JP6331654B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming system, control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a control method thereof, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art A printing system that stores print data in an external memory of a multifunction peripheral (printer) and outputs the data from the multifunction peripheral (a storage printing system that stores print data in the multifunction peripheral) is known. In the storage printing system, there is a desire to print the print data with another multifunction device when the multifunction device where the print data is stored cannot be used because it is used by another user.

  For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228867, a search is performed to search for another multifunction device for each multifunction device, to acquire and print print data stored in the other multifunction device, and to reduce the trouble of re-searching. It is described that the information of the other multifunction device is registered for each multifunction device.

JP 2007-193407 A

  However, as described above, according to the technique described in Patent Document 1, for each multifunction device, another multifunction device for which print data is to be acquired must be searched and registered, and there is a multifunction device that can be used by the user. The greater the number of times, the greater the labor of the search / registration.

  In addition, when the authentication function is not used in the multifunction peripheral, there is a problem that print data of different users are mixed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism capable of easily displaying an icon for displaying print data in another image forming apparatus that is not the image forming apparatus that has received the print data .

The present invention relates to a client apparatus that converts print data into a format that can be printed by the image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus that can communicate with another image forming apparatus, and receives the print data from the client apparatus. storage means for storing Te, and notifying means for to those the print data another image forming apparatus capable of printing, a notification for displaying user icon of the user of the stored print data by said storage means, a user icon display means for displaying a user icon of the user before Symbol print data stored by the storage means, when receiving an operation for the user icon displayed by said user icon display means, stored by the storage means A list display means for displaying a list of print data of the user indicated by the user icon, and the list display Printing means for printing the print data selected in the print data list displayed by the steps, and the user icon display means further displays the user icon for which the notification has been received by the notification means of another image forming apparatus. It is characterized by displaying.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mechanism capable of easily displaying an icon for displaying print data in another image forming apparatus that is not the image forming apparatus that has received the print data .

  For example, it is possible to print the print data in an image forming apparatus other than the image forming apparatus to which the print data is transmitted while reducing the labor for introducing a server and grouping the image forming apparatuses.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming system in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of client PC in embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a function structure of the various apparatuses in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the user icon display screen in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the print data list screen (document list screen) in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of user information in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of bibliographic information in embodiment of this invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of print data storage processing in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a memory | storage of user information in the embodiment of this invention, and the display update process of a user icon. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of display processing for displaying a print data list screen from a user icon display screen in the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating details of print data printing processing according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating details of print data deletion processing according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an outline of print data printing / deleting processing according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the update process of a user icon display screen in embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming system in an embodiment of the present invention.

  A printer driver 115 is installed in the client PC 200, and the printer driver 115 creates print data based on data received from an application program (for example, a document data creation application) stored in the client PC 200. The print data can be transmitted to the multifunction peripheral 100 (image forming apparatus). The multifunction device 100 that has received the print data stores the print data in the HDD (external memory) of the multifunction device 100.

  Further, the printer driver management application 120 transmits information on the printer driver 115 stored in the client PC 200 to the multifunction device 100 in response to a request from the multifunction device 100. In other words, identification information of a multifunction peripheral that the user may use (the user may transmit print data) is transmitted to the multifunction peripheral 100.

  An application (print application) that manages printing operates on the multi-function peripheral 100, acquires bibliographic information of print data stored in the multi-function peripheral 100, and manages it in the memory. The bibliographic information here refers to, for example, the job owner name of the print data as shown in FIG. 8 and the identification information of the MFP 100 in which the print data indicated by the bibliographic information is stored (the stored MFP IP in FIG. 8). This is attribute information of print data including an address.

  The multifunction device 100 displays an icon (user icon / stored in advance in the external memory of the multifunction device 100) for displaying a list of print data of the user (user indicated by the job owner name) in the bibliographic information. Obtained from 100 external memories and displayed on the display screen. By accepting the pressing of the user icon, a list of print data of the user corresponding to the user icon is displayed. The user name is displayed in association with the user name in the bibliographic information (illustrated by 501 in FIG. 5).

  When print data is stored, the printer driver information is acquired from the client PC (user PC) that is the transmission source of the stored print data, and the user prints the information to another multifunction device indicated by the printer driver. Notify that data has been received (stored) (request / grouping is performed to display the user icon of the user on the user icon display screen (FIG. 5) of another multifunction device).

  By performing the grouping process, the user can recognize that the user's print data is stored in any of the multifunction devices 100 even in other multifunction devices in which the user's print data is not stored. Can be presented.

  Also, by accepting the pressing of the user icon, the user's print data can be acquired from another multifunction device and printed.

  Each MFP 100 and client PC 200 are connected to each other via a LAN 101 so as to communicate with each other. The above is the description of FIG.

  Hereinafter, an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus applicable to the client PC illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to the client PC illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. Further, the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 is necessary to realize a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS), which is a control program of the CPU 201, or a function executed by each server or each PC. Various programs to be described later are stored.

  A RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program or the like necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 203 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 205 controls input from a keyboard (KB) 209 or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). A video controller 206 controls display on a display device such as a CRT display (CRT) 210. In FIG. 2, although described as CRT 210, the display device is not limited to the CRT, but may be another display device such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by the administrator as needed.

  A memory controller 207 is connected to the hard disk (HD), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA card slot for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, etc. via an adapter. The access to the external memory 211 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory is controlled.

  A communication I / F controller 208 is connected to and communicates with an external device via a network (for example, the LAN 101 shown in FIG. 1), and executes communication control processing on the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the CRT 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 203, for example. In addition, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 210.

  Various programs to be described later for realizing the present invention are recorded in the external memory 211 and executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 203 as necessary. Furthermore, definition files and various information tables used when executing the program are also stored in the external memory 211, and a detailed description thereof will be described later. The above is the description of FIG.

  Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit that is connected to a scanner 314 that functions as an image input device and a printer 312 that functions as an image output device, and is connected to a LAN or a public line (WAN) (for example, PSTN or ISDN). By doing so, image data and device information are input and output.

  In the controller unit 316, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system. Reference numeral 302 denotes a RAM, which is a system network memory for operating the CPU 301, and is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

  A ROM 303 stores a system boot program and various control programs. A hard disk drive (HDD) 304 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit (UI) 308 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 308 to the operation unit 308. The operation unit I / F 307 serves to transmit information (for example, user information) input by the system user from the operation unit 308 to the CPU 301. Note that the operation unit 308 includes a display unit having a touch panel, and various instructions can be given by a user pressing (touching with a finger or the like) a button displayed on the display unit.

  A network interface (Network I / F) 305 is connected to a network (LAN) and inputs / outputs data. A modem (MODEM) 306 is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

  Reference numeral 318 denotes an external interface (external I / F), which is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, and RS-232C. In this embodiment, for reading an IC card required for authentication The card reader 319 is connected to the external I / F unit 318. The CPU 301 can control reading of information from the IC card by the card reader 319 via the external I / F 318, and can acquire information read from the IC card. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 309.

  Reference numeral 320 denotes an image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F), which is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.

  The image bus 315 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 315.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 310 develops vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image. A printer interface (printer I / F) 311 connects the printer 312 and the controller unit 316, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 313 connects the scanner 314 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 317 performs correction, processing, and editing on input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 317 performs image data rotation and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data.

  The scanner unit 314 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 gives an instruction to the scanner 314, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. I do.

  The printer unit 312 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array directly on the paper. There is an inkjet method for printing an image, but any method may be used. The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 301. The printer unit 312 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has a paper cassette corresponding thereto.

  The operation unit 308 has an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The operation unit 308 displays an operation screen of the system. When a displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F 307. To the CPU 301 via The operation unit 308 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 308 is used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two color LEDs, green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used. Further, the stop key of the operation unit 308 functions to stop the operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 308 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  The card reader 319 reads information stored in an IC card (for example, Sony FeliCa (registered trademark)) under the control of the CPU 301, and reads the read information via the external I / F 318. The CPU 301 is notified.

  With the configuration described above, the multi-function device 100 can transmit the image data read from the scanner 314 to the LAN 101 and print out the print data received from the LAN using the printer 312.

  Also, the image data read from the scanner 314 can be faxed to the public line by the modem 306, and the image data received by fax from the public line can be output by the printer 312. The above is the description of FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, an example of a functional configuration of various apparatuses in the embodiment of the invention will be described. Details of the operation of each functional unit will be described later.

  <Print application 110>

  The print data storage unit 401 is a storage unit that stores print data received from the client PC 200 and bibliographic information (FIG. 8) of the print data.

  The print data storage determination unit 402 is a determination unit that determines whether print data is stored in the memory of the multifunction peripheral 100. The user information storage unit 403 is a storage unit that stores user information (FIG. 7) of a user who is a job owner of the print data stored in the print data storage unit 401.

  The printer information receiving unit 404 is a receiving unit that receives printer information (printer driver information) stored in the client PC 200 that is the transmission source of the received print data.

  The notification transmission / reception unit 405 stores the print data in the multifunction device 100 (and user information that is the owner of the print data) in another multifunction device identified from the printer information received by the printer information reception unit 404. Or a notification from another multifunction device that print data has been stored in the other multifunction device (and user information that is the owner of the print data).

  When the notification is received, the user information storage unit 403 adds and stores user information included in the notification.

  The user icon display unit 406 displays a user icon corresponding to the user information stored in the user information storage unit 403 (image data of an icon stored in advance in the external memory of the MFP 100) on the display screen.

  The print data transmission / reception unit 407 sends print data (or bibliographic information) to another multifunction device in response to a request for print data (or bibliographic information) from the other multifunction device when the user icon is pressed. Send. In addition, when a user icon is pressed, the functional unit receives and requests the user's print data (or bibliographic information) of the user icon from another multifunction device.

<Printer driver>
The print data transmission unit 411 converts application data into data that can be printed by the multifunction peripheral (generates print data), and transmits the data to the multifunction peripheral 100.

  <Printer driver management application>

  The printer information acquisition unit 412 is an acquisition unit that acquires information of the printer driver 115 stored in the client PC 200. The printer information transmission unit 413 is a transmission unit that transmits the printer information acquired by the printer information acquisition unit 412 to the multifunction peripheral 100. The above is the description of FIG.

  Hereinafter, the flow of processing in the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to each flowchart. The processing performed by the printer driver and the printer driver management application (driver management application) is executed by the CPU 201 of the client PC 200 using the functions of the printer driver or driver management application. Further, the processing performed by the print application (print application) is executed by the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 100 using the function of the print application.

  First, with reference to FIG. 9, a process of receiving and storing print data transmitted from a client PC according to the present invention will be described.

  The printer driver 115 is called at the time of a print request from various applications (for example, a document creation application) in the client PC 200, converts target application data into data that can be printed by the multifunction peripheral 100 corresponding to the printer driver, and Print data is generated (step S901).

  The printer driver 115 receives designation of which MFP 100 the print data generated in step S901 is transmitted to, and the RAW port (9100) or LPR port (515) of the designated MFP 100. (Step S902). When the default transmission destination of the print data is set in the printer driver in advance, the print data is transmitted to the multifunction peripheral 100 (port of the multifunction peripheral 100) set as the default transmission destination.

  In transmitting the print data, the identification information (for example, IP address) of the client PC 200 that is the transmission source of the print data is transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 100 together with the print data.

  The print application 110 receives the print data transmitted in step S902 (corresponding to step S903 / print data receiving means). Further, the received data is stored in the HDD in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The print application acquires the identification information of the client PC that is the transmission source of the print data, and stores it in the memory (step S904).

  The print application 110 extracts the bibliographic information shown in FIG. 8 from the print data stored in the HDD of the multifunction device 100 in step S903 and stores it in the memory in the multifunction device 100 (step S905). Specifically, a bibliographic information storage list is generated on the memory, and the bibliographic information of all received print data is stored in the bibliographic information storage list (step S905).

  Based on the user name in the bibliographic information acquired in step S905, the print application 110 determines whether the job owner of the print data is a new user (new user information) that is not stored in the multifunction peripheral 100. Determination is made (step S906).

  Specifically, the print application 110 determines whether the user information of the received print data as shown in FIG. For example, it is determined whether the user name in the bibliographic information acquired in step S905 exists in the list of user information 700 stored in the external memory of the multi-function peripheral 100, and it is determined whether the user is a new user (step S906).

  If it is determined in step S906 that the user is a new user, the user information shown in FIG. 7 is generated and stored in the memory (step S907). Specifically, the user information acquired in step S905 is added to and stored in the list of user information 700 (user information list) stored in the external memory of the multifunction peripheral 100. If the user information list has not been generated, a user information list is newly generated and the user information is stored. The user information list stores a plurality of pieces of user information by adding user information as described above.

  The print application 110 refers to the user information list updated in step S907 and displays a user icon display screen as shown in FIG. 5 (step S908). Specifically, the user information in the user information list is referred to, the document storage destination MFP information (for example, the IP address of the MFP 100) of the user information shown in FIG. Is displayed on the user icon display screen.

  The print application 110 makes a printer driver information acquisition request to the printer driver management application 120 (step S909). Specifically, an acquisition request for a printer driver installed in the client PC 200 (information on a destination / destination printer to which the client PC 200 can transmit print data) is issued.

  The printer driver management application 120 receives the printer driver information acquisition request transmitted in step S909 (step S910). Then, the printer driver management function 221 acquires information on the printer driver (printer driver information) installed in the client PC 200 (step S911). Specifically, the printer driver information includes information such as a printer product name and a host name (IP address) as information that can identify the printer.

  The printer driver management application 120 transmits the printer driver information acquired in step S911 to the multifunction peripheral 100 (print application 110) that is the request source of the request received in step S910 (corresponding to step S912 / identification information transmitting unit). . If there are a plurality of pieces of printer driver information acquired in step S911, the plurality of pieces of printer driver information are transmitted to the requesting multifunction peripheral 100.

  The print application 110 receives the printer driver information transmitted in step S912 (corresponding to step S913 / identification information receiving means). Steps S915 to S917 are repeated for the number of printer driver information received in step S913 (step S914).

  The print application 110 acquires one piece of printer driver information from the printer driver information acquired in step S913, and determines whether it is the printer driver information of the own host (step S915). Specifically, the host name in the printer driver information is compared with the host name of the printer driver, and if they match, the printer driver information of the host is determined.

  If it is determined in step S915 that the host name in the printer driver information is another host (NO in step S915), the print application 110 determines that the multifunction device 100 indicated by the other host (hereinafter referred to as the multifunction device 100B). On the other hand, the user information (FIG. 7) generated in step S907 is transmitted (step S916). That is, a request for grouping between the MFP 100B as the transmission destination of the user information and the MFP 100A is transmitted. Then, the process is returned before step S915 to acquire unacquired printer driver information, and the process proceeds to step S915.

  If it is determined in step S915 that the host name in the printer driver information is the host (YES in step S915), the process returns to step S915 to acquire unacquired printer driver information and perform the process. Proceed to step S915.

  The print application 110 of the multifunction peripheral 100B receives the user information transmitted in step S916, and stores the user information and performs display update processing of the user icon (corresponding to step S917 / user information receiving means). Detailed processing in step S917 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The above is the description of FIG.

  Next, user information storage and user icon display update processing in the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The print application 110 of the multifunction peripheral 100B receives the user information transmitted in step S916 (step S1001). The print application 110 determines whether the user information received in step S1001 is a new user (step S1002).

  Specifically, the print application 110 of the multifunction peripheral 100B determines whether or not the user information received in step S1001 is included in the user information list stored in the memory of the self apparatus. In this case, it is determined that the user is a new user. If it is included, it is determined as an existing user.

  If it is determined that the received user information is user information of a new user (YES in step S1002), the user information received in step S1001 is added to the user information list stored in the memory (step S1003). . That is, a process of sharing the storage state of user information with the multifunction peripheral 100A (grouping) is performed.

  If it is determined in step S1003 that the user is an existing user (NO in step S1002), the transmission source of the user information received in step S1001 is stored in the document storage destination MFP information of the user information of the existing user stored in the memory. Multifunction machine host information is added (step S1004).

  The print application 110 displays a user icon display screen as shown in FIG. 5 on the display screen based on the user information list updated in step S1003 or step S1004 (step S1005). Specifically, each user information is acquired from the user information list, and the user icon of the user information in which the MFP information exists is displayed as a user icon by referring to the document storage destination MFP information of the user information shown in FIG. Display on the screen.

  That is, which user's print data is stored in another grouped multifunction peripheral (here, another multifunction peripheral 100A for the multifunction peripheral 100B) is displayed on the display screen of the multifunction peripheral 100B. The user icon is displayed so that it can be identified. The above is the description of FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the flow of the print data list screen display process in the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  Assume that the user icon display screen has already been displayed on the display screen of the multifunction peripheral 100B by the processing of step S1005 in FIG. 10 at the time of step S1101 in FIG.

  The print application 110 of the multifunction device 100B (a multifunction device that has received and stored user information from the multifunction device 100A and has no print data stored) waits until it receives a print data list display instruction (step S1101). Specifically, when the user icon is detected to be pressed on the user icon display screen shown in FIG. 5 (“Yes” in step S1001), or when the user icon is not detected (“No” in step S1101), the user Wait until an icon press is detected.

  The print application 110 acquires user information corresponding to the pressed user icon from the user information list stored in the memory (for example, using a user name), and stores the document storage destination MFP information Is acquired (step S1102).

  The following steps S1104 to S1112 are repeated for the document storage destination MFP information acquired in step S1102 (step S1103).

  The print application 110 acquires one piece of document storage destination MFP information acquired in step S1102, and determines whether or not it indicates its own host (step S1104). That is, it is determined whether the user print data indicated by the pressed user icon is stored in the external memory of the own apparatus (multifunction peripheral 100B).

  If it is determined that the acquired document storage destination MFP information is the own host (YES in step S1104), the bibliographic information of the user is obtained from the bibliographic information list (FIG. 8) stored in the external memory of the own device. Obtain (extract) (step S1105).

  When it is determined that the acquired document storage destination MFP information is another host (NO in step S1104), the pressed user is pressed against the MFP 100A (print application 110 of the MFP 100A) that is the other host. The user's bibliographic information indicated by the icon is requested (step S1106).

  The print application 110 of the multifunction peripheral 100A receives the bibliographic information list acquisition request transmitted in step S1106 (step S1107), and receives the request received from the list of bibliographic information stored in the external memory of the multifunction peripheral 100A. The bibliographic information corresponding to the user information included in is acquired (extracted). That is, the bibliographic information of the user's print data of the user icon pressed in the multifunction peripheral 100B is acquired.

  The print application 110 of the multifunction peripheral 100A transmits the list of bibliographic information acquired in step S1108 to the host (here, the multifunction peripheral 100B) that transmitted the request received in step S1107 (step S1109). If the MFP 100A does not store print data corresponding to the user information included in the request, an empty bibliographic information list is transmitted to the MFP 100B (step S1109).

  The print application 110 of the multifunction peripheral 100B receives the bibliographic information list transmitted in step S1109 (step S1110). Then, it is determined whether or not the bibliographic information list is empty (step S1111). In other words, it is determined whether or not the user's print data of the pressed user icon is stored in the multifunction peripheral that is the request destination of the bibliographic information.

  If the received bibliographic information list is empty (YES in step S1111 / when the user's print data of the pressed user icon is not stored in the multifunction device 100A), the bibliographic information list is retained in the memory of the own device (multifunction device 100B) The IP identification information (multifunction peripheral information) of the multifunction peripheral 100A that has transmitted the empty list is deleted from the document storage destination multifunction peripheral information of the user information of the pressed user icon in the user information list being pressed ( Step S1112).

  If the document storage destination MFP information of the user information becomes empty as a result of the process of step S1112, it is determined that the user's print data indicated by the user information is not stored in any MFP 100, and the next user When displaying the icon display screen, the user icon corresponding to the user information is not displayed.

  After the processing in steps S1104 to S1112 is applied to all the document storage destination MFP information acquired in step S1102, the processing proceeds to step S1113.

  The print application 110 of the multifunction peripheral 100B integrates (merges) the bibliographic information acquired in steps S1105 and S1110 into one list and stores it in the memory (step S1113), and prints the list of the integrated bibliographic information. A print data list screen 600 embedded in the data list display unit 603 is displayed, and print data print processing / deletion processing is performed from the print data list screen 600 from the display screen (step S1114). Details of the processing in step S1114 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Note that the bibliographic information (print data bibliographic information stored in another multifunction device) acquired in step S1110 is assigned the icon 602 shown in FIG. Shall. The above is the description of FIG.

  Next, a flow of printing / deleting processing according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The print application 110 of the MFP 100B displays the print data list screen 600 in which the list of bibliographic information of the user 601 (FIG. 6) merged in step S1113 is embedded in the print data list display unit 603 (step S1402).

  Then, print data print processing (step S1402), deletion processing (step S1403), and display screen update processing (step S1404) are executed.

  The print data printing process (step S1402), the deleting process (step S1403), and the display screen updating process (step S1404) will be described below with reference to FIGS. 12, 13, and 15, respectively.

  With reference to FIG. 12, the flow of the printing process in the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  At the start of step S1201, it is assumed that the print data list screen 600 has already been displayed on the display screen of the multifunction peripheral 100B in step S1114 of FIG.

  The print application 110 of the multifunction peripheral 100B accepts print data selection on the print data list screen 600 (step S1201). The print application 110 of the multifunction peripheral 100B determines whether a print instruction has been received (step S1202). Specifically, it is determined whether or not pressing of the “print start” button 605 on the print data list screen 600 (FIG. 6) is accepted.

  If a print instruction has not been received (NO in step S1202), the process ends. If a print instruction has been received (YES in step S1202), the process proceeds to step S1203.

  When the print application 110 of the multifunction peripheral 100B receives the print instruction, the print application 110 of steps S1204 to 1207 is executed for all print data (bibliographic information of all print data to be printed) selected in the print data list screen of FIG. Process.

  The print application 110 of the multifunction peripheral 100B acquires one piece of bibliographic information of print data to be printed, and the print data indicated by the bibliographic information is print data stored in the own device or print data stored in another device. Is determined (step S1204). More specifically, when the storage multifunction device IP address of the acquired bibliographic information matches the IP address of the own device, it is determined that the print data of the bibliographic information is stored in the own device, and the IP address of the own device is determined. If it does not match the address, it is determined that the print data of the bibliographic information is stored in another device (other multifunction device).

  If it is determined in step S1204 that the print data is stored in the self apparatus (multifunction peripheral 100B), the print data stored in the self apparatus is acquired and printed by the multi function peripheral 100B (step S1205). ).

  If it is determined in step S1204 that the print data is stored in another device (here, for example, the multifunction device 100A), a print request is transmitted to the print application of the other device (the multifunction device 100A) (step S1204). S1206). The print request includes bibliographic information of print data to be printed.

  The print application 110 of the multifunction peripheral 100A that has received the print instruction in step S1206 acquires print data to be printed, and prints the print data to the multifunction peripheral 100B (print request source multifunction peripheral) (step S1206). S1207). For example, the print application 110 of the multifunction peripheral 100A transmits print data to the LPR port of the multifunction peripheral 100B, and causes the multifunction peripheral 100B to execute print processing (print processing). The above is the description of FIG.

  Next, a flow of print data deletion processing in the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  At the start of step S1301, it is assumed that the print data list screen 600 has already been displayed on the display screen of the multifunction peripheral 100B in step S1114 of FIG.

  The print application 110 of the multifunction peripheral 100B determines whether or not a deletion instruction is accepted on the print data list screen 600 (step S1301). Specifically, it is determined whether or not pressing of the “delete” button 604 on the print data list screen 600 (FIG. 6) is accepted. If there is print data that has been printed in the print process (step S1402), it is determined that an instruction to delete the print data that has been printed has been received (that is, the print data is given by the print instruction. Is a print instruction and a delete instruction after printing).

  If a delete instruction has not been received (NO in step S1301), the process ends. If a delete instruction has been received (YES in step S1301), the process proceeds to step S1302.

  When the print application 110 of the multifunction peripheral 100B receives the delete instruction, the print application 110 of steps S1303 to 1306 is executed for all print data selected in the print data list screen of FIG. 6 (bibliographic information of all print data to be deleted). Process.

  The print application 110 of the multifunction peripheral 100B acquires one bibliographic information of the print data to be deleted, and the print data indicated by the bibliographic information is the print data stored in the own device or the print data stored in another device. Is determined (step S1303). More specifically, when the storage multifunction device IP address of the acquired bibliographic information matches the IP address of the own device, it is determined that the print data of the bibliographic information is stored in the own device, and the IP address of the own device is determined. If it does not match the address, it is determined that the print data of the bibliographic information is stored in another device (other multifunction device).

  If it is determined in step S1303 that the print data is stored in the own apparatus (multifunction peripheral 100B) (YES in step S1303), the print data stored in the own apparatus is acquired and deleted (step S1304). . Further, the bibliographic information of the print data to be deleted is deleted from the bibliographic information list created in step 1113 of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S1303 that the print data is stored in another device (for example, the multifunction device 100A here) (NO in step S1303), the print application of the other device (multifunction device 100A) A request to delete the print data indicated by the bibliographic information is transmitted (step S1305). The deletion request includes bibliographic information of print data to be deleted. In addition, the bibliographic information of the print data in the MFP 100A to be deleted is deleted from the bibliographic information list created in step 1113 in FIG.

  Upon receiving the print data deletion instruction, the print application 110 of the multifunction peripheral 100A acquires the print data to be deleted and deletes it (step S1306). The above is the description of FIG.

  Next, display screen update processing according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The print application 110 of the MFP 100B acquires the bibliographic information list (updated in steps S1304 and S1305) updated by the deletion process of FIG. 13 (step S1501), and the bibliographic information (print data is added to the bibliographic information list). It is determined whether or not (bibliographic information to be indicated) exists (step S1502). That is, it is determined whether or not all print data of the user has been deleted by the above-described printing / deleting process.

  If it is determined that print data exists (YES in step S1502), the process ends.

  If it is determined in step S1502 that there is no print data on all hosts (NO in step S1502), the print application 110 displays the user icon of the target user (in step S1101 in FIG. 11) from the user icon display screen shown in FIG. The user icon display screen 500 in which the user icon that has received the selection (that is, the user icon of the user who no longer holds the print data) is hidden is displayed on the display screen (step S1503).

  The print application 110 of the multi-function peripheral 100B stores the document storage destination composite of user information stored in the memory (the user whose user icon has been selected in step S1101 in FIG. 11, ie, the user who no longer holds print data). Steps S1505 to 1507 are executed for the other multifunction device indicated by the device information (here, multifunction device 100A) (step S1504).

  The print application 110 of the multi-function peripheral 100B stores the document storage destination composite of user information stored in the memory (the user whose user icon has been selected in step S1101 in FIG. 11, ie, the user who no longer holds print data). One other multifunction device (the multifunction device 100A) indicated by the device information is identified, and the multifunction device 100A is notified that the print data of the user no longer exists on any multifunction device (step S100). S1505 / corresponds to non-display request). That is, the user is instructed to hide the user icon of the user in the MFP 100A as the notification destination.

  The print application 110 of the multifunction peripheral 100A receives the notification transmitted in step S1505 (step S1506), and the user (print data is stored) as a contrast of the notification from the user icon display screen (FIG. 5) of the own apparatus. The user icon of “lost user” is hidden (corresponding to step S1507 / non-display control means).

  The print application 110 of the multi-function peripheral 100B deletes the target multi-function peripheral information from the document storage destination multi-function peripheral information in the user information stored in the memory itself (step S1508). That is, it is stored that the print data of the user is not stored in any of the multifunction devices. The above is the description of FIG.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The print application 110 of the multifunction peripheral 100B determines whether there is print data of the user who is the job owner of the print data displayed as a list in step S1401 (step S1505). That is, it is determined whether or not it is determined in step S1502 in FIG. 15 that the user's print data does not exist.

  If it is determined that the user's print data exists (YES in step S1505), the process returns to step S1401, and the print data list screen is displayed (updated) based on the bibliographic information list updated in steps S1402 to S1403. )

  If it is determined that there is no user print data (NO in step S1505), the process ends. The above is the description of FIG.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily group image forming apparatuses based on information acquired from a printing client apparatus.

  In addition, it is possible to present which user's print data is stored in another multifunction device so that the user icon can be recognized by display.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above. However, the present invention can take an embodiment as a system, an apparatus, a method, a program that can be read and executed by the apparatus, a storage medium, or the like. In addition, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.

  Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (basic system or operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

100 MFP 110 Printing Application 200 Client PC
210 Printer Driver 220 Printer Driver Management Application

Claims (9)

An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a client apparatus and another image forming apparatus that convert print data into a printable format in the image forming apparatus, and
Storage means for receiving and storing the print data from the client device ;
To those the print data another image forming apparatus capable of printing, and notifying means for the notification to display the user icon of the user of the print data stored by said memory means,
A user icon display means for displaying a user of the user icon of the print data stored by previous term memory unit,
A list display means for displaying a list of print data of the user indicated by the user icon stored by the storage means when an operation on the user icon displayed by the user icon display means is received;
Printing means for printing the print data selected in the print data list displayed by the list display means;
With
The image forming apparatus, wherein the user icon display means further displays a user icon for which the notification has been received by the notification means of another image forming apparatus. Setting means for setting the user icon display setting of the user of the print data stored by the storage means to display the user icon;
With
The setting unit sets the display setting of the user icon that has received the notification by the notification unit as a setting to display the user icon,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user icon display unit displays a user icon set to be displayed by the setting unit. Obtaining means for obtaining information of a printer driver available to the client device from the client device;
With
The notifying unit is an image forming apparatus indicated by the information of the printer driver acquired by the acquiring unit, and the print data stored in the storage unit is printable with respect to another image forming apparatus capable of printing the print data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a notification for displaying a user icon of the user is displayed. A notification for hiding the user icon of the user whose print data is not stored in the image forming apparatus and the other image forming apparatus notified by the notifying unit is notified to the other image forming apparatus. Non-display notification means,
With
4. The image according to claim 1, wherein the user icon display unit further hides the user icon that has been notified by the non-display notification unit of another image forming apparatus. 5. Forming equipment. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a client apparatus and another image forming apparatus that convert print data into a printable format in the image forming apparatus and transmit the converted data.
A storage step of receiving and storing the print data from the client device;
A notifying step of to those the print data another image forming apparatus capable of printing, the notification for displaying the user icon of the user of the print data stored by said storing step,
A user icon display step of displaying the user of the user icon before Symbol print data stored by the storing step,
A list display step of displaying a print data list of the user indicated by the user icon stored in the storage step when an operation on the user icon displayed in the user icon display step is received;
A printing step of printing the print data selected in the print data list displayed by the list display step;
Including
The user icon display step further displays a user icon that has received the notification in the notification step of another image forming apparatus. A program executable by an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a client apparatus and another image forming apparatus that converts print data into a printable format in the image forming apparatus and transmits the data.
The image forming apparatus;
Storage means for receiving and storing the print data from the client device ;
To those the print data another image forming apparatus capable of printing, and notifying means for the notification to display the user icon of the user of the print data stored by said memory means,
A user icon display means for displaying a user of the user icon of the print data stored by previous term memory unit,
A list display means for displaying a list of print data of the user indicated by the user icon stored by the storage means when an operation on the user icon displayed by the user icon display means is received;
To function as a printing means for printing the print data selected in the printing data list displayed by said list display means,
A program for causing the user icon display means to further function as means for displaying a user icon for which the notification has been received by the notification means of another image forming apparatus. An image forming system including a client device that converts print data into a printable format in an image forming device and transmits the image data, and a plurality of image forming devices,
The first image forming apparatus
Storage means for receiving and storing the print data from the client device;
Notification means for notifying another image forming apparatus capable of printing the print data to display the user icon of the user of the print data stored by the storage means;
With
The second image forming apparatus
User icon display means for displaying a user icon that has received the notification by the notification means of the first image forming apparatus;
List display means for displaying a list of print data of the user indicated by the user icon stored by the storage means of the first image forming apparatus when an operation on the user icon displayed by the user icon display means is received. When,
Printing means for printing the print data selected in the print data list displayed by the list display means;
An image forming system comprising: A control method of an image forming system including a client device that converts print data into a printable format in an image forming device and transmits the image data,
In the first image forming apparatus,
A storage step of receiving and storing the print data from the client device;
A notification step of notifying another image forming apparatus capable of printing the print data to display a user icon of the user of the print data stored in the storage step;
Including
In the second image forming apparatus,
A user icon display step of displaying a user icon that has received the notification in the notification step of the first image forming apparatus;
A list display step for displaying a list of print data of the user indicated by the user icon stored in the storage step of the first image forming apparatus when an operation on the user icon displayed in the user icon display step is received. When,
A printing step of printing the print data selected in the print data list displayed by the list display step;
The control method characterized by including. A program for controlling an image forming system including a client device and a plurality of image forming devices that convert print data into a printable format in the image forming device, and a plurality of image forming devices.
The first image forming apparatus is
Storage means for receiving and storing the print data from the client device;
Function as a notification means for notifying other image forming apparatuses capable of printing the print data to display a user icon of the user of the print data stored in the storage means,
A second image forming apparatus;
User icon display means for displaying a user icon that has received the notification by the notification means of the first image forming apparatus;
List display means for displaying a list of print data of the user indicated by the user icon stored by the storage means of the first image forming apparatus when an operation on the user icon displayed by the user icon display means is received. When,
A program for functioning as printing means for printing print data selected in a list of print data displayed by the list display means.

Images