JP6303539B2 - Printing system, job generation apparatus, image forming apparatus, and printing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, a job generation apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a printing method.

  When printing on an envelope by an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic printer, it is necessary to attach a dedicated envelope fixing device to the image forming apparatus instead of a normal fixing device. When the envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus, printing on paper other than the envelope cannot be performed by the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, unless an envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus, printing on the envelope cannot be performed by the image forming apparatus.

  When the image forming apparatus cannot perform printing under a specific printing condition, a setting item for specifying the specific printing condition is normally displayed in gray on a print setting screen displayed on a client PC (Personal Computer) ( For example, Patent Document 1). As a result, a print job in which a specific print condition is specified is not transmitted to the image forming apparatus.

  Therefore, when the image forming apparatus is not equipped with the envelope fixing device and the image forming apparatus cannot perform printing on the envelope, “paper type: envelope” on the print setting screen is grayed out, and the user of the client PC , A print job designating “paper type: envelope” cannot be transmitted to the image forming apparatus. For this reason, when printing on an envelope, after preparing a file for printing on the client PC, the user first moves to a place where the image forming apparatus is located and attaches an envelope fixing device to the image forming apparatus. Next, return to a location where the client PC is located, designate a “paper type: envelope” on the print setting screen, send a print job, and then move again to a location where the image forming apparatus is located to transfer from the image forming apparatus to the envelope A series of steps is taken to remove the fuser.

  However, in the above series of procedures, the user repeatedly goes back and forth between the client PC and the image forming apparatus. For this reason, if the client PC and the image forming apparatus are located far away from each other, there is a problem that the work burden on the user increases. Furthermore, if the installation location of the client PC and the image forming apparatus is far apart, the time during which the envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus becomes long, and the time during which the image forming apparatus cannot perform printing on paper other than the envelope. Is also not preferable.

  In addition, while the envelope fixing device is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the user cannot transmit a print job designating paper other than the envelope to the image forming apparatus. For this reason, when printing on paper other than the envelope, if the envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus, the user transmits a print job from the client PC until the envelope fixing device is removed from the image forming apparatus. You have to wait to do it, which is inconvenient.

  Therefore, with respect to an image forming apparatus to which an envelope fixing device that enables printing on an envelope and disables printing on a sheet other than an envelope is mounted, the working efficiency of a user who uses the image forming apparatus is improved. It is hoped that.

JP 2010-066819 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which a specific equipment that enables printing under the first printing condition and disables printing under the second printing condition is attached and detached. To provide a printing system, a job generation apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a printing method capable of improving the working efficiency of a user who uses the apparatus.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) A printing system having a job generation device that generates a print job and an image forming device that executes the print job, wherein the job generation device is attached to the image forming device and is Regardless of whether or not the specific equipment is installed in the image forming apparatus, the specific equipment that enables printing under the printing conditions and disables printing under the second printing conditions. A transmission unit that transmits a print job in which one of the first and second printing conditions is designated to the image forming apparatus ; the image forming apparatus is not equipped with the specific equipment; and the printing When the first printing condition is specified for the job, or when the specific equipment is installed in the image forming apparatus and the second printing condition is specified for the print job, A notification unit for notifying that the print job is stored in the storage unit without being executed by the image forming apparatus to a user, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives the print job, the A confirmation unit for confirming which one of the first and second printing conditions is specified in the print job received by the reception unit; and whether or not the specific equipment is mounted on the image forming apparatus. A determination unit configured to determine, when the first printing condition is specified for the print job and the specific equipment is not attached to the image forming apparatus, or when the second job is included in the print job. printing conditions and is specified and, if the specific equipment to the image forming apparatus is mounted, anda job processing unit to be stored in the storage unit without executing the print job A display unit that displays a list of jobs stored in the storage unit, and a display control that changes a display state of the list of jobs according to whether or not the specific equipment is mounted on the image forming apparatus. And the display control unit stores the memory without the first printing condition being designated and being executed by the image forming apparatus when the specific equipment is attached to the image forming apparatus. The printing system is characterized in that the display state is changed so that the information of the print job stored in the section is displayed at the top of the job list.

( 2 ) When the specific equipment is attached to the image forming apparatus, the display control unit is stored in the storage unit without the first printing condition being designated and executed by the image forming apparatus. The printing system according to (1 ) , wherein the display state is changed so that the information of the print job is highlighted.

( 3 ) In the job list, information indicating whether or not the job can be executed and information indicating the reason why the job cannot be executed when the job cannot be executed identify the job. The printing system according to (1) or (2) , wherein the printing system is displayed in association with information for

( 4 ) In any one of the above (1) to ( 3 ), the image forming apparatus further includes an instruction unit that instructs the image forming apparatus to execute one or more jobs selected from the job list. The printing system described.

( 5 ) The job generation apparatus used in a printing system including a job generation apparatus that generates a print job and an image forming apparatus that executes the print job. Regardless of whether or not the specific equipment that enables printing under the first printing condition and disables printing under the second printing condition is attached to the image forming apparatus A transmission unit that transmits to the image forming apparatus a print job in which any one of the first and second printing conditions is designated; the image forming apparatus is not equipped with the specific equipment; and When the first print condition is specified for the print job, or when the specific equipment is attached to the image forming apparatus, and the second print condition is specified for the print job. If it is, the job the print job is stored in the notification unit and, before Kiki憶部notifying that are stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus without being executed by the image forming apparatus to the user A display unit that displays a list of the job list, and a display control unit that changes a display state of the list of jobs according to whether or not the specific equipment is attached to the image forming apparatus. When the specific equipment is mounted on the forming apparatus, the display control unit specifies the first printing condition, and the print job information stored in the storage unit without being executed by the image forming apparatus. Is changed so that it is displayed at the top of the list of jobs.

( 6 ) The job generation apparatus according to (5) , further including an instruction unit that instructs the image forming apparatus to execute one or more jobs selected from the job list.

( 7 ) A printing system having a job generation device for generating a print job and an image forming device for executing the print job , wherein the job generation device is not equipped with specific equipment. And the first print condition is designated for the print job, or the specific equipment is mounted on the image forming apparatus, and the second print condition is designated for the print job. The image forming apparatus used in a printing system having a notification unit for notifying a user that the print job is stored in the storage unit without being executed by the image forming apparatus. a receiver for receiving a confirmation unit for one to check whether the specified the first and second printing conditions to the print job received by the receiving unit, the The particular equipment is attached to the image forming apparatus to disable printing in the second printing conditions while allowing the printing at the first printing condition by being attached to an image forming apparatus A determination unit that determines whether or not the print job has the first print condition specified and the image forming apparatus is not equipped with the specific equipment, or the print wherein the job second printing conditions are specified, and, with the case of the specific equipment is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the job processing unit to be stored in the storage unit without executing the print job A display unit that displays a list of jobs stored in the storage unit, and a display that changes a display state of the list of jobs according to whether or not the specific equipment is mounted on the image forming apparatus With control When the specific equipment is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the display control unit stores the first printing condition in the storage unit without being designated and executed by the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the display state is changed so that the information of the print job that has been displayed is displayed at the top of the job list.

( 8 ) The image forming apparatus according to ( 7 ), further including an instruction unit that instructs the image forming apparatus to execute one or more jobs selected from the job list.

( 9 ) A printing method executed in a printing system having a job generation device that generates a print job and an image forming device that executes the print job. Regardless of whether or not the specific equipment is installed in the image forming apparatus, the specific equipment that enables printing under the printing conditions and disables printing under the second printing conditions. (A) generating a print job in which one of the first and second printing conditions is specified, and the image forming apparatus is not equipped with the specific equipment, and the print job includes the print job When the first printing condition is designated, or when the specific equipment is attached to the image forming apparatus and the second printing condition is designated for the print job, the mark is printed. And step (g) to notify that the job is stored in the storage unit without being executed by the image forming apparatus to a user, the step (a) said first and second to the print job generated in A step (b) for confirming which of the printing conditions is designated, a step (c) for determining whether or not the specific equipment is attached to the image forming apparatus, and the first job in the print job. And the image forming apparatus is not equipped with the specific equipment, or the second print condition is specified in the print job, and the image formation is performed. If the specific equipment to the apparatus is mounted, a list of jobs that the step (d) to be stored in the storage unit without executing the print job, is stored in the storage unit And a step (f) of changing a display state of the job list according to whether or not the specific equipment is attached to the image forming apparatus. When the specific equipment is attached to the image forming apparatus, the print job stored in the storage unit without being executed by the image forming apparatus in which the first printing condition is designated in the step (f). The printing method is characterized in that the display state is changed so that the information is displayed at the top of the job list.

  According to the present invention, even if no specific equipment is attached to the image forming apparatus, the user transmits a print job designating the first printing condition to the image forming apparatus, and then the specific image is sent to the image forming apparatus. It is possible to mount the equipment and cause the image forming apparatus to execute a print job stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, when printing is performed under the first printing condition, the user does not need to repeatedly go back and forth between the job generation apparatus and the image forming apparatus, and the time during which specific equipment is mounted on the image forming apparatus is also short. Thus, the user's work efficiency is improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, even if a specific equipment is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the user transmits a print job specifying the second printing condition to the image forming apparatus, and the specific equipment is transmitted from the image forming apparatus. After the image is removed, the print job stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus can be executed by the image forming apparatus. Therefore, when printing is performed under the second printing condition, even if specific equipment is mounted on the image forming apparatus, a print job can be transmitted from the job generating apparatus until the user removes the specific equipment from the image forming apparatus. Users do not have to wait for transmission, improving user efficiency.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of client PC. It is a figure which shows the memory content of the hard disk of client PC. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of PC for job management. It is a figure which shows the memory content of the hard disk of PC for job management. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the job transmission process performed by client PC. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of job reception processing executed by the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a job management screen. It is a figure which shows an example of an apparatus information screen. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a list of jobs when an envelope fixing device is not attached to the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a list of jobs when an envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system includes a client PC 100, an image forming apparatus 200, and a job management PC 300. The client PC 100, the image forming apparatus 200, and the job management PC 300 are connected to each other via a network 400 so that they can communicate with each other. The job management PC 300 is installed in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 200.

  The network 400 is a LAN (Local Area Network) in which computers and network devices are connected according to standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI (Fibre Distributed Data Interface), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), or a dedicated line between LANs. WAN (Wide Area Network) etc. connected by Note that the types and number of devices connected to the network 400 are not limited to the example shown in FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the client PC 100. The client PC 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a hard disk 104, a display 105, an input device 106, and a network interface 107 as job generation devices. These are connected to each other via a bus 108 for exchanging signals.

  The CPU 101 performs control of each part and various arithmetic processes according to a program. The ROM 102 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 103 temporarily stores programs and data as a work area. The hard disk 104 stores various programs including an operating system (OS) and various data.

  The display 105 displays various information as a display unit. The display 105 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The input device 106 includes a pointing device such as a mouse and a keyboard, and is used for performing various inputs.

  The network interface 107 is an interface for communicating with other devices via the network 400, and standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI, and Wi-Fi are used. The network interface 107 transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus 200 as a transmission unit.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the contents stored in the hard disk 104 of the client PC 100. As described above, the hard disk 104 stores the operating system (OS) 110. The hard disk 104 also includes a document file creation application 120 for creating a document file, and a printer driver for converting the document file into print data described in a page description language (PDL) that can be interpreted by the image forming apparatus 200. 130 and a job management application 140 for instructing execution of a job stored in the image forming apparatus 200 are installed.

  The CPU 101 functions as a notification unit, a display control unit, and an instruction unit by executing a program stored in the hard disk 104. Here, when the image forming apparatus 200 stores the print job without executing it, the notification unit notifies the user to that effect. The display control unit changes the display state of the list of jobs displayed on the display 105. The instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus 200 to execute one or more jobs selected from the job list. The specific processing contents of each unit will be described later.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 200. The image forming apparatus 200 includes a CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, hard disk 204, operation panel 205, image reading unit 206, paper feeding unit 207, image forming unit 208, fixing unit 209, and network interface 210, which exchange signals. Are connected to each other via a bus 211. Of the above-described units of the image forming apparatus 200, descriptions of portions having the same functions as those of the units of the client PC 100 are omitted.

  The operation panel 205 includes a touch panel, a numeric keypad, a start button, a stop button, and the like, and is used for displaying various information and inputting various instructions.

  The image reading unit 206 irradiates a document set at a predetermined reading position or a document conveyed to a predetermined reading position by an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) with a light source such as a fluorescent lamp, and reflects the reflected light to a CCD (Charge). (Coupled Device) Photoelectric conversion is performed by an imaging device such as an image sensor, and image data is generated from the electrical signal.

  The paper supply unit 207 stores paper used for printing. The paper feed unit 207 has a plurality of paper feed trays, and feeds the stored paper to the image forming unit 208 one by one. The image forming unit 208 transfers a toner image based on the image data onto a sheet using a known image forming process such as an electrophotographic process.

  The fixing unit 209 fixes the toner image transferred onto the paper by heating and pressing with a fixing roller. In the fixing unit 209 of the present embodiment, an envelope fixing device for fixing a toner image on an envelope can be mounted instead of a normal fixing device. When the envelope fixing device is mounted on the fixing unit 209, the image forming apparatus 200 can execute only a print job in which “paper type: envelope” is designated, and paper other than the envelope (for example, “paper type: plain paper”). )) Cannot be executed. On the other hand, when the envelope fixing device is not attached to the fixing portion 209 (that is, when the normal fixing device is still attached to the fixing portion 209), the image forming apparatus 200 performs printing in which paper other than the envelope is designated. Only a job can be executed, and a print job in which “paper type: envelope” is designated cannot be executed.

  The network interface 210 receives a print job as a receiving unit. The hard disk 204 stores a print job as a storage unit.

  The CPU 201 functions as a confirmation unit, a determination unit, and a job processing unit by executing a program stored in the hard disk 204. Here, the confirmation unit confirms whether “paper type: envelope” or “paper type: other than envelope” is specified in the print job. The determination unit determines whether an envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus 200. The job processing unit forcibly stores the print job in the hard disk 204 without executing the print job. The specific processing contents of each unit will be described later.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the job management PC 300. The job management PC 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a hard disk 304, a display 305, an input device 306, and a network interface 307, which are connected to each other via a bus 308 for exchanging signals. Note that the above-described units of the job management PC 300 are the same as the above-described units of the client PC 100, and thus description thereof is omitted. The display 305 displays a list of jobs stored in the image forming apparatus 200 as a display unit.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the contents stored in the hard disk 304 of the job management PC 300. The hard disk 304 stores an operating system (OS) 310. In addition, a job management application 320 for instructing execution of a job stored in the image forming apparatus 200 is installed in the hard disk 304.

  The CPU 301 functions as a display control unit and an instruction unit by executing a program stored in the hard disk 304. Here, the display control unit changes the display state of the list of jobs displayed on the display 305. The instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus 200 to execute one or more jobs selected from the job list. The specific processing contents of each unit will be described later.

  The client PC 100, the image forming apparatus 200, and the job management PC 300 may include constituent elements other than the above-described constituent elements, or some of the constituent elements may not be included.

  In the printing system configured as described above, for example, even when the image forming apparatus 200 is not equipped with an envelope fixing device and the image forming apparatus 200 cannot perform printing on the envelope, “paper type: envelope” ”Is transmitted from the client PC 100 to the image forming apparatus 200 and stored in the image forming apparatus 200. Hereinafter, the operation of the printing system will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of job transmission processing executed by the client PC 100. Note that the algorithm shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is stored as a program in the hard disk 104 of the client PC 100 and is executed by the CPU 101.

  First, the client PC 100 activates the printer driver 130 (step S101). For example, when printing of a document file is selected on the document file creation application 120 by the user of the client PC 100, the client PC 100 activates the printer driver 130.

  Next, the client PC 100 acquires apparatus information from the image forming apparatus 200 (step S102). More specifically, the client PC 100 communicates with the image forming apparatus 200 and acquires apparatus information from the image forming apparatus 200 by the function of the printer driver 130 activated in the process shown in step S101. The apparatus information includes information regarding equipment (post-processing apparatus, envelope fixing device, etc.) attached to the image forming apparatus 200.

  Next, the client PC 100 displays the print setting screen 500 (see FIG. 8) (step S103). More specifically, the client PC 100 displays a print setting screen 500 in which some of the print setting items are grayed out on the display 105 based on the device information acquired in the process shown in step S102.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the print setting screen 500 displayed on the display 105 of the client PC 100. The print setting screen 500 is provided with a plurality of print setting items for specifying print conditions.

  For example, when the image forming apparatus 200 is not equipped with a post-processing device and the image forming apparatus 200 cannot perform post-processing, the print setting screen 500 displays “ “Staple”, “Punch”, and “Fold” are grayed out. Therefore, the user cannot specify printing conditions such as stapling, punching, and folding for a print job.

  On the other hand, as described above, if the envelope fixing device is not attached to the image forming apparatus 200, printing on the envelope cannot be performed. If the envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus 200, printing on paper other than the envelope is not possible. In spite of this, as shown in FIG. 8, neither “paper type: envelope” nor “paper type: other than envelope (plain paper, special paper,...)” Is grayed out on the print setting screen 500. Therefore, even if the envelope fixing device is not attached to the image forming apparatus 200, the user can designate “paper type: envelope” as a print job, and the image forming apparatus 200 is attached with the envelope fixing device. In addition, paper other than the envelope can be designated for the print job. That is, regardless of whether or not the envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus 200, the user can designate any paper type as a print job.

  After displaying the print setting screen 500 in the process shown in step S103, the client PC 100 accepts input of print conditions (step S104). More specifically, the client PC 100 accepts input of printing conditions (number of copies, paper type, etc.) by the user through the print setting screen 500 displayed in the process shown in step S103.

  Next, the client PC 100 receives a print instruction (step S105). More specifically, the client PC 100 accepts a printing instruction under the printing conditions that have been accepted in the process shown in step S104.

  Next, the client PC 100 determines whether or not the paper type is appropriate (step S106). More specifically, the client PC 100 determines whether the paper type specified in the print job is appropriate for the fixing device of the image forming apparatus 200 specified by the apparatus information acquired in the process shown in step S102. Judging. In this embodiment, an envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus 200 and “paper type: envelope” is designated as a print job, or an envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus 200. If a sheet other than the envelope is specified for the print job, the client PC 100 determines that the sheet type is appropriate. On the other hand, the envelope fixing device is not attached to the image forming apparatus 200 and “paper type: envelope” is designated as the print job, or the envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus 200. If a sheet other than the envelope is designated for the print job, the client PC 100 determines that the sheet type is not appropriate.

  If it is determined that the paper type is appropriate (step S106: YES), the client PC 100 transmits a print job (step S107) and ends the process. More specifically, the client PC 100 transmits to the image forming apparatus 200 a print job that has been determined that the paper type is appropriate in the process shown in step S106.

  On the other hand, when determining that the paper type is not appropriate (step S106: NO), the client PC 100 transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus 200 (step S108). More specifically, the client PC 100 transmits to the image forming apparatus 200 a print job that has been determined by the processing shown in step S106 that the paper type is not appropriate.

  Then, the client PC 100 notifies the user that the print job is stored without being executed (step S109), and the process ends. More specifically, the client PC 100 displays on the display 105 that the print job transmitted in the process shown in step S108 is stored in the image forming apparatus 200 without being executed by the image forming apparatus 200. Accordingly, the user can recognize that the paper type designated for the print job is not appropriate and the image forming apparatus 200 does not execute the print job.

  As described above, according to the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, even when the image forming apparatus 200 is not equipped with the envelope fixing device and the image forming apparatus 200 cannot perform printing on the envelope, “ A print job in which “paper type: envelope” is designated is transmitted from the client PC 100 to the image forming apparatus 200. On the other hand, even when the image forming apparatus 200 is equipped with an envelope fixing device and the image forming apparatus 200 cannot perform printing on paper other than the envelope, a print job in which paper other than the envelope is designated is sent to the client PC 100. To the image forming apparatus 200. That is, regardless of whether or not the envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus 200, the client PC 100 executes a print job in which one of “paper type: envelope” and “paper type: other than envelope” is designated. It can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 200.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 200 that receives a print job transmitted from the client PC 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of job reception processing executed by the image forming apparatus 200. Note that the algorithm shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 is stored as a program in the hard disk 204 of the image forming apparatus 200 and executed by the CPU 201.

  First, the image forming apparatus 200 receives a print job (step S201). More specifically, the image forming apparatus 200 receives a print job transmitted from the client PC 100.

  Next, the image forming apparatus 200 determines whether or not the paper type is “envelope” (step S202). More specifically, the image forming apparatus 200 determines whether “paper type: envelope” is specified in the print job received in the process shown in step S201.

  When determining that the paper type is not “envelope” (step S202: NO), the image forming apparatus 200 proceeds to the process of step S206.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the paper type is “envelope” (step S202: YES), the image forming apparatus 200 determines whether an envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus 200 (step S203). More specifically, the image forming apparatus 200 determines whether or not the envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus 200 with reference to its own apparatus information.

  When determining that the envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus 200 (step S203: YES), the image forming apparatus 200 executes a print job (step S204) and ends the process. More specifically, the image forming apparatus 200 executes a print job in which “paper type: envelope” is designated, and performs printing on the envelope.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the envelope fixing device is not attached to the image forming apparatus 200 (step S203: NO), the image forming apparatus 200 stores the print job (step S205) and ends the process. More specifically, the image forming apparatus 200 does not execute a print job in which “paper type: envelope” is designated by the image forming apparatus 200 to which the envelope fixing device is not attached. The data is stored in the hard disk 204 without being executed.

  As described above, according to the processing shown in steps S201 to S205 in FIG. 9, it is confirmed that “paper type: envelope” is specified in the print job, and whether the envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus 200. It is determined whether or not. When it is determined that the envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus 200, the image forming apparatus 200 executes a print job. On the other hand, when it is determined that the envelope fixing device is not attached to the image forming apparatus 200, the print job is stored in the hard disk 204 of the image forming apparatus 200.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the process shown in step S202 that the paper type is not “envelope” (step S202: NO), the image forming apparatus 200 determines whether an envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus 200. (Step S206). More specifically, the image forming apparatus 200 determines whether or not the envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus 200 with reference to its own apparatus information.

  When determining that the envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus 200 (step S206: YES), the image forming apparatus 200 stores the print job (step S207) and ends the process. More specifically, the image forming apparatus 200 executes the print job on the assumption that it is impossible to execute a print job in which a sheet other than the envelope is designated by the image forming apparatus 200 to which the envelope fixing device is attached. Without being stored in the hard disk 204.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the envelope fixing device is not attached to the image forming apparatus 200 (step S206: NO), the image forming apparatus 200 executes a print job (step S208) and ends the process. More specifically, the image forming apparatus 200 executes a print job in which a sheet other than the envelope is designated, and performs printing on the sheet other than the envelope.

  As described above, according to the processing shown in steps S206 to S208 in FIG. 9, it is confirmed that a sheet other than the envelope is specified in the print job, and whether or not the envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus 200. Is judged. When it is determined that the envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus 200, the print job is stored in the hard disk 204 of the image forming apparatus 200. On the other hand, when it is determined that the envelope fixing device is not attached to the image forming apparatus 200, the image forming apparatus 200 executes a print job.

  As described above, according to the printing system of the present embodiment, even when the image forming apparatus 200 is not equipped with the envelope fixing device and the image forming apparatus 200 cannot perform printing on the envelope, the “paper type” The print job in which “envelope” is designated is transmitted from the client PC 100 to the image forming apparatus 200 and stored in the image forming apparatus 200. On the other hand, even when the image forming apparatus 200 is equipped with an envelope fixing device and the image forming apparatus 200 cannot perform printing on a sheet other than the envelope, the print job in which the sheet other than the envelope is designated is the client. The image is transmitted from the PC 100 to the image forming apparatus 200 and stored in the image forming apparatus 200.

  For this reason, when printing on an envelope, even if the envelope fixing device is not attached to the image forming apparatus 200, the user transmits a print job designating “paper type: envelope” to the image forming apparatus 200. After the envelope fixing device is mounted on the image forming apparatus 200, the print job stored in the image forming apparatus 200 can be executed by the image forming apparatus 200 using the job management PC 300.

  Therefore, when printing on an envelope, the user does not need to repeatedly go back and forth between the client PC 100 and the image forming apparatus 200, and the user's work load is reduced. Further, the time during which the envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus 200 is shortened, and the time during which the image forming apparatus 200 cannot perform printing on paper other than the envelope is also shortened.

  Further, when printing on a sheet other than the envelope, even if the envelope fixing device is mounted on the image forming apparatus 200, the user transmits a print job designating the sheet other than the envelope to the image forming apparatus 200, and the image is printed. After the envelope fixing device is removed from the forming apparatus 200, the print job stored in the image forming apparatus 200 can be executed by the image forming apparatus 200 using the job management PC 300.

  Therefore, when printing on paper other than the envelope, even if the envelope fixing device is mounted on the image forming apparatus 200, the user transmits a print job until the envelope fixing device is removed from the image forming apparatus 200. No need to wait.

  As described above, according to the printing system of this embodiment, the working efficiency of the user who uses the image forming apparatus 200 to which the envelope fixing device is attached and detached is improved.

  The operation of the job management PC 300 that instructs execution of a print job stored in the image forming apparatus 200 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job management screen 600 displayed on the display 305 of the job management PC 300. The job management screen 600 is provided by the job management application 320.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the job management screen 600 includes a device information display unit 610 and a job list display unit 620. The job management screen 600 includes an “apparatus information” button 630.

  The device information display unit 610 displays device information of the image forming apparatus 200. The apparatus information includes model name information of the image forming apparatus 200 and consumable status information. When the “apparatus information” button 630 on the job management screen 600 is pressed, an apparatus information screen 700 (see FIG. 11) is displayed. On the device information screen 700, more detailed device information (information on various equipment and the like) of the image forming apparatus 200 is displayed.

  The job list display unit 620 displays a list of jobs stored in the image forming apparatus 200. In the job list display unit 620 of the present embodiment, the display state of the job list is changed depending on whether or not the envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus 200. The user can select one or more jobs from the job list displayed on the job list display unit 620, and can edit or delete the selected jobs. The user can select one or more jobs from the job list and cause the image forming apparatus 200 to execute the selected jobs.

  Hereinafter, a list of jobs displayed on the job list display unit 620 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the display state of the job list is changed according to whether or not the envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus 200.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a list of jobs when the image forming apparatus 200 is not equipped with an envelope fixing device. In the job list, job information stored in the hard disk 204 of the image forming apparatus 200 is displayed. The job information includes job type information 641, user name information 642, file name information 643, page number information 644, copy number information 645, registration date information 646, update date information 647, print end date information 648, and print availability information 649. , And non-printable reason information 650 is included.

  The job type information 641 is information indicating the type of job, and the user name information 642 is information indicating the user who has instructed execution of the job. The file name information 643 is information indicating the document file of the printing source, and the page number information 644 is information indicating the page number of the job. The copy number information 645 is information indicating the number of copies of the job, and the registration date information 646 is information indicating the registration date of the job. The update date / time information 647 is information indicating the update date / time of the job, and the print end date / time information 648 is information indicating the print end date / time of the job. The printability information 649 is information indicating whether or not the job can be executed. The print disable reason information 650 is information indicating the reason when the job cannot be executed.

  In FIG. 12, the four print jobs specified by the file name: “greeting card_addressed to ○ company” are designated as “paper type: envelope”, and thus are not executed by the image forming apparatus 200. The print job is forcibly stored in the forming apparatus 200. The information of these four print jobs is associated with the print end date and time: “unprinted”, printability: “impossible”, and print impossible reason: “envelope job”, and the job information is gray. It is displayed.

  In FIG. 12, two print jobs specified by the file name: “important document” are print jobs stored in the image forming apparatus 200 in accordance with a user instruction.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a list of jobs when an envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus 200.

  When the envelope fixing device is mounted on the image forming apparatus 200, only four print jobs specified by the file name: “greeting letter_ ○ addressed to company” can be executed. For this reason, in FIG. 13, the information of these four print jobs is highlighted and moved to the top of the job list and displayed.

  On the other hand, the remaining job information is associated with print permission / prohibition: “impossible” and print impossible reason: “job other than envelope”, and the job information is displayed in gray.

  According to such a configuration, since the print job that can be executed is highlighted, the user can execute the print job in which “paper type: envelope” is designated by the image forming apparatus 200. Can be recognized. Furthermore, since the print job in which “paper type: envelope” is designated is moved to the top of the job list, the user can easily find these print jobs.

  As described above, according to the job management screen 600 of this embodiment, the display state of the job list is changed depending on whether or not the envelope fixing device is attached to the image forming apparatus 200. The operability of 600 is improved.

  The job management screen 600 is also displayed on the display 105 of the client PC 100 by the job management application 140 stored in the client PC 100. The user of the client PC 100 can also instruct the image forming apparatus 200 to execute a job using the job management screen 600 displayed on the display 105 of the client PC 100.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, when a print job with an inappropriate paper type is transmitted from the client PC to the image forming apparatus, the user of the client PC is notified that the print job is stored in the image forming apparatus without being executed. I was notified. However, the fact that the print job is stored in the image forming apparatus without being executed may be notified to the user, for example, when the user selects “paper type: envelope” on the print setting screen.

  In the above-described embodiment, when a print job is executed by the image forming apparatus, printing is performed without storing the print job in the hard disk of the image forming apparatus. However, when a print job is executed, the print job may be automatically stored on the hard disk of the image forming apparatus.

  In the above-described embodiment, the job management application is installed on the client PC and the job management PC. However, the job management application may be installed in the image forming apparatus, and execution of a job may be instructed through an operation panel of the image forming apparatus. In this case, the operation panel of the image forming apparatus functions as a display unit that displays a list of jobs. The CPU of the image forming apparatus functions as a display control unit that changes the display state of the job list and an instruction unit that instructs execution of one or more jobs selected from the job list.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, as an apparatus (option) of the image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied, it is possible to print on an envelope by being mounted on the image forming apparatus, while printing on paper other than the envelope An example of an envelope fixing device that makes this impossible is explained. However, the equipment of the image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the envelope fixing device. The present invention can also be applied to a spot color cartridge that enables spot color printing by being mounted on an image forming apparatus, while disabling four-color printing of CMYK.

  The means and method for performing various processes in the printing system according to the above-described embodiment can be realized by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The program may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk and a CD-ROM, or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred to and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk. The program may be provided as a single application software, or may be incorporated in the software of the apparatus as one function of the printing system.

100 client PCs,
101, 201, 301 CPU,
102, 202, 302 ROM,
103, 203, 303 RAM,
104, 204, 304 hard disk,
105,305 display,
106,306 input device,
107, 210, 307 network interface,
108, 211, 308 bus,
200 image forming apparatus,
205 operation panel,
206 Image reading unit,
207 paper feeder,
208 image forming unit,
209 fixing unit,
300 PC for job management,
400 network,
500 print setting screen,
600 Job management screen,
700 Device information screen.

Claims (9)

A printing system having a job generation device that generates a print job and an image forming device that executes the print job,
The job generation device includes:
With respect to a specific equipment that enables printing under the first printing condition while being attached to the image forming apparatus, while making the printing under the second printing condition impossible, the specific equipment is configured to perform the image formation. A transmission unit that transmits to the image forming apparatus a print job in which one of the first and second printing conditions is specified, regardless of whether or not the apparatus is mounted on the apparatus ;
When the specific equipment is not attached to the image forming apparatus and the first printing condition is specified for the print job, or the specific equipment is attached to the image forming apparatus. And a notification unit for notifying a user that the print job is stored in the storage unit without being executed by the image forming apparatus when the second printing condition is specified for the print job, Have
The image forming apparatus includes:
A receiving unit for receiving the print job;
A confirmation unit for confirming which of the first and second printing conditions is specified in the print job received by the reception unit;
A determination unit for determining whether or not the specific equipment is attached to the image forming apparatus;
When the first printing condition is specified for the print job and the specific equipment is not attached to the image forming apparatus, or when the second printing condition is specified for the print job. cage, and, if the specific equipment to the image forming apparatus is mounted, anda job processing unit to be stored in the storage unit without executing the print job,
A display unit for displaying a list of jobs stored in the storage unit;
A display control unit that changes a display state of the list of jobs according to whether or not the specific equipment is attached to the image forming apparatus;
When the specific equipment is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the display control unit specifies the first printing condition and executes the print job stored in the storage unit without being executed by the image forming apparatus. The printing system is characterized in that the display state is changed so that the information is displayed at the top of the job list. When the specific equipment is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the display control unit specifies the first printing condition and executes the print job stored in the storage unit without being executed by the image forming apparatus. the printing system of claim 1, wherein the information so as to be highlighted, and changes the display state. The job list includes information indicating whether or not the job can be executed and information indicating the reason why the job cannot be executed when the job cannot be executed. the system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is displayed in association with the information. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an instruction unit for instructing the execution of one or more jobs to be selected from a list of the job to the image forming apparatus. The job generation apparatus used in a printing system having a job generation apparatus that generates a print job and an image forming apparatus that executes the print job,
With respect to a specific equipment that enables printing under the first printing condition while being attached to the image forming apparatus, while making the printing under the second printing condition impossible, the specific equipment is configured to perform the image formation. A transmission unit that transmits to the image forming apparatus a print job in which one of the first and second printing conditions is specified, regardless of whether or not the apparatus is mounted on the apparatus;
When the specific equipment is not attached to the image forming apparatus and the first printing condition is specified for the print job, or the specific equipment is attached to the image forming apparatus. When the second print condition is specified for the print job, the user is notified that the print job is stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus without being executed by the image forming apparatus. A notification unit;
A display unit that displays a list of jobs that are stored before the crisis憶部,
A display control unit that changes a display state of the list of jobs according to whether or not the specific equipment is attached to the image forming apparatus,
When the specific equipment is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the display control unit specifies the first printing condition and executes the print job stored in the storage unit without being executed by the image forming apparatus. The job generation apparatus is characterized in that the display state is changed so that the information is displayed at the top of the job list. The job generation apparatus according to claim 5 , further comprising an instruction unit that instructs the image forming apparatus to execute one or more jobs selected from the job list. A printing system having a job generation device for generating a print job and an image forming device for executing the print job , wherein the job generation device is not equipped with specific equipment in the image forming device, and When the first printing condition is designated for the print job, or when the specific equipment is mounted on the image forming apparatus and the second printing condition is designated for the print job, The image forming apparatus used in a printing system having a notification unit that notifies a user that the print job is stored in a storage unit without being executed by the image forming apparatus,
A receiving unit for receiving a print job;
A confirmation unit for confirming one of the first and second printing conditions to the print job received by the receiving unit is specified,
The particular equipment to disable printing in the second printing conditions while allowing the printing at the first printing condition by being attached to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus A determination unit for determining whether or not the device is attached;
When the first printing condition is specified for the print job and the specific equipment is not attached to the image forming apparatus, or when the second printing condition is specified for the print job. cage, and, if the specific equipment to the image forming apparatus is mounted, a job processing unit to be stored in the storage unit without executing the print job,
A display unit for displaying a list of jobs stored in the storage unit;
A display control unit that changes a display state of the list of jobs according to whether or not the specific equipment is attached to the image forming apparatus,
When the specific equipment is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the display control unit specifies the first printing condition and executes the print job stored in the storage unit without being executed by the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the display state is changed so that the above information is displayed at the top of the job list. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 , further comprising an instruction unit that instructs the image forming apparatus to execute one or more jobs selected from the job list. A printing method executed in a printing system having a job generation device that generates a print job and an image forming device that executes the print job,
With respect to a specific equipment that enables printing under the first printing condition while being attached to the image forming apparatus, while making the printing under the second printing condition impossible, the specific equipment is configured to perform the image formation. Generating a print job in which any one of the first and second printing conditions is specified regardless of whether or not the device is mounted on the apparatus;
When the specific equipment is not attached to the image forming apparatus and the first printing condition is specified for the print job, or the specific equipment is attached to the image forming apparatus. And (g) notifying the user that the print job is stored in the storage unit without being executed by the image forming apparatus when the second print condition is designated for the print job; ,
A step (b) of confirming which of the first and second printing conditions is specified in the print job generated in the step (a);
A step (c) of determining whether or not the specific equipment is mounted on the image forming apparatus;
When the first printing condition is specified for the print job and the specific equipment is not attached to the image forming apparatus, or when the second printing condition is specified for the print job. cage, and, if the specific equipment to the image forming apparatus is mounted, a step (d) to be stored in the storage unit without executing the print job,
Displaying a list of jobs stored in the storage unit (e);
(F) changing the display state of the list of jobs according to whether or not the specific equipment is attached to the image forming apparatus,
When the specific equipment is attached to the image forming apparatus, the print stored in the storage unit without being executed by the image forming apparatus in which the first printing condition is designated in the step (f). The printing method, characterized in that the display state is changed so that job information is displayed at the top of the job list.