JP5397038B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming apparatus control method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method for the image forming apparatus, and a computer program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a print request is made to a printer from a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) or the like, there is a technology that realizes a proxy printing function by all printers registered on the PC side.

  For example, Japanese Patent No. 3729229 (Patent Document 1) discloses an invention of a terminal device that causes an alternate printing apparatus to perform printing when printing with a designated printing apparatus is impossible. According to the terminal device disclosed in Patent Literature 1, when the designated printing device becomes unable to print due to a printing failure such as out of paper, out of toner, paper jam, and the like, other priority is set based on a preset priority order. Request printing to the printing device.

  By the way, in recent years, there is an image forming apparatus that performs “post-processing” on an output medium in addition to a printing function for forming and outputting an image on a medium. Post-processing is processing mainly related to bookbinding, punch punching processing, stapling processing, ring processing, processing for cutting with a predetermined size, bag binding processing, case binding processing, processing for folding into a predetermined size. Or sorting. These post-processing are performed by a “peripheral device” attached to the image forming apparatus.

  There are a plurality of types of peripheral devices, and the content of post-processing to be realized differs for each type. A plurality of peripheral devices can be attached to one image forming apparatus. Also, the type of peripheral device to be attached varies depending on the type and type of the image forming apparatus.

  However, the terminal device disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not consider an example in which a request for proxy printing is output to an image forming apparatus to which a different peripheral device is attached. Therefore, depending on the attached peripheral device, the post-processing included in the request for proxy printing may not be executed.

  The present invention has been invented in order to solve these problems in view of the above points. When an image forming apparatus having post-processing machines having different functions is connected to a connected network, the proxy is An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that realizes processing.

In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention employs the following configuration.
An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a job management unit that manages a job request of a job that is input from a host device and forms an image on a medium, and information on the post-processing device that the image forming apparatus has. And other post-processing device information management means for managing information of other post-processing devices included in other image forming devices connected via the network, and when the job request is accepted, the other image forming device And confirming the post-processing based on the result of the confirmation of the insufficient function, the function information of the other post-processing machine, and the function information of the post-processing machine. generates information selection screen for prompting, the information of the selected screen, have a, and the screen information generating means for outputting to the host device, the screen information generating means, confirmation of the result of the lack of function the To indicate that there are missing functions The selection screen information is generated based on the information of the function of the post-processing machine that combines the function of the post-processing machine and the function of the other post-processing machine, and the result of the confirmation of the insufficient function is When indicating that there is no insufficient function, the selection screen information may be generated based on the function information of the post-processing device .

  Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that realizes proxy processing when connected to a network to which an image forming apparatus having post-processing machines having different functions is connected.

  In order to solve the above problem, the present invention may be a control method for controlling the image forming apparatus and a computer program.

  According to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus control method, and the computer program of the present invention, the proxy processing is realized when the image forming apparatus having post-processing machines having different functions is connected to the connected network. An image forming apparatus, a control method for the image forming apparatus, and a computer program can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example (part 1) of an MFP having a bookbinding peripheral. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example (part 2) of an MFP having a bookbinding peripheral. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example (part 3) of an MFP having a bookbinding peripheral. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network to which an MFP having a bookbinding peripheral is connected. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen for selecting post-processing. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram (part 1) for explaining processing for acquiring peripheral device information of another MFP. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram (part 2) for explaining processing for acquiring peripheral device information of another MFP. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a network to which an MFP provided with peripheral devices having mutually exclusive configurations is connected. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen for selecting post-processing when there are peripheral devices that are mutually exclusive. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram (part 3) illustrating the process of acquiring peripheral device information of another MFP. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job being spooled. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of substituting another spooled job for another MFP. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of counter information stored in the counter information storage unit 93. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing processing for synchronizing counter information of peripheral devices. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a process of synchronizing the upper limit value for each peripheral device in the counter information. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen in which information on bookbinding peripherals that have reached the upper limit number is not displayed. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of the counter management module. FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of generating selection screen information based on the counter information. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing information on the operation status of peripheral devices. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed based on the operation status of the peripheral device. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a data structure when information on the operation status of the peripheral device connected to each MFP is transmitted to another device. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer that realizes the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, “this image forming apparatus” is also referred to as “own apparatus”, and “other image forming apparatus” is also referred to as “other apparatus”.

Embodiment of the present invention
(Example of functional configuration of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 includes an interface unit 10, a control unit 30, a post-processing unit 60, an engine unit 80, and a storage unit 90.

  The interface unit 10 includes an input unit 11 and a display unit 14. In the input unit 11, an operator inputs an instruction to the image forming apparatus 100. The display unit 14 displays the state of the image forming apparatus 100 or thumbnails of images processed by the image forming apparatus 100. The input unit 11 and the display unit 14 may be configured as one operation panel.

  The control unit 30 controls each unit included in the image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 30 includes a post-processor information management unit 31, a job management unit 32, a counter management unit 33, a screen generation unit 34, a screen information generation unit 36, and a communication unit 38.

  The post-processing machine information management unit 31 manages information related to the post-processing machine included in the image forming apparatus 100. The post-processing device is a device that performs processing on a medium after forming an image, and mainly performs bookbinding processing. The post-processing includes, for example, punch hole punching processing, stapling processing, ring processing, processing for cutting a medium with a predetermined size, bag binding processing, or sorting. The information managed by the post-processor information management means 31 is information relating to functions such as the type of post-processing performed by the post-processor and the specifications of the post-processor. The post-processor information management means 31 may also manage information related to the operation status of the post-processor.

  The post-processing machine information management means 31 also manages post-processing machine information of other machines. Thus, when one job is substituted for another machine, an image forming apparatus having a post-processing function can be selected for each post-processing content.

  The post-processing machine information management unit 31 also performs post-processing of the image forming apparatus 100 in response to a request to output information related to the post-processing machine included in the image forming apparatus 100 from another machine. Output machine information.

  When the request includes a request to output information of a post-processing machine different from the post-processing machine possessed by another machine, the post-processing machine information management means 31 has a function different from that of the post-processing machine possessed by the other machine Outputs processor information. At this time, if information on the post-processing device of the other device is held in advance, the information to be output is generated by comparing the information on the other device held with the information on the own device. Further, when the request includes information on the post-processing device of the other device, the information to be output is generated by comparing the information with the information on the post-processing device of the own device.

  The job management unit 32 manages information on jobs executed by the image forming apparatus 100. The job information includes details of processing for each job, identification information of an operator who executes the job, information related to job priority order, and the like. The job information may further include information related to the time of the job request, such as the time when the job request is input to the image forming apparatus 100. The job management means 32 further manages the job execution order.

  Note that a job group waiting to be executed after a job request is input to the image forming apparatus 100 until a job corresponding to the job request is executed is called a spool. “Spooling” or “spooled”.

  The job management unit 32 causes a job request of a job that can be executed by another machine among the spooled jobs to be output to the other machine. The job management unit 32 determines whether or not the job can be executed on the other machine based on the information on the post-processing machine included in the other machine managed by the post-processing machine information management unit 31. More specifically, the job can be executed from the information about the post-processing device for each image forming apparatus stored in the post-processing device information storage unit 91 and the content of the post-processing included in the job request. Select an image forming apparatus.

  In addition, when a request for confirming whether or not delegation of a job is possible is input from another device, the job management unit 32 determines whether or not the job can be executed from a spooled job or the like. Judging. The job management unit 32 outputs the determined content to another machine.

  The counter management means 33 manages counter information. The counter information is information that associates the number of post-processing executed by the image forming apparatus 100 with the identification information of the operator who instructed the job including the post-processing. The counter information may further include information in which the number of post-processing executed in another device connected via the network is associated with the identification information of the operator who has instructed the job including the subsequent processing.

  The counter information further includes information on the upper limit number of post-processing in the image forming apparatus 100 and other apparatuses. The upper limit number of post-processing may be determined for each operator. The counter information further includes information on a post-processor that has not reached the upper limit count or information on a post-processor that has reached the upper limit count for each operator. When the counter management unit 33 manages the counter information, the information on the selection screen generated by the screen information generation unit 36 can be prevented from including information on the post-processor that has reached the upper limit number of times.

  The counter management means 33 updates the counter information stored in the counter information storage means 93 with the information on the number of post-processings in the other machine input from the other machine.

The screen generation unit 34 generates a screen displayed on the display unit 14.
The screen information generation unit 36 generates selection screen information that prompts selection of post-processing for each job request. The information on the selection screen includes information on functions realized by the post-processing machines included in the plurality of image forming apparatuses. The selection screen information may be the selection screen itself.

  Note that when the other machine has the same type of post-processing machine as the post-processing machine included in the image forming apparatus 100, the information related to the post-processing machine included in the other machine may not be displayed on the selection screen. Therefore, the information on the selection screen output by the screen information generation unit 36 does not include these pieces of information. As a result, since the job including post-processing realized by the image forming apparatus 100 is not selected to be executed in another machine, proxy printing can be efficiently realized.

  The screen information generation unit 36 also acquires, from the counter management unit 33, information about the post-processor that has not reached the upper limit number for each operator. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the information on the selection screen from including information on the post-processor that has reached the upper limit number of times.

  The information generated or acquired by the screen information generation unit 36 is output from the communication unit 38 to a host device such as a PC (not shown). Information generated or acquired by the screen information generation unit 36 may also be output to the screen generation unit 34.

  The communication unit 38 communicates with other devices connected via a network. The communication means 38 may also communicate with a host device such as a PC.

  The post-processing unit 60 includes a post-processing machine and executes post-processing instructed for each job. The post-processing unit 60 may include a plurality of post-processing machines for each post-processing function. The engine unit 80 is a device that implements a printing function of the image forming apparatus 100, and implements a plotter function, a scanner function, and the like.

  The storage unit 90 holds various information processed by the image forming apparatus 100. The storage unit 90 includes a post-processor information storage unit 91, a job information storage unit 92, and a counter information storage unit 93. The post-processing machine information storage unit 91 holds post-processing machine information included in the post-processing unit 60. The post-processor information is information such as functions and specifications realized by the post-processor. The post-processor information storage unit 91 further holds information on post-processors possessed by other devices.

  The job information storage unit 92 holds information on jobs executed by the image forming apparatus 100. The job information includes job details, identification information of an operator who has instructed the job, information regarding the time of the job, priority information determined for each job, and the like. The counter information storage means 93 holds counter information.

  Note that the post-processor information storage unit 91, the job information storage unit 92, and the counter information storage unit 93 may be configured such that two or more of these storage units are configured as one storage unit.

(Example of MFP with bookbinding peripherals)
2 to 4 are diagrams illustrating an example of an MFP (Multifunction Printer) having a bookbinding peripheral. In the present embodiment, an MFP to which a bookbinding peripheral is connected will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus having a post-processing device.

  In FIG. 2, a bookbinding peripheral 201a, a bookbinding peripheral 202a, and a bookbinding peripheral 203a are connected to the MFP 101. The bookbinding peripheral unit 201a, the bookbinding peripheral unit 202a, and the bookbinding peripheral unit 203a each realize different post-processing functions.

  In FIG. 3, a bookbinding peripheral device 202 b and a bookbinding peripheral device 203 b are connected to the MFP 102. The bookbinding peripheral unit 202b implements the same post-processing function as the bookbinding peripheral unit 202a. Further, the bookbinding peripheral device 203b realizes the same post-processing function as the bookbinding peripheral device 203a.

  In FIG. 4, a bookbinding peripheral device 202 c is connected to the MFP 103. The bookbinding peripheral 202c realizes the same post-processing function as the bookbinding peripheral 202a and the bookbinding peripheral 202b.

(Example of network to which MFP is connected)
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network to which the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is connected. In FIG. 5, a PC 301, MFP 101, MFP 102, and MFP 103 are connected via a network. Each of the MFPs 101 to 103 has a bookbinding peripheral shown in FIGS. 2 to 4.

(Example of selection screen displayed on PC 301)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen for selecting post-processing displayed on the PC 301. A screen U01 in FIG. 6 is a user interface screen of the MFP 102. The screen U01 is displayed on a display device connected to the PC 301 when a job request is output from the PC 301 to the MFP 102.

  The screen U01 includes buttons b01 to b03. When the button b01 selects the bookbinding peripheral 201, the button b02 selects the bookbinding peripheral 202, and the button b03 selects the bookbinding peripheral 203, the operator selects them with a pointing device such as a mouse. At the same time as the buttons, the functions and the like realized by each binding peripheral device may be displayed.

  When any button is selected, an instruction to select a bookbinding peripheral corresponding to the button is output from the PC 301 to the MFP 102.

  In addition, when one bookbinding peripheral device supports a plurality of post-processing functions, the selection screen U01 includes a screen for selecting a post-processing to be executed from the post-processing functions. May be included. Further, when one button is selected, a submenu screen for selecting a post-processing to be executed from among the plurality of post-processing functions may be displayed. The selection screen U01 and the submenu screen may further include a screen for setting conditions for post-processing.

(Process of acquiring peripheral device information of other MFP (part 1))
FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing for acquiring peripheral device information of another MFP. In FIG. 7, for example, when a print job request is output from the PC 301 to the MFP 102, the MFP 102 acquires peripheral device information of another MFP and outputs it to the PC 301.

  In the processing from step S11 to step S15 in FIG. 7, in the MFP 102 and the MFP 101, these processes are executed by the post-processor information management unit 31. In the process of step S16, the screen information generation unit 36 executes in the MFP 102.

  In step S <b> 11 of FIG. 7, a request for acquiring peripheral device information is output from the PC 301 to the MFP 102. This request may be based on a print request. Progressing to step S12 following step S11, the post-processor information management means 31 of the MFP 102 outputs a request for confirming the insufficient function to the MFP 101. The insufficient function is a function realized by a peripheral device having a function different from the peripheral device included in the MFP 102. The request for confirming the insufficient function may include information on the function of the peripheral device included in the MFP 102. Based on this request, the MFP 101 confirms the functions of peripheral devices that the MFP 101 has.

  Progressing to step S13 following step S12, the result of the insufficient function confirmation is output from the MFP 101 to the MFP 102. Here, information indicating that there is a deficient function is output. Progressing to step S14 following step S13, the MFP 102 outputs to the MFP 101 a request for acquiring information on insufficient functions corresponding to the insufficient function confirmation result output in step S13.

  Progressing to step S15 following step S14, the information on the insufficient function confirmed based on the request in step S12 is output from the MFP 101 to the MFP 102. Based on this information, the screen information generation means 36 of the MFP 102 generates peripheral device information that combines the peripheral device functions of the MFP 102 and the peripheral device functions of the MFP 101. This information is information on the selection screen.

  Proceeding to step S16 following step S15, the MFP 102 outputs information on peripheral devices included in the MFP 102 and the MFP 101 to the PC 301. This information does not include information on the peripheral device included in the MFP 101 having the same function as the peripheral device included in the MFP 102.

(Process of acquiring peripheral device information of other MFP (part 2))
FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing for acquiring peripheral device information of another MFP, and illustrates an example in which the MFP 101 does not include a peripheral device having a function different from that of the peripheral device included in the MFP 102. It is a figure to do.

  In the processing from step S21 to step S23 in FIG. 8, in the MFP 102 and MFP 101, the post-processor information management unit 31 executes these processing. In the process of step S26, the screen information generation unit 36 executes in the MFP 102.

  In step S <b> 21 of FIG. 8, a request for acquiring peripheral device information is output from the PC 301 to the MFP 102. This request may be based on a print job request. Proceeding to step S22 following step S21, the post-processor information management means 31 of the MFP 102 outputs a request for confirming the insufficient function to the MFP 101. Based on this request, the MFP 101 confirms the functions of peripheral devices that the MFP 101 has.

  Progressing to step S23 following step S22, the result of the insufficient function confirmation is output from the MFP 101 to the MFP 102. Here, information indicating that there is no insufficient function is output. Based on this information, the screen information generation unit 36 of the MFP 102 generates information on the peripheral device. This information is information on the selection screen.

  Proceeding to step S26 following step S23, the MFP 102 outputs the peripheral device information of the MFP 102 to the PC 301. This information does not include information on peripheral devices that the MFP 101 has.

(Network connected to MFP with peripheral device with exclusive configuration)
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a network to which an MFP provided with peripheral devices having mutually exclusive configurations is connected. In FIG. 9, the PC 301 is connected to the MFP 104 and the MFP 105 via a network.

  The MFP 104 includes a bookbinding peripheral 201d and a bookbinding peripheral 204d. The MFP 105 includes a bookbinding peripheral device 201e and a bookbinding peripheral device 205e. The bookbinding peripheral 201d and the bookbinding peripheral 201e realize the same functions.

  The functions of the bookbinding peripheral unit 204d and the bookbinding peripheral unit 205e are mutually exclusive and are not connected to one MFP. More specifically, for example, the bookbinding peripheral unit 204d has a stapling function, and the bookbinding peripheral unit 205e has a stapling and saddle stitching function. In this case, the bookbinding peripheral device 204d and the bookbinding peripheral device 205e are not connected to one MFP, and these bookbinding peripheral devices are selected simultaneously in one job. Absent. Such a relationship is called mutually exclusive.

(Example of selection screen displayed on PC 301 when there are exclusive peripherals)
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen for selecting post-processing displayed on the PC 301, and is a diagram illustrating an example where there are peripheral devices that are mutually exclusive. A screen U02 in FIG. 10 is a user interface screen of the MFP 104. The screen U02 is displayed on a display device connected to the PC 301 when a job request is output from the PC 301 to the MFP 104.

  Screen U02 includes buttons b11 to b14. When the button b11 selects the bookbinding peripheral 201d, the button b12 selects the bookbinding peripheral 204d, the button b13 selects the bookbinding peripheral 201e, and the button b14 selects the bookbinding peripheral 205e. Select with a pointing device. Note that the screen U02 may further display functions realized by each bookbinding peripheral.

  The bookbinding peripheral unit 204d and the bookbinding peripheral unit 205e have an exclusive relationship with each other. In view of this, the screen U02 shows two configurations, a peripheral configuration 401 and a peripheral configuration 402. The peripheral unit configuration 401 includes a bookbinding peripheral unit 204d, and the peripheral unit configuration 402 includes a bookbinding peripheral unit 205e.

  As a result, it is possible to prevent the bookbinding peripheral device 204d and the bookbinding peripheral device 205e from being selected in one job.

(Process of acquiring peripheral device information of other MFP (part 3))
FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram for explaining processing for acquiring peripheral device information of another MFP, and an example in which the functions realized by the peripheral devices of the other MFP are exclusive to the peripheral devices of the own device. It is a figure explaining. In FIG. 11, for example, when a print job request is output from the PC 301 to the MFP 104, the MFP 104 acquires peripheral device information of another MFP and outputs it to the PC 301.

  In the processing from step S31 to step S35 in FIG. 11, the post-processor information management unit 31 executes these processing in the MFP 104 and the MFP 105. In the process of step S36, the screen information generating unit 36 executes in the MFP 104.

  In step S <b> 31 of FIG. 11, a request for acquiring peripheral device information is output from the PC 301 to the MFP 104. This request may be based on a print request. Progressing to step S32 following step S31, the post-processor information management means 31 of the MFP 104 outputs a request for confirming the insufficient function to the MFP 105. Based on this request, the MFP 105 confirms the functions of peripheral devices that the own device has.

  Progressing to step S33 following step S32, the MFP 105 outputs a result of insufficient function confirmation to the MFP 104. Here, information is output that the peripheral device that has the deficient function and the peripheral device that realizes the function includes a peripheral device that has a function exclusive to the peripheral device to which information is transmitted in step S32. ing.

  Proceeding to step S34 following step S33, the MFP 104 outputs a request to the MFP 105 to acquire information on insufficient functions corresponding to the insufficient function confirmation result output in step S33.

  Proceeding to step S35 following step S34, the MFP 105 outputs to the MFP 104 information on insufficient functions confirmed based on the request in step S32. Based on this information, the screen information generation means 36 of the MFP 104 generates peripheral device information that combines the peripheral device functions of the MFP 104 and the peripheral device functions of the MFP 105. This peripheral device information has a structure for each group including one of the mutually exclusive peripheral devices. This peripheral device information is information on the selection screen.

  Proceeding to step S36 following step S35, the MFP 104 outputs information on peripheral devices included in the MFP 104 and the MFP 105 to the PC 301. This information does not include information on the peripheral device included in the MFP 105 having the same function as the peripheral device included in the MFP 104, and includes information on a group configured for each exclusive peripheral device.

(Process that substitutes other MFP for jobs being spooled)
FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are diagrams for explaining processing of substituting another MFP for a job being spooled by one MFP. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job being spooled. In FIG. 12, in the MFP 101, a job 1011 and a job 1012 are spooled. This information is managed by the job management unit 32 and stored in the job information storage unit 92.

  A job 1011 in FIG. 12 is a job in which the bookbinding peripheral 201 and the bookbinding peripheral 203 are used for post-processing. A job 1012 is a job in which the bookbinding peripheral 201, the bookbinding peripheral 202, and the bookbinding peripheral 203 are used for post-processing.

  FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of substituting another spooled job for another MFP. In FIG. 13, a job based on a job request from the PC 301 to the MFP 101 is delegated to the MFP 102. Note that the process of FIG. 13 may be executed following the sequence shown in FIG. 7 or 8, for example. More specifically, for example, it may be executed after the operator inputs an instruction to select post-processing based on the screen U01 in FIG.

  In FIG. 13, the processing of the MFP 101 is executed by the job management unit 32 in detail. Similarly, the processing of the MFP 102 in FIG. 13 is executed by the job management unit 32 in detail.

  In step S <b> 41 of FIG. 13, a request to execute a job is output from the PC 301 to the MFP 101. In this request, the job identification number is 1013, and the bookbinding peripheral 202 and the bookbinding peripheral 203 are used for post-processing.

  Progressing to step S42 following step S41, the MFP 102 outputs a confirmation request for delegating the job to the MFP 101. This request includes job identification information. Based on this request, the MFP 101 determines whether it is possible to receive delegation. Here, an example in which delegation can be received will be described.

  It should be noted that the destination MFP that outputs the request for delegating the job may be determined based on the post-processing device information managed by the post-processing device information management unit 31 included in the MFP 102. More specifically, the post-processing machine information management unit 31 is used for bookbinding used for post-processing of the job 1013 based on information on peripheral devices included in other MFPs stored in the post-processing machine information storage unit 91. Information of the MFP having the peripheral device 203 and the bookbinding peripheral device 202 is acquired.

  Progressing to step S43 following step S42, the MFP 101 outputs to the MFP 102 a confirmation result indicating that the job 1013 can be delegated.

  Proceeding to step S44 following step S43, a job delegation notice for delegating the job 1013 to the MFP 101 is output from the MFP 102 to the PC 301. The PC 301 may display a screen indicating that the job 1013 is delegated to the MFP 101 based on the delegation notification. Thereby, the operator can know the MFP on which the medium on which the image is formed by the job is output.

  Following step S44, the process proceeds to step S45. Note that step S44 and step S45 may be performed asynchronously. In step S <b> 45, information about the job 1013 is output from the MFP 102 to the MFP 101. This information is a request for executing a job, and includes the same information as the information included in the request in step S41. Based on this request, the MFP 101 executes a job.

  Progressing to step S46 following step S45, the execution result of the job corresponding to the request of step S45 is output from the MFP 101 to the MFP 102. Progressing to step S47 following step S46, the job execution result is output from the MFP 102 to the PC 301. This execution result also includes information indicating that the MFP 101 has executed.

  The PC 301 may generate and display a screen indicating that the job has been executed by the MFP 101 based on the execution result of step S47.

(Process to manage counter of each peripheral device for each user)
FIG. 14 to FIG. 16 are diagrams illustrating processing for managing a counter for each operator of a job that uses a peripheral device. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of counter information stored in the counter information storage unit 93. In FIG. 14, information on the number of times each peripheral device is used is associated with each of the users A to C. Note that there are three peripheral devices: a bookbinding peripheral device 201, a bookbinding peripheral device 202, and a bookbinding peripheral device 203, and an upper limit value of the number of times of use is determined for each. In the drawing, “peripheral machine for bookbinding” is described as “peripheral machine”.

  In FIG. 14, the number of times the user A uses the bookbinding peripheral 202 is 300. This has reached the upper limit of the number of times the bookbinding peripheral 202 is used. Similarly, the number of times the user C uses the bookbinding peripheral 201 reaches the upper limit of the number of times the bookbinding peripheral 201 is used.

  Therefore, the job management unit 32 does not execute a job in which the user A uses the bookbinding peripheral device 202 and a job in which the user C uses the bookbinding peripheral device 201.

  FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing processing for synchronizing counter information of peripheral devices. In FIG. 15, based on a print job request from the PC 301, information on the number of times peripheral devices are used in a job executed by the MFP 101 is reflected in counter information managed by another MFP.

  In step S <b> 51 of FIG. 15, a print job request is output from the PC 301 to the MFP 101. This job includes post-processing using the bookbinding peripheral 201. In step S52 following step S51, the job management unit 32 of the MFP 101 causes the job including post-processing using the bookbinding peripheral 201 to be executed.

  In step S53 following step S52, the counter management unit 33 of the MFP 101 updates the counter information stored in the counter information storage unit 93. More specifically, the counter information of the peripheral devices used in the job executed in step S52 is counted up. This counter information may correspond to the user who requested the job executed in step S52.

  In step S54 following step S53, the counter management unit 33 of the MFP 101 outputs a count-up notification to the counter management unit 33 of the MFP 102. This notification includes identification information of the peripheral device to be counted up, here, information of the bookbinding peripheral device 201. This notification may further include user identification information.

  In step S55 following step S54, the counter management unit 33 included in the MFP 102 counts up the counter information of the bookbinding peripheral 201. Thereby, when the MFP 101 and the MFP 102 are connected to the network, the counter information can be synchronized. Accordingly, a configuration for managing counter information of another MFP can be realized without using a server or the like different from the MFP.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a process of synchronizing the upper limit value for each peripheral device in the counter information. In FIG. 16, when an instruction to change the upper limit value is input to the MFP 101 from the PC 301 as the host PC, a notification for synchronizing the upper limit value is output to each MFP.

  In step S <b> 61 of FIG. 16, the PC 301 outputs an instruction to the MFP 101 to change the upper limit values of the bookbinding peripheral device 201 and the peripheral device 400. Progressing to step S62 following step S61, the counter management unit 33 of the MFP 101 updates the counter information stored in the counter information storage unit 93. More specifically, the value of the upper limit number of the peripheral device for bookbinding 201 and the peripheral device for bookbinding 400 is changed.

  Progressing to step S63 following step S62, the MFP 101 outputs to the MFP 102 a notification that the value of the upper limit number of peripheral devices is changed. This notification includes the same information as the information included in the notification output in step S61.

  Progressing to step S64 following step S63, the counter management means 33 of the MFP 102 updates the counter information stored in the counter information storage means 93. More specifically, the value of the upper limit number of the peripheral device for bookbinding 201 and the peripheral device for bookbinding 400 is changed. As a result, the MFP 101 and the MFP 102 can synchronize the upper limit number of information without an apparatus such as a server.

(Example of selection screen that does not display information on peripheral devices that have reached the maximum number of times)
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen in which information on bookbinding peripherals that have reached the upper limit number is not displayed. A screen U03 in FIG. 17 is displayed on a display device connected to the PC 301. A screen U03 in FIG. 17 is a screen that is displayed when a print request or the like is output to the MFP 102 by the user A. The screen U03 includes a button b21 and a button b22. The button b21 is a button for selecting the bookbinding peripheral 201, and the button b22 is a button for selecting the bookbinding peripheral 203.

  Unlike the screen U01 of FIG. 6, the screen U03 does not include a button corresponding to the bookbinding peripheral device 202. This is because the counter information corresponding to the bookbinding peripheral 202 out of the counter information associated with the user A has reached the upper limit number. When the job request is input, the screen information generation unit 36 does not include the information on the peripheral device that has reached the upper limit number in the information on the selection screen based on the counter information managed by the counter management unit 33. .

  FIG. 17 shows an example in which a button for selecting the bookbinding peripheral 202 is not provided. In addition to the example shown in FIG. 17, a display that cannot be selected by graying out the buttons of the bookbinding peripheral 202 is possible.

(Counter management module configuration)
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of the counter management module. In FIG. 18, the peripheral device management unit 501 includes a user-specific counter information management unit 502 and a UI display unit 503. The user-specific counter information management unit 502 manages counter information for each user. The UI display unit 503 generates a display screen based on the counter information. The UI display unit 503 may also generate selection screen information based on the counter information.

(Process to generate selection screen information based on counter information)
FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of generating selection screen information based on the counter information. In FIG. 19, information on the selection screen is generated based on information related to the upper limit number of post-processing. For example, the PC 301 displays a screen U03 shown in FIG. 17 based on the information of the selection screen generated here.

  In step S <b> 71 of FIG. 19, a request for acquiring peripheral device information is output from the PC 301 to the UI display unit 503 of the MFP 102. This request may be based on a print job request, for example. Progressing to step S72 following step S71, a request for checking counter information is output from the UI display unit 503 to the counter information management unit 502 for each user. Based on this request, the user-specific counter information management unit 502 confirms counter information for each user. The counter information is stored in the counter information storage means 93.

  Proceeding to step S73 following step S72, the counter information management unit 502 for each user outputs information on the result of checking the counter information to the UI display unit 503. The information of the result includes whether or not the number of post-processing has reached the upper limit number. Here, information indicating that there is a post-processor that has reached the upper limit number is output.

  Subsequent to step S73, the process proceeds to step S74, where the UI display unit 503 deletes the information on the peripheral device that has reached the upper limit number from the counter information output in step S73, and selects the post-processing device. Generate screen information.

  Progressing to step S75 following step S74, the UI display unit 503 outputs to the PC 301 information on a selection screen for selecting a peripheral device from which information on the peripheral device that has reached the maximum number of times has been deleted in step S74. The Based on this information, for example, the PC 301 generates and displays a screen U03 shown in FIG.

(Example of displaying a selection screen based on the operation status of peripheral devices)
20 to 22 are diagrams for explaining processing for displaying a selection screen based on operation information of peripheral devices. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing information on the operation status of peripheral devices. In FIG. 20, the bookbinding peripherals connected to the MFP 101 and the MFP 102 are operating. In FIG. 20, the bookbinding peripheral 202 connected to the MFP 103 is not operating and can be used.

  The operation of the peripheral device is based on the operator instructing a job that uses the peripheral device. Accordingly, the fact that the peripheral device is operating is also referred to as “in use”, and the state in which the peripheral device is not operating and can be operated by a job is also referred to as “available”.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel or the like of the MFP 102 based on the operation status information of FIG. The screen U04 in FIG. 21 includes three buttons b31 to b33. b31 and b33 are associated with the bookbinding peripheral unit 201 and the bookbinding peripheral unit 203, respectively, and these buttons cannot be selected. b32 is associated with the bookbinding peripheral 202. A bookbinding peripheral 202 associated with the button b32 is a peripheral 202c connected to the MFP 103. In the screen U04 of FIG. 21, the bookbinding peripheral 202 can be selected.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a data structure when information on the operation status of the peripheral device connected to each MFP is transmitted to another device. In FIG. 22, a message m01 is a data structure of information output from the MFP 101, a message m02 is a data structure of information output from the MFP 102, and a message m03 is a data structure output from the MFP 103.

  When the MFP 102 generates the screen U04, a message m01 is output from the MFP 101, and a message m03 is output from the MFP 103 to the MFP 102. This information may be transmitted from the MFP 101 to the MFP 102 together with information on insufficient functions in step S15 of FIG. 7, for example, or transmitted to the MFP 102 in another step (not shown). May be. Information output from the MFP 103 to the MFP 102 may also be transmitted together with information on insufficient functions, or may be transmitted to the MFP 102 by another step (not shown).

(MFP realized by computer etc.)
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer that realizes the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 23 includes a main processing unit 40, an input device 410, a display device 420, a scanner 430, a plotter 440, a NIC 460, a drive device 480, a hard disk device (hereinafter referred to as “HDD”) 490, an input I / F 419, and a display. It has an I / F 429, a scanner I / F 439, a plotter I / F 449, a drive I / F 489, and an HDD I / F 499.

  The main processing unit 40 implements each function by executing a computer program. The main processing unit 40 includes, for example, a CPU 407, a ROM 408, and a RAM 409. The CPU 407 controls each device included in the computer by executing the computer program. The ROM 408 stores, for example, computer programs and parameters, and these are provided to the CPU 407. The RAM 409 is provided as a work memory when the CPU 407 executes a computer program, for example.

  The input device 410 is configured as an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse, for example, and inputs instructions to the computer. The display device 420 displays the status of the computer. The scanner 430 optically reads an image and generates image data. The plotter 440 forms an image on a medium and outputs it.

  The NIC 460 realizes an interface function when connecting a computer and the outside via a network and controls the interface. The drive device 480 inserts a recording medium, reads information recorded on the recording medium, and records information on the recording medium. The HDD 490 is a storage unit that stores a large amount of data.

  The input I / F 419, display I / F 429, scanner I / F 439, plotter I / F 449, drive I / F 489, and HDD I / F 499 are the input device 410, display device 420, scanner 430, plotter 440, and drive, respectively. This is an interface when the device 480 and the HDD 490 are connected to the main processing unit 40 via a bus.

  Although the best mode for carrying out the invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described in the best mode. Modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is useful for proxy printing, and is particularly suitable for print processing in an environment in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected via a network.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Interface part 11 Input means 14 Display means 30 Control part 31 Post processor information management means 32 Job management means 33 Counter management means 34 Screen generation means 36 Screen information generation means 38 Communication means 40 Main processing part 60 Post processing part 80 Engine part 90 storage unit 91 post-processing machine information storage unit 92 job information storage unit 93 counter information storage unit 100 image forming apparatuses 201, 201a, 201d, 201e bookbinding peripherals 202, 202a, 202b, 202c bookbinding peripherals 203, 203a, 203b Bookbinding peripheral unit 204d Bookbinding peripheral unit 205e Bookbinding peripheral unit 400 Peripheral unit 401 Peripheral unit configuration 402 Peripheral unit configuration 410 Input unit 420 Display unit 430 Scanner 440 Plotter 480 Drive unit 501 Peripheral unit management unit 502 User-specific counter information management Part 5 3 UI display unit

Japanese Patent No. 3729229

Claims (16)

Job management means for managing a job request of a job that is input from a host device and forms and outputs an image on a medium;
Post-processing machine information management means for managing information on the post-processing machine included in the image forming apparatus and information on other post-processing machines included in other image forming apparatuses connected via a network;
When the job request is accepted, the other image forming apparatus is checked for insufficient functions, the result of checking the insufficient functions, the function information of the other post-processing device, and the post-processing. Screen information generation means for generating information on a selection screen for prompting selection of post-processing based on the function information of the machine, and outputting the information on the selection screen to the host device;
I have a,
The screen information generating means includes
When the result of the confirmation of the insufficient function indicates that there is the insufficient function, based on the information on the function of the post-processing device that combines the function of the post-processing device and the function of the other post-processing device , Generate information on the selection screen,
When the result of the confirmation of the insufficient function indicates that there is no insufficient function, information on the selection screen is generated based on information on the function of the post-processing device.   The post-processing machine information management means sends the post-processing machine information to the other image forming apparatus when a request for the post-processing machine information is input from the other image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus outputs the data.   The post-processor information output by the post-processor information management means does not include information on the post-processor that realizes the same function as post-processing by the other post-processors. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.   The information on the selection screen includes post-processing information by the post-processing device and post-processing information by another post-processing device having a function different from that of the post-processing device. Item 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 3. When there are a plurality of post-processing that cannot be executed in one job among the post-processing of the post-processing device and the post-processing of the other post-processing device,
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information on the selection screen includes information on a group for each of a plurality of post-processing that can be executed in one job.   When another image forming apparatus has a post-processing device corresponding to a selection instruction input from the host device based on the information on the selection screen, the job request is output to the other image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a job management unit configured to perform job management.   The job management unit manages a plurality of the job requests executed by the image forming apparatus, corresponds to a post-processing in which another post-processing device is selected for one job request, and The job request job is output to an image forming apparatus having the other post-processing device when the job request job is included in a job waiting state including a plurality of jobs. 6. The image forming apparatus according to 6.   The counter management means for managing counter information for associating identification information of a user of a corresponding post-processing device with the number of times of use of the post-processing device for each post-processing device. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 7.   9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the counter information further includes information for associating the user identification information with the number of times the post-processor is used for each of the other post-processors. .   The counter management means further outputs the counter information updated by the job to the other image forming apparatus every time a job including post-processing in the post-processing machine is executed. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The counter information further includes information relating to the upper limit value of the number of uses for each post-processing machine,
The screen information generation means, when the number of uses of the post-processing device corresponding to the job request of the user corresponding to the job request has reached the upper limit value, the information on the post-processing device is displayed on the selection screen. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the image forming apparatus is not included in the information.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the counter management unit manages the counter information input from the other image forming apparatus.   9. The counter management unit updates information related to the upper limit value of the number of times of use included in the counter information with information related to the upper limit value of the number of times of use input from the host device. Or the image forming apparatus according to any one of 11 to 11; The information on the post-processing device includes information on the operation status of the corresponding post-processing device, and the information on the other post-processing device includes information on the operation status for each of the other post-processing devices,
The screen information generation means generates the information on the selection screen based on information related to the operation status of the other post-processing device and information related to the operation status of the post-processing device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. A receiving step for receiving a job request of a job that is input from a host device and forms and outputs an image on a medium;
A post-processing machine information acquisition step for acquiring information on the post-processing machine included in the image forming apparatus and information on other post-processing machines included in other image forming apparatuses connected via a network;
When the job request is accepted, the other image forming apparatus is checked for insufficient function, the result of checking the insufficient function, the information of the other post-processing device, and the image forming apparatus. A screen information generation step for generating information on a selection screen that prompts selection of post-processing based on the information on the post-processing device;
Outputting the information of the selection screen to the host device;
Have
The screen information generation step includes
When the result of the confirmation of the insufficient function indicates that there is the insufficient function, based on the information on the function of the post-processing device that combines the function of the post-processing device and the function of the other post-processing device , Generate information on the selection screen,
The selection screen information is generated based on the function information of the post-processing device when a result of the confirmation of the insufficient function indicates that there is no insufficient function. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus. A receiving step for receiving a job request of a job that is input from a host device and forms and outputs an image on a medium;
A post-processing machine information acquisition step for acquiring information on the post-processing machine included in the image forming apparatus and information on other post-processing machines included in other image forming apparatuses connected via a network;
When the job request is accepted, the other image forming apparatus is checked for insufficient function, the result of checking the insufficient function, the information of the other post-processing device, and the image forming apparatus. A screen information generation step for generating information on a selection screen that prompts selection of post-processing based on the information on the post-processing device;
Outputting the information of the selection screen to the host device;
Have
The screen information generation step includes
When the result of the confirmation of the insufficient function indicates that there is the insufficient function, based on the information on the function of the post-processing device that combines the function of the post-processing device and the function of the other post-processing device , Generate information on the selection screen,
When the result of checking the insufficient function indicates that there is no insufficient function, a control method for the image forming apparatus that generates the information on the selection screen based on the function information of the post-processing device is stored in a computer. A computer program to be executed.

Images