JP2014141058A - Image formation device, image formation system, control method for the same and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation device, an image formation system, a control method for the same and a program that allow processing load of the image formation device to be reduced and allow printing data retained in the image formation device to be printed from a desired image formation device.SOLUTION: An image formation device, which comprises: a first memory region for storing printing data in a descriptive language format; and a second memory region that expands the printing data in a descriptive language format to be stored in image data format, outputs the printing data stored in the second memory region to a printing portion if printing data having received a printing instruction are the printing data memorized by the image formation device, and requests an external image formation device memorizing the print data to obtain the printing data if the printing data are printing data not memorized by the image formation device. The image formation device, when receiving a request for obtaining printing data from the external image formation device, transmits the printing data stored at the first memory region to the external image formation device having requested for the obtainment.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a control method thereof, and a program.

  Conventionally, so-called “pull printing (accumulation printing)” in which print data is output from a printing apparatus by making a print request from the printing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a multi-function peripheral) to print data temporarily accumulated on a server. The printing system is known. Accordingly, the user can output print data from a desired printing apparatus instead of outputting to a specific printing apparatus during printing from an application (for example, Patent Document 1).

  Further, in a system composed of a plurality of multi-function peripherals without using a print data storage server as in the technique described in Patent Document 1, print data stored in each multi-function peripheral is printed from a desired multi-function peripheral. A possible system is disclosed (Non-Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-176202 A

Canon Marketing Japan Inc. product “Serverless Anyplace Print” product introduction homepage (http://cweb.canon.jp/meap/lineup/security/server-less-ap/features.html)

  In the technique described in Non-Patent Document 1, since the printing apparatuses transmit and receive print data to and from each other, the print data is stored in a format that allows the transmission and reception. When executing printing, the printing apparatus expands the print data into a format that can be printed by the self-machine and executes print processing.

  For this reason, when a plurality of print data is to be printed, a plurality of the expansion processes are also generated, which may increase the processing load of the printing apparatus. For example, the print data (for example, three print data) stored in the printing apparatus A to which the user is logged in, and the printing apparatus B and the printing apparatus C, which are different from the printing apparatus A, are stored. When a selection of a plurality of print data (for example, one print data each) and a print instruction are received, the printing apparatus A has to perform acquisition, development, and print processing of the plurality of print data, which is burdensome. End up. In addition, if a new print instruction is issued before the expansion and printing processes are completed, the processing load further increases. Therefore, it is required to reduce the processing load of the image forming apparatus A.

  The present invention provides an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a control method thereof, and a program for printing print data stored in the image forming apparatus from a desired image forming apparatus while reducing the processing load of the image forming apparatus. For the purpose.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention has a first storage area for storing print data in a description language format, and a second storage area for expanding the print data in the description language format and storing it in an image data format. If the print data for which the print instruction has been received from the operation unit is the print data stored in the image forming apparatus, the image stored in the second storage area Control means for controlling the output of the print data in the data format to the print unit, and if the print data for which the print instruction has been received from the operation unit is print data not stored in the image forming apparatus, the print data is stored. A request means for requesting acquisition of the print data from the first image forming apparatus, which is an external image forming apparatus, and a print data when receiving a print instruction from the operation unit of the external image forming apparatus. A transmission unit that transmits the print data in the description language format stored in the first storage area to the external image forming apparatus that has requested the data. Features.

  According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a control method, and a program for printing print data stored in the image forming apparatus from a desired image forming apparatus while reducing the processing load of the image forming apparatus are provided. Can be provided.

1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an image forming system. FIG. It is a hardware block diagram of the information processing apparatus applicable to a client apparatus. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a multifunction peripheral. FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of a multifunction peripheral. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print data generation and transmission processing. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of a data reception process. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed flow of print data reception processing. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing at the time of printing executed by the multifunction peripheral. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed flow of print data list display processing. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of a printing process. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of a deletion process. It is a flowchart which shows bibliographic information data and print data deletion processing. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of a user information table. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of name information notification destination MFP list information. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of a name information file. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printer group management table. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of bibliographic information data. It is a figure which shows an example of the accumulation print data operation screen. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed flow of a remote job printing process. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print data storage location identification processing. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an accumulated print data operation screen that displays only print data stored in a multifunction peripheral that displays a print data list. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an accumulated print data operation screen in which print data stored in a multifunction peripheral displaying a print data list and print data stored in another multifunction peripheral are displayed in an identifiable manner. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an outline of print data storage processing when a multifunction peripheral receives print data according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an outline of processing in which a multifunction peripheral acquires print data from another multifunction peripheral and prints in the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is an example of a configuration of a selection screen for executing priority printing of print data stored in the apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

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

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, print data is transmitted to an image forming apparatus designated by a user operation instruction on a client apparatus, and an application installed in the image forming apparatus converts the print data into a description language format. A printing system (box printing system) that prints the developed print data in response to an operation instruction from a user who has logged in to the image forming apparatus. The description will be made on the premise of the image forming apparatus used in the above.

  In the above-described conventional printing system, each image forming apparatus prints print data stored in its own storage area (an area for storing developed print data), so that the user prints on the client apparatus. The image forming apparatus to be performed must be designated for each print data, and the print data must be transmitted to each image forming apparatus.

  The above-described image forming apparatus of the box print system has only a function of storing print data (for example, print data in the image data format) obtained by developing print data in the description language format (for example, PLD format). In order to enable printing to be executed by a desired image forming apparatus even if the print data is stored in the forming apparatus, a printing system currently in use can be changed to another technique such as the technique of the cited reference 1 described above. It is necessary to replace the image forming apparatus and application currently in use with an image forming apparatus and application compatible with the other printing system. For users who have already installed the box printing system and the image forming apparatus in the box printing system, there is a problem in that the replacement is very troublesome and costly.

  In the present invention, the above-described print data is developed and stored, and the print data stored in any image forming apparatus is obtained by using the image forming apparatus that acquires and prints the developed print data. Printing can be executed by the image forming apparatus.

  Further, the modification / replacement of the functions of the main unit of the multifunction device costs more than the modification / update of the application. For example, when adding the function to the image forming apparatus itself that expands and stores the print data and acquires the expanded print data and prints it, the user must purchase the image forming apparatus itself again, It takes time and money.

  Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, an image is obtained by using the function of an “image forming apparatus that expands and stores print data and acquires and prints expanded print data” that is already being used by the user. Each application (service), which will be described later, operates so that print data stored in any image forming apparatus can be printed on the desired image forming apparatus without major modification to the function of the forming apparatus main body. A series of processes up to printing of print data is executed.

  In addition, compared to general-purpose data in the description language format (for example, PDL format data), the MFP itself develops the expanded print data (for example, in the image data format) to be processed by the MFP. Data) makes it easier to change the print settings, etc. In the above-described conventional box print system, the print settings of the print data can be changed (number of copies, face setting change, monochrome / color change). Etc.) is installed.

  On the other hand, when “print data stored in any image forming apparatus can be executed by a desired image forming apparatus”, print data is stored in order to transmit / receive print data between apparatuses. If a multifunction device expands the print data into a format that can be uniquely interpreted (processed) by the multifunction device and then sends the print data to another multifunction device, the multifunction device can send it to another multifunction device. It is conceivable that a function for processing the expanded print data is not provided, and processing such as printing of the print data and changing of print settings cannot be performed.

  For example, for the reasons described above, in the system after replacement, the print data is not expanded and stored in the storage area of the own apparatus so that the print setting can be changed as in the above-described box print system. In this case, there is a problem that the user cannot use the conventional print setting changing function itself.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, each multi-function peripheral has a common storage that is a storage area in which external multi-function peripherals can obtain print data by accessing a storage area that stores print data in an external memory or the like possessed. This area is divided into dedicated storage areas that are accessible to external MFPs but cannot be acquired by external MFPs, and the same print data is different in both storage areas. Memorize in form.

  When the print data stored in the own device is to be printed with the print settings changed, the print data developed in the dedicated storage area in the own device (for example, print data stored in the image data format) is used. On the other hand, print setting change processing is performed and printing is executed. Further, when printing the print data stored in the other device by changing the print setting, the print data in the description language format (PDL format) stored in the common storage area of the other device is acquired, Once the data is expanded and stored in a dedicated storage area in the apparatus itself, the print setting is changed for the expanded print data, and printing is executed.

  As a result, even for a user who has already installed the box print system and the image forming apparatus in the box print system, the print data can be shared among a plurality of apparatuses without impairing the functions that have been conventionally available. Can be realized.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of the system configuration of an image forming system according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system of the present invention includes a multifunction peripheral (normal) 101-1 which is an image forming apparatus capable of storing print data, a multifunction peripheral (name service) 101-2, a client device 102, and A LAN 103 is provided. In the following description, the multifunction peripheral (normal) 101-1 and the multifunction peripheral (name service) 101-2 may be collectively referred to as the multifunction peripheral 101.

  The multifunction peripheral (normal) 101-1 is a multifunction peripheral having a print data receiving function, a print data bibliographic information extraction function, and a print data and bibliographic information management function. A communication port (LPR port, etc.) used for receiving print data is set so that data can be received only from a specific device (other multifunction device, own device), and data from the client device 102 is not accepted. It is like that. When data is transmitted from the client apparatus 102 to the multi-function peripheral 101, the data is transmitted to a port to be monitored by a data management service described later.

  The multifunction device (name service) 101-2 is a multifunction device in which the name service is executed. This multifunction device is the same as the multifunction device 101-1, except that the name service is executed. The name service is a service for managing which user's print data is stored in which MFP.

  A printer driver is installed in the client device 102. These drivers have a function of creating print data based on data received from an application program and transmitting the print data to the designated multifunction peripheral 101 via the network (LAN 103).

  The LAN 103 is a network for connecting the multifunction machine 101-1, the multifunction machine 101-2, and the client device 102 so that they can communicate with each other.

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

  FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an information processing apparatus applicable to the client apparatus 102

  Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus applicable to the client apparatus 102 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus that can be applied to the client apparatus 102.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. The ROM 203 or the external memory 211 stores a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) and an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS) that are control programs of the CPU 201. Further, the ROM 203 or the external memory 211 stores various programs described below necessary for realizing the functions executed by the client device 102.

  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 controls access to the external memory 211 that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, various data, and the like. Examples of the external memory 211 include a hard disk (HD), a flexible disk (FD), and a compact flash (registered trademark) memory connected to the PCMCIA card slot via an adapter.

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

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the display device 210 by, for example, executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 202. In addition, 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 program that can be read and executed by a computer. The program is recorded in the external memory 211 and 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 this program are also stored in the external memory 211, and a detailed description thereof will be described later.

  FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 101.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 101 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 multifunction peripheral 101 of FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit that inputs and outputs image data and device information by connecting to a scanner 314 that functions as an image input device and a printer 312 that functions as an image output device. On the other hand, the controller unit 316 inputs and outputs image data and device information by connecting to a LAN (for example, the LAN 103 in FIG. 1) or a public line (WAN) (for example, PSTN or ISDN).

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

  A ROM 303 stores a system boot program and various control programs. A hard disk drive (HDD) 304 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like. The print data with security settings received from the client apparatus 102 is also stored in the HDD 304.

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

  A network interface (network I / F) 305 is connected to a network such as the LAN 103 and inputs / outputs data. A modem 306 is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

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

  An image bus interface (image bus I / F) 320 connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed, and is a bus bridge that converts a data structure. The image bus 315 is constituted by, for example, 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 format that can be output as a file (for example, a PDF format file), and cooperates with the CPU 301 to create a network I A file of image data can be transmitted to an external device via / F305.

  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 instructs the start of reading 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. Perform the action.

  The printer 312 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method includes an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, an ink jet method in which ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array and an image is directly printed on a sheet, and 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 display unit. The operation unit 308 displays a system operation screen, and when the displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I. To the CPU 301 via / F307. 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 308.

  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 multi-function peripheral 101 can transmit the image data read from the scanner 314 to the LAN 103, and print out the print data received from the LAN 103 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.

  [FIG. 4] Functional configuration diagram of the multifunction machine (normal) 101-1 and the multifunction machine (name service) 101-2.

  In the multifunction peripheral (normal) 101-1, the data management service and the stored print execution service are executed by different processes. In addition, in the multifunction peripheral (name service) 101-2, a name service is executed in addition to them.

  Hereinafter, functional units realized by the data management service will be described.

  The data receiving unit 401 is a functional unit that receives print data transmitted from the client apparatus 102. The data receiving unit 401 sets data received at a specific port as data to be processed.

  The data type determination unit 402 is a functional unit that determines the data type of whether the print data received by the data reception unit 401 is data to be printed directly or print data stored in the HDD 304. The direct printing here refers to a printing form in which printing is performed without storing received print data in a storage unit such as the HDD 304, for example.

  In the description of the embodiment of the present invention, for example, LPR printing (printing of print data that does not include print attribute information and does not include a job owner name), which is printing from a core system, etc. It is assumed that printing in the direct printing form is executed.

  The bibliographic information data generation unit 403 is a functional unit that acquires bibliographic information from the print data received by the data reception unit 401, generates bibliographic information data of the print data, and stores it in the HDD 304. The bibliographic information includes, for example, a document name, a user name that gives a print instruction, print settings (color / monochrome, double-sided / single-sided, print layout, etc.), the number of copies, and the number of pages. Details of the bibliographic information will be described later in the description of FIG.

  The name information registration request unit 404 uses the name service to manage which user's and print data that can be printed by the multifunction device 101 belonging to which printer group is stored in the multifunction device (normal) 101-1. This is a functional unit that makes a registration request for name information to be used (information for identifying a multifunction device, for example, information such as the IP address of the multifunction device) to the multifunction device (name service) 101-2.

  The bibliographic information data request receiving unit 405 is a functional unit that receives a request for bibliographic information data from the bibliographic information data requesting unit 420 of the storage printing execution service.

  The bibliographic information data transmission unit 406 is a functional unit that, when the bibliographic information data request receiving unit 405 receives a request for bibliographic information data, sends a list of corresponding bibliographic information data to the multifunction peripheral 101 that has requested bibliographic information. is there.

  The print data request reception unit 407 is a functional unit that receives a print data request from the print data request unit 421 of the stored print execution service.

  The print data transmission unit 408 is a functional unit that transmits the print data whose transmission request has been received by the print data request reception unit 407 to the MFP 101 that has made the request.

  The status update unit 409 is a functional unit that updates the status of the bibliographic information data of the print data in response to a print execution instruction or a delete instruction of the print data.

  The print data deletion unit 410 is a functional unit that deletes print data. Examples of print data to be deleted include print data instructed to be deleted by a print data deletion request unit 422 of a storage print service, which will be described later, or print data that has been received from the client apparatus 102 for a predetermined time or more.

  The bibliographic information data deletion unit 411 is a functional unit that deletes the bibliographic information data of the print data deleted by the print data deletion unit 410.

  The name information deletion request unit 412 is a functional unit that issues a name information deletion request to the multifunction peripheral (name service) 101-2.

  Hereinafter, functional units realized by the accumulated print execution service will be described.

  The name information request unit 419 manages to which multifunction device (name service) 101-2 the print data of the login user that can be printed by the multifunction device (normal) 101-1 is stored. It is a functional part that requests name information.

  The bibliographic information data request unit 420 is a functional unit that requests bibliographic information data of print data of a user who is logged in to the multi-function peripheral 101 from the multi-function peripheral (self-machine or other machine) on which the data management service is executed. Which multifunction device stores the print data of the login user is recognized using name information.

  The print data request unit 421 is a functional unit that requests the multifunction machine 101 (self machine, other machine) to transmit designated print data.

  The print data deletion request unit 422 is a functional unit that requests the multifunction machine 101 (self machine, other machine) to delete designated print data.

  Hereinafter, functional units realized by the name service will be described. This name service is a functional unit possessed only by the multifunction peripheral (name service) 101-2.

  The name information receiving unit 413 is a functional unit that receives name information transmitted from the name information registration request unit 404.

  The name information storage unit 414 is a storage unit that stores the name information received by the name information receiving unit 413 as a name information file.

  The name information request reception unit 415 is a functional unit that receives a transmission request for name information indicating a storage location of print data that can be printed by a specific printer group of a specific user by the name information request unit 419.

  The name information transmission unit 416 is a functional unit that transmits the name information for which the transmission request is received by the name information request reception unit 415 to the multifunction peripheral that has made the request.

  The name information deletion request receiving unit 417 is a functional unit that receives a name information deletion request from the name information deletion request unit 412.

  The name information deletion unit 418 is a functional unit that deletes the name information for which the name information deletion request reception unit 417 has received the deletion request.

  In addition, the multifunction machine 101-1 includes a common storage area 425 and a dedicated storage area 426 as storage units for storing print data. The common storage area 425 (first storage area) is a storage area that can be accessed by an external multifunction peripheral to acquire print data. The print data is stored in the common storage area 425 in a description language format such as a PDL format.

  The dedicated storage area 426 (second storage area) is a storage area that cannot be accessed by an external multifunction peripheral to acquire print data. When the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 101-1 acquires print data stored in the own apparatus and prints it, the print data is acquired from the dedicated storage area 426 and printed. The print data is stored in the dedicated storage area 426 in a format in which the print data in the description language format is expanded, for example, an image data format.

  The common platform functions of the multifunction machine (normal) 101-1 and the multifunction machine (name service) 101-2 will be described below.

  The print data receiving unit 423 is a functional unit that receives the print data transmitted from the print data transmitting unit 408 of the data management service.

  The print unit 424 is a functional unit that performs print processing of the print data received by the print data receiving unit 423. Since the print data receiving unit 423 receives the PDL data, the print data receiving unit 423 develops the data into printable data, and then performs print processing.

  Hereinafter, the processing flow will be described.

In the following description, in particular,
MFP A: MFP executing the data management service (that is, MFP 101-1 or 101-2)
MFP B: MFP executing name service (ie, MFP 101-2)
Multifunction machine C: A multifunction machine that is executing the accumulated printing execution service (ie, the multifunction machine 101-1 or 101-2)
The flowchart will be described as follows.

  [FIG. 5] Print data generation and transmission processing

  The CPU 201 of the client apparatus 102 executes an application stored in the external memory 211, receives an editing instruction for document data using the application, and creates document data in accordance with the editing instruction (step S501). Then, the CPU 201 of the client apparatus 102 determines whether a print start request for the document data has been received (step S502).

  If a print start request has not been received (NO in step S502), the process waits until it is received. On the other hand, when a print start request is accepted (YES in step S502), the CPU 201 of the client apparatus 102 displays a driver selection screen (not shown) for accepting designation of a printer driver (step S503).

  The CPU 201 of the client apparatus 102 accepts a printer driver selection via the driver selection screen (step S504). After that, the CPU 201 of the client apparatus 102 accepts various print details settings (step S505). The detailed print settings accepted here include color / monochrome settings, duplex / single-sided settings, print layout settings (Nin1 / collective print settings), and settings for whether to perform direct printing or to save in the HDD 304. It is possible.

  Thereafter, the CPU 201 of the client apparatus 102 determines whether a print execution instruction has been received. If an execution instruction has not been received (NO in step S506), it is determined whether a print cancel instruction has been received. If a cancel instruction has been accepted (YES in step S507), the process returns to step S501 to continue the document editing process. On the other hand, if a cancel instruction has not been received (NO in step S507), the process returns to step S504.

  If an execution instruction is accepted in step S506 (YES in step S506), the CPU 201 of the client apparatus 102 creates print data according to the various detailed settings accepted in step S505 using the driver selected in step S504. (Step S508). Then, the CPU 201 of the client apparatus 102 transmits the created data to the multifunction peripheral corresponding to the designated driver (step S509). The data includes the name of the user who generated the data (user identification information / job owner name used for logging in to the client apparatus 102).

  The CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral A receives the print data transmitted from the client apparatus 102 (step S510). Then, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral A performs a data reception process for the received data (step S511). The data reception processing here is processing executed by determining whether the received print data is printed, deleted, or stored. Details of this data reception processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  [FIG. 6] Detailed Flow of Data Reception Processing (Step S511 in FIG. 5)

  First, the CPU 301 of the MFP A determines whether the data received in step S510 in FIG. 5 is direct print data or print data stored in the HDD 304 (step S601).

  For example, print data includes attribute information (referred to as CPCA information), print job owner information (referred to as a job owner name), and the print data storage setting is set to “save”. If the print data is stored, the print data is determined to be stored.

  If it is determined that the received data is not print data for storage (NO in step S601), the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral A does not include CPCA information and does not include a job owner name. It is determined whether there is any (step S602). That is, for example, it is determined whether the print data is LPR printing.

  If the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral A determines that the print data does not include CPCA information and does not include the job owner name (YES in step S602), the print data is printed directly for printing. The data is determined to be data, and the received print data is directly printed. (Step S603).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that CPCA information is included in the print data or that the job owner name of the print job is included (NO in step S602), the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral A does not perform print processing of the received print data. The print data is deleted (step S604).

  The determination processing in step S602 is, for example, prevention of abandoned printing or the like for print data received from a client device (for example, a client device managed by an individual) that is not printing from the core system or the like (here, LPR printing). Therefore, this is a determination process for preventing direct printing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S601 that the received data is print data to be stored in the HDD 304, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral A performs print data reception processing (step S605). Details of this processing will be described with reference to FIG. The above is the description of the data reception processing in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

  [FIG. 7] Detailed flow of print data reception process (step S605 in FIG. 6)

  This process is a process executed by a multifunction peripheral (multifunction peripheral A) in which the data management service is executed and a multifunction peripheral (multifunction peripheral B) in which the name service is being executed.

  When the multifunction device A is the multifunction device (name service) 101-2, the multifunction device A and the multifunction device B may be the same multifunction device.

  The CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral A acquires the job ID and the print source IP address included in the print data (step S701). The print source IP is an IP address of a device that is a transmission source of print data.

  Thereafter, the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral A saves the print data in a temporary storage location (for example, the common storage area 425 / first storage area in FIG. 4) with a file name generated from the job ID and the print source IP address. (Step S702). The temporary storage destination is a storage area that can be accessed from an external multifunction peripheral to obtain print data. The print data is stored in the storage location for temporary storage in a description language format such as PDL.

  In parallel, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral A also saves the print data in a user box (for example, the dedicated storage area 426 / second storage area in FIG. 4) (step S703). The user box is a storage area in which print data can be acquired by accessing from an external multifunction device. The print data is expanded in the user box and stored in the image data format. In addition, the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral A generates a thumbnail image of the print data and stores it in the user box in association with the print data.

  Then, the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral A notifies the print data storage event to the data management service executed on the multi-function peripheral A (step S704).

  The data management service of the multifunction device A receives the print data save event transmitted from the CPU 301 of the multifunction device A (step S705). The data management service of the multi-function peripheral A acquires the job ID and the print source IP address included in the print data from the print data in the user box notified of the save in the print data save event (step S706).

  Next, the data management service of the multi-function peripheral A specifies print data at the storage destination for temporary storage based on the acquired job ID and print source IP address, and acquires a customization code from the specified print data (step S707). .

  The customization code is a code that is added to print data by a printer driver that is installed in a client device and has a function restriction, for example. The function restriction is, for example, restricting and prohibiting a job owner name replacement / change function for a printer (user) verification. In the embodiment of the present invention, printing is not permitted for print data that does not include the customization code (for example, print data that is downloaded by an individual from the Internet and generated and transmitted by a printer driver installed on a client device). Shall.

  The data management service of the multifunction peripheral A determines whether or not the customization code is included in the print data at the storage destination for temporary storage (step S708). If the customization code is not included (NO in step S708), the data management service of the multi-function peripheral A deletes the user box and the print data in the temporary storage location (step S724), and ends the process.

  On the other hand, if the customization code is included (YES in step S708), the data management service of the multifunction peripheral A acquires a thumbnail image from the print data in the user box (step S709).

  Next, the data management service of the multifunction peripheral A associates the print data at the storage destination for temporary storage with the generated thumbnail image data, moves them to its own management folder, and stores them (step S710 / thumbnail storage means). The management folder is a folder provided in the storage destination for temporary storage.

  In parallel, the data management service of the multi-function peripheral A extracts bibliographic information from the print data in the user box (step S711). Next, the data management service of the multifunction peripheral A acquires a notification destination name service list (name information notification destination multifunction peripheral list information shown in FIG. 14) stored in the HDD 304 (step S712).

  Then, the data management service of the multifunction device A obtains an unprocessed notification destination name service (not yet notified of name information) among the multifunction devices B registered in the obtained notification destination name service list. (Step S713).

  Then, the data management service of the multi-function peripheral A transmits a name information registration request for registering name information to the acquired multi-function peripheral (name service) 101-2, which is the notification destination name service (step S714). . That is, for example, information on the IP address of the multifunction device A is transmitted to the multifunction device (name service) 101-2. The name information is information for notifying the name service of which user and print data that can be printed with which printer model is newly stored.

  The name service of the multifunction device B receives the name information and the name information registration request transmitted from the multifunction device A (step S715 / specific information receiving means). Next, the name service of the multi-function device B identifies in which printer group the printer model is included in accordance with the printer model information included in the name information registration request (step S716). At this time, the printer group management table (described later) in FIG. 16 is used to identify which printer group the printer model information included in the name information belongs to.

  After specifying the printer group, the name service of MFP B determines whether or not there is a name information file for managing which MFP stores print data that can be printed out by the MFP belonging to the specified printer model. Confirmation is made (step S717).

  A name information file is created for each printer model for each user. For example, the file name is “user name_printer group”, and the name information file stores which multifunction device that stores print data that can be printed by the multifunction device of which printer group of which user. The CPU 301 can recognize it.

  Based on the result of the confirmation, the name service of the multifunction device B determines whether a name information file has yet to be created (step S718). If it is determined that a name information file has not yet been created (YES in step S718), the name service of the multifunction peripheral B creates a name information file (step S719).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the name information file has been created (NO in step S718), or after the name information file is created in step S719, the name service of the multifunction device B registers the name information in the name information file. It is determined whether the name information of the requested MFP is registered (step S720).

  If it is determined that the name information is not registered (YES in step S720), the name service of the multifunction device B additionally registers the name information of the multifunction device that has requested the name information registration in the name information file (step S721). ). The name information here is information for specifying the multifunction peripheral, and for example, an IP address can be used. The data structure of the name information file will be described with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the name information has already been registered (NO in step S720), or after the name information is additionally registered in step S721, the name service of the multifunction device B makes the name information registration request. A name information registration processing result is transmitted to A (step S722).

  The data management service of the multifunction device A receives the name information registration processing result transmitted from the multifunction device B (step S723).

  Thereafter, the data management service of the multifunction peripheral A determines whether there is an unprocessed notification destination name service that has not yet transmitted a name information registration request among the notification destination name services acquired in step S712. If it is determined that there is an unprocessed notification destination name service, the processes in and after step S713 are repeatedly executed. The above is the detailed flow of the print data reception process (step S605 in FIG. 6) in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

  [FIG. 8] Overview of processing at the time of printing executed by the multifunction machine 101

  This process is a process executed by the multifunction peripheral (multifunction peripheral C) on which the accumulated print execution service is executed.

  The CPU 301 of the multifunction machine C displays a login screen (not shown) on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 308 when there is no user logged in to the multifunction machine. At this time, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral C is in a state where login information can be input.

  When the card reader 319 accepts input of card information that is input by inserting an IC card possessed by the user, the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine C performs user authentication processing (step S801). At this time, using the user information table shown in FIG. 13, the user who possesses the IC card storing the input card information is specified.

  The CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral C determines whether the user is specified in the user authentication process and the user authentication is successful (step S802). If user authentication is not successful (NO in step S802), the process ends. On the other hand, if the user authentication is successful (YES in step S802), the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine C performs a print data list display process (step S803). In this process, the bibliographic information of the log-in user's print data is acquired from each MFP (including the self-machine), and the log-in user can execute print data on the MFP C using the acquired bibliographic information. The list information is created and displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 308 so as to be selectable. Details of this processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  After completion of the print data list display process in step S803, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral C accepts various operation instructions via the operation screen (FIG. 18) displayed on the LCD display unit (step S804).

  First, the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine C determines whether or not designation of print data is accepted as an operation instruction (step S805). This is based on whether or not a touch instruction for the print data displayed on the print data list display unit 1801 in FIG. 18 has been issued, and the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral C determines whether or not designation of print data has been accepted. As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the designation of print data has been received (YES in step S805), the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral C changes the print data selection state (step S806).

  Note that, when designation for print data in an unselected state is received, the print data is set to a selected state. When the designation for the selected print data is accepted, the print data is set to a non-selected state. Thereafter, the process returns to step S804.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the designation of print data has not been accepted (NO in step S805), the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral C then determines whether a print instruction has been accepted as an operation instruction (step S807). This is based on whether or not a touch instruction for the print start button 1803 in FIG. 18 has been issued, and the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral C determines whether or not a print instruction has been accepted.

  As a result of the determination, if it is determined that a print instruction has been received (YES in step S807), the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral C performs a printing process (step S808). Details of the printing process will be described with reference to FIG. After the printing process ends, the process returns to step S804.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that a print instruction has not been received (NO in step S807), the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral C then determines whether a delete instruction has been received as an operation instruction (step S809). This is based on whether or not a touch instruction for the delete button 1802 in FIG. 18 has been issued, and the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral C determines whether or not a delete instruction has been accepted.

  As a result of the determination, if it is determined that a deletion instruction has been accepted (YES in step S809), the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine C performs a deletion process (step S810). Details of the deletion process will be described with reference to FIG. After the deletion process ends, the process returns to step S804.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that a delete instruction has not been received (NO in step S809), the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral C then determines whether a logout instruction has been received as an operation instruction (step S811). This is based on whether or not a touch instruction for the logout button 1804 in FIG. 18 has been issued, and the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral C determines whether or not a logout instruction has been accepted.

  As a result of the determination, if it is determined that a logout instruction has been accepted (YES in step S811), the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral C performs a logout process (step S812). Thereafter, the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that a logout instruction has not been received (NO in step S811), that is, if it is determined that the operation instruction is other than the above (NO in step S811), the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine C receives the received operation instruction. The process according to is performed (step S813). Thereafter, the process returns to step S804. The above is the description of the outline of the processing at the time of printing executed by the multifunction machine in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

  [FIG. 9] Detailed Flow of Print Data List Display Process (Step S803 in FIG. 8)

  This process is performed by a multi-function machine (multi-function machine C) in which the stored print execution service is executed, a multi-function machine in which the data management service is executed (multi-function machine A), and a multi-function machine in which the name service is executed (multi-function machine B) ). In some cases, two or more of the multifunction peripheral A, the multifunction peripheral B, and the multifunction peripheral C are the same multifunction peripheral.

  The CPU 301 of the multifunction device C acquires login user information that is specific information (for example, a user ID) of a logged-in user who has logged into the multifunction device C (step S901). The CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral C acquires bibliographic information stored in the storage area of its own device corresponding to the login user (step S902).

  Thereafter, the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral C transmits a name information acquisition request including the login user information and the printer model information of the multi-function peripheral to the notification destination name service (multi-function peripheral B) (step S903).

  At this time, if a plurality of notification destination name services are registered, a name information acquisition request is transmitted to the notification destination name service set as the primary notification destination name service. When the name information cannot be acquired from the primary notification destination name service, a name information acquisition request is further transmitted to another notification destination name service (for example, the secondary notification destination name service).

  The CPU 301 of the multifunction device B receives the name information acquisition request transmitted from the multifunction device C (step S904 / list request accepting unit). The CPU 301 of the multifunction device B stores in any multifunction device print data that can be printed by the printer group to which the multifunction device (here, the multifunction device C) that transmitted the name information acquisition request included in the received name information acquisition request belongs. A name information file that manages whether or not the file is managed is acquired (step S905).

  The CPU 301 of the multi-function device B transmits the name information registered in the name information file to the multi-function device C that is the request source that made the name information acquisition request (step S906 / list transmission means).

  The CPU 301 of the multifunction device C receives name information from the multifunction device B (step S907). The CPU 301 of the multifunction device C makes a bibliographic information list acquisition request to all the multifunction devices A specified by the received name information.

  First, the CPU 301 of the multifunction device C identifies the unprocessed multifunction device A (having no bibliographic information list acquisition request) as the processing target multifunction device A among the multifunction devices A identified by the received name information. (Step S908).

  The CPU 301 of the multifunction device C transmits a bibliographic information list acquisition request to the identified multifunction device A (step S909). This bibliographic information list acquisition request includes user specifying information (such as a user ID) for specifying a login user and printer model information (printer model information) of the multifunction machine C that has made the request.

  The CPU 301 of the multifunction device A receives the bibliographic information list acquisition request from the multifunction device B (step S910). The CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral A prints the bibliographic information of the print data of the login user of the multi-function peripheral C that can be instructed to print by the multi-function peripheral C that has requested the bibliographic information list among the print data stored in the HDD 304 (step S910 The bibliographic information corresponding to the user ID included in the received bibliographic information list acquisition request and the thumbnail image data of the print data indicated by the bibliographic information are acquired from the storage location for temporary storage (step S911 / thumbnail acquisition means) ).

  The CPU 301 of the multifunction device A creates bibliographic information list data (step S912). The CPU 301 of the multifunction device A transmits the bibliographic information list data and the thumbnail image data to the multifunction device C that has transmitted the bibliographic information list acquisition request (step S913 / thumbnail transmission unit).

  The CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral C acquires the bibliographic information list data and the thumbnail image data from the multifunction peripheral A (corresponding to step S914 / print data list acquisition means). The processing from step S908 to S914 is executed for all the multifunction devices included in the name information received in step S907, and the process proceeds to step S915.

  The CPU 301 of the multifunction machine C merges the bibliographic information in the own apparatus of the login user acquired in step S902 with the bibliographic information of all multifunction machines acquired in step S914 (step S915). Thereafter, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral C displays the bibliographic information list acquired by the above-described processing (step S916 / for example, displays the accumulated print data operation screen of FIG. 18).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 18, a list of print data names is displayed on the display screen. For example, the thumbnail image data of the print data received in step S914, the name of the print data, and the like. A thumbnail list screen (not shown) that is displayed together may be displayed on the display screen. The details of the print data list display process in FIG. 9 have been described above.

  [FIG. 10] Detailed flow of print processing (step S808 in FIG. 8)

  This process is executed by a multifunction peripheral (multifunction peripheral C) on which the stored print execution service is executed and a multifunction peripheral (multifunction peripheral A) on which the data management service is being executed. Note that the MFP A and the MFP C may be the same MFP.

  The CPU 301 of the multifunction device C issues a print data print instruction to the multifunction device A that stores the print data for all the selected print data.

  First, the storage print execution service of the multifunction device C acquires the storage destination information of the print data from the bibliographic information of the unprocessed print data (step S1001).

  The stored print execution service of the multifunction device C determines whether the print data is stored in the local apparatus (step S1002). If not in the own apparatus (NO in step S1002), remote job printing processing is executed (step S1015). Details of this processing will be described with reference to FIG. On the other hand, if the print data is stored in the own apparatus (YES in step S1002), the accumulated print execution service of the multifunction device C acquires the print data in the user box of the multifunction device C and prints it (step S1003 / Output control means).

  Next, the stored print execution service of the multifunction peripheral C determines whether the print being executed is to delete print data after printing or a print request (step S1004). If the print request is to delete print data after printing (YES in step S1004), the job status is changed to “printing (deleted)” (step S1005).

  On the other hand, if the print request does not delete the print data after printing (NO in step S1004), the job status is changed to “printing (no deletion)” (step S1006).

  Thereafter, the stored print execution service of the multifunction peripheral C determines whether the print process being executed has been completed (step S1007). If printing has not been completed (NO in step S1007), the process waits until printing is completed. On the other hand, if printing is completed (YES in step S1007), it is determined whether the job status is “printing (deleted)” (step S1008).

  If the job status is not “printing (deleted)” (NO in step S1008), the accumulated print execution service of the multifunction peripheral C changes the job status to “standby” (step S1012). On the other hand, if the job status is “printing (deleted)” (YES in step S1008), the print data in the user box, the print data in the management folder, and the thumbnail image of the job are deleted (step S1009). .

  Next, the storage print execution service of the multifunction peripheral C deletes the bibliographic information of the job (step S1010). Subsequently, the stored print execution service of the multifunction device C executes a name service deletion process (step S1011). Details of this processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  Next, the storage printing execution service of the multifunction machine C deletes the bibliographic information of the job from the bibliographic information list merged in step S915 (step S1013).

  The stored print execution service of the multifunction peripheral C determines whether there is unprocessed print data in the selected print data. If it is determined that there is unprocessed print data, the processes after step S1001 are repeatedly executed.

  When the printing process for all the selected print data is completed, the storage print execution service of the multifunction peripheral C updates the print data list display based on the bibliographic information list updated in step S1013 (step S1014). The above is the description of the details of the printing process in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

  [FIG. 19] Detailed flow of remote job printing process (step S1015 in FIG. 10)

  This process is executed by a multifunction peripheral (multifunction peripheral C) on which the stored print execution service is executed and a multifunction peripheral (multifunction peripheral A) on which the data management service is being executed. Note that the MFP A and the MFP C may be the same MFP.

  The stored print execution service of the multi-function peripheral C transmits a print execution request to the multi-function peripheral A that is specified from the bibliographic information and stores the print data (step S1901). That is, a print data transmission request is transmitted. The request includes information (for example, bibliographic information) for specifying print data to be transmitted.

  The data management service of the multifunction peripheral A receives the print data print execution request (step S1902). Next, the data management service of the multifunction peripheral A determines whether or not the received print request deletes the print data after printing (step S1903).

  If the print request is to delete print data after printing (YES in step S1903), the job status is changed to “printing (deleted)” (step S1904). On the other hand, if the print request does not delete the print data after printing (NO in step S1903), the job status is changed to “printing (no deletion)” (step S1905).

  The data management service of the MFP A acquires the print data that is the target of the print execution request received in Step S1902 from the temporary storage location of the MFP A (Step S1906), and transmits the print data to the MFP C. (Step S1907 / Response to print data print execution request)

  The accumulated print execution service of the multifunction peripheral C receives the print data (step S1908), changes the storage destination box number of the received (acquired) print data to the box number of the print box, and sends FTP or the like to the own apparatus. (Step S1909).

  The printing box is a storage area for temporarily storing print data to be printed and printing, and is an area set as a part of the user box.

  The user box is divided into a storage box (storage data storage area for storage) and a printing box (data storage area for remote job printing), and the storage box and the printing box have individual box numbers. Is set.

  The CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral (main unit) stores print data received from the client device (print data received from the client device, has CPCA information, and the save setting is set to “Save”). Print data) has the box number of the storage box, and is stored in the storage box.

  On the other hand, as described above, the stored print execution service of the multi-function peripheral C performs remote job printing (a process in which the multi-function peripheral print execution service requests the multi-function peripheral data management service to acquire and print print data). The print data acquired in step S1909 is FTP-transmitted to the MFP C main body so that the print data storage destination box number is changed to the box number of the print box and the printing process is executed by the own apparatus (step S1909). ). As a result, the print data is stored in the print box by the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral (main body).

  When receiving the print data (step S1928), the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral C acquires the job ID and the print source IP address included in the print data (step S1910). Thereafter, the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral C saves the print data in the temporary storage destination with the file name generated from the job ID and the print source IP address (step S1911).

  In parallel, the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine C also saves the print data in the user box (print box) (step SS1912). Then, the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine C notifies the print data storage event to the data management service executed on the multifunction machine C (step S1913).

The stored print execution service of the multifunction device C receives the print data storage event transmitted from the CPU 301 of the multifunction device C (step S1914). Next, the stored print execution service of the multifunction peripheral C acquires the print source IP address from the print data of the user box notified by the print data save event, and determines whether or not the printing is from the own apparatus (step S1915). . That is, it is determined whether or not the printing source is the own apparatus.

  If the printing is not from the own apparatus (NO in step S1915), the user box and the print data in the temporary storage location are deleted (step S1928), and the process ends. In the case of printing from the own apparatus (YES in step S1915), the user box print data is printed (step S1916).

  In step S1915, whether or not the printing source is the own device is determined by storing the print data received from the external device such as the client device in the user box (printing box) by rewriting the storage destination box number, for example. In this case, the determination is made to prevent the print data from being printed. That is, it is a filtering process for avoiding an illegal direct printing process.

  When printing of the print data is completed, the stored print execution service of the multifunction peripheral C deletes the print data in the temporary storage location (step S1917). Thereafter, the stored print execution service of the multifunction device C transmits a print data print completion notification to the multifunction device A (step 1918).

  The data management service of the multi-function device C receives the print completion notification of the print data (step 1919). Next, the data management service of MFP A determines whether the status of the print data is “printing (deleted)” (step S1920). That is, it is determined whether the print data is set to be deleted after printing.

  If the job status is not “printing (with deletion)” (NO in step S1920), the data management service of the multi-function peripheral A changes the status of the print data to “standby” and retains it without deleting it (step S20 S1924). On the other hand, if the status of the print data is “printing (deleted)” (YES in step S1920), the print data in the user box of the job, the print data in the management folder, and the thumbnail image are deleted (step S1921). ).

  Next, the data management service of the multifunction peripheral A deletes the bibliographic information of the print data (step S1922). Subsequently, the data management service of the multifunction peripheral A executes a name service deletion process (step S1923). Details of this processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  Thereafter, the data management service of the multi-function peripheral A transmits a print completion notification response to the multi-function peripheral C (step S1925).

  The stored print execution service of the multifunction device C receives the response of the print completion notification (step 1926). Next, the storage printing execution service of the multifunction peripheral C deletes the bibliographic information of the job from the bibliographic information list (step S1927). The above is the description of the details of the remote job printing process in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

  [FIG. 11] Detailed Flow of Deletion Process (Step S810 in FIG. 8)

  This process is executed by a multifunction peripheral (multifunction peripheral C) on which the stored print execution service is executed and a multifunction peripheral (multifunction peripheral A) on which the data management service is being executed. Note that the MFP A and the MFP C may be the same MFP.

  The CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral C issues a print data deletion request to the multi-function peripheral A in which the print data is stored for all print data in the selected state.

  First, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral C obtains storage location information of the print data from bibliographic information of unprocessed print data (step S1101). Then, the CPU 301 of the multifunction device C transmits a print data deletion request to the multifunction device A indicated by the storage location information (step S1102). The deletion request includes information for specifying the print data to be deleted.

  The CPU 301 of the multifunction device A receives the print data deletion request transmitted from the multifunction device C (step S1103). The CPU 301 of the MFP A deletes the user box print data, the management folder print data, and the thumbnail image of the job (step S1104). The CPU 301 of the MFP A changes the status of the bibliographic information to “deleted” (step S1105).

  The CPU 301 of the MFP A executes name service data deletion processing (step S1110). Details of the data deletion processing of the name service will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 12, the flow of the name service deletion process in the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  12 is a detailed flow of name service deletion processing (step S1011 in FIG. 10, step S1918 in FIG. 19, and step S1110 in FIG. 11).

  This process is a process executed by a multifunction peripheral (multifunction peripheral A) in which the data management service is executed and a multifunction peripheral (multifunction peripheral B) in which the name service is being executed.

  When the multifunction device A is the multifunction device (name service) 101-2, the multifunction device A and the multifunction device B may be the same multifunction device.

  First, the data management service of the multifunction device A acquires bibliographic information data in which the same user name and printer group as the deleted bibliographic information data are registered (step S1201).

  Next, it is determined whether or not all the statuses of the acquired bibliographic information data have been deleted (step S1202). If it is determined that all have been deleted (YES in step S1202), the data management service of the multifunction device A deletes the user name and the printer group name information file for all notification destination name services (multifunction device B). A request is transmitted (step S1203).

  The name service of the multifunction device B receives the name information file deletion request from the multifunction device A (step S1204). The name service of the multi-function peripheral B checks whether or not there is a name information file that has received the deletion request (step S1206). If it is determined that there is a name information file that has received the deletion request (YES in step S1206), the name service of the multi-function peripheral B deletes the name information file (step S1207).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no name information file that has accepted the deletion request (NO in step S1206), and if the name information file is deleted in step S1207, the name service of MFP B The delete processing result is transmitted to the multi-function peripheral A (step S1208).

  The data management service of the multifunction device A receives the processing result from the multifunction device B (step S1209).

  Note that if it is determined in step S1202 that all have not been deleted, that is, if it is determined that there is at least one bibliographic information whose status has not been deleted (NO in step S1202), the data management service of the MFP A No request for deleting the name information file is made for the combination of the user name and the printer model.

  The data management service of the multifunction peripheral A determines whether or not the processing has been completed for all the notification destination name services. If it is determined that there is an unprocessed notification destination name service, the processes after step S1203 are repeatedly executed. This completes the description of the details of the name service deletion process in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral A transmits the print data deletion processing result to the multi-function peripheral C that has issued the deletion request (step S1106).

  The CPU 301 of the multifunction device C receives the delete processing result transmitted from the multifunction device A (step S1107). The CPU 301 of the multifunction machine C deletes the bibliographic information of the print data that has been deleted from the bibliographic information list (step S1108). The CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral C updates the print data list display based on the updated bibliographic information list after the deletion processing of all the print data for which deletion has been instructed (step S1109). The above is the description of the details of the deletion processing in the embodiment of the present invention of FIG.

  [FIG. 13] Example of data structure of user information table

  The user information table 1300 is a data table stored in the HDD 304 of each multifunction device 101. Using this information, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 101 identifies the user who has accepted the login request.

  The user ID 1301 is a data item in which identification information for uniquely identifying user information registered in the user information table 1300 is registered.

  The password 1302 is a data item in which a password required when the user performs login processing using a user ID is registered.

  The card ID 1303 is a data item in which a card ID for uniquely specifying an IC card possessed by a user managed by the record is registered. This card ID is used as authentication information when a user authentication process is performed in the multifunction machine. The above is an example of the data structure of the user information table in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

  [FIG. 14] Example of name information notification destination MFP list information

  Name information notification destination multifunction peripheral list information 1400 that is a notification destination name service list is created in advance by a system administrator or the like and stored in the HDD 304 of each multifunction peripheral 101.

  When the print data transmitted from the client apparatus 102 is received, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 101 transmits a name information registration request to the multifunction peripheral 101-2 registered in the name information notification destination multifunction peripheral list information 1400. To do. In the name information notification destination MFP list information 1400, information (for example, IP address) for specifying the MFP 101-2 is registered. The above is an example of the name information notification destination multifunction peripheral list information in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

  [FIG. 15] Example of data structure of name information file

  The name information file 1500 is stored in the storage device (RAM 302, HDD 304, etc.) of the multifunction peripheral (name service) 101-2.

  The name information file is: Which user 2. This is a data file for managing information on which MFP 101 print data that can be executed by MFPs belonging to which printer group is stored. For example, when there are 10 users and 5 printer groups, up to 50 name information files are generated.

  By setting the file name of the name information file 1500 to “user name-printer group”, the multifunction device in which the name information file 1500 stores print data that can be printed by which multifunction device of which printer group of which user is stored. Whether it is managed or not can be specified. The above is an explanation of an example of the data structure of the name information file in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

  [FIG. 16] Example of printer group management table

  This printer group management table 1600 manages information indicating which printer model belongs to which printer group. The printer group management table 1600 is stored in a storage device (such as the HDD 304) of the multifunction peripheral (name service) 101-2.

  A printer model 1601 is a data item in which printer model information is registered. The printer group 1602 is a data item in which information indicating which printer group the model (model) registered in the printer model 1601 belongs to is registered. The above is an explanation of an example of the printer group management table in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

  [FIG. 17] Example of data structure of bibliographic information data

  3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of bibliographic information data for managing bibliographic information of print data stored in each multifunction peripheral 101. FIG.

  When the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral 101 receives print data from the client apparatus 102, it extracts bibliographic information (user name, document name, printer model name, print settings, etc.) from the print data and manages it as bibliographic information data. The print data is given a file name according to a predetermined naming rule, stored in a predetermined area of the HDD 304, and the information is included in the bibliographic information data (file name described later), the bibliographic information data, the print data, Is associated.

(Data items of bibliographic information data)
The status is a data item in which the status of the print data is registered, and a status such as unprinted, printed, or deleted is set.

  The file name is a data item in which the file name of the print data is registered. The user name is a data item in which the user name of the user who has instructed printing of the print data is registered. The document name is a data item in which the file name of the file from which the print data is created is registered. The time stamp is a data item in which date / time information indicating the date / time when the print data was created is registered.

  The file size is a data item in which the file size of print data is registered. The number of copies is a data item in which the number of copies set by the client device for the print data is registered. The number of pages is a data item in which the number of pages of print data is registered.

  Double side / single side is a data item in which print setting information (double side / single side) for printing print data is registered. The print layout is a data item in which page layout information (Nin1) of print data is registered. The paper size is a data item in which the paper size used when printing the print data is registered.

  Color / monochrome is a data item in which information indicating whether the print data is monochrome print data or color print data is registered. Of course, other color settings (two colors, etc.) may be added. The host name is a data item in which information (for example, an IP address or the like) for specifying a multifunction machine in which print data is stored is registered. Normally, information for specifying a multifunction device that has received print data is registered.

  The printer model is a data item in which information indicating which printer model print data can be printed is registered. The above is an explanation of an example of the data structure of the bibliographic information data in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

  [FIG. 18] Example of stored print data operation screen

  The stored print data operation screen is an operation screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation unit of the multifunction machine 101 during the execution of the processing of FIG. Actually, it is displayed in step S916 of FIG.

  A print data list display unit 1801 is a display unit that displays a list of print data for which a logged-in user can issue a print instruction on the multifunction peripheral. Selection / non-selection of print data can be switched by a touch operation on the print data list display unit 1801. The information displayed here includes the document name, double-sided / single-sided, color / monochrome, print layout, paper size, number of pages, number of copies, time stamp, etc. in the bibliographic information.

  A delete button 1802 is a button used to input an instruction to delete the print data being selected in the print data list display unit 1801 to the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 101.

  A print start button 1803 is a button used to input a print execution instruction for print data currently selected in the print data list display unit 1801 to the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 101.

  A logout button 1804 is a button used to input a logout instruction to the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 101.

  An update button 1805 is a button used for requesting bibliographic information to the multifunction device A again. The above is an example of the accumulated print data operation screen in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

  Note that when print instructions are received for print data stored in another multifunction device that is not the logged-in multifunction device, PDL format print data is acquired from the other multifunction device, and once stored in the dedicated device's own memory. The print data stored in the logged-in multifunction device (already in the dedicated storage area) is processed in order to acquire and print the expanded data stored in the dedicated storage area after being expanded and stored in the area. Compared to the case of acquiring and printing (developed and stored data), printing takes longer time.

  In the description of the above-described embodiment, the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral C acquires the bibliographic information in the login user's own device acquired in step S902 in step S915 in FIG. The bibliographic information of all the MFPs that have been applied) is merged, and in step S916, the screen such as the stored print data operation screen of FIG. 18 is displayed on the display screen. Compared to the print data stored in the MFP (print data with a short time to print) and the print data stored in the logged-in MFP, other MFPs that take longer to print In order to easily check the stored print data, the print data (bibliographic information of the print data) stored in the MFP that is logged in MFP identifiably displayed and the print data stored in the other MFP not (bibliographic information of the print data) may be (identification) to.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, print data (bibliographic information) to be displayed on the print data list display unit is switched according to the selection state of “this device” button 2201, “all devices” 2202, and the identification (identification). Display). FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of an accumulated print data operation screen that displays only print data stored in a multifunction peripheral that displays a print data list.

  The “this device” button 2201 is a button for displaying only the print data (bibliographic information of the print data) stored in the multi-function peripheral displaying the stored print data operation screen 2200 on the display screen. A stored print data operation screen 2200 shown in FIG. 22 shows a state of a display screen when the “this device” button 2201 is in a selected state.

  The “all devices” 2202 displays print data (bibliographic information of print data) stored in the multifunction peripheral displaying the stored print data operation screen 2200 on the display screen, and other multifunction peripherals that are not the multifunction peripheral. It is a button for displaying (identifying and displaying) stored print data (bibliographic information of print data) in an identifiable manner.

  An example of the display screen when the “all devices” button is in the selected state is shown in FIG. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of an accumulated print data operation screen in which print data stored in a multi-function peripheral displaying a print data list and print data stored in another multi-function peripheral are displayed in an identifiable manner. .

  The icon 2101 of the accumulated print data operation screen 2100 shown in FIG. 21 indicates print data (bibliography) acquired from a multifunction device (other multifunction device) different from the multifunction device displaying the accumulated print data operation screen 2100. By displaying the icon, the print data is displayed to the user as data stored in the multifunction peripheral displaying the stored print data operation screen 2100, or the like. It is possible to confirm (identification display) whether the data is stored in the MFP.

  Here, a flow of print data storage location identification processing according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The process shown in FIG. 20 is executed as the detailed process of step S915 in FIG. 9 when displaying the stored print data operation screen 2100 in FIG. 21 on the display screen of the multifunction machine by accepting the login of the user to the multifunction machine. Process. The CPU 301 of the multifunction device C determines whether or not a list of all the bibliographic information requested to the multifunction device A has been acquired in step S909 of FIG. 9 (step S2001).

  Note that the requested multifunction device A in the bibliographic information list is the multifunction device indicated by the name information acquired in step S907, and the multifunction device C itself is included in the requested multifunction device A in the bibliographic information list (same as above). In some cases).

  If it is determined that a list of all the bibliographic information requested for the multifunction peripheral A has been acquired (YES in step S2001), the process proceeds to step S2002. If it is determined that the list of all the bibliographic information requested for the multifunction peripheral A has not been acquired (NO in step S2001), the process waits until the entire list of bibliographic information is acquired.

  For example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the request for bibliographic information in step S909, the process proceeds to step S2002 regardless of the presence or absence of unreceived (unacquired) bibliographic information.

  In addition, for the bibliographic information stored in the requested multi-function peripheral that returns an error response due to a communication failure or the like even if the communication request is transmitted a predetermined number of times, all the bibliographic information in the determination in step S2001 is performed. It shall not be included in the list.

  In other words, it has been received all the bibliographic information lists other than the bibliographic information list that cannot be acquired even after a predetermined time has passed, and the bibliographic information list that cannot be acquired from the storage device due to reasons such as communication failure. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step S2002.

  The CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral C integrates (merges) the bibliographic information list determined to have been received in step S2001 (step S2002), and sorts the print data in order of generation date (date order indicated by the time stamp) (step S2002). S2003).

  Then, one piece of bibliographic information is acquired from the list of the bibliographic information (step S2004), and it is determined whether or not the storage location of the print data indicated by the bibliographic information is another multifunction device other than the multifunction device C (step S2005). ). That is, for example, it is determined whether or not the host name of the bibliographic information (FIG. 17) is different from the host name of the multifunction device C (corresponding to the device specifying means).

If it is determined that the storage location of the print data indicated by the bibliographic information is another multi-function peripheral that is not the multi-function peripheral C (YES in step S2005), the print indicated by the bibliographic information in the print data list displayed on the display screen It is determined that an icon indicating that the print data is print data stored in another multifunction peripheral is added to the data (step S2006), and the process proceeds to step S2007.
The content of the determination (information indicating which bibliographic information the icon is assigned to) is temporarily stored in the storage area of the multifunction device C.
If it is determined that the storage location of the print data indicated by the bibliographic information is the multifunction machine C (NO in step S2005), the process proceeds to step S2007.

  The CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral C determines whether or not the processing of step S2005 and step S2006 has been executed for all the bibliographic information merged in step S2003 (step S2007), and if unprocessed bibliographic information remains (in step S2007). NO), the process returns to step S2004, and if the above process has been applied to all bibliographic information (YES in step S2007), the process ends.

  In step S916 of FIG. 9, a screen such as the accumulated print data operation screen 2100 of FIG. 21 is displayed with the icon added to the column of print data stored in another multifunction device that is not the multifunction device C. It is displayed on the screen (step S916).

  This allows the user to print more time than print data stored in the logged-in multifunction device (print data with a short time until printing) and print data stored in the logged-in multifunction device. It is possible to easily check print data stored in another multifunction machine.

  In addition, when pressing of the “this device” button on the stored print data operation screen 2200 is accepted, the “this device” button is selected, and only the print data (bibliographic information of the print data) stored in the multifunction device C is selected. List (accumulated print data operation screen 2300 shown in FIG. 23). The accumulated print data operation screen 2300 is generated from the bibliographic information list information acquired from the multifunction machine C and displayed on the display screen.

  Further, when pressing of the “all devices” button is accepted on the accumulated print data operation screen 2300, the “all devices” button is selected, and the display screen is returned to the accumulated print data operation screen 2200.

  In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that an icon is added to the column of print data stored in another multifunction device that is not a logged-in multifunction device, but whether the location of the print data is a logged-in multifunction device or not. It is only necessary to display (present) such that the print data is stored in the logged-in multifunction device in the column of the print data stored in the logged-in multifunction device. An icon indicating that the print data is stored in the logged-in multifunction device is assigned, and a screen is generated so that no icon is assigned to the print data column stored in another multifunction device. And may be displayed.

  Also, for example, an icon indicating that the print data is stored in the logged-in multifunction device is assigned to the column of print data stored in the logged-in multifunction device, and printing stored in another multifunction device is performed. A screen may be generated and displayed so that an icon indicating that the print data is stored in another multifunction device is added to the data column.

  In addition, depending on whether or not the storage location of the print data displayed in the print data list is a login multifunction device, the print data display column (display field) in the print data list is displayed in a different color. It may be. (For example, the column of print data stored in the MFP that is logged in is displayed in white, the column of print data stored in another MFP is displayed in gray, etc.)

  In the embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 20, first, the accumulated print data operation screen 2100 is displayed on the display screen. By selecting the “all devices” button or the “this device” button, the accumulated print data operation screen is displayed. For example, the screen information of the accumulated print data operation screen 2200 is generated before the print data list display process in step S916 in FIG. The data operation screen 2200 may be displayed on the display screen.

  Further, the screen of the accumulated print data operation screen 2200 is not generated, and only the screen information of the accumulated print data operation screen 2100 is generated without displaying the “all devices” button and the “this device” button. You may make it display.

  Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, in the embodiment of the present invention, the print data storage process (FIG. 23) when the multi-function peripheral receives print data, and the multi-function peripheral is received from another multi-function peripheral. Processing for acquiring print data and printing (FIG. 24) will be described.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an outline of print data storage processing when the MFP receives print data in the embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, the functions of the main body functions shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 and the processing to be executed are the same as the existing storage area (shared storage area / other multifunction peripherals other than the own apparatus) of the multifunction peripheral. This is a function that has been conventionally installed in the MFP, except for the processing of storing the data in a storage area that can be accessed in the same format.

  In other words, by setting each application in the multifunction peripheral, it is possible to realize sharing of print data with other multifunction peripherals without physically replacing the multifunction peripheral conventionally used by the user.

  (1) The CPU 201 of the client PC 102 uses the printer driver dedicated to the image forming system stored in the client PC 102 to generate a job owner name (cannot be changed) and print data with save setting = “save”. 2) Send to MFP 101-1.

  (3) The CPU 301 (main body function) of the multifunction machine 101-1 receives the data format when the received print data is assigned the job owner name and the print data is “Save” = “Save”. (PDL format) is stored in the shared storage area. (4) The print data is expanded and stored in a dedicated storage area (a storage area accessible only to the own apparatus).

  (5) The CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 101-1 (main body function), for example, LPR printing (print attribute information that is not accompanied by print attribute information and does not include a job owner name), such as printing from a core system, etc. For (), printing in the direct printing mode is executed, and other print data that is not a storage target of each storage area is deleted.

  (6) The shared storage area for storing the print data (PDL) stored in the shared storage area in association with the thumbnails of the CPU 301 (data management service) of the multifunction machine 101-1. Move to another partition (folder).

  (7) In addition, the CPU 301 (data management service) of the multifunction machine 101-1 monitors the dedicated storage area, and print data is expanded and stored in the dedicated storage area (or stored and expanded). ) To acquire the print data (developd image data).

  (8) The CPU 301 (data management service) of the multifunction machine 101-1 generates a thumbnail from the acquired image data and associates it with print data stored in another section (folder) in the shared storage area. Remember. Since the image data and the PDL data are in a relationship before and after development, for example, collation and association can be performed using information such as a job ID.

  (9) The CPU 301 (data management service) of the multifunction machine 101-1 generates bibliographic information from the acquired print data and stores it in the bibliographic information storage area. (10) In addition, the MFP 101-2 is notified that the storage of the print data has been completed (name information and user identification information including the IP address of the own apparatus storing the print data), and (11) the MFP 101 -2 CPU 301 (name service) stores the received name information in association with the user identification information in the name information storage area.

  The user identification information is information for identifying the user who has received the print data from the client PC 102 and instructed to generate the print data.

  The above is the description of the outline of the print data storing process when the MFP receives the print data in the embodiment of the present invention of FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 24, an overview of processing in which the multifunction peripheral acquires print data from another multifunction peripheral and prints in the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  (1) The multifunction machine 101-1 (stored print execution service) obtains user login information (information including user identification information), and obtains name information corresponding to the user information from the multifunction machine 101-2. .

  Here, it is assumed that the acquired name information indicates another multifunction device. (2) The multifunction machine 101-1 (stored print execution service) acquires bibliographic information corresponding to the user identification information from the bibliographic information storage area of the other multifunction machine indicated by the name information, and (3) the bibliographic information. Are obtained from the shared storage area of the other multi-function peripheral, and (4) a list is displayed together with the thumbnails.

  (5) The multifunction machine 101-1 (stored print execution service) acquires the print data for which a print instruction has been received from the user from the shared storage area of the other multifunction machine, and (6) The storage destination is rewritten to a printing box in the shared storage area, and printing is instructed to the MFP main body (FTP printing is performed).

  (7) The multifunction machine 101-1 (main body function) stores the print data instructed to be printed in the shared storage area (print box) in its own device in the PDL format, and (8) the printing The data is expanded and stored in a dedicated storage area in the own device.

  (8) When the MFP 101-1 (accumulated print execution service) accepts a change in print settings when accepting a print instruction, the multifunction peripheral 101-1 responds to print data stored in a dedicated storage area in the own apparatus. Change the print settings.

  (9) The multifunction machine 101-1 (main body function) prints the print data in which the print setting is changed.

  (10) The multi-function machine 101-1 (accumulated print execution service) deletes the print data (PDL) from which the printed print data has been expanded from the shared storage area (print box) of its own device, and prints The deleted data (expanded data) is deleted from the dedicated storage area of the own device. The above is the description of the outline of the processing of the MFP according to the embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 24 for acquiring and printing the print data from the other MFP.

  As a result, the function of the main body of the image forming apparatus is greatly improved by utilizing the function of the “image forming apparatus that expands and stores the print data, acquires the expanded print data, and prints” already used by the user. Without any modification, print data stored in any image forming apparatus can be printed by a desired image forming apparatus.

  Here, the process in which the MFP acquires print data from another MFP and prints has been described. For example, when the MFP indicated by the name information is its own device, the CPU 301 of the MFP 101-1. Acquires the bibliographic information corresponding to the user identification information from the bibliographic information storage area in its own apparatus, and acquires the thumbnail of the print data indicated by the bibliographic information from the shared storage area of its own apparatus ((( 3)), a list is displayed on the display screen ((4) of FIG. 24).

  Here, the thumbnails already stored in the shared storage area are acquired, but it is only necessary to be able to acquire thumbnails to be displayed on the display screen, and the method for acquiring the thumbnails is not limited to this. . For example, the CPU 301 (stored print execution service) of the multifunction machine 101-1 acquires image data (developd print data) stored in a dedicated storage area in its own apparatus, newly generates thumbnails, and displays a list. You may make it display.

  Also, when a print instruction for print data stored in the own apparatus is received, the expanded print data stored in the dedicated storage area of the own apparatus is acquired and printed ((5) in FIG. 24). ) And FTP transmission to the main body of the multifunction machine 101-1 ((6) in FIG. 24).

  Since the print data stored in the dedicated storage area of the own apparatus has been developed as described above, the processing is faster than when print data is acquired from another multifunction device and printed.

  In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the print data for which the print instruction has been received is printed in the order of the generation date (time stamp) of the print data. Since printing of the print data stored in the other multifunction device is not longer than printing of the print data stored in the own device (logged-in multifunction device), for example, it is stored in the own device. Print data stored in the other device is preferentially printed, and the print data stored in the other device is acquired while printing the print data stored in the own device. Then, it may be expanded and saved in a dedicated storage area to prepare for printing.

  For example, a print order setting file is stored in advance in a storage area such as an external memory of the multifunction machine 101-1, and the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 101-1 sets the setting contents of the print order setting file to “date / time order”. In the case of “print”, steps S1002 to 1013 are performed in order of the date and time of the print data instructed to be printed (in order of time stamp) to the print data for which the print instruction has been received and the storage destination multifunction peripheral of the print data. The process of step S1015 is executed.

  On the other hand, when the setting content of the print order setting file indicates “speed priority printing”, the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 101-1 has the print data storage destination in the print data instructed for printing in step S <b> 1001. The print data (bibliographic information) that is the device itself is specified, and Steps S1002 to S1013 are executed in order from the print data whose storage destination is the device itself.

  When the setting content of the print order setting file indicates “speed priority printing”, the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 101-1 performs the processes of steps S <b> 1002 to S <b> 1013 on the print data whose storage destination is the self apparatus. On the other hand, the processes in steps S1901 to S1914 in FIG. 19 are executed on the print data whose storage destination is another apparatus in parallel.

  In other words, while printing the print data (developed print data) stored in its own device, the print data is acquired from the other device, developed and stored in its own storage area, and the print instruction After printing all the received print data in the own device, it is possible to acquire the print data acquired from other devices (stored in the dedicated storage area of the own device) and print it. prepare.

  The CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 101-1 determines whether or not the processing of steps S <b> 1002 to S <b> 1013 has been executed for all the print data stored in the self apparatus that has been instructed to print after step S <b> 1013. If the processing for all the print data stored in the self apparatus for which the printing instruction has been issued has not been completed, the process returns to step S1001, and the remaining printing instructions are stored in the self apparatus for which the printing instruction has been issued. The processing of steps S1002 to S1013 is executed for the print data.

  If it is determined that the processing has been completed for all the print data stored in the self apparatus for which the print instruction has been issued, the process returns to step S1001 and the print instruction has been stored in the other apparatus. Print data that has already been expanded and stored in the dedicated storage area of the own apparatus is acquired in order of date and time, and the processing of steps S1915 to S1928 in FIG. 19 is executed.

  After step S1015, the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 101-1 determines whether or not all the print data has been printed. If it is determined that all the print data has not been printed, the CPU 301 performs the process. Returning to step 1001, if it is determined that the printing process for all print data has been completed, the process proceeds to step S1014.

  As a result, it is possible to shorten the time required to print the print data stored in the other apparatus, as compared with the case where the print data is acquired in the order not considering the storage location of the print data and expanded and printed as necessary. And the speed of the entire printing process can be improved.

  Note that, for example, the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 101-1 shows the case where the setting content of the setting file for the printing order indicates “speed priority printing”, and when the print instruction is received in step S 807 of FIG. When the selection screen for executing the speed priority printing is displayed on the display screen and an instruction to press the “OK” button 2501 is received, the above-described priority printing of the print data stored in the own apparatus is executed. When an instruction to press the “NG” button 2502 is received, the printing of the print data in the date order described above may be executed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus, the image forming system, and the like that print the print data stored in the image forming apparatus from the desired image forming apparatus while reducing the processing load of the image forming apparatus. The control method and program can be provided.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus, the printing system, and the application that develop and store the print data that the user is currently using and acquire and print the expanded print data are newly added to the image forming apparatus and the print, respectively. Even if print data stored in any image forming apparatus can be executed on a desired image forming apparatus without replacing the system and application, there is an effect.

  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.

  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 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.

101-1 MFP 101-2 MFP 102 Client device 103 LAN

Claims (14)

An image forming apparatus including a storage unit having a first storage area for storing print data in a description language format and a second storage area for expanding the print data in the description language format and storing it in an image data format. ,
If the print data for which the print instruction has been received from the operation unit is print data stored in the image forming apparatus, the print data in the image data format stored in the second storage area is stored in the print unit. Control means for controlling output;
If the print data that has received a print instruction from the operation unit is print data that is not stored in the image forming apparatus, the first image forming apparatus that is an external image forming apparatus that stores the print data Request means for making an acquisition request for the print data,
When a print data acquisition request is received by receiving a print instruction from an operation unit of an external image forming apparatus, print data in a description language format stored in the first storage area is requested Transmitting means for transmitting to the external image forming apparatus;
An image forming apparatus comprising: A transmission for transmitting to the second image forming apparatus, which is an external image forming apparatus, specific information for specifying the image forming apparatus storing the print data in order to notify that the print data has been received and stored. Means,
List request means for requesting the second image forming apparatus to list the image forming apparatus in which the print data is stored in order to print the print data;
With
In response to a request from the list request unit, the request unit uses the list received from the second image forming apparatus to identify the print data not stored in the image forming apparatus from the specific information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a request is made to the first image forming apparatus in which the print data is stored.   When the storage means receives print data, the storage means stores the received print data in the first storage area in a description language format, and subsequently expands the print data to generate an image in the second storage area. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is stored in a data format.   Even when the storage means expands and stores the print data in the second storage area, the storage means stores the print data in the description language format stored in the first storage area as the external image. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus stores the print data without deleting it in response to a print instruction request for print data from the forming apparatus. 5.   The first storage area is an area from which the print data can be acquired by accessing from the external image forming apparatus, and the second storage area is accessed from the external image forming apparatus to obtain the print data. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured as an area from which the image cannot be acquired. Thumbnail storage means for storing thumbnail image data of print data stored in the second storage area in association with print data stored in the first storage area;
In response to a request for bibliographic information of print data stored in the first storage area, the thumbnail acquisition that acquires bibliographic information and thumbnail image data corresponding to the print data indicated by the bibliographic information from the first storage area Means,
Thumbnail transmission means for transmitting the thumbnail image data acquired by the thumbnail acquisition means and the bibliographic information to the requesting image forming apparatus that requested the bibliographic information;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: Print data list acquisition means for acquiring a list of print data from the image forming apparatus itself or the first image forming apparatus;
Device specifying means for specifying in which device each print data is stored in the list of print data acquired by the print data list acquiring means;
Identification display for displaying a list of the print data on a display screen so that it is possible to identify whether the device storing each print data specified by the device specifying means is the image forming device or the first image forming device. Means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The identification display means adds an icon indicating that the print data is stored in the image forming apparatus to the print data specified by the apparatus specifying means as being stored in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a list of the print data is displayed on a display screen.   The identification display means includes the print data specified as being stored in the first image forming apparatus by the apparatus specifying means, and the print data is stored in the first image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a list of the print data is displayed on a display screen with an icon to be displayed.   The identification display means is a list display of print data specified as being stored in the image forming apparatus by the apparatus specifying means, and is stored in the first image forming apparatus by the apparatus specifying means. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a list display of the specified print data is switchably displayed.   The identification display means is a list display of print data specified as being stored in the image forming apparatus by the apparatus specifying means, and is stored in the first image forming apparatus by the apparatus specifying means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a list display of the specified print data is displayed in a switchable manner. Control method for an image forming apparatus including a storage unit having a first storage area for storing print data in a description language format and a second storage area for expanding the print data in the description language format and storing it in an image data format Because
If the print data for which the control unit has received a print instruction from the operation unit is print data stored in the image forming apparatus, the print data in the image data format stored in the second storage area Control process for controlling output to the printing unit;
When the print data for which the requesting unit has received a print instruction from the operation unit is print data that is not stored in the image forming apparatus, the request unit is a first external image forming apparatus that stores the print data. A request process for making an acquisition request for the print data to the image forming apparatus,
When the transmission unit receives a print data acquisition request by receiving a print instruction from the operation unit of the external image forming apparatus, the print data in the description language format stored in the first storage area is A transmission step of transmitting to the requested external image forming apparatus;
A control method for an image forming apparatus. Executed by an image forming apparatus including a storage unit having a first storage area for storing print data in a description language format and a second storage area for expanding the print data in the description language format and storing it in an image data format. A possible program,
The image forming apparatus;
If the print data for which the print instruction has been received from the operation unit is print data stored in the image forming apparatus, the print data in the image data format stored in the second storage area is stored in the print unit. Control means for controlling output;
If the print data that has received a print instruction from the operation unit is print data that is not stored in the image forming apparatus, the first image forming apparatus that is an external image forming apparatus that stores the print data Request means for making an acquisition request for the print data,
When a print data acquisition request is received by receiving a print instruction from an operation unit of an external image forming apparatus, print data in a description language format stored in the first storage area is requested A program for an image forming apparatus, which functions as a transmission unit for transmitting to the external image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus comprising: a storage unit having a first storage area for storing print data in a description language format; and a second storage area for expanding the print data in the description language format and storing it in an image data format; A first image forming apparatus that stores print data that is not stored in the image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus that stores specific information for specifying the first image forming apparatus can communicate with each other. A connected image forming system,
The image forming apparatus includes:
If the print data for which the print instruction has been received from the operation unit is the print data stored in the image forming apparatus, the print data in the image data format stored in the second storage area is stored in the print unit. Control means for controlling output;
When the print data for which the print instruction has been received from the operation unit is print data that is not stored in the image forming apparatus, the image formation that is received from the second image forming apparatus and that stores the print data Requesting means for making an acquisition request for the print data to the first image forming apparatus according to a list of apparatuses;
When a print data acquisition request is received by receiving a print instruction from an operation unit of an external image forming apparatus, print data in a description language format stored in the first storage area is requested Transmitting means for transmitting to the external image forming apparatus;
With
The second image forming apparatus includes:
Specific information receiving means for receiving specific information for specifying the image forming apparatus storing the print data;
A list request accepting unit for accepting a list request of image forming apparatuses in which the print data is stored;
In response to the list request received by the list request receiving means, a list transmission means for transmitting a list of image forming apparatuses in which the print data is stored to the image forming apparatus that requested the list request;
It is characterized by providing.

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