit, and pressing of the “print” button by the user is received as a print start instruction. In this embodiment, the print job generation unit 414 functions as an execution start command generation unit, and a print start command is generated as an execution start command. When notified of the print job and the print ID from the print job generation unit 414, the communication unit 430 sets the notified print job and print ID as a set, and sets the OS 200 to the image forming apparatus selected on the image forming apparatus selection screen. Via the network I / F 700 (S706). That is, in this embodiment, the print job generation unit 414 and the communication unit 430 function as an execution start command transmission unit.

  As described above, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when the “print” button is pressed on the print preview screen, the print start command is generated and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when the “print” button is pressed on the print preview screen, the image forming apparatus 1 can immediately start executing the image forming output. When the image forming apparatus 1 executes the image forming output, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the user.

  When the communication unit 430 sends the print job and the print ID as a set to the image forming apparatus 1, the print job generation unit 414 deletes the print data associated with the print ID from the data storage unit 500 (S707). Then, the client terminal 2 ends the process when the image forming system according to the present embodiment executes image forming output (end).

  In this embodiment, when the communication unit 430 transmits a print job and a print ID as a set to the image forming apparatus 1, the client terminal 2 transmits print data associated with the print ID from the data storage unit 500. Although the example of deleting (S707) has been described, even if the communication unit 430 transmits a print job and a print ID as a set to the image forming apparatus 1, the print data is not deleted from the data storage unit 500, but from the image forming apparatus 1. The print data associated with the print ID may be deleted from the data storage unit 500 after receiving the print completion notification for the print job related to the print ID.

  As described above, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when the print start command is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1, that is, when the image forming apparatus 1 starts executing the image forming output, the print data is stored in the data storage. Since it is automatically deleted from the unit 500, the storage area of the client terminal 2 can be used efficiently without the user consciously performing a print data deletion operation.

  If the print condition changing unit 422 determines that the “cancel” button has been pressed in the determination process of S702 (S702 / Cancel), the print condition changing unit 422 generates button press information B (S708). B is notified to the print job generation unit 414.

  When notified of the button press information B from the print condition changing unit 422, the print job generating unit 414 analyzes the notified button press information B and detects that the “cancel” button is pressed (S709). A print job including a delete command which is a command for instructing to delete the print job is generated (S710), and the generated print job and the print ID issued by the print ID issuing unit 415 in the processing of S612 are communicated with the communication unit 430. Notify That is, in the present embodiment, the print job generation unit 414 functions as a deletion command generation unit, and a deletion command is generated as a deletion command. When notified of the print job and the print ID from the print job generation unit 414, the communication unit 430 sets the notified print job and print ID as a set, and sets the OS 200 to the image forming apparatus selected on the image forming apparatus selection screen. Via the network I / F 700 (S711). That is, in the present embodiment, the print job generation unit 414 and the communication unit 430 function as a deletion command transmission unit.

  When the communication unit 430 sends the print job and print ID as a set to the image forming apparatus 1, the print job generation unit 414 deletes the print data associated with the print ID from the data storage unit 500 (S712). Then, the client terminal 2 ends the process when the image forming system according to the present embodiment executes image forming output (end).

  As described above, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when the “cancel” button is pressed on the print preview screen, a delete command is generated and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when the “cancel” button is pressed on the print preview screen, the image forming apparatus 1 automatically selects a print job waiting for execution of the image forming output. Since the deletion is performed, the storage area of the image forming apparatus 1 can be used efficiently without the user consciously performing a print job deletion operation.

  On the other hand, the print condition change unit 422 allows the user to operate the client terminal 2 to set the print condition in the print condition change list on the print preview screen before pressing either the “print” button or the “cancel” button. If it is detected that the printing condition has been changed via the OS 200 and the application 300 (S701 / YES), the change of the printing condition is accepted (S713), and the change can be handled by the image forming apparatus side. It is determined whether or not (S714). That is, in the present embodiment, the printing condition change unit 422 functions as an output condition change receiving unit. Here, changes that can be dealt with on the image forming apparatus side, for example, change the number of copies, change the “paper size”, change the “paper feed tray”, etc., and convert the print data to image data such as PDL data again. It is a change that is not necessary. On the other hand, changes that cannot be dealt with on the image forming apparatus side are changes that require conversion of print data to image data such as PDL data, such as a change in “magnification” and a change in “print quality”.

  When the print condition changing unit 422 determines in the determination process of S714 that the image forming apparatus can cope with it (S714 / YES), the print condition changing unit 422 uses the print ID issued by the print ID issuing unit 415 in the process of S612. The associated print data is read from the data storage unit 500 (S715), the change of the print condition is reflected on the read print data (S716), and the print data reflecting the change is displayed on the print preview screen display unit 421. Notice.

  When the print preview screen display unit 421 is notified of the print data that reflects the change in the print condition from the print condition change unit 422, the print preview screen display information is displayed again based on the print data that reflects the change in the print condition. Is generated (S717), and the print preview screen displayed on the display panel 600 via the OS 200 and the application 300 is updated to a print preview screen reflecting the change of the printing conditions (S718).

  Here, FIG. 12 shows a print preview screen in which the change of the print condition is reflected. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example of a print preview screen according to the present embodiment. That is, when comparing FIG. 11 which is a display example of the print preview screen before the print condition is changed and FIG. 12 which is a display example of the print preview screen which is updated by changing the print condition, “original direction” is compared. "Is changed from" vertical "to" horizontal ", and" magnification "is changed from" 100% "to" 50% ", so in FIG. 12, a print preview reflecting the change is displayed. ing.

  When the print condition change unit 422 reflects the change of the print condition on the read print data (S716), in parallel with the processes of S717 and S718, the print data on which the change of the print condition is reflected, The print ID issued by the print ID issuing unit 415 in the process of S612 is associated with the print ID and stored in the data storage unit 500 (S719). As described above, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when the print condition is changed on the print preview screen, the print data reflecting the change of the print condition is stored in the data storage unit 500. Therefore, the client terminal 2 makes it possible to store the latest print data.

  When the print condition change unit 422 associates the print data reflecting the change of the print condition with the print ID and stores them in the data storage unit 500, a change command that is a command for instructing the change of the print job is changed. A print job including a print condition (hereinafter referred to as “changed print condition”) related to only the portion is generated (S720), and the generated print job and the print ID are notified to the communication unit 430. That is, in the present embodiment, the changed printing condition is accepted as a changing condition, the printing condition changing unit 422 functions as a changing command generation unit, and a changing command is generated as a changing command.

  When notified of the print job and the print ID from the print job generation unit 414, the communication unit 430 sets the notified print job and print ID as a set, and sets the OS 200 to the image forming apparatus selected on the image forming apparatus selection screen. Via the network I / F 700 (S721). That is, in the present embodiment, the printing condition changing unit 422 and the communication unit 430 function as a change command transmission unit.

  As described above, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when the print condition that can be handled on the image forming apparatus side is changed on the print preview screen, the change command and the changed print condition are generated and are stored in the image forming apparatus 1. Sent. Therefore, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when the print conditions that can be handled on the image forming apparatus side are changed on the print preview screen, the image forming apparatus 1 waits for execution of the image forming output. The change can be immediately reflected on the print job.

  On the other hand, if the print condition changing unit 422 determines in the determination process of S714 that the image forming apparatus is not compatible (S714 / NO), it performs the same process as S715 to S719 (S722 to S726). This is a command for instructing to convert print data reflecting a change in print conditions into image data such as PDL data, delete the image data and the old print job, and store the newly received print job. A print job including an overwrite command is generated (S727), and the generated print job and the print ID issued by the print ID issuing unit 415 in the processing of S612 are notified to the communication unit 430. That is, in this embodiment, the overwrite command is generated as a change command.

  As described above, if the change of the printing condition cannot be handled by the image forming apparatus, the printer driver 400 must convert the print data reflecting the change of the printing condition into image data such as PDL data. Therefore, the print job generated at this time includes image data based on the print data in which the change of the print condition is reflected.

  When notified of the print job and print ID from the print condition changing unit 422, the communication unit 430 sets the notified print job and print ID as a set, and sets the OS 200 to the image forming apparatus selected on the image forming apparatus selection screen. Via the network I / F 700 (S728).

  As described above, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when a print condition that cannot be supported on the image forming apparatus side is changed on the print preview screen, a print job reflecting the overwrite command and the change is generated. It is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 waits for the execution of the image forming output when the printing conditions that cannot be handled by the image forming apparatus are changed on the print preview screen. It is possible to overwrite the print job in which the change is immediately reflected on the print job.

  In order to distinguish the print job transmitted in the process of S608 or S615 from the print job transmitted in any of the processes of S706, S711, S721, or S728, hereinafter, the process is transmitted in the process of S608 or S615. The print job that has been sent is designated as print job A, and the print job transmitted in any of the processes of S706, S711, S721, and S728 is designated as print job B.

  On the other hand, on the image forming apparatus 1 side, as shown in FIG. 8, when the print job A is transmitted from the client terminal 2, the data management unit 120 is transmitted from the client terminal 2 via the network I / F 150. The received print job A is received (S801), and the received print job A is analyzed to determine whether the received print job A contains a print execution command or a print standby command (S802). That is, in this embodiment, the data management unit 120 functions as an instruction receiving unit. If the data management unit 120 determines in the determination process of S802 that the received print job A includes a print execution command (S802 / execution), the data management unit 120 notifies the image forming unit 110 of the received print job A. When the print job A is notified from the data management unit 120, the image forming unit 110 executes image formation output based on the notified print job A (S803). Then, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment ends the processing when executing the image forming output (end).

  On the other hand, when the data management unit 120 determines in the determination process of S802 that the received print job A includes a print standby command (S802 / standby), the received print job A and the print job are displayed. A and the print ID received as a set are associated with each other and stored in the data storage unit 130 (S804), and the image forming apparatus 1 stands by as it is. That is, in this embodiment, the data management unit 120 functions as an execution command storage control unit, and the data storage unit 130 functions as an execution command storage unit.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 has described the example in which the received print job A and the print ID are associated with each other and stored in the data storage unit 130 (S804). A and the print ID may be associated with each other and stored in the data storage unit 130 (S804), and the drawing data may be generated based on the image data included in the received print job A and then waited. In the case of such a configuration, the image forming apparatus 1 can execute image forming output as soon as a print start command for starting printing is received from the client terminal 2, so that the printing time can be shortened. It becomes possible.

  When the print job B is transmitted from the client terminal 2 during standby, the data management unit 120 receives the print job B transmitted from the client terminal 2 via the network I / F 150 (S805). The received print job B is analyzed to determine what command is included in the received print job B (S806), and processing corresponding to the determined command is executed (S807). Detailed processing in S808 will be described with reference to FIGS. Then, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment ends the processing when executing the image forming output (end). That is, in this embodiment, the data management unit 120 functions as an execution start command receiving unit.

  First, as illustrated in FIG. 13, when the data management unit 120 determines that the received print job B includes a print start command in the determination process of S806, the print job including the print start command is included. The print job A associated with the print ID received as a set with B is read from the data storage unit 130 (S1301). When the data management unit 120 reads the print job A from the data storage unit 130, the data management unit 120 notifies the image forming unit 110 of the read print job A, and the image forming unit 110 is notified of the print job A from the data management unit 120. The image forming output is executed based on the notified print job A (S1302).

  When the image forming unit 110 finishes executing the image forming output, the data management unit 120 transmits a completion notification for notifying the completion of the print ID and the image forming output to the client terminal 2 via the network I / F 150. In step S1303, the print job A associated with the print ID is deleted from the data storage unit 130. Then, the image forming system according to the present embodiment ends the process when executing the image forming output (end).

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 14, when the data management unit 120 determines that the received print job B includes a delete command in the determination process of S <b> 806, the print job B including the delete command. The print job A associated with the print ID received as a set is deleted from the data storage unit 130 (S1401). Then, the image forming system according to the present embodiment ends the process when executing the image forming output (end).

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 15, when the data management unit 120 determines that the received print job B includes a change command in the determination process of S <b> 806, the print job B including the change command. The print job A associated with the print ID received as a set is read from the data storage unit 130 (S1501). When the data management unit 120 reads the print job A from the data storage unit 130, the data management unit 120 reflects the changed print conditions included in the received print job B in the print job A read from the data storage unit 130 (S1502). The print job A reflecting the conditions is overwritten on the print job A associated with the print ID and stored in the data storage unit 130 (S1503). Then, the data management unit 120 performs the same processing as the processing after S805 described in FIG. 8 (S1504).

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 16, when the data management unit 120 determines that the received print job B includes an overwrite command in the determination process of S806, The print job A associated with the print ID received as a set with the print job B is overwritten and stored in the data storage unit 130 (S1601), and the overwritten print job B is changed to the print job A again. . Then, the data management unit 120 performs the same processing as the processing after S805 described in FIG. 8 (S1602).

  As described above, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, in the client terminal 2 in which the printer driver 400 is installed, print job generation processing and transmission processing and print preview screen display processing are performed in parallel. There is to do. Therefore, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the user when the image forming apparatus 1 executes image forming output.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Client terminal 3 Network 10 CPU
20 RAM
30 ROM
40 HDD
50 I / F
60 LCD
70 Operation Unit 80 Bus 110 Image Forming Unit 120 Data Management Unit 130 Data Storage Unit 140 Display Panel 150 Network I / F
200 OS
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 300 Application 400 Printer driver 410 Print module 411 Print condition setting screen display part 412 Print condition setting information storage part 413 Print condition setting part 414 Print job generation part 415 Print ID issuing part 420 Preview module 421 Print preview screen display part 422 Change print condition Unit 500 data storage unit 600 display panel 700 network I / F

JP 2011-008582 A JP 2010-079792 A

Claims (10)

An information processing apparatus that generates an execution instruction for causing an image forming apparatus to execute an image forming output,
An output condition receiving unit for receiving an output condition when causing the image forming apparatus to execute image forming output;
An information display control unit for displaying information on an output result when causing the image forming apparatus to execute an image forming output based on the execution command;
When the information is displayed by the information display control unit, an image formation output execution command based on the output condition received by the output condition reception unit, and an image formation based on the execution command for the image forming apparatus An instruction generation unit for generating a standby instruction for waiting for execution of output;
A command transmission unit that transmits the execution command and the standby command generated by the command generation unit to the image forming apparatus;
An execution start instruction receiving unit for receiving an execution start instruction for causing the image forming apparatus to start executing an image forming output based on the execution instruction when the information is displayed by the information display control unit;
An execution start instruction generating unit for generating an execution start instruction for starting execution of the execution instruction transmitted by the instruction transmitting unit when the execution start instruction is received by the execution start instruction receiving unit;
An execution start command transmitter for transmitting the execution start command generated by the execution start command generator to the image forming apparatus;
An information processing apparatus comprising: A deletion command generation unit that generates a deletion command for deleting the execution command from the image forming apparatus when the information is displayed by the information display control unit;
A deletion command transmission unit that transmits the deletion command generated by the deletion command generation unit to the image forming apparatus;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: When the information is displayed by the information display control unit, the output condition storage control unit for storing the output condition received by the output condition reception unit in the output condition storage unit,
When the execution start command is transmitted to the image forming apparatus by the execution start command transmission unit or the deletion command is transmitted to the image forming apparatus by the deletion command transmission unit, the output condition storage control unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output condition is deleted from a section. An output condition change accepting unit for accepting a change condition for changing the output condition accepted by the output condition accepting unit;
A change command generation unit that generates a change command for reflecting the change condition received by the output condition change receiving unit in the execution command transmitted to the image forming apparatus by the command transmission unit;
A change command transmission unit that transmits the change command generated by the change command generation unit to the image forming apparatus;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the output condition storage control unit reflects the received change condition on the output condition stored in the output condition storage unit.   When the change command received by the output condition change receiving unit can be reflected in the execution command in the function of the image forming apparatus, the change command transmitting unit generates the change generated by the change command generating unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the command and the change condition received by the output condition change receiving unit are transmitted to the image forming apparatus. When the command generating unit cannot reflect the change condition received by the output condition change receiving unit in the execution command in the function of the image forming apparatus, the change condition received by the output condition change receiving unit Is generated again based on the output condition stored in the output condition storage unit,
The change command transmission unit transmits the change command generated by the change command generation unit and the execution command newly generated by the command generation unit to the image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 4 to 6. An execution instruction identification information generation unit for generating execution instruction identification information for identifying the execution instruction generated by the instruction generation unit;
An association unit associating the execution instruction identification information generated by the execution instruction identification information generation unit with the execution instruction generated by the instruction generation unit;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: An image forming system for causing an image forming apparatus to execute an image forming output based on an execution command generated in an information processing apparatus,
The information processing apparatus includes:
An output condition receiving unit for receiving an output condition when causing the image forming apparatus to execute image forming output;
An information display control unit for displaying information on an output result when causing the image forming apparatus to execute an image forming output based on the execution command;
When the information is displayed by the information display control unit, an image formation output execution command based on the output condition received by the output condition reception unit, and an image formation based on the execution command for the image forming apparatus An instruction generation unit for generating a standby instruction for waiting for execution of output;
A command transmission unit that transmits the execution command and the standby command generated by the command generation unit to the image forming apparatus;
An execution start instruction receiving unit for receiving an execution start instruction for causing the image forming apparatus to start executing an image forming output based on the execution instruction when the information is displayed by the information display control unit;
An execution start instruction generating unit for generating an execution start instruction for starting execution of the execution instruction transmitted by the instruction transmitting unit when the execution start instruction is received by the execution start instruction receiving unit;
An execution start command transmitter for transmitting the execution start command generated by the execution start command generator to the image forming apparatus;
With
The image forming apparatus includes:
A command receiving unit for receiving the execution command and the standby command;
In accordance with the standby command received by the command receiver, an execution command storage control unit that stores the execution command received together with the standby command in an execution command storage unit;
An execution start command receiving unit for receiving the execution start command;
In accordance with the execution start command received by the execution start command receiving unit, an image formation output control unit that causes the image formation output unit to execute image formation output based on the execution command stored in the execution command storage unit;
An image forming system comprising: A control program for an information processing apparatus that generates an execution instruction for causing an image forming apparatus to execute an image forming output,
Receiving an output condition when causing the image forming apparatus to execute image forming output; and
Displaying information on an output result when causing the image forming apparatus to execute image forming output based on the execution command on a display unit;
When the information is displayed by the information display control unit, an image formation output execution command based on the output condition received by the output condition reception unit, and an image formation based on the execution command for the image forming apparatus Generating a wait instruction to wait for output execution;
Transmitting the execution command and the standby command generated by the command generation unit to the image forming apparatus;
Receiving an execution start instruction for causing the image forming apparatus to start executing an image forming output based on the execution command when the information is displayed by the information display control unit;
Generating an execution start instruction for starting execution of the execution instruction transmitted by the instruction transmitting unit when the execution start instruction is received by the execution start instruction receiving unit;
Transmitting the execution start command generated by the execution start command generator to the image forming apparatus;
An information processing apparatus control program for causing an information processing apparatus to execute