JP2017144709A - Image formation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation apparatus which can previously reduce the detected number of image formation apparatuses even if a large number of image formation apparatuses are connected to the network when a client terminal retrieves the image formation apparatuses with an apparatus retrieval command through the network.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus compares another image formation apparatus 10 connected to the network with the own apparatus for a prescribed comparison item, and determines whether or not to perform response to an apparatus retrieval command in accordance with a result of comparison when receiving the apparatus retrieval command from a client terminal (portable terminal 40). When it is determined to perform response, response to the apparatus retrieval command is performed. When it is determined not to perform response, response to the apparatus retrieval command is not performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that responds to a device search command received from a client terminal connected to a network.

  Usually, when a plurality of printers are connected to one network and a printer is searched through the network from a client terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a mobile terminal, the plurality of printers are detected. When a printer to be used for printing is determined, the user selects a printer to be used for printing from the list of detected printers.

  However, when many printers are connected to the network, when a printer is searched from the client device such as a PC or a mobile terminal through the network, all or many of those printers respond, so the user can print. In some cases, the operation of selecting a printer to be used is complicated.

  For example, some software provided in the client device has a print setting UI that acquires the capabilities of the printer and displays only available print setting functions on a UI (User Interface). However, since the user does not know the print setting function that can be used by the selected printer until the user selects the printer from the list of search results and further opens the print setting UI of the printer, the user has a desired print setting function. It takes time to find a printer.

  In order to reduce the complexity of selecting the printer to be used as described above, Patent Documents 1 and 2 below disclose techniques for narrowing down the printer on the client terminal side. For example, there is a technique for narrowing down printers based on whether the software operating on the client device has a print setting function designated by the user or whether the printer is in a busy state (busy state).

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-284838 JP2013-61904A JP-A-11-39115

  However, if the software provided in the client device does not have the function of narrowing down the printers as described above, the user is still forced to perform complicated work to select the printer.

  It is also possible to select a printer with a desired function from a list of search results by registering a specific printer having the desired function or simply remembering it by the user himself / herself. However, if the configuration of the printer connected to the network changes (for example, if the printer that the user normally uses breaks down), you must reselect the most desirable printer in that environment. Instead, you will face the aforementioned challenges.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem. When a client terminal searches for an image forming apparatus through a network using a device search command, it is detected even if a large number of image forming apparatuses are connected to the network. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which the number of image forming apparatuses can be reduced in advance.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] A network communication unit connected to the network;
An image forming unit that forms an image in accordance with an instruction from a client terminal received by the network communication unit;
A comparison unit that compares the other apparatus with the other image forming apparatus connected to the network with respect to a predetermined comparison item;
A determination unit that determines whether or not to respond to the device search command according to a result of the comparison by the comparison unit when the network communication unit receives a device search command from the client terminal;
If the determination unit determines to respond to the device search command, it responds to the device search command, and if it determines not to respond to the device search command, it responds to the device search command. A control unit that does not respond;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

  In the above invention, when the apparatus is compared with another image forming apparatus connected to the network with respect to a predetermined comparison item and an apparatus search command is received from the client terminal, the apparatus is selected according to the comparison result. It is determined whether or not to respond to the search command. When a client terminal searches for an image forming apparatus through a network using a device search command, the client terminal side does not narrow down the search result, but determines whether each image forming apparatus responds to the device search command by another image. Since each determination is made based on the comparison result with the forming apparatus, the number of detected image forming apparatuses can be reduced in advance.

  The information on the other image forming apparatus regarding the predetermined comparison item may be directly inquired to the other image forming apparatus, or if there is a server collecting information on the other image forming apparatus 10, the server is inquired. May be. It may be registered in advance in the own device.

[2] The image forming apparatus according to [1], wherein the comparison unit acquires the information of the other image forming apparatus related to the predetermined comparison item by inquiring the other image forming apparatus. apparatus.

[3] The comparison unit, when the network communication unit receives the device search command from the client terminal, performs the inquiry to acquire information of the other image forming device and perform the comparison. The image forming apparatus according to [2].

  In the above-described invention, when a device search command is received, an inquiry about information regarding a predetermined comparison item is made, so it is possible to determine whether or not a response to the device search command is necessary based on the latest information.

[4] A storage unit for storing information about the other image forming apparatus acquired by making the inquiry is further provided.
The image forming apparatus according to [2], wherein the comparison unit autonomously repeats the inquiry and updates the storage content of the storage unit.

  In the above invention, whether or not to respond to the device search command is obtained by inquiring and acquiring information related to a predetermined comparison item in advance before receiving the device search command, as compared with the case of inquiring after receiving the device search command. Can be quickly determined.

[5] The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the number of print setting functions of the image forming apparatus is included as one of the predetermined comparison items.

  In the above invention, the number of print setting functions of the image forming apparatus is included as one of the predetermined comparison items. Only the number of print setting functions currently available may be set as one of the predetermined comparison items. If only a device having more print setting functions than other devices responds, there is a high possibility that the responding device has a function desired by the user.

[6] The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein one of the predetermined comparison items includes a print processing speed of the image forming apparatus.

  In the above invention, the print processing speed of the image forming apparatus is included as one of the predetermined comparison items. If only a device with a relatively high print processing speed responds, it is effective when the user of the client terminal is planning to print in large quantities.

[7] The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein an operation state of the image forming apparatus is included as one of the predetermined comparison items.

  In the above-described invention, for example, an image forming apparatus in a busy state, an error state, or a failure state is not responded, so that only a device that can be printed immediately responds, and the user can immediately print. Effective when you want to do it.

[8] The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein one of the predetermined comparison items includes a remaining amount of consumables included in the image forming apparatus.

  In the above invention, the image forming apparatus with a small remaining amount of consumables does not respond, so that only an apparatus other than an apparatus that cannot start printing or an apparatus that may interrupt printing halfway responds. It becomes like this.

[9] A distance acquisition unit that acquires a distance from the client terminal to each image forming apparatus connected to the network;
One of the predetermined comparison items includes a distance from the client terminal to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [8],

  In the above invention, the distance from the client terminal to the image forming apparatus is included as one of the predetermined comparison items. For example, by responding only to a device whose distance is relatively short compared to the distance of other image forming devices, only the device with a low burden on the user of the client terminal when picking up the printed product responds. To come. The distance from the client terminal to each image forming apparatus may be registered in advance, or may be calculated by acquiring position information of each apparatus.

[10] A function designating unit that receives designation of a specific function in advance is further provided.
The determination unit determines to respond to the device search command regardless of the result of the comparison if the function specified by the function specifying unit can be used by the own device. The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [9], which is characterized.

  In the above invention, an image forming apparatus having a specific function always makes a response. Thereby, the image forming apparatus having the specific function desired by the user is reliably detected.

[11] The image according to any one of [1] to [10], wherein, when there are a plurality of comparison items, the determination unit weights each comparison item and performs the determination. Forming equipment.

[12] The determination unit ranks the other apparatus with the other image forming apparatuses according to the comparison result, and determines whether the rank of the own apparatus is equal to or higher than a predetermined rank. The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [11], wherein the determination is performed.

[13] The predetermined rank is a rank obtained by adding a predetermined coefficient to the number of image forming apparatuses including the other image forming apparatuses and the self apparatus. Image forming apparatus.

[14] The determination unit determines to respond to the device search command if a print setting function that is not provided in any of the other image forming devices can be used in the own device. The image forming apparatus as described in any one of [1] to [13].

  In the above invention, when the self apparatus has a print setting function that the other image forming apparatus does not have, it responds to the apparatus search command. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from using the unique function of the own device.

[15] The comparison unit changes a comparison item used for the comparison when the device search command is received a plurality of times within a predetermined time from the same client terminal. [1] to [14] The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above.

  In the above invention, when the device search command is received a plurality of times within a predetermined time, the comparison item to be used is changed from the comparison item used in the previous comparison. When the same client terminal continuously transmits an apparatus search command within a predetermined time, there is a high possibility that the image forming apparatus desired by the user is not included in the responding image forming apparatuses. An image forming apparatus that has not made a response last time responds by the change, so that an image forming apparatus desired by the user can appear in the search result.

[16] Any one of [1] to [15], wherein if the device search command is received from the same client terminal a plurality of times within a predetermined time, the determination unit determines that the device search command always responds to the device search command. The image forming apparatus according to one.

  In the above invention, when a device search command is received a plurality of times within a predetermined time from the same client terminal, a response is always made. As a result, the client terminal can receive responses from all the image forming apparatuses by continuously transmitting a plurality of apparatus search commands.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when a client terminal searches for an image forming apparatus through a network using a device search command, the number of image forming apparatuses detected even when a large number of image forming apparatuses are connected to the network. Can be reduced in advance.

1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a printing system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example at the time of searching the apparatus which a portable terminal uses for printing in a printing system. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an outline of processing executed by each image forming apparatus in a printing system. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration included in each device that configures the printing system. 5 is a flowchart illustrating other apparatus information acquisition processing performed by the image forming apparatus. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by an image forming apparatus that has received a second device search command or a capability acquisition command. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the image forming apparatus when a device search command is received. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a response necessity determination process performed by the image forming apparatus.

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

  FIG. 1 shows a printing system 7 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing system 7 includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 (10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D) that play a role as the image forming apparatus of the present invention through a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) 3 and a portable terminal 40. Are configured to be communicable. The image forming apparatuses 10 </ b> A, 10 </ b> B, 10 </ b> C, and 10 </ b> D are collectively referred to as “image forming apparatus 10” when referring to any one unit.

  The portable terminal 40 is a terminal such as a tablet that can be carried around, and serves as a client terminal in the present invention. The portable terminal 40 is connected to the LAN 3 that is a network by wireless communication, and can input a print job to the image forming apparatus 10. In the embodiment of the present invention, a case where one mobile terminal 40 is used will be described as an example, but a plurality of mobile terminals 40 may be provided.

  The image forming apparatus 10 is a copy job that optically reads a document and prints a duplicate image on a recording paper, a scan job that stores image data of the read document as a file, or transmits the file to an external device, a PC, This is a so-called multifunction machine having a function of executing a job such as a print job for printing an image related to data sent from the portable terminal 40 on a recording sheet.

  In the printing system 7, when the mobile terminal 40 searches for a device to be used for printing, it searches for devices that can be used for printing from the devices connected to the LAN 3. Specifically, the mobile terminal 40 transmits a device search command to all the image forming apparatuses 10 connected to the LAN 3. Then, the image forming apparatus 10 that has returned a response to the apparatus search command is recognized as an image forming apparatus 10 that can be used for printing. Thereafter, the portable terminal 40 displays a list of the image forming apparatuses 10 recognized as usable for printing, and receives a selection of the image forming apparatus 10 used for printing from the user.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 10 compares its own apparatus with another image forming apparatus 10 for a predetermined comparison item, and determines whether or not to respond to the apparatus search command based on the comparison result. To do. If it is determined to respond to the device search command, it responds to the device search command, and if it determines not to respond to the device search command, it does not respond to the device search command. Thereby, when the portable terminal 40 searches for the image forming apparatus 10 to be used for printing, the image forming apparatuses 10 displayed in the above list are narrowed down in advance.

  FIG. 2 shows a specific example in which the portable terminal 40 transmits a device search command and displays a list of image forming apparatuses 10 that have returned responses. In FIG. 2, among the four image forming apparatuses 10, the image forming apparatuses 10 </ b> A and 10 </ b> B determine that they will respond and respond, and the image forming apparatuses 10 </ b> C and 10 </ b> D determine that they do not respond and do not respond. Receiving the responses from the image forming apparatuses 10A and 10B, the portable terminal 40 displays the image forming apparatuses 10A and 10B (denoted as MFPA and MFPB in the drawing) in a list on the screen.

  Next, main processing performed by one image forming apparatus 10 in the printing system 7 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the image forming apparatus 10A performs the processing.

(T1, other device information acquisition process)
First, each image forming apparatus 10 repeatedly performs a process of acquiring information of another image forming apparatus 10 (hereinafter referred to as other apparatus information) and storing it in a hard disk device 15 described later for a predetermined comparison item. The stored contents of the hard disk device 15 are updated sequentially. In the embodiment of the present invention, an inquiry command is transmitted to each of the other image forming apparatuses 10, and a corresponding response is received to acquire other apparatus information.

(T2, device search command handling process)
When an apparatus search command is received from the portable terminal 40, the self apparatus and another image forming apparatus 10 (other apparatus information collected and stored in the other apparatus information acquisition process of T1) are compared for a predetermined comparison item. A response necessity determination process for determining whether to respond is performed. A response is made when it is determined that a response is necessary in the response necessity determination process.

  Each image forming apparatus 10 also performs a process of responding to the inquiry (T1).

  Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 that comprehensively controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. A CPU 11 including a microprocessor has a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a nonvolatile memory 14, a hard disk device 15, an image processing unit 16, an image reading unit 17, and a printer via a bus. A unit 18, a facsimile communication unit 19, a network communication unit 20, and an operation panel 30 are provided.

  The CPU 11 is based on an OS (Operating System) program, and executes middleware, application programs, and the like. The CPU 11 also functions as a control unit that controls the display content of the operation panel 30.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the CPU 11 according to the present invention, in the present invention, a comparison unit that compares another image forming apparatus and its own apparatus for a predetermined comparison item, a determination unit that determines whether or not to respond to a device search command, and It plays the role of a control unit that responds to the device search command according to the determination of the determination unit.

  Various programs are stored in the ROM 12, and each function of the image forming apparatus 10 is realized by the CPU 11 executing various processes according to these programs. The ROM 12 stores a program for the CPU 11 to execute a series of controls of the image forming apparatus 10.

  The RAM 13 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data when the CPU 11 executes processing based on a program, an image memory for storing image data, and the like.

  The nonvolatile memory 14 is a memory (flash memory) whose stored contents are not destroyed even when the power is turned off, and is used for storing various setting information. The hard disk device 15 is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device, and stores an OS program, various application programs, print data, image data, an information history related to a job, and the like.

  The image processing unit 16 performs processing such as image enlargement / reduction, rotation, rasterization processing for converting print data into image data, image data compression / decompression processing, and the like.

  The image reading unit 17 performs a function of optically reading a document and acquiring image data. The image reading unit 17 sequentially, for example, a light source that irradiates light on the document, a line image sensor that receives the reflected light for one line in the width direction, and a line-by-line reading position in the length direction of the document. An optical path composed of a moving unit for moving, a lens, a mirror, and the like for guiding reflected light from the document to the line image sensor to form an image, and a conversion unit for converting an analog image signal output from the line image sensor into digital image data And so on.

  The printer unit 18 has a function of forming an image corresponding to image data on a recording sheet. Here, it has a recording paper transport device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device, and forms an image by an electrophotographic process. It is configured as a so-called laser printer. Other methods may be used for image formation.

  The facsimile communication unit 19 performs a function of transmitting / receiving image data to / from an external device having a facsimile function through a public line.

  The network communication unit 20 has a function of communicating data with the mobile terminal 40 and other external devices (for example, other image forming apparatuses 10) through a network such as the LAN 3.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, when other apparatus information acquisition processing is performed, the other apparatus information is inquired to the other image forming apparatus 10 via the network communication unit 20. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that wireless communication is performed using a wireless LAN, but the communication means is not limited to these.

  The operation panel 30 includes a display unit 31 and an operation unit 32. Among these, the operation unit 32 includes a switch unit 33 such as a start button and a touch panel unit 34. The display unit 31 is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) and the like, and has a function of displaying various operation screens, setting screens, and the like. In the present embodiment, the CPU 11 performs control of display contents displayed on the operation panel 30 and control related to reception of operations by the operation panel 30.

  The touch panel unit 34 is provided on the display unit 31. The touch panel unit 34 detects a coordinate position on the display unit 31 pressed by a touch pen or a finger, a flick operation, a drag operation, and the like.

  FIG. 5 shows functional configurations of the image forming apparatus 10 and the portable terminal 40 in the printing system 7. Hereinafter, in the above-described other apparatus information acquisition process, the image forming apparatus 10 that makes an inquiry about other apparatus information is referred to as a first apparatus, and the image forming apparatus 10 that responds to the inquiry is referred to as a second apparatus.

  The first device functions as an information receiving unit 50, a storage unit 51, a response necessity determination unit 52, a condition input unit 53, and an information transmission unit 54.

  The information receiving unit 50 receives a device search command transmitted from the mobile terminal 40 and other device information transmitted from the second device. The function as the information receiving unit 50 is performed by the network communication unit 20 (see FIG. 4).

  The storage unit 51 stores other device information sent from the second device. The function as the storage unit 51 is performed by the hard disk device 15 (see FIG. 4).

  The response necessity determination unit 52 plays a role of determining whether or not a response to the device search command is necessary in the response necessity determination process described above. The function as the response necessity determination unit 52 is performed by the CPU 11 (see FIG. 4). .

  The condition input unit 53 receives a setting input for a condition that is a determination criterion in the response necessity determination process. For example, when there are a plurality of comparison items, specification of which comparison item is used as a criterion or specification of a function that is a condition for responding to a device search command is received. The function as the condition input unit 53 is to receive an input operation from the user on the operation panel 30 (see FIG. 4) or to receive an input instruction from the outside via the network communication unit 20 (see FIG. 4). It will be done.

  When the information transmission unit 54 determines that the response necessity determination unit 52 responds to the device search command, the information transmission unit 54 transmits a response to the device search command to the portable terminal 40 or inquires the second device about other device information. Or do. The function as the information transmission unit 54 is performed by the network communication unit 20 (see FIG. 4).

  The second device functions as the other device information transmission unit 55 and the inquiry reception unit 56. The inquiry receiving unit 56 receives an inquiry about other device information from the first device. The other device information transmission unit 55 transmits a response to the inquiry received by the inquiry reception unit 56 (other device information regarding the own device) to the first device. The network communication unit 20 (see FIG. 4) functions as the other device information transmission unit 55 and the inquiry reception unit 56. The other device information related to the own device transmitted by the other device information transmitting unit 55 is created by the CPU 11 (see FIG. 4) of the second device.

  The portable terminal 40 functions as a command transmission unit 57, a response reception unit 58, and a printer list display unit 59. The command transmission unit 57 casts a device search command to a device connected to the LAN 3. The device search command may use, for example, an existing standard technology protocol. For example, the device search command uses the protocol “Bonjour” as an example.

  The response receiving unit 58 receives a response to the device search command. The printer list display unit 59 displays the image forming apparatus 10 that has responded to the device search command in a list format on the display unit of the portable terminal 40.

  Next, details of the above-described other apparatus information acquisition process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the image forming apparatus 10 serving as the first apparatus sends a second apparatus search command (abbreviated as command 2 in the figure) different from the apparatus search command transmitted by the portable terminal 40 to all apparatuses connected to the LAN 3. Transmit (step S101). In the embodiment of the present invention, all image forming apparatuses 10 always respond to the second apparatus search command.

  Next, if a response to the second device search command is not received by a predetermined time (step S102; No), this process is terminated. If a response to the second device search command is received before the fixed time elapses (step S102; Yes), a capability acquisition command is transmitted to one of the responding second devices (step S103). The capability acquisition command may be a standard technology protocol or the like, similar to the device search command. For example, a protocol called “IPP (Internet Printing Protocol)” is used as an ability acquisition command as an example.

  If a response to the capability acquisition command is not received from the transmission destination of the capability acquisition command before the predetermined time has elapsed (step S104; No), the process proceeds to step S108. If other device information that is a response to the capability acquisition command is received from the transmission destination of the capability acquisition command before the predetermined time elapses (step S104; Yes), the other device information is already stored in the storage unit 51 (see FIG. 5). It is checked whether or not it is stored (step S105).

  If the other device information received in step S104 is not yet stored in the storage unit 51 (step S105; No), the process proceeds to step S107. If the other device information received in step S104 is already stored in the storage unit 51 (step S105; Yes), the already stored other device information is deleted (step S106), and the other device information received in step S104. The device information is stored in the storage unit 51 in association with the second device (step S107).

  Thereafter, when there are a plurality of second devices that respond to the second device search command in step S102 and transmission of the capability acquisition command has not been completed for all the second devices (step S108; No), step S103 Return to and continue processing. When returning from step S108 to step S103, in step S103, the second device that has not yet transmitted the capability acquisition command is selected and the capability acquisition command is transmitted.

  When the transmission of the capability acquisition command has been completed to all the second devices that have responded to the second device search command in step S102 (step S108; Yes), this processing ends.

  The processing in FIG. 6 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined timing, for example, every certain period or every time a predetermined time comes. It may be executed when the network environment to which the device is connected changes or when an instruction from the user is received. Since other device information is acquired in advance, it is possible to determine whether or not a response is required more quickly than in the case where the processing of FIG. 6 is performed after receiving a device search command from the mobile terminal 40.

  Note that the processing of FIG. 6 may be performed after the device search command is received from the portable terminal 40. In this case, the other apparatus information related to the image forming apparatus 10 connected to the LAN 3 is updated to the latest state when the apparatus search command is received.

  Next, processing performed when the image forming apparatus 10 as the second apparatus in FIG. 5 receives the second apparatus search command or the capability acquisition command will be described with reference to FIG.

  When a second device search command is received from another image forming apparatus 10 (step S301; Yes), a response to the second device search command is transmitted to the transmission source of the second device search command (step S302). This process ends. The other image forming apparatus 10 that has received the response in step S302 sends a capability acquisition command to the image forming apparatus 10 that has transmitted the response.

  When a capability acquisition command is received from another image forming apparatus 10 (step S301; No, step S303; Yes), other apparatus information related to the own apparatus is created and transmitted to the transmission source of the capability acquisition command (step S301). S304), the process is terminated.

  Other device information transmitted as a response to the capability acquisition command includes, for example, a list of print setting functions that can be executed by the own device, print processing speed, the remaining amount of consumables, the operating state of the own device, and position information indicating the installation location Information about such is included.

  Next, device search command handling processing performed when one image forming apparatus 10 receives a device search command will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 10 waits for reception of an apparatus search command from the portable terminal 40 (step S201; No), and if received (step S201; Yes), determines whether to respond to the apparatus search command. The above-described response necessity determination process is executed (step S202). Details of the response necessity determination process will be described later.

  When it is determined (determined) in step S202 that it responds to the device search command (step S203; Yes), a response to the device search command is transmitted to the mobile terminal 40 that is the transmission source of the device search command (step S204). This process ends. When it is determined (determined) in step S202 that the device search command is not responded (step S203; No), the response to the device search command is not transmitted to the mobile terminal 40 that is the transmission source of the device search command. The process ends.

  Next, specific examples of predetermined comparison items will be described.

(Specific example 1, number of print setting functions)
One of the predetermined comparison items includes the number of print setting functions that the image forming apparatus 10 has. The print setting function is a function related to so-called single-sided / double-sided printing, monochrome / color printing, enlargement / reduction, and printing settings such as punching and stapling. For example, the number of print setting functions of each image forming apparatus 10 is compared, and if the apparatus enters the top X of all the image forming apparatuses 10 due to the large number, a response to the apparatus search command is given. If it is determined that it will be performed, the multifunctional device will respond preferentially. X may be an absolute number or a relative value with the total number of image forming apparatuses 10.

  When checking the number of print setting functions, the number may not be simply counted, but a score may be given for each function type, and the ranking may be determined by the cumulative number of the scores. For example, high-use functions, important functions, and special functions that other devices do not have are scored high.

  Instead of counting the number of all print setting functions, only the number of specific types of print setting functions may be counted. For example, only the print setting function related to bookbinding may be counted. Also, print setting functions that are currently unusable may not be counted.

(Specific example 2, print processing speed)
One of the predetermined comparison items includes the print processing speed of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, if the print processing speeds of the image forming apparatuses 10 are compared and it is determined that the apparatus responds to the apparatus search command when it enters the top X of all the image forming apparatuses 10, it is connected to the LAN 3. Among the image forming apparatuses 10 that have been processed, only the image forming apparatus 10 that can complete printing relatively quickly responds.

(Specific example 3, operation state)
As one of the predetermined comparison items, the operation state of the image forming apparatus 10 is included. Examples of the operation state include a busy state where a job is being executed, a ready state where the job is executable and a standby state. For example, if it is determined that the image forming apparatus 10 that cannot immediately start printing such as in a busy state does not respond to the apparatus search command, the image forming apparatus 10 connected to the LAN 3 immediately Only the image forming apparatus 10 that can start printing responds. As another operation state, there may be an error state where the job cannot be executed due to some abnormality.

(Specific example 4, remaining amount of consumables)
One of the predetermined comparison items includes the remaining amount of consumables that the image forming apparatus 10 has. For example, if the image forming apparatus 10 that is out of toner or out of paper (or the state immediately before it) is determined not to respond to the apparatus search command, among the image forming apparatuses 10 connected to the LAN 3, Only the image forming apparatus 10 capable of printing (or without worrying about interruption during printing) responds.

(Specific example 5, distance from client terminal (mobile terminal 40))
As one of the predetermined comparison items, the distance from the portable terminal 40 to the image forming apparatus 10 is included. For example, if the distance from the portable terminal 40 to each image forming apparatus 10 is compared and it is determined that the apparatus responds to the apparatus search command when the apparatus enters the upper X units with the short distance, the connection to the LAN 3 is established. Among the image forming apparatuses 10 that have been processed, only the image forming apparatus 10 that has a relatively short moving distance when the user obtains the result of the print job input from the portable terminal 40 responds.

  Each image forming apparatus 10 registers the position information of its own apparatus in advance, acquires the position information of the portable terminal 40, and calculates the distance. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may inquire about position information that the mobile terminal 40 has acquired by means such as GPS (Global Positioning System), or may inquire about an external server that can grasp the position of the mobile terminal 40. May be.

  When the client terminal according to the present invention is not a portable terminal 40 but a stationary PC or the like, the position information of the client terminal may be registered in each image forming apparatus 10 in advance. Instead of calculating the distance from the position information, the distance itself from the portable terminal 40 to each image forming apparatus 10 may be registered in advance.

  Next, an example of criteria for determining whether or not a response to a device search command is used in response necessity determination processing will be described.

(Judgment criteria example 1, when judging by the presence or absence of a specified function)
Each image forming apparatus 10 receives specification of a specific function from the user in advance in the condition input unit 53 (see FIG. 5). If the apparatus has the designated function, the apparatus search command is used regardless of the result of comparing the predetermined comparison items of the other apparatus with the image forming apparatus 10 in the response necessity determination process. It is determined to respond to For example, when a user desires a certain function or when there is a frequently used function (such as a double-sided printing function), the image forming apparatus 10 having the function is surely specified by specifying the function in advance. Responds to the device search command.

(Judgment Criteria Example 2, when weighting each comparison item)
When determining whether or not it is necessary to respond to the device search command based on a plurality of comparison items, the image forming apparatus 10 weights each comparison item and determines whether or not to respond to the device search command. The weighting method may be an appropriate method that improves convenience for the user of the mobile terminal 40.

  For example, when it is determined whether or not a response to the device search command is necessary based on two comparison items of the number of print setting functions and the print processing speed, the order of the own device among all the image forming apparatuses 10 in the number of print setting functions The order of the image forming apparatus 10 among all the image forming apparatuses 10 at the print processing speed is obtained. Then, when the coefficient corresponding to each comparison item and the small cumulative value of the values obtained by integrating the ranks are in the top X of all the image forming apparatuses 10, respond to the apparatus search command. Judge that.

(Judgment criteria example 3, when there is priority for each comparison item)
The image forming apparatus 10 sets priorities for each comparison item. When determining whether or not a response to the device search command is necessary based on a plurality of comparison items, priority is given to the determination result based on the highest priority among the comparison items serving as the determination criteria. For example, among the specific examples 1 to 5 described above, when the specific example 4 has the highest priority, when it is determined not to respond to the device search command by the method described in the specific example 4, the specific examples 1 and 2 are used. Even if it is determined to respond to the device search command by the method described in the above, the determination result by the method of the specific example 4 is prioritized.

(Judgment Criteria Example 4, with only function)
The image forming apparatus 10 compares print setting functions that can be used by the self apparatus and other apparatuses, and when the self apparatus has a print setting function that all other image forming apparatuses 10 do not have, It is determined to respond to the device search command. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from using the unique function of the own device.

(Judgment example 5 when you want to reduce duplicate functions)
As described in the first specific example, when the image forming apparatuses 10 are ranked, the print setting function of one image forming apparatus 10 is lower than the print setting function of another image forming apparatus 10. If they are compatible and completely covered, the order of the one image forming apparatus 10 may be positioned lower than the original order. For example, by adding a predetermined coefficient to the rank, the rank of the one image forming apparatus 10 is positioned lower than the original rank. As a result, it is possible to obtain an effect of avoiding that only the image forming apparatus 10 having the duplicate print setting function responds to the apparatus search command.

  Note that if the print setting function of the own apparatus is completely covered by the print setting function of the other image forming apparatus 10, it may be determined not to respond to the apparatus search command.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of response necessity determination processing performed by the image forming apparatus 10 in step S202 of FIG. FIG. 9 illustrates processing performed by the image forming apparatus 10 when the user sets to determine whether or not a response to the apparatus search command is necessary by the method described in the first, third, fourth, and determination criterion example 1 described above. Indicates.

  First, when the image forming apparatus 10 has a specific function designated by the condition input unit 53 (see FIG. 5) (step S401; Yes), the process proceeds to step S409. If the device does not have the specific function (step S401; No), the operation state of the device and the remaining amount of consumables are checked.

  If the device is busy or the consumables (toner / paper required) is out (step S402; Yes), the process proceeds to step S410. When the own apparatus is neither busy nor out of consumables (step S402; No), the available print setting functions of the own apparatus are counted (step S403).

  The usable print setting function refers to a print setting function that the image forming apparatus 10 has in design and can be used immediately at that time. For example, the print setting function of the stapler is counted if the needle is filled and can be used without any problem.

  Next, when the number of print setting functions that can be used by other image forming apparatuses 10 is read from the storage unit 51 (see FIG. 5) (step S404), all image formations including the self apparatus are performed with the number of the print setting functions. The apparatus 10 is ranked (step S405).

  Next, in step S406, it is checked whether or not the number of image forming apparatuses 10 scheduled to respond to the apparatus search command is less than the minimum number (N) that the user desires to respond to.

  Specifically, the ratio of the number that the user wants to respond at the minimum to the number of all the image forming apparatuses 10 is R (R ≦ 1), and is ranked in step S405 (for predetermined comparison items). It is checked whether or not a value (Z) obtained by integrating the number of image forming apparatuses 10 and R (compared) is less than N (step S406). The values of R and N can be arbitrarily set by the user.

  If Z <N (step S406; Yes), it is checked whether the rank of the own device is N or less (step S407). If the rank of the own device is N or less (step S407; Yes), the process proceeds to step S409. If the rank of the own device exceeds N (step S407; No), the process proceeds to step S410.

  If Z ≧ N (step S406; No), it is checked whether or not the rank of the device is Z or less (step S408). If the rank of the own apparatus is equal to or less than Z (step S408; Yes), it is determined to respond to the apparatus search command (step S409), and this process ends.

  If the rank of the own device exceeds Z (step S408; No), it is determined that it does not respond to the device search command (step S410), and this processing is terminated.

  In the process of FIG. 9, the number of image forming apparatuses 10 that make a response is always N or more, except when the number of image forming apparatuses 10 ranked in step S405 is less than N.

  Next, a case where the image forming apparatus 10 receives an apparatus search command from the same portable terminal 40 a plurality of times within a predetermined time will be described. When the same portable terminal 40 continuously transmits an apparatus search command within a predetermined time, there is a possibility that the image forming apparatus 10 that is desired to be used for printing is not included in the image forming apparatus 10 that responds to the apparatus search command. high.

  Therefore, when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a device search command from the same portable terminal 40 a plurality of times within a predetermined time, the image forming apparatus 10 uses the comparison item used in the response necessity determination process in the previous response necessity determination process. It is determined whether or not to respond to the device search command after changing the comparison item. When the image forming apparatus 10 different from the previous one responds to the apparatus search command, the user of the portable terminal 40 can newly use the image forming apparatus 10. It should be noted that instead of changing the comparison items to be used, for example, the values of N and R in FIG. 9 may be changed.

  For example, if a plurality of condition tables in which comparison items and setting values used for determining whether a response is necessary are registered and a device search command is received from the same mobile terminal 40 a plurality of times within a predetermined time, the conditions to be used You may make it switch a table.

  If a device search command is received from the same portable terminal 40 a plurality of times within a predetermined time, the device search command may always be responded. As a result, even when the desired image forming apparatus 10 is not detected in the first search, all the image forming apparatuses 10 connected to the LAN 3 can be detected and used by repeating the search within a predetermined time. It becomes.

  As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 10 compares the image forming apparatus 10 with another image forming apparatus 10 for a predetermined comparison item. Then, based on the comparison result, it is determined whether or not to respond to the device search command received from the portable terminal 40. Since each image forming apparatus 10 determines whether or not to respond to the apparatus search command, the image forming apparatus 10 that can be displayed in the search result even when the mobile terminal 40 (client terminal) does not have a narrowing function. Can be reduced in advance.

  Even if the configuration of the printer connected to the network (LAN 3 in the embodiment of the present invention) is changed, it is determined whether each printer (image forming apparatus 10) responds to the apparatus search command. Therefore, there is no need to newly narrow down the printer suitable for the network environment on the portable terminal 40 side. For example, if a printer fails, the failed printer will not respond. When a new printer is added, the printer also determines whether or not a response is required and becomes a comparison target as another printer.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the number of image forming apparatuses 10 is four, but the number of image forming apparatuses 10 is not limited to this. All of the plurality of printers constituting the printing system 7 are preferably the image forming apparatus of the present invention, but at least one of the printers may be the image forming apparatus of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present invention, the number of mobile terminals 40 is one, but the number of mobile terminals 40 is not limited to this.

  The predetermined comparison items and the method for determining whether or not the response is necessary in the response necessity determination process are not limited to those shown in the embodiment. For example, only the image forming apparatus 10 having the most excellent print setting function among certain specific types of print setting functions may respond to the apparatus search command.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the other apparatus information is directly inquired to the other image forming apparatus 10. However, if there is a server that collects information of the other image forming apparatus 10, the other apparatus information can be inquired. Good.

3 ... LAN
7 ... Printing system 10 (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) ... Image forming apparatus 11 ... CPU
12 ... ROM
13 ... RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... Non-volatile memory 15 ... Hard disk device 16 ... Image processing part 17 ... Image reading part 18 ... Printer part 19 ... Facsimile communication part 20 ... Network communication part 30 ... Operation panel 31 ... Display part 32 ... Operation part 33 ... Switch part 34 ... Touch panel section 40 ... mobile terminal 50 ... information receiving section 51 ... storage section 52 ... response necessity determining section 53 ... condition input section 54 ... information transmitting section 55 ... other device information transmitting section 56 ... inquiry receiving section 57 ... command transmitting section 58 ... Response receiver 59 ... Printer list display

Claims (16)

A network communication unit connected to the network;
An image forming unit that forms an image in accordance with an instruction from a client terminal received by the network communication unit;
A comparison unit that compares the other apparatus with the other image forming apparatus connected to the network with respect to a predetermined comparison item;
A determination unit that determines whether or not to respond to the device search command according to a result of the comparison by the comparison unit when the network communication unit receives a device search command from the client terminal;
If the determination unit determines to respond to the device search command, it responds to the device search command, and if it determines not to respond to the device search command, it responds to the device search command. A control unit that does not respond;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the comparison unit acquires the information of the other image forming apparatus related to the predetermined comparison item by making an inquiry to the other image forming apparatus. The comparison unit, when the network communication unit receives the device search command from the client terminal, performs the inquiry to acquire information of the other image forming device and perform the comparison. Item 3. The image forming apparatus according to Item 2. A storage unit for storing information on the other image forming apparatus acquired by making the inquiry;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the comparison unit autonomously repeats the inquiry and updates the storage content of the storage unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of print setting functions of the image forming apparatus is included as one of the predetermined comparison items. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the predetermined comparison items includes a print processing speed of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the predetermined comparison items includes an operation state of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the predetermined comparison items includes a remaining amount of consumables included in the image forming apparatus. A distance acquisition unit that acquires a distance from the client terminal to each image forming apparatus connected to the network;
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a distance from the client terminal to the image forming apparatus is included as one of the predetermined comparison items. It further includes a function designating unit that receives designation of a specific function in advance.
The determination unit determines to respond to the device search command regardless of the result of the comparison if the function specified by the function specifying unit can be used by the own device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit performs the determination by weighting each comparison item when there are a plurality of comparison items. The determination unit ranks the other image forming apparatus and the self apparatus according to the comparison result, and performs the determination according to whether the rank of the self apparatus is equal to or higher than a predetermined rank. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the predetermined order is an order obtained by adding a predetermined coefficient to the number of image forming apparatuses including the other image forming apparatus and the self apparatus. . The determination unit determines to respond to the apparatus search command if a print setting function that is not provided in any of the other image forming apparatuses can be used in the own apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The comparison unit changes a comparison item used for the comparison when the device search command is received a plurality of times within a predetermined time from the same client terminal. The image forming apparatus described in 1. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein when the device search command is received from the same client terminal a plurality of times within a predetermined time, the determination unit determines to respond to the device search command without fail. Image forming apparatus.

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