JP5630179B2 - Terminal device, output system, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a terminal device, an output system, and a program.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a print client terminal that transmits a print request without designating an output destination printer, a print server that generates a print job from the print request and stores the print job in a print queue, and a user prints through a printer UI operation. A technique for executing a printing process by specifying a destination and acquiring a print job stored in a print server by the specified printer is disclosed.

JP 2005-202723 A

  The present invention acquires an output instruction when an image output instruction is sent from a terminal apparatus to a server apparatus, and the output instruction accumulated in the server apparatus is acquired by a plurality of image forming apparatuses of different models to perform image output. It is an object of the present invention to make it possible to send parameters for using functions specific to the model of an image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a terminal device for transmitting output instruction information for instructing output of an image, and image formation in which the output instruction information transmitted from the transmission unit is acquired and an image is output. A first acquisition unit that acquires information transmitted from the apparatus and represents functional configuration information that represents a function specific to the model of the image forming apparatus; and a storage unit that stores the functional configuration information acquired by the first acquisition unit A second acquisition unit that acquires a parameter for using the function represented by the function configuration information stored in the storage unit, and an output that generates the output instruction information including the parameter acquired by the second acquisition unit an instruction generating means, and a determination means for determining whether or not using the function of the first image forming apparatus representing the functional configuration information stored in said storage means, said determining means said first image forming Dress When the determining that functions tinged available, the storage means characterized in that it does not store the function configuration information of the second image forming apparatus acquired said first acquisition means.

An output system according to claim 2 of the present invention includes a server device, one or more terminal devices that communicate with the server device, and one or more image forming devices that communicate with the server device. Is information transmitted from a first transmission unit that transmits output instruction information for instructing output of an image and an image forming apparatus that has acquired the output instruction information and output an image, and the image forming apparatus First acquisition means for acquiring functional configuration information representing a function specific to the model of the device, first storage means for storing functional configuration information acquired by the first acquisition means, and functions stored in the first storage means Second acquisition means for acquiring a parameter for using the function represented by the configuration information, output instruction generation means for generating the output instruction information including the parameter acquired by the second acquisition means, and the first storage means If a judgment means functional configuration information stored determines whether or not using the function of the first image forming apparatus representing determines that the function of the first image forming apparatus was not available Includes a determination unit that does not store the functional configuration information of the second image forming apparatus acquired by the first acquisition unit in the first storage unit, and the server apparatus transmits the first transmission unit transmitted from the first transmission unit. A second storage unit that stores output instruction information; and the image forming apparatus acquires a third acquisition unit that acquires the output instruction information stored in the second storage unit, and the third acquisition unit acquires the output instruction information. An output unit that outputs an image according to a parameter included in the output instruction information, and that is specific to the model of the image forming apparatus, and a third storage unit that stores functional configuration information representing a function of the output unit; The third memory Characterized in that it comprises a second transmission means for transmitting the functional configuration information stored in the stage.
It has a configuration.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for transmitting output instruction information for instructing output of an image to a computer, and acquiring the output instruction information output in the transmission step to output an image. A first acquisition step for acquiring function configuration information that is information transmitted from the image forming apparatus and that represents a function specific to the model of the image forming apparatus, and stores the function configuration information acquired in the first acquisition step. A storage step; a second acquisition step of acquiring a parameter for using the function represented by the function configuration information stored in the storage step; and generating the output instruction information including the parameter acquired in the second acquisition step Output instruction generation step, and the first image forming apparatus represented by the functional configuration information stored in the storage step A determination step of determining whether the available capacity, if the function of said first image forming apparatus is determined that could not been utilized, the acquired in the first acquiring step 2 The determination step of not storing the functional configuration information of the image forming apparatus in the storage step is performed.

According to the configuration described in claim 1 -3, sends an instruction to output the image from the terminal apparatus to the server apparatus acquires a plurality of image forming apparatuses having different types of output instruction stored in the server apparatus an image output And output instruction information including parameters for using functions specific to the model of the image forming apparatus that has performed the image output. According to the configuration described in the first to third aspects, a parameter for using a function specific to the model of the image forming apparatus that acquires the output instruction can be sent to the image forming apparatus.

It is a figure showing the whole output system composition concerning one embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the function structure information memorize | stored in the memory | storage part. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a terminal device. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a server apparatus. It is a sequence chart which shows a series of processes which an output system performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process which produces | generates output instruction information. Figure showing an example of the input screen It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a memory | storage process. The figure which shows an example of the input screen which concerns on a modification

(1) Configuration (overall configuration)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an output system 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The output system 4 includes image forming apparatuses 1A and 1B, a server apparatus 2, a plurality of terminal apparatuses 3, and a communication line NW. The communication line NW is a line such as a LAN (Local Area Network) that transmits information, to which the image forming apparatuses 1A and 1B, the server apparatus 2, and a plurality of terminal apparatuses 3 are respectively connected. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the image forming apparatuses 1A and 1B, the reference numerals A and B at the end are omitted. In addition, the number of each apparatus which comprises the output system 4 is not restricted to the number shown by FIG.

(Configuration of image forming apparatus 1)
Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus that performs a printing process for forming an image on a recording medium such as a recording sheet by an electrophotographic system or an inkjet system, and a post-process for processing the recording medium. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between print processing and post-processing, they are referred to as output processing. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an operation unit 13, a display unit 14, a communication unit 15, and an image forming unit 16. The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU executes a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 12 to form an image. Each part of the apparatus 1 is controlled. The operation unit 13 includes a plurality of operators for operating the image forming apparatus 1. The operation unit 13 receives a user operation and supplies a signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 11. The display unit 14 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays an image based on information supplied from the control unit 11. The communication unit 15 is connected to the communication line NW, and transmits / receives information to / from other devices connected to the communication line NW.

The image forming unit 16 has a function of performing output processing. The function of performing output processing is roughly divided into a common configuration unit 161 and an individual configuration unit 162. First, the common components 161A and 161B have basic functions related to image formation, and have common functions. In the present embodiment, the black image forming function for printing in the color of Black (K) is a function common to the common components 161A and 161B.
Next, the functions of the image forming apparatus 1A are provided in the individual configuration unit 162A, and the unique functions of the image forming apparatus 1B, which is a model different from the image forming apparatus 1A, are provided in the individual configuration unit 162B. For example, when the image forming apparatus 1A and the image forming apparatus 1B are different models and the image forming apparatus 1A has a color image forming function, a double-sided function, a binding function, and a punching function, these functions are individually configured units. 162A. When the image forming apparatus 1B has a color image forming function and a double-sided function, these functions are provided in the individual component 162B. Note that the color image forming function is a function for performing print processing with colors of Black (K), Yellow (Y), Magenta (M), and Cyan (C). The double-sided function is a function for performing print processing on both sides of the recording medium. The binding function is a function of a stapler that binds paper. The hole making function is a function for making a hole for binding the recording medium.
Further, the control unit 11 generates information (hereinafter, referred to as operation information) indicating the operation status of the functions provided in the common configuration unit 161 and the individual configuration unit 162 at a predetermined timing. The operation information includes, for example, information indicating whether or not output processing is being performed, information indicating whether or not the own device has failed, and whether or not consumables (coloring materials, staples, etc.) are insufficient. It shall include information indicating. The functions provided in the common configuration unit 161 and the individual configuration unit 162 are examples, and are not limited thereto.

  The storage unit 12 includes, for example, a hard disk device, and stores various programs and various information. This information includes authentication information and function configuration information 121. In the authentication information, as information for authenticating the user of the image forming apparatus 1, a user ID for identifying the user and a password are described in association with each other.

  Also, the function configuration information 121 describes information for specifying the own device and functional configuration information indicating the functions provided in the individual configuration unit 162 of the own device. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration information 121A stored in the storage unit 12A. FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration information 121B stored in the storage unit 12B.

  As shown in the figure, “own apparatus specifying information” is described as “image forming apparatus 1A” in the functional configuration information 121A. This indicates that the information described in the function configuration information 121A is information related to the function provided in the individual configuration unit 162A. In the function configuration information 121A, “color image forming function”, “double-sided function”, “binding function”, and “drilling function” are described as “present”. This indicates that the image forming unit 16A has a color image forming function, a double-sided function, a binding function, and a punching function. On the other hand, in the function configuration information 121B, “own apparatus specifying information” is described as “image forming apparatus 1B”. This indicates that the information described in the function configuration information 121B is information related to the function provided in the individual configuration unit 162B. In the function configuration information 121B, “color image forming function” and “double-sided function” are described as “present”, and “binding function” and “drilling function” are described as “none”. This indicates that the image forming unit 16B has a color image forming function and a double-sided function as functions of the individual configuration unit 162B, and does not have a binding function and a punching function. That is, the storage unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 1 functions as an example of a third storage unit that stores functional configuration information representing the function of the output unit.

(Configuration of terminal device 3)
Next, the configuration of the terminal device 3 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the terminal device 3. As shown in the figure, the terminal device 3 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, an operation unit 33, a display unit 34, and a communication unit 35. The control unit 31 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU controls each unit of the terminal device 3 by executing a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 32. The operation unit 33 includes a plurality of operators for operating the terminal device 3, receives an operation by the operator, and supplies a signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 31. The display unit 34 includes a liquid crystal display, for example, and displays an image according to the control of the control unit 31. The communication unit 35 is connected to the communication line NW, and transmits information to other devices connected to the communication line NW.

  The storage unit 32 includes, for example, a hard disk device, and stores various information and various programs. For example, the storage unit 32 stores image data and function configuration information 321. In the image data, information indicating characters or figures is described. The function configuration information 321 describes information indicated by the function configuration information 121 acquired from the image forming apparatus 1. In the function configuration information 321, for example, information indicated by the function configuration information 121 illustrated in FIG. 3 is described. However, it is assumed that the storage unit 32 does not store the functional configuration information 321 in a state before acquiring the functional configuration information 121 from the image forming apparatus 1. The storage unit 32 stores a printer driver 322. The printer driver 322 describes a processing procedure for converting image data into information expressed in a language that can be interpreted by the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the printer driver 322 generates a process procedure for generating information (hereinafter referred to as output instruction information) including the converted image data and an instruction for causing the image forming unit 16 to perform an output process. Is described. The printer driver 322 describes a processing procedure for transmitting the generated output instruction information to the server device 2. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the output instruction information includes the user ID of the user who instructed the output process.

(Configuration of server device 2)
Next, the configuration of the server device 2 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the server device 2. As shown in the figure, the server device 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The control unit 21 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and controls each unit of the server device 2 when the CPU executes a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 22. The communication unit 23 is connected to the communication line NW, and transmits information to and from other devices connected to the communication line NW. The storage unit 22 includes, for example, a hard disk device, and stores various information and various programs. This information includes the output instruction information transmitted from the terminal device 3. Note that the output instruction information stored in the storage unit 22 is acquired by the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1.

(2) Operation Next, the operation of the output system 4 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a sequence chart showing a series of processes performed by the output system.

<Operation when the functional configuration information 321 is not stored in the storage unit 32 of the terminal device 3>
When the user operates the operation unit 33 of the terminal device 3 to instruct image data output, the control unit 31 executes the printer driver 322 to generate output instruction information (step S101). FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing for generating output instruction information. First, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the functional configuration information 321 is stored in the storage unit 32 (step S201). When the control unit 31 determines that the functional configuration information 321 is not stored in the storage unit 32 (step S201; NO), the control unit 31 displays the input screen 8a illustrated in FIG. 8A on the display unit 34 (step S206). FIG. 8A shows an example of the input screen 8a. As shown in the figure, the input screen 8a is provided with an item 8a1 for inputting a user ID of the user and an item 8a2 for inputting a parameter set in the common configuration unit 161. The input screen 8a is not provided with an item for inputting a parameter to be set in the individual configuration unit 162. This is based on the fact that the control unit 31 determines that the functional configuration information 321 is not stored in the storage unit 32. Here, for example, “USER001” is set to “USER001”, “1” is set to “number of copies”, “A4” is set to “size of recording medium”, and “100” is set to “magnification” by the operation of the operation unit 33 by the user. % ”And the button 8a3 written as“ OK ”is selected, the control unit 31 outputs an image output instruction, parameters to be set in the common configuration unit 161, image data, and a user ID. The included output instruction information is generated (step S207). This output instruction information instructs the common configuration unit 161 to form an image corresponding to the image data on an A4 size recording medium at a magnification of 100% and to output one copy. And the control part 31 transmits the output instruction information produced | generated by step S207 with respect to the server apparatus 2 (step S205). That is, the control unit 31 functions as an example of a transmission unit that transmits output instruction information for instructing output of an image. As described above, when the control unit 31 determines that the function configuration information 321 is not stored in the storage unit 32, the control unit 31 does not provide an item for inputting parameters to be set in the individual configuration unit 162 on the input screen. Output instruction information including parameters to be set in the configuration unit 162 is not generated. Here, the description returns to FIG.

  When the output instruction information is transmitted from the terminal device 3, the control unit 21 of the server device 2 stores the output instruction information received via the communication unit 23 in the storage unit 22 (step S102). That is, the storage unit 22 functions as an example of a second storage unit that stores output instruction information.

  Next, when the user operates the operation unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 1 to instruct his / her authentication, the control unit 11 executes a program stored in the storage unit 12 to authenticate the user (step). S103). This authentication is performed by, for example, inputting authentication information from the operation unit 13 or reading an IC card in which the authentication information is stored. What is necessary is just to implement by the well-known authentication technique which judges whether it corresponds with information. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that this authentication information includes at least the user ID of the user. If the user authentication is successful (step S103; YES), the control unit 11 transmits the input user ID to the server device 2 (step S104). On the other hand, when the user authentication has failed (step S103; NO), the control unit 11 does not transmit the user ID to the server device 2 and inputs the information for authentication again.

  When the user ID is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 21 of the server apparatus 2 describes the same user ID as the user ID from the output instruction information stored in the storage unit 22. Output instruction information is extracted. Then, the control unit 21 generates a list of information (hereinafter referred to as instruction specifying information) for specifying the extracted output instruction information, and transmits the list to the image forming apparatus 1 (step S105). . For example, when a certain user instructs the output of image data a plurality of times, output instruction information for a plurality of times is stored in the storage unit 22. Since the user ID is described in these output instruction information, the control unit 21 extracts the output instruction information in which the same user ID as the received user ID is described, and generates a list of instruction specifying information. To do. In this case, a plurality of instruction specifying information is described in the list. The instruction specifying information includes information such as the file name of image data included in the output instruction information and the date and time when the server apparatus 2 receives the output instruction information.

  When the list is transmitted from the server device 2, the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 displays the list received via the communication unit 15 on the display unit 14 (step S106). The user operates the operation unit 13 to select desired instruction specifying information from the list displayed on the display unit 14. The control unit 11 requests the server apparatus 2 to acquire output instruction information corresponding to the selected instruction specifying information (step S107). When acquisition of output instruction information is requested from the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 21 of the server apparatus 2 transmits output instruction information corresponding to the request to the image forming apparatus 1 (step S108). Then, the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 receives the output instruction information via the communication unit 15. That is, the control unit 11 and the communication unit 15 of the image forming apparatus 1 function as an example of a third acquisition unit that acquires output instruction information stored in the second storage unit. The control unit 11 performs output processing by controlling the image forming unit 16 based on the output instruction information. This output instruction information includes parameters set in the common configuration unit 161, but does not include parameters set in the individual configuration unit 162. Therefore, the control unit 11 performs output processing by controlling the common configuration unit 161 based on parameters set in the common configuration unit 161. Here, according to the parameters input on the input screen 8a of FIG. 8A, the common configuration unit 161 forms one copy of an image corresponding to the image data on an A4 size recording medium at a magnification of 100%. Further, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the output process has been normally performed, and generates a result of the determination (referred to as an output result) (step S109). That is, the control unit 11 and the image forming unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 1 output an image according to the parameter included in the output instruction information acquired by the second acquisition unit, and are specific to the model of the image forming apparatus. It functions as an example of a certain output means. Next, the control part 11 transmits the output result produced | generated by step S109, and the function structure information 121 of the own apparatus read from the memory | storage part 12 with respect to the server apparatus 2 (step S110). That is, the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 functions as an example of a second transmission unit that transmits the functional configuration information stored in the third storage unit.

The control unit 21 of the server device 2 transmits the output result received through the communication unit 23 and the function configuration information 121 to the terminal device 3 (step S111). The control unit 31 of the terminal device 3 displays the output result received via the communication unit 35 on the display unit 34 (step S112). The user visually confirms the output result displayed on the display unit 34 to confirm that the output process has been normally performed. In addition, the control unit 31 performs a storage process for determining whether or not the function configuration information 121 received via the communication unit 35 is stored in the storage unit 32 as the function configuration information 321 (step S113). That is, the control unit 31 functions as an example of a first acquisition unit that acquires functional configuration information representing a function specific to the model of the image forming apparatus. The storage unit 32 functions as an example of a storage unit that stores functional configuration information.
The storage process executed by the control unit 31 will be described later.

<Operation 1 when the functional configuration information 321 is stored in the storage unit 32 of the terminal device 3>
Next, the functional configuration information 321 is stored in the storage unit 32 of the terminal device 3, and the content of the stored functional configuration information 321 is stored in the functional configuration information 121 stored in the image forming apparatus 1 that outputs image data. The operation when the contents are the same will be described. Note that description of operations that are the same as operations performed when the functional configuration information 321 is not stored in the storage unit 32 is omitted.

  When the user operates the operation unit 33 of the terminal device 3 to instruct the output of image data, the control unit 31 of the terminal device 3 stores the functional configuration information 321 in the storage unit 32 in the process of step S201 of FIG. The function configuration information 321 is read from the storage unit 32 (step S202). In this functional configuration information 321, for example, the same information as the functional configuration information 121A in FIG. In this case, the function configuration information 321 describes “color image forming function”, “double-sided function”, “binding function”, and “drilling function” as “present”. Next, the control unit 31 displays an input screen on the display unit 34 based on the information described in the function configuration information 321 (step S203). FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating an example of the input screen 8b. As shown in the figure, in the input screen 8b, an item 8b1 for inputting the user ID of the user, an item 8b2 for inputting a parameter to be set in the common configuration unit 161, and a parameter to be set in the individual configuration unit 162 are input. An item 8b3 to be executed is provided. In the item 8b3, only the function described as “present” in the function configuration information 321 is displayed. Here, since the function configuration information 321 has the same contents as the function configuration information 121A, “color image forming function”, “ Items of “double-sided function”, “binding function”, and “drilling function” are provided. Here, “USER001” is set to “USER001”, “1” is set to “number of copies”, “A4” is set to “size of recording medium”, and “100%” is set to “magnification” by the operation of the operation unit 33 by the user. , “ON” is input to “Color image forming function”, “ON” is set to “Double-sided function”, “OFF” is set to “Binding function”, “ON” is input to “Punching function”, and “OK” is further input. When the indicated button 8b4 is selected, the control unit 31 generates output instruction information including image data, a user ID, parameters set in the common configuration unit 161, and parameters set in the individual configuration unit 162. (Step S204). That is, the control unit 31 functions as an example of a second acquisition unit that acquires a parameter for using the function represented by the function configuration information, and an output instruction generation unit that generates output instruction information including the acquired parameter. And the control part 31 transmits the output instruction information produced | generated by step S204 with respect to the server apparatus 2 (step S205). As described above, when the functional configuration information 321 is stored in the storage unit 32, the control unit 31 outputs an instruction including not only the parameters set in the common configuration unit 161 but also the parameters set in the individual configuration unit 162. Generate information. When the control unit 11A of the image forming apparatus 1A acquires the output instruction information, output processing is performed according to the parameters set in the common configuration unit 161 and the individual configuration unit 162 included in the output instruction information. Do. (FIG. 6, step S109). That is, the common configuration unit 161 and the individual configuration unit 162 have one copy of the color image corresponding to the image data on both sides of the A4 size recording medium at a magnification of 100%, according to the parameters input on the input screen 8b of FIG. In addition, a hole for binding the recording medium is formed in the recording medium. Thereafter, the processes of steps S110 to S113 are performed. The storage process performed by the control unit 31 in step S113 will be described later.

<Operation 2 in the case where the functional configuration information 321 is stored in the storage unit 32 of the terminal device 3>
Next, a case where the contents of the functional configuration information 321 stored in the storage unit 32 of the terminal device 3 and the content of the functional configuration information 121 stored in the image forming apparatus 1 that outputs image data are different will be described. . Note that description of operations that are the same as operations performed when the functional configuration information 321 is not stored in the storage unit 32 is omitted.
In the following description, it is assumed that the function configuration information 321 of the terminal device 3 describes, for example, the same information as the function configuration information 121A of FIG.

  When the user operates the operation unit 33 of the terminal device 3 to instruct the output of image data, the control unit 31 of the terminal device 3 adds information described in the function configuration information 321 in the process of step S203 of FIG. Based on this, the input screen 8b shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, when the user ID, the parameter for the common component, and the parameter for the individual component are input by the user, and the button 8b4 labeled “OK” is selected, the control unit 31 The output instruction information including the image data, the user ID, the parameters set in the common configuration unit 161 and the parameters set in the individual configuration unit 162 is generated, and the generated output instruction information is transmitted to the server device 2. (Steps S204 and S205).

Next, for example, since the image forming apparatus 1A is in use, it is assumed that the user operates the image forming apparatus 1B to instruct acquisition of the output instruction information. In this case, the control unit 11B performs an output process according to the output instruction information (FIG. 6, step S109). However, the configuration of the individual configuration unit 162B of the image forming unit 16B is as shown in the function configuration information 121B of FIG. 3, and the contents of the function configuration information 321 stored in the storage unit 32 of the terminal device 3 The contents of the function configuration information 121B are different. Therefore, the output instruction information generated by the control unit 31 of the terminal device 3 includes parameters for functions that the individual configuration unit 162B does not have. For example, although the individual component 162B is not provided with a drilling function, the output instruction information includes the parameter “ON” for the “drilling function” by the above-described operation. In this case, since the individual component 162B does not have a drilling function, the individual component 162B cannot perform processing according to the parameters related to the drilling function. When the control unit 11B of the image forming apparatus 1B determines that the parameter that cannot be processed is included in the output instruction information, the output according to the parameter set for the function that can be processed Perform processing. Here, in the function configuration information 121B, “color image forming function” and “double-sided function” are “present”, and “binding function” and “drilling function” are “none”. The unit 161 and the individual configuration unit 162 form one color image corresponding to image data on both sides of an A4 size recording medium at a magnification of 100%.
Thereafter, the processes of steps S110 to S113 are performed. The storage process performed by the control unit 31 in step S113 will be described later.

<Operation when storing the functional configuration information 121 in the storage unit 32>
Next, a storage process in which the control unit 31 of the terminal device 3 stores the function configuration information 121 received via the communication unit 35 in the storage unit 32 as the function configuration information 321 will be described.
Here, it is assumed that the storage unit 32 stores a storage mode designated in advance by the user. This storage mode includes “non-storage mode”, “manual storage mode”, and “automatic storage mode”. The “non-storage mode” is a mode in which the functional configuration information 121 is not stored in the storage unit 32 as the functional configuration information 321. The “manual storage mode” is a mode in which the functional configuration information 121 is stored in the storage unit 32 as the functional configuration information 321 based on a user instruction. The “automatic storage mode” is a mode in which the functional configuration information 121 is stored in the storage unit 32 as the functional configuration information 321 based on a predetermined condition.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the storage process.
Upon receiving the function configuration information 121, the control unit 31 determines which storage mode is stored in the storage unit 32 (step S301). If the control unit 31 determines that the “non-storage mode” is stored (step S <b>301; non-storage mode), the received functional configuration information 121 is not stored in the storage unit 32 as the functional configuration information 321. The storage process is terminated (step S304).

  If the control unit 31 determines that the “manual storage mode” is stored (step S301; manual storage mode), whether or not the function configuration information 121 is stored in the storage unit 32 as the function configuration information 321. Is displayed on the display unit 34 (step S302). In this case, the user inputs an instruction to operate the operation unit 33 to store the function configuration information 121 as the function configuration information 321 in the storage unit 32. That is, the operation unit 33 functions as an example of an input unit that inputs an instruction as to whether or not the function configuration information acquired by the first acquisition unit is stored in the storage unit. If there is an instruction input not to be stored by the user (step S303; NO), the control unit 31 ends the storage process without storing the function configuration information 121 in the storage unit 32 (step S304). On the other hand, when there is an instruction input for storing from the user (step S303; YES), the control unit 31 stores the functional configuration information 121 in the storage unit 32 as the functional configuration information 321 (step S307).

  When it is determined that the “automatic storage mode” is stored (step S301; automatic storage mode), the control unit 31 determines whether or not the functional configuration information 321 is stored in the storage unit 32 (step S301). S305). When the control unit 31 determines that the functional configuration information 321 is not stored (step S305; NO), the control unit 31 stores the received functional configuration information 121 in the storage unit 32 as the functional configuration information 321 and ends the storage process (step S305). S310). On the other hand, when the control unit 31 determines that the functional configuration information 321 is stored in the storage unit 32 (step S305; YES), the operation information of the image forming apparatus 1 specified by the own device specifying information of the functional configuration information 321. It is determined whether or not to confirm (step S306). Since the image forming apparatus 1 that is the target of confirmation of the operation information is specified by the own apparatus specifying information of the function configuration information 321, the output corresponding to the output instruction information output from the terminal apparatus 3 at least once. The processing is being performed, and the frequency with which the user acquires the output processing information output from the terminal device 3 in the image forming apparatus 1 may be higher than that in the other image forming apparatuses 1. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 is referred to as “normally used image forming apparatus 1”. On the other hand, since the normally used image forming apparatus 1 is not in a state where the output process can be performed, the image forming apparatus 1 that has temporarily performed the output process is referred to as a “temporarily used image forming apparatus 1”.

Whether or not to confirm the operation information is set in advance by the user in the terminal device 3, and the control unit 31 determines that “no operation information confirmation (NO)” is set. (Step S306; NO), the received function configuration information 121 is stored in the storage unit 32 as the function configuration information 321 and the storage process is terminated (step S307).
For example, when the functional configuration information 121B is received in a state where the functional configuration information 121A is stored as the functional configuration information 321, if NO is determined in step S306, the functional configuration information 121B is replaced with the functional configuration information 121A. The configuration information 321 is stored in the storage unit 32, and the image forming apparatus 1B becomes the normally used image forming apparatus 1.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that “operation information is confirmed (YES)” is set (step S306; YES), the control unit 31 confirms the operation information of the image forming apparatus 1 that is normally used. Then, it is determined whether or not the provisional use image forming apparatus 1 has performed the output process (step S308). That is, the control unit 31 functions as an example of a determination unit that determines whether the function of the first image forming apparatus represented by the functional configuration information stored in the storage unit can be used. First, the control unit 31 requests operation information from the normally used image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 11 of the normally used image forming apparatus 1 transmits the operation information of the own apparatus to the terminal device 3. When the control unit 31 of the terminal device 3 determines that the normally used image forming apparatus 1 is not in a state where the output process can be performed based on the information described in the operation information (step S308; NO), the output of the image data The image forming apparatus 1 that has performed the function configuration information 121 and transmits the function configuration information 121 is assumed to be provisional use, and the storage processing ends without storing the function configuration information 121 acquired from the image forming apparatus 1 in the storage unit 32 ( Step S309). This is because the provisional use image forming apparatus 1 may be less frequently instructed by the user to output an image than the normal use image forming apparatus 1. On the other hand, when the control unit 31 of the terminal device 3 determines that the normally used image forming apparatus 1 can output an image based on the information described in the operation information (step S308; YES), the image is displayed. Assuming that the image forming apparatus 1 that has output is not provisional use, the functional configuration information 121 acquired from the image forming apparatus 1 is stored in the storage unit 32 as the functional configuration information 321 and the storage process is terminated (step S310). ). In this case, the function configuration information 121 of the image forming apparatus 1 is stored in the storage unit 32 as the function configuration information 321 so that a parameter for the individual configuration unit 162 of the image forming apparatus 1 that is determined not to be provisional use can be input. By judging that it is necessary. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 1 becomes a normally used image forming apparatus 1 by storing the functional configuration information 121 as the functional configuration information 321 in the storage unit 32.

(3) Modification (Modification 1)
The functional configuration information 121 may be described in the storage unit 12 by, for example, an administrator or a user of the image forming apparatus 1. When the image forming apparatus 1 has a detection function for detecting the configuration of the apparatus itself, the control unit 11 stores the function configuration information 121 generated based on the configuration detected by the detection function. It may be stored in the unit 12.

(Modification 2)
The control unit 11 generates an output result indicating whether or not the printing and post-processing based on the output instruction information has been normally performed, and further transmits the result to the server device 2, but is not limited thereto. . That is, the control unit 11 may display the output result by controlling the display unit 14, for example, without transmitting the output result to the server device 2.

(Modification 3)
When the display unit 14 is not provided in the image forming apparatus 1, the user who operates the image forming apparatus 1 cannot check the list transmitted from the server apparatus 2. In this case, the control unit 11 may request the server apparatus 2 to acquire all output instruction information included in the received list. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 may perform printing and post-processing based on all output instruction information included in the list.

(Modification 4)
In the embodiment described above, the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the function configuration information 121 to the server apparatus 2 every time printing is performed. However, the timing at which the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the functional configuration information 121 and the transmission destination are not limited to this. For example, the control unit 31 of the terminal device 3 requests the image forming apparatus 1 to acquire the function configuration information 121, and the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 sends the function configuration information 121 to the terminal in response to the request. You may transmit to the apparatus 3.

  In the embodiment described above, the control unit 21 of the server device 2 transmits the received information to the terminal device 3 every time the output result and the functional configuration information 121 are received. However, for example, when the terminal device 3 is in a power-off state or not connected to the communication line NW, the control unit 21 of the server device 2 cannot communicate with the terminal device 3 and has received it. Information cannot be sent. In this case, the control unit 21 of the server device 2 may temporarily store the received information in the storage unit 22 or the RAM, and retransmit the information after a predetermined time interval. Further, when the server device 2 has a function of detecting whether or not communication with the terminal device 3 is possible, it may be retransmitted after detecting that the function is communicable.

(Modification 5)
In the above embodiment, the control unit 31 of the terminal device 3 performs the storage process based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, but the flow of the storage process is not limited to this. For example, if the control unit 31 determines that the functional configuration information 321 is not stored in the storage unit 32, the received functional configuration information 121 is used as the functional configuration information 321 regardless of the storage mode designation. You may memorize. The control unit 31 may always store the received function configuration information 121 in the storage unit 32 as the function configuration information 321.

(Modification 6)
In the process of step S <b> 302 of FIG. 9, the control unit 31 displays a screen for instructing whether to store the functional configuration information 121 as the functional configuration information 321 in the storage unit 32 on the display unit 34. In other words, the control unit 31 displays a screen on the display unit 34 for instructing whether the image forming apparatus 1 that has performed the output process is a normal use image forming apparatus or a provisional use image forming apparatus. On this screen, the control unit 31 may display information (hereinafter referred to as reference information) that can be used as a reference for instructions. Here, it is assumed that the storage unit 32 stores the functional configuration information 121A in FIG. 3A as the functional configuration information 321. Then, it is assumed that the control unit 31 determines whether or not the function configuration information 121B of FIG. 3B is stored in the storage unit 32 as the function configuration information 321.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen on which reference information is displayed. In the record in which “O” is displayed in “normal use”, information described in the function configuration information 321 (that is, information described in the function configuration information 121A in FIG. 3A) is displayed. For example, “name” includes “image forming apparatus 1 </ b> A” described in “own apparatus identification information” of the functional configuration information 321. In “Functional configuration”, “Color image forming function / Double-sided function / Binding function / Punching function” which is a function described as “Yes” in the functional configuration information 321 is displayed. Information acquired from the server device 2 is displayed in “Usage”, “Number of users”, “Usage rate”, and “Date of introduction”. In the present modification, the “use”, “number of users”, “usage rate”, and “introduction date” of the image forming apparatus 1 are stored in the storage unit 22 of the server apparatus 2 as “self”. It is assumed that the information is stored in association with “device identification information”. First, the “number of users” displays the number of terminal apparatuses 3 that store the functional configuration information 121 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the storage unit 32 as the functional configuration information 321. Here, it is displayed that the “number of users” of the image forming apparatus 1A is “50 people”. Note that as the value described in “Number of users” is larger, there is a possibility that the time taken from the instruction of the output process to the completion becomes longer. In addition, the “usage rate” displays a rate at which the time during which the image forming apparatus 1 is performing the output process of the predetermined time is closed. Here, it is displayed that the “usage rate” of the image forming apparatus 1A is “50%”. Note that the larger the value described in “Usage rate”, the longer it may take to complete the output process. In addition, “date of introduction” displays the date on which the image forming apparatus 1 is provided as part of the output system 4. Here, it is displayed that the “introduction date” of the image forming apparatus 1A is “April 1, 2010”. In addition, in “Usage”, the main usage of the image forming apparatus 1 is displayed. Here, it is displayed that the “use” of the image forming apparatus 1A is “for department”.

  On the other hand, information described in the function configuration information 121B in FIG. 3B is displayed in a record in which “O” is not displayed in “normal use”. For example, “image forming apparatus 1B” described in “own apparatus specifying information” of the function configuration information 121B is displayed in “name”. In “Function Configuration”, “Color Image Forming Function / Double-Sided Function”, which is a function described as “Yes” in the function configuration information 121B, is displayed. Information acquired from the server device 2 is displayed in “Usage”, “Number of users”, “Usage rate”, and “Date of introduction”. Here, “50 users” is displayed in the “number of users”. Also, “50%” is displayed in “Usage rate”. In addition, “introduction date” indicates that it is “April 1, 2010”. In addition, “use” indicates that it is “for bookbinding”.

As the reference information is displayed on the screen in this manner, the user determines whether the image forming apparatus 1 that has performed the output process is an image forming apparatus for normal use or an image forming apparatus for temporary use. It becomes easy.
Note that the control unit 21 of the server device 2 may acquire the information from the terminal device 3 and the image forming device 1 at a predetermined timing. In addition, the user or administrator of the image forming apparatus 1 or the terminal device 3 may store these pieces of information in the storage unit 22 of the server device 2 at a predetermined timing. And the control part 21 of the terminal device 2 should just acquire these information from the memory | storage part 32 of the server apparatus 2, when displaying a screen by the process of step S302.

(Modification 7)
The printer driver 322 described above includes a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk (HDD (Hard Disk Drive), FD (Flexible Disk), etc.)), optical recording medium (optical disc (CD (Compact Disc)), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). )), Etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, a semiconductor memory or other computer-readable recording medium may be provided and installed in the terminal device 3. The printer driver 322 may be downloaded via the communication line NW and installed in the terminal device 3.

(Modification 8)
In the above embodiment, when the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the parameter that cannot be processed is included in the output instruction information, the control unit 11 sets the parameter other than the parameter that cannot be processed. The corresponding output process was performed. However, the control unit 11 may display on the display unit 14 that a parameter that cannot be processed is included in the output instruction information. In addition, the control unit 11 may display a screen for causing the user to change parameters included in the output instruction information on the display unit 14.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus, 11 ... Control part, 12 ... Memory | storage part, 13 ... Operation part, 14 ... Display part, 15 ... Communication part, 16 ... Image forming part, 161 ... Common component part, 162 ... Individual component part, 2 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Server device, 21 ... Control part, 22 ... Memory | storage part, 23 ... Communication part, 3 ... Terminal device, 31 ... Control part, 32 ... Memory | storage part, 321 ... Functional structure information, 322 ... Printer driver, 33 ... Operation part, 34 ... display unit, 35 ... communication unit, 4 ... output system, NW ... communication line.

Claims (3)

Transmitting means for transmitting output instruction information for instructing output of an image;
Information transmitted from the image forming apparatus that has output the output instruction information transmitted from the transmission unit and outputs an image, and obtains functional configuration information that represents a function specific to the model of the image forming apparatus. First acquisition means;
Storage means for storing the functional configuration information acquired by the first acquisition means;
Second acquisition means for acquiring a parameter for using a function represented by the function configuration information stored in the storage means;
Output instruction generation means for generating the output instruction information including the parameter acquired by the second acquisition means;
And a determination means for determining whether or not using the function of the first image forming apparatus representing the functional configuration information stored in said storage means,
When said determination means determines that was not available the function of the first image forming apparatus, the storage unit not to store the function configuration information of the second image forming apparatus acquired said first acquisition means A terminal device characterized by the above. A server device;
One or more terminal devices that communicate with the server device;
One or more image forming apparatuses that communicate with the server apparatus;
The terminal device
First transmission means for transmitting output instruction information for instructing output of an image;
First acquisition means for acquiring function configuration information that is transmitted from an image forming apparatus that has acquired the output instruction information and outputs an image, and that represents a function specific to the model of the image forming apparatus;
First storage means for storing functional configuration information acquired by the first acquisition means;
Second acquisition means for acquiring a parameter for using the function represented by the function configuration information stored in the first storage means;
Output instruction generation means for generating the output instruction information including the parameter acquired by the second acquisition means;
A judgment means for judging whether or not using the function of the first image forming apparatus representing the functional configuration information stored in said first storage means, Do take advantage of features of the first image forming apparatus A determination unit that does not store the functional configuration information of the second image forming apparatus acquired by the first acquisition unit in the first storage unit,
The server device
Second storage means for storing the output instruction information transmitted from the first transmission means;
The image forming apparatus includes:
Third acquisition means for acquiring the output instruction information stored in the second storage means;
An output unit that outputs an image according to a parameter included in the output instruction information acquired by the third acquisition unit, and is specific to a model of the image forming apparatus;
Third storage means for storing functional configuration information representing the function of the output means;
An output system comprising: second transmission means for transmitting the functional configuration information stored in the third storage means. On the computer,
A transmission step of transmitting output instruction information for instructing output of an image;
Information transmitted from the image forming apparatus that has output the output instruction information output in the transmission step and outputs an image, and obtains functional configuration information representing a function specific to the model of the image forming apparatus. A first acquisition step;
A storage step of storing the functional configuration information acquired in the first acquisition step;
A second acquisition step of acquiring a parameter for using the function represented by the function configuration information stored in the storage step;
An output instruction generation step for generating the output instruction information including the parameter acquired in the second acquisition step;
A determination step of determining whether or not using the function of the first image forming apparatus representing the functional configuration information stored in said storage step, was not available the function of the first image forming apparatus and A program for executing the determination step in which the functional configuration information of the second image forming apparatus acquired in the first acquisition step is not stored in the storage step when it is determined.

Images