JP6264223B2 - Image forming system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and an image forming method, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and an image forming method connected to a network.

Conventionally, there are image forming apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals (MFPs) capable of printing documents and images.
Conventionally, there is an image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses that can communicate on a network.

  Patent Document 1 describes an image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a host apparatus are connected via a network. In the system of Patent Document 1, the host device determines whether or not the state of the image forming apparatus is in the energy saving mode (low power consumption state). If the image forming apparatus is in the low power consumption state, the state of the other image forming apparatus is checked and printed. When an image forming apparatus in a printable state is found out, a print instruction is given to the image forming apparatus so that printing can be performed quickly.

JP 2001-117734 A

  However, the technique of Patent Document 1 requires a complicated process of searching for a printable image forming apparatus from the host device.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus that solves the above-described problems.

The image forming system of the present invention is an image forming system including a plurality of image forming equipment which can communicate via a network, each of said image forming apparatus includes a storage means for printing data is stored, immediately printing A print data storage unit that stores print data that does not need to be stored in the storage unit in a print-waiting state, and a state in which printing is immediately performed when printing a plurality of print data in a state of being immediately printed in the own device Each time printing of the one print data is performed, a print execution notification means for notifying the other image forming apparatus of a print execution notification, and when the print execution notification is received from another image forming apparatus , to the image forming apparatus of the transmission source of the print execution notification, after sending the attribute data of the print data waiting for printing, the print waiting state in accordance with the free capacity of the storage means A print data transmitting means for transmitting printing data, from said print execution notification said other image forming apparatus that receives, receives attribute data of the print data waiting for printing, print wait states included in the attribute data A print data receiving means for comparing the print data capacity of the device and the free capacity of the storage means of the device, and receiving the print data waiting for printing from another image forming apparatus according to the free capacity ; When there is the print data in a state of being printed immediately on the own device, printing is started by the print data receiving unit each time printing of one of the print data in a state of being printed immediately is executed on the own device. characterized in that it comprises an image forming means for printing the print data waiting for printing of the received said other image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus that performs printing issues a notification, and print data in a print waiting state stored in another device that has received the notification is received to form an image, thereby requiring complicated processing. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that does not.

1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart of the power saving printing process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the power saving printing process which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

<Embodiment>
[System Configuration of Image Forming System X]
First, the system configuration of the image forming system X will be described with reference to FIG.
The image forming system X includes image forming apparatuses 1 a and 1 b and a terminal 2.
The image forming apparatuses 1 a and 1 b are image forming apparatuses such as MFPs or single function printers that can communicate via the network 5. In the following, the image forming apparatus 1a is an own apparatus that executes printing, and the image forming apparatus 1b is an example of another apparatus that accumulates print data 300b (FIG. 4) that is not urgent (immediate). Will be described. Further, when describing either the image forming apparatus 1a or the image forming apparatus 1b, it is simply referred to as the image forming apparatus 1.
The terminal 2 is a terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer), a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PDA (Personal Data Assistant), or a network scanner. The terminal 2 creates print data 300b, gives instructions to each image forming apparatus 1, and the like.
The network 5 is a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The network 5 may be a mobile phone network, a PHS network, or the like.
Note that a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 and terminals 2 may be provided. The image forming apparatus 1 may also include a plurality of own devices and other devices.

[Entire Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 1]
Next, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1a or the image forming apparatus 1b will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image processing unit 11, a document reading unit 12, a document feeding unit 13, a conveyance unit (a paper feed roller 42 b, a conveyance roller pair 44, a discharge roller pair 45), a network transmission / reception unit 15, and an operation panel unit 16. The image forming unit 17 (image forming unit), the storage unit 19 and the like are connected to the control unit 10. The operation of each unit is controlled by the control unit 10.

The control unit 10 includes a general purpose processor (GPP), a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific processor (ASIC). Information processing means such as a processor for a specific application).
The control unit 10 reads out a control program stored in the ROM or HDD of the storage unit 19, develops the control program in the RAM, and executes it to operate as each unit that realizes functions to be described later. Further, the control unit 10 controls the entire apparatus in accordance with predetermined instruction information input from an external terminal (not shown) or the operation panel unit 16.

The image processing unit 11 is control arithmetic means such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The image processing unit 11 is a unit that performs predetermined image processing on image data, and performs various types of image processing such as enlargement / reduction, density adjustment, gradation adjustment, and image improvement.
The image processing unit 11 stores the image read by the document reading unit 12 in the storage unit 19 as print data 300a, 300b (FIG. 4) or the like. At this time, the image processing unit 11 can also convert the print data 300a, 300b and the like into a file unit of a format such as PDF or TIFF.

The document reading unit 12 is a (scan) unit that reads a set document.
The document feeding unit 13 is a unit that transports a document read by the document reading unit 12.
The image forming unit 17 is a unit that forms an image on a recording sheet from data stored in the storage unit 19 and read by the document reading unit 12 or acquired from an external terminal according to a user output instruction. The image forming unit 17 forms an image of the print data 300a and 300b acquired by the print data receiving unit 100 (FIG. 4).
The transport unit transports the recording paper from the paper feed cassette 42a (FIG. 3), causes the image forming unit 17 to form an image, and then transports the recording paper to the stack tray 50.
The operations of the document reading unit 12, the document feeding unit 13, the transport unit, and the image forming unit 17 will be described later.

The network transmission / reception unit 15 is a network connection unit including a LAN board, a wireless transmission / reception device, and the like for connecting to the network 5 (FIG. 1).
The network transmission / reception unit 15 transmits / receives data on a data communication line and transmits / receives voice signals on a voice telephone line.

The operation panel unit 16 includes a display unit such as an LCD, a numeric keypad, a start button, a cancel button, a button for switching an operation mode such as copying, FAX transmission, and a scanner, and a job related to printing, transmission, storage, and recording of a selected document. And an input unit such as a button or a touch panel for giving an instruction related to the execution of.
The operation panel unit 16 acquires instructions for various jobs of the image forming apparatus 1 by the user. It is also possible to input and change information of each user according to user instructions acquired from the operation panel unit 16.

The storage unit 19 is a storage unit that uses a semiconductor memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a recording medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).
Even if the RAM of the storage unit 19 is in a power saving state, the stored contents are held by a function such as self-refresh.
A control program for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is stored in the ROM and HDD of the storage unit 19. The storage unit 19 stores model-specific information of the image forming apparatus 1, installation location information, IP address, administrator address, and other setting information. The storage unit 19 also stores information on each unit of the image forming apparatus 1, such as the remaining amount of toner, the remaining amount, type, and size of recording paper in the paper feed cassette 42a (FIG. 3), finisher and sorter for post-processing. The state information such as the presence / absence and the state is stored. The storage unit 19 may also store user account settings. Further, the storage unit 19 may include a document box area for each user.

In the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 10 and the image processing unit 11 may be integrally formed, such as a CPU with a built-in GPU or a chip-on-module package.
The control unit 10 and the image processing unit 11 may include a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, and the like.
Further, the image forming apparatus 1 may include a FAX transmission / reception unit that performs facsimile transmission / reception.
Further, the image forming apparatus 1 may include a post-processing device such as a finisher or a sorter.

[Operation of Image Forming Apparatus 1]
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The document reading unit 12 is arranged on the upper part of the main body unit 14, and the document feeding unit 13 is arranged on the upper side of the document reading unit 12. The stack tray 50 is disposed on the recording paper discharge port 41 side formed in the main body unit 14, and the operation panel unit 16 is disposed on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1.

The document reading unit 12 includes a scanner 12a, a platen glass 12b, and a document reading slit 12c. The scanner 12 a includes an exposure lamp, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) imaging sensor, and the like, and is configured to be movable in the document transport direction by the document feeder 13.
The platen glass 12b is an original table made of a transparent member such as glass. The document reading slit 12 c has a slit formed in a direction orthogonal to the document transport direction by the document feeding unit 13.

When reading a document placed on the platen glass 12b, the scanner 12a is moved to a position facing the platen glass 12b, and reads the document while scanning the document placed on the platen glass 12b to obtain image data. The acquired image data is output to the control unit 10 (FIG. 2) provided in the main body unit 14.
When reading the document conveyed by the document feeding unit 13, the scanner 12a is moved to a position facing the document reading slit 12c, and the document feeding unit 13 conveys the document through the document reading slit 12c. The document is read in synchronization with the operation to acquire image data, and the acquired image data is output to the control unit 10 provided in the main body unit 14.

The document feeding unit 13 includes a document placement unit 13a, a document discharge unit 13b, and a document transport mechanism 13c. The originals placed on the original placement unit 13a are sequentially fed out one by one by the original conveyance mechanism 13c, conveyed to a position facing the original reading slit 12c, and then discharged to the original discharge unit 13b.
The document feeding unit 13 is configured to be retractable, and the upper surface of the platen glass 12b can be opened by lifting the document feeding unit 13 upward.

The main body unit 14 includes the image forming unit 17, and includes a paper feeding unit 42, a paper conveyance path 43, a conveyance roller pair 44, and a discharge roller pair 45. The paper feed unit 42 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 42 a that store recording papers of different sizes or orientations, and a paper feed roller 42 b that feeds the recording papers one by one from the paper feed cassette 42 a to the paper transport path 43. Yes. The paper feed roller 42b, the transport roller pair 44, and the discharge roller pair 45 function as a transport unit. The recording paper is conveyed by this conveyance unit.
The recording paper fed to the paper transport path 43 by the paper feed roller 42 b is transported to the image forming unit 17 by the transport roller pair 44. Then, the recording paper on which recording is performed by the image forming unit 17 is discharged to the stack tray 50 by the discharge roller pair 45.

  The image forming unit 17 includes a photosensitive drum 17a, an exposure unit 17b, a developing unit 17c, a transfer unit 17d, and a fixing unit 17e. The exposure unit 17b is an optical unit including a laser device, a mirror, a lens, an LED array, and the like, and outputs light or the like based on image data to a photosensitive drum 17a that is primarily charged by a charging unit (not shown). And an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 17a. The developing unit 17c is a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 17a using toner, and forms a toner image based on the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 17a. The transfer unit 17d transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 17a by the developing unit 17c to a recording sheet. The fixing unit 17e heats the recording paper onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer unit 17d by heating means such as a heating wire or an IH heater to fix the toner image on the recording paper.

[Control Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 1a and Image Forming Apparatus 1b]
Here, the control configuration of the image forming apparatus 1a and the image forming apparatus 1b of the image forming system X will be described with reference to FIG.
The control unit 10a of the image forming apparatus 1a (own device) includes a print data receiving unit 100 (print data receiving unit) and a print execution notification unit 110 (print execution notification unit).
The storage unit 19a of the image forming apparatus 1a stores print data 300a and attribute data 310a, print data 300b, and attribute data 310b.
The control unit 10b of the image forming apparatus 1b (other device) includes a print data storage unit 120 (print data storage unit) and a print data transmission unit 130 (print data transmission unit).
The storage unit 19b of the image forming apparatus 1b stores print data 300a and attribute data 310a.

The print data receiving unit 100 receives the print data 300b in an urgent print waiting state stored in the image forming apparatus 1b that has received the notification from the print execution notification unit 110.
The print data receiving unit 100 receives the attribute data 310b, and compares the capacity of the print data 300b with the free capacity of the storage unit 19 based on the attribute data 310b. As a result, when the free space of the storage unit 19 is sufficient, the print data receiving unit 100 may transmit a transmission permission notification to the image forming apparatus 1b. In this case, the print data receiving unit 100 receives the print data 300b from the image forming apparatus 1b that has received the transmission permission notification.
The print data receiving unit 100 receives print data 300a from the terminal 2 (FIG. 1), the document reading unit 12 (FIG. 2), a FAX transmission / reception unit, a recording medium connected to the outside, or another image forming apparatus 1. You may acquire and memorize | store in the memory | storage part 19a.

The print execution notification unit 110 notifies the image forming apparatus 1b that printing is to be executed.
When printing the print data 300a, the print execution notification unit 110 transmits a print execution notification to the network 5 (FIG. 1) by broadcasting or the like.

The print data accumulation unit 120 accumulates print data 300b that does not need to be printed immediately in a print waiting state.
The print data storage unit 120 acquires the print data 300b from the terminal 2 (FIG. 1), the document reading unit 12 (FIG. 2), a FAX transmission / reception unit, an externally connected recording medium, or other image forming apparatus 1. And stored in the storage unit 19b.

The print data transmission unit 130 transmits the print data 300b stored in the storage unit 19 by the print data storage unit 120 when receiving a print execution notification when the image forming apparatus 1a executes printing via the network 5. To do.
At this time, the print data transmission unit 130 transmits the attribute data 310b to the image forming apparatus 1a before transmitting the print data 300b and receives the print permission notification from the image forming apparatus 1a only. You may send it.

  The print data 300 a and 300 b are job data such as printing stored in the storage unit 19. The print data 300a and 300b include PDL (Page Description Language) data created and acquired by the terminal 2, electronic document format data such as PDF (Portable Document Format), and the document reading unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 1 (FIG. 2). It may be image data such as jpg, GIF, or bitmap acquired from a FAX transmission / reception unit, a recording medium connected to the outside, or the like. Hereinafter, when any one of the print data 300a and 300b is described, it is simply referred to as the print data 300.

The attribute data 310a and 310b includes the capacity, type, print waiting time, print designation destination information, transmission destination information, various setting data such as the file size of the print data 300a and the size when compressed and decompressed, and character data that is not directly printed. This includes information such as metadata. Hereinafter, when any one of the attribute data 310a and 310b is described, it is simply referred to as the attribute data 310.
More specifically, the type of the attribute data 310 is information corresponding to the file format of the print data 300 or the like.
The allowable printing waiting time of the attribute data 310 is information for designating a time when printing is desired by the user. That is, for the unprocessed print data 300 stored in the storage unit 19, the print process is executed when the print waiting allowable time has elapsed. As the print waiting allowable time, for example, in the case of the print data 300 to be printed immediately, a short time value of about 0 seconds to several seconds may be set. In the case of the print data 300 set by the user as not urgent, a time value of about several minutes to several hours may be set as the print waiting allowable time. Further, an actual printing time may be set for the print waiting allowable time.
In the print designation destination information of the attribute data 310, a value as to whether or not to designate the image forming apparatus 1 that prints the print data 300 is set. Further, as a print designation destination information, a specific image forming apparatus 1 is designated, and information such as an installation location allowed when printing is performed by a device other than the image forming apparatus 1 and a distance on the network 5, and image formation to be printed. Information such as the type and capability value of the device 1 may be included.
The transmission destination information of the attribute data 310 is information such as the user ID, the department type, and the IP address of the terminal 2. Further, the destination information may include an e-mail address of the user, an address such as a messenger, and the like.
Various setting data of the attribute data 310 includes information such as the file name, creation time, update time, and browsing time of the print data 300. Further, as various setting data, information such as whether the print data 300 is transmitted from the terminal 2, read by the document reading unit 12, acquired from an external recording medium, or transmitted from another image forming apparatus. May also be included. The various setting data may include property information such as the size and orientation of the recording paper to be printed, type information such as black and white / color printing, aggregate printing, poster printing, and post-processing designation.

In the example of FIG. 4, the print data storage unit 120 stores print data 300 b in a print waiting state that does not need to be printed immediately in the storage unit 19 b of the image forming apparatus 1 b that is another device. That is, the attribute data 310b of the print data 300b is set by the user to indicate that the print waiting allowable time is “immediate” and the image forming apparatus 1 to be printed is not designated as print designation destination information.
Further, the print data 300a ready to be printed is acquired by the print data receiving unit 100 and stored in the storage unit 19a of the image forming apparatus 1a that is the device itself. That is, in the attribute data 310a of the print data 300a, a short time value is set as the print waiting allowable time.

Here, the control unit 10a of the image forming apparatus 1a is caused to function as the print data receiving unit 100 and the print execution notifying unit 110 by executing the control program stored in the storage unit 19a.
Further, the control unit 10b of the image forming apparatus 1b is caused to function as the print data storage unit 120 and the print data transmission unit 130 by executing the control program stored in the storage unit 19b.
Each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 is a hardware resource for executing the image forming method of the present invention.
When the image forming apparatus 1a is another device, the control unit 10a may execute the print data storage unit 120 and the print data transmission unit 130. When the image forming apparatus 1b is the own device, the control unit 10b uses the print data. The reception unit 100 and the print execution notification unit 110 may be executed. With this configuration, the own device and the other device can be dynamically switched, so that the cost can be reduced.

[Power-saving printing process by image forming system X]
Next, referring to FIG. 5, the power saving printing process by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In this power-saving printing process, when the image forming apparatus 1a which is its own device acquires the print data 300a and starts printing, a print execution notification is sent to the image forming apparatus 1b which is another device on the same network 5. . The image forming apparatus 1b receives the print execution notification, and transmits the accumulated attribute data 310b of the urgent print data 300b to the image forming apparatus 1a. Upon receiving the attribute data 310b, the image forming apparatus 1a transmits a print data transmission request to the image forming apparatus 1b if there is free space in the storage unit 19a corresponding to the print data 300b. When receiving the print data transmission request, the image forming apparatus 1b transmits the print data 300b to the image forming apparatus 1a. The image forming apparatus 1 a receives the print data 300 b and causes the image forming unit 17 to form an image.
In the power-saving printing process of the present embodiment, the control unit 10 of each image forming apparatus 1 mainly executes a program stored in the storage unit 19 using hardware resources in cooperation with each unit.
Hereinafter, details of the power saving printing process will be described step by step with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Step S101)
The processing of the image forming apparatus 1a will be described.
First, the print data receiving unit 100 performs print data acquisition processing.
For example, the print data receiving unit 100 causes the document reading unit 12 to read a document set in the document feeding unit 13 and acquires the print data 300a.
Further, the print data receiving unit 100 may acquire the print data 300a from the terminal 2 or another image forming apparatus 1 via a network. When the print data 300a is acquired from the terminal 2, the print data 300a is created according to an instruction of application software executed on the terminal 2. Further, the control unit 10 may acquire the print data 300a that already exists in the connected external recording medium, the user's document box in the storage unit 19a, or the like. The print data receiving unit 100 may acquire or create the attribute data 310a when acquiring the print data 300a.
The print data receiving unit 100 executes printing by causing the image forming unit 17 to start image formation of the acquired print data 300a. At this time, the print data receiving unit 100 refers to the attribute data 310a of the print data 300a, and starts image formation of the print data 300a when the condition of the attribute data 310a is satisfied.
The print data receiving unit 100 may acquire the image data received by facsimile as the print data 300a.

(Step S102)
Here, the print execution notification unit 110 performs a print execution notification transmission process.
When the image formation of the print data 300a is started, the print execution notifying unit 110 notifies the image forming apparatus 1b on the same network 5 that the print has been executed (timing T101).
Note that the print execution notification unit 110 can transmit a print execution notification immediately after printing of the print data 300a is started. The print execution notification unit 110 can also transmit a print execution notification after printing, as will be described later.

(Step S201)
Here, processing of the image forming apparatus 1b which is another device will be described.
The print data transmission unit 130 of the image forming apparatus 1b performs print execution notification reception processing.
The print data transmission unit 130 receives a print execution notification from the image forming apparatus 1 a via the network 5.

(Step S202)
Next, the print data transmission unit 130 determines whether there is accumulated print data 300b. In the print data transmission unit 130, the urgent print data 300b is stored in the storage unit 19b, and the print designation destination information of the attribute data 310b does not designate the image forming apparatus 1 to be printed or the image forming apparatus 1a has If it is specified, it is determined as Yes. In other cases, the print data transmission unit 130 determines No.
In the case of Yes, the print data transmission unit 130 proceeds with the process to step S203.
In the case of No, the print data transmission unit 130 ends the process of the image forming apparatus 1b in the power saving printing process.

(Step S203)
When there is accumulated print data 300b, the print data transmission unit 130 performs attribute data transmission processing.
The print data transmission unit 130 transmits the attribute data 310b to the image forming apparatus 1a. At this time, the print data transmission unit 130 sends the attribute data 310b of the print data 300b including the capacity information of the print data 300b (timing T201).

(Step S103)
Here, the processing of the image forming apparatus 1a which is the device itself will be described again.
The print data receiving unit 100 performs attribute data reception processing.
The print data receiving unit 100 receives the attribute data 310b via the network 5, and compares the capacity of the print data 300b with the free capacity of the storage unit 19a. Further, the print data receiving unit 100 may compare the attribute data 310b with information and status information of each unit of the image forming apparatus 1a.

(Step S104)
Next, the print data receiving unit 100 determines whether or not the free space of the storage unit 19a is sufficient. The print data receiving unit 100 determines Yes when the storage capacity of the storage unit 19a is sufficient to print the print data 300b. The print data receiving unit 100 determines No when the storage capacity of the storage unit 19a is insufficient to print the print data 300b. Further, the print data receiving unit 100 determines No when it is impossible to print the print data 300b based on a comparison between the attribute data 310b and the information and status information of each unit of the image forming apparatus 1a. Also good. In this case, for example, the print data receiving unit 100 does not have a sufficient amount of remaining toner, no recording paper for printing the print data 300b in the paper feed cassette 42a, or the distance between the other device and the own device is not allowed. If the type or capability value of the own device is not allowed, No is determined.
In the case of Yes, the print data receiving unit 100 proceeds with the process to step S105.
In the case of No, the print data receiving unit 100 proceeds with the process to step S108. At this time, the print data receiving unit 100 may transmit a print data transmission rejection notice for rejecting the print data transmission to the image forming apparatus 1b.

(Step S105)
When the free space in the storage unit 19 is sufficient, the print execution notification unit 110 performs print data transmission request processing.
The print execution notifying unit 110 transmits a print data transmission request to the image forming apparatus 1b and instructs to transmit the print data 300b (timing T102).

(Step S204)
Here, the processing of the image forming apparatus 1b will be described again.
The print data transmission unit 130 of the image forming apparatus 1b determines whether a print data transmission request has been received. The print data transmission unit 130 determines Yes when a print data transmission request is received within a specific time. In other cases, that is, when the print data transmission request is not received within a specific time, or when the print data transmission rejection notification is received, the print data transmission unit 130 determines No.
In the case of Yes, the print data transmission unit 130 proceeds with the process to step S205.
In the case of No, the print data transmission unit 130 ends the process of the image forming apparatus 1b in the power saving printing process.

(Step S205)
When the print data transmission request is received, the print data transmission unit 130 performs print data transmission processing.
The print data transmission unit 130 transmits the print data 300b to the image forming apparatus 1a via the network 5 (timing T202).

(Step S106)
Here, the processing of the image forming apparatus 1a will be described again.
The print data receiving unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 1a performs a print data receiving process.
The print data receiving unit 100 receives the print data 300 b from the image forming apparatus 1 b via the network 5 and temporarily stores it in the storage unit 19. The print data receiving unit 100 analyzes and renders PDL or the like of the print data 300b while referring to the attribute data 310b.

(Step S107)
Next, the image forming unit 17 and the print data receiving unit 100 perform image forming processing.
The image forming unit 17 forms an image of the data on which the print data 300b is drawn on a recording sheet. The image-formed recording paper is post-processed and output when post-processing is necessary.
Thereafter, the print data receiving unit 100 notifies the image forming apparatus 1b that printing has been completed (timing T103).
At this time, the print data receiving unit 100 may transmit information of the image forming apparatus 1a on which the print data 300b is formed to the terminal 2 (FIG. 1). Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1b that has received the notification that printing has been completed may delete the accumulated print data 300b.

(Step S108)
Next, the print data receiving unit 100 determines whether the print data 300 that has not been printed exists in another device. The print data receiving unit 100 determines Yes when there is print data 300 that has not been transmitted from another device and has not been transmitted due to the free space of the storage unit 19a or the like. In addition, the print data receiving unit 100 solves these situations and the like for the print data 300 that has not transmitted the print data transmission request due to, for example, the toner amount, the shortage of the recording paper, the information of each unit or the status information. If yes, it may be determined as Yes. In other cases, the print data receiving unit 100 determines No.
In the case of Yes, the print data receiving unit 100 returns the process to step S102 and transmits the print execution notification again. That is, the print data receiving unit 100 can also transmit a print execution notification after printing.
In the case of No, the print data receiving unit 100 ends the process of the image forming apparatus 1a in the power saving printing process.
Thus, the power saving printing process according to the embodiment of the present invention is completed.

[Example of power-saving printing process]
An example in the power-saving printing process according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the same image forming apparatus 1a as shown in FIG. 4 is connected to the network 5 as its own device, and the image forming apparatus 1b and the image forming apparatus 1c are connected as other devices. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1b and the image forming apparatus 1c have the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 1b shown in FIG.
More specifically, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1a prints print data 301a and 302a as job data.
Further, the image forming apparatus 1b accumulates urgent print data 301b, 302b, and 303b. Further, the image forming apparatus 1c accumulates urgent print data 301c.

According to FIG. 6A, first, the image forming apparatus 1a transmits a print execution notification via the network 5 when printing the print data 301a.
In response to this, the image forming apparatuses 1b and 1c that have received the print execution notification transmit each attribute data 310 (not shown) corresponding to each print data 300 to the image forming apparatus 1a. At this time, the image forming apparatuses 1 b and 1 c send the attribute data 310 including the capacity information of the print data 300.
On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 1a receives the respective attribute data 310 and compares it with the free capacity of the storage unit. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1a determines that only the print data 301b and 302b can be formed at this time. For this reason, the image forming apparatus 1a transmits print data transmission requests for the print data 301b and 302b to the image forming apparatus 1b.
The image forming apparatus 1b that has received the print data transmission request from the image forming apparatus 1a transmits the print data 301b and 302b to the image forming apparatus 1a, respectively. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 1c that has not received the print data transmission request returns to the original standby state.
The image forming apparatus 1a prints the print data 300a. Further, the image forming apparatus 1a receives and prints the print data 301b and 302b.

According to FIG. 6B, next, the image forming apparatus 1a transmits a second print execution notification when printing the print data 302a. That is, the self-device transmits a print execution notification every time printing of one print data 300 is completed and another print data 300 is printed.
In response to the transmission of the print execution notification, the image forming apparatus 1b includes the capacity of the print data 303b that has not been transmitted yet in the corresponding attribute data 310, and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 1a. In addition, the image forming apparatus 1c includes the capacity of the print data 301c that was not transmitted last time in the corresponding attribute data 310, and sends it again to the image forming apparatus 1a.
As in the previous time, the image forming apparatus 1a acquires the capacity of each print data 300 from each received attribute data 310, compares it with the free capacity, and transmits a print data transmission request for the received print data 300. In the example of FIG. 3B, a print data transmission request is transmitted for the print data 303b of the image forming apparatus 1b and the print data 301c of the image forming apparatus 1c.
Receiving the print data transmission request from the image forming apparatus 1a, the image forming apparatus 1b and the image forming apparatus 1c transfer the print data 303b and 303c to the image forming apparatus 1a, respectively.
The image forming apparatus 1a prints the print data 302a. The image forming apparatus 1a receives the print data 303b and 301c and prints them.

As described above, in this embodiment, when printing of one print data 300 is started by the own device, the print data 300 stored in other devices can be printed by the own device as much as possible. Received and printed (hereinafter, this series of flow of printing the print data 300 together between the own device and another device is referred to as a “job cycle”). As described above, in one job cycle, printing of the standby print data 300 is concentrated on the own device.
That is, if no image forming apparatus 1 on the network is in a print execution state at a certain point and any or all of the image forming apparatuses 1 have accumulated the print data 300, the image that has started printing first The forming apparatus 1 becomes its own device. As a result, the print data 300 of all other devices existing at that time is printed.

Thereafter, when the image forming apparatus 1a completes printing of the print data 300, one job cycle is completed.
In the present embodiment, all the print data 300 accumulated in the image forming apparatus 1b and the image forming apparatus 1c are printed by the image forming apparatus 1a. That is, all standby jobs are concentrated on the image forming apparatus 1a, and printing is continuously performed.
In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the print data 300 stored in the other device is received and printed each time the print data 300 of the own device is printed. However, after all the print data 300 of the own device is printed, the print data 300 received from another device may be printed.

With the configuration described above, the following effects can be obtained.
Conventionally, the technique of Patent Document 1 requires a complicated process of searching for an image forming apparatus in a printable state from the host apparatus one by one, and it has been expensive to implement the process. In addition, the need for a host device increases the cost.
On the other hand, the image forming system X according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus 1a that is an own apparatus that can communicate via the network 5, and an image forming apparatus 1b that is also another apparatus. The image forming apparatus 1b receives the print data storage unit 120 that stores the print data 300b that does not need to be printed immediately, and the notification when the image forming apparatus executes the printing of the print data 300a. The print data transmission unit 130 that transmits the print data 300b accumulated by the print data accumulation unit 120, and the image forming apparatus 1a notifies the image forming apparatus 1b that printing is to be performed. Receiving print data 300b waiting for printing accumulated in the image forming apparatus 1b that has received the notification from the print execution notifying unit 110 100, characterized in that it comprises an image forming unit for forming an image print data 300b obtained by the print data receiving unit 100.
With this configuration, it is possible to provide the image forming system X and the image forming apparatus 1 that do not require complicated processing in the terminal 2 and can reduce costs.
Further, it is not necessary to use a complicated communication protocol to search the accumulated print data 300, and it becomes possible to avoid traffic congestion on the network. Further, it is not necessary to create a complicated communication protocol control program for the image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal 2, and the development cost can be reduced.

Further, when the received print data is simply collected in one image forming apparatus and collectively output at a predetermined time, the image forming apparatus in which the print data is collected is always fixed, so only the image forming apparatus There is a problem that wear of consumables and wear of mechanical parts occur.
On the other hand, in the image forming system X of the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 that collects print data is not fixed, and therefore, consumption of consumables, wear of mechanical parts, and the like may occur between other image forming apparatuses 1. The effect that it is averaged by is obtained.
Further, when printing is performed after accumulating print data in a single image forming apparatus 1, power consumption is suppressed, but it takes time to start printing.
On the other hand, in the image forming system X of the present embodiment, when the frequency of starting printing without accumulating is equal to or higher than a specific frequency, the probability that printing can be performed immediately increases. In addition, as a whole of the image forming system X, there is an increased possibility of realizing low power consumption that exceeds the power consumption reduction effect of the individual image forming apparatuses 1.

In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the print data receiving unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 1a receives the attribute data 310b, and the attribute data 310b is used to store the capacity of the print data 300b and the storage unit 19. Compared with the free space, if the free space in the storage unit 19 is sufficient, the print data 300b is received from the image forming apparatus 1b.
With this configuration, only printable print data 300b can be printed in one job cycle. For this reason, it is possible to reliably form an image of the accumulated print data 300b. Further, it is not necessary to add hardware resources such as increasing the storage capacity of the storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus 1a of the own device, and the cost can be reduced.

[Other Embodiments]
In the above description of the embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 of the own device and the other device are described as having different configurations, but the same configuration may be used. That is, the image forming apparatuses 1 of the own device and the other devices each include all or one of the print data storage unit 120, the print data transmission unit 130, the print data reception unit 100, and the print execution notification unit 110. It may be a configuration. In the example of FIG. 4, the control unit 10 a of the image forming apparatus 1 a may include the print data storage unit 120 and the print data transmission unit 130, and the control unit 10 b of the image forming apparatus 1 b includes the print data reception unit 100 and print execution. The notification unit 110 may be provided.
By comprising in this way, it can be set as the same structure with an own apparatus and another apparatus, and cost can be reduced. In addition, since it does not take time to switch between the own device and another device, the time until the start of printing can be shortened.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the description has been made so that the image formation of the print data 300a is started when the condition of the attribute data 310a is satisfied for the print data 300a of the image forming apparatus 1a of the own device.
On the other hand, you may comprise so that the printing of the printing data 300 of an own apparatus and another apparatus may be started by other conditions.
For example, as such other conditions, for example, the total number of prints of unprocessed print data 300 stored in the storage unit 19 is acquired, and the fixing unit 17e detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) is acquired. Based on the current temperature, the number of allowed printing sheets that satisfy a predetermined power consumption condition for the heating unit is acquired, and when the total number of acquired printing sheets is equal to or larger than the permitted printing number, the number is stored in the storage unit 19. A condition for executing the printing process may be set for each of the unprocessed print data 300.

In this case, as another condition, the power consumption value consumed by the heating unit may be acquired or acquired when the fixing unit 17e detected by the temperature sensor is heated from the current temperature to the fixing temperature. The power consumption condition may be set such that the value obtained by converting the power consumption value converted into the power consumption value per unit number is less than or equal to a predetermined unit power consumption value.
As another condition, the power consumption value per unit number is calculated based on the total number of printed sheets in the image forming apparatus in a predetermined period and the total power consumption value consumed by the heating unit in the specific period. The condition corresponding to the power consumption value per unit number calculated by the calculation unit may be set.
In addition, as another condition, the unit power consumption value is increased / decreased for each specific period over a plurality of specific periods, and the unit calculated among the plurality of specific periods in which the unit power consumption value is increased / decreased by the power value increase / decrease means The unit power consumption value may be set based on the increase / decrease amount of the unit power consumption value in the specific period with the smallest power consumption value per number.

  The present invention can also be applied to an information processing apparatus other than the image forming apparatus. That is, a configuration using a network scanner, a server in which the scanner is separately connected by a USB, or the like may be used.

  Further, the configuration and operation of the above-described embodiment are examples, and it goes without saying that they can be appropriately modified and executed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1, 1a, 1b, 1c Image forming apparatus 2 Terminal 5 Network 10, 10a, 10b Control unit 11 Image processing unit 12 Document reading unit 12a Scanner 12b Platen glass 12c Document reading slit 13 Document feeding unit 13a Document placing unit 13b Document Discharge unit 13c Document transport mechanism 14 Main unit 15 Network transmission / reception unit 16 Operation panel unit 17 Image forming unit 17a Photosensitive drum 17b Exposure unit 17c Development unit 17d Transfer unit 17e Fixing units 19, 19a, 19b Storage unit 41 Discharge port 42 Paper feed Unit 42a paper feed cassette 42b paper feed roller 43 paper transport path 44 transport roller pair 45 discharge roller pair 50 stack tray 100 print data reception unit 110 print execution notification unit 120 print data storage unit 130 print data transmission unit 300, 300a, 300b, 301a, 301b, 01c, 302a, 302b, 303b print data 310, 310a, 310b attribute data X imaging system

Claims (1)

An image forming system including a plurality of image forming equipment which can communicate via a network,
Each of the image forming apparatuses
Storage means for storing print data;
Print data storage means for storing print data that does not need to be printed immediately in the storage means in a print waiting state;
When executing printing of a plurality of pieces of print data in a state of being immediately printed in the own device, each time the printing of one piece of the print data in a state of being immediately printed is executed, another image forming apparatus is notified of print execution. Print execution notification means for notifying to
When the print execution notification is received from another image forming apparatus, after the attribute data of the print data waiting to be printed is transmitted to the image forming apparatus that has transmitted the print execution notification, Print data transmission means for transmitting the print data in a print waiting state according to the free space ;
The attribute data of the print data waiting for printing is received from the other image forming apparatus that has received the print execution notification, and the capacity of the print data waiting for printing included in the attribute data and the device's own data Print data receiving means for comparing the free capacity of the storage means and receiving the print data waiting for printing from the other image forming apparatus according to the free capacity ;
When there is the print data in a state of being printed immediately on the own device, printing is started by the print data receiving unit each time printing of one of the print data in a state of being printed immediately is executed on the own device. image forming system characterized by comprising an image forming means for printing the print data waiting for printing of the received said other image forming apparatus.

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