JP2015000528A - Image forming device, processing method for the same, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system for reducing omission from acquired storage destination information of printing data.SOLUTION: The first image forming device communicably connected to multiple second image forming devices storing storage destination information of printing data, for storing the printing data transmitted from an information processing apparatus and bibliographic information of the printing data includes: storage destination information transmission means for, in order to notify that the printing data has been stored after receiving the printing data, transmitting storage destination information to distinguish the first image forming device, to the multiple second image forming devices; request means for requesting acquisition of the storage destination information from a primary second image forming device, or the other second image forming devices, in order to acquire a list of the printing data; and return determination means for determining whether or not the primary second image forming device has returned. When it is determined that the primary second image forming device has returned, the request means requests acquisition of the storage destination information from the other second image forming devices until predetermined time.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a processing method thereof, and a program for acquiring storage location information of print data.

  Conventionally, so-called “pull printing (accumulation printing)” in which print data is output from a printing apparatus by making a print request from the printing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a multi-function peripheral) to print data temporarily accumulated on a server. The printing system is known.

  Accordingly, the user can output print data from a desired printing apparatus instead of outputting to a specific printing apparatus during printing from an application (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In a pull printing system such as the printing system described above, a user is in a situation where a normal printing apparatus cannot be used by specifying an external virtual printer server instead of a specific printing apparatus and inputting it. In this case, it is possible to go to another available printing apparatus and issue a print instruction to the virtual printer server.

  However, in the pull print system such as the above-described printing system, it is necessary to install a server outside, and a plurality of servers may be installed depending on the number of users to be used. In such a system configuration, since server management is required, a system that does not construct a server is desired (Patent Document 2).

JP 2009-9600 A JP 2013-33443 A

  When constructing a system that does not construct a server, a configuration in which print data is temporarily stored on the HDD of the printing device is conceivable. However, instead of a printing device that is normally used, printing data from another available printing device can be used. In order to output the print data, it is necessary to notify the storage destination of the print data to all the other printing apparatuses constituting the system.

  However, in the system described above, it is necessary to register the notification destination in advance in all the printing apparatuses, and in a printing apparatus where the number of installed devices is likely to increase or decrease, the trouble of constantly maintaining the notification destination occurs.

  In addition, instead of registering the notification destination in advance, a method of notifying the storage location information by broadcast can be considered. However, since broadcast notification is limited to the same segment, there is a high possibility that segments are separated in a large-scale user environment, and print data can be output only from a limited range of printing apparatuses. In broadcast communication, since the success or failure of notification cannot be confirmed, it is necessary to notify the storage location every time print data is received from the client terminal, which may put an excessive load on the network.

  Therefore, the printing apparatus that has received the print data from the client terminal notifies the storage destination only to several printing apparatuses that have been registered in advance as the notification destination, and is registered when the user prints out to the printing apparatus. By acquiring the storage destination from the printing apparatus, the mechanism for acquiring the user's print data is realized.

  On the other hand, it is assumed that, among the MFPs holding the storage destination information, a state in which the MFP corresponding to the first priority reference destination (primary) cannot perform network communication due to a failure or the like has occurred. In this case, the storage destination information is missing because the notification cannot be received even though the MFP is the target of the storage destination information. After that, even if an attempt is made to recover from the failure and acquire the storage destination in the multifunction peripheral that is the first priority reference destination, since there is no target storage destination information, it cannot be acquired and printing becomes difficult.

  More specifically, when a multifunction device that stores storage destination information as a primary is down and a multi-function device that stores storage destination information as a secondary operates, the printing of a user When data is accumulated in a new multi-function peripheral, storage destination information that is the multi-function peripheral accumulated is not newly stored in the primary. Therefore, when the primary recovers, the storage location information cannot be acquired simply by switching the reference destination from the secondary to the primary.

  Although it is conceivable that the storage location information is always acquired by the multifunction device that stores the storage location information. Unlike the server, the multifunction device is turned on / off by a general user when a problem such as a jam occurs. Often done. Therefore, many multifunction peripherals are registered as secondary. As a result, inquiring storage location information from a multifunction device that stores all storage location information (for example, a multifunction device having a name service function) may not be suitable for use depending on the environment due to high network load. Exists.

  In addition, when the power is frequently turned off, the storage destination information cannot be received and the storage destination information is often lost even if the storage device is notified of the storage destination when the power is turned off. . For this reason, a difference in storage destination information occurs between MFPs that store the storage destination information. That is, there is a possibility that storage location information is not acquired.

In order to fill this difference in storage location information, it is conceivable to perform synchronization processing when the power is turned on. However, since power ON / OFF is frequently performed, synchronization processing also frequently occurs, and the network load In addition, processing may increase.
For this reason, in order to reduce the storage location information acquisition failure, the response varies depending on the environment and operation, and it is difficult to reduce the storage location information acquisition failure.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for reducing omissions in acquisition of print data storage location information.

  To achieve the object of the present invention, print data transmitted from an information processing apparatus and a bibliography of the print data, which are communicably connected to a plurality of second image forming apparatuses storing print data storage destination information A first image forming apparatus for storing information, wherein after receiving the print data, a plurality of storage destination information for identifying the first image forming apparatus is notified to notify that the print data is stored. Storage destination information transmitting means for transmitting to the second image forming apparatus, and storing in the second image forming apparatus serving as the primary or the other second image forming apparatus in order to obtain a list of the print data Requesting means for requesting acquisition of the destination information; and return determining means for determining whether or not the second image forming apparatus serving as the primary has returned, wherein the requesting means includes the second image serving as the primary. Molding There in a case that it is determined that return, until a predetermined time, characterized in that an acquisition request for storage destination information to the other of the second image forming apparatus.

  Also, a first image formation that stores print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus and bibliographic information of the print data, which is communicably connected to a plurality of second image formation apparatuses that store print data storage destination information. After receiving the print data, the apparatus transmits storage destination information for identifying the first image forming apparatus to the plurality of second image forming apparatuses to notify that the print data has been stored. Storage destination information transmitting means, and request means for requesting acquisition of storage destination information from the second image forming apparatus serving as a primary or the other second image forming apparatus in order to obtain a list of the print data And a return determination unit that determines whether or not the second image forming apparatus as the primary has returned, and the request unit determines that the second image forming apparatus as the primary has returned. Case Until a predetermined time, characterized by an acquisition request for storage destination information to each of the primary to become the second image forming apparatus and said another second image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce omission of acquisition of print data storage destination information.

1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a print system. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of information processing apparatus 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a multifunction machine 101. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of each function part structure of an application It is a flowchart when starting an application 10 is a flowchart when referring to the storage destination of the multifunction machine 101-1 to the multifunction machine (name service). 10 is a flowchart of the MFP 101-1 when the MFP (name service) in the time difference switching mode is faulty. 10 is a flowchart of the multifunction machine 101-1 when the multifunction machine (name service) in the multi-device reference mode is faulty. It is a flowchart of the multifunction peripheral (periodic task scheduler) in the synchronous mode. It is a flowchart between multifunction devices (name service) in synchronous mode 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of parameters related to a switching operation of the multifunction machine 101. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of various data held in the multifunction machine 101-1. FIG. Diagram showing the processing overview of the printing system Diagram showing the processing overview of the printing system

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

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system of the present invention includes a multifunction peripheral (normal) 101-1, a multifunction peripheral (name service) 101-2, 3 (in the following description, the multifunction peripheral (normal) 101-1, The MFP (name service) 101-2 and 3 are collectively referred to as the MFP 101), a client device 102, and a LAN 103.

  The multifunction peripheral (normal) 101-1 is a multifunction peripheral having a print data receiving function, a print data bibliographic information extraction function, and a print data and bibliographic information management function. Communication ports (LPR ports, etc.) used for receiving print data and FAX data are set so as to be able to receive data only from specific devices (other multifunction devices, own device). Will not accept. When data is transmitted from the client apparatus 102 to the multi-function peripheral 101, the data is transmitted to a port to be monitored by a data management service described later.

  The multifunction peripherals (name services) 101-2 and 3 are multifunction peripherals on which the name service is executed. This multifunction device is the same as the multifunction device 101-1, except that the name service is executed. The name service is a service for managing which user's print data is stored in which MFP.

The client device 102 is installed with a printer driver and a FAX driver, and these drivers create print data and FAX data based on data received from the application program, and are specified via the network (LAN 103). A function of transmitting to the machine 101 is provided.
The LAN 103 is a network for connecting the multifunction machine 101-1, the multifunction machine 101-2, the multifunction machine 101-3, and the client device 102 so that they can communicate with each other.
The above is an example of the system configuration of the image forming system of the present invention.

Next, the processing outline of the present system will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.
13 and 14 are process outline diagrams of the image forming system (printing system).

FIG. 13 shows an outline of processing for receiving print data from the client terminal 102 and notifying name information, processing for obtaining a list of print data after logging in to the MFP, printing of print data displayed in a list, and processing for deleting. ing.
First, an outline of print data reception and name information notification processing will be described.

  (1) After using the printer driver on the client terminal 102 to generate print data, the print data is transmitted (printed) to the multifunction machine 101-1 that has been designated in advance as a transmission destination by the printer driver.

(2) The multi-function peripheral 101-1 receives the print data and analyzes the print setting information (bibliographic information) included in the header of the print data. Further, the model name of the printer driver used for generating the print data is received from the client terminal 102, and the bibliographic information extracted from the header of the print data is added to form a bibliographic information file as shown in FIG. Are stored in the HDD 304.
(3) After extracting the bibliographic information, the print data received from the client terminal 102 is stored in the HDD 304 on the multifunction machine 101-1.

(4) After receiving the print data from the client terminal 102, the multi-function peripheral 101-1 includes name information including the generation user name, model name, and host name (storage destination) of the print apparatus included in the bibliographic information file. Is notified to the multifunction peripheral 101-2 having a name service function registered in advance. At this time, the MFP 101-3 is also notified. It is assumed that there are a plurality of multifunction peripherals 101-3.
(5) The multifunction machine 101-2 and the multifunction machine 101-3 store the received name information in the HDD 304 as a name information file as indicated by 1102 in FIG.

  Next, an outline of processing for acquiring a print data list after the user logs in will be described. The multifunction machine to which the user logs in is the multifunction machine 101-1 different from the multifunction machine that stores the print data as described above, but may be the multifunction machine 101-1 that stores the print data.

  (6) The multifunction machine 101-1 receives a user login notification from the authentication program, and acquires login user information. (7) The multifunction machine 101-1 transmits a name information acquisition request including the user name included in the login user information and the model name of the self-device to the multifunction machine 101-2. The device information (IP address, host name, etc.) of the multifunction device 101-2 that makes a name information acquisition request is stored in the multifunction device multifunction device 101-1. At this time, no name information acquisition request is made to the multifunction peripheral 101-3. A request is made to the multifunction machine 101-2 as a primary.

  (8) The multifunction machine 101-2 searches for a host name (storage destination) included in the name information file in which the user name, the host name, and the file name included in the received name information acquisition request match. (9) A host name (storage destination) as a result of the search is returned to the multifunction machine 101-1. In this embodiment, a file name whose user name and host name match is selected as a search target. However, even a multifunction device with a different host name (for example, a different model) can use a multifunction device that can draw print data. Since it is feasible if it exists, the user name may be used for the search. For example, current multi-function peripherals can interpret general-purpose formats such as XPS data (XPS: XML Paper Specification). It is also possible to receive XPS data from a printer driver, interpret the XPS data with a multifunction peripheral, and perform drawing processing. Therefore, any multifunction device capable of interpreting XPS data can execute printing, so it is sufficient that at least the user name can be searched.

  (10) The multifunction machine 101-1 transmits a bibliographic information acquisition request including the login user name and the model name of the own apparatus to the received host name (storage destination). When a plurality of host names (storage destinations) are included in the name information received from the MFP 101-2, a bibliographic information acquisition request is transmitted to all host names (storage destinations) including the self-device.

  (11) In response to the received bibliographic information acquisition request, the multifunction machine 101-1 searches for the bibliographic information of the user that matches the user name. (12) The retrieved bibliographic information is transmitted to the multifunction machine 101-1. The bibliographic information may be configured to transmit necessary bibliographic information. For example, information that can specify print data such as a file name is transmitted.

(13) The multifunction machine 101-1 stores the received bibliographic information in the RAM 302 and displays the list on the operation unit 308. When bibliographic information is received from a plurality of host names (storage destinations), all the bibliographic information is merged and displayed in a list.
Next, an outline of processing from reception of a print instruction from the user to printing will be described.

  (14-1) The bibliographic information (print data) displayed in a list is selected from the user, and upon reception of a press of a print instruction, the multi-function peripheral 101-1 acquires a print request, and the selected print data A print request including a file name is transmitted to the host name (storage destination). When the host name (storage destination) of the print data selected by the user extends over a plurality of multifunction devices, a print request is transmitted to all multifunction devices including the self-device.

  (15-1) In response to the received print request, the multifunction machine 101-1 acquires print data from the file name included in the print request from the HDD 304 in its own apparatus. (16-1) The acquired print data is transmitted to the multifunction machine 101-1. (17-1) The multifunction machine 101-1 prints the received print data.

Next, an outline of processing from receiving a deletion instruction from the user to deleting the name information will be described.
(14-2) The bibliographic information (print data) displayed in a list is selected from the user, and upon reception of pressing of a delete instruction, the multi-function peripheral 101-1 acquires a delete request, and the selected print data A delete request including the file name is transmitted to the host name (storage destination). As in the case of a print request, when a plurality of multifunction devices are used, a deletion request is transmitted to all multifunction devices including the self-device.

  (15-2) In response to the received deletion request, the MFP 101-1 sets the status 1401 in the bibliographic information file corresponding to the print data from the file name included in the deletion request from the HDD 304 in the self-device. change. Note that when a deletion request is received, it is possible to delete the bibliographic information and delete the print data.

  (16-2) When all the printable data statuses 1401 of the corresponding user have been deleted in the self-device, the multi-function device 101-1 determines that the multi-function device 101-2 and the multi-function device 101-3 A name information deletion notification including the user name, model name, and host name (storage destination) of the own device is transmitted. If there is even one printable data, the name information deletion notification is not transmitted. (17-2) The MFP 101-2 and the MFP 101-3 delete the corresponding host name from the name information file stored in the HDD 304 in accordance with the corresponding name information included in the received name information deletion notification. .

In FIG. 14, processing for receiving print data from the client terminal 102 and notifying the name information when the multifunction device 101-2 is down due to power-off or the like, the multifunction device 101-2 returns, and the multifunction device 101- 1 shows an outline of processing when name information is acquired (when the name information acquisition destination is switched at the time of return).
Note that description of the same processing as in FIG. 13 is omitted.

In (4), if name information is notified to the multifunction machine 101-2, a notification error occurs because the multifunction machine 101-2 is down, and the multifunction machine 101-1 has the secondary multifunction machine 101 registered in advance. -3 is notified of name information. At this time, the name information α is stored only in the multifunction machine 101-3.
Here, the multifunction machine 101-1 is switched to the multifunction machine 101-3 as the destination multifunction machine to which the name information is notified.

  In (7), when the multi-function machine 101-1 acquires name information to the returned multi-function machine 101-2, the name information α is not obtained, and print data from the multi-function machine 101-1 for the name information α is obtained. Can not be acquired. In other words, it is possible to prevent this storage location information acquisition failure from occurring.

  Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus applicable to the client terminal 102 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. Further, the ROM 203 or the external memory 211 is necessary to realize a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS), which is a control program of the CPU 201, or a function executed by each server or each PC. Various programs to be described later are stored.

  A RAM 202 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 203 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 202 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 205 controls input from a keyboard (KB) 209 or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). A video controller 206 controls display on a display device such as a CRT display (CRT) 210. In FIG. 2, although described as CRT 210, the display device is not limited to the CRT, but may be another display device such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by the administrator as needed.

  A memory controller 207 is connected to a hard disk (HDD), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA card slot for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like through an adapter. The access to the external memory 211 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory is controlled.

  A communication I / F controller 208 connects and communicates with an external device via a network, and executes communication control processing on the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the CRT 210 by executing, for example, outline font development (rasterization) processing on a display information area in the RAM 202. In addition, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 210.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the multifunction peripherals 101-1, 2 and 3 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit that is connected to a scanner 314 that functions as an image input device and a printer 312 that functions as an image output device, and is connected to a LAN or a public line (WAN) (for example, PSTN or ISDN). By doing so, image data and device information are input and output.

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

  A ROM 303 stores a system boot program and various control programs. A hard disk drive (HDD) 304 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit (UI) 308 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 308 to the operation unit 308.

  The operation unit I / F 307 serves to transmit information (for example, user information) input by the system user from the operation unit 308 to the CPU 301. Note that the operation unit 308 includes a display unit having a touch panel, and various instructions can be given by a user pressing (touching with a finger or the like) a button displayed on the display unit.

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

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

An image bus interface (image bus I / F) 320 connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed, and is a bus bridge that converts a data structure.
The image bus 315 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 315.

A raster image processor (RIP) 310 develops vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image. A printer interface (printer I / F) 311 connects the printer 312 and the controller unit 316, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 313 connects the scanner 314 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 317 performs correction, processing, and editing on input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 317 performs image data rotation and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data.

  The scanner unit 314 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 gives an instruction to the scanner 314, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. I do.

  The printer unit 312 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array directly on the paper. There is an inkjet method for printing an image, but any method may be used. The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 301. The printer unit 312 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has a paper cassette corresponding thereto.

  The operation unit 308 has an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The operation unit 308 displays an operation screen of the system. When a displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F 307. To the CPU 301 via The operation unit 308 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 308 is used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two color LEDs, green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used. Further, the stop key of the operation unit 308 functions to stop the operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 308 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  The card reader 319 reads information stored in an IC card (for example, Sony FeliCa (registered trademark)) under the control of the CPU 301, and reads the read information via the external I / F 318. The CPU 301 is notified.

  With the configuration described above, the multi-function peripherals 101-1, 2-3 and 3 can transmit image data read from the scanner 314 to the LAN 103 and print out print data received from the LAN using the printer 312.

  Also, the image data read from the scanner 314 can be faxed to the public line by the modem 306, and the image data received by fax from the public line can be output by the printer 312.

  Hereinafter, the relationship of functions in each terminal in the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, since the operation | movement detail in each flow is mentioned later, description of the functional block diagram currently described in various terminals is described here.

In the multifunction peripheral (normal) 101-1, the data management service, the stored print execution service, and the periodic task scheduler are executed in different processes. In addition, in the multifunction peripherals (name service) 101-2 and 3, name service is executed in addition to them.
Hereinafter, functional units realized by the data management service will be described.

The data receiving unit 401 is a functional unit that receives print data and FAX data transmitted from the client apparatus 102. The data receiving unit sets data received at a specific port as data to be processed.
The data determination unit 402 is a functional unit that determines whether the data received by the data reception unit 401 is print data or FAX data.

  The bibliographic information data generation unit 403 displays a document name, a user name that gives a print instruction from the print data received by the data reception unit 401, print settings (color / monochrome, duplex / single-sided, print layout, etc.), the number of copies, the number of pages, and the like. It is a functional unit that acquires bibliographic information including, generates bibliographic information data of the print data, and stores it in the HDD 304.

  The name information registration request unit 404 manages with the name service whether print data that can be printed by a multifunction device belonging to which printer group (or model name) of which user is stored in the multifunction device. This is a functional unit that makes a request for registration of name information used for the request to the multifunction peripherals (name service) 101-2 and 3 (for example, (4) name information notification in FIG. 13).

  The printer group indicates a group of printers that are printable printer groups. For example, model A1 and model A2 are grouped together. Printer groups can also be grouped by model.

  The bibliographic information data request receiving unit 405 is a functional unit that receives a request for bibliographic information data from the bibliographic information data requesting unit 420 of the storage printing execution service (for example, (10) bibliographic information acquisition in FIG. 13).

  The bibliographic information data transmission unit 406 is a functional unit that, when the bibliographic information data request receiving unit 405 receives a request for bibliographic information data, sends a list of corresponding bibliographic information data to the multifunction peripheral 101 that has requested bibliographic information. Yes (for example, (12) bibliographic information response in FIG. 13).

  The print data request reception unit 407 is a functional unit that receives a print data request from the print data request unit 421 of the accumulated print execution service (for example, (14-1) print request in FIG. 13).

  The print data transmission unit 408 is a functional unit that transmits the print data whose transmission request has been received by the print data request reception unit 407 to the MFP 101 that has made the request (for example, (16-1) print data in FIG. 13). Send).

  The status update unit 409 is a functional unit that updates the status of the bibliographic information data of the print data in response to a print execution instruction or a delete instruction of the print data (for example, (15-2) status rewriting in FIG. 13 ).

The print data deletion unit 410 is a functional unit that deletes print data. Examples of print data to be deleted include print data instructed to be deleted by a print data deletion request unit 422 of a storage print service, which will be described later, or print data that has been received from the client apparatus 102 for a predetermined time or more.
The bibliographic information data deletion unit 411 is a functional unit that deletes the bibliographic information data of the print data deleted by the print data deletion unit 410.

The name information deletion request unit 412 is a functional unit that issues a name information deletion request to the multifunction peripherals (name services) 101-2 and 3 (for example, (16-2) name information deletion notification in FIG. 13). .
Hereinafter, functional units realized by the accumulated print execution service will be described.

  The name information request unit 419 manages name information for managing the multifunction peripheral (name service) 101-2 and 3 in which multifunction peripherals print data of a login user that can be printed by the multifunction peripheral is stored. (For example, (7) name information acquisition in FIG. 13).

The bibliographic information data request unit 420 is a functional unit that requests bibliographic information data of the print data of the user who is logged in to the multi-function peripheral 101-1, from the multi-function peripheral (own machine or other machine) that is executing the data management service. Yes (for example, (10) Bibliographic information acquisition in FIG. 13). Which multifunction device stores the print data of the login user is recognized using name information.
The print data request unit 421 is a functional unit that requests the multifunction machine 101-1 (self machine, other machine) to transmit designated print data.
The print data deletion request unit 422 is a functional unit that requests the multifunction machine 101-1 (self machine, other machine) to delete designated print data.

The present name service monitoring unit 423 responds to the MFP 101-2 (name service) registered as the first priority reference destination (primary) of the storage location information from the MFP 101-1 (own device, other device). It is a functional part that monitors life and death.
Hereinafter, functional units realized by the name information service will be described. It is a functional unit included in the multifunction peripheral (name service) 101-2,3.
The name information receiving unit 413 is a functional unit that receives name information transmitted from the name information registration request unit 404 (for example, (4) name information notification in FIG. 13).

  The name information storage unit 414 is a storage unit that stores the name information received by the name information receiving unit 413 as a name information file (for example, (5) name information storage in FIG. 13).

  The name information request accepting unit 415 is a functional unit that accepts a name information transmission request by the name information requesting unit 419 indicating a storage location of print data that can be executed by a specific printer group of a specific user (for example, FIG. 13). (7) Name information acquisition).

  The name information transmission unit 416 is a functional unit that transmits the name information for which the transmission request has been received by the name information request reception unit 415 to the requested multifunction peripheral (for example, (9) name information response in FIG. 13).

  The name information deletion request receiving unit 417 is a functional unit that receives a name information deletion request from the name information deletion request unit 412 (for example, (16-2) Name information deletion notification in FIG. 13).

The name information deletion unit 418 is a functional unit that deletes the name information for which the deletion request has been received by the name information deletion request reception unit 417 (for example, (17-2) name information deletion in FIG. 13).
Hereinafter, functional units realized by the platform of the multifunction machine will be described.
The data reception unit 424 is a functional unit that receives the print data transmitted from the print data transmission unit 408 of the data management service.

The printing unit 425 is a functional unit that performs a printing process on the print data received by the data receiving unit 424. Since the data receiving unit receives the PDL data, the data is expanded into printable data, and then print processing is performed.
The FAX transmission unit 426 is a functional unit that performs FAX transmission of FAX data received from the client apparatus 102 to a specified FAX number.

Next, this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Each step is executed by the CPU of each device. In the following description, the multi-function device A is assumed to be a multi-function device that is executing a data management service. For example, the MFP A is the MFP 101-1, but the data management service may be executed on the 101-2 or 101-3.
Further, the multifunction device B is a multifunction device that is executing the name service. For example, the MFPs 101-2 and 101-3.

In addition, the multi-function device C is a multi-function device that executes the stored print execution service. For example, although it is the multifunction machine 101-1, the storage printing execution service may be executed in the 101-2 or 101-3.
The printing process will be described in addition to FIG.

In each MFP 101-1, the print data from the client apparatus 102 is input to the LPR (515) or the RAW (9100), so the data reception unit 401 monitors the port. Then, the print data received at these ports is stored in the storage device. The MFPs 101-2 and 101-3 may have a function of receiving print data.
When print data is received, the print data is transferred by FTP. When the print data is received by the main body function of the multi-function peripheral, print processing is started.
This FTP transfer is configured to be accepted only from a specific device. For example, it is assumed that only from a multifunction device (own device, other device).

  Next, an outline of application activation processing according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  An application installed in the multifunction machine 101-1 is activated by turning on the power of the multifunction machine 101-1. The application is started up and operated as a service by the operating system of the multifunction peripheral.

  In step S501, the data management service is started. The data management service is a service having a functional unit corresponding to the name information deletion request unit 412 from the data reception unit 401 shown in FIG.

  In step S502, an accumulated print execution service is started. This service is started after the data management service. The accumulated print execution service is a service having the print information deletion request unit 422 from the name information request unit 419 shown in FIG.

  In step S503, the periodic task scheduler (service) is started. This service is a service having a functional unit that performs life / death monitoring on the multifunction device (present name service) 101-2 or 101-3 from the multifunction device 101-1 (own device). The processing of the regular scheduler will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  In step S504, the present name service monitoring unit 423 activated from the periodic task scheduler determines the monitoring mode selected in the operation setting item of the application at the time of activation. Processing branches depending on the selected monitoring mode.

The operation setting item is a mode registered in advance by an administrator or a service person of the multifunction device, and is stored in a setting file stored in the multifunction device. Each mode name is described in the setting file, and flag 1 is set for the operating mode. The operation mode is specified by recognizing this flag. It goes without saying that the specific method need not be limited to this.
Step S505 is a case where the time difference switching mode is selected as the monitoring mode. The case where this mode is selected will be described with reference to FIG.
Step S506 is a case where the multi-device reference mode is selected as the monitoring mode. The case where this mode is selected will be described with reference to FIG.
Step S507 is a case where the synchronous mode is selected as the monitoring mode.

The case where this mode is selected will be described with reference to FIGS. When the synchronous mode is selected, the processing in the multifunction device (periodic task scheduler) in FIG. 9 and the processing between the multifunction devices (name service) in FIG. 10 are performed asynchronously.

Next, an overview of processing when the multifunction machine 101-1 (accumulation print execution service) refers to the storage destination to the multifunction machine 101-2 (name service) will be described with reference to FIG.
In describing the processing outline, as described with reference to FIG. 13, it is assumed that print data has already been input (stored) in any of the multi-function peripherals.

  First, in step S601, the user logs in to the multifunction peripheral (stored print execution service). A user login notification is received from the authentication program, and login user information is acquired.

Next, in step S602, it is determined whether the primary name service switching waiting flag (1103 in FIG. 11) is ON / OFF and whether the operation mode is the multi-device reference mode.
If the primary name service switch wait flag is ON and the operation mode is the multi-device reference mode, the process proceeds to step S603.

This is a state where the primary name service switching waiting flag is ON, that is, when 101-2 is recovered from a failure. The multi-device reference mode is a mode in which name information is also inquired to the secondary name service MFP 101-3 for a predetermined time when the primary name service is restored. If the name information is always inquired to the multifunction machine 101-3, the load on the network increases. Therefore, the multifunction machine 101-3 is inquired for a predetermined time. As a result, it is possible to obtain name information suitable for the environment while reducing omissions in obtaining name information.
Details of the primary name service switching waiting flag will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S603, the MFP 101-1 (stored print execution service) sends a name information acquisition request to the MFP 101-2 (name service), including the user name included in the login user information and the model name of the own device. To send. Steps S603 to 607 are performed when the primary name service switching wait flag is ON in step S602, and are not performed when the flag is OFF.
Hereinafter, steps S604 to S606 are details of processing in the multifunction machine 101-2 (name service).
In step S604, a name information acquisition request is received from the multifunction machine 101-1.

In step S605, in response to the name information acquisition request received in step S604, the host name (storage destination) included in the corresponding name information file is acquired. Search the target file by user name and model name to get the host name. This host name (such as an IP address) is name information.
In step S606, the name information acquired in step S604 is returned to the multi-function peripheral 101-1 (stored print execution service).
In step S607, the multifunction machine 101-1 (stored print execution service) receives the name information transmitted from the multifunction machine 101-2 (name service).

  In step S608, a name information acquisition request is transmitted to the multifunction machine 101-3 (name service) set as the present name service. The present name service is a multifunction device that transmits name information instead of the primary when the multifunction device 101-2 as the primary is down. It should be noted that the multifunction device of the present name service is determined from the name information notification destination multifunction device list 1100 in FIG. Normally, when the present name service information is set to “1” of the primary multifunction peripheral 101 and the primary multifunction peripheral 101-2 is down, the secondary multifunction peripherals 101-3 It is determined and set from the middle ("2"-). For example, when “1” is down, an inquiry is made to “2”, and when “2” is also down, an inquiry is made to “3”, and “3” is “3” if “3” is operating. Is set.

Hereinafter, Steps S609 to S611 are the details of processing in the multifunction peripheral 101-3 (name service) that has received the name information acquisition request, as in Steps S604 to S606.
In step S609, a name information acquisition request is received from the multifunction machine 101-1, similarly to step S604.
In step S610, in response to the name information acquisition request received in step S609, the host name (storage destination) included in the corresponding name information file is acquired.
In step S611, the name information acquired in step S610 is returned to the multifunction peripheral (stored print execution service).
In step S612, the multi-function peripheral 101-1 receives the name information transmitted from the multi-function peripheral 101-3 (present name service).

  In step S608 described above, the name information acquisition request is transmitted to the multifunction peripheral 101-3. However, in the case of normal processing (the state where the multifunction peripheral 101-2 is not down), the primary name service Since the switch waiting flag is OFF, the present name service 1101 in FIG. 11 is set to “1” of the MFP 101-2 as the primary. Therefore, in normal times, in order to shift the processing from step S602 to step S608, in step S608, a name information acquisition request is made to the multifunction peripheral 101-2 as the primary.

  In the following, steps S613 to S615 are loop processes for repeatedly performing bibliographic information acquisition processing for all the multifunction peripherals that store the print data included in the name information acquired in steps S607 and S612.

  In step S614, the host name (storage destination) of the multifunction peripheral in which the print data included in the name information acquired in steps S607 and S612 is stored is acquired. In the processing details, the host name of the host that has not requested bibliographic information acquisition is acquired.

  In step S615, a bibliographic information acquisition request is sent to the host name (storage location) acquired in step S614, including the login user name and the model name of the own device. When a plurality of host names (storage destinations) are included in the name information received from the multifunction machine 101-2 or the multifunction machine 101-3 (name service), all host names (storage destinations) including the self-device are included. The bibliographic information acquisition request is transmitted.

In response to the received bibliographic information acquisition request, the MFP 101-1 (data management service) searches for the bibliographic information (1201 in FIG. 12) with the corresponding user name and sends it to the MFP (accumulation print execution service). Send a list of bibliographic information. Using the file name and time stamp of the bibliographic information, print data corresponding to the bibliographic information selected by the user is specified, and printing is executed.
In step S616, the bibliographic information of the logged-in user is acquired from the logged-in multifunction peripheral 101-1 (data management service).
In step S617, the bibliographic information acquired in steps S613 to S616 is displayed as a list on the operation unit 308. When bibliographic information is received from a plurality of host names (storage destinations), all the bibliographic information is merged and displayed in a list.

  Thereafter, bibliographic information is selected from the list by the user's operation, and a print request is made to the multi-function peripheral storing the print data according to the host name described in the selected bibliographic information to execute printing.

Next, the processing when the time difference switching mode is selected in step S505 will be described with reference to FIG.
In addition, each mode shall be set to the same mode in all the installed multifunction devices 101-1.

  The processing of the multifunction machine 101-1 in which the periodic scheduler is executed will be described below. Further, the regular scheduler is configured to operate separately from the data management service and the stored print execution service, but the data management service and the stored print execution service may be provided with a function. For example, when print data is received, the data management service may execute the function of the regular scheduler and change various settings.

First, in step S701, it is determined whether the primary name service can be connected to the MFP 101-2. Whether or not connection is possible is determined by sending a request such as a specific signal or packet from the multifunction machine 101-1 to the multifunction machine 101-2 at a predetermined timing (for example, a timing for requesting acquisition of name information) and confirming the response. judge. If no response is returned, it is determined that the connection is impossible, and the connection permission / non-permission flag becomes connection / non-connection. If a response is returned, the connection enable / disable flag becomes connectable. Even when there is a response, connection may be disabled depending on the content of the response (for example, an error status response). Further, the predetermined timing may be confirmed with the primary name service at regular time intervals.
If connection is impossible, the process proceeds to step S703. If the connection is possible, the process proceeds to step S702.

Next, in step S702, if it is possible to connect to the primary name service in step S701, it is determined whether the present name service and the primary name service are the same name service. The present name of FIG. 11 stored in the MFP 101-1 (own machine) is stored in the MFP 101-1 (own apparatus) because the index “1” in the MFP 1101 in FIG. 11 is the primary name service. It is determined whether the service information 1101 is “1”.
If they are the same, go to step S712. If they are different, the process proceeds to step S704.
In step S703, if connection to the primary name service is not possible in step S701, the primary name service switching waiting flag is updated to OFF.

  In step S704, if the present name service is different from the primary name service in step S702, it is determined whether the primary name service switching waiting flag is ON / OFF. The case where the present name service is different from the primary name service is a case where the primary name service (multifunction machine 101-2) is down.

  In step S705, if the primary name service switch wait flag is OFF in step S704, it is updated to ON. That is, it is turned ON when the primary name service is restored (can be referred to).

  On the other hand, if the primary name service switching wait flag is ON in step S704, the processing in step S705 is not performed because it is already set to ON.

  In step S706, it is determined whether or not the primary name service retains (stores) the time for recovery from the failure. Details of the recovery time of the primary name service will be described with reference to 1104 in FIG.

  In step S707, if the primary name service recovery time is not held in step S706, the current system time is held as the primary name service recovery time (time storage). On the other hand, if the primary name service recovery time is already held, the process of step S707 is not performed.

In step S708, the switching time setting value of the operation setting item of the application is acquired. More specifically, the switching time setting value is described as, for example, 10 minutes in the application setting file, and this time is acquired.
The switching time can be set by calculating an average time until the name information becomes the same.

  In step S709, it is determined whether or not the difference from the time when the primary name service is restored to the current time is smaller than the switching time set value acquired in step S708 (that is, whether or not it has elapsed). If it is small, it is assumed that the time has not passed, and it waits until the next alive monitoring. If the time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S710.

  When the time has not passed, the name information is acquired from the multifunction machine 101-2 of the primary name service and the multifunction machine 101-3 of the present name service as the secondary, so that leakage of name information is reduced. I have to. This is different from, for example, server redundancy, and in a printing job, it is common to take a printed matter as soon as a printing instruction is given. For this reason, print data does not stay for a long time (name information is deleted when print data is output, and there is no difference). By creating a state where name information can be acquired from a multifunction device of both name services for a predetermined time. , Leakage of name information is reduced.

  In addition, since printing operations frequently occur, when print data is stored in the multifunction machine 101-1, name information is notified again, and there may be no difference in name information. It is important to create a state where name information can be obtained from the machine.

  In this embodiment, the description has been made on the assumption that the name information is acquired from the two MFPs 101-2 and 101-3. However, since the MFP 101-3 may go down, It is also assumed that name information is acquired from the name service multifunction peripheral. That is, after the multifunction device 101-2 is down, the down-name present service multifunction device may be stored, and name information may be acquired from two or more name service multifunction devices.

In step S710, if the time has passed in step S709, the primary name service switching wait flag 1103 is turned OFF. As a result, the name information is not acquired from both MFPs.
In step S711, the recovery time of the primary name service that was held is cleared.

In step S712, the primary name service is restored, and the primary name service “1” is set as the present name service when the switching time expires.
In step S713, the process waits for the next life and death monitoring time (waiting for a predetermined time), and repeats the process after the predetermined time has elapsed.
The above is the description of the processing when the time difference switching mode is selected.

  As a result, even if the primary name service MFP returns, until the predetermined time, the present name service MFP requests acquisition of storage location information (S608 in FIG. 6). The addition and deletion of the destination information occurs in the multifunction peripheral having the name service, and the difference in the storage destination information can be absorbed.

  As described above, the MFP 101-1 in the above-described embodiment prints transmitted from an information processing apparatus that is communicably connected to a plurality of second image forming apparatuses that store print data storage destination information. A first image forming apparatus for storing data and bibliographic information of the print data, wherein the first image forming apparatus is identified to notify that the print data is stored after receiving the print data Storage destination information transmitting means for transmitting the storage destination information to the plurality of second image forming apparatuses, and the second image forming apparatus serving as a primary to obtain a list of the print data, or the other second image forming apparatus Requesting means for requesting storage location information to the second image forming apparatus, and return determining means for determining whether or not the second image forming apparatus as the primary has returned, wherein the requesting means includes The If the second image forming apparatus as a Imari is determined to have returned, until a predetermined time to the acquisition request for storage destination information to the other of the second image forming apparatus.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8, a process when the multi-device reference mode in step S506 is selected will be described. This is processing of the multifunction machine 101-1.

  First, in step S801, it is determined whether or not the multifunction machine 101-1 can be connected to the multifunction machine 101-2 of the primary name service. Whether or not connection is possible is determined by sending a request such as a specific signal or packet from the multifunction machine 101-1 to the multifunction machine 101-2 at a predetermined timing (for example, a timing for requesting acquisition of name information) and confirming the response. judge. If no response is returned, it is determined that the connection is impossible, and the connection permission / non-permission flag becomes connection / non-connection. If a response is returned, the connection enable / disable flag becomes connectable. Even when there is a response, connection may be disabled depending on the content of the response (for example, an error status response). Further, the predetermined timing may be confirmed with the primary name service at regular time intervals. If connection is impossible, the process proceeds to step S805. If the connection is possible, the process proceeds to step S802.

  Next, in step S802, if it is possible to connect to the primary name service in step S801, it is determined whether the present name service and the primary name service are the same name service. If they are the same, the process proceeds to step S812. If they are different, the process proceeds to step S803. If the present name service information in FIG. 11 is “1”, it is determined that the present name service and the primary name service are the same.

  In step S803, if the present name service is different from the primary name service in step S802, it is determined whether the switching waiting flag is ON / OFF. If the switch wait flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S806. If it is OFF, the process proceeds to step S804. The case where the present name service is different from the primary name service in step S802 is a case where the primary name service has been down in the past and the primary name service has been restored.

  In step S804, when the switching wait flag is OFF, the primary name service switching wait flag is updated to ON. That is, it is turned ON when the primary name service is restored (can be referred to).

  In step S805, when the connection to the primary name service is impossible in step S801 (when the primary name service MFP 101-2 is down), the primary name service switching waiting flag is updated to OFF.

  In step S806, it is determined whether the MFP 101-2 of the primary name service holds the time (1104 in FIG. 11) that has been recovered from a failure or power-off. If the recovery time is not retained, the process proceeds to step S807. If there is retention, the process proceeds to step S808.

  In step S807, when the primary name service recovery time is not held in step S806, the primary name service recovery time is held (time storage). On the other hand, if the primary name service recovery time is already held in step S806, the process proceeds to step S808.

In step S808, the reference time setting value for the plurality of application operation setting items is acquired. The multiple unit reference time setting value is stored in a setting file stored in the multifunction peripheral. For example, the time for referring to the name information stored in the multifunction machine 101-2 and the multifunction machine 101-3 is stored in the setting file as 10 minutes.
It is possible to set the time to be referred to by calculating the average time until the name information becomes the same.

  In step S809, it is determined whether the reference time setting value acquired in step S808 has elapsed since the recovery of the primary name service. For example, the difference between the system time (current time) of the MFP 101-1 and the primary name service recovery time 1104 in FIG. 11 is calculated (the difference is calculated based on the recovery time), and the reference time setting value is calculated. If the calculated difference is exceeded, the process proceeds to step S810. If the difference is not exceeded, the process proceeds to step S813 and waits until the next life / death monitoring. That is, when a plurality of MFPs 101-2 and 101-3 are being referred to for a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S810.

In step S810, if the switching time set value has been exceeded since the recovery of the primary name service in step S809, the primary name service switching waiting flag 1103 is turned OFF.
In step S811, the stored recovery time of the primary name service is cleared.

In step S812, the primary name service is restored, and the primary name service “1” is set in the present name service information 1101 with the expiration of the reference time for multiple units.
In step S813, the next life and death monitoring is waited for, and after 10 minutes have elapsed, the process proceeds again to step S801.
The above is the description of the processing when the multiple unit reference mode is selected.

  As a result, even if the primary name service multifunction device is restored, the storage device information is requested to be acquired from the present name service multifunction device and the primary name service multifunction device until a predetermined time (S603 and S608 in FIG. 6). Therefore, the difference in storage location information can be absorbed. In addition, storage destination information is added or deleted in a multifunction device having a name service during a predetermined time, and the difference in storage destination information can be absorbed. Therefore, after a predetermined time, the device is switched to the primary name service multifunction device. be able to.

  As described above, the MFP 101-1 in the above-described embodiment prints transmitted from an information processing apparatus that is communicably connected to a plurality of second image forming apparatuses that store print data storage destination information. A first image forming apparatus that stores data and bibliographic information of print data, and identifies the first image forming apparatus to notify that the print data has been stored after receiving the print data. Storage destination information transmitting means for transmitting storage destination information to the plurality of second image forming apparatuses, and a second image forming apparatus serving as a primary to obtain a list of the print data, or the other second image forming apparatus Requesting means for making an acquisition request for storage location information to the image forming apparatus, and a return determining means for determining whether or not the second image forming apparatus as the primary has returned. When it is determined that the second image forming apparatus to be restored has been restored, the storage destination is stored for each of the second image forming apparatus serving as the primary and each of the other second image forming apparatuses up to a predetermined time. Request information acquisition.

  Next, the process of the regular scheduler when the synchronous mode is selected will be described with reference to FIG. This is processing of the multifunction machine 101-1.

  First, in step S901, since the multifunction machine 101-1 is in a synchronous mode for synchronizing name information, there is no need to be aware of the timing for switching the present name service. Therefore, initialization is performed to keep the primary name service switching wait flag OFF.

  Next, in step S902, it is determined whether or not connection to the primary name service is possible. If connection is not possible, go to step S905. If connection is possible, the process moves to step S903. The process of step S902 is the same as that of step S701 and step S801.

  In step S903, if it is possible to connect to the primary name service in step S902, it is determined whether the name service is the same as the present name service and the primary name service. If they are the same, go to step S905. If they are different, the process moves to step S904. The process of step S903 is the same as that of step S702 and step S802.

In step S804, along with the restoration of the primary name service, the primary name service “1” is set in the present name service information 1101. The process of step S904 is the same as that of step S712 and step S812.
In step S905, the next life and death monitoring is awaited, and after the elapse of 10 minutes, the process proceeds to step S902 again.
The above is the description of the processing when the synchronous mode is selected.

  Next, processing between name services when the synchronization mode is selected will be described with reference to FIG.

  The process of FIG. 10 is a process executed between the multifunction machines 101-2 and 3 (name service) when the name service of the multifunction machine 101-2 is activated. What is the multifunction machine 101-1 (periodic task scheduler)? Operates asynchronously.

Steps S1001 to 1008 are repeatedly performed for the number of multifunction peripherals (other name services) between the multifunction peripheral 101-2 (name service 1) and the multifunction peripheral 101-3 (other name services) that have recovered from the failure. The
In step S1002, the host name of the related multifunction peripheral (name service) registered in advance is acquired.
In step S1003, a name information transmission request is transmitted to the host acquired in step S1002.
In step S1004, the multifunction peripheral 101-3 (another name service) receives a name information transmission request.

  In step S1005, the name information held in the MFP 101-3 (other name service) that received the name information transmission request in step S1004 is transmitted to the MFP 101-2 (name service 1).

  In step S1006, the multifunction device 101-2 (name service 1) receives the name information transmitted from the multifunction device 101-3 (other name service) in step S1005.

In step S1007, the difference information between the name information held by the multifunction machine 101-2 (name service 1) and the name information received from the multifunction machine 101-3 (other name service) is extracted.
In step S1008, the difference information of the name information extracted in step S1007 is added to the multifunction machine 101-2 (name service 1).
The above-described series of processing is repeatedly performed for all multifunction devices (other name services) by the multifunction device (name service 1).

Next, information stored in the multi-function peripheral will be described with reference to FIG.
Reference numeral 1100 denotes an example of name information notification destination MFP list information. Name information notification destination multifunction peripheral list information is created in advance by a system administrator or the like and stored in the HDD 304 of each multifunction peripheral 101-1.

When the print data transmitted from the client apparatus 102 is received, the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 101-1 issues a name information registration request to the multifunction machine 101-2 registered in the name information notification destination multifunction machine list. Do.
For example, information (IP address or the like) specifying the multifunction machine 101-2 is registered in the name information notification destination multifunction machine list information.

  1101 is a figure which shows an example of present name service information. As the present name service information, the host information of the reference destination of the name information is stored in the HDD 304 of the multifunction machine 101.

  The stored information corresponds to an index on the name information notification destination multifunction peripheral list 1100. By default, “1” of the MFP 101-2 of the primary name service is stored.

If the host “1” set in the present name service information cannot be used due to a failure or the like, go to index: 2. If the host with Index: 2 cannot be used, the information is updated to index: 3, and the name information reference destination is switched.
1102 shows an example of the data structure of the name information file.
This name information file is stored in the storage device (RAM 302, HDD 304, etc.) of the multifunction peripherals 101-2, 3 (name service).

The name information file is: Which user This is a data file for managing information on which multifunction device 101-1 print data that can be executed by a multifunction device belonging to which printer group (model) is stored.
When there are 10 users and 5 printer groups, 50 name information files are generated at the maximum.

By setting the file name of the name information file to “user name-printer group”, the file manages the MFP that stores the print data that can be printed by the MFP of which printer group of which user. Can be specified.
1103 is a diagram showing an example of primary name service switching wait flag information.
The primary name service is a multifunction device of the name service corresponding to index: 1 on the name information notification destination multifunction device list of 1100.

When the name service corresponding to index: 1 on the list of name information notification destinations 1100 is recovered from a failure or the like, and the name service after index: 2 is set in 1101 present name service information, the present name When the service can be returned to the primary name service, this flag is set to ON. On the other hand, when it is impossible to return, this flag is set to OFF. Normally, the state is set to OFF. This information is stored in the HDD 304 of the multifunction machine 101-1.
1104 is a diagram showing an example of primary name service recovery time information.

  The time when the name service corresponding to index: 1 on the name information notification destination multifunction peripheral list 1100 is recovered from a failure or the like is stored in the HDD 304 of the multifunction peripheral 101-1.

  As an example of setting, when the time when the primary name service is restored is 10:10 on December 14, 2012, it is stored as 20121141010. In the time difference switching mode, processing for returning the present name service to the primary name service is performed depending on whether or not the switching time has elapsed from the recovered time. In the case of the multi-device reference mode, when the name service after index: 2 is set in the present name service information 1101 until the reference time elapses from the recovery time, the present name service is used as the primary name service. If it is possible to return to this flag, this flag is set to ON. On the other hand, when it is impossible to return, this flag is set to OFF. Normally, the state is set to OFF.

Next, bibliographic information data, which is print data management information, will be described with reference to FIG.
1201 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of bibliographic information data.

When receiving the print data from the client apparatus 102, the CPU 301 of the MFP 101-1 acquires bibliographic information (user name, document name, printer model name, print setting, etc.) from the print data and manages it as bibliographic information data. . The print data is given a file name according to a predetermined naming rule, stored in a predetermined area of the HDD 304, and the information is included in the bibliographic information data (file name described later), the bibliographic information data, the print data, Is associated.
Each data item of the bibliographic information data will be described.
The status is a data item in which the status of the print data is registered, and a status such as unprinted, printed, or deleted is set.
The file name is a data item in which the file name of the print data is registered.
The user name is a data item in which the user name of the user who has instructed printing of the print data is registered.
The document name is a data item in which the file name of the file from which the print data is created is registered.
The time stamp is a data item in which date / time information indicating the date / time when the print data was created is registered. As a result, the print data can be uniquely identified.
The file size is a data item in which the file size of print data is registered.
The number of copies is a data item in which the number of copies set by the client device for the print data is registered.
The number of pages is a data item in which the number of pages of print data is registered.
Double-sided / single-sided is a data item in which print setting information (double-sided or single-sided) when printing print data is registered.
The print layout is a data item in which page layout information (Nin1) of print data is registered.
The paper size is a data item in which the paper size used when printing the print data is registered.

  Color / monochrome is a data item in which information indicating whether the print data is monochrome print data or color print data is registered. Other color settings (such as two colors) may be set.

The host name is a data item in which information (for example, an IP address or the like) for specifying a multifunction machine in which print data is stored is registered. Normally, information for specifying a multifunction device that has received print data is registered.
The printer model is a data item in which information indicating which printer model print data can be printed is registered.
The above is the description of the present embodiment.

  In the time difference switching mode and the multi-device reference mode, when the primary name service multifunction peripheral 101-2 returns, the primary name service multifunction peripheral 101-2 becomes a present name service at a predetermined time. The name information stored in the machine 101-2 and the multifunction machine 101-3 may not be exactly the same. However, when the name information is not the same, there is no problem because the situation in which printing is not executed continues. Even when the present name service is switched to the primary name service and the name information cannot be acquired, the document that is the basis of the print data remains in the client terminal, and therefore the user only needs to execute printing again. Therefore, an error that the name information does not completely match is allowed. However, if the error is large, it is inconvenient for the user. Therefore, it is desirable to switch between the time difference switching mode and the multiple unit reference mode after a predetermined time so as to absorb the error. It is. As a result, errors are reduced and omissions in obtaining name information (storage destination information) can be reduced.

  Also, if you want to reduce the omission of name information (storage location information) completely, the network load is high, but the name information (storage location information) acquisition omission can be reduced as much as possible by synchronizing the name information completely. It becomes possible.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily reduce the omission of acquisition of name information (storage destination information), manage print data with a multifunction peripheral, and print data accumulated from any multifunction peripheral. It is possible to print.

  More specifically, even when a situation in which the storage destination information is lost due to a failure or the like in the multifunction peripheral holding the storage destination information (the multifunction peripheral 101-2 of the primary name service), the time difference switching mode, By arbitrarily setting the multiple unit reference mode and the synchronization mode, print data is stored in a multifunction device with reduced storage location information acquisition errors, and the print data stored in another multifunction device is pulled from the desired multifunction device. it can.

  In addition, it solves the difficulty of centralized management of storage information that occurs in a system that stores print data in multiple multifunction peripherals without using a server and centrally manages the storage location information of the stored print data with the multifunction peripheral. can do. Difficulty of centralized management means that, unlike a server, a multifunction device frequently turns on / off the power, etc. When managing stored information with a multifunction device, each multifunction device managing storage destination information A difference in storage location information occurs. Especially in the office printing business, each user executes printing at a desired timing, so the storage destination information is constantly changing (if the storage destination information is added if printing is completed, printing ends, and there is no print data) Storage location information is deleted), and because there is a difference in storage location information managed by the MFP by turning the power ON / OFF, it is difficult to completely fill in the difference even if synchronization is achieved. It is.

Therefore, as described in the present embodiment, the control for reducing the difference in storage destination information in various modes that are suitable for the operation of the user stores print data in a plurality of multifunction peripherals, and stores the stored print data. This is effective in a system in which the storage location information is centrally managed by the multifunction machine.
It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  The program according to the present invention is a program that allows a computer to execute the processing methods of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 to 10, and the storage medium according to the present invention is a program that allows the computer to execute the processing methods of FIGS. Is remembered. The program in the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each apparatus in FIGS.

  As described above, a recording medium that records a program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by executing the reading.

  In this case, the program itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon A disk, solid state drive, or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on an instruction of the program is actually It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written to the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board is based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.
In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

101-1 MFP (normal)
101-2 MFP (primary name service)
101-3 MFP (name service)
102 Client terminal 201 CPU
301 CPU

Claims (6)

First image forming apparatus for storing print data transmitted from an information processing apparatus and bibliographic information of the print data, which is communicably connected to a plurality of second image forming apparatuses that store print data storage destination information Because
After receiving the print data, storage location information transmission for transmitting storage location information for identifying the first image forming device to the plurality of second image forming devices in order to notify that the print data has been stored. Means,
Requesting means for requesting storage location information to be acquired from the second image forming apparatus as a primary or the other second image forming apparatus in order to obtain a list of the print data;
Return determination means for determining whether or not the second image forming apparatus serving as the primary has returned;
The request unit makes an acquisition request for storage destination information to the other second image forming apparatus until a predetermined time when it is determined that the second image forming apparatus as the primary has returned. A first image forming apparatus. A first image forming apparatus that stores print data transmitted from an information processing apparatus and bibliographic information of the print data that is communicably connected to a plurality of second image forming apparatuses that store print data storage destination information. There,
After receiving the print data, storage location information transmission for transmitting storage location information for identifying the first image forming device to the plurality of second image forming devices in order to notify that the print data has been stored. Means,
Requesting means for requesting storage location information to be acquired from the second image forming apparatus as a primary or the other second image forming apparatus in order to obtain a list of the print data;
Return determination means for determining whether or not the second image forming apparatus serving as the primary has returned;
When it is determined that the primary second image forming apparatus has returned, the requesting unit is configured to perform the primary second image forming apparatus and the other second image forming apparatus until a predetermined time. A first image forming apparatus, characterized in that a storage location information acquisition request is made for each of them. When the return determination means determines that the primary second image forming apparatus has returned, it further comprises time storage means for storing the return time,
3. The first image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the request unit requests the second image forming apparatus to request storage location information until a predetermined time according to the time stored in the time storage unit. Image forming apparatus. When the storage unit information cannot be acquired as a result of the storage unit information acquisition request by the request unit, the storage unit information acquisition request destination is changed from the primary second image forming apparatus to the other 4. The first image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising switching means for switching to the second image forming apparatus. 5.   When the return determination unit determines that the primary second image forming apparatus has returned, the switching unit determines the storage destination information acquisition request destination after the predetermined time after the other second image. The first image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first image forming apparatus is switched from the forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus serving as the primary. An acquisition request means for requesting acquisition of a list of print data to each of the image forming apparatuses storing print data in accordance with the storage location information acquired from the second image forming apparatus;
The first image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays a list of print data acquired by the acquisition request unit.

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