JP2014179909A - Image formation device, network system, method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation device for causing another image formation device to perform substitute printing with less time and effort, when printing cannot be performed.SOLUTION: The image formation device comprises: a job acquisition unit for acquiring a print job which includes print data from an image processing device through a network on the basis of user operation; a printing unit for printing a print job acquired on the basis of user operation; a search unit for, when the print job cannot be performed, searching for another image formation device capable of performing substitute printing, by short-range radio communication; and a substitute printing request unit for requesting substitute printing by transmitting substitute printing information for acquiring the print job from the information processing device to perform printing, to another image formation device searched by the search unit, by short-range radio communication.

Description

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

  In recent years, a technique called location-free printing using an authentication server and a print server has been used in offices. In location-free printing, a print job is transmitted from a client terminal to a print server via a network, stored in the print server, and stored in the server when a user performs a print operation on a printing apparatus connected to the network. A technology that prints jobs. According to such location-free printing, the user can print from any printing device connected to the network.

  However, when printing is not possible due to a malfunction of the printing apparatus, the user must input authentication information and print settings again after moving to another printing apparatus, which is very troublesome.

  In addition, there is a function called proxy printing in which printing is performed by another printing apparatus when printing cannot be performed due to some abnormality in the printing apparatus connected to the network. However, when proxy printing is performed by a printing device that is physically far away, there is a risk of information leakage due to being taken by a third party and taken away at the same time.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is an object of the present invention to perform proxy printing with another image forming apparatus with less effort when printing cannot be performed with the image forming apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a job acquisition unit that acquires a print job including print data from an information processing apparatus via a network based on a user operation; A printing unit that prints the print job acquired based on the user's operation; a search unit that searches for another image forming apparatus capable of proxy printing by short-range wireless communication when the print job cannot be printed; and the search Proxy requesting proxy printing to another image forming apparatus searched by a copy unit by transmitting proxy print information for acquiring and printing the print job from the information processing apparatus by the short-range wireless communication And a print request unit.

  According to the present invention, when printing cannot be performed with the image forming apparatus, it is possible to perform proxy printing with another image forming apparatus with less effort.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job stored in the data storage unit of the print server. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of proxy printing information transmitted to another image forming apparatus by short-range wireless communication. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the printing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a specific processing sequence of the printing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of proxy printing information according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a specific processing sequence of the printing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system 10 according to the first embodiment. The printing system 10 includes at least one client terminal 20, a print server 30 (data storage system), and a plurality of image forming apparatuses 40.

  At least one client terminal 20, the print server 30, and the plurality of image forming apparatuses 40 are connected via a network 70. The network 70 constitutes a normal communication line when devices are connected by, for example, wired or wireless, and printing processing is performed in the printing system 10.

  Here, the printing system 10 can execute a printing process by a method called location-free printing. That is, the client terminal 20 transmits a print job including print data to the print server 30 via the network 70 and causes the print server 30 to store the print job. Then, the image forming apparatus 40 acquires the print job stored in the print server 30 via the network 70 according to the user's print operation, and prints the print job. According to such location-free printing, the user can print from any image forming apparatus 40 connected to the network 70.

  The client terminal 20 is a computer used by a user. The client terminal 20 transmits, for example, a print job created by executing a program to the print server 30 via the network 70.

  The print server 30 is an example of a data storage system, and receives and stores a print job transmitted from the client terminal 20. Further, the print server 30 receives a print job acquisition request from the image forming apparatus 40 and returns a designated print job. The print server 30 may be configured by a single information processing apparatus or may be configured by a plurality of information processing apparatuses.

  The print server 30 includes a communication unit 31, a data management unit 32, and a data storage unit 33. The communication unit 31 receives a print job from the client terminal 20 via the network 70 and transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus 40. The data management unit 32 stores the print job in the data storage unit 33 and reads the print job from the data storage unit 33. The data storage unit 33 stores a print job.

  Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 40 is an apparatus having a function of connecting to the network 70 and a printing function. Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 40 may be a multi-function machine having at least one of a scanner function, a facsimile function, and a copy function together with a print function.

  Each image forming apparatus 40 acquires a print job including print data from the print server 30 via the network 70 based on a user's print operation. Each image forming apparatus 40 prints the acquired print job.

  Further, the plurality of image forming apparatuses 40 are installed in different places. For example, they are installed on different floors in an office or at different locations on the same floor.

  Here, each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 40 can communicate with other image forming apparatuses 40 by short-range wireless communication. Specifically, each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 40 can communicate within a certain range with a limited effective range, for example, a short distance such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Wireless communication can be performed. Thereby, each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 40 can communicate with the other image forming apparatuses 40 disposed within the effective range of the short-range wireless communication via the wireless communication line.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the printing system 10 includes six image forming apparatuses 40-A, 40-B, 40-C, 40-D, 40-X, and 40-Y. In this example, the image forming apparatus 40-A can perform short-range wireless communication with the image forming apparatuses 40-B, 40-C, and 40-D, but the image forming apparatuses 40-X and 40-Y. Cannot do near field communication.

  Each of the image forming apparatuses 40 includes a normal communication unit 51, a wireless communication unit 52, a state detection unit 53, a substitution device search unit 54, a substitution print request unit 55, a substitution request acquisition unit 56, and a job acquisition unit. 57, an input unit 58, a display unit 59, and a printing unit 60.

  The normal communication unit 51 communicates with the print server 30 via the network 70 to acquire a print job.

  The wireless communication unit 52 performs short-range wireless communication with other image forming apparatuses 40 within the effective range of short-range wireless communication. The wireless communication unit 52 transmits a search signal for searching for another image forming apparatus 40 that performs proxy printing, or receives a response signal for the search signal. Further, the wireless communication unit 52 transmits an inquiry about whether or not proxy printing is possible to other image forming apparatuses 40, receives an inquiry result, and transmits proxy printing information to the other image forming apparatuses 40.

  Further, the wireless communication unit 52 receives a search signal from another image forming apparatus 40 or transmits a response signal. Further, the wireless communication unit 52 receives an inquiry about whether or not proxy printing is possible, transmits an inquiry result, or receives proxy printing information from another image forming apparatus 40.

  The state detection unit 53 detects whether or not the image forming apparatus 40 is in a printable state. Whether or not its own image forming apparatus 40 is in a printable state is whether or not it is possible to perform printing while satisfying the print condition setting at the time of executing a print job. There are cases where the functions of the hardware and software related to the printing of the printer do not operate normally, or there are no functions (such as a stapling function) or equipment (ink, toner, paper, etc.) for satisfying the printing condition settings.

  The proxy device search unit 54 searches for the presence / absence of another image forming device 40 capable of proxy printing through short-range wireless communication via the wireless communication unit 52. Further, when there is another image forming apparatus 40, the substitute apparatus searching unit 54 inquires of the other image forming apparatus 40 whether or not substitute printing is possible through short-range wireless communication via the wireless communication unit 52. Thus, it is determined whether or not proxy printing is possible. The proxy device search unit 54 receives the inquiry result from the other wireless communication unit 52 via the wireless communication unit 52 through the short-range wireless communication, and determines whether proxy printing by the other image forming apparatus 40 is possible. .

  The proxy printing request unit 55 transmits the proxy printing information by short-range wireless communication via the wireless communication unit 52 to the other image forming apparatus 40 capable of proxy printing searched by the proxy device searching unit 54. Request proxy printing.

  When the proxy request acquisition unit 56 receives an inquiry for proxy printing from another image forming apparatus 40 through short-range wireless communication, the proxy request acquisition unit 56 determines whether proxy printing is possible, and displays an inquiry result as to whether printing is possible. The image is transmitted to another image forming apparatus 40 by short-range wireless communication.

  When the user performs a printing operation, the job acquisition unit 57 acquires a print job designated by the user from the print server 30 via the network 70. Further, when the proxy print information is received via the short-range wireless communication, the job acquisition unit 57 acquires the print job indicated in the proxy print information from the print server 30 via the network 70.

  The input unit 58 inputs a user's printing operation. The input unit 58 also inputs an instruction operation for requesting proxy printing by the user. The display unit 59 displays whether or not proxy printing is possible or displays the position of another image forming apparatus 40 that has performed proxy printing. The printing unit 60 prints the print job acquired by the job acquisition unit 57 on paper and outputs it.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job stored in the data storage unit 33 of the print server 30. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the data storage unit 33 of the print server 30 stores a print job in which a job ID and job data (print data) are associated with each other. The image forming apparatus 40 can acquire the specified print job via the network 70 by specifying the job ID.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of proxy printing information transmitted to another image forming apparatus 40 by short-range wireless communication. When requesting proxy printing to another image forming apparatus 40, the proxy printing request unit 55 transmits proxy printing information including a job ID as shown in FIG. 3 by short-range wireless communication. Accordingly, the other image forming apparatus 40 that has acquired the proxy print information can acquire the designated print job from the print server 30 via the network 70 without directly receiving the input of the job ID from the user. .

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the printing system 10 according to the first embodiment. With reference to FIG. 4, a processing flow in a case where the image forming apparatus 40 that has been subjected to a printing operation by the user requests proxy printing to another image forming apparatus 40 will be described. Here, the image forming apparatus 40 (the image forming apparatus 40 that requests substitution printing) on which the user performs a printing operation is referred to as the first image forming apparatus 40-1, and the image forming apparatus 40 that receives the substitution printing request. This is referred to as a second image forming apparatus 40-2.

  First, in step S11, when the user inputs a job ID or the like and starts printing, the state detection unit 53 of the first image forming apparatus 40-1 detects whether or not printing is possible.

  Subsequently, in step S12, the state detection unit 53 of the first image forming apparatus 40-1 determines whether the print job can be printed. If the print job can be printed (Yes in step S12), then in step S13, the job acquisition unit 57 of the first image forming apparatus 40-1 receives the print server 30 via the network 70 based on the user's operation. Get a print job. In step S <b> 14, the printing unit 60 of the first image forming apparatus 40-1 prints the print job acquired based on the user operation, and ends this flow.

  On the other hand, if the print job cannot be printed (No in step S12), then, in step S15, the substitute device search unit 54 of the first image forming apparatus 40-1 performs other operations within the effective range of the short-range wireless communication. The image forming apparatus 40 is searched.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 16, the substitute device search unit 54 of the first image forming apparatus 40-1 is another image that has not yet been inquired about whether or not substitute printing is possible among the other image forming apparatuses 40 that have been searched. It is determined whether or not the forming apparatus 40 exists.

  If there is no other image forming apparatus 40 that has not made an inquiry (No in step S16), then in step S17, the display unit 59 of the first image forming apparatus 40-1 indicates that printing is not possible. Display and end this flow.

  If there is another image forming apparatus 40 that has not made an inquiry (Yes in step S16), then, in step S18, the proxy device search unit 54 of the first image forming apparatus 40-1 makes an inquiry. An inquiry is made as to whether or not substitute printing is possible by short-range wireless communication to another image forming apparatus 40 that is not present, and it is detected whether or not printing is possible.

  The proxy request acquisition unit 56 of the other image forming apparatus 40 that has received the inquiry determines whether or not proxy printing is possible, and transmits the inquiry result to the first image forming apparatus 40-1 by short-range wireless communication. In this case, the proxy request acquisition unit 56 of the other image forming apparatus 40 that has received the inquiry transmits that the proxy printing is possible and the position information of the proxy request acquiring unit 56 when the proxy printing is possible.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 19, the proxy device search unit 54 of the first image forming apparatus 40-1 determines whether or not the other image forming apparatus 40 that has inquired can perform proxy printing. If proxy printing cannot be performed (No in step S19), the proxy device search unit 54 of the first image forming apparatus 40-1 returns the process to step S15 and repeats the processing from step S15. If the other image forming apparatus 40 that has inquired can perform proxy printing (Yes in step S19), the proxy apparatus search unit 54 of the first image forming apparatus 40-1 advances the process to step S20.

  Subsequently, in step S20, the display unit 59 of the first image forming apparatus 40-1 displays the position of another image forming apparatus 40 (second image forming apparatus 40-2) that can perform proxy printing. The user waits for an instruction to start proxy printing.

  Subsequently, when receiving an instruction to start proxy printing by the user, in step S21, the proxy printing request unit 55 of the first image forming apparatus 40-1 performs proxy printing including a job ID for specifying a print job to be printed. The information is transmitted to the second image forming apparatus 40-2 by short-range wireless communication, and the second image forming apparatus 40-2 is requested to perform proxy printing. On the other hand, the proxy request acquisition unit 56 of the second image forming apparatus 40-2 acquires the proxy print request transmitted from the first image forming apparatus 40-1 by short-range wireless communication.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 22, the job acquisition unit 57 of the second image forming apparatus 40-2 acquires a print job specified by the job ID included in the proxy print information from the print server 30 via the network 70. . Subsequently, in step S23, the printing unit 60 of the second image forming apparatus 40-2 prints the print job acquired based on the proxy print information.

  Subsequently, in step S24, the wireless communication unit 52 of the second image forming apparatus 40-2 transmits the printing result of the proxy printing to the first image forming apparatus 40-1 by short-range wireless communication. The wireless communication unit 52 of the first image forming apparatus 40-1 receives the result of proxy printing from the second image forming apparatus 40-2 by short-range wireless communication. Then, the display unit 59 of the first image forming apparatus 40-1 displays the result of the proxy printing and ends this flow.

  In step S <b> 15, the proxy device search unit 54 searches for one or more other image forming devices 40 capable of short-range wireless communication for other image forming devices 40 that can perform proxy printing in order of increasing distance. May be. Accordingly, the proxy printing request unit 55 can request proxy printing to another image forming apparatus 40 closer to the first image forming apparatus 40-1.

  In the processing from step S15 to step S19, when the proxy device search unit 54 detects one or more other image forming devices 40 that can perform proxy printing, the proxy device search unit 54 selects the other image forming device 40 detected on the display unit 59. A list may be displayed. In this case, in step S <b> 21, the proxy printing request unit 55 requests proxy printing to one of the other image forming apparatuses 40 selected by the user from the list. Accordingly, the proxy printing request unit 55 can request proxy printing to another image forming apparatus 40 at a position desired by the user.

  In the process of step S18, the proxy device search unit 54 may inquire whether printing is possible in the print settings of the print job. For example, when the color is set as the print setting or a special paper size is set, the proxy device search unit 54 can print in the color or can print with the specified paper size. Ask if it is. As a result, the proxy printing request unit 55 can cause other image forming apparatuses 40 to perform proxy printing with the print settings of the print job.

  In step S23, the printing unit 60 of the second image forming apparatus 40-2 may print the print job acquired based on the proxy print information after a predetermined time has elapsed after acquiring the proxy print request. Good. Accordingly, the printing unit 60 of the second image forming apparatus 40-2 performs printing while the user moves from the position of the first image forming apparatus 40-1 to the position of the second image forming apparatus 40-2. It is possible to reduce the possibility that the used paper is seen by others.

  In step S23, the printing unit 60 of the second image forming apparatus 40-2 performs a proxy operation after the user performs a predetermined operation on the input unit 58 of the second image forming apparatus 40-2. A print job acquired based on the print information may be printed. Also in this case, the printing unit 60 of the second image forming apparatus 40-2 moves while the user moves from the position of the first image forming apparatus 40-1 to the position of the second image forming apparatus 40-2. The possibility that the printed paper is seen by others can be reduced.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a specific processing sequence of the printing system 10 according to the first embodiment.

  First, in step S <b> 101, the first image forming apparatus 40-1 receives an operation for starting printing of a print job acquired from the print server 30. Subsequently, in step S <b> 102, the first image forming apparatus 40-1 detects whether or not it can print a print job acquired from the print server 30. When it is detected that printing is impossible, in step S103, the first image forming apparatus 40-1 inquires the other image forming apparatus 40 whether or not substitute printing is possible.

  In step S104, the other image forming apparatus 40 that has received the proxy printing inquiry detects whether it can print. If the proxy is not possible, the other image forming apparatus 40 that has received the inquiry notifies that the proxy printing is rejected as a result of the inquiry in step S105.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 106, the first image forming apparatus 40-1 inquires of another image forming apparatus 40 whether or not substitute printing is possible. In step S107, the other image forming apparatus 40 that has received the proxy printing inquiry detects whether it can print. If the proxy is possible, the other image forming apparatus 40 that has received the inquiry notifies in step S108 that the proxy printing is approved as a result of the inquiry.

  Subsequently, in step S109, the first image forming apparatus 40-1 displays the position of the other image forming apparatus 40 (second image forming apparatus 40-2) that has approved the proxy printing. Subsequently, in step S110, the first image forming apparatus 40-1 transmits proxy print information to the second image forming apparatus 40-2.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 111, the second image forming apparatus 40-2 acquires a print job from the print server 30. Subsequently, in step S112, the second image forming apparatus 40-2 prints the print job. Subsequently, in step S113, the second image forming apparatus 40-2 notifies the first image forming apparatus 40-1 of the print result. In step S114, the first image forming apparatus 40-1 displays the result of the proxy printing.

  As described above, in the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment, even if the user performs a printing operation on an image forming apparatus 40 and the image forming apparatus 40 cannot print, the other image forming apparatus can be performed without trouble. 40 can perform proxy printing.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the printing system 10 according to the second embodiment. The printing system 10 according to the second embodiment has substantially the same function and configuration as the printing system 10 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, regarding the printing system 10 according to the second embodiment, members having substantially the same functions and configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and detailed description thereof will be omitted except for differences.

  The printing system 10 according to the second embodiment includes a plurality of print servers 30 (30-1 and 30-2). Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 40 can acquire and print a print job from each of the plurality of print servers 30 by one printing operation.

  The image forming apparatus 40 according to the second embodiment further includes an authentication unit 71 and a print setting change unit 72. The authentication unit 71 authenticates a user who performs a printing operation by inputting a user name and a password. As a result, the image forming apparatus 40 can check whether the print job is created by the user and print it, thereby improving security.

  The print setting changing unit 72 changes the print setting at the time of creating a print job in accordance with a user operation. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 40 can change the print setting at the time of creating the print job by the user's operation at the time of printing and perform printing. For example, even when color printing is set when a print job is created, the image forming apparatus 40 can perform printing by changing to black and white printing by a user operation during printing.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of proxy printing information transmitted to another image forming apparatus 40 by short-range wireless communication in the second embodiment. When requesting proxy printing to another image forming apparatus 40, the proxy print request unit 55 receives proxy print information including a print server URL, job ID, user ID, password, and print settings as shown in FIG. Send by near field communication.

  The print server URL indicates the address of the print server 30. The user ID and password are information for authenticating the user. The print setting is setting information changed by a user operation. As a result, the other image forming apparatus 40 that has acquired the proxy print information does not directly accept the input of the address, user name, password, job ID, and print settings of the print server 30 from the user. It can be acquired from the print server 30 via the network 70 and printed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a specific processing sequence of the printing system 10 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 8, the same processes as those shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  First, in step S201, the first image forming apparatus 40-1 accepts input of user authentication information (user name and password). Subsequently, when the input authentication information is authenticated, processing similar to the processing shown in FIG. 5 is executed from step S101 to step S110.

  Subsequently, the second image forming apparatus 40-2 that has acquired the proxy print information executes an authentication process based on the user authentication information included in the proxy print information, and is authenticated, in steps S202 and S203. The second image forming apparatus 40-2 acquires print jobs from each of the plurality of print servers 30 (the first print server 30-1 and the second print server 30-2) with reference to the proxy print information. To do.

  Subsequently, in step S204, the second image forming apparatus 40-2 executes print setting application processing with reference to the proxy print information. That is, if there is a print installation changed by the proxy print information, the second image forming apparatus 40-2 applies the print setting reflecting the change. And after step S204, the process similar to the process shown in FIG. 5 from step S112 to step S114 is performed.

  As described above, the printing system 10 according to the second embodiment wirelessly transmits the user authentication information, the print setting information, and the address of the print server 30 by including the proxy print information, so that the image forming apparatus 40 is used. Even when a user authentication process is required at the time, the user does not have to input any new information to the other image forming apparatus 40 that performs proxy printing. Therefore, according to the printing system 10 according to the second embodiment, it is possible to cause the other image forming apparatus 40 to perform proxy printing with a simpler operation.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system 10 according to the third embodiment. The printing system 10 according to the third embodiment has substantially the same function and configuration as the printing system 10 according to the second embodiment. Accordingly, with respect to the printing system 10 according to the third embodiment, members having substantially the same functions and configurations as those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and detailed description thereof will be omitted except for differences.

  In the printing system 10 according to the third embodiment, the print server 30 is configured by a cloud system on the Internet. In this case, the printing system 10 includes a network system 80 in the company or the like and one or more service providing systems 90.

  The network system 80 and each service providing system 90 are connected via the Internet. The network system 80 includes one or more client terminals 20 and a plurality of image forming apparatuses 40. One or more client terminals 20 and a plurality of image forming apparatuses 40 are connected by a network 70.

  The network system 80 is connected to the Internet via a firewall 81. Accordingly, the network system 80 is configured to be able to access an external server or the like from an internal device, but cannot access an internal device from an external device.

  Each service providing system 90 includes a print service providing device 92. The print service providing apparatus 92 may be configured by a plurality of information processing apparatuses, or a plurality of internal apparatuses may be configured by a single information processing apparatus.

  Here, the print service providing apparatus 92 provides the functions of the print server 30 shown in FIG. That is, the print service providing apparatus 92 includes the functions of the communication unit 31, the data management unit 32, and the data storage unit 33.

  Each service providing system 90 includes an access control device 91. The access control device 91 performs authentication for each device in the network system 80 to access the service providing system 90. Each device in the network system 80 can access the print service providing apparatus 92 when authentication by the access control apparatus 91 is successful.

  Therefore, a print job stored in the service providing system 90 can be acquired by a device (image forming apparatus 40) that can access the service providing system 90 and request authentication (login). Accordingly, the proxyable image forming apparatus 40 is, for example, the image forming apparatus 40 equipped with a dedicated application for using the function of the print service providing apparatus 92 of the service providing system 90.

  Here, before providing the print service, the service providing system 90 performs user authentication and device authentication, and identifies a user or a device permitted to use the service. Therefore, in the service providing system 90, device authentication information such as a device number for identifying a device is registered in advance in a predetermined storage unit in order to authenticate the device. Information related to the device is also registered corresponding to each device. Information relating to the device includes location information where the device is installed, such as “3F of business office A” and “2F of business office A”.

  Therefore, the first image forming apparatus 40-1 performs different processes in the following points in the sequence of FIG. First, the user authentication information input by the user in step S201 and the device authentication information held in advance by the first image forming apparatus 40-1 are transmitted to the service providing system 90, and a login to the service providing system 90 is requested. . When the user authentication and the device authentication are authenticated and the login to the service providing system 90 is completed, the user operates the first image forming apparatus 40-1 to request printing start of the print job stored in the service providing system 90. To do.

  Next, when it is determined that printing cannot be performed due to the state detection in step S102, the first image forming apparatus 40-1 receives a list of image forming apparatuses 40 in which the same location information as that of the first image forming apparatus 40-1 is registered. To get. Then, the substitute device search unit 54 inquires of the image forming devices 40 included in the acquired list of the other image forming devices 40 searched for whether or not substitute printing is possible. With this process, it is possible to prevent the first image forming apparatus 40-1 from requesting proxy printing to the image forming apparatus 40 that cannot log in to the service providing system 90. Further, for example, when the first image forming apparatus 40-1 installed on the 3rd floor of the business office A searches for a device by short-range wireless communication, the first image forming apparatus 40-1 exists within the range of the short-range wireless communication. The image forming apparatus 40 installed on the second floor can be omitted from the candidate candidates for proxy printing.

  Then, the second image forming apparatus 40-2 that has received the proxy printing information provides the user authentication information included in the proxy printing information and the device authentication information held in advance by the second image forming apparatus 40-2. By transmitting to the system 90 and requesting login to the service providing system 90, a print job can be acquired from the service providing system 90 in S202.

  Note that some functions of the service providing system 90 may be provided in the network system 80. Moreover, some functions of the network system 80 may be provided on an external network.

  According to the printing system 10 according to the third embodiment, since the print server 30 need not be provided in the network system 80, the function of the print server 30 can be realized without installing an expensive server or the like. Can do.

  The image forming apparatus 40 according to the present embodiment includes a control device such as a CPU, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM, an external storage device such as an HDD and a CD drive device, and a display device such as a display device. And an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and has a hardware configuration using a normal computer.

  A program executed by the image forming apparatus 40 of the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a computer such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Recorded on a readable recording medium.

  The program executed by the image forming apparatus 40 of the present embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Further, the program executed by the image forming apparatus 40 of the present embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The program executed by the image forming apparatus 40 of the present embodiment may be configured to be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The program executed by the image forming apparatus 40 according to the present embodiment includes the above-described units (the state detection unit 53, the substitute device search unit 54, the substitute print request unit 55, the substitute request acquisition unit 56, and the job acquisition unit 57). The module has a module configuration, and as actual hardware, a CPU (processor) reads out and executes a program from the storage medium, whereby the above-described units are loaded onto the main storage device, and a state detection unit 53, a substitute device search unit 54, a proxy print request unit 55, a proxy request acquisition unit 56, and a job acquisition unit 57 are generated on the main storage device. The state detection unit 53, the substitute device search unit 54, the substitute print request unit 55, the substitute request acquisition unit 56, and the job acquisition unit 57 may be partially or entirely configured by hardware.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described based on the location-free printing system as a preferred application example of the invention, but the present invention can be applied not only to printing applications. For example, if image processing (image correction, etc.) on image data is not successful in a device equipped with poor function image processing software (the user does not have a desirable processing result), an image processing software with a higher performance function may be used. The present invention can also be applied to a case where a substitution process is requested to an installed apparatus. That is, the present invention is not limited to location-free printing that handles print data, but a data storage system including one or more information processing devices such as a PC and a server that store and store various image data including print data; The present invention can be applied to a network system in which stored image data is acquired and an image processing apparatus such as an image forming apparatus that performs processing such as output, editing, correction, and display of the acquired image data.

  In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a device having a printing function and a multifunction device having at least one of a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. However, the present invention can be applied to any image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a scanner apparatus, and a facsimile apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Printing system 20 Client terminal 30 Print server 31 Communication part 32 Data management part 33 Data storage part 40 Image forming apparatus 51 Normal communication part 52 Wireless communication part 53 Status detection part 54 Proxy apparatus search part 55 Proxy print request part 56 Proxy request acquisition Unit 57 Job acquisition unit 58 Input unit 59 Display unit 60 Printing unit 70 Network 71 Authentication unit 72 Print setting change unit 80 Network system 81 Firewall 90 Service providing system 91 Access control device 92 Print service providing device

JP-A-11-167472

Claims (10)

A job acquisition unit that acquires a print job including print data from the information processing apparatus via a network based on a user operation;
A printing unit for printing the print job acquired based on the operation of the user;
When the print job cannot be printed, a search unit for searching for another image forming apparatus capable of proxy printing by short-range wireless communication;
Request proxy printing by transmitting, by short-range wireless communication, proxy printing information for acquiring and printing the print job from the information processing apparatus to another image forming apparatus searched by the search unit An agency print request department to
An image forming apparatus comprising: A proxy request acquisition unit that receives the proxy printing information from another image forming apparatus by the short-range wireless communication and acquires a proxy printing request;
The job acquisition unit acquires a print job from the information processing apparatus via a network based on the proxy print information,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit prints the print job acquired based on the proxy printing information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the printing unit prints the print job acquired based on the proxy printing information after a predetermined time has elapsed after acquiring the proxy printing request. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the printing unit prints the print job acquired based on the proxy print information after a user performs a predetermined operation. The search unit searches for one or more other image forming apparatuses capable of short-range wireless communication for another image forming apparatus capable of proxy printing in order of increasing distance. The image forming apparatus described in the item. The search unit displays a list of one or more other image forming apparatuses capable of proxy printing,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the proxy printing request unit requests proxy printing to another image forming apparatus selected by the user from the list. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays a position of another image forming apparatus that has requested the proxy printing. A network system comprising a data storage system composed of one or more information processing devices connected to each other via a network, a first image forming device, and a second image forming device,
The data storage system stores a print job including print data,
The first image forming apparatus includes:
A job acquisition unit for acquiring a print job including print data from the data storage system via a network based on a user operation;
A printing unit for printing the print job acquired based on the operation of the user;
When the print job cannot be printed, a search unit for searching for another image forming apparatus capable of proxy printing by short-range wireless communication;
Proxy printing is performed by transmitting, by short-range wireless communication, proxy printing information for acquiring and printing the print job from the data storage system to the second image forming apparatus searched by the search unit. The agency print request department to request,
Have
The second image forming apparatus includes:
A proxy request acquisition unit that receives the proxy printing information from the first image forming apparatus by the short-range wireless communication and acquires a proxy printing request;
A job acquisition unit that acquires a print job including print data from a data storage system based on the proxy print information via a network;
A printing unit for printing the print job acquired based on the proxy print information;
Having a network system. A method executed in a network system including a data storage system including one or more information processing apparatuses, a first image forming apparatus, and a second image forming apparatus connected to each other via a network. And
The data storage system storing a print job including print data;
The first image forming apparatus acquiring a print job including print data from a data storage system via a network based on a user operation;
The first image forming apparatus printing the print job acquired based on an operation of the user;
If the first image forming apparatus cannot print the print job, searching for another image forming apparatus capable of proxy printing by short-range wireless communication; and
The first image forming apparatus transmits, to the searched second image forming apparatus, proxy print information for acquiring and printing the print job from the data storage system by short-range wireless communication. Requesting proxy printing, and
The second image forming apparatus receiving the proxy printing information from the first image forming apparatus by the short-range wireless communication to obtain a proxy printing request;
The second image forming apparatus acquiring a print job including print data from a data storage system via a network based on the proxy print information;
The second image forming apparatus printing the print job acquired based on the proxy print information;
Including methods. A program for causing an information processing apparatus to execute processing,
Acquiring a print job including print data from the information processing apparatus via a network based on a user operation;
A printing step of printing the print job acquired based on the operation of the user;
If the first image forming apparatus cannot print the print job, searching for another image forming apparatus capable of proxy printing by short-range wireless communication; and
A proxy requesting step of requesting proxy printing by transmitting proxy print information for acquiring and printing the print job from the information processing apparatus to the searched other image forming apparatus by short-range wireless communication; ,
A program that executes

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