JP5242429B2 - Image forming apparatus and image forming system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system, and more specifically, in a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network, an image forming apparatus having an output item desired by a user can be easily and easily searched. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the development of network technology, technical improvements of image forming methods based on cooperation between a server connected via a network and a plurality of image forming apparatuses have been actively performed. If technical improvement of an image forming method using a network is promoted, there is a possibility that the ability of a plurality of connected image forming apparatuses can be efficiently exhibited, which is an important problem for the image forming apparatus. There is a possibility that power saving, space saving, environmental load reduction, etc. can be solved.

  As a conventional technique for performing processing relating to image data to an image processing apparatus or an image input / output apparatus connected via a network, for example, in an image processing apparatus connectable to an information output apparatus via a network, all devices on the network The purpose is to provide an image processing device that can prevent the quality of the output image from being impaired when output in the form of image processing, and obtain image processing correction data via a network to perform image correction optimal for output. And output the data to a device connected to the network.

  However, in an image processing device or an image input device that can be connected to an image input / output device via a network, when output from any device on the network, the function differs depending on the device of the output device, or is unique Therefore, there has been a problem that user operations and image processing differ.

  In order to solve the above problem, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-216373 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique in which a page printer used as a remote printer in a local area network having a plurality of workstations is improved. . When the page printer receives data from one of the workstations via the server and mode storage means for storing various print modes for each workstation, the data from which workstation is identified by the identification information in the data. There is provided a workstation discriminating means for discriminating whether or not and a print mode automatic setting means for reading out and setting the workstation print mode discriminated by the means from the mode storage means.

  With this configuration, when data is received from one of the workstations, the printer mode corresponding to the sending workstation is automatically set prior to printout, so each time data is sent from the workstation to the printer It is said that there is no need to check the mode or set the mode.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-230244 (Patent Document 2) issues a request by a Web server means for controlling a request and a response with an apparatus and an internal processing means connected via a network, and an input by a user. An image forming apparatus is disclosed that includes Web browser means for displaying the response received from the Web server means on a display unit. The image forming apparatus further includes Web service client means for transmitting the request from the Web server means to the apparatus according to a predetermined message exchange protocol and receiving the response to the request from the apparatus according to a predetermined message exchange protocol. Have.

  With this configuration, even when the user operates from any image forming apparatus on the network, the image forming apparatus can unify the user interface, and each user interface for performing input processing, image processing, and output processing Option information indicating functions executable in each process can be provided to other image processing apparatuses via a network.

JP-A-3-216373 JP 2007-230244 A

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 automatically sets the printer mode corresponding to the transmission source workstation when data is received from the workstation, but does not have a function to fully demonstrate the capability of the connected printer. Therefore, there is a problem that it is insufficient in terms of convenience for the user.

  Further, with the technique described in Patent Document 2, just because the user interfaces of a plurality of image forming apparatuses can be unified, the convenience to the user is not necessarily improved as it is. For example, even if the user can browse option information of a predetermined image forming apparatus using a unified user interface, the browsing does not directly relate to an output condition desired by the user. Therefore, in order to select an image forming apparatus optimal for the output condition input by the user from among the plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the network, the user needs to confirm all the option information of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. Yes, it takes a lot of work. Therefore, just because the user interface is unified does not mean that the user can smoothly give output instructions to the image forming apparatus, but instructions for output processing are concentrated on the image forming apparatus that the user is used to in advance. There is a problem of doing.

  In particular, as the number of image forming apparatuses connected on the network increases, the option information of each image forming apparatus becomes enormous, and thus the problem that the capabilities of a plurality of image forming apparatuses cannot be fully utilized is significant. Become.

  The premise of the technique described in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2 is a configuration in which the user gives an output instruction to a predetermined image forming apparatus based on option information of the image forming apparatus recognized by the user. There is a problem that the range of selection of an image forming apparatus for which an output instruction is required depends greatly on the knowledge of the user.

  In other words, among the plurality of connected image forming apparatuses, there is a problem in that the user cannot appropriately give an output instruction unless the user is familiar with an image forming apparatus that satisfies the output condition intended by the user. . For this reason, when there is another image forming apparatus having an ability equivalent to the ability of the image forming apparatus that the user desires to perform output processing, and when it is more appropriate to execute the output processing with the other image forming apparatus, the user If the other image forming apparatus is not known, the other image forming apparatus cannot be properly utilized. Therefore, there is a possibility of delaying the output process, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of work efficiency and convenience for the user.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem. In a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network, an image forming apparatus having an output item desired by a user can be easily and easily searched. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming system.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is connected via a network to a plurality of image forming apparatuses that store the contents of output items indicating the output of the image forming apparatus. It is assumed that Furthermore, the image forming apparatus assumes the identification information of the plurality of image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus which is communicably connected to the server that associates and stores the contents of the output item of the image forming apparatus.

  The output item indicating the output of the image forming apparatus corresponds to an output process executed by the image forming apparatus. For example, in the case of output processing related to a copy service, “paper size” indicating the paper size of a sheet on which image forming processing is performed among predetermined paper size types, or image forming processing is performed on only one side of the sheet, or sheet "Double-sided printing" indicating whether image formation processing is performed on both sides of the image, "Monochrome / color" indicating whether the image to be formed on the sheet is monochrome (black and white or grayscale) or color, is formed "Staple" indicating whether or not to staple a sheet, "Punch" indicating whether or not to punch an image-formed sheet, and "Bookbinding" indicating whether or not an image-formed sheet is bound as a booklet “Processing” or the like. The name of the output item is appropriately changed by the user.

  The output item is another service, for example, a facsimile transmission / reception service corresponding to a process of transmitting read image data to a predetermined transmission destination or a process of receiving from a predetermined transmission destination, and forming the image of the read image data on a sheet. The print service corresponding to the processing to be performed, the scan service corresponding to the processing for reading the image of the document as image data, the memory service corresponding to the processing for storing the read image data in a predetermined memory, and the like are determined as appropriate.

  The content of the output item indicating the output of the image forming apparatus corresponds to specific instruction content or processing content among the output items. For example, in the case of “paper size” corresponding to the copy service, “A3 (plain paper)”, “A4 (plain paper)”, “A5 (plain paper)”, “B3 (plain paper)”, “B4 ( Plain paper) ”,“ B5 (plain paper) ”, and the like. “Double-sided printing” corresponds to “double-sided” (or double-sided printing mode), “single-sided” (or single-sided printing mode), and the like. Further, “monochrome / color” corresponds to “monochrome” (or monochrome mode), “color” (or color mode), and the like. In addition, “staple” corresponds to “no staple”, “staple one point upper left” in which one point staple is applied to the upper left of the sheet, and the like. In the case of “punch”, “no punch”, “two-point left end of punch” in which two-point punch is performed on the left end of the sheet, and the like are applicable. Further, “bookbinding processing” corresponds to “no booklet”, “booklet booklet” for binding a sheet as a booklet, and the like. “Paper orientation” corresponds to “landscape” for reading image data of a document placed in landscape orientation, “vertical orientation” for reading image data of a document placed in portrait orientation, and the like. “Sheet orientation” corresponds to “sheet landscape orientation” in which an image-formed sheet is ejected horizontally, “vertical orientation” in which an image-formed sheet is ejected in a portrait orientation, and the like.

  The output item and its contents are information common to all of the plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the network.

  The plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the network may be any apparatus capable of performing output processing, such as a copier, a multifunction peripheral, a printer, and a facsimile.

  The identification information of the image forming apparatus may be identification information that can uniquely identify a predetermined image forming apparatus among a plurality of image forming apparatuses on the network. For example, information including characters, symbols, and numbers, an IP address And so on.

  The image forming apparatus may be in any form as long as it is communicably connected to the server. For example, wired communication or wireless communication may be used.

In the image forming apparatus, when the content of the output item is input as an output condition, when a predetermined search key is selected by the user, the output item is displayed to be selectable as a search item to the user. Search item receiving means for receiving the selected search item is provided. The image forming apparatus also includes identification information of another image forming apparatus that stores the contents of the output items that do not match the contents of the output items stored in the self apparatus among the contents of the search items received by the search item receiving unit. and it comprises a retrieval means for retrieving from the server. Further, the image forming apparatus displays the identification information of the other image forming apparatus searched by the search unit, and displays the contents of the output item associated with the identification information as a new output condition so that the user can select. And a new output condition receiving means for receiving a new output condition selected by the user .

  The search item may be the same as the output item, or the search item may be a character, symbol, number, or the like that allows the user to recognize that the search item is the search item.

  The output item content that does not overlap with the output item content is the same as the output item selected by the user as the search item and the output item stored in the plurality of image forming apparatuses. Corresponds to not being equivalent to For example, the output item selected by the user is “monochrome / color”, the content is “monochrome”, the output item stored in the predetermined image forming apparatus is “monochrome / color”, and the content is “monochrome”. If “color”, the content of the output item that does not overlap the content of the output item is “color” of the output item “monochrome / color” stored in the predetermined image forming apparatus.

  Any method may be used to identify the content of the output item that does not overlap with the content of the output item. For example, the output item selected by the user is compared with output items stored in a plurality of image forming apparatuses. To determine whether or not they match, and specify a matching output item. Further, there is a method of comparing the content of the output item selected by the user with the content of the specified output item, and acquiring the content of the specified output item that does not match the content of the output item selected by the user. Note that whether or not they are matched is appropriately changed depending on the type of output item, whether or not they partially match or whether they are included.

Further, the image forming apparatus, when the new output entry accepting unit accepts the new output condition, in addition to the image forming apparatus for storing the contents of the output items corresponding to the new output condition, on the basis of the new output condition You may comprise so that the output instruction | indication means which instruct | indicates to perform an output process may be provided.

  Any method may be used to instruct the image forming apparatus that stores the contents of the new output item under the new output condition to execute the output process based on the new output condition. For example, the read image data And a method for transmitting the new output condition to the image forming apparatus storing the contents of the new output item and executing the output process. Since the capacity of the image data may increase, for example, the image data is temporarily stored in the storage unit of the server, and the transmission destination image forming apparatus that has transmitted the output conditions acquires the primary stored image data. You may comprise so that an output process may be performed.

Further, the image forming apparatus includes the above-described search item, the priority storage means for storing in association with a priority indicating a priority for the search. In addition, when the search item receiving unit receives a plurality of search items from the user, the image forming apparatus is configured so that the search unit determines the priority order based on the received search items and the data in the priority storage unit. high search determines the items of, among the contents of the search item to the determined, the identity of the other image forming apparatus for storing the contents of the output items that own apparatus does not match the contents of the output items to be stored, from the server Can be configured to search.

Further, the identification information of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, such as the contents of the output item indicating the output and a server for storing in association with the image forming apparatus, an image forming system and a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected via a network The above-described means can also be employed.

That is, in the image forming system, when a predetermined search key is selected by the user when the content of the output item is input as an output condition , the predetermined image forming apparatus uses the output item as a search item. And a search item receiving means for receiving a search item selected by the user . Further, in the image forming system, the server outputs an output that does not match the content of the output item stored in the predetermined image forming apparatus that has received the search item among the content of the search item received by the search item receiving unit. Search means for searching for identification information of another image forming apparatus storing the contents of the item is provided. Further, in the image forming system, the predetermined image forming apparatus displays the identification information of the other image forming apparatus searched by the search unit, and the contents of the output item associated with the identification information are set as a new output condition. And a new output condition accepting means for accepting a new output condition selected by the user .

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the content of the output item is input as an output condition and the user selects a predetermined search key, the output item is displayed as a search item so that the user can select it. And a search item receiving unit that receives the search item selected by the user, and the content of the output item that does not match the content of the output item stored in the own device among the content of the search item received by the search item receiving unit. the identity of the other image forming apparatus, a search means for searching from the server, and displays the identification information of the other image forming apparatus in which the retrieval means has retrieved the contents of the output items associated with the identification information Is displayed so as to be selectable to the user as a new output condition, and is provided with new output condition receiving means for receiving the new output condition selected by the user .

  Accordingly, when the user selects a search item before causing the image forming apparatus to execute output processing, it is possible to search and display an image forming apparatus that stores contents other than the contents of the search item. Further, the user can freely select the content of the output item of the searched image forming apparatus and input it as a new output condition. Therefore, the user can easily recognize the contents of output items of image forming apparatuses other than the image forming apparatus that has input the search item. In addition, since the contents other than the contents of the output items of the image forming apparatus operated by the user are displayed, the user can easily grasp the contents of the output items of the image forming apparatus that the user does not know. In contrast, the selection range of the contents of the output item can be expanded. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of searching for another image forming apparatus by the user, improve the convenience for the user, and fully display the ability of the image forming apparatus connected to the network.

Furthermore, if the new output entry accepting unit accepts the new output condition, in addition to the image forming apparatus for storing the contents of the output items corresponding to the new output conditions, so as to execute the output process based on the new output condition It is possible to provide output instruction means for instructing.

  As a result, even if the image forming apparatus operated by the user cannot execute the output process, the user can execute the output process based on the output condition to another image forming apparatus connected to the network. It becomes possible to make it. Therefore, the user can recognize and set the contents of output items that were not known so far, and cause other image forming apparatuses to execute output processing with the contents of output items that were not known so far. . As a result, it is possible to delete the time required for searching for another image forming apparatus and give the user an opportunity to fully utilize the functions of the other image forming apparatus, thereby improving the convenience for the user. Thus, it is possible to fully demonstrate the capabilities of the image forming apparatus connected to the network.

Furthermore, the above search item, includes a priority storage means for storing in association with a priority indicating a priority for the search, if the search item receiving means receives a plurality of search items from the user, said search means, the a search item which is accepted, on the basis of the data of the priority storage means, to determine a high priority search item, among the content of the search item to the determined, do not match the contents of the output items when the device itself stores The server can be configured to retrieve identification information of other image forming apparatuses that store the contents of output items from the server.

  As a result, even if the user inputs a plurality of search items and the plurality of image forming apparatuses are to be searched, the search target is set to the image forming apparatus having an output item corresponding to the search item having a high priority. It is possible to narrow down the search, and it is possible to search for another image forming apparatus simply and easily without making the search target complicated. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of the user searching for another image forming apparatus, and to fully demonstrate the ability of the image forming apparatus connected to the network.

Incidentally, the identification information of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, such as the contents of the output item indicating the output and a server for storing in association with the image forming apparatus, an image forming system and a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected via a network In this case, even if the image forming system includes the above-described units, the same effects can be obtained.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall configuration inside a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an appearance of an operation unit provided in the multifunction machine. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of control system hardware in a multifunction machine. 1 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction peripheral and an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart for showing the execution procedure of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the output item table which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the initial setting screen displayed on the touchscreen of embodiment of this invention, and a search screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the network information table which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the new output condition reception screen displayed on the touch panel of embodiment of this invention, and a priority table.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: The thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention is not. In addition, the alphabet “S” added in front of the numbers in the flowcharts means steps.

<Image forming apparatus>
The image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus in which a folding device and a bookbinding device are connected. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted. The image forming apparatus of the present invention corresponds to, for example, a printer, a single scanner, or a multifunction machine equipped with a printer, a copy, a scanner, a fax, and the like, and includes a copy service, a scanner service, a facsimile service, a printer service, and the like. Function as an image forming apparatus. Hereinafter, for example, an operation of the MFP 100 (Multi Function Peripheral) when using the copy service will be briefly described.

  First, when the user uses the multifunction device 100, the document P is placed on the document table 101 provided on the upper surface of the multifunction device 100, and a copy service setting is input from the operation unit 102. When the touch panel of the operation unit 102 is touched, the MFP 100 that provides the copy service shifts from a power saving state (a state in which power during standby is suppressed) to a normal state (a state in which functions can be provided immediately) and operates. The unit 102 is ready for input. The operation unit 102 displays a plurality of output items (for example, “paper size”, etc.) related to the copy service provided by the multifunction peripheral 100 and the contents (for example, “A3”, “A4”, etc.). The contents of the output item are selected and input by the user's selection, that is, the output condition (setting condition) related to the copy service is input.

  After the input of the output conditions, the user presses a start key provided on the operation unit 102 to cause the multifunction peripheral 100 to start a copy service process.

  When the MFP 100 starts the copy service process, the light emitted from the light source 104 is reflected on the document placed on the document table 101 in the image reading unit 103. The reflected light is guided to the image sensor 108 by the mirrors 105, 106, and 107. The guided light is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 108 and subjected to basic correction processing, image quality processing, compression processing, and the like, and image data corresponding to the document is generated.

  The image data may be transmitted together with an output (image formation) instruction from the network 110 via the communication cable 109 connected to the multifunction peripheral 100. When image data is transmitted from the network 110, the processing of the image reading unit 103 is omitted.

  An image forming unit 111 is a drive unit that transfers the image data as a toner image. The image forming unit 111 is provided with a photosensitive drum 112. The photosensitive drum 112 rotates in a predetermined direction at a constant speed, and around the charger drum, the exposure unit 114, the developing unit 115, the transfer unit 116, the cleaning unit 117, and the like, in that order from the upstream side in the rotation direction. Is arranged.

  The charger 113 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 112. The exposure unit 114 irradiates the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 112 with a laser based on the image data to form an electrostatic latent image. The developing unit 115 forms a toner image by attaching toner to the conveyed electrostatic latent image. The formed toner image is transferred to a recording medium (for example, a sheet) by the transfer device 116. The cleaning unit 117 removes excess toner left on the surface of the photosensitive drum 112. A series of these processes is executed by rotating the photosensitive drum 112.

  The sheet is conveyed from a plurality of paper feed cassettes 118 provided in the multifunction peripheral 100. When the sheet is conveyed, the sheet is pulled out from any one of the sheet feeding cassettes 118 by the pickup roller 119 to the conveying path. Each of the paper feed cassettes 118 contains sheets of different paper types, and the sheets are fed based on the settings relating to the output conditions.

  The sheet pulled out to the conveyance path is fed between the photosensitive drum 112 and the transfer device 116 by the conveyance roller 120 and the registration roller 121. When the sheet is fed, the toner image is transferred to the sheet by the transfer unit 116 and conveyed to the fixing device 122. Note that the sheet conveyed to the conveyance roller 120 may be conveyed from the manual feed tray 123 provided in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  When the sheet on which the toner image has been transferred passes between a heating roller 124 and a pressure roller 125 provided in the fixing device 122, heat and pressure are applied to the toner image, and the visible image is fixed to the sheet. Is done. The heat quantity of the heating roller 124 is optimally set according to the paper type, and the fixing is performed appropriately. The visible image is fixed on the sheet, the image formation is completed, and the sheet on which the visible image is fixed is conveyed to the folding device 126 through the fixing device 122.

  The conveyed sheet is subjected to folding processing by the folding device 126 in accordance with the output condition setting input by the user. When the folding process is not input, the sheet only passes through the folding device 126. When the user sets post-processing (for example, stapling, punching, bookbinding, etc.) as an output condition, the passed sheet is conveyed to the bookbinding device 127 for post-processing, and is stacked and stored in the paper discharge tray 128. The

  Since the folding device 126 and the bookbinding device 127 can be detached from the multifunction peripheral 100, when the folding device 126 and the bookbinding device 127 are removed, the sheet on which the visible image is fixed by the fixing device 122 is printed matter. As shown in FIG.

  Through the above procedure, the multifunction peripheral 100 provides a copy service to the user. Other services are driven and provided by the image reading unit 103, the image forming unit 111, and the like described above. The MFP 100 according to the present invention includes a print service for forming image data transmitted from the network 110, a scan service for reading an image of a document, a facsimile transmission / reception service for transmitting / receiving image data to / from the network 110, and storing once read image data. You may provide a memory service.

  Further, when the folding device 126 and the bookbinding device 127 described above are connected to the multifunction device 100, the multifunction device 100 may include a predetermined post-processing service. As post-processing, a bookbinding output process (for example, a booklet booklet) for converting a bundle of output sheets into a booklet (for example, a glued booklet), and a staple output process for stapling and binding a predetermined portion of a sheet bundle Examples include, but are not limited to, punch output processing (for example, the left end of two punch points) for punching holes at predetermined locations in a bundle of sheets (for example, upper left one point of staples).

  Further, a duplex printing output process may be provided by newly providing a predetermined reverse conveyance path and reverse roller in the multifunction peripheral 100. The duplex printing output process is a process of outputting on both sides of a sheet to be copied. Specifically, in the multifunction peripheral 100 capable of duplex printing, the above-described conveyance path includes a reverse conveyance path and a reverse roller for reversing the front and back of the conveyed sheet. The reversing roller conveys the sheet to the reversing conveyance path in order to reverse the front and back of the sheet surface (front surface) on which the visible image is first fixed, the front and back of the conveyed sheet surface are reversed, and the reversed sheet Then, it is sent again between the photosensitive drum 112 and the transfer device 116. Thereby, the front and back of a sheet surface will be reversed. Note that a toner image corresponding to the back surface is formed on the photosensitive drum 112 when the sheet is fed. Details are omitted.

  Also, by providing a new color developing device and an intermediate transfer belt in the multi-function device 100, a monochrome mode / color mode (also referred to as monochrome / color output processing corresponding to the output item “monochrome / color”). May be provided. Specifically, the multifunction peripheral 100 that supports full-color images includes four developing units that respectively store yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K) toners that correspond to full-color images. A developing device is provided. The developing device repeats the transfer to the newly provided intermediate transfer belt for each color, thereby forming a full color image on the intermediate transfer belt, and transferring the full color image to the sheet as the toner image described above. Will be. Details are omitted.

  Other output processes include an Xin1 output process, a margin setting output process, a multi-sheet printing output process, a stamp output process, and a page number assignment output process. The Xin1 output process is a process for outputting a plurality of pages (X pages) on one side of the paper, and the margin setting output process is to secure margins preset or input by the user in the sheet, This is a process for outputting image formation. Furthermore, the output process for printing multiple sheets is a process for performing the same output on a plurality of sheets of paper. The output process for stamps is information such as “confidential” that is independent of the output of the document on the entire sheet The page number assignment output process is a process in which numbers corresponding to page numbers are sequentially printed on the output paper. In addition, there are various output processes in the copy service. Note that the MFP 100 can also provide output processing provided by a combination of a plurality of output processing, that is, composite output processing.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the operation unit 101 provided in the multifunction peripheral 100. The user uses the operation unit 102 to input an output condition or the like for the provision (or output processing) of the copy service as described above. When an output condition is input, the touch panel 201, the touch pen 202, and the operation key 203 provided in the operation unit 102 are used.

  The touch panel 201 has a function of inputting the above-described output condition and a function of displaying the input output condition and the like. That is, by pressing the content of the output item in the screen displayed on the touch panel 201, an output condition (setting condition) associated with the content of the output item is input. In addition, the contents of the input output item and the like are displayed on the touch panel 201 with the background color changed from white to gray, so that the user can visually recognize the contents as needed.

  A touch pen 202 is provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 201, and when a user brings the tip of the touch pen 202 into contact with the touch panel 201, a sensor provided below the touch panel 201 detects the touch destination. Therefore, by touching the touch pen 202, it is possible to select / input the contents of the output items and the keys on the keyboard screen.

  Further, a predetermined number of operation keys 203 are provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 201, and for example, a ten key 204, a start key 205, a clear key 206, a stop key 207, a reset key 208, and a power key 209 are provided. The numeric keypad 204 is used to input specific numbers when setting the number of copies and the magnification.

  Next, the configuration of the control system hardware of the multifunction peripheral 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of control system hardware in the multifunction machine. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The control circuit of the MFP 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 304, a driver 305 corresponding to each driving unit, and a communication. An interface 306 is connected by an internal bus 307.

  The CPU 301 uses, for example, the RAM 303 as a work area, executes a program stored in the ROM 302, the HDD 304, and the like, and exchanges data and instructions with the driver 305 and the communication interface 306 based on the execution result. The operation of each drive unit shown in FIG. 1 is controlled. Also, each means (shown in FIG. 4) described later other than the above-described drive unit is realized by the CPU 301 executing a program. The ROM 302 and the HDD 304 store programs and data for realizing each means described below.

  Further, the communication interface 306 is connected to the network 110 formed from the communication cable 109. The network 110 is connected to, for example, a multi-function device 308 to which a post-processing device is connected, a multi-function device 309 to which a post-processing device is not connected, a printer 310, and a personal computer (PC) 311 via another communication cable. Therefore, the CPU 301 exchanges data with the MFP 308 and the like connected to the network 110 via the communication interface 306.

  Note that the network 110 connecting the above-described multifunction peripherals 308 and the like is, for example, a network composed of a plurality of multifunction peripherals installed on the same premises, or the same building (office building, office tower, etc.) having a plurality of hierarchies. 1 corresponds to a network composed of a plurality of multi-function peripherals installed in each layer.

  The PC 311 connected to the network 110 functions as a server that manages the network 110. The PC is provided with a CPU, ROM, RAM, HDD, etc. (not shown), and refers to predetermined storage means (ROM, etc.) of the multifunction machine 308 connected to the network 110, or stores predetermined information in the storage means. Remember it.

  The storage unit (ROM or the like) provided in the MFP 100 connected to the network 110, the MFP 308 connected to the post-processing device, the MFP 309 not connected to the post-processing device, the printer 310, etc. The contents of output items, which are information common to the image forming apparatuses connected to 110, are stored.

<Embodiment of the present invention>
Next, with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 5, a procedure by which the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present invention can easily and easily search for an image forming apparatus having an output item desired by the user will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the MFP 100 according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for illustrating the execution procedure of the present invention.

  First, when the user places a document P on the document table 101 and presses any part of the touch panel 201 of the operation unit 102 in order to cause the multifunction device 100 to execute a copy service, the reception unit 401 displays The output item and its contents are acquired from the output item table corresponding to the copy service stored in the machine storage unit 402.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the output item table 600 stores an output item 601 indicating the output of the copy service of the multifunction peripheral 100 and its contents 602 in association with each other. One output item is assigned to one output process among the plurality of output processes that can be output by the multifunction peripheral 100. For example, the output item 601 of the output item table 600 stores “paper size”, “double-sided printing”, “monochrome / color”, “staple”, “punch”, “bookbinding”, and the like.

  The output item content 602 is assigned one content to one instruction content or processing content among a plurality of specific instruction content or specific processing content corresponding to the output item 601. For example, among the contents 602 stored in the output item table 600, “paper size” includes “A3 (plain paper)”, “A4 (plain paper)”, “B3 (plain paper)”, “B4 ( Plain paper) "," double-sided printing "stores" double-sided "," single-sided "," monochrome / color "stores" monochrome ", and" staple "contains" no staples " ”Is stored,“ No punch ”is stored in“ Punch ”, and“ No booklet ”is stored in“ Bookbinding ”.

  When the receiving unit 401 acquires the output item 601 related to the copy service and the content 602 of the output item 601, an initial setting screen of the copy service displaying the acquired output item 601 and the content 602 of the output item is displayed on the touch panel 201. It is displayed on the top (FIG. 5: S101, FIG. 7A). The contents of the displayed output item 601 are displayed so as to be selectable by the user.

  In the copy service initial setting screen 700, as shown in FIG. 7A, an output item 701 related to the copy service, the content 702 of the output item, and a specific image formation among a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the network. “Search” 703 which is a button for searching for a device is displayed in a selectable manner. The output item contents 702 include “A3 (plain paper)”, “A4 (plain paper)”, “B3 (plain paper)”, “B4 (plain paper)”, “double-sided”, “single-sided”, and “monochrome”. , “No staple”, “No punch”, and “No booklet” are displayed.

  The user presses / selects the contents of the displayed output item and combines the contents of the plurality of selection items, thereby setting his / her desired output condition (setting condition) in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  Note that the output item content 702 displayed on the copy service initial setting screen 700 does not necessarily display only the content stored in the output item table 600. For example, the contents of output items for adjusting the print density of an image (“→” to increase the print density within a predetermined range, “←” to decrease the print density within a predetermined range, etc.) The contents of output items indicating the output magnification of the image (“automatic magnification”, “100%”, “enlargement / reduction”, etc.) are also displayed in a selectable manner. In the embodiment of the present invention, the contents of the output item are not stored in the output item table because they are not directly related, but the user considers the type and performance of the image forming apparatus, the specifications of the provided members, and the like. (Manufacturer, administrator, etc.) may appropriately design, add, delete, and store.

  When the user presses “Search” 703 displayed on the initial setting screen 700 of the copy service before inputting the output condition desired by the user, in other words, before the output process is started, the accepting unit 401 is pressed. Accepts the “search” 703 (FIG. 5: S102).

  When the accepting unit 401 accepts “search” 703, the search item accepting unit 403 transmits an instruction A for displaying the output item 701 as a search item so that the user can select it. The search item accepting unit 403 that has received the command A acquires the output item 601 from the output item table 600 related to the copy service stored in the multi-function peripheral storage unit 401, and replaces the copy service initial setting screen 700 with the output item 601. A search screen displaying the item 601 is displayed on the touch panel 201 (FIG. 5: S103, FIG. 7B).

  On the search screen 704, as shown in FIG. 7B, a message 705 prompting the user to select a search item “Please select a search item.” And a message 706 “Explanation of search target” 706 “Multiple images connected to the network” Among the forming apparatuses, an image forming apparatus having output item contents (output processing) other than the output item contents (output processing) provided in the multi-function peripheral is searched. ”Search item 707 (601) ( “Paper size”, “double-sided printing”, “monochrome / color”, “staple”, “punch”, “bookbinding”, etc.), and a “search start” button 708 that is a button for executing a search instruction; A “Cancel” button 709 is displayed. It should be noted that a plurality of displayed search items can be pressed / selected.

  For example, when the user selects / presses the search item “monochrome / color” 710 while looking at the search screen 704, the search item reception unit 403 sets the background color of the search item “monochrome / color” pressed / selected. Change to gray.

  When the user presses the “search start” button 708 while pressing and selecting only the search item “monochrome / color” 710, the search item receiving unit 403 receives the search item “monochrome / color” 708. (FIG. 5: S104). In other words, this corresponds to the case where the search item receiving unit 403 receives one search item.

  When the search item receiving unit 403 receives one search item “monochrome / color” 710, the search unit 404 transmits a command B for searching.

  The search means 404 that has received the command B is an image forming apparatus that stores the contents of the output items that do not overlap the contents of the output items stored in the self apparatus among the contents of the search items received by the search item receiving means 403. The identification information is retrieved from the server (FIG. 5: S105).

  The search method may be any method, but examples include the following search methods. The search unit 404 refers to the received search item and the data in the output item table 600 to acquire the contents of the search item stored in the output item table 600.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the search unit 404 acquires “monochrome” 604 that is the content of the search item “monochrome / color” 603 (710).

  When the search unit 404 acquires the contents of the search item, the search unit 404 refers to the network information table stored in the server storage unit 406 of the server 311 via the communication unit 405. Further, the search unit 404 stores the content of the output item that does not overlap the content of the output item stored in the own device (multifunction device storage unit 401) among the content of the search item received by the search item reception unit 403. Search the forming device identification information. The communication unit 405 uniquely identifies an apparatus (a plurality of image forming apparatuses or servers) connected to the network 110, and enables the identified apparatus and the multi-function peripheral 100 to communicate with each other. Further, as described above, since the search item is an output item acquired from the output item table corresponding to the copy service of the multi-function peripheral storage unit 402 by the accepting unit 401, it corresponds to the output item stored in the multi-function peripheral. .

  In the network information table 800, as shown in FIG. 8, the identification information 801 of the image forming apparatus connected to the network 110, the output items stored in the image forming apparatus, and the contents 802 of the output items are associated with each other. It is remembered. In the image forming apparatus identification information 801 in FIG. 8, for example, the name of the image forming apparatus is stored for easy understanding. The name of the multi-function device 100 is displayed as “multi-function device A”, and the output items and the contents of the column indicate the output items stored in the multi-function device storage unit 402 and the contents 803 of the output items. .

  As shown in FIG. 8, the search unit 404 first selects one identification information 804 (for example, “MFP B”) from the identification information 801 of the image forming apparatus stored in the network information table 800. . Next, the search unit 404 refers to the output item 805 associated with the selected identification information 804 for each output item, and refers to the output item referred to and the search item (“monochrome / Color "603) is compared to determine whether or not they match, and if they match, the output item is acquired.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the search unit 404 acquires “monochrome / color” 806 that is an output item that matches the search item in the single identification information “MFP B” 804.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination, if there is no output item that matches the search item, the search unit 404 determines that the selected identification information 804 is not an acquisition target (search target), and among the identification information 801 in the network information table 800, Select new identification information. As described above, the search unit 404 refers to the output item associated with the newly selected identification information for each output item, compares the referenced output item with the search item, and determines whether or not they match. If it matches, the output item is acquired.

  As a result of the determination, if there is an output item that matches the search item, the search means 404 uses the content 807 (“monochrome”, “color”) of the output item that matches in the one identification information “MFP B” 804. It is acquired and compared with the content of the search item (“monochrome” 604), and it is determined whether or not both match, and if not, the content of the output item is acquired.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the search unit 404 selects the search item of the output item contents 807 (“monochrome”, “color”) that match in the single identification information “MFP B” 804. “Color” 808, which is the content of the output item that does not match the content (“monochrome” 604), is acquired.

  On the other hand, if only the content of the output item that matches the content of the search item exists as a result of the determination, the search means 404 determines that the selected identification information 804 is not an acquisition target (search target) and identifies the network information table 800 New identification information is selected from the information 801. As described above, the search unit 404 refers to the output item associated with the newly selected identification information for each output item, compares the referenced output item with the search item, and determines whether or not they match. This determination will be repeated.

  The search method described above is executed for all the identification information stored in the network information table 800. With this search method, the search unit 404 can search for the identification information of the image forming apparatus that stores the content of the output item that does not overlap the content of the search item.

  In this embodiment, the search unit 404 duplicates the identification information (“MFP B”, “MFP C”, “Printer A”) of the image forming apparatus and the contents of the search items associated with the identification information. The contents of the output items not to be acquired (such as “color”) are acquired.

  When the search is completed, the search unit 403 obtains the acquired identification information of the image forming apparatus and the content of the output item that is associated with the identification information and does not overlap the content of the search item (hereinafter referred to as search information). It is transmitted to the new output condition receiving means 407. When the new output condition receiving means 407 receives the search information, the search information is used to switch from the search screen to the new output condition reception screen for display (FIG. 5: S106, FIG. 9C).

  On the new output condition reception screen 900, as shown in FIG. 9C, a message 901 prompting the user to select the searched output item “Display the output item of the search result. Please input the output condition.” Of the selected search item “monochrome / color” 902 (603) and the search information described above, the name 903 of the image forming apparatus corresponding to the identification information of the image forming apparatus (“multifunction machine B (first floor)”, “composite”). "Machine C (second floor)", "printer A (first floor)"), output item contents 904 ("color", etc.) associated with the identification information, and buttons for executing output instructions " An “output start” button 905 and a “cancel” button 906 are displayed.

  The name 713 of the image forming apparatus may display information on the location where the image forming apparatus is installed together with the name of the image forming apparatus, for example. Further, the name of the image forming apparatus that has received the search item “monochrome / color” (“multifunction machine A (first floor)”) and the contents of the output item stored in the image forming apparatus (“monochrome” 604). They may be displayed together. Furthermore, a “detailed information” button, which is a button for displaying an output item corresponding to the displayed name of the image forming apparatus and its contents, may be displayed.

  While viewing the new output condition reception screen 900, the user presses the content (“color” 908) of the output item associated with the name of one image forming apparatus (for example, “MFP B (first floor)” 907). Upon selection, the new output condition reception means 407 displays the background color of the content (“color” 908) of the pressed / selected output item and the background color of the name of the image forming apparatus (“multifunction machine B (first floor)” 907). And change to gray.

  In other words, the pressing / selection of the content of the output item corresponds to the input of a new output condition by the user. Therefore, an item other than the content of the output item described above (the output item or the content of the output item) may be displayed so as to be selectable on the new output condition reception screen.

  Here, when the user presses the “output start” button 905 on the new output condition reception screen 900, the new output condition reception unit 407 receives the content of the selected output item (“color” 908) as a new output condition. When the new output condition receiving unit 407 receives the content of the output item (“color” 908), the output instruction unit 408 displays the image forming apparatus (“MFP B”) corresponding to the content of the received output item (“color”). 1st floor) ”) is instructed to execute output processing based on the new output condition (FIG. 5: S107).

  Any method may be used as the method for instructing the predetermined image forming apparatus to execute the output process by the output instruction unit 408. For example, the following method may be mentioned.

  In this embodiment, since the predetermined image forming apparatus is not an image forming apparatus that has been operated / input by the user, the output instruction unit 408 sends an image of the document to the image reading unit 409 of the multifunction peripheral 100 that has received the new output condition. An instruction C for reading data is transmitted. When the image reading unit 409 that has received the command C completes reading of the image data, the output instruction unit 408 then acquires the read image data from the image reading unit 409, and the network 110 via the communication unit 404. The image data is transmitted to a predetermined memory (a storage unit having a capacity capable of storing image data, or the server storage unit 406) of the server that manages the image data, and is temporarily stored.

  Furthermore, the output instruction unit 408 uses the identification information of the image forming apparatus that stores the content (“color” 908) of the output item selected by the user, to use another image forming apparatus “MFP B” of the network 110. Is identified. Then, the output instruction unit 408 receives the new output condition received in the other output unit 410 provided in the specified other image forming apparatus “multifunction machine B” and the image data temporarily stored in a predetermined memory. Based on the above, an instruction D for executing the output process is transmitted.

  Upon receiving the command D for executing the output process, the other specified output unit 410 acquires the image data from the predetermined memory of the server of the network 110 via the other communication unit 411, and outputs the new output. Output processing is executed based on the conditions (FIG. 5: S108).

  In this embodiment, output processing is executed with “color” which is the content of an output item that cannot be provided by the image forming apparatus that has been operated and input by the user.

  When another output unit 410 executes an output process related to a sheet, when another user gives an instruction for an output process related to a sheet or outputs a sheet to the output unit 410 or before, When the sheet of the executed output process remains, the other output unit 410 may be configured to output the position of the newly output sheet by moving it to the left or right with respect to the output direction. Absent.

  If the distance between the multifunction peripheral 100 having the image reading unit 409 that reads the image data of the document and the other image forming apparatus “multifunction peripheral B” instructed to be output is physically separated, the output The instruction unit 408 transmits an output instruction (for example, a new output condition) to the other output unit 410 provided in the other image forming apparatus “MFP B” for which the output instruction has been issued, to form another image. The other output unit 410 may execute the new output process when the other reception unit 412 provided in the apparatus “MFP B” detects selection / depression of a predetermined button from the user. .

  According to the above procedure, the other output means 410 completes the output process based on the new output condition input by the user.

  Note that when the multifunction peripheral 100 provides a normal copy service, the copy service is executed based on the reception unit, the image reading unit, and the output unit (not shown), but the description thereof is omitted.

  By the way, in the above description, since “monochrome / color” is selected as a search item by the user, the new output condition receiving unit 407 displays the identification information (“multifunction machine B”, “multifunction machine C”, “printer A” ”) And the contents of the output item (“ color ”) associated with the identification information and not overlapping with the contents of the search item.

  As another embodiment, for example, when “paper size” is selected as a search item by the user, the contents of the search item are “A3 (plain paper)”, “A4 (plain paper)”, “B3 (plain paper)”. ”And“ B4 (plain paper) ”, the new output condition receiving means 407 outputs the image forming apparatus identification information“ multifunction device C ”and the contents of the search items associated with the identification information. The contents of the items “A5 (plain paper)” and “B5 (plain paper)” are displayed.

  Further, for example, when “bookbinding processing” is selected as a search item by the user, the content of the search item becomes “no booklet”, so the new output condition receiving unit 407 displays the identification information “MFP B” of the image forming apparatus. ”,“ MFP C ”, and the output item content“ booklet booklet ”associated with the identification information and not overlapping the content of the search item.

  As described above, before the output process is started, the output item is displayed as a search item so that the user can select it, and the search item receiving unit that receives the selected search item from the user and the search item receiving unit receives the selected search item. Of the contents of the search items, search means for searching for identification information of the image forming apparatus that stores the contents of the output items that do not overlap with the contents of the output items stored in the self apparatus, and the image formation searched by the search means The output item associated with the identification information of the device is displayed as a new output item so that the user can select it, and a new output condition receiving means for receiving a new output condition including the selected new output item from the user is provided. doing.

  Accordingly, when the user selects a search item before causing the image forming apparatus to execute output processing, it is possible to search and display an image forming apparatus that stores contents other than the contents of the search item. Further, the user can freely select the content of the output item of the searched image forming apparatus and input it as a new output condition. Therefore, the user can easily recognize the contents of output items of image forming apparatuses other than the image forming apparatus that has input the search item. In addition, since the contents other than the contents of the output items of the image forming apparatus operated by the user are displayed, the user can easily grasp the contents of the output items of the image forming apparatus that the user does not know. In contrast, the selection range of the contents of the output item can be expanded. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of searching for another image forming apparatus by the user, improve the convenience for the user, and fully display the ability of the image forming apparatus connected to the network.

  Further, when the new output item receiving means receives the new output condition, an output instruction that instructs the image forming apparatus that stores the contents of the new output item in the new output condition to execute output processing based on the new output condition It can be configured to comprise means.

  As a result, even if the image forming apparatus operated by the user cannot execute the output process, the user can execute the output process based on the output condition to another image forming apparatus connected to the network. It becomes possible to make it. Therefore, the user can recognize and set the contents of output items that were not known so far, and cause other image forming apparatuses to execute output processing with the contents of output items that were not known so far. . As a result, it is possible to delete the time required for searching for another image forming apparatus and give the user an opportunity to fully utilize the functions of the other image forming apparatus, thereby improving the convenience for the user. Thus, it is possible to fully demonstrate the capabilities of the image forming apparatus connected to the network.

  In the present embodiment, when the search item accepting unit accepts the search item, the search unit stores the content of the output item that does not overlap the content of the output item stored in the own device among the content of the search item. Although the configuration is such that the identification information of the forming apparatus is retrieved from the server, for example, the retrieval unit communicates with a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the network before the retrieval, and the currently connected image forming apparatus You may comprise so that an acquisition means which acquires identification information, all the output items which the image forming apparatus memorize | stores, and the content of the said output item may be provided in a server. When the acquisition unit newly acquires the identification information, output items, and contents of the image forming apparatus, the network information table is updated based on the information.

  With this configuration, even if an image forming apparatus connected to the network is frequently detached or a new image forming apparatus is frequently connected to the network, the search unit is connected to the network. It can be appropriately included in the search target range.

  Further, output items stored in the output item table or the network information table of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment are appropriately added / deleted according to options (for example, a post-processing apparatus) attached to the image forming apparatus. You may comprise. For example, when the bookbinding apparatus is connected to the multifunction peripheral, the multifunction peripheral displays an output item “bookbinding process” indicating the bookbinding output process of the bookbinding apparatus and the contents “no booklet” and “booklet booklet” in the output item table or It is stored in addition to the network information table. Further, when the bookbinding apparatus is detached from the multifunction peripheral, the output capability information “bookbinding process”, the contents “no booklet” and “booklet booklet” are deleted from the output item table or the network information table.

  In this embodiment, the output condition related to the output item is received by the new output condition receiving screen. However, the reading corresponding to the image reading is provided together with the new output condition receiving screen or by providing a separate image reading condition screen. You may comprise so that the reading condition regarding an item may be received.

  In this embodiment, the search related to the output item is received on the search screen. However, the search related to the read item may be received on the search screen. With this configuration, it is possible to let the user know knowledge about the image forming apparatus on the network (knowledge about output items and reading items).

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the search item accepting unit accepts the search item, the search unit stores the content of the output item that does not overlap the content of the output item stored in the own device among the content of the search item. Although the configuration is such that the identification information of the forming apparatus is retrieved from the server, other configurations may be further added.

  For example, the image forming apparatus further includes a priority storage unit that stores a search item and a priority indicating a priority related to the search in association with each other. In addition, when the search item receiving unit receives a plurality of search items from the user, the search unit determines a search item with a high priority based on the received search item and the data in the priority storage unit. The identification information of the image forming apparatus that stores the content of the output item that does not overlap with the content of the output item stored in the self apparatus among the determined search item contents may be searched from the server.

  While the search screen 704 shown in FIG. 7B is displayed on the touch panel 201, for example, while the user looks at the search screen 704, the search item “monochrome / color” 710 and the search item “bookbinding process” 711 When the item is selected / pressed, the search item receiving unit 403 changes the background color of the pressed / selected search item “monochrome / color” 710 and the background color of the “bookbinding process” 711 to gray.

  Further, when the user presses the “search start” button 708 in a state where the search item “monochrome / color” 710 and the search item “bookbinding process” 711 are pressed and selected, the search item receiving unit 403 causes the search item “403”. “Monochrome / Color” 710 and “Bookbinding” 711 are accepted. In other words, this corresponds to the fact that the search item receiving means 403 has received a plurality of search items.

  When the search item receiving unit 403 receives a plurality of search items “monochrome / color” 710 and a search item “bookbinding process” 711, the search unit 404 selects a search item with a high priority from the received plurality of search items. An instruction E to be determined is transmitted.

  The search means 404 that has received the command E determines a search item with a high priority among a plurality of search items (“monochrome / color”, “bookbinding process”).

  The determination method may be any method, but examples include the following determination method.

  First, the search unit 404 refers to the data of the priority table stored in the priority storage unit, and acquires the priority associated with each received search item.

  The priority storage means is a storage means added in advance by the user. As shown in FIG. 9D, the priority table 909 is associated with a search item 910 and a priority 911 indicating a priority order for search. It is remembered. In other words, the search item 910 corresponds to the output item 601 of the output item table 600 stored in the multi-function peripheral storage unit 402. Further, the priority 911 may be any information as long as it is information indicating a priority order. For example, numbers, alphabets, characters, symbols, and the like may be mentioned. In the priority table 909 shown in FIG. Numbers are adopted for 911, and numbers with low values are stored as the highest priority information.

  In the priority table 909, the priority “3” 913 is stored in the search item “monochrome / color” 912 and the priority “1” 915 is stored in the search item “bookbinding process” 914. Obtains a priority “3” 913 corresponding to the search item “monochrome / color” and a priority “1” 915 corresponding to the search item “bookbinding process”.

  When the search unit 404 acquires a plurality of priorities, the search unit 404 compares the plurality of priorities with each other and determines the one with the highest priority. In the above description, the search unit 404 compares the priority “3” 913 and the priority “1” 915 and determines the priority “1” 915 as the one with the highest priority.

  Note that, in the above description, even when there are a plurality of priorities, the highest priority is determined. However, when the priority is two or more, the highest priority is determined. The design may be changed as appropriate so as to determine the priority and the next highest priority. Further, for example, if the two priorities compared are equal priorities and have the highest priority, the two priorities may be set as the highest priority.

  When the search unit 404 determines the one priority with the highest priority, the search item associated with the priority is determined. This determined search item becomes a search item with a high priority.

  In the above description, the search item with high priority is the search item “bookbinding process” 914 associated with the priority “1” 915.

  When the search unit 404 determines a search item with a high priority, the image forming apparatus that stores the content of the output item that does not overlap the content of the output item stored in the MFP storage unit 402 among the content of the determined search item is identified. Retrieve information from the server. Since the search method is the same as the method described above, the description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, the storage device includes a priority storage unit that stores the search item and the priority indicating the priority order for the search in association with each other. When the search item reception unit receives a plurality of search items from the user, the search unit includes: Based on the received search item and the data in the priority storage means, a search item having a high priority is determined, and among the determined search items, output that does not overlap with the content of the output item stored in the own device The identification information of the image forming apparatus that stores the content of the item can be retrieved from the server.

  As a result, even if the user inputs a plurality of search items and the plurality of image forming apparatuses are to be searched, the search target is set to the image forming apparatus having an output item corresponding to the search item having a high priority. It is possible to narrow down the search, and it is possible to search for another image forming apparatus simply and easily without making the search target complicated. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of the user searching for another image forming apparatus, and to fully demonstrate the ability of the image forming apparatus connected to the network.

  Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus is configured to include the search item receiving unit, the search unit, and the new output condition receiving unit. Even in the image forming system constituted by the above, the same operational effects as the present embodiment can be obtained.

  That is, in an image forming system in which identification information of a plurality of image forming apparatuses and contents of output items indicating outputs of the image forming apparatuses are stored in association with each other and a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected via a network. The image forming apparatus includes a search item receiving unit that displays an output item as a search item to the user so that the user can select the output item before the output process is started, and receives the selected search item from the user. Further, the server stores the contents of the output items that do not overlap the contents of the output items stored in the image forming apparatus that has received the search items, among the contents of the search items received by the search item receiving unit. The search means for searching the identification information of the image forming apparatus, and the contents of the output item associated with the identification information of the image forming apparatus searched by the search means are displayed as a new output item so as to be selectable by the user, from the selected new output item New output condition receiving means for receiving the new output condition from the user. Even if it is the said structure, there exists the same effect as this embodiment.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the MFP is configured to include each unit. However, a program that realizes each unit may be stored in a storage medium, and the storage medium may be provided. In this configuration, the above-described program is read out by the multi-function peripheral, and the multi-function peripheral implements the above-described means. In that case, the program itself read from the recording medium exhibits the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a storage method for storing the steps executed by each means in a hard disk.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the processing with the copy service is employed. However, the present invention can also be applied to a facsimile transmission / reception service, a print service, and the like.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is useful not only for multifunction peripherals but also for copying machines, printers, and the like. In a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network, the image forming apparatus includes output items desired by a user. The present invention is effective as an image forming apparatus and an image forming system capable of easily and easily searching for an image forming apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Multifunction machine 110 Network 311 Server 401 Reception means 402 Multifunction machine memory | storage means 403 Search item reception means 404 Search means 405 Communication means 406 Server storage means 407 New output condition reception means 408 Output instruction means 409 Image reading means 410 Other output means 411 Other communication means 412 Other reception means

Claims (4)

Are connected via a plurality of image forming apparatus and a network for storing the contents of the output item indicating the output of the image forming apparatus associates the identification information of the plurality of image forming apparatus, and a content of the output item of the image forming apparatus In an image forming apparatus that is communicably connected to a server that stores
When a predetermined search key is selected by the user when the contents of the output item are input as an output condition, the output item is displayed to the user as a search item so that the user can select the search item selected by the user. Search item receiving means for receiving;
In the content of the search item to the search item receiving means has received the identification information of the other image forming apparatus for storing the contents of the output items that own apparatus does not match the contents of the output items to be stored, retrieved from the server retrieval Means,
The identification information of the other image forming apparatus searched by the search means is displayed, and the contents of the output items associated with the identification information are displayed to be selectable to the user as new output conditions , and the new output selected by the user A new output condition accepting means for accepting a condition;
An image forming apparatus comprising: Furthermore, if the new output entry accepting unit accepts the new output condition, in addition to the image forming apparatus for storing the contents of the output items corresponding to the new output conditions, so as to execute the output process based on the new output condition The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an output instruction unit that instructs Further comprising a said search item, the priority storage means for storing in association with a priority indicating a priority for the search,
When the search item receiving means receives a plurality of search items from the user, said search means, and the search items accepted, on the basis of the data of the priority storage means, to determine a high priority search item, in the content of the search item to the determined claims, characterized in that the identification information of the other image forming apparatus for storing the contents of the output items that own apparatus does not match the contents of the output items to be stored, retrieved from the server Item 3. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1 or 2. And identification information of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, a server that associates and stores the contents of the output item indicating the output of the image forming apparatus, the image forming system and a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected via a network,
When a predetermined search key is selected by the user when the content of the output item is input as an output condition , the predetermined image forming apparatus displays the output item as a search item so that the user can select it. A search item receiving means for receiving a search item selected from
The server stores the contents of the output item that does not match the contents of the output item stored in the predetermined image forming apparatus that has received the search item among the contents of the search item received by the search item receiving unit . Search means for searching for identification information of the image forming apparatus;
The identification information of the other image forming apparatus searched by the search unit is displayed on the predetermined image forming apparatus, and the contents of the output item associated with the identification information are displayed as a new output condition so that the user can select it. New output condition accepting means for accepting a new output condition selected by the user ;
An image forming system comprising:

Images