JP4056402B2 - Image forming apparatus network system, image forming apparatus, connection operation method, and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus network system, an image forming apparatus, a connecting operation method, and a connecting operation program that have connecting operation means and can share printing with a plurality of image forming apparatuses.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Image forming apparatuses such as copiers, facsimile machines, and printers are widely used. Some of them are connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses via a network. Some of such image forming apparatus network systems can perform a connecting operation by a plurality of image forming apparatuses.
[0003]
For example, when copying 100 originals, an image forming apparatus to which an operation is given exchanges information with other image forming apparatuses, and the two image forming apparatuses allow 50 units per unit. This is a function that reduces work time by sharing work, such as printing one sheet at a time.
[0004]
By the way, as a conventional image forming apparatus, after reading an original set on a contact glass and performing an original reading operation for storing the image information in a memory, an image is printed on a transfer sheet based on the image information. There is a printer (for example, a digital copying machine) that can obtain a predetermined number of copies (set number of copies) by repeatedly performing a printing operation.
[0005]
In such an image forming apparatus, the remaining memory amount is monitored during the reading operation of the document, and the reading operation is interrupted before the remaining memory amount becomes “0”, and the copying operation is ended or until the reading is performed. The user can select whether to start printing the image data of the original.
[0006]
This is because, for example, when using a mode in which an automatic document feeder (hereinafter also referred to as “ADF”) is used to automatically feed a document placed on a document table onto a contact glass, it remains during the document reading operation. Even if the amount of memory becomes “0” and the reading operation is interrupted, the corresponding document has already been discharged, so that when the reading is resumed after printing, the user places the document on the document table. This is because a return operation is required.
[0007]
Also, conventional image forming devices monitor the remaining amount of consumables such as paper and toner, and issue a message to the operator to replenish at the start of the job or when the job runs out, and the replenishment is complete The job is executed later.
[0008]
The conventional literature which presents the system which utilizes a connection operation is given.
In Patent Document 1, the number of copies to be printed is assigned from one computer, and printing is performed by each copying machine. If an error occurs in a certain copier, the number of copies is assigned again to avoid problems due to the error.
[0009]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-238035
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the image forming apparatus network system as described above, after the reading is completed by any one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses (master machine), or the originals that have already been read and accumulated in the external storage unit When image information is transferred to another image forming apparatus (slave machine) and printing is distributed, the remaining memory capacity of each image forming apparatus that distributes printing may be different. As a result, the remaining memory amount becomes “0” during the document reading operation, and it is necessary to perform troublesome operations such as the document returning operation as described above.
Also, when there is no more consumables such as paper and toner, the job is interrupted until it is replenished, and then resumed again.
[0011]
In view of such a problem, an object of the present invention is to perform a print job more smoothly and improve the operability of an image forming apparatus by utilizing a useful function called a link function.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention achieves the above-mentioned object, means for reading a document, means for printing an image read by the means, means for storing the read image in an external storage means, and the own apparatus and other apparatuses on the network. A plurality of image forming apparatuses having means for acquiring and identifying the consumable information of the other are connected via a network, and image information read by any one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is used as another image. An image forming apparatus network system including a connecting operation unit that transfers to a forming apparatus and distributes printing, and a unit that selects a single operation or a connecting operation, is as follows.
[0013]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of print jobs are allocated to at least one image forming apparatus and a large amount of memory is consumed, the print jobs are sent to other monitored machines on the network. Means for assigning and preventing the image forming apparatus from causing an abnormal state such as memory full, and display means for notifying the operator of the details of the print job when the print job is assigned to another machine. Is.
[0014]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus network system according to the first aspect, the remaining amount of paper of the self-machine monitored when a plurality of print jobs are assigned to the at least one image forming apparatus is total. If you are exceeding the number of copies, but provided with means to eliminate the replenishment of paper while allocating a job executing the print job against the other machine monitored on the network.
[0015]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus network system according to the first aspect, the remaining amount of toner of the own apparatus monitored when a plurality of print jobs are assigned to the at least one image forming apparatus is total. If the amount of toner used in the number of printed sheets exceeding the amount of remaining toner, but provided with means to eliminate the toner replenishment while allocating a job executing the print job against the other machine monitored on the network .
[0017]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus network system according to the first aspect, the device to which the job is assigned is provided with a display means for transmitting details to the operator to which the print job is assigned.
[0018]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: means for reading an original; means for printing an image read by the means for reading the original; means for storing the read image; Information acquisition / identification means, network connection means, connection operation means for transferring scanned image information to other image forming apparatuses on the network and distributing printing, and selection of single operation or connection operation Means for monitoring the remaining amount of memory of the image forming apparatus having all the above-mentioned connecting operation means on the network , estimating the amount of memory required for the print job, and the remaining amount of memory of the first image forming apparatus is If less than the amount of memory, and means for allocating the job of the first image-forming apparatus, the coupling operation unit used in the second image forming apparatus remaining memory meets the memory amount When assigning the print job to another apparatus, characterized by having a means for displaying the details of that allocated the print job to another apparatus in an image forming apparatus as a ship.
[0019]
A sixth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect, further comprising means for monitoring the remaining amount of paper of the own apparatus and other apparatuses on the network, and the first image forming apparatus includes a print job. When the total number of printed sheets used in the process exceeds the remaining amount of paper in the first image forming apparatus, a print job is assigned to the second image forming apparatus having the remaining amount of paper that does not need replenishment . The job of the image forming apparatus is assigned to another image forming apparatus.
[0020]
A seventh aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect, further comprising means for monitoring the remaining amount of toner of the own apparatus and other apparatuses on the network, and the first image forming apparatus includes a print job. When the amount of toner used in the printer exceeds the remaining amount of toner of the own device, a print job is assigned to the second image forming apparatus having the remaining amount of toner that does not need to be replenished , and the first image forming apparatus The job is allocated to another image forming apparatus.
[0022]
The invention according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , further comprising means for displaying details of the assigned print job when the print job is assigned.
[0023]
The connection operation method according to the ninth aspect of the invention is required from the step of acquiring and monitoring information of other image forming apparatuses on the connectable network, the job being executed, and the reserved job of the own apparatus. The step of estimating the amount of memory, the step of comparing the remaining amount of memory with the required amount of memory, and the remaining amount of memory of the other image forming apparatus, when the remaining amount of memory is insufficient , a step of determining whether satisfied, if the residual memory amount of the other image forming apparatus satisfies the above amount of memory, and displaying the details of the job assignment, a step of transferring the image information to the other image forming apparatus And a step of displaying details of a job assigned to the other image forming apparatus, and a step of executing printing.
[0024]
The connection operation method according to the invention of claim 10 is required from the step of acquiring and monitoring information of other image forming apparatuses on the connectable network, the job being executed, and the reserved job of the own apparatus. A step of estimating the amount of paper, a step of comparing the remaining amount of paper with the required amount of paper, and a remaining amount of paper that the other image forming apparatus does not need to be replenished when the remaining amount of paper is insufficient a step of determining whether having, when the other image forming apparatus having the unnecessary paper remaining amount of replenishment, transfers and displaying the details of the job assignment, the image information to the other image forming apparatus And a step of displaying details of a job assigned to the other image forming apparatus, and a step of executing printing.
[0025]
The connection operation method according to the eleventh aspect of the invention is required from the step of acquiring and monitoring information of other image forming apparatuses on the connectable network, the job being executed, and the reserved job of the own apparatus. A step of estimating the amount of toner, a step of comparing the remaining amount of toner with the required amount of toner, and a remaining amount of toner that the other image forming apparatus does not need to be replenished when the remaining amount of toner is insufficient a step of determining whether having, when the other image forming apparatus having the unnecessary toner remaining amount of replenishment, transfers and displaying the details of the job assignment, the image information to the other image forming apparatus And a step of displaying details of a job assigned to the other image forming apparatus, and a step of executing printing.
[0026]
The connection operation program according to the invention of claim 12 is required from a process for acquiring and monitoring information of other image forming apparatuses on a connectable network, an executing job of the own apparatus, and a reserved job. a process of estimating the amount of memory, a process of comparing the amount of memory remaining memory capacity and the required, when the memory runs low, the remaining memory capacity of said another image forming apparatus to the memory amount a process of determining whether satisfied, if the residual memory amount of the other image forming apparatus satisfies the memory amount, a process of displaying the details of the job assignment, a process of transferring image information to the other image forming apparatus The computer is caused to execute a process of displaying details of a job assigned to the other image forming apparatus and a process of executing printing.
[0027]
The connection operation program according to the thirteenth aspect of the invention is required from the process of acquiring and monitoring information of other image forming apparatuses on the connectable network, the job being executed, and the reserved job of the own apparatus. Processing for estimating the amount of paper, processing for comparing the remaining amount of paper with the required amount of paper, and the remaining amount of paper that the other image forming apparatus does not need to be replenished when the remaining amount of paper is insufficient a process of determining whether having, when the other image forming apparatus having the unnecessary paper remaining amount of replenishment, and transfers the processing to display the details of the job assignment, the image information to the other image forming apparatus The computer is caused to execute processing, processing for displaying details of a job assigned to the other image forming apparatus, and processing for executing printing.
[0028]
The connection operation program according to the fourteenth aspect of the invention is required from processing for acquiring and monitoring information of other image forming apparatuses on a connectable network, a job being executed, and a reserved job of the own apparatus. A process for estimating the amount of toner, a process for comparing the remaining amount of toner with the required amount of toner, and a remaining amount of toner that the other image forming apparatus does not need to be replenished when the remaining amount of toner is insufficient a process of determining whether having, when the other image forming apparatus having the unnecessary toner remaining amount of replenishment, and transfers the processing to display the details of the job assignment, the image information to the other image forming apparatus The computer is caused to execute processing, processing for displaying details of a job assigned to the other image forming apparatus, and processing for executing printing.
[0029]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The configuration and operation of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an image forming apparatus of the present invention.
When a start key 34 on the operation unit 30 shown in FIG. 2 is pressed on a document stack placed on the document table 2 in the automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as ADF) 1 with the image surface of the document facing upward, The uppermost document is fed to a predetermined position on the contact glass 6 by the feeding roller 3 and the feeding belt 4. After the image data of the original on the contact glass 6 is read by the reading unit 50, the original that has been read is discharged by the feeding belt 4 and the discharge roller 5. Further, when it is detected by the document set detection 7 that the next document is present on the document table 2, the document is fed onto the contact glass 6 in the same manner as the previous document. The feeding roller 3, the feeding belt 4, and the discharging roller 5 are driven by a motor.
[0030]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation unit.
The operation unit 30 includes a liquid crystal touch panel 31, a numeric keypad 32, a clear / stop key 33, a print key 34, a preheat key 35, a reset key 36, a copy / printer key 38 and an initial setting key 39. A key for setting a mode, which will be described later, a message indicating the state of the image forming apparatus, and the like are displayed.
[0031]
FIG. 3 is a view showing a display example 37 of the liquid crystal touch panel 31 of the operation unit 30.
When the operator touches a key displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31, the key indicating the selected function is inverted in black. In addition, when it is necessary to specify the details of the function (for example, if it is variable magnification, the variable magnification value, etc.), the detailed function setting screen is displayed by touching the key. Thus, since the liquid crystal touch panel uses a dot display device, it is possible to graphically perform an optimal display at that time.
[0032]
In FIG. 3, the upper left is a message area for displaying messages such as “Ready to copy” and “Please wait”, the right is a copy number display section for displaying the set number of sheets, and an automatic sheet for automatically selecting a transfer sheet Select key, sort key that specifies processing to arrange copies in order of pages, stack key that specifies processing to sort copies by page, staple key that specifies processing to bind sorted items partly, and magnification Same size key to set the same size, Scaling key to set the enlargement / reduction ratio, Double side key to set the duplex mode, Edit key to set the binding margin mode, etc. Cover page / Slip sheet to set the cover / interleaf mode This is a connection mode key that prints out a large number of printing operations divided into a plurality of parts via a network of keys and digital copying machines.
In addition, a paper feed tray state corresponding to the number of paper feed trays is displayed, and keys for manually setting the paper feed tray are displayed for the number of paper feed trays.
[0033]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device.
The main controller 20 controls the entire apparatus. An operation unit 30, an image processing unit (IPU) 49, an ADF 1, and the like are connected to the main controller 20.
The operation unit 30 has a liquid crystal display 31 for displaying to the operator and key inputs 32 to 35 for inputting function settings from the operator.
The IPU 49 performs control of the scanner, control of writing a document image into the image memory, control of reading from the image memory, and the like.
The main controller 20 is connected to a main motor 25 and various clutches 21 to 24 necessary for paper conveyance.
[0034]
With reference to FIG. 1, the image reading means in the present invention and the operation until the latent image is formed on the recording surface will be described. A latent image is a potential distribution generated by converting an image into light information and irradiating it on the surface of the photoreceptor.
[0035]
The reading unit 50 includes a contact glass 6 on which an original is placed and an optical scanning system. The optical scanning system includes an exposure lamp 51, a first mirror 52, a lens 53, a CCD image sensor 54, and the like. Yes. The exposure lamp 51 and the first mirror 52 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown), and the second mirror 55 and the third mirror 56 are fixed on a second carriage (not shown). When reading a document image, the first carriage and the second carriage are mechanically scanned at a relative speed of 2 to 1 so that the optical path length does not change. This optical scanning system is driven by a scanner drive motor (not shown).
[0036]
The document image is read by the CCD image sensor 54, converted into an electrical signal, and processed. The image magnification is changed by moving the lens 53 and the CCD image sensor 54 in the left-right direction in FIG. That is, the positions of the lens 53 and the CCD image sensor 54 are set in the left-right direction corresponding to the designated magnification.
[0037]
The writing unit 57 includes a laser output unit 58, an imaging lens 59, and a mirror 60. Inside the laser output unit 58, a rotary polygon mirror (polygon mirror) that rotates at a high speed at a high speed by a laser diode as a laser light source and a motor. ).
[0038]
The laser light emitted from the laser output unit 58 is polarized by a polygon mirror that rotates at a constant speed, passes through an imaging lens 59, is folded by a mirror 60, and is focused and imaged on the surface of the photoreceptor.
[0039]
The polarized laser light is exposed and scanned in the direction (main scanning direction) perpendicular to the direction in which the photosensitive member rotates, and the line-by-line recording of the image signal output from the selector 64 of the image processing unit described later is performed. An image (electrostatic latent image) is formed on the surface of the photosensitive member by repeating main scanning at a predetermined cycle corresponding to the rotational speed and recording density of the photosensitive member.
[0040]
As described above, the laser beam output from the writing unit 57 is applied to the image forming photoconductor 15. Although not shown, a beam sensor for generating a main scanning synchronization signal is disposed at a position where a laser beam near one end of the photoconductor 15 is irradiated. Based on the main scanning synchronization signal, control of image recording start timing in the main scanning direction and generation of a control signal for inputting / outputting image signals described later are performed.
[0041]
The configuration of the image processing unit (image reading unit and image writing unit) in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The light emitted from the exposure lamp 51 illuminates the original surface, and the reflected light from the original surface is imaged and received by a CCD image sensor 54 with an imaging lens (not shown), and is photoelectrically converted. The digital signal is converted by the D converter 61. The image signal converted into the digital signal is subjected to shading correction 62, and then subjected to MTF correction, γ correction, and the like in the image processing unit 63, and then enlarged / reduced by the scaling processing circuit 72 in accordance with the scaling factor. The
[0042]
In the selector 64, the destination of the image signal is switched to the writing γ correction unit 71 or the image memory controller 65. The image signal that has passed through the writing γ correction unit 71 is sent to the writing unit 57. Between the image memory controller 65 and the selector 64, an image signal can be input and output bidirectionally. Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the image data input from the reading unit 50, image data supplied from outside (for example, output from a data processing device such as a personal computer) is output to the image processing unit (IPU). A function of selecting input / output of a plurality of data.
[0043]
A CPU 68 for setting the image memory controller 65 and the like and controlling the reading unit 50 and the writing unit 57, and a ROM 69 and a RAM 70 for storing programs and data thereof are provided. Further, the CPU 68 can write and read data in the image memory 66 via the memory controller 65. Also, an HDD 73 for saving or saving the contents of the image memory 66 is provided.
[0044]
Here, an image signal for one page in the selector 64 will be described with reference to FIG. “/” Indicates low active.
/ FGATE represents an effective period in the sub-scanning direction of one page of image data. / LSYNC is a main scanning synchronization signal for each line, and the image signal becomes valid at a predetermined clock after this signal rises. A signal indicating that the image signal in the main scanning direction is valid is / LGATE. These signals are synchronized with the pixel clock VCLK, and one pixel of data is sent for one cycle of VCLK. The image processing unit (IPU) 49 has separate generation mechanisms for / FGATE, / LSYNC, / LGATE, and VCLK for image input and output, and various image input / output combinations can be realized. .
[0045]
In order to share the work, it is necessary to transmit / receive image data and commands to / from another digital copying machine. In this embodiment, the IEEE 1394 connection interface is used for transmitting / receiving image data. A serial communication line is used. The memory controller 65 in FIG. 5 implements this via the connection interface 48.
[0046]
Next, a software control module configuration, image transfer, and print control in the image forming apparatus will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a module configuration of software.
The job information set in the application layer is passed to the control service layer using a start key or the like as a trigger. The control service layer interprets job information from the application layer, and requests process information for operating the handler layer from the handler manager. The handler manager operates individual handlers according to the process information.
[0047]
The handler includes
・ Scanner handler that controls the reading unit ・ Image memory handler that controls the input and output of image data to the image memory ・ There is a plotter handler that controls the writing unit, paper transport, and post-processing peripherals, and these software modules work together Thus, processing from reading to storage in the image memory and image formation is performed.
[0048]
Further, the image forming apparatus includes a connection I / F driver for connecting to another image forming apparatus, and image data and command information can be exchanged via the I / F.
[0049]
In the single copy job, the procedure is to read and store an image and print the stored image. In the linked copy job, the following control is added to the above procedure.
For linked copy jobs generated on the master unit, after the job information is interpreted in the control service of the master unit, the image read by the scanner is stored in the image memory, and the image is transferred to the image memory of the slave unit. Each process is executed separately.
[0050]
When the necessary image transfer is completed, the slave unit control service generates a print process that refers to the image data transferred in advance according to the information received from the master unit control service, and prints it to the handler manager of the slave unit. Request.
The slave device control service sequentially notifies the master device of print jobs processed by the slave device. Based on this information, the control service of the master unit monitors the progress of the print job of the master unit and the print job of the slave unit, and performs the necessary printing.
[0051]
Next, FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the operating environment described in claim 1.
When the memory size required by the job to be executed by the image forming apparatus A serving as the master unit is 500 and the remaining memory amount of the master unit A is less than this, the remaining memory of the slave units B and C When the amounts are 600 and 300, respectively, the master unit A assigns a print job to the slave unit B and transfers an image to the slave unit B. The slave unit B receives the image transfer and starts executing the print job.
[0052]
Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIG.
When an image forming apparatus (master unit) that is directly operated by an operator and the master unit has a link function, detailed information of the image forming apparatus (slave unit) having another link function is always acquired via the network. Monitor (step 1).
When a print job is executed on the master and a reservation job occurs, the required memory, paper and toner are estimated (Step 2). It is determined whether all jobs in the machine can be executed without the need for standby or replenishment. If the job can be executed (step 3 / NO), the single machine operation is performed as it is. However, if it is determined that the remaining amount cannot be executed unless waiting or replenishment is performed (step 3 / YES), it is determined whether or not the job can be assigned to the slave device monitored on the network ( Step 4).
[0053]
If it is determined that the job to be assigned can be executed on the slave unit as well as the master unit without waiting or supplementing (YES in step 4). The job is assigned to the child device (step 5).
[0054]
The display unit of the master unit displays details such as to which slave unit the assigned job is performed (step 6), and performs image transfer to the slave unit (step 7). The details of the assigned job are displayed on the display means of the slave unit to which the job is assigned (step 8).
[0055]
Here, if the assignment is determined for the slave unit and all the slave units on the network cannot execute the job (step 4 / NO), the job is executed by the master unit alone. (Step 9).
[0056]
When the job is assigned to the child device, the job is executed by the parent device and the child device. When the job is not assigned, the single job is executed by the parent device (steps 10 and 11).
[0057]
9 and 10 show examples of display screens as display means.
Detailed information related to the assigned child device is displayed on the parent device display screen, detailed information on the assigned job, information on which device is assigned, and the like are displayed on the child device.
[0058]
【The invention's effect】
Conventionally, if there is not enough memory remaining during execution of multiple jobs, processing is interrupted until the used memory is released and the required amount is obtained, or an error occurs and recovery is performed. It was. However, the image forming apparatus as its own device monitors the memory amount of the other device, and when the job load assigned to the own device is heavy, the job can be efficiently digested by assigning the job to the other device.
[0059]
Conventionally, the link operation is performed by sharing a given print job by two or more image forming apparatuses. However, the use range of the link function is expanded, and not only job sharing but also as required. By allocating or delegating jobs, it is possible to execute print jobs more efficiently.
[0060]
Conventionally, when the remaining amount of paper becomes insufficient during execution of a plurality of jobs, the job is suspended until paper is supplied by an operator. However, the image forming apparatus that is the own machine monitors the remaining paper capacity of the other machine, and if the total number of printed pages of the job assigned to the own machine is greater than the remaining paper quantity, the job can be allocated efficiently to the other machine. The print job can be digested.
[0061]
Conventionally, when toner runs out during execution of a plurality of jobs, the job is suspended until the toner is replenished by the operator. However, the image forming apparatus that is the own machine monitors the remaining amount of paper in the other machine, and if the amount of toner used for the total number of print jobs assigned to the own machine is greater than the remaining toner amount, the job is transferred to the other machine. Allocating print jobs efficiently.
[0062]
In addition, when an image forming apparatus assigns a given print job to another machine, the details are displayed and communicated to the operator, thereby clarifying to which device the print job has been assigned and improving convenience. Rise.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation unit.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a liquid crystal touch panel of an operation unit.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control device.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing unit (an image reading unit and an image writing unit).
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an image signal for one page.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a module configuration of software.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an operating environment of an image forming apparatus network system.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen display example in the master unit.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen display example in the slave unit.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus network system.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Automatic document feeder (ADF)
2 Document table 30 Operation unit 50 Reading unit 54 CCD image sensor 57 Writing unit 64 Selector 65 Memory controller 68 CPU
69 ROM
70 RAM

Claims (14)

A system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected via a network,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Means for reading the document;
Means for printing an image read by the means for reading the document;
Means for storing the read image;
Means for acquiring and identifying information of the image forming apparatus of another machine;
Connection operation means for transferring image information read by any one of the image forming apparatuses on the network to other image forming apparatuses and distributing printing;
Means for selecting single operation or linked operation;
The image forming apparatuses having all the connecting operation means on the network mutually monitor the remaining memory capacity of the respective image forming apparatuses;
When an amount of memory required for the print job is estimated and the remaining amount of memory of the first image forming apparatus is less than the amount of memory, the first image is sent to the second image forming apparatus that has the remaining amount of memory satisfying the amount of memory. Means for allocating a job of the forming apparatus, and means for displaying details of the assignment of the print job to the other apparatus on the image forming apparatus serving as the own apparatus when the print job is allocated to the other apparatus using the connection operation means. An image forming apparatus network system. The image forming apparatus further includes means for monitoring the remaining amount of paper of the own apparatus and other apparatuses,
When the total number of prints used in the print job for the first image forming apparatus exceeds the remaining paper capacity of the own apparatus, the print job for the second image forming apparatus having the remaining paper capacity that does not need to be replenished. The image forming apparatus network system according to claim 1, wherein a job of the first image forming apparatus is assigned to another image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus further includes means for monitoring the remaining amount of toner in the self-machine and the other machine,
When the amount of toner used in the print job in the first image forming apparatus exceeds the remaining toner amount of the own apparatus, the print job is sent to the second image forming apparatus having the remaining toner amount that does not need replenishment. 2. The image forming apparatus network system according to claim 1, wherein the job of the first image forming apparatus is assigned and assigned to another image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus network system according to claim 1, further comprising means for displaying details of the assigned print job when the image forming apparatus is assigned a print job. Means for reading the document;
Means for printing an image read by the means for reading the document;
Means for storing the read image;
Means for acquiring and identifying information of the image forming apparatus of another machine;
Means for connecting to the network;
Connection operation means for distributing the print by transferring the read image information to another image forming apparatus on the network;
Means for selecting single operation or linked operation;
Means for monitoring the remaining memory capacity of the image forming apparatus having all the above-mentioned connection operation means on the network;
When an amount of memory required for the print job is estimated and the remaining amount of memory of the first image forming apparatus is less than the amount of memory, the first image is sent to the second image forming apparatus that has the remaining amount of memory satisfying the amount of memory. Means for allocating a job of the forming apparatus, and means for displaying details of the assignment of the print job to the other apparatus on the image forming apparatus as its own apparatus when the print job is allocated to the other apparatus using the connection operation means. An image forming apparatus. It further has means for monitoring the remaining amount of paper of its own device and other devices on the network
When the total number of prints used in a print job for the first image forming apparatus exceeds the remaining amount of paper in the first image forming apparatus, the second sheet having a remaining amount of paper that does not need to be replenished . The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a print job is assigned to the image forming apparatus and the job of the first image forming apparatus is allocated to another image forming apparatus. It further has means for monitoring the toner remaining amount of the own machine and other machines on the network,
When the amount of toner used in a print job for the first image forming apparatus exceeds the remaining amount of toner of the own apparatus, printing is performed on the second image forming apparatus having a remaining amount of toner that does not need to be replenished. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a job is assigned and the job of the first image forming apparatus is allocated to another image forming apparatus.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising means for displaying details of the assigned print job when the print job is assigned. Acquiring and monitoring information of other image forming apparatuses on a connectable network; and
Estimating the amount of memory required from the current job being executed and the reserved job,
Comparing the remaining memory and the required amount of memory;
Determining whether the remaining memory capacity of the other image forming apparatus satisfies the memory capacity when the remaining memory capacity is insufficient;
Displaying the details of job allocation when the remaining memory capacity of the other image forming apparatus satisfies the memory capacity ;
Transferring image information to the other image forming apparatus;
Displaying details of a job assigned to the other image forming apparatus;
And a step of executing printing. Acquiring and monitoring information of other image forming apparatuses on a connectable network; and
Estimating the amount of paper required from the job being executed and the reserved job
Comparing the remaining amount of paper with the required amount of paper;
Determining whether the other image forming apparatus has a remaining paper amount that does not need to be replenished when the remaining paper amount is insufficient;
A step of displaying details of job assignment when the other image forming apparatus has a remaining amount of paper that does not need to be replenished ;
Transferring image information to the other image forming apparatus;
Displaying details of a job assigned to the other image forming apparatus;
And a step of executing printing. Acquiring and monitoring information of other image forming apparatuses on a connectable network; and
A process for estimating the amount of toner required from the job being executed and the reserved job,
Comparing the remaining amount of toner with the required amount of toner;
Determining whether the other image forming apparatus has a remaining toner amount that does not need to be replenished when the remaining toner amount is insufficient;
Displaying the details of job assignment when the other image forming apparatus has a remaining amount of toner that does not need to be replenished ;
Transferring image information to the other image forming apparatus;
Displaying details of a job assigned to the other image forming apparatus;
And a step of executing printing. Processing to acquire and monitor information of other image forming apparatuses on a connectable network;
A process of estimating the amount of memory required from the job being executed and the reserved job
A process of comparing the remaining amount of memory and the required amount of memory;
A process of determining whether the remaining memory capacity of the other image forming apparatus satisfies the memory capacity when the remaining memory capacity is insufficient;
Processing for displaying details of job allocation when the remaining memory capacity of the other image forming apparatus satisfies the memory capacity ;
A process of transferring image information to the other image forming apparatus;
Processing for displaying details of a job assigned to the other image forming apparatus;
A connection operation program for causing a computer to execute processing for executing printing. Processing to acquire and monitor information of other image forming apparatuses on a connectable network;
A process of estimating the required amount of paper from the job being executed and the reserved job
A process of comparing the remaining amount of paper and the required amount of paper;
A process of determining whether the other image forming apparatus has a remaining paper amount that does not need to be replenished when the remaining paper amount is insufficient;
Processing for displaying details of job assignment when the other image forming apparatus has a remaining amount of paper that does not need to be replenished ;
A process of transferring image information to the other image forming apparatus;
Processing for displaying details of a job assigned to the other image forming apparatus;
A connection operation program for causing a computer to execute processing for executing printing. Processing to acquire and monitor information of other image forming apparatuses on a connectable network;
A process of estimating the amount of toner required from the job being executed and the reserved job,
A process of comparing the remaining amount of toner with the required amount of toner;
A process of determining whether the other image forming apparatus has a toner remaining amount that does not need to be replenished when the toner remaining amount is insufficient;
Processing for displaying details of job assignment when the other image forming apparatus has a remaining amount of toner that does not need to be replenished ;
A process of transferring image information to the other image forming apparatus;
Processing for displaying details of a job assigned to the other image forming apparatus;
A connection operation program for causing a computer to execute processing for executing printing.

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