JP6217488B2 - Image forming system, image forming method, image forming apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for forming an image of image data stored in an image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, there is a printing apparatus including a storage unit that stores image data in the apparatus (see Patent Document 1). In this printing apparatus, image data with authentication information received from a terminal device such as a PC is stored in the storage unit. The printing apparatus also includes an authentication device. When the authentication information read by the authentication device matches the authentication information added to the image data, the image data stored in the storage unit is formed as an image.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-185566

  By the way, a plurality of image forming apparatuses (such as a printer apparatus) may be connected to the terminal device. In this case, if the user sends the image data to the wrong image forming apparatus or the like, or if the user forgets which image forming apparatus the image data was sent to, the image not recognized by the user There has been a problem that data is continuously stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus.

  The present specification discloses a technique for recognizing image data stored in an image forming apparatus or the like.

  The image forming system disclosed in this specification is an image forming system having a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus, and the first image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium. A first image forming unit; a receiving unit that receives related information related to image data; a first transmitting / receiving unit that performs transmission and reception with the second image forming device; a display unit; a first storage unit; and a first control unit. The second image forming apparatus includes a second transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the first image forming apparatus, a second storage unit, and a second control unit, and the first control unit includes: A receiving process for receiving the related information from the receiving unit, and when the related information is received in the receiving process, stored in the first storage unit and associated with the related information received in the receiving process Description of the image related to the first image data Whether image forming instruction processing for outputting an image forming instruction to the medium to the first image forming unit and image data associated with the related information received in the receiving processing are stored in the second image forming apparatus An information request process for transmitting an information request for requesting information to the second image forming apparatus, and the second control unit, when the second transmitting / receiving unit receives the information request, Performing an information transmission process of transmitting information of second image data stored in the second storage unit and associated with the related information received in the reception process to the first image forming apparatus, A display process for displaying information on the second image data on the display unit after the image formation instruction process when the first transmission / reception unit receives the information on the second image data; Execute.

  In the first image forming apparatus, after the first image forming apparatus outputs an image forming instruction for the first image data, the information on the second image data stored in the second image forming apparatus is displayed on the display unit. Thereby, the user of the first image forming apparatus can recognize that the image data associated with the related information of the image data related to image formation is stored in the second image forming apparatus. Also, since the information on the second image data is displayed after the image formation instruction for the first image data is output, compared to the configuration displayed before the image formation instruction for the first image data is output, Since the image formation of the first image data is not hindered, it is possible to suppress the image formation not intended by the user.

  In the image forming system, the first image forming apparatus includes a receiving unit, and the first control unit issues a second image data deletion command related to the information of the second image data displayed in the display process. A deletion command reception process that is received from the reception unit; and a deletion request for the second image data that has received the deletion command is transmitted to the second image forming apparatus when the deletion command is received in the deletion command reception process. The second control unit executes a second deletion request process from the second storage unit when the second transmission / reception unit receives a deletion request for the second image data. You may perform the 1st deletion process which deletes image data.

  When receiving a delete command from the user, the image forming system deletes the second image data for which the delete command has been received from the second storage unit. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent unnecessary second image data from being continuously stored in the second storage unit and the capacity of the second storage unit from being compressed.

  In the image forming system, in the information request process, the name of the first image data that has been output in the image formation instruction process in the first image data is transmitted to the second image forming apparatus together with the information request. In the information transmission process, information on the second image data having a name at least partially matching the name of the first image data received by the second transmission / reception unit is transmitted to the first image forming apparatus. May be.

  The image forming system transmits, to the first image forming apparatus, information on second image data that at least partially matches the name of the first image data for which an image forming instruction is output in the first image forming apparatus. As a result, the user can recognize and efficiently delete the second image data that becomes unnecessary due to the image formation of the first image data.

  In the image forming system, the first image forming apparatus includes a receiving unit, and the first control unit includes an image forming command for second image data related to information of the second image data displayed in the display process. When the image forming command is received in the image forming command receiving process and the image forming command receiving process, a transfer request for specific image data that is the second image data that has received the image forming command is received. Transfer request processing to be transmitted to the second image forming apparatus, and when the first transmitter / receiver receives the specific image data, an instruction to form an image on the recording medium of the image related to the specific image data is provided to the first image forming apparatus. When the image formation instruction is output in the additional image formation instruction process output to the image forming unit and the additional image formation instruction process, the deletion request for the specific image data is transmitted to the second image forming apparatus. A second transmission request process, wherein the second control unit transmits the specific image data to the first image forming apparatus when the second transmission / reception unit receives the transfer request. A process and a second deletion process for deleting the specific image data from the second storage unit when the second transmission / reception unit receives the deletion request for the specific image data may be executed.

  When receiving an image forming command from a user, the image forming system deletes the specific image data from the second storage unit after outputting a specific image data forming instruction. As a result, it is possible to form the specific image data, and it is possible to suppress the compression of the capacity of the second storage unit by deleting the specific image data that is no longer necessary due to the image formation from the second storage unit. be able to.

  In the image forming system, the second image forming apparatus includes a conversion unit, and the second storage unit stores a format of image data that can be formed by the first image forming unit, and transmits the data. In the processing, the specific image data converted into the image data format may be transmitted to the first image forming apparatus using the conversion unit.

  In this image forming system, the format of the specific image data stored in the second storage unit is changed to a format compatible with the first image forming unit using the conversion unit. Thereby, even when the format of the specific image data is not compatible with the first image forming unit, the specific image data can be formed using the first image forming unit of the first image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming system, in the display process, when the information of the second image data includes the same image data group that is a plurality of the second image data having the same name, the information is selected from the same image data group. One second image data and the number of second image data included in the same image data group may be displayed.

  In the image forming system, when the same image data group is included in the information of the second image data, one second image data selected from the same image data group and the second image data included in the same image data group The number of items is displayed. The user can recognize from the display of the number that there are a plurality of image data having the same name as the displayed second image data. The user can form an image using the second image data selected and displayed when image formation of the second image data is necessary. If the image formation is unnecessary, the user can form the same image. Data groups can be deleted together.

  In the image forming system, in the image forming command receiving process, when an image forming command for the same image data group is received, the number of copies of the second image data related to the same image data group may be received.

  In this image forming system, when an image forming command for the same image data group is received, the number of second image data forming copies related to the same image data group is further received. When there are a plurality of second image data having the same name, the number of image forming copies required for the second image data is unclear. Therefore, by accepting the number of forming copies, it is possible to suppress image formation that is not intended by the user.

  In the image forming system, the second storage unit stores a format of image data that can be formed by the first image forming unit, and in the information transmission process, the image data out of the second image data. The information of the second image data that conforms to the format may be transmitted to the first image forming apparatus.

  The image forming system transmits information of second image data suitable for forming image data that can be formed by the first image forming unit to the first image forming apparatus. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the display of information on the second image data that cannot be formed by the first image forming unit on the first image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming system, the second image forming apparatus includes a second image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium. In the information transmission process, the second image data is stored in the second storage unit. Information on the second image data in which the stored storage period is equal to or longer than a predetermined period and the image is not formed by the second image forming unit may be transmitted to the first image forming apparatus.

  In this image forming system, the storage period stored in the second storage unit is equal to or longer than the specified period, and information on the second image data that has not been subjected to image formation by the second image forming unit is stored in the first image forming apparatus. Send. As a result, the user can recognize that there is second image data that has been forgotten to form an image for a relatively long time. When a valid period is set for the second image data, the user can recognize that there is second image data whose valid period is approaching. The specified period is preferably set shorter than the effective period by several days.

  In the image forming system, the second image forming apparatus includes a second image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, and the first control unit determines whether the second image forming unit can form an image. A status request process for transmitting a status request for requesting such information to the second image forming apparatus, and the second control unit receives the status request when the second transmission / reception unit receives the status request. 2 Executes whether or not the image forming unit can form an image to the first image forming apparatus. In the display processing, information indicating that the second image forming unit cannot form an image is executed. When the first transmission / reception unit receives the information, the fact that the second image forming apparatus cannot form an image may be displayed together with the information of the second image data.

  When displaying the second image data, the image forming system also displays that the second image forming apparatus cannot form an image. Thus, the user can recognize that there is second image data that cannot be formed by the second image forming apparatus.

  The image forming system includes a plurality of the second image forming apparatuses, the information request process transmits the information request to the plurality of second image forming apparatuses, and the display process includes the plurality of second image forming apparatuses. Information on the second image data received from the image forming apparatus may be displayed separately for each of the plurality of second image forming apparatuses.

  In this image forming system, information of second image data received from a plurality of second image forming apparatuses is displayed for each of the plurality of second image forming apparatuses. Accordingly, the user can recognize the second image data and the second image forming apparatus in association with each other.

  The invention disclosed in this specification includes various image forming methods, image forming apparatuses, computer programs for realizing the functions of these methods and apparatuses, and recording media on which the computer programs are recorded. It can be realized in a manner.

  Another image forming system disclosed in this specification is an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus and a server are connected to an external apparatus, and the image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium. An image forming unit; a receiving unit that receives related information related to image data; a transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the server; a display unit; and a control unit, wherein the server includes the image forming apparatus and the external unit. A server transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the device, a server storage unit, and a server control unit, wherein the control unit receives the related information from the reception unit, and receives the related information in the reception processing The server stores the related information received in the receiving process and the first image data transmission request associated with the image forming apparatus. A transmission request process to be transmitted and an image formation instruction process for outputting an image formation instruction to the recording medium of an image related to the first image data to the image formation part when the transmission / reception part receives the first image data An information request for requesting information as to whether or not second image data associated with the related information received in the receiving process and associated with the external device is stored in the storage unit. The server control unit executes the information request processing to be transmitted to the server, and when the server transmission / reception unit receives the transmission request, the server control unit performs the image formation on the first image data stored in the server storage unit. When the server transmission / reception unit receives the information request, the information of the second image data stored in the storage unit is stored in the image format. Information transmission processing to be transmitted to the apparatus, and the control unit further receives information on the second image data after the image formation instruction processing when the transmission / reception unit receives information on the second image data. Is displayed on the display unit.

  In the image forming system, after the image forming instruction of the first image data is output in the image forming apparatus, the information of the second image data stored in the external apparatus is displayed on the display unit. Thereby, the user of the image forming apparatus can recognize that the image data associated with the related information of the image data related to image formation is stored in the server in association with the external apparatus. Also, since the information on the second image data is displayed after the image formation instruction for the first image data is output, compared to the configuration displayed before the image formation instruction for the first image data is output, Since the image formation of the first image data is not hindered, it is possible to suppress the image formation not intended by the user.

  Further, another image forming system disclosed in this specification is an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus and a server are connected to an external apparatus having an external storage unit, and the image forming apparatus includes a recording medium An image forming unit that forms an image on the device, a receiving unit that receives related information related to image data, a transmitting / receiving unit that performs transmission / reception with the server, a display unit, a storage unit, and a control unit, The server includes a server transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the image forming apparatus and the external device, a server storage unit, and a server control unit, and the control unit receives the related information from the reception unit. When the related information is received in the receiving process, the image description relating to the first image data stored in the storage unit and associated with the related information received in the receiving process is performed. An image forming instruction process for outputting an image forming instruction to a medium to the image forming unit; and information on whether or not image data associated with the related information received in the receiving process is stored in the external device. Information request processing for transmitting a request for information to the server, and when the server transmitting / receiving unit receives the information request, the server control unit stores the information request in the information stored in the server storage unit. An information transmission process for transmitting information on the second image data stored in the external storage unit and associated with the related information received in the reception process to the image forming apparatus, The control unit further includes a table for displaying the information on the second image data on the display unit after the image formation instruction process when the transmission / reception unit receives the information on the second image data. Processing, to run.

  In the image forming system, after the image forming instruction of the first image data is output in the image forming apparatus, the information of the second image data stored in the external apparatus is displayed on the display unit. Thereby, the user of the image forming apparatus can recognize that the image data associated with the related information of the image data related to image formation is stored in the external apparatus. Also, since the information on the second image data is displayed after the image formation instruction for the first image data is output, compared to the configuration displayed before the image formation instruction for the first image data is output, Since the image formation of the first image data is not hindered, it is possible to suppress the image formation not intended by the user.

  According to the invention disclosed in this specification, it is possible to recognize image data stored in an image forming apparatus or the like.

Block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the system Flow chart showing image forming process Flow chart showing response processing Display example of secure image data Display example of secure image data Block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the system Flow chart showing response processing Flow chart showing information provision processing Flow chart showing image forming process Flow chart showing information provision processing

The system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.
As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 according to the present embodiment includes printers 10, 30, 50 and a terminal device 60 connected via a communication line 2. The system 1 is an example of an image forming system.

  The printer 10 is an example of a first image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus, and includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a non-volatile memory 14, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 15, an operation unit 21, a display unit 22, a network interface (hereinafter referred to as a network interface). , Network I / F) 23, image forming unit 24, and authentication device 25.

  The ROM 12 stores various programs for controlling the operation of the printer 10, and the various programs include, for example, a program for executing an image forming process described later. The nonvolatile memory 14 stores user information and the like described later in advance. The CPU 11 controls each unit of the printer 10 while storing the processing result in the RAM 13 or the nonvolatile memory 14 according to the program read from the ROM 12. The non-volatile memory 14 may be any rewritable memory such as NVRAM, flash memory, HDD, or EEPROM. As shown by a solid line 17 in FIG. 1, the CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, the nonvolatile memory 14, and the ASIC 15 are examples of the first control unit and the control unit. The ROM 12, the RAM 13, and the nonvolatile memory 14 are It is an example of a 1st memory | storage part and a memory | storage part.

  The operation unit 21 is an example of a reception unit, has a plurality of buttons, and can receive various input commands by the user. The display unit 22 includes a liquid crystal display, a lamp, and the like, and can display various images and information under the control of the CPU 11. The network I / F 23 is an example of a first transmission / reception unit and a transmission / reception unit, and is connected to the communication line 2 described above. Note that the existing communication line 2 may be an existing wired line or an existing wireless line. Accordingly, the printer 10 can communicate with the other printers 30 and 50 and the terminal device 60. For example, the image data is supplied from the terminal device 60 or the like, and the supplied image data is supplied and registered. The date is stored in the RAM 13 or the nonvolatile memory 14 in association with the registered date.

  The image forming unit 24 is an example of a first image forming unit and an image forming unit, and forms an image on a sheet under the control of the CPU 11 based on a specific format of image data stored in the RAM 13 or the nonvolatile memory 14. . A sheet is an example of a storage medium. The authentication device 25 reads authentication information for determining whether or not to log in to the printer 10, that is, whether or not the image forming unit 24 can be used. The authentication device 25 can read specific types of authentication information, and sends the read authentication information to the CPU 11. The authentication device 25 is an example of a receiving unit, and the authentication information is an example of related information.

  The printer 30 is an example of a second image forming apparatus, and includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a nonvolatile memory 34, an ASIC 35, an image processing circuit 36, an operation unit 41, a display unit 42, a network I / F 43, and an image forming unit 44. Prepare. The network I / F 43 is an example of a second transmission / reception unit, and the image forming unit 44 is an example of a second image forming unit.

  The ROM 32 stores various programs for controlling the operation of the printer 30, and the various programs include, for example, programs for executing response processing described later. The nonvolatile memory 34 stores a format of image data that can be formed by the image forming unit 24 of the printer 10. The CPU 31 controls each unit of the printer 30 while storing the processing result in the RAM 33 and the nonvolatile memory 34 according to the program read from the ROM 32. As shown by a solid line 37 in FIG. 1, the CPU 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, the nonvolatile memory 34, the ASIC 35, and the image processing circuit 36 are examples of the second control unit, and the ROM 32, the RAM 33, and the nonvolatile memory 34. Is an example of a second storage unit.

  The image processing circuit 36 is an example of a conversion unit. The image processing circuit 36 performs edge detection processing such as binarization processing and enhancement processing on the image data stored in the RAM 33 and the nonvolatile memory 34, and the format of the image data. Execute conversion processing to convert. In addition, about the structure which has the same name as the printer 10, the duplicate description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The printer 50 is another example of the second image forming apparatus, and has the same configuration as the printer 30. Therefore, the description of each component is omitted. The printers 30 and 50 are examples of a plurality of second image forming apparatuses.

  Hereinafter, the image forming process executed by the CPU 11 of the printer 10 and the response process executed by the CPU 31 of the printers 30 and 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. The image forming process is a process of forming an image on a sheet when an image forming command is received from a user, and is continuously executed when the printer 10 is powered on. When the image forming process is started, the CPU 11 first determines whether or not the printer 10 is to be logged in as shown in FIG. 2 (S2).

  In the login determination, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the authentication information is read by the authentication device. When the authentication information is read, the user information stored in the nonvolatile memory 14 is read. To match. When the authentication information has not been read by the authentication device, or when the authentication information has been read by the authentication device, but the authentication information does not match the user information (S2: NO), the CPU 11 logs off the printer 10. Maintain the state.

  The CPU 11 waits for image data to be supplied from the terminal device 60 during the logoff period of the printer 10 (S4). When the image data is received via the network I / F 23 (S4: YES), the CPU 11 stores the image data in the RAM 13 Or stored in the nonvolatile memory 14 (S6). When the image data is not supplied from the terminal device 60 (S4: NO), or when the image data supplied from the terminal device 60 is stored in the RAM 13 or the nonvolatile memory 14, the CPU 11 repeats the processing from S2. .

  Note that the image data supplied from the terminal device 60 includes secure image data that can be used only by a specific user, as well as image data that can be used by an unspecified user. The secure image data is associated with authentication information of a specific user, and the secure image data is formed when the authentication information read by the authentication device matches the authentication information associated with the secure image data. The part 24 enables image formation.

  On the other hand, when the authentication information is read by the authentication device and the authentication information matches the user information (S2: YES), the CPU 11 permits the login to the printer 10 and can use the image forming unit 24. Switch to state. Further, the CPU 11 displays on the display unit 22 a list of secure image data that enables image formation based on the authentication information, that is, a list of secure image data associated with the authentication information and stored in the RAM 13 or the nonvolatile memory 14. Display (S8).

  After displaying the list of secure image data, the CPU 11 waits for the user to select secure image data. The CPU 11 receives the secure image data selection result via the operation unit 21 (S10), and instructs the image forming unit 24 to form an image related to the selected secure image data on the sheet. The image is formed on the sheet (S12), and information on the image formation of the secure image data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 14. When instructing the image formation of the image related to the secure image data, the CPU 11 may request the authentication information again. Note that the authentication information input again may be a unique password set in the selected secure image data.

  Next, the CPU 11 transmits the authentication information read by the authentication device and the information request to the other printers 30 and 50, and the secure image data associated with the authentication information is stored in the other printers 30 and 50. Information on whether or not it has been made is requested (S14). When transmitting the information request, the CPU 11 also transmits the image data name of the secure image data related to image formation in S10.

  Further, the CPU 11 transmits a status request to the other printers 30 and 50, and requests information on whether or not the other printers 30 and 50 can form images (S16). Here, “image can be formed” means that an image can be formed using the image forming unit 44. For example, if an image can be formed using the image forming unit 44 even when logged off, image forming is possible. It is possible. On the other hand, if an image cannot be formed using the image forming unit 44 due to ink depletion or a failure of the image forming unit 44, the image cannot be formed. The CPU 11 transmits an information request and a status request to the printers 30 and 50, respectively.

  After transmitting the information request and the status request to the other printers 30 and 50, the CPU 11 waits for a response to be received from the other printers 30 and 50. Then, when receiving the response via the network I / F 23, the CPU 11 checks whether or not the received response includes the secure image data information (S20).

  If the received response does not contain information on secure image data, that is, if the secure image data associated with the authentication information read in the process of S2 is not stored in the other printers 30 and 50. (S20: NO), logout processing for logging off the printer 10 is executed (S38), and the processing from S2 is repeated. The logout process is executed after the image forming unit 24 completes image formation on the sheet of the image related to the secure image data.

  On the other hand, when the received response includes secure image data information (S20: YES), the CPU 11 displays the secure image data information included in the response on the display unit 22 (S22). The CPU 11 displays the secure image data information after the image formation instruction in S12.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the secure image data information includes the image data name including the format of the secure image data, the color setting of the secure image data, the data size, the registration date, and the like. As the secure image data information, for example, a thumbnail of secure image data may be displayed instead of the image data name.

  When displaying secure image data information, if the secure image data information is received from the printers 30 and 50, the CPU 11 classifies the printers 30 and 50, for example, hierarchical display for each printer 30 or 50. Then, the secure image data information is displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 11 displays the device names of the printers 30, 50, the number of secure image data stored in the printers 30, 50, and the printers 30, 50. , 50, the last registration date of the secure image data, etc. may be displayed, and the content shown in FIG. 4 may be displayed when one device name is selected.

  If the received response includes information indicating that image formation is not possible, the CPU 11 displays information indicating that the printers 30 and 50 are unable to form an image together with information on secure image data. As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 11 displays that the printers 30 and 50 cannot form images in association with the information of the secure image data divided for each printer 30 and 50.

  When the received response includes the same image data group that is a plurality of secure image data having the same name, the CPU 11 displays one secure image data selected from the same image data group as a representative. At the same time, the CPU 11 counts the number of secure image data included in the same image data group, and displays it in parentheses in association with the secure image data displayed on behalf of the counted number (see FIG. 4).

  After displaying the secure image data information, the CPU 11 waits for the user to input an image formation command or a deletion command within the reference time (S24, S26). When the CPU 11 receives an image formation command for selecting secure image data via the operation unit 21 (S24: YES), whether the selected secure image data includes secure image data selected from the same image data group or not. To check. When the secure image data selected from the same image data group is included in the selected secure image data, the CPU 11 further displays a request to input the number of image forming copies of the secure image data selected from the same image data group. 22 and accepts the input of the number of image forming copies.

  When the CPU 11 receives an image forming instruction including an input of the number of image forming copies, the CPU 11 transmits a transfer request together with the image data name of the selected secure image data to the other printers 30 and 50, and the selected secure image is selected. Data transfer is requested (S28).

  After transmitting the transfer request to the other printers 30 and 50, the CPU 11 waits for secure image data to be transferred from the other printers 30 and 50. When the secure image data is received via the network I / F 23, the CPU 11 temporarily stores the received secure image data in the RAM 13 or the nonvolatile memory 14 and also receives the secure image received by the image forming unit 24. An instruction is given to form an image related to the data on the sheet, and the image is formed on the sheet (S32).

  After the image formation instruction, the CPU 11 transmits a deletion request to the other printers 30 and 50 together with the image data name of the secure image data related to the image formation in S32, and requests the deletion of the secure image data (S34). After sending the deletion request, the CPU 11 executes logout processing (S38) and repeats the processing from S2.

  In addition, when the CPU 11 receives a delete command for selecting secure image data via the operation unit 21 (S24: NO, S26: YES), the image data of the secure image data selected for the other printers 30, 50 is received. A deletion request is transmitted together with the name, and the deletion of the selected secure image data is requested (S36). When the selected secure image data includes secure image data selected from the same image data group, the CPU 11 transmits a deletion request to all the secure image data included in the same image data group. After sending the deletion request, the CPU 11 executes logout processing (S38) and repeats the processing from S2.

  On the other hand, if neither the image formation command nor the deletion command is input by the user within the reference time (S24: NO, S26: NO), the CPU 11 executes logout processing (S38) and repeats the processing from S2. .

  Next, response processing executed by the CPU 31 of the printers 30 and 50 will be described. The response process is executed when login to another printer 10 is permitted. When the response process is started, the CPU 31 receives an information request (S14), a status request (S16), a transfer request (S28), a deletion request (S28) from the printer 10 via the network I / F 43 described above, as shown in FIG. S34, S36) are waited for to be received (S42: NO, S44: NO, S46: NO, S48: NO).

  When the CPU 31 receives the information request (S42: YES), the CPU 31 searches whether the secure image data associated with the authentication information received together with the information request is stored in the RAM 33 or the nonvolatile memory 34 (S52, S54). .

  When searching for secure image data, the CPU 31 refers to the image data name received together with the information request and searches for secure image data (S52). Specifically, secure image data having a name that at least partially matches the image data name is preferentially searched. For example, a part of the image data name is “February 25, 2014” , Secure image data having a name that differs only in the description of the date part is preferentially searched.

  Further, the CPU 31 stores the secure image data in the RAM 33 or the nonvolatile memory 34, that is, the storage period from the registration date of the secure image data, and the secure image data is image-formed by the image forming unit 44. The secure image data is searched with reference to the information on whether or not (S54). Specifically, the CPU 31 preferentially searches for secure image data in which the storage period of the secure image data is equal to or longer than a specified period and the image forming unit 44 has not formed an image.

  The CPU 31 compares the retrieved secure image data format with the image data format stored in the non-volatile memory 34, that is, the image data format that can be formed by the image forming unit 24, and an image in a compatible format. Data is selected (S56). At this time, the CPU 31 performs conversion processing of the image processing circuit 36 together with image data in which the format of the secure image data stored in the RAM 33 or the nonvolatile memory 34 matches the format of image data that can be formed by the image forming unit 24. Thus, secure image data in the form of image data that can be formed by the image forming unit 24 is selected. The CPU 31 transmits information on the selected secure image data to the printer 10 (S58).

  When the CPU 31 receives the status request (S44: YES), the CPU 31 determines the operation status of the image forming unit 44, and information indicating that the printers 30 and 50 can form an image or that the image cannot be formed. Information is transmitted to the printer 10 (S60). For example, when an event such as ink depletion or a failure of the image forming unit 44 has occurred, the CPU 31 transmits information indicating that image formation is not possible to the printer 10, and when these events have not occurred, the image is displayed. Information that can be formed is transmitted to the printer 10.

  When receiving the transfer request (S46: YES), the CPU 31 searches for secure image data having the image data name received together with the transfer request (S62). In addition, the CPU 31 compares the format of the searched secure image data with the format of image data that can be formed by the image forming unit 24 (S64). If the retrieved secure image data format matches the image data format that can be formed by the image forming unit 24 (S64: YES), the CPU 31 transmits the secure image data to the printer 10 (S68).

  On the other hand, when the retrieved secure image data format does not match the format of image data that can be formed by the image forming unit 24 (S64: NO), the CPU 31 uses the image processing circuit 36 to store the secure image data. The format is converted into an image data format that can be formed by the image forming unit 24 (S66), and the converted secure image data is transmitted to the printer 10 (S68).

  Further, when receiving the deletion request (S48: YES), the CPU 31 deletes the secure image data having the image data name received together with the deletion request from the RAM 33 and the nonvolatile memory 34 (S70). When deleting the secure image data, the CPU 31 may transmit a request for inputting authentication information to the printer 10 again.

  In the present embodiment described above, the CPU 11 stores the image data of the secure image data related to the authentication information stored in the printer 10 and read by the authentication device, and then stores the image in the printers 30 and 50 and relates to the authentication information. The information of the secure image data to be displayed is displayed on the display unit 22 (S22). Thereby, the user who has caused the printer 10 to read the authentication information can recognize that the secure image data associated with the authentication information is stored in the printers 30 and 50.

  In the present embodiment described above, the CPU 11 displays the information on the secure image data stored in the printers 30 and 50 after an image formation instruction (S12) for the secure image data stored in the printer 10. As a result, compared with the configuration displayed before the image formation instruction for the secure image data stored in the printer 10, the image formation process for the secure image data is delayed so that the user can avoid the delay. Unintended image formation can be suppressed.

  In the present embodiment described above, when receiving the deletion request from the printer 10, the CPU 31 deletes the secure image data having the image data name received together with the deletion request from the RAM 33 or the nonvolatile memory 34 (S70). Accordingly, unnecessary secure image data can be continuously stored in the RAM 33 and the nonvolatile memory 34, and the capacity of the RAM 33 and the nonvolatile memory 34 can be suppressed from being compressed.

  In the present embodiment described above, when the CPU 31 receives an information request from the printer 10, priority is given to secure image data having a name that at least partially matches the image data name received together with the information request from the RAM 33 or the nonvolatile memory 34. This is searched (S52) and transmitted to the printer 10 (S58). As a result, the user can recognize secure image data stored in the printers 30 and 50 that are no longer necessary when the secure image data stored in the printer 10 is formed, and efficiently delete it.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the CPU 11 receives an image formation command for secure image data stored in the printers 30 and 50 from the user, the CPU 11 issues a deletion request to the printers 30 and 50 after an image formation instruction for the secure image data. The secure image data is deleted from the RAM 33 or the nonvolatile memory 34. As a result, the secure image data stored in the printers 30 and 50 can be image-formed using the image forming unit 24 of the printer 10, and the secure image data that has become unnecessary by the image formation is stored in the RAM 33 of the printers 30 and 50. Or deleting from the non-volatile memory 34, it is possible to prevent the RAM 33 or the non-volatile memory 34 from being compressed.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the CPU 31 receives a transfer request from the printer 10, the secure image data format retrieved from the RAM 33 or the nonvolatile memory 34 is changed to the format of image data that can be formed by the image forming unit 24 of the printer 10. (S64), if it does not match, it is converted to a compatible format (S66). As a result, even if the format of the secure image data relating to the transfer request is not compatible with the image forming unit 24, the secure image data can be formed using the image forming unit 24.

  In the present embodiment described above, when the CPU 11 displays the secure image data information stored in the printers 30 and 50 on the display unit 22 (S22), the same image data group is included in the secure image data information. Is displayed in association with one secure image data selected from the same image data group and the number of secure image data included in the same image data group. The user can recognize from the display of the number that there are a plurality of secure image data having the same name as the displayed secure image data. The user can form an image using the secure image data selected and displayed when image formation of the secure image data is necessary. If the image formation is unnecessary, the user can form the same image data group. Can be deleted together.

  In the present embodiment described above, when the CPU 11 receives an image forming command for the same image data group from the user (S24: YES), the CPU 11 further receives an input of the number of image forming copies of secure image data related to the same image data group. When image forming instructions are received for a plurality of secure image data having the same name, the number of required image forming copies is unknown. Therefore, by accepting the image formation command, it is possible to suppress the image formation that is not intended by the user.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the CPU 31 receives an information request from the printer 10, the image of the printer 10 is stored among the secure image data stored in the printers 30 and 50 and associated with the authentication information read by the authentication device of the printer 10. Secure image data that matches the format of image data that can be formed by the forming unit 24 is selected (S56), and information about the selected secure image data is transmitted to the printer 10. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the display of secure image data information that cannot be formed by the image forming unit 24 of the printer 10 on the display unit 22 of the printer 10.

  In the present embodiment described above, when the CPU 31 retrieves secure image data from the RAM 33 or the nonvolatile memory 34 in response to an information request from the printer 10 (S54), the storage period of the secure image data is equal to or longer than the specified period. In addition, secure image data in which no image is formed by the image forming unit 44 is preferentially searched. As a result, the user can recognize that there is secure image data that has been forgotten to form an image for a relatively long time. When a valid period is set for secure image data, the user can recognize that there is secure image data whose valid period is approaching.

  In the present embodiment described above, when displaying the secure image data information stored in the printers 30 and 50 on the display unit 22 (S22), the CPU 11 displays that the printers 30 and 50 cannot form an image. As a result, the user can recognize that there is secure image data that cannot be formed by the stored printers 30 and 50.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the CPU 11 displays the secure image data information stored in the printers 30 and 50 on the display unit 22 (S22), the CPU 11 receives the secure image data information from the printers 30 and 50, respectively. If it is, the secure image data information is displayed separately for each of the printers 30 and 50. Thus, the user can recognize the secure image data and the printers 30 and 50 in association with each other.

  A system 1 according to another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a server 70 is provided, and image data stored in the RAMs 13 and 33 of the printers 10, 30 and 50 and the nonvolatile memories 14 and 34 are stored in the storage unit 72 of the server 70. It differs from the system 1 of the above embodiment in that information is stored. In the following description, duplicate descriptions are omitted for the same contents as in the above embodiment. In the present embodiment, the printers 30 and 50 are examples of external devices, and the RAM 33 and the nonvolatile memory 34 are examples of external storage units.

  The server 70 includes a CPU 71, a storage unit 72 such as a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk, and a network I / F 73. The storage unit 72 stores various programs for controlling the operation of the server 70. The various programs include, for example, a program for executing an information providing process described later. Further, the storage unit 72 stores a format of image data that can be formed by the image forming unit 24 of the printer 10. The CPU 71 controls each unit of the server 70 according to the program read from the storage unit 72.

  As shown by a solid line 74 in FIG. 6, the one including the CPU 71 and the storage unit 72 is an example of a server control unit, the storage unit 72 is an example of a server storage unit, and the network I / F 73 is a server transmission / reception unit. It is an example. In addition, about the structure which has the same name as the printer 10, the duplicate description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Hereinafter, an image forming process executed by the CPU 11 of the printer 10, a response process executed by the CPU 31 of the printers 30 and 50, and an information providing process executed by the CPU 71 of the server 70 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The image forming process of the present embodiment is different from the image forming process shown in FIG. 2 in that the transmission destination for transmitting various requests and the reception destination for receiving a response are different. In S <b> 14, S <b> 28, S <b> 34 and S <b> 36, the CPU 11 transmits an information request, a transfer request, and a deletion request to the server 70 instead of the other printers 30 and 50. Further, the CPU 11 receives secure image data information from the server 70 instead of the other printers 30 and 50, while receiving information indicating that the printers 30 and 50 cannot form images from the printers 30 and 50.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the response process of the present embodiment, since the printers 30 and 50 do not receive the information request, the CPU 31 of the printers 30 and 50 does not transmit the secure image data information. Further, compared with the response process shown in FIG. 3, the receiving destination for receiving various requests is different. In S <b> 46 and S <b> 48, the CPU 31 receives transfer requests and deletion requests from the server 70 instead of the other printers 30 and 50.

  Next, information providing processing executed by the CPU 71 of the server 70 will be described. The information providing process is executed when login to another printer 10 is permitted. When the CPU 71 starts the information providing process, as shown in FIG. 8, any one of an information request (S14), a transfer request (S28), and a deletion request (S34, S36) is received from the printer 10 via the network I / F 73. Waiting for reception (S72: NO, S74: NO, S76: NO).

  Upon receiving the information request (S72: YES), the CPU 71 searches for and selects secure image data from the storage unit 72 (S78 to S82) by the same process as that shown in S52 to S56 of FIG. Data information is transmitted to the printer 10 (S84). Note that when retrieving secure image data from the storage unit 72, the CPU 71 targets secure image data stored in the printers 30 and 50 and excludes secure image data stored in the printer 10 from the target.

  Further, when receiving the transfer request (S74: YES), the CPU 71 transfers the transfer request to the printers 30 and 50 together with the image data name received along with the transfer request (S86). In addition, when the CPU 71 receives the deletion request (S76: YES), the CPU 71 transfers the deletion request to the printers 30 and 50 together with the image data name received together with the deletion request (S88).

  In the present embodiment described above, the CPU 11 stores the image data of the secure image data related to the authentication information stored in the printer 10 and read by the authentication device, and then stores the image in the printers 30 and 50 and relates to the authentication information. The secure image data information to be received is received from the server 70 and displayed on the display unit 22 (S22). Thereby, the user who has caused the printer 10 to read the authentication information can recognize that the secure image data associated with the authentication information is stored in the printers 30 and 50.

  In the present embodiment described above, the CPU 11 receives information on secure image data stored in the printers 30 and 50 from the server 70 (S22). As a result, the processing load on the CPU 11 can be reduced as much as the processing of the CPU 11 that has received the information of the secure image data can be combined, compared to the configuration in which the image is received from the individual printers 30 and 50 and displayed. It is possible to suppress image formation that is not intended by the user.

  A system 1 according to another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a server 70 is provided, and image data is not stored in the RAMs 13 and 33 and the nonvolatile memories 14 and 34 of the printers 10, 30, and 50. 72 is different from the system 1 of the above embodiment in that image data is stored in 72. The storage unit 72 stores image data in association with each printer 10, 30, 50. In the following description, duplicate descriptions are omitted for the same contents as in the above embodiment. In the present embodiment, the printers 30 and 50 are examples of external devices.

  Hereinafter, the image forming process executed by the CPU 11 of the printer 10, the response process executed by the CPU 31 of the printers 30 and 50, and the information providing process executed by the CPU 71 of the server 70 will be described with reference to FIGS. .

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the image forming process of this embodiment, image data is not stored in the RAM 13 or the nonvolatile memory 14 of the printer 10. Therefore, when the authentication information is read by the authentication device and the authentication information matches the user information (S2: YES), the CPU 11 authenticates the authentication information read by the authentication device to the server 70 and the printer 10 An apparatus name and a transmission request are transmitted, and transmission of secure image data associated with the authentication information and the printer 10 is requested (S90).

  After transmitting a transmission request to the server 70, the CPU 11 waits for secure image data to be transmitted from the server 70. When the secure image data is received via the network I / F 23, the CPU 11 temporarily stores the received secure image data in the RAM 13 or the nonvolatile memory 14, and displays a list of the received secure image data on the display unit 22. (S8).

  Even in the image forming process of the present embodiment, the CPU 11 transmits the information request, transfer request, and deletion request to the server 70 instead of the other printers 30 and 50 in S14, S28, S34, and S36. To do. In S28, the CPU 11 receives secure image data information from the server 70 instead of the other printers 30 and 50, and receives information indicating that the printers 30 and 50 cannot form images from the printers 30 and 50.

  Further, in the image forming process of the present embodiment, since the printers 30 and 50 do not receive the information request, the CPU 31 of the printers 30 and 50 does not transmit secure image data information. In addition, since image data is not stored in the RAM 33 or the non-volatile memory 34 of the printers 30 and 50, the CPU 31 does not transfer or delete secure image data. For this reason, when receiving the status request, the CPU 31 executes only processing for transmitting to the printer 10 information indicating that the printers 30 and 50 are capable of image formation or information indicating that image formation is not possible.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the information providing process of this embodiment is different from the information providing process shown in FIG. 8 in that a transmission request is received. Therefore, when the information providing process is started, the CPU 71 sends one of a transmission request (S82), an information request (S14), a transfer request (S28), and a deletion request (S34, S36) from the printer 10 via the network I / F 73. Is received (S92: NO, S72: NO, S74: NO, S76: NO).

  When the CPU 71 receives the transmission request (S92: YES), the CPU 71 searches for the secure image data associated with the device name and authentication information received together with the transmission request (S94). The CPU 71 transmits the searched secure image data to the printer 10 (S96).

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the information providing process of the present embodiment, image data is stored in the storage unit 72 of the server 70, so that the secure image data is transferred and deleted by the CPU 71 of the server 70. Is done. Therefore, when the CPU 71 receives the transfer request (S74: YES), the CPU 71 searches and converts the secure image data from the storage unit 72 by the same process as the process shown in S62 to S66 in FIG. 3 (S98 to S102), The secure image data is transmitted to the printer 10 (S104).

  Further, when receiving the deletion request (S76: YES), the CPU 71 deletes the secure image data having the image data name received together with the deletion request from the storage unit 72 (S106).

  In the above-described embodiment, the CPU 11 instructs the image formation of secure image data related to the authentication information read by the printer 10 and the authentication device, and then information about the printers 30 and 50 and secure image data related to the authentication information. Is received from the server 70 and displayed on the display unit 22 (S22). Accordingly, the user who has caused the printer 10 to read the authentication information can recognize that the secure image data associated with the authentication information is stored in the server 70 in association with the printers 30 and 50.

  The technology disclosed in the present specification is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings, and includes, for example, the following various aspects.

  The “image forming apparatus” is not limited to a printer, and may be, for example, a multifunction machine having a scanning function in addition to a printing function. Similarly, the “external device” is not limited to a printer but may be a scanner having a scan function. Furthermore, the “external device” may be a device that does not have a printing function, a scanner function, or the like but has only a capacity for storing image data.

  The “related information” is not limited to the identification information, and may be the device name of the terminal device 60 that supplies the image data, for example.

  The “reception unit” is not limited to the operation unit 21, and the network I / F 23 corresponds to a reception unit when receiving various input commands from the user from the terminal device 60 via the network I / F 23.

  The “control unit” has a configuration in which each of the processes in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit has a configuration in which each process in FIG. 2 is executed by a plurality of CPUs, a configuration in which each process in FIG. The CPU and the hardware circuit may execute each process shown in FIG.

  In the above-described embodiment, the CPU 11 has shown an example in which an image request is transmitted to the other printers 30 and 50 after an image formation instruction for secure image data stored in the printer 10 is performed. The timing for transmitting the request is not limited to this. For example, when login to the printer 10 is permitted, an information request may be transmitted to the other printers 30 and 50.

  In the above-described embodiment, the CPU 11 has shown an example in which when the secure image data stored in the printer 10 is formed, the user requests selection of the secure image data. The secure image data associated with the authentication information thus obtained may be collectively formed.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the printers 30 and 50 do not have an authentication device has been described, but the printers 30 and 50 may have an authentication device in the same manner as the printer 10.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the format of image data that can be formed by the image forming unit 24 of the printer 10 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 34 of the printer 30 or 50 is described. The information request transmitted from the printer 10 to the printers 30 and 50 may be included in the information request.

  In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the information request and the status request transmitted from the printer 10 to the printers 30 and 50 are transmitted separately, but the present invention is not limited to this, and includes the contents of the information request and the status request. The information status request may be transmitted to the printers 30 and 50. The printers 30 and 50 may transmit information including image data information and image formable information to the printer 10 in response to receiving the information status request.

1: System, 10: Printer, 13: RAM, 14: Non-volatile memory, 21: Operation unit, 22: Display unit, 23: Network I / F, 24: Image forming unit, 25: Authentication device, 30, 50: Printer: 33: RAM, 34: Non-volatile memory, 36: Image processing circuit, 43: Network I / F, 44: Image forming unit, 70: Server, 72: Storage unit, 73: Network I / F

Claims (16)

An image forming system having a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus,
The first image forming apparatus includes:
A first image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium;
A receiver for receiving related information related to the image data;
A first transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the second image forming apparatus;
A display unit;
A first storage unit;
A first control unit,
The second image forming apparatus includes:
A second transmission / reception unit for performing transmission / reception with the first image forming apparatus;
A second storage unit;
A second control unit,
The first controller is
A receiving process for receiving the related information from the receiving unit;
When the related information is received in the receiving process, an image related to the first image data stored in the first storage unit and associated with the related information received in the receiving process is recorded on the recording medium. Image formation instruction processing for outputting an image formation instruction to the first image forming unit;
Information request processing for transmitting to the second image forming apparatus an information request for requesting information on whether or not image data associated with the related information received in the receiving process is stored in the second image forming apparatus. When,
Run
The second controller is
When the second transmission / reception unit receives the information request, information on the second image data stored in the second storage unit and associated with the related information received in the reception process is displayed. Information transmission processing to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus,
Run
The first control unit further includes:
A display process for displaying the information of the second image data on the display unit after the image formation instruction process when the first transmitter / receiver receives the information of the second image data;
Execute the image forming system. The image forming system according to claim 1,
The first image forming apparatus includes a reception unit,
The first controller is
A delete command receiving process for receiving a delete command of the second image data related to the information of the second image data displayed in the display process from the receiving unit;
A first deletion request process for transmitting, to the second image forming apparatus, a deletion request for the second image data that has received the deletion instruction when the deletion instruction is received in the deletion instruction reception process;
Run
The second controller is
A first deletion process for deleting the second image data related to the deletion request from the second storage unit when the second transmission / reception unit receives the deletion request for the second image data;
Execute the image forming system. The image forming system according to claim 2,
In the information request process, the name of the first image data that has output the image formation instruction in the image formation instruction process of the first image data together with the information request is transmitted to the second image forming apparatus,
In the information transmission process, the information of the second image data having a name at least partially matching the name of the first image data received by the second transmission / reception unit is transmitted to the first image forming apparatus. Forming system. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The first image forming apparatus includes a reception unit,
The first controller is
An image formation command reception process for receiving an image formation command for second image data related to the information of the second image data displayed in the display process from the reception unit;
A transfer request process for transmitting a transfer request for specific image data, which is the second image data for which the image forming command has been received, to the second image forming apparatus when an image forming command is received in the image forming command receiving process;
An additional image formation instruction process for outputting an image formation instruction to the recording medium of an image related to the specific image data to the first image formation section when the first transmission / reception unit receives the specific image data;
A second deletion request process for transmitting a deletion request for the specific image data to the second image forming apparatus when an image formation instruction is output in the additional image formation instruction process;
Run
The second controller is
A data transmission process for transmitting the specific image data to the first image forming apparatus when the second transmission / reception unit receives the transfer request;
A second deletion process for deleting the specific image data from the second storage unit when the second transmitting / receiving unit receives the deletion request for the specific image data;
Execute the image forming system. The image forming system according to claim 4,
The second image forming apparatus includes a conversion unit,
The second storage unit stores a format of image data that can be formed by the first image forming unit,
In the data transmission process, the conversion unit is used to transmit the specific image data converted into the image data format to the first image forming apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 4,
In the display process, when the same image data group as the plurality of second image data having the same name is included in the information of the second image data, one second image data selected from the same image data group And an image forming system for displaying the number of second image data included in the same image data group. The image forming system according to claim 6,
In the image forming command receiving process, when an image forming command for the same image data group is received, the image forming system further receives the number of copies of the second image data related to the same image data group. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The second storage unit stores a format of image data that can be formed by the first image forming unit,
In the information transmission process, an image forming system that transmits, to the first image forming apparatus, information on second image data that matches a format of the image data among the second image data. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The second image forming apparatus includes a second image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium,
In the information transmission process, the second image data in which the storage period stored in the second storage unit is equal to or longer than a predetermined period and the image is not formed in the second image forming unit. Information is transmitted to the first image forming apparatus. An image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The second image forming apparatus includes a second image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium,
The first controller is
A status request process for transmitting a status request for requesting information on whether or not the second image forming unit is capable of image formation to the second image forming apparatus;
Run
The second controller is
When the second transmission / reception unit receives the status request, whether or not the second image forming unit can form an image is transmitted to the first image forming apparatus.
Run
In the display process, when the first transmission / reception unit receives information indicating that the second image forming unit cannot form an image, the second image forming apparatus cannot form an image together with the information of the second image data. An image forming system that displays the effect. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A plurality of the second image forming apparatuses;
In the information request process, the information request is transmitted to the plurality of second image forming apparatuses,
In the display process, an image forming system that displays the information of the second image data received from the plurality of second image forming apparatuses for each of the plurality of second image forming apparatuses. An image forming method for forming an image using an image forming system having a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus,
The first image forming apparatus includes:
A first image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium;
A receiver for receiving related information related to the image data;
A first transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the second image forming apparatus;
A display unit;
A first storage unit,
The second image forming apparatus includes:
A second transmission / reception unit for performing transmission / reception with the first image forming apparatus;
A second storage unit,
The image forming method includes:
A receiving step of receiving the related information using the receiving unit;
When the related information is received in the receiving step, an image related to the first image data stored in the first storage unit and associated with the related information received in the receiving step is recorded on the recording medium. An image formation instruction step for outputting an image formation instruction to the first image forming unit;
An information requesting step for causing the second image forming apparatus to transmit an information request for requesting information as to whether or not the image data associated with the related information received in the receiving step is stored in the second image forming apparatus. When,
When the information request is received by the second transmission / reception unit, information on the second image data stored in the second storage unit and associated with the related information received in the reception step is displayed. An information transmission step for transmitting to one image forming apparatus;
A display step of displaying the information of the second image data on the display unit after the image formation instruction step when the information of the second image data is received by the first transmission / reception unit;
An image forming method. An image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium;
A receiver for receiving related information related to the image data;
A transmission / reception unit for transmission / reception with an external device;
A display unit;
A storage unit;
A control unit;
With
The controller is
A receiving process for receiving the related information from the receiving unit;
When the related information is received in the receiving process, the image formation on the recording medium of the image related to the first image data stored in the storage unit and associated with the related information received in the receiving process Image formation instruction processing for outputting an instruction to the image forming unit;
An information request process for transmitting to the external device an information request for requesting information on whether image data associated with the related information received in the receiving process is stored in the external device;
The second image data after the image formation instruction processing when the transmission / reception unit receives information on the second image data stored in the external device and associated with the related information received in the reception process. Display processing for displaying the information on the display unit;
An image forming apparatus that executes An image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium;
A receiver for receiving related information related to the image data;
A transmission / reception unit for transmission / reception with an external device;
A display unit;
A storage unit;
In a computer used for an image forming apparatus comprising:
A receiving process for receiving the related information from the receiving unit;
When the related information is received in the receiving process, the image formation on the recording medium of the image related to the first image data stored in the storage unit and associated with the related information received in the receiving process Image formation instruction processing for outputting an instruction to the image forming unit;
An information request process for transmitting to the external device an information request for requesting information on whether image data associated with the related information received in the receiving process is stored in the external device;
The second image data after the image formation instruction processing when the transmission / reception unit receives information on the second image data stored in the external device and associated with the related information received in the reception process. Display processing for displaying the information on the display unit;
A program that executes An image forming system in which an image forming apparatus and a server are connected to an external device,
The image forming apparatus includes:
An image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium;
A receiver for receiving related information related to the image data;
A transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the server;
A display unit;
A control unit,
The server
A server transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the image forming apparatus and the external device;
A server storage unit;
A server control unit,
The controller is
A receiving process for receiving the related information from the receiving unit;
When the related information is received in the receiving process, a transmission request for the related information received in the receiving process and the first image data associated with the image forming apparatus is received in the server storage unit. A transmission request process to be transmitted to the server;
An image formation instruction process for outputting an image formation instruction to the recording medium of an image related to the first image data when the transmission / reception unit receives the first image data;
An information request for requesting information as to whether or not second image data associated with the related information received in the receiving process and associated with the external device is stored in the storage unit is transmitted to the server. Information request processing,
Run
The server control unit
A first data transmission process for transmitting the first image data stored in the server storage unit to the image forming apparatus when the server transmission / reception unit receives the transmission request;
An information transmission process for transmitting information on the second image data stored in the storage unit to the image forming apparatus when the server transmission / reception unit receives the information request;
Run
The control unit further includes:
A display process for displaying the information of the second image data on the display unit after the image formation instruction process when the transmission / reception unit receives the information of the second image data;
Execute the image forming system. An image forming system in which an image forming apparatus and a server are connected to an external apparatus having an external storage unit,
The image forming apparatus includes:
An image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium;
A receiver for receiving related information related to the image data;
A transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the server;
A display unit;
A storage unit;
A control unit,
The server
A server transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the image forming apparatus and the external device;
A server storage unit;
A server control unit,
The controller is
A receiving process for receiving the related information from the receiving unit;
When the related information is received in the receiving process, the image formation on the recording medium of the image related to the first image data stored in the storage unit and associated with the related information received in the receiving process Image formation instruction processing for outputting an instruction to the image forming unit;
An information request process for transmitting to the server an information request for requesting information as to whether image data associated with the related information received in the receiving process is stored in the external device;
Run
The server control unit
When the server transmission / reception unit receives the information request, the server transmission / reception unit is associated with the related information stored in the external storage unit and received in the reception process based on the information stored in the server storage unit. Information transmission processing for transmitting the information of the second image data received to the image forming apparatus;
Run
The control unit further includes:
A display process for displaying the information of the second image data on the display unit after the image formation instruction process when the transmission / reception unit receives the information of the second image data;
Execute the image forming system.

Images