JP5240315B2 - Image forming system, information processing apparatus, image forming auxiliary program, and print control method - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to an image forming system, information processing apparatus, images formed auxiliary programs, and relates to printing control method, in particular, an image forming system for printing after temporarily storing the print job, the information processing apparatus, images formed auxiliary program, and The present invention relates to a printing control method.

  In an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, a copier, or an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) which is a combination of these, a preparatory operation such as potential formation of a photosensitive member is required at the start of image forming processing.

  At the end of the image forming process, an end operation such as resetting the potential of the photosensitive member is necessary. Therefore, in a conventional image forming apparatus that forms an image each time a print instruction is issued, if the number of prints is small, the number of preparatory operations and end operations increases, and the drive time of the image forming unit increases. This leads to an increase in power consumption and a deterioration in the life of an image forming unit such as a photoreceptor.

  In order to cope with such a problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-95146 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) is an image forming apparatus provided with a storage device such as a hard disk, and in the image forming apparatus, requested printing is performed. The job is temporarily stored in the storage device without being executed immediately, and the sleep mode is canceled when a predetermined condition such as a predetermined time or when the amount of stored data reaches a predetermined amount, and the accumulated print jobs are printed together. An image forming apparatus for processing is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-95146

  However, in a system using an image forming apparatus as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a case where a printing process is not immediately performed when a user instructs printing, and a necessary printed matter cannot be obtained immediately. There is also. However, on the other hand, a print instruction is given at each timing when a page to be printed is displayed during web browsing or application execution. However, if web browsing or application execution is to be continued, the user must immediately print There is also a method of printing in which the printed matter is checked together after the browsing or execution is completed.

  For this reason, in order to cope with such a case, in Patent Document 1, when a print instruction is issued, an input of an instruction to immediately perform a printing process is also received, and when the instruction is input, the predetermined condition is satisfied. A method for immediately performing a printing process without waiting for is disclosed. In this way, each print job is printed at an appropriate timing.

  However, the user selects whether or not to immediately perform the printing process every time a printing instruction is issued, and if the printing process is to be performed immediately, it is necessary to perform an instruction input operation to that effect in addition to the conventional printing process operation. User operation becomes complicated. In addition, an increase in the number of operations increases the possibility of an operation error.

The present invention was made in view of such problems, an image forming system for printing process the print job at the right time without performing a complicated operation, the information processing apparatus, images formed auxiliary programs, and printing It aims to provide a control method.

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming system includes an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of applications . The information processing apparatus includes a storage means for store associates and generating means for generating a print job based on a user of the printing operation on the application, the print job to the application used for the generation of the print job A detecting unit for detecting the end of each of the plurality of applications, and a transmitting unit for reading out a print job stored in the storing unit and transmitting it to the image forming apparatus. When the end of the application is detected by the detection unit, the image forming apparatus executes a print job stored in the storage device, a processing unit for executing a print process in the image forming apparatus, and a print job stored in the storage device. Transmission by the transmission means for reading and transmitting to the image forming apparatus, and transmission of the print job stored in the storage means by the transmission means until the detection means detects the end of the application used to generate the print job. First, when the end of one of the plurality of applications is detected by the information processing apparatus, transmission by the transmission unit is executed for the print job stored in the storage unit and associated with the terminated application. And processing means . The processing means includes a receiving means for receiving a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus, and a print processing means for executing print processing of the received print job when the receiving means receives the print job from the information processing apparatus. Including .
According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming system includes an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of applications. The information processing apparatus includes: a generation unit that generates a print job based on a user's print operation on the application; a detection unit that detects the end of the application in the information processing apparatus; and the generated print job is image-formed. Transmitting means for transmitting to the apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a receiving unit for receiving a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus by the transmitting unit, and a storing unit for storing the received print job in association with the application used to generate the print job. Until the end of one of the plurality of applications in the information processing apparatus is detected, the print job stored in the storage unit is not executed, and any one of the plurality of applications is not executed. And processing means for executing print processing of a print job associated with the terminated application stored in the storage means when the end of the information processing apparatus is detected.

  More preferably, when the detecting unit detects the end of all applications capable of generating a print job in the information processing apparatus, the processing unit executes the printing process of all the print jobs stored in the storage device. .

  More preferably, the information processing apparatus stores a first print mode in which a print process is immediately started for a print job instructed to be printed and a storage device when the end of the application used to generate the print job is detected. A second print mode for executing print processing on a print job stored in association with the application, and all the applications stored in the storage device upon detection of completion of all applications capable of generating the print job. The image forming apparatus further includes selection means for selecting a third print mode for executing print processing for the print job, and the transmission means forms the print job at the timing of the print processing defined by the selected print mode. Send to device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of applications and connectable to the image forming apparatus, and generates a print job by a user's print operation on the application. a generation unit for, a storage unit for store print job associated with the application that was used to generate the corresponding print job, and detecting means for detecting the respective ends of the plurality of applications, storage means and transmitting means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus reads the printing job stored in, until the application of the termination is detected used detecting means smell Te to generate Printout job, rank in the storage means without performing transmission by transmission means housed indicia shaped job, one of the applications of the plurality of application When completion is detected, and processing means for performing a transmission by transmission means for printing jobs that are associated with the completion of application.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of applications and connectable to the image forming apparatus, and generates a print job by a user's print operation on the application Generating means, a first transmitting means for transmitting the generated print job to the image forming apparatus, a detecting means for detecting the end of the application, and the print transmitted by the first transmitting means Second information for transmitting information indicating the application whose end has been detected to the image forming apparatus so that the print processing of the print job associated with the application whose end has been detected by the detecting unit is executed. Transmission means.

  Preferably, when the detecting unit detects the end of all the applications capable of generating the print job, the processing unit reads all the print jobs stored in the storage device and prints the print job to the image forming apparatus. Execute the instructions.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus detects a first print mode for immediately starting a print process for a print job instructed to print, and an application in the storage device when the end of the application used to generate the print job is detected. A second print mode for executing print processing on a print job stored in association with the print job, and all print jobs stored in the storage device when the end of all applications capable of generating the print job is detected Selecting means for selecting a third print mode for executing print processing for the image forming apparatus, and the processing means sends a print job to the image forming apparatus at the timing of the print processing defined in the selected print mode. Execute the print instruction.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the image forming auxiliary program performs processing for causing the image forming apparatus to print a print job generated by a printing operation on each application in an information processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of applications . A program for causing a computer of an information processing device to execute , a storage step of storing a print job in a storage unit of the information processing device in association with an application used to generate the print job, and each of the plurality of applications a detection step of detecting the end, test death until the end of one of the application of Oite the plurality of applications are detected in step, the image forming apparatus to print the store indicia shaped job in the storage unit without instructions for any of Apu of the plurality of application When application of the termination is detected, it stored in the storage unit, to execute printing of print jobs associated with the application that the ends and instruction step of instructing the computer to the image forming apparatus.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, the image forming auxiliary program performs processing for causing the image forming apparatus to print a print job generated by a printing operation on each application in an information processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of applications. An image forming auxiliary program to be executed by a computer of an image forming apparatus, wherein a print job generated by an information processing apparatus is stored in a storage unit of the image forming apparatus in association with an application used to generate the print job Storing until the end of any one of the plurality of applications is detected in the detecting step. Marks stored in the department A print processing step for executing printing of a print job stored in the storage unit and associated with the completed application when the end of one of the plurality of applications is detected without executing job printing. And let the computer run.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, printing control method, a print job generated in the information processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of applications, a method for controlling the printing in the image forming apparatus, information A step of generating a print job based on a user's print operation on the application in the processing device; and a storage unit of the information processing device in the information processing device in association with the application used to generate the print job. And the information processing apparatus does not transmit the print job stored in the storage unit to the image forming apparatus until the end of the application used to generate the print job is detected. When the termination of any application is detected, the termination is stored in the storage unit Comprising transmitting the print job associated with the application to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus receives a print job from the information processing apparatus, and executing the print processing of the print job received.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, a print control method is a print control method for controlling printing on an image forming apparatus of a print job generated in an information processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of applications. A step of generating a print job based on a user's print operation on the application in the information processing apparatus; a step of transmitting the generated print job to the image forming apparatus in the information processing apparatus; When the end of the application used to generate the print job is detected among the print jobs transmitted to the apparatus, a step of transmitting information indicating the detected application to the image forming apparatus; and , The application used to generate the print job received from the information processing device Storing in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus in association with the application, and printing stored in the storage unit until the end of the application of any of the plurality of applications in the information processing apparatus is detected in the image forming apparatus If the end of the application in the information processing apparatus is detected without executing the print processing of the job, the print job associated with the ended application stored in the storage unit is stored. And a step of executing a printing process.

  According to the present invention, without deteriorating the convenience for the user, the number of printing operation start preparation operations and end preparation operations in the image forming apparatus can be reduced to reduce power consumption, effectively deteriorating the life of the image forming unit. Can be prevented.

1 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of the hardware configuration of the PC according to the first embodiment included in the image forming system. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the specific example of the function structure of PC concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the screen for setting print mode. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the information stored in the job memory | storage part of PC concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the specific example of the flow of a process in PC concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the specific example of the function structure of PC concerning 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of information stored in a job storage unit of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the specific example of the flow of a process in PC concerning 2nd Embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of a processing flow in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the information stored in the job memory | storage part of the printer server concerning the modification of 2nd Embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming system 101 according to an embodiment is an image forming apparatus 103A or 103B connected to a network 102 (referred to as the image forming apparatus 103 as a representative) and an information processing apparatus. Personal computers (hereinafter abbreviated as PCs) 104A and 104B (representing these as PCs 104). The network 102 may be a communication network using a public telephone line such as the Internet, or may be a communication network using a dedicated line such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Further, the present invention is not limited to the one that performs wired communication, and may perform wireless communication such as communication using infrared rays.

  The PC 104 generates a print job in which the document data is image data or the like by application software and transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus 103 via the network 102 and also outputs an instruction signal instructing print processing of the print job. To do. Accordingly, the PC 104 can also be said to be a control device for the image forming apparatus 103. The print job may be generated not only by the PC 104 but also by the image forming apparatus 103 itself. In accordance with the above instruction, the image forming apparatus 103 performs print processing at a predetermined timing on a print job transmitted from the PC 104 or a print job generated by the image forming apparatus 103 itself.

  In this embodiment, as described above, the PC 104 transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus 103 via the network 102, and the image forming apparatus 103 executes print processing at a predetermined timing. As shown, the image forming system 101 may include a printer server 105. When the printer server 105 is included, a print job from the PC 104 is transmitted to the printer server 105, and after a predetermined process is performed by the printer server 105, a print instruction is given to the image forming apparatus 103 at a predetermined timing. It is assumed that printing processing is performed after transmission. In that case, the printer server 105 can be said to be a control device of the image forming apparatus 103.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 103. Referring to FIG. 2, an image forming apparatus 103 stores a central processing unit (hereinafter abbreviated as CPU (Central Processing Unit)) 201 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 103, a storage device that stores programs executed by the CPU 201, and the like. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 that is a storage device that also serves as a work area for storing other information and program execution, and an image forming apparatus 103 are connected to a network 102 that is a communication network. A communication interface (hereinafter abbreviated as I / F) unit 204 for performing two-way communication, an image forming unit 205, a hard disk drive (hereinafter abbreviated as HDD) that is a storage device for storing print jobs such as image data. And an operation unit 207 including an operation panel and operation keys that function as a user interface. Wherein they are connected by a bus 208.

  The print job is input from the PC 104 via the communication I / F unit 204. Alternatively, it is generated in the CPU 201 in accordance with an operation signal from the operation unit 207. The input print job and the generated print job are stored in a predetermined area of the HDD 206.

  The image forming unit 205 corresponds to, for example, a tandem digital color printer. In addition, it may be a copying machine, a facsimile machine, or an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) which is a complex machine thereof. Further, the printing method is not limited to the tandem method, and is not limited to the digital method. Furthermore, it may be a monochrome machine instead of a color machine.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of the hardware configuration of the PC 104 according to the first embodiment. The PC 104 may be configured by a general personal computer, and the configuration shown in FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration of a general personal computer. That is, referring to FIG. 3, the PC 104 includes a CPU 301 that controls the entire PC 104, an HDD 302 that is a storage device that stores a control program to be described later executed by the CPU 301, a storage area for other information, and a work area during program execution. A storage device such as a RAM 303, a PC 104 connected to a network 102, which is a communication network, and a communication I / F unit 304 for performing two-way communication, and a keyboard, a mouse, and the like for inputting instructions. Are connected by a bus 306. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, an image forming auxiliary program 3021 is stored in the HDD 302.

  The CPU 301 reads out and executes an image forming auxiliary program 3021 stored in the HDD 302 and a program for controlling the image forming apparatus 103 such as an application or a printer driver (not shown), thereby performing an operation input from the operation unit 305. A print job is generated according to the signal, and is output to the image forming apparatus 103 together with a print instruction from the communication I / F unit 304 at a predetermined timing.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a functional configuration of the PC 104 according to the first embodiment. The functions of the PC 104 shown in FIG. 4 are realized by the CPU 301 reading out the image forming auxiliary program 3021 mainly stored in the HDD 302 and executing it as a resident program. May be a function. Further, a part thereof may be formed by a hardware configuration.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the functions of PC 104 include an input unit 401, a mode determination unit 403, a mode storage unit 405, a job management unit 407, an application determination unit 411, a job storage unit 413, and an output unit 415.

  When generating a print job, a printing operation is performed in the operation unit 305 on an application executed by the CPU 301. In the application being executed, a print instruction is generated according to the operation signal from the operation unit 305, and the print instruction is output from the application to the CPU 301 together with information indicating a storage location of data on the application to be printed. The storage location may be another storage device included in the image forming system 101 not shown in FIG. 1, another storage device outside the image forming system 101, or the PC 104. It may be a predetermined area of the HDD 302 or the RAM 203, or may be a predetermined area of the HDD 206 of the image forming apparatus 103. Any storage device that can communicate with the image forming apparatus 103 is included.

  The input unit 401 receives the print instruction input from the application, and inputs the print instruction to the mode determination unit 403 and the job management unit 407. The mode storage unit 405 stores the set print mode. When the mode determination unit 403 receives the print instruction, the mode determination unit 403 determines which print mode is set, and inputs information indicating the set mode to the job management unit 407.

  The print mode defines the relationship between the print instruction and the timing for starting the print process. Specific print modes include “immediate print mode” as the first print mode, “print mode at every application end” as the second print mode, and “print mode at the end of all applications” as the third print mode. Can be mentioned. The first printing mode defines that when a printing instruction is given, the printing process of the document instructed to be printed is immediately executed at the timing of the instruction. The second print mode defines that the print process is executed at the timing when the application that is the output source of the print instruction of the print job is terminated. The third printing mode defines that the printing process is executed at the timing when all the applications running on the PC 104 are terminated when a printing instruction for the print job is issued. Note that “all applications” here does not necessarily refer to all applications. For example, any application that can generate print data, such as a document creation application, a spreadsheet application, and a web browsing application. Good. Therefore, in the third print mode, for example, even when the operation system is kept running, a print instruction such as a document creation application, a spreadsheet application, and a web browsing application that has been executed on the operation system is executed. It can be said that the printing process is defined to be executed at the timing when all the applications that can be performed are terminated, that is, when the application execution state becomes a state where the user will not give a print instruction.

  It is assumed that the print mode can be set at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing may be, for example, the timing at which the CPU 301 starts executing the image forming auxiliary program. Further, it may be a timing when a predetermined operation is performed during the execution of the program. As a method for setting the print mode, for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on a display unit (not shown) at the above timing, and the CPU 301 is based on an operation signal corresponding to an operation along the screen in the operation unit 207. A method of setting and writing to the mode storage unit 405 is exemplified. As shown in FIG. 5, it is preferable that the print mode is set as the initial setting of the print mode every time the application is completed, which is the second print mode. Thereby, even when the user does not perform the setting operation, the convenience of the user and the suppression of power consumption in the image forming apparatus 103 are easily compatible.

  The application determination unit 411 identifies a currently executed application by monitoring a function of the CPU 301 that controls the execution of an application (not shown), and terminates execution of the application that is the output source of the print instruction and / or all applications. Is finished, and the result is input to the job management unit 407.

  The job management unit 407 includes a generation unit 4071, a storage unit 4073, and a transmission unit 4075. The generation unit 4071 generates a print job in cooperation with a function for generating a print job of the application in accordance with a print instruction from the application input from the input unit 401. At least a part of the function of the generation unit 4071 may be included in a function of generating a print job of the application.

  The job management unit 407 is a mode in which the mode determination unit 403 does not immediately execute a print process from a print instruction, that is, the second print mode “print mode after every application end” or the third print mode “all applications”. If it is determined that the “printing mode at the end” is set, it is determined that the timing for printing the print job is not the timing when the print job is generated. In this case, the storage unit 4073 performs a process for storing the generated print job in the job storage unit 413 in association with information specifying the application that is the output source of the print instruction.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of information stored in the job storage unit 413. Referring to FIG. 6, the print job is stored in the storage unit 4073 by specifying information (application) specifying an application that is the output source of the print instruction, time information (print instruction time) when the print instruction is issued, and print target. Are associated with each other by a database including information (print link destination) indicating the storage location of the data, and are numbered and stored in the job storage unit 413. In this example, information indicating the storage location of data on the application to be printed is input from the application that is the output source of the print instruction, but the data itself may be input from the application. In this case, the print storage data itself may be stored in the job storage unit 413 in association with the print job.

  When the mode determination unit 403 determines that the mode for immediately executing the printing process from the print instruction, that is, the “immediate print mode” that is the first print mode is set, the job management unit 403 print job Is determined to be the timing for executing the printing process. In this case, the sending unit 4075 sends the generated print job to the output unit 415.

  When the mode determination unit 403 determines that the second print mode “print mode for each application end” is set, the job management unit 407 stores a print job stored in association with the ended application. Is determined to be the timing for executing the printing process. In this case, the sending unit 4075 reads out the print job stored in association with the application from the job storage unit 413 and sends it to the output unit 415.

  If the mode determination unit 403 determines that the “print mode at the end of all applications”, which is the third print mode, is set, the job management unit 407 stores all the data stored in the job storage unit 413. It is determined that it is time to execute print processing for the print job. In this case, the sending unit 4075 reads all print jobs stored in the job storage unit 413 and sends them to the output unit 415.

  The output unit 415 performs processing for outputting a print job to the image forming apparatus 103 via the communication I / F 304.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of a processing flow in the PC 104 according to the first embodiment. The process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is started when the power of the PC 104 is turned on. The CPU 301 reads and executes a control program for controlling the PC 104, and controls each unit shown in FIG. Is realized.

  Referring to FIG. 7, when the power is turned on and processing is started, in step S101, CPU 301 reads and activates image formation auxiliary program 3021 in HDD 302. Thereafter, the CPU 301 waits for an input of a print instruction from the input unit 401.

  When the input unit 401 receives a print instruction input from the application (YES in step S103), the mode determination unit 403 refers to the mode storage unit 405 to determine the set print mode.

  If the set print mode is the “immediate print mode” (YES in step S105), the job management unit 407 determines that the print process is to be executed for the print job. In step S107, the sending unit 4075 sends the generated print job to the output unit 415. The print job is transmitted from the communication I / F unit 304 to the image forming apparatus 103 via the network 102. Thus, the print job is printed in the image forming apparatus 103 in accordance with the timing at which the print instruction is received in step S103.

  If the set print mode is not the “immediate print mode” (NO in step S105), the job management unit 407 does not execute the print process for the print job at the timing when the print job is generated. Judge. In step S109, the storage unit 4073 performs processing for storing the generated print job in the job storage unit 413 in association with the application that is the output source of the print instruction. As a result, the print job is accumulated without being printed.

  Even when the input instruction 401 does not input a print instruction from the application, there is a job already stored in the job storage unit 413 (NO in step S103 and YES in step S104). Similarly, the subsequent processing is performed.

  The application determination unit 411 determines the end of the application by monitoring the application being executed by the CPU 301. As a result, when the application that is the output source of the print instruction is ended in the CPU 301 (YES in step S111), and the set print mode is “print mode for every application end” (step S113). YES), the job management unit 407 determines that it is the timing to execute the printing process for the print job stored in the job storage unit 413 in association with the application that is the output source of the print instruction based on the database. Accordingly, in step S115, the sending unit 4075 causes the print job associated with the application to be stored in the job storage unit 413 in step S109 and / or the input unit 401 to not input a print instruction from the application. Even when there is a job already stored in the job storage unit 413, the stored print job is read from the job storage unit 413 and sent to the output unit 415. The print job is transmitted from the communication I / F unit 304 to the image forming apparatus 103 via the network 102. As a result, the print job stored in association with the application is printed in the image forming apparatus 103 when the application ends.

  When the set printing mode is “printing mode when all applications are ended” (NO in step S113), the application determination unit 411 further monitors the applications executed by the CPU 301, thereby ending all the applications. to decide. As a result, when all applications including the application that is the output source of the print instruction are ended in the CPU 301 (YES in step S117), the job management unit 407 applies to all print jobs stored in the job storage unit 413. It is determined that it is time to execute the printing process. Therefore, in step S119, the sending unit 4075 causes all print jobs stored in the job storage unit 413 in step S109 and / or a case where the input unit 401 does not input a print instruction from the application. If there is a job already stored in the job storage unit 413, all stored print jobs are read from the job storage unit 413 and sent to the output unit 415. The print job is transmitted from the communication I / F unit 304 to the image forming apparatus 103 via the network 102. As a result, all the accumulated print jobs are printed in the image forming apparatus 103 at the timing when all the applications are finished.

  By performing the above-described processing in the PC 104, in the image forming system 101 according to the first embodiment, the printing processing is performed in the image forming apparatus 103 according to the printing mode set in the PC 104. That is, when the user wants a printed matter immediately, the “immediate printing mode” is set in the PC 104, whereby the image forming apparatus 103 performs a printing process according to the timing of the print instruction, and the printed matter is generated. Thereby, the user can obtain a printed matter immediately after the printing instruction, and the user's convenience is not impaired.

  For example, for a certain user, a printing method is assumed in which a print instruction is given for each page displayed when browsing the web, and the printed matter is checked together when the web is browsed. The In that case, when the user sets the “print mode at the end of application” in the PC 104, the print job generated in accordance with the print instruction is accumulated, and according to the timing at which the PC 104 finishes executing the web browsing application. The image forming apparatus 103 collectively performs a printing process to generate a printed matter. As a result, the number of printing operation start preparation operations and end preparation operations in the image forming apparatus 103 is reduced, and power consumption in the image forming apparatus 103 can be suppressed. Further, when the printing process is executed at such timing, the user may set the printing mode at a predetermined timing, for example, when the PC 104 is activated, and sets the printing mode at every printing instruction. There is no need to do. Therefore, it is possible to suppress power consumption in the image forming apparatus 103 without impairing user convenience.

  In addition, for a certain user, a printing method is assumed in which a plurality of applications are simultaneously executed and a print instruction is given by a plurality of applications, and the printed matter is confirmed collectively when all the processes are completed. In that case, when the user sets the “print mode at the end of all applications” in the PC 104, all print jobs generated according to the print instruction are accumulated, and according to the timing when the execution of all applications is completed on the PC 104. The image forming apparatus 103 collectively performs a printing process to generate a printed matter. As a result, the number of printing operation start preparation operations and end preparation operations in the image forming apparatus 103 is further reduced, and power consumption in the image forming apparatus 103 can be further suppressed. Further, when the printing process is executed at such timing, the user may set the printing mode at a predetermined timing, for example, when the PC 104 is activated, and the printing mode is set every time a printing instruction is issued. There is no need to set. Therefore, it is possible to suppress power consumption in the image forming apparatus 103 without impairing user convenience.

[Modification]
In the first embodiment, first to third types of print modes are prepared as print modes, which can be selected and set in advance. However, the types of print modes are not limited to the above-described three types, and the second print mode “print mode at the end of each application” and the third print mode “print mode at the end of all applications”. It may be of a type. In that case, it is assumed that one of the print modes is set on the same setting screen as that shown in FIG. 5 and stored in the mode storage unit 405. In such a configuration, the user's setting operation can be reduced, and the power consumption in the image forming apparatus 103 can be suppressed without impairing the user's convenience as described above.

  Alternatively, the types of print modes are not limited to the above-described three types, and any one of “print mode at the end of each application” that is the second print mode or “print mode at the end of all applications” that is the third print mode. Or only one type. In this case, the function of the PC 104 shown in FIG. 4 may not include the mode determination unit 403 and the mode storage unit 405, and the storage unit 4073 stores all generated print jobs in the job storage unit 413. To do. Further, when the print mode is “print mode when all applications are completed”, the storage unit 4073 does not need to store the print job in association with the application that is the source of the print instruction as described above. In this case, the sending unit 4075 reads the print job from the job storage unit 413 and sends it to the output unit 415 at any of the above-mentioned predetermined timings. Accordingly, in this case, in the processing of the PC 104 shown in FIG. 7, the determination in the job management unit 407 shown in steps S105 and S113 is not performed, and the print job for immediate printing in step S107 is also transmitted. Instead, all the print jobs are accumulated in step S109. In this case, the PC 104 performs transmission of the print job in step S115 or transmission of the print job in step S119 in accordance with a preset print mode. In such a configuration, it is possible to automatically suppress power consumption in the image forming apparatus 103 without forcing the user to perform a setting operation.

[Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, an image forming auxiliary program 2021 is also stored in the image ROM 202, and the image forming apparatus 103 executes a print job input from the PC 104 at a predetermined timing. To print.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a functional configuration of the PC 104 according to the second embodiment. The functions of the PC 104 shown in FIG. 8 are also realized by the CPU 301 reading and executing the image forming auxiliary program 3021 mainly stored in the HDD 302, and a part of the functions is formed in the CPU 301. There may be. Further, a part thereof may be formed by a hardware configuration.

  Referring to FIG. 8, the above functions of PC 104 are replaced with mode determination unit 403, mode storage unit 405, and job storage unit 413 among the functions of PC 104 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. In addition, an application information output unit 417 is included. Further, the job management unit 407 includes only a generation unit 4071 and a transmission unit 4075.

  In the second embodiment, the sending unit 4075 of the job management unit 407 sends all the print jobs generated by the generating unit 4071 to the output unit 415 according to the generation timing. At the time of sending, the sending unit 4075 adds information that can identify the PC 104 on the image forming system 101 stored in advance to the print job and sends it to the output unit 415. Information that can identify the PC 104 on the image forming system 101 corresponds to an IP address on the network 102, for example. In addition, an identification number assigned in advance may be used. The output unit 415 performs processing for outputting a print job to the image forming apparatus 103 via the communication I / F 304. Here, the sending unit 4075 adds the identification information to the print job. However, the output unit 415 may store the identification information and add the print job to the image forming apparatus 103.

  The application determination unit 411 determines the end of the execution of the application that is the output source of the print instruction and / or the end of the execution of all applications, and inputs the result to the output unit 415. The output unit 415 performs processing for outputting information indicating the determination result in the application determination unit 411 as application information to the image forming apparatus 103 via the communication I / F 304.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 103 according to the second embodiment. The functions of the image forming apparatus 103 shown in FIG. 9 are realized by the CPU 201 reading and executing the image forming auxiliary program 2021 mainly stored in the ROM 202, and a part thereof is formed in the CPU 201. It may be a function. Further, a part thereof may be formed by a hardware configuration.

  Referring to FIG. 9, the functions of image forming apparatus 103 are a job input unit 501, a mode determination unit 503, a mode storage unit 505, a job management unit 507, an application information input unit 509, a job storage unit 513, and an output unit 515. including. The job management unit 507 includes a storage unit 5073 and a sending unit 5075. The functions given the same names as the functions of the PC 104 shown in FIG. 4 are the same as the corresponding functions of the PC 104 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

  In the image forming apparatus 103 according to the second embodiment, the job input unit 501 receives a print job transmitted from the PC 104 by the communication I / F unit 204 and receives the input. The accepted print job is input to the job management unit 507. The application information input unit 509 receives the above-described application information transmitted from the PC 104 by the communication I / F unit 204 and accepts the input. The received application information is input to the job management unit 507.

  The application information received by the application information input unit 509 is transmitted from the PC 104. The PC 104 terminates execution of the application that is the output source of the print instruction for the print job transmitted to the image forming apparatus 103, and / or This is a determination result of the end of execution of all applications.

  The job management unit 507 is a mode in which the mode determination unit 503 does not immediately execute a print process from a print instruction, that is, the second print mode “print mode every application end” or the third print mode “all applications”. When it is determined that the “printing mode at the end” is set, it is determined that the timing for printing the print job is not the timing when the print job is input. In this case, the storage unit 5073 performs processing for storing the print job input from the job input unit 501 in the job storage unit 513.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of information stored in the job storage unit 513. 10, in addition to the information shown in FIG. 6, the storage unit 5073 of the image forming apparatus 103 further identifies the PC 104 on the image forming system 101 transmitted from the PC 104 described above. The possible information is related and stored as a database. In the example of FIG. 10, print jobs transmitted from different PCs 104 </ b> A and 104 </ b> B belonging to the image forming system 101 are stored in the job storage unit 513. For each print job, the PC (request source that transmitted the print job) is stored. ) Is associated with an IP address. The identification information may be any information as long as it can identify the PC 104 in addition to the IP address. The example in FIG. 10 is an example in which the data itself is associated with the print job as the print target data. However, as in FIG. 6, information indicating the storage location of the data may be associated.

  When the mode determination unit 503 determines that the mode for immediately executing the printing process from the print instruction, that is, the “immediate print mode” that is the first print mode is set, the job management unit 503 Is determined to be the timing for executing the printing process. In this case, the sending unit 5075 sends the print job input from the job input unit 501 to the output unit 515.

  The job management unit 507 determines that the mode determination unit 503 has set the above-described second print mode “print mode for every application end” and prints application information input from the application information input unit 509. When it is the determination result of the end of the execution of the application that is the instruction output source, it is the timing to execute the printing process for the print job stored in association with the transmission source of the application information and the ended application to decide. In this case, the sending unit 5075 reads the print job stored in association with the PC 104 that is the application information transmission source and the application from the job storage unit 513 and sends the print job to the output unit 515.

  The job management unit 507 determines that the mode determination unit 503 has set the “print mode at the end of all applications”, which is the third print mode, and the application information input from the application information input unit 509 If it is the determination result of the completion of execution of all applications, it is determined that it is time to execute print processing for all print jobs stored in the job storage unit 513 in association with the transmission source of the application information. In this case, the sending unit 5075 reads all print jobs stored in the job storage unit 513 in association with the transmission source of the application information and sends them to the output unit 515.

  The output unit 515 performs processing for outputting a print job to the image forming unit 205 together with a print instruction.

  FIGS. 11 and 12 are flowcharts illustrating a specific example of the flow of processing in the image forming system 101 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 shows processing in the PC 104, and FIG. 12 shows processing in the image forming apparatus 103. These processes are started when the power is turned on in each device, and the CPUs 201 and 301 respectively read and execute the control program and control each unit shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Realized.

  Referring to FIG. 11, when the processing is started by turning on the power in PC 104, CPU 301 reads and activates image formation auxiliary program 3021 in HDD 302 in step S <b> 201. Thereafter, the CPU 301 waits for an input of a print instruction from the input unit 401.

  When the input unit 401 receives an input of a print instruction from the application (YES in step S203), the sending unit 4075 sends the generated print job to the output unit 415 in step S205. The print job is transmitted from the communication I / F unit 304 to the image forming apparatus 103 via the network 102. Even when the input unit 401 does not input a print instruction from the application, if there is a job already stored in the job storage unit 413 (NO in step S203 and YES in step S204). Similarly, the subsequent processing is performed.

  The application determination unit 411 determines the end of the application by monitoring the application being executed by the CPU 301. As a result, when the application that is the output source of the print instruction is ended in the CPU 301 (YES in step S207), the application determination unit 411 sends a determination result to that effect to the output unit 415. In step S <b> 209, the output unit 415 transmits application information, which is a determination result that the application that is the output source of the print instruction has ended, from the communication I / F unit 304 to the image forming apparatus 103 via the network 102.

  The application determination unit 411 further determines the end of all applications by monitoring the applications being executed by the CPU 301. As a result, when all the applications including the application that is the output source of the print instruction are ended in CPU 301 (YES in step S211), application determination unit 411 sends a determination result to that effect to output unit 415. In step S <b> 213, the output unit 415 transmits application information, which is a determination result that all applications have been completed, from the communication I / F unit 304 to the image forming apparatus 103 via the network 102.

  Referring to FIG. 12, when the image forming apparatus 103 is turned on and processing is started, the CPU 201 reads and activates the image forming auxiliary program 2021 in the ROM 202 in step S301. Thereafter, the CPU 201 waits for an input of a print job from the job input unit 501.

  When communication I / F unit 204 receives the print job transmitted from PC 104 in step S205 and receives the input (YES in step S303), mode determination unit 503 is set with reference to mode storage unit 505. Determine the print mode.

  If the set print mode is the “immediate print mode” (YES in step S305), the job management unit 507 determines that it is time to execute print processing for the print job. In step S307, the sending unit 5075 sends the print job received in step S303 to the output unit 515. The print job is transmitted to the image forming unit 205. Accordingly, the print job is printed in the image forming unit 205 according to the timing received in step S303.

  If the set print mode is not “immediate print mode” (NO in step S305), the job management unit 507 does not execute the print process for the print job at the timing when the print job is input. Judge. In step S309, the storage unit 5073 performs processing for storing the input print job in the job storage unit 513 in association with the application that is the output source of the print instruction and the PC 104 that is the transmission source of the print job. As a result, the print job is accumulated without being printed.

  Even when a print job is not received from the PC 104, a job that has already been stored in the job storage unit 413 in association with the application that is the output source of the print instruction and the PC 104 that is the source of the print job is stored. In some cases (NO in step S303 and YES in S304), the subsequent processing is similarly performed.

  The job management unit 507 waits for application information input from the application information input unit 509. The input application information is a determination result that the application that is the output source of the print instruction is ended from the PC 104 that is the transmission source of the print job (YES in step S311), and the set print mode is If it is “print mode for each application end” (YES in step S313), the job management unit 507 prints the print job stored in the job storage unit 513 in association with the PC that is the transmission source of the application information and the ended application. Is determined to be the timing for executing the printing process. Therefore, in step S315, the sending unit 5075 does not receive the print job stored in the job storage unit 513 and / or the print job associated with the PC and / or the PC 104 in step S309. However, if there is already a job stored in the job storage unit 413 in association with the PC and the application, the stored print job is read from the job storage unit 513 and sent to the output unit 515. The print job is transmitted to the image forming unit 205. As a result, the print job stored in association with the PC 104 and the application is printed in the image forming unit 205 at the timing when the application is terminated on the PC 104.

  When the set print mode is “print mode at the end of all applications” (NO in step S313), the job management unit 507 receives the print job from the application information input unit 509 in the PC 104 that is the transmission source of the print job. It waits for the input of application information, which is the determination result that all applications have ended. When the application information is input, that is, when all applications are completed on the PC 104 that is the transmission source of the print job (YES in step S317), the job management unit 507 transmits the print job to the job storage unit 513. It is determined that the print processing timing is to be executed for all print jobs stored in association with the original PC 104. Therefore, in step S319, the sending unit 5075 does not receive all print jobs stored in the job storage unit 513 in association with the PC 104 that is the transmission source of the print job in step S309 and / or no print job from the PC 104. Even if the job is already stored in the job storage unit 413 in association with the PC, all stored print jobs are read from the job storage unit 513 and output to the output unit 515. Send it out. The print job is transmitted to the image forming unit 205. As a result, the print job stored in association with the PC 104 is printed in the image forming unit 205 at the timing when all the applications are completed on the PC 104.

  By performing the above-described processing in the PC 104 and the image forming apparatus 103, in the image forming system 101 according to the second embodiment, the print job requested to be printed from the PC 104 according to the print mode set in the image forming apparatus 103. Is printed. Thereby, similarly to the first embodiment, the power consumption in the image forming apparatus 103 can be suppressed without impairing the convenience of the user.

[Modification]
Also in the image forming system 101 according to the second embodiment, it is possible to adopt a print mode similar to that of the modification of the first embodiment.

  Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the print mode set in the image forming apparatus 103 is applied to print jobs from all the PCs 104. In the image forming apparatus 103, printing is performed for each PC 104. A mode may be set. In this case, the print mode for each PC 104 is stored in the mode storage unit 505. In step S305, the mode determination unit 503 is a transmission source of the print job associated with the print mode received in step S303. A print mode corresponding to the PC 104 is read from the mode storage unit 505 to determine which print mode it is. Similarly in step S313, the mode determination unit 503 reads the print mode corresponding to the PC 104 that is the transmission source of the application information from the mode storage unit 505, and determines which print mode it is. By doing in this way, the timing which acquires printed matter for every user can be set, and a user's convenience can be improved more.

  In the above example, when a print job is generated in the PC 104, information (application) that identifies an application that is the output source of the print instruction in print target data, and time information (print instruction time when the print instruction is made) ) And information indicating the storage location of data to be printed (print link destination) and information that can identify the PC 104 (request source IP address) are associated with each other. When the apparatus 103 receives a print job from the PC 104, the image forming apparatus 103 may associate the print job by specifying the PC 104 that has transmitted the print job and requested print processing. In addition, information (application) that identifies an application that is the output source of the print instruction is also associated with the image forming apparatus 103 by the image forming apparatus 103 analyzing the print job from the PC 104 and identifying the application. Also good.

  Further, when the image forming system 101 includes the printer server 105 as shown in FIG. 1, the processing in the image forming apparatus 103 according to the second embodiment may be performed by the printer server 105. In other words, in this case, the printer server 105 stores the image forming auxiliary program in a storage unit (not shown), and has the same function as that shown in FIG. 9 when the program is executed. When the printer server 105 is included, the print job is transmitted from the PC 104 to the printer server 105, and at the timing determined by the printer server 105, the print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 103 together with the print instruction to perform the printing process. . The printer server 105 executes processing in the image forming apparatus 103 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. That is, according to the print mode set in the printer server 105 in advance, the print job received from the PC 104 is immediately sent to the image forming apparatus 103 for print processing, or once stored in the job storage unit and requested from the PC 104. When the application that has output the print instruction in step S1 ends, or when all the applications end, it is determined whether the image is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 103 to be printed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, the printer server 105 performs an image forming apparatus that performs a printing process in addition to each piece of information shown in FIG. 10 as data to be printed as a print job transmitted from each PC 104. Information (output destination IP address) that can identify 103 is associated and stored in the job storage unit. The information that can identify the image forming apparatus 103 is any information that can identify the image forming apparatus 103 in addition to the IP address as well as the information that can identify the PC 104 (request source IP address). Also good. Even with such a configuration, as in the second embodiment, it is possible to suppress power consumption in the image forming apparatus 103 without impairing user convenience.

  Furthermore, the above-described image forming auxiliary program itself can be provided. Such a program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk attached to the computer, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a ROM, a RAM, and a memory card, and provided as a program product. You can also. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  The program according to the present invention is a program module that is provided as a part of a computer operating system (OS) and calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. Also good. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program such as a printer driver. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  101 image forming system, 102 network, 103, 103A, 103B image forming apparatus, 104, 104A, 104B PC, 105 printer server, 201, 301 CPU, 202 ROM, 203, 303 RAM, 204, 304 communication I / F unit, 205 Image forming unit, 206, 302 HDD, 207, 305 Operation unit, 208, 306 Bus, 401 input unit, 403, 503 Mode determination unit, 405, 505 Mode storage unit, 407, 507 Job management unit, 411 Application determination unit , 413, 513 Job storage unit, 415, 515 output unit, 417 Application information output unit, 501 Job input unit, 509 Application information input unit, 2021, 3021 Image formation auxiliary program, 4071 generation unit, 4 73,5073 storage unit, 4075,5075 delivery unit.

Claims (13)

An image forming system,
An image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of applications ;
The information processing apparatus includes:
Generating means for generating a print job based on a user's print operation on the application;
A storage means for store the print job associated with the application that was used to generate the corresponding print job,
Detecting means for detecting the end of each of the plurality of applications;
Transmitting means for reading out the print job stored in the storage means and transmitting it to the image forming apparatus ;
Until the detection unit detects the end of the application used to generate the print job, the transmission unit does not transmit the print job stored in the storage unit, and any of the plurality of applications is not executed. Processing means for executing transmission by the transmission means for a print job stored in the storage means and associated with the terminated application when the end of the application is detected in the information processing apparatus. ,
Including
The image forming apparatus includes:
Receiving means for receiving the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus;
When the receiving unit receives the print job from the information processing apparatus, a print processing unit for executing print processing of the received print job;
The including, the image forming system. When the information processing apparatus detects a first print mode for immediately starting a print process for a print job instructed to be printed and an end of an application used for generating the print job, the information processing apparatus stores the application in the storage device. A second print mode for executing print processing for a print job stored in association with the print job, and all prints stored in the storage device when the end of all applications capable of generating the print job is detected. A selection means for selecting a third print mode for executing print processing for the job;
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus at a timing of the printing process defined by the selected printing mode. An image forming system,
An image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of applications ;
The information processing apparatus includes:
A generating means for generating a print job based on the print operation of the user on the application,
A detecting means for detecting the end of the application before Symbol information processing apparatus,
And transmitting means for transmitting the generated said print job has been before the SL image forming apparatus,
Including
The image forming apparatus includes:
Receiving means for receiving the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus by the transmitting means;
Storage means for storing the received print job in association with the application used to generate the print job;
Wherein the end of at the information processing apparatus of any one of the plurality of applications are detected, without executing the print processing of store indicia shaped job in the storage unit, one of said plurality of application A processing unit for executing a printing process of a print job stored in the storage unit and associated with the terminated application when the end of the application in the information processing apparatus is detected ;
Including an image forming system. When the information processing apparatus detects a first print mode for immediately starting a print process for a print job instructed to be printed and an end of an application used for generating the print job, the information processing apparatus stores the application in the storage device. A second print mode for executing print processing for a print job stored in association with the print job, and all prints stored in the storage device when the end of all applications capable of generating the print job is detected. A selection means for selecting a third print mode for executing print processing for the job;
The processing means, that perform printing processing of the print job at the timing of the printing process defined by the selected print mode, the image forming system according to claim 3. The processing means executes print processing of all print jobs stored in the storage means when the detection means detects the end of all applications capable of generating a print job in the information processing apparatus. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . An information processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of applications and connected to an image forming apparatus,
A generating means for generating a print job by the print operation of the user on the application,
A storage means for store the print job associated with the application that was used to generate the corresponding print job,
Detecting means for detecting the end of each of the plurality of applications;
Transmitting means for reading out the print job stored in the storage means and transmitting it to the image forming apparatus;
Before Symbol termination applications used to generate the print job in the detection means is detected, without performing transmission by the transmission unit of the printing job that is store in the storage means, said plurality of An information processing apparatus comprising: processing means for executing transmission by the transmission means for a print job associated with the terminated application when the end of any one of the applications is detected. When the detection unit detects the end of all applications capable of generating a print job, the processing unit reads all print jobs stored in the storage unit and executes transmission by the transmission unit . The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 . A first print mode that immediately starts print processing for a print job instructed to be printed, and the end of the application used to generate the print job are detected and stored in the storage device in association with the application Second print mode for executing print processing for a print job, and print processing for all print jobs stored in the storage device when the end of all applications capable of generating the print job is detected And a selection means for selecting a third print mode for executing
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the processing unit executes transmission by the transmission unit at a timing of the printing process defined by the selected printing mode. An information processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of applications and connected to an image forming apparatus,
A generating means for generating a print job by the print operation of the user on the application,
First transmission means for transmitting the generated print job to the image forming apparatus;
Detecting means for detecting termination of the application;
Among the print jobs transmitted by the first transmission unit, the application whose end has been detected is executed so that the print process of the print job associated with the application whose end has been detected by the detection unit is executed. An information processing apparatus comprising: a second transmission unit configured to transmit information to the image forming apparatus. An image forming auxiliary program for causing a computer of the information processing apparatus to execute processing for causing the image forming apparatus to print a print job generated by a printing operation on each application in an information processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of applications There,
A storage step of storing the print job in the storage unit of the information processing apparatus in association with the application used to generate the print job;
A detecting step for detecting an end of each of the plurality of applications ;
Without pre-pointed to dangerous death steps termination of any application of Oite the multiple applications is detected, the printing of the store indicia shaped job in the storage unit to the image forming apparatus When an end of one of the plurality of applications is detected, an instruction to instruct the image forming apparatus to print a print job stored in the storage unit and associated with the ended application An image forming auxiliary program causing the computer to execute steps . An image forming auxiliary program for causing a computer of the image forming apparatus to execute processing for causing the image forming apparatus to print a print job generated by a printing operation on each application in an information processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of applications There,
A storage step for storing the print job generated by the information processing apparatus in association with the application used to generate the print job in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus;
A detection step of detecting an end of one of the plurality of applications in the information processing apparatus ;
Previous to dangerous death steps termination of any application of Oite said multiple applications are detected, without executing the printing of the store indicia shaped job in the storage unit, any of the plurality of application When the end of the application is detected, the image forming auxiliary program causes the computer to execute a print processing step for executing printing of a print job associated with the ended application stored in the storage unit . A print control method for controlling printing in an image forming apparatus of a print job generated in an information processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of applications ,
Generating a print job based on a user's print operation on the application in the information processing apparatus;
In the information processing apparatus, associating the print job with an application used to generate the print job and storing the print job in a storage unit of the information processing apparatus;
In the information processing apparatus, the print job stored in the storage unit is not transmitted to the image forming apparatus until the end of the application used to generate the print job is detected. Detecting the end of the application, transmitting a print job stored in the storage unit and associated with the terminated application to the image forming apparatus;
And a step of executing a printing process for the received print job when the print job is received from the information processing apparatus in the image forming apparatus . A print control method for controlling printing in an image forming apparatus of a print job generated in an information processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of applications ,
Generating a print job based on a user's print operation on the application in the information processing apparatus;
Transmitting the generated print job to the image forming apparatus in the information processing apparatus;
In the information processing apparatus, when the end of the application used to generate the print job is detected among the print jobs transmitted to the image forming apparatus, information indicating the application where the end is detected is displayed in the image forming apparatus. Transmitting to the device;
In the image forming apparatus, storing the print job received from the information processing apparatus in a storage unit of the image forming apparatus in association with an application used to generate the print job;
The image forming apparatus does not execute the print processing of the print job stored in the storage unit until the end of one of the plurality of applications in the information processing apparatus is detected. When the termination of any of the applications in the information processing apparatus is detected, the printing unit includes a step of executing a printing process of a print job stored in the storage unit and associated with the terminated application Control method.

Images