JP2014233874A - Image forming apparatus, and control program and control method for the apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten user standby time and reduce power consumption in an image forming apparatus performing an image forming output.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus generates display information for a print preview screen on the basis of print data received along with a display request and extracts print preparation information from the received print data and stores the same, upon receiving the display request for the print preview screen from a mobile terminal. After generating the display information and making a response, upon receiving a print job generated based on the print data from the mobile terminal, the image forming apparatus generates drawing information based on the print job and simultaneously starts a print preparation on the basis of the print preparation information that has been stored when generating the display information. Upon completion of the print preparation, the image forming apparatus executes a print output on the basis of the generated drawing information.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus control program, and an image forming apparatus control method, and more particularly to a print preparation control method in the image forming apparatus.

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

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

  Further, when the user operates such an image forming apparatus to execute image forming output, before the printer driver generates a print job, the image forming apparatus displays a print preview screen that is an image of a print result. A display request is made and a print preview is generated. Then, when the information processing terminal acquires a print preview generated in response to a print preview screen display request from the image forming apparatus, the information processing terminal displays the print preview screen on its own display unit (for example, Patent Documents). 1).

  The user confirms the print preview screen displayed in this way and then operates the information processing terminal to cause the printer driver to generate a print job and transmit the generated print job to the image forming apparatus. ing.

  Therefore, when the user operates the image forming apparatus to execute the image forming output, the user can check the print result image on the print preview screen before actually causing the image forming apparatus to execute the image forming output. Become. As a result, the user can check in advance whether or not the desired print result is obtained.

  By the way, in the image forming apparatus that generates and returns a print preview in response to the display request for the print preview screen, when the display request is received from the information processing terminal, the print roller is generated along with the generation of the print preview. Preparation for printing such as heating is started. This is because when a print preview screen display request is made from the information processing terminal to the image forming apparatus, a print job is transmitted with high probability, and image forming output is predicted to be executed in the image forming apparatus. Because.

  However, in such an image forming apparatus, it takes a long time until a print job is transmitted after a request to display the print preview screen from the information processing terminal to the image forming apparatus, or a print job is transmitted. If not, there is a problem in that power is wasted for the amount of print preparation.

  Therefore, when a print preview screen display request is received from the information processing terminal, only the print preview is generated without preparing the print, and the print preparation is received after receiving the print job. It can be avoided. However, in such an image forming apparatus, since the print preparation is performed after the print job is received, the image formation output cannot be executed until the completion of the print preparation. There is a problem that it becomes long.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and it is an object of the present invention to shorten the waiting time of the user and reduce the power consumption when the image forming apparatus executes image forming output. .

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an image forming apparatus that executes an image forming output based on an image forming output command generated and transmitted by an information processing apparatus, the image forming output from the information processing apparatus At the time of sending the command, from the advance information received from the information processing device in advance, the preparation information necessary for the image forming unit to prepare for execution of the image formation output is extracted and associated with the image formation output command. An image to be formed in an image forming operation based on the acquired image formation output command obtained from the preparation information storage processing unit to be stored in the storage unit and the image formation output command from the information processing apparatus A drawing information generation unit for generating drawing information for drawing the image, and when the image formation output command is acquired, the drawing information generation unit is associated with the acquired image formation output command. An image forming control unit that causes the image forming unit to prepare for execution of image forming output based on the preparation information stored in the storage unit, and the image forming control unit includes an image in the image forming unit. After preparing for execution of forming output, the image forming unit is caused to execute image forming output based on the generated drawing information.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control program for an image forming apparatus that executes an image forming output based on an image forming output command generated and transmitted by the information processing apparatus. When transmitting the image forming output command, the image forming unit extracts preparatory information necessary for the image forming unit to prepare for execution of the image forming output from the prior information received from the information processing apparatus in advance. A step of storing the image forming output in association with an output command, and acquiring the image forming output command from the information processing apparatus, and forming the image forming operation based on the acquired image forming output command Generating drawing information for drawing an image, and when the image forming output command is acquired, the image forming output command is associated with the acquired image forming output command. Generated after the image forming unit prepares to execute image forming output based on the preparation information stored in the storage unit, and the image forming unit prepares to execute image forming output. And causing the image forming apparatus to execute an image forming output based on the drawing information.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus control method for executing an image forming output based on an image forming output command generated and transmitted by the information processing apparatus. When transmitting the image forming output command, the image forming unit extracts preparatory information necessary for causing the image forming unit to prepare for execution of the image forming output from the prior information received from the information processing apparatus in advance. An image to be formed in an image forming operation based on the acquired image formation output command after acquiring the image formation output command from the information processing apparatus and storing it in the storage unit in association with the formation output command When the image forming output command is acquired, the image forming output is stored in the storage unit in association with the acquired image forming output command. Based on the preparation information, the image forming unit prepares to execute image formation output, and after the image forming unit prepares to execute image formation output, the image formation is performed based on the generated drawing information. The image forming apparatus is caused to execute image forming output.

  According to the present invention, when the image forming apparatus executes image forming output, it is possible to shorten the waiting time of the user and reduce the power consumption.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation mode of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows typically the hardware constitutions of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing, in time series, processing when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention and the conventional image forming apparatus execute print output. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing, in time series, processing when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention and the conventional image forming apparatus execute print output. It is a block diagram which shows typically the function structure of the mobile terminal which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a functional configuration of a printer driver according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the printing condition input screen which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process at the time of the mobile terminal which concerns on embodiment of this invention displays a print preview screen. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention executes print output. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention executes print output. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention executes print output. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention executes print output.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, drawing information is generated based on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal that transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus, and the print job transmitted from the mobile terminal, and the generated drawing information An image forming system configured with an image forming apparatus that executes image forming output based on the above will be described as an example.

  In such an image forming system, when the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment receives a print preview screen display instruction by a user operation, the mobile terminal requests the image forming apparatus to display the print preview screen, and the print preview screen It is configured to transmit the basic print data.

  Then, the image forming apparatus that has received the print preview screen display request from the mobile terminal generates display information for displaying the print preview screen based on the print data received together with the display request, and displays the generated display information. It is configured to reply to the requesting mobile terminal. The mobile terminal that has received the display information from the image forming apparatus in this manner is configured to display a print preview screen on its own display unit based on the received display information.

  In the image forming system configured as described above, upon receiving a print preview screen display request from the mobile terminal, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment displays the print preview screen based on the print data received together with the display request. And display information for generating print information, and extracting and storing information (hereinafter referred to as “print preparation information”) necessary for print preparation from received print data. To do.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment receives a print preview screen display request from the mobile terminal, generates display information, and returns the print information. Then, the image forming apparatus transmits a print job generated based on the print data from the mobile terminal. When receiving, simultaneously with the drawing information generation process based on the print job, the print preparation is started based on the print preparation information stored when the display information is generated.

  That is, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment generates a display request for a print preview screen received before the print job when image forming output is executed based on the print job transmitted from the mobile terminal. The print preparation information stored at the time is used to start the print preparation immediately after receiving the print job, so that the drawing information generation processing based on the print job and the print preparation are performed in parallel. And Then, when the printing preparation is completed, the image forming apparatus executes print output based on the generated drawing information.

  Therefore, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus executes image forming output, it is possible to shorten the waiting time of the user and reduce the power consumption. Details will be described below.

  First, an operation mode of the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation mode of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system according to the present embodiment is configured by connecting an image forming apparatus 1 and a mobile terminal 2 via a network such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The image forming apparatus 1 is an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that can be used as a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, and a copier by providing an imaging function, an image forming function, a communication function, and the like. The mobile terminal 2 is a portable information processing terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The mobile terminal 2 causes the image forming apparatus 1 to execute image forming output based on print data to be printed out by installing a printer driver for using the image forming apparatus 1. Has a function of generating and transmitting a print job.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the print data refers to information on an image to be printed (hereinafter referred to as “print target data”) and information on a print condition to be set at the time of print output (hereinafter referred to as “print condition data”). ”) And the information set by the printer driver installed in the mobile terminal 2.

  In such an image forming system, as described above, when the mobile terminal 2 according to the present embodiment receives a print preview screen display instruction by a user operation, the mobile terminal 2 requests the image forming apparatus 1 to display the print preview screen. And print data that is the basis of the print preview screen is transmitted.

  The image forming apparatus 1 that has received the print preview screen display request from the mobile terminal 2 generates display information for displaying the print preview screen based on the print data received together with the display request, and the generated display information. Is returned to the display requesting mobile terminal 2. The mobile terminal 2 that has received the display information from the image forming apparatus 1 in this way is configured to display a print preview screen on its own display unit based on the received display information.

  Accordingly, when the user operates the image forming apparatus 1 to execute the image forming output, the user confirms the image of the printing result on the print preview screen before actually causing the image forming apparatus 1 to execute the image forming output. Is possible. Therefore, the user can check in advance whether or not the print result he desires is obtained.

  Next, hardware constituting the information processing apparatus such as the image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile terminal 2 included in the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a configuration similar to that of a general server, a PC (Personal Computer), or the like.

  That is, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 20, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 30, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 40, and an I / F 50. Connected through. Further, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 60 and an operation unit 70 are connected to the I / F 50. In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an engine that executes image forming output and scanning.

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

  The I / F 50 connects and controls the bus 80 and various hardware and networks. The LCD 60 is a visual user interface for the user to check the state of the information processing apparatus. The operation unit 70 is a user interface for a user to input information to the information processing apparatus, such as a keyboard, a mouse, various hard buttons, and a touch panel.

  In such a hardware configuration, a program stored in a storage medium such as the ROM 30, the HDD 40, or an optical disk (not shown) is read into the RAM 20, and the software control unit is configured by the CPU 10 performing calculations according to those programs. . A combination of the software control unit configured in this way and hardware constitutes a functional block that realizes the function of each device constituting the image forming system according to the present embodiment.

  Next, functions of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a controller 100, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 101, a scanner unit 102, a paper discharge tray 103, a display panel 104, and a paper feed table. 105, a print engine 106, a paper discharge tray 107, a network I / F 108, and a short-range communication I / F 109.

  The controller 100 includes a main control unit 110, an engine control unit 120, an input / output control unit 130, an image processing unit 140, and an operation display control unit 150. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is configured as a multifunction machine having a scanner unit 102 and a print engine 106. In FIG. 3, the electrical connection is indicated by solid arrows, and the flow of paper is indicated by broken arrows.

  The display panel 104 is an output interface that visually displays the state of the image forming apparatus 1 and is an input when the user directly operates the image forming apparatus 1 or inputs information to the image forming apparatus 1 as a touch panel. It is also an interface. The display panel 104 is realized by the LCD 60 and the operation unit 70 shown in FIG.

  The network I / F 108 is an interface for the image forming apparatus 1 to communicate with other devices such as a manager terminal via the network, and uses an Ethernet (registered trademark) or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface. The near field communication I / F 109 is an interface for the image forming apparatus 1 to communicate with other devices by near field wireless communication, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), and FeliCa (registered trademark). The interface is used. The network I / F 108 and the short-range communication I / F 109 are realized by the I / F 50 shown in FIG.

  The controller 100 is configured by a combination of software and hardware. Specifically, a software control unit and an integrated circuit configured by loading a control program such as firmware stored in a non-volatile storage medium such as the ROM 30 or the HDD 40 into the RAM 20 and performing an operation by the CPU 10 according to the program. The controller 100 is configured by hardware such as the above. The controller 100 functions as a control unit that controls the entire image forming apparatus 1.

  The main control unit 110 plays a role of controlling each unit included in the controller 100, and gives a command to each unit of the controller 100. The engine control unit 120 serves as a driving unit that controls or drives the print engine 106, the scanner unit 102, and the like. That is, in this embodiment, the engine control unit 120 functions as an image generation control unit, and controls the print engine 106 that is an image forming unit. The input / output control unit 130 inputs signals and commands input via the network I / F 108, the near field communication I / F 109, and the network to the main control unit 110. The main control unit 110 also controls the input / output control unit 130 to access other devices via the network I / F 108, the near field communication I / F 109, and the network.

  The image processing unit 140 generates drawing information based on the input print job under the control of the main control unit 110. The drawing information is data such as CMYK (Cyan Magenta Yellow Key Plate) bitmap data, and is information for drawing an image to be formed by the print engine 106 as an image forming unit in an image forming operation. The image processing unit 140 processes image data input from the scanner unit 102 and generates image data. The image data is information stored in the image forming apparatus 1 as a result of the scanner operation or transmitted to other devices via the network I / F 108, the near field communication I / F 109, and the network.

  When the image processing unit 140 according to the present embodiment receives a print preview screen display request (hereinafter referred to as a “print preview screen display request”) from the mobile terminal 2 in accordance with the control of the main control unit 110, the display is performed. Display information (hereinafter referred to as “print preview screen display information”) for displaying a print preview screen is generated based on the print data input together with the request, and is notified to the main control unit 110. The main control unit 110 notified of the print preview screen display information notifies the input / output control unit 130 of the acquired print preview screen display information, and prints the information via the network I / F 108, the near field communication I / F 109, and the network. A reply is made to the mobile terminal 2 which is the display request source of the preview screen.

  At this time, the image processing unit 140 according to the present embodiment prints from the print data input together with the print preview screen display request in parallel with the print preview screen display information generation process according to the control of the main control unit 110. Print preparation information necessary for preparation is extracted and notified to the main control unit 110. Then, the main controller 110 notified of the print preparation information associates the acquired print preparation information with the print ID assigned to the print data from which the print preparation information is extracted, and will be described later. Stored in the unit 160. The print ID is identification information for identifying each print data, as will be described later, and is information issued and assigned for each print data in the mobile terminal 2.

  Here, the printing preparation includes heating of the fixing roller, charging of the charger on the photosensitive drum, lighting of laser light in the optical writing device, and the like, and the operation performed by the image forming apparatus 1 prior to execution of printing output. Or processing. Further, the print preparation information is information necessary for the image forming apparatus 1 to perform the above print preparation, in addition to information on the type of print paper, the size of the print paper, the resolution, color / monochrome settings, and the like. It includes unique information of the print target data such as the file name, document name, creation date / time, and update date / time of the print file that is the target data.

  The operation display control unit 150 displays information on the display panel 104 or notifies the main control unit 110 of information input via the display panel 104.

  The print preparation information storage unit 160 stores the print preparation information extracted from the print data when the image processing unit 140 generates the print preview screen display information, in association with the print ID assigned to the print data. The print preparation information storage unit 160 is realized by a volatile storage medium such as the RAM 20 illustrated in FIG. 2 or a non-volatile storage medium such as the HDD 40. Such print preparation information extraction processing and storage processing in the print preparation information storage unit 160 are performed by the main control unit 110 as described above.

  In the case of an image forming apparatus having only a printer function, the ADF 101, the scanner unit 102, and the paper discharge tray 103 shown in FIG. 3 are omitted, and the ADF 101, the scanner unit 102, and the paper discharge tray are provided from the function of the engine control unit 120. The function for controlling 103 is omitted.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 configured as described above operates as a printer, first, the input / output control unit 130 receives a print job via the network I / F 108, the near field communication I / F 109, and the network. This print job is information generated in the information processing apparatus that requests the image forming apparatus 1 to perform image formation output, that is, in the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 2.

  The input / output control unit 130 transfers the received print job to the main control unit 110. When acquiring the print job, the main control unit 110 controls the image processing unit 140 to generate drawing information based on the acquired print job. When the drawing information is generated by the image processing unit 140, the engine control unit 120 executes image formation on the paper conveyed from the paper feed table 105 based on the generated drawing information. As a specific aspect of the print engine 106, an image forming mechanism using an ink jet method, an image forming mechanism using an electrophotographic method, or the like can be used. The paper on which the image has been formed by the print engine 106 is discharged to the paper discharge tray 107.

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment receives a print preview screen display request from the mobile terminal 2, the image forming apparatus 1 displays display information for displaying the print preview screen based on the print data received together with the display request. The print preparation information is generated and stored from the received print data.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment receives a print preview screen display request from the mobile terminal 2, generates display information, and returns the print information, and then generates the print generated from the mobile terminal based on the print data. When the job is received, simultaneously with the drawing information generation processing based on the print job, the print preparation is started based on the print preparation information stored when the display information is generated. To do.

  That is, when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment executes image forming output based on the print job transmitted from the mobile terminal 2, the display request for the print preview screen received before the print job is displayed. By using the print preparation information stored when generating the print job, the print preparation is started immediately after receiving the print job, so that the drawing information generation process based on the print job and the print preparation are performed in parallel. It is characterized by. Then, when the print preparation is completed, the image forming apparatus 1 executes print output based on the generated drawing information.

  Therefore, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 performs image forming output, it is possible to shorten the waiting time of the user and reduce the power consumption.

  Here, the first of the main effects in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, that is, the effect of reducing the waiting time of the user when the image forming apparatus 1 executes the image forming output is shown in FIG. This will be described with reference to a) and FIG. FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating processing in a time series when the conventional image forming apparatus executes print output. FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating processing in a time series when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment executes print output.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, when a conventional image forming apparatus executes print output, when a print job is received, the acquired print job is analyzed and drawing information is generated at the same time. Print preparation information is extracted from the print job, and print preparation is performed based on the extracted print preparation information. Then, the conventional image forming apparatus generates drawing information, and when printing preparation is completed, print output is executed based on the generated drawing information.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, when receiving the print job, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment analyzes the acquired print job and generates the drawing information, and simultaneously stores the print preparation information storage. Print preparation is performed based on the print preparation information stored in the unit 160. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment generates drawing information, and when printing preparation is completed, print output is executed based on the generated drawing information.

  As described above, when the conventional image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 4A executes print output and when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 4B executes print output. In the latter case, the time until print output starts is shortened. Therefore, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the user when the image forming apparatus 1 executes image forming output.

  Next, the second main effect in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, that is, the effect of reducing the power consumption when the image forming apparatus 1 executes the image forming output is shown in FIG. A description will be given with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating processing in a time series when the conventional image forming apparatus executes print output. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating processing in a time series when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment executes print output.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when receiving a print preview screen display request from the mobile terminal 2, the conventional image forming apparatus analyzes the print data acquired together with the display request and generates print preview screen display information. At the same time, print preparation information is extracted from the acquired print data. Then, when the conventional image forming apparatus generates display information and extracts the print preparation information, it prepares for printing based on the extracted print preparation information. Thereafter, when receiving a print job, the conventional image forming apparatus analyzes the acquired print job to generate drawing information, and executes print output based on the generated drawing information.

  Therefore, in the conventional image forming apparatus, since the print preparation is already completed or completed by the time the print job is received, the waiting time of the user when executing the image formation output can be reduced. Although it becomes possible, power is wasted until the print job is received because the print preparation is performed.

  On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment receives a print preview screen display request from the mobile terminal 2, it analyzes the print data acquired together with the display request and print preview. Simultaneously with generating the screen display information, print preparation information is extracted from the acquired print data and stored. When the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment generates display information and extracts print preparation information, the image forming apparatus 1 waits until a print job is received in the same state, for example, in a power saving state.

  Thereafter, when receiving the print job, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment analyzes the acquired print job and generates the drawing information, and at the same time, the print preparation information stored in the print preparation information storage unit 160. To prepare for printing. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment generates drawing information, and when printing preparation is completed, print output is executed based on the generated drawing information. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment does not prepare for printing until a print job is received, so that power is not wasted.

  As described above, when the conventional image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 5A executes print output and when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 5B executes print output. Since the preparation for printing is not performed until a print job is received, the latter consumes less power. Therefore, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce power consumption when the image forming apparatus 1 executes image forming output.

  As described with reference to FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5B, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, the image is formed on the image forming apparatus 1. When the formation output is executed, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the user and reduce the power consumption.

  Next, the functional configuration of the mobile terminal 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing a functional configuration of the mobile terminal 2 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the mobile terminal 2 according to the present embodiment includes a controller 200, a network I / F 201, a near field communication I / F 202, and a display panel 203. The controller 200 includes a main control unit 210, a printer driver 220, an input / output control unit 230, and an operation display control unit 240.

  The network I / F 201 is an interface for the mobile terminal 2 to communicate with other devices via the network, and uses an Ethernet (registered trademark) or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface. The near field communication I / F 202 is an interface for the mobile terminal 2 to communicate with other devices by near field wireless communication, and an interface such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi, FeliCa (registered trademark), or the like is used. . The network I / F 201 and the near field communication I / F 202 are realized by the I / F 50 shown in FIG.

  The display panel 203 is an output interface that visually displays the state of the mobile terminal 2 and is also an input interface when the user directly operates the mobile terminal 2 or inputs information to the mobile terminal 2 as a touch panel. . The display panel 203 is realized by the LCD 60 and the operation unit 70 shown in FIG.

  The controller 200 is configured by a combination of software and hardware. Specifically, a software control unit and an integrated circuit configured by loading a control program such as firmware stored in a non-volatile storage medium such as the ROM 30 or the HDD 40 into the RAM 20 and performing an operation by the CPU 10 according to the program. The controller 200 is configured by hardware such as the above. The controller 200 functions as a control unit that controls the entire mobile terminal 2.

  The main control unit 210 plays a role of controlling each unit included in the controller 200 and gives a command to each unit of the controller 200.

  The printer driver 220 is a device driver for using the image forming apparatus 1. Upon receiving a print condition and a storage location of a print file to be printed by a user operation, the printer driver 220 receives the received print condition and print file. The print data is set based on the storage location. At this time, the printer driver 220 analyzes the printing conditions, and sets the print data by acquiring print target data (print file) from the storage location.

  When the printer driver 220 receives a print output execution command by a user operation, the printer driver 220 generates a print job for causing the image forming apparatus 1 to perform print output based on print data to be printed. Then, the printer driver 220 transmits the generated print job to the image forming apparatus 1 via the network I / F 201, the near field communication I / F 202, and the network.

  When the printer driver 220 according to the present embodiment receives a print preview screen display instruction by a user operation, the printer driver 220 generates a print preview screen display request for requesting the image forming apparatus 1 to display the print preview screen. . Then, the printer driver 220 transmits print data that is the basis of the print preview screen together with the generated print preview screen display request to the image forming apparatus 1 via the network I / F 201, the near field communication I / F 202, and the network. . As a result, the mobile terminal 2 according to the present embodiment can make a print preview screen display request to the image forming apparatus 1.

  Further, after making a print preview screen display request to the image forming apparatus 1, the printer driver 220 uses the network I / F 201 and the print preview screen display information generated in response to the print preview screen display request. Obtained from the image forming apparatus 1 via the near field communication I / F 202 and the network. Then, the printer driver 220 notifies the operation display control unit 240 of the acquired print preview screen display information, thereby causing the display panel 203 to display the print preview screen. The detailed functions of the printer driver 220 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The input / output control unit 230 inputs signals and commands input via the network I / F 201, the short-range communication I / F 202, and the network to the main control unit 210 or the printer driver 220. Information is transmitted to other devices via the communication I / F 202 and the network. The main control unit 210 also controls the input / output control unit 230 to access other devices via the network I / F 201, the near field communication I / F 202, and the network.

  The operation display control unit 240 displays information on the display panel 203 under the control of the main control unit 210 or notifies the main control unit 210 of information input via the display panel 203. Further, the operation display control unit 240 displays a print preview screen on the display panel 203 based on the print preview screen display information generated by the printer driver 220 under the control of the main control unit 210.

  Next, functions of the printer driver 220 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a functional configuration of the printer driver 220 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the printer driver 220 according to this embodiment includes a print condition input screen display unit 221, a print data setting unit 222, a print ID issue unit 223, a print job generation unit 224, a print preview screen display unit 225, A communication unit 227 is included.

  The print condition input screen display unit 221 displays, on the display panel 203, a print condition input screen for allowing the user to input a print condition when the image forming apparatus 1 executes print output and a storage location of a print file serving as print target data. Print condition input screen display information for display is generated. The print condition input screen display unit 221 notifies the operation display control unit 240 of the generated print condition input screen display information, thereby causing the display panel 203 to display the print condition input screen.

  When the print condition and the storage location of the print file are input by the user operation on the display panel 203 on the print condition input screen, the print condition input screen display unit 221 receives the print condition and the print condition via the operation display control unit 240. An input of the storage location of the print file is accepted and notified to the print data setting unit 222.

  Here, the printing condition input screen according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a view showing a display example of a print condition input screen according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, a list of functions included in the image forming apparatus 1 is displayed as a “function” column on the print condition input screen according to the present embodiment, and “function” is displayed as the “print condition” column. For each function displayed in the column, the printing conditions when the image forming apparatus 1 executes the image forming output are displayed so that they can be input.

  The “print file” in the “function” column is an item for inputting the storage location of the print file serving as print target data by a user operation. Therefore, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 executes image forming output from the mobile terminal 2, the print file stored in the storage location input in the “print file” field is stored. Will be printed. As described above, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, the user can input the print condition and the storage location of the print file on the print condition input screen as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a “print” button is arranged on the print condition setting screen according to the present embodiment, and the print condition and the storage location of the print file are input by a user operation. Is pressed, the print condition input screen display unit 221 accepts the press of the “print” button via the operation display control unit 240 and notifies the print job generation unit 224 that the “print” button has been pressed. To do.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 8, a “Preview” button is arranged on the print condition setting screen according to the present embodiment, and the print condition and the storage location of the print file are input by a user operation. When the button is pressed, the print condition input screen display unit 221 accepts the press of the “preview” button via the operation display control unit 240, and the print preview screen display unit 225 indicates that the “preview” button has been pressed. To be notified.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a “print preparation” button is arranged on the print condition setting screen according to the present embodiment, and the print condition and the storage location of the print file are input by a user operation. When the “prepare” button is pressed, the print condition input screen display unit 221 accepts the press of the “print preparation” button via the operation display control unit 240, and the print preparation request unit 226 presses the “print preparation” button. Notify that it has been done.

  The print data setting unit 222 is notified when the print condition and the file storage location are input by a user operation on the print condition input screen, and the print condition and the print file storage location are notified from the print condition input screen display unit 221. Print data is set by analyzing print conditions and obtaining print target data (print file) from the notified print file storage location. Then, the print data setting unit 222 causes the print ID issuing unit 223 to issue a print ID for the set print data, and assigns the print ID to the print data.

  The print ID issuing unit 223 issues a print ID that is identification information for identifying the print data set by the print data setting unit 222. This print ID is unique to each print data, and each print data is distinguished by this print ID. The print ID includes the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the network device included in the mobile terminal 2, the host name of the mobile terminal 2, the IP address of the mobile terminal 2, the user name that operates the mobile terminal 2, and the print target data. It is issued based on the file name and document name of the print file and the time and date when the print data is set.

  When the “print” button is pressed by a user operation on the print condition input screen and notified to that effect from the print condition input screen display unit 221, the print job generation unit 224 print data set by the print data setting unit 222. A print job is generated based on the information and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 227. The print job generated at this time includes the print ID assigned to the print data that is the generation source of the print job. With this print ID, the print job and the print that is the generation source of the print job are included. It becomes possible to associate with data.

  When the “preview” button is pressed by a user operation on the print condition input screen and the print condition input screen display unit 221 notifies the print preview screen display unit 225 of the fact, the print preview screen display unit 225 notifies the image forming apparatus 1 of the print preview screen. Generate a print preview screen display request for making a display request. Then, the print preview screen display unit 225 transmits the print data set by the print data setting unit 222 to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 227 together with the generated print preview screen display request.

  Thereby, the mobile terminal 2 according to the present embodiment can make a print preview screen display request to the image forming apparatus 1. The print preview screen display unit 225 notifies the operation display control unit 240 of the print preview screen display information received from the image forming apparatus 1, thereby causing the display panel 203 to display the print preview screen.

  When the “preparation for printing” button is pressed by a user operation on the print condition input screen and the print condition input screen display unit 221 notifies the print preparation request unit 226 to that effect, the print preparation request unit 226 prepares for print preparation. A print preparation request for making a request is generated, and the generated print preparation request is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 227. The print preparation request generated at this time includes the print ID assigned to the print data that is the generation source of the print preparation request. Based on this print ID, the print preparation request and the generation source of the print preparation request are generated. It becomes possible to associate the print data that has become.

  If the “Preparation for Print” button is pressed after the “Preview” button is pressed, the print preparation requesting unit 226 stores the print preparation information in the image forming apparatus 1. You only need to send the request. Accordingly, in this case, the amount of communication data can be reduced by the amount not including print data.

  The communication unit 227 notifies each unit of the printer driver 220 of the information received from the image forming apparatus 1 via the network I / F 201, the short-range communication I / F 202, and the network, and is also notified from each unit of the printer driver 220. Information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 via the network I / F 201, the near field communication I / F 202, and the network.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, an example in which the print preview screen display unit 225 is provided in the printer driver 220 will be described. However, as another example, the mobile terminal 2 is different from the printer driver 220. In addition, a dedicated application having the same function as the print preview screen display unit 225 may be provided. As yet another example, the same function as that of the print preview screen display unit 225 may be realized by a GDI (Graphics Device Interface) function or the like, which is a drawing engine provided as a standard in an OS installed in the mobile terminal 2.

  Next, processing when the mobile terminal 2 according to the present embodiment displays the print preview screen will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing processing when the mobile terminal 2 according to the present embodiment displays a print preview screen.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the mobile terminal 2 according to the present embodiment displays a print preview screen, first, the print condition input screen display unit 221 displays the print condition input screen via the operation display control unit 240. (S901).

  When the print condition and the storage location of the print file are input by the user operation on the display panel 203 on the print condition input screen, the print condition input screen display unit 221 receives the print condition and the print condition via the operation display control unit 240. The input of the storage location of the print file is accepted (S902), and the print data setting unit 222 is notified.

  The print data setting unit 222 that has received the notification of the print condition and the storage location of the print file analyzes the print condition received in the processing of S902, and also prints the print target data (print file) from the received print file storage location. The print data is set by acquiring the print data (S903). The print data setting unit 222 causes the print ID issuing unit 223 to issue a print ID for the set print data, and assigns the print ID to the print data. (S904).

  When the “preview” button is pressed by a user operation on the display panel 203 on the print condition input screen, the print condition input screen display unit 221 accepts the press of the “preview” button via the operation display control unit 240. (S905) The print preview screen display unit 225 is notified that the “Preview” button has been pressed.

  The print preview screen display unit 225 that has been notified that the “Preview” button has been pressed generates a print preview screen display request (S906), is set together with the generated print preview screen display request, and is set in S903 and the print ID is displayed in S904. Is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 227 (S907). That is, here, a print preview screen display request is generated as prior information and used as an execution result information generation request.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 that has acquired the print preview screen display request and print data from the mobile terminal 2, the main control unit 110 acquires the print preview screen display request and print data via the input / output control unit 130 (S908). .

  Then, the main control unit 110 controls the image processing unit 140 according to the acquired print preview screen display request to generate print preview screen display information based on the acquired print data, and prints from the print data. Print preparation information necessary for preparation is extracted, and the extracted print preparation information and the print ID assigned to the print data from which the print preparation information is extracted are stored in the print preparation information storage unit 160 in association with each other. (S909). That is, here, the main control unit 110 and the image processing unit 140 function as a preparation information storage processing unit and an execution result information generation unit, so that the generated print preview screen display information is a storage unit as execution result information. It is stored in the print preparation information storage unit 160.

  At this time, the print preparation information and the print ID are associated with each other and stored in the print preparation information storage unit 160 when the image forming apparatus 1 later receives a print job and starts printing preparation. This is because the print preparation information corresponding to the received print job is searched from the print preparation information storage unit 160 based on the print ID included in the print job.

  When the print preview screen display information is generated by the image processing unit 140, the main control unit 110 transmits the generated print preview screen display information to the mobile terminal via the network I / F 108, the near field communication I / F 109, and the network. 2 (S910). That is, here, the main control unit 110 functions as a transmission unit.

  In the mobile terminal 2 that has acquired the print preview screen display information from the image forming apparatus 1, the printer driver 220 acquires the print preview screen display information via the input / output control unit 230 (S911), and the acquired print preview screen display. By notifying the operation display control unit 240 of the information, a print preview screen is displayed on the display panel 203 (S912). By such processing, the display processing of the print preview screen in the image forming system according to the present embodiment is completed.

  Next, processing when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment executes print output will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment executes print output. Note that the processing in FIG. 10 is based on the assumption that the display processing of the print preview screen in FIG. 9 has been completed. Further, the processing in FIG. 10 is based on the premise that no print preparation request is made to the image forming apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment executes print output, first, in the mobile terminal 2, a “print” button is displayed by a user operation on the display panel 203 on the print condition input screen. When pressed, the print condition input screen display unit 221 accepts pressing of the “print” button via the operation display control unit 240 (S1001), and the print job generation unit 224 indicates that the “print” button has been pressed. To be notified.

  The print job generation unit 224 that has been notified that the “print” button has been pressed generates a print job based on the print data set in S903 and given a print ID in S904 (S1002), and the generated print job Is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 227 (S1003). That is, here, a print job is generated as an image formation output command.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 that has acquired the print job from the mobile terminal 2, the main control unit 110 acquires the print job via the input / output control unit 130 (S1004).

  The main control unit 110 controls the image processing unit 140 to analyze the acquired print job and extract the unique information of the print target data from the print job (S1005) and store it in the print preparation information storage unit 160. It is determined whether or not it matches the unique information included in the print preparation information (S1006). That is, here, the unique information of the print target data is used as information related to the image information, and the main control unit 110 and the image processing unit 140 function as a determination unit.

  At this time, the main control unit 110 acquires the print preparation information associated with the print ID included in the print job from the print preparation information storage unit 160, the unique information included in the acquired print preparation information, and the print It is determined whether or not they match by comparing with the unique information extracted from the job.

  If the main control unit 110 determines that the unique information extracted from the print job matches the unique information stored in the print preparation information storage unit 160 in the determination process of S1006, the image processing unit 140 In step S1007, the engine control unit 120 analyzes the acquired print job and starts a drawing information generation process based on the print job. At the same time, the engine control unit 120 starts print preparation necessary for print output. That is, here, the main control unit 110 and the image processing unit 140 function as a drawing information generation unit.

  At this time, in step S1007, the main control unit 110 controls the image processing unit 140 to analyze the acquired print job and start a drawing information generation process based on the print job. The engine control unit 120 is notified of the print preparation information acquired from the preparation information storage unit 160. Then, the engine control unit 120 starts print preparation necessary for print output based on the print preparation information notified from the main control unit 110.

  Note that, as described above, the print control information and the print ID are associated with each other and stored in the print preparation information storage unit 160, whereby the main control unit 110 is based on the print ID included in the acquired print job. The print preparation information corresponding to the print job can be searched from the print preparation information storage unit 160.

  Then, drawing information is generated by the image processing unit 140, and when the print preparation by the engine control unit 120 is completed, the engine control unit 120 executes print output based on the generated drawing information (S1008). With this process, the print output execution process in the image forming system according to the present embodiment is completed.

  If the main control unit 110 determines in the determination processing in S1006 that the unique information extracted from the print job does not match the unique information stored in the print preparation information storage unit 160, the image forming apparatus First, print preparation information is extracted from the acquired print job, print preparation is performed based on the print preparation information, and print output is executed.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment receives a print preview screen display request from the mobile terminal 2, generates display information, and returns the display information. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 becomes the basis of the print preview screen from the mobile terminal. When a print job generated based on the print data is received, simultaneously with the drawing information generation processing based on the print job, the print job information for the print job is stored based on the print preparation information stored when the display information is generated. It is configured to start printing preparation.

  That is, when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment executes image forming output based on the print job transmitted from the mobile terminal 2, the display request for the print preview screen received before the print job is displayed. By using the print preparation information stored at the time of generation, the print preparation is started immediately after receiving the print job, thereby generating the drawing information based on the print job and preparing the print for the print job. Are performed in parallel. Then, when the print preparation is completed, the image forming apparatus 1 executes print output based on the generated drawing information. Therefore, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 performs image forming output, it is possible to shorten the waiting time of the user and reduce the power consumption.

  In FIG. 10, the processing when the image forming apparatus 1 executes print output has been described on the assumption that no print preparation request is made from the mobile terminal 2 to the image forming apparatus 1. Accordingly, next, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, after the print preparation request is made from the mobile terminal 2 to the image forming apparatus 1, the processing when the image forming apparatus 1 executes the print output will be described. This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing when the image forming apparatus 1 executes print output in the image forming system according to the present embodiment. Note that the processing in FIG. 11 is based on the premise that the print preview screen display processing in FIG. 9 has been completed, but printing preparation has not been performed.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 executes print output after a print preparation request is made from the mobile terminal 2 to the image forming apparatus 1. First, in the mobile terminal 2, when a “print preparation” button is pressed by a user operation on the display panel 203 on the print condition input screen, the print condition input screen display unit 221 displays “print” via the operation display control unit 240. The pressing of the “preparation” button is accepted (S1101), and the print preparation request unit 226 is notified that the “print preparation” button has been pressed.

  The print preparation request unit 226 that has been notified that the “print preparation” button has been pressed generates a print preparation request for making a print preparation request to the image forming apparatus 1 (S1102), and the generated print preparation is generated. The request is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 227 (S1103). That is, here, a print preparation request is generated as prior information. As described above, the print preparation request generated at this time includes the print ID assigned to the print data that is the generation source of the print preparation request. It becomes possible to associate the print data that is the generation source of the print preparation request.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 that has acquired the print preparation request from the mobile terminal 2, the main control unit 110 acquires the print preparation request via the input / output control unit 130 (S1104).

  Then, the main control unit 110 that has acquired the print preparation request acquires the print preparation information associated with the print ID included in the acquired print preparation request from the print preparation information storage unit 160, and sends it to the engine control unit 120. Then, the engine control unit 120 starts print preparation necessary for print output based on the print preparation information notified from the main control unit 110 (S1105).

  Note that, as described above, the print preparation information and the print ID are associated with each other and stored in the print preparation information storage unit 160, whereby the main control unit 110 adds the print ID included in the acquired print preparation request. Based on this, it is possible to search the print preparation information storage unit 160 for print preparation information corresponding to the print preparation request.

  On the other hand, in the mobile terminal 2 that has issued a print preparation request to the image forming apparatus 1, when the “print” button is pressed by a user operation on the display panel 203 in the print condition input screen, the print condition input screen display unit 221. Receives a press of the “print” button via the operation display control unit 240 (S1106), and notifies the print job generation unit 224 that the “print” button has been pressed.

  The print job generation unit 224 that has been notified that the “print” button has been pressed generates a print job based on the print data set in S903 and given a print ID in S904 (S1107), and the generated print job Is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 227 (S1108).

  In the image forming apparatus 1 that has acquired the print job from the mobile terminal 2, the main control unit 110 acquires the print job via the input / output control unit 130 (S1109).

  The main control unit 110 controls the image processing unit 140 to analyze the acquired print job and extract the unique information of the print target data from the print job (S1110) and store it in the print preparation information storage unit 160. It is determined whether or not it matches the unique information included in the print preparation information (S1111).

  At this time, the main control unit 110 acquires the print preparation information associated with the print ID included in the print job from the print preparation information storage unit 160, the unique information included in the acquired print preparation information, and the print It is determined whether or not they match by comparing with the unique information extracted from the job.

  If the main control unit 110 determines that the unique information extracted from the print job matches the unique information stored in the print preparation information storage unit 160 in the determination process of S <b> 1111, the image processing unit 140. Is controlled to analyze the acquired print job and start drawing information generation processing based on the print job (S1112).

  Then, when drawing information is generated by the image processing unit 140, the engine control unit 120 executes print output based on the generated drawing information (S1113). With this process, the print output execution process in the image forming system according to the present embodiment is completed.

  If the main control unit 110 determines that the unique information extracted from the print job does not match the unique information stored in the print preparation information storage unit 160 in the determination process of S1111, the image forming apparatus First, print preparation information is extracted from the acquired print job, print preparation is performed based on the print preparation information, and print output is executed.

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment receives the print preview screen display request from the mobile terminal 2 and generates and returns the display information, the image forming apparatus 1 generates the display information when receiving the print preparation request. The printer is configured to start printing preparation based on the printing preparation information stored at times.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has already completed or completed printing preparation by the time the print job is transmitted from the mobile terminal 2. Therefore, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the user when the image forming apparatus 1 executes image forming output.

  Furthermore, as described with reference to FIG. 11, when the “print preparation” button is pressed after the “preview” button is pressed, the print preparation information is already stored in the image forming apparatus 1. The preparation request unit 226 need only transmit a print preparation request. Accordingly, in this case, the amount of communication data can be reduced by the amount not including print data.

  In FIG. 11, when a print preparation request is made after the mobile terminal 2 makes a print preview screen display request to the image forming apparatus 1, the process when the image forming apparatus 1 executes print output. Explained. Therefore, next, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when the mobile terminal 2 does not request the print preview screen to the image forming apparatus 1 but only the print preparation request is made, the image forming apparatus The processing when 1 executes print output will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing when the image forming apparatus 1 executes print output in the image forming system according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when only a print preparation request is made without making a print preview screen display request from the mobile terminal 2 to the image forming apparatus 1, the image is displayed. When the forming apparatus 1 executes print output, first, in the mobile terminal 2, the print condition input screen display unit 221 displays a print condition input screen via the operation display control unit 240 (S1201).

  When the print condition and the storage location of the print file are input by the user operation on the display panel 203 on the print condition input screen, the print condition input screen display unit 221 receives the print condition and the print condition via the operation display control unit 240. An input of the print file storage location is accepted (S1202), and the print data setting unit 222 is notified.

  The print data setting unit 222 that has received the notification of the print condition and the storage location of the print file analyzes the print condition received in the processing of S1202, and also obtains the print target data (print file) from the received print file storage location. The print data is set by acquiring (S1203). The print data setting unit 222 causes the print ID issuing unit 223 to issue a print ID for the set print data, and assigns the print ID to the print data. (S1204).

  When the “print preparation” button is pressed by a user operation on the display panel 203 in the print condition input screen, the print condition input screen display unit 221 presses the “print preparation” button via the operation display control unit 240. (S1205), and notifies the print preparation request unit 226 that the “print preparation” button has been pressed.

  The print preparation request unit 226 that has been notified that the “print preparation” button has been pressed generates a print preparation request (S1206), is set in S1203, and is given a print ID in S1204 together with the generated print preparation request. The print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 227 (S1207).

  In the image forming apparatus 1 that has acquired the print preparation request and print data from the mobile terminal 2, the main control unit 110 acquires the print preparation request and print data via the input / output control unit 130 (S1208).

  Then, the main control unit 110 controls the image processing unit 140 according to the acquired print preparation indication request to extract print preparation information necessary for print preparation from the acquired print data (S1209), and the engine control unit 120 is notified. The engine control unit 120 starts print preparation based on the print preparation information notified from the main control unit 110 (S1210).

  On the other hand, in the mobile terminal 2 that has issued a print preparation request to the image forming apparatus 1, when the “print” button is pressed by a user operation on the display panel 203 in the print condition input screen, the print condition input screen display unit 221. Receives a press of the “print” button via the operation display control unit 240 (S1211), and notifies the print job generation unit 224 that the “print” button has been pressed.

  The print job generation unit 224 that has been notified that the “print” button has been pressed generates a print job based on the print data set in S1203 and given the print ID in S1204 (S1212), and the generated print job Is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 227 (S1213).

  In the image forming apparatus 1 that has acquired the print job from the mobile terminal 2, the main control unit 110 acquires the print job via the input / output control unit 130 (S1214).

  The main control unit 110 controls the image processing unit 140 to analyze the acquired print job and extract the unique information of the print target data from the print job (S1215), which is stored in the print preparation information storage unit 160. It is determined whether or not it matches the unique information included in the print preparation information (S1216).

  At this time, the main control unit 110 acquires the print preparation information associated with the print ID included in the print job from the print preparation information storage unit 160, the unique information included in the acquired print preparation information, and the print It is determined whether or not they match by comparing with the unique information extracted from the job.

  If the main control unit 110 determines that the unique information extracted from the print job matches the unique information stored in the print preparation information storage unit 160 in the determination process of S1216, the image processing unit 140 By controlling this, the acquired print job is analyzed, and drawing information generation processing based on the print job is started (S1217).

  Then, when drawing information is generated by the image processing unit 140, the engine control unit 120 executes print output based on the generated drawing information (S1218). With this process, the print output execution process in the image forming system according to the present embodiment is completed.

  If the main control unit 110 determines that the unique information extracted from the print job does not match the unique information stored in the print preparation information storage unit 160 in the determination process of S1216, the image forming apparatus First, print preparation information is extracted from the acquired print job, print preparation is performed based on the print preparation information, and print output is executed.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can prepare for printing without necessarily receiving a print preview screen display request from the mobile terminal 2. Therefore, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the user when the image forming apparatus 1 executes image forming output.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, the case where the print condition data or the print target data is not changed after the display request for the print preview screen is issued from the mobile terminal 2 to the image forming apparatus 1 has been described.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the print condition data or the print target data is changed after the mobile terminal 2 requests the image forming apparatus 1 to display the print preview screen.

  Therefore, first, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when the print condition data or the print target data is changed after the mobile terminal 2 requests the image forming apparatus 1 to display the print preview screen, the image is displayed. Processing when the forming apparatus 1 executes print output will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing when the image forming apparatus 1 executes print output in the image forming system according to the present embodiment. Note that the processing in FIG. 13 is based on the assumption that the display processing of the print preview screen in FIG. 9 has been completed. Further, the processing in FIG. 13 is based on the premise that no print preparation request is made to the image forming apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, the print condition data or the print target data is changed after the mobile terminal 2 requests the image forming apparatus 1 to display the print preview screen. In this case, when the image forming apparatus 1 executes print output, first, in the mobile terminal 2, when the print condition and the storage location of the print file are changed by a user operation on the display panel 203 on the print condition input screen, The print condition input screen display unit 221 detects and accepts the change of the print condition and the storage location of the print file via the operation display control unit 240 (S1301), and notifies the print data setting unit 222 of the change.

  At this time, the print condition input screen display unit 221 displays the file name and document name of the print file that is the print target data, the creation date and time, the update date and time, the checksum value of the print target data, the comparison of the entire print file, Detects changes in print conditions and print file storage location.

  The print data setting unit 222 that has received the notification of the change of the print condition and the storage location of the print file analyzes the change of the print condition and acquires the print target data (print file) from the changed print file storage location. Thus, the changed print data is set (S1302). The print data setting unit 222 assigns the print ID issued in S904 to the changed print data (S1303).

  The print data setting unit 222 generates a change request for causing the image forming apparatus 1 to change the print preparation information (S1304), is set in S1302 together with the generated change request, and is given a print ID in S1303. The changed print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 227 (S1305). That is, here, a change request is generated as an update request.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 that has acquired the change request and the changed print data from the mobile terminal 2, the main control unit 110 acquires the change request and the changed print data via the input / output control unit 130 (S1306). .

  Then, in response to the acquired change request, the main control unit 110 is stored in the print preparation information storage unit 160 in association with the print ID assigned to the change data based on the acquired print data after change. The print preparation information is updated to the latest information (S1307).

  When the “print” button is pressed by a user operation on the display panel 203 in the print condition input screen in the mobile terminal 2 that has requested the image forming apparatus 1 to change the print preparation request, the print condition input screen The display unit 221 receives a press of the “print” button via the operation display control unit 240 (S1308), and notifies the print job generation unit 224 that the “print” button has been pressed.

  The print job generation unit 224 notified that the “print” button has been pressed generates a print job based on the changed print data set in S1302 and given the print ID in S1303 (S1309). The printed job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 227 (S1310).

  In the image forming apparatus 1 that has acquired a print job from the mobile terminal 2, the main control unit 110 acquires the print job via the input / output control unit 130 (S1311).

  The main control unit 110 controls the image processing unit 140 to analyze the acquired print job and extract the unique information of the print target data from the print job (S1312) and store it in the print preparation information storage unit 160. It is determined whether or not it matches the unique information included in the updated print preparation information (S1313).

  At this time, the main control unit 110 acquires the updated print preparation information associated with the print ID included in the print job from the print preparation information storage unit 160, and includes it in the acquired updated print preparation information. By comparing the unique information to be extracted with the unique information extracted from the print job, it is determined whether or not they match.

  If the main control unit 110 determines that the unique information extracted from the print job matches the unique information stored in the print preparation information storage unit 160 in the determination process of S1313, the image processing unit 140 In step S1314, the engine control unit 120 analyzes the acquired print job and starts drawing information generation processing based on the print job. At the same time, the engine control unit 120 starts print preparation necessary for print output.

  At this time, in step S1314, the main control unit 110 controls the image processing unit 140 to analyze the acquired print job and start generating drawing information based on the print job. The updated print preparation information acquired from the preparation information storage unit 160 is notified to the engine control unit 120. Then, the engine control unit 120 starts print preparation necessary for print output based on the updated print preparation information notified from the main control unit 110.

  Note that, as described above, the updated print preparation information and the print ID are associated with each other and stored in the print preparation information storage unit 160, so that the main control unit 110 prints included in the acquired print job. Based on the ID, the updated print preparation information corresponding to the print job can be searched from the print preparation information storage unit 160.

  Then, the drawing information is generated by the image processing unit 140, and when the print preparation by the engine processing unit 120 is completed, the engine control unit 120 executes print output based on the generated drawing information (S1315). With this process, the print output execution process in the image forming system according to the present embodiment is completed.

  If the main control unit 110 determines in the determination process of S1314 that the unique information extracted from the print job does not match the unique information stored in the print preparation information storage unit 160, the image forming apparatus First, print preparation information is extracted from the acquired print job, print preparation is performed based on the print preparation information, and print output is executed.

  As described above, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, even when the print condition data or the print target data is changed after the mobile terminal 2 requests the image forming apparatus 1 to display the print preview screen. It is possible to obtain the same effects as those described in the first embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Mobile terminal 10 CPU
20 RAM
30 ROM
40 HDD
50 I / F
60 LCD
70 Operation unit 80 Bus 100 Controller 101 ADF
102 Scanner unit 103 Paper discharge tray 104 Display panel 105 Paper feed table 106 Print engine 107 Paper discharge tray 108 Network I / F
109 Short range communication I / F
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 110 Main control part 120 Engine control part 130 Input / output control part 140 Image processing part 150 Operation display control part 160 Print preparation information storage part 200 Controller 201 Network I / F
202 Short-range communication I / F
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 203 Display panel 210 Main control part 220 Printer driver 221 Print condition setting screen display part 222 Print data setting part 223 Print ID issuing part 224 Print job generation part 225 Print preview screen display part 226 Print standard part request part 227 Communication part 230 Input / output Control unit 240 Operation display control unit

JP 2008-070653 A

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus that executes an image forming output based on an image forming output command generated and transmitted by an information processing apparatus,
When transmitting the image formation output command from the information processing apparatus, preparation information necessary for causing the image forming unit to prepare for execution of the image formation output is extracted from advance information received from the information processing apparatus in advance. And a preparation information storage processing unit for storing in the storage unit in association with the image formation output command;
Drawing information generation for acquiring the image forming output command from the information processing apparatus and generating drawing information for drawing an image to be formed in the image forming operation based on the acquired image forming output command And
When the image forming output command is acquired, the image forming output is executed to the image forming unit based on the preparation information stored in the storage unit in association with the acquired image forming output command. An image forming control unit to prepare,
With
The image forming control unit causes the image forming unit to execute image forming output based on the generated drawing information after causing the image forming unit to prepare for execution of image forming output. Forming equipment. The prior information is an execution result information generation request for generating information related to an execution result of an image formation output based on the image formation output command;
An execution result information generating unit that generates information related to the execution result of the image formation output based on the acquired execution result information generation request;
A transmission unit that transmits the generated execution result information to the information processing apparatus that is a transmission source of the execution result information generation request;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The preparation information storage processing unit extracts the preparation information from the prior information and extracts information related to image information referred to when the image formation output command is generated, and Store in the storage unit in association with the command of the formation output,
When the image formation output command is acquired, information related to the image information referred to when the image formation output command is generated is extracted from the acquired image formation output command, A determination unit that determines whether or not the image formation output command matches information related to the image information stored in the storage unit,
The drawing information generation unit generates drawing information for drawing an image to be formed in an image forming operation based on the acquired image formation output command when the determination unit determines that they match. ,
The image forming control unit, based on the preparation information stored in the storage unit in association with the acquired image forming output command when the image forming control unit determines that the image forming control unit matches the image forming output unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus prepares to execute image forming output.   When the image formation control unit acquires an execution preparation request for causing the image formation unit to prepare for execution of image formation output, the image formation control unit executes image formation output to the image formation unit based on the acquired execution preparation request. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein preparation is performed.   The image forming control unit causes the image forming unit to prepare for execution of an image forming output based on the acquired execution preparation request when it is determined by the determining unit that they match. 5. The image forming apparatus according to 3 or 4.   When the preparation information storage processing unit acquires an update request for updating the preparation information stored in the storage unit, the preparation information stored in the storage unit based on the acquired update request The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is updated. A control program for an image forming apparatus that executes image forming output based on an image forming output command generated and transmitted by an information processing apparatus,
When transmitting the image formation output command from the information processing apparatus, preparation information necessary for causing the image forming unit to prepare for execution of the image formation output is extracted from advance information received from the information processing apparatus in advance. And storing it in a storage unit in association with the image formation output command;
Obtaining an image formation output command from the information processing apparatus, and generating drawing information for drawing an image to be formed in an image forming operation based on the acquired image formation output command;
When the image forming output command is acquired, the image forming output is executed to the image forming unit based on the preparation information stored in the storage unit in association with the acquired image forming output command. Steps to prepare,
Causing the image forming apparatus to execute the step of causing the image forming unit to execute image forming output based on the generated drawing information after making the image forming unit prepare for execution of image forming output. A control program for the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus control method for executing image forming output based on an image forming output command generated and transmitted by an information processing apparatus,
When transmitting the image formation output command from the information processing apparatus, preparation information necessary for causing the image forming unit to prepare for execution of the image formation output is extracted from advance information received from the information processing apparatus in advance. And storing it in the storage unit in association with the image formation output command,
Obtaining the image forming output command from the information processing apparatus, and generating drawing information for drawing an image to be formed in an image forming operation based on the acquired image forming output command,
When the image forming output command is acquired, the image forming output is executed to the image forming unit based on the preparation information stored in the storage unit in association with the acquired image forming output command. Make preparations,
A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising: causing the image forming unit to prepare for execution of image forming output; and causing the image forming unit to execute image forming output based on the generated drawing information.