JP6648588B2 - Image forming system, image forming apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Description

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

  Conventionally, there is a technology in which a computer connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses obtains status information indicating occurrence of abnormality or the like from each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and determines and displays an icon corresponding to a state of each image forming apparatus. It is known (for example, Patent Document 1). In this conventional technique, a computer determines an icon corresponding to a state of each image forming apparatus based on state information acquired from each image forming apparatus, and selects one icon having a higher priority from among the plurality of icons. On the taskbar. When the user double-clicks the icon on the task bar, the computer generates and displays a status information screen of each image forming apparatus.

JP 2006-163880 A

  By the way, a portable information processing terminal such as a smart phone or a tablet terminal communicates with each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network when a print program is started, and a user receives a job as a destination to input a job. Is displayed as an initial screen. The selection screen is, for example, a screen displaying a plurality of image forming apparatuses in a list format.

  However, the conventional selection screen only displays simple icons and device names, and does not display sufficient information for the user to select an appropriate image forming apparatus as a job input destination. Therefore, after the user selects one image forming apparatus from the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the desired function is not installed only after a job setting screen that can be set in the selected image forming apparatus is displayed. You will know that. In this case, the user must return to the selection screen and perform the operation of selecting one image forming apparatus from among the plurality of image forming apparatuses again, resulting in poor operability.

  In addition, the conventional selection screen does not allow the user to know the remaining amount of consumables such as paper and toner, so if the user selects one image forming apparatus and submits a job, the user immediately runs out of paper or toner. May occur. Further, since the relative load state of a plurality of image forming apparatuses cannot be grasped on the conventional selection screen, the job execution starts immediately after the user selects one image forming apparatus and submits the job. It may not be done. In such a case, there is a problem in that the convenience is poor for the user, even if he / she wants to obtain the printed matter in a hurry.

  The above-mentioned problem cannot be solved even by applying the conventional technique as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-163,897. For example, in the related art of Patent Literature 1, icons are displayed for each of the image forming apparatuses in an error state, a warning state, and a normal state based on the state information of each image forming apparatus. However, when all of the plurality of image forming apparatuses are in the warning state, there is a problem that the user cannot know which image forming apparatus to select.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and compares the states of a plurality of image forming apparatuses when a user selects one image forming apparatus from the plurality of image forming apparatuses. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, and a program, which can be selected by using the same.

  In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is an image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses can communicate with each other via a network, wherein each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is used by a user. Management means for managing device information including at least one of function information on a possible function, consumable information on the remaining amount of consumables, and load information indicating a load state, and other images via the network Acquiring means for acquiring the device information managed by the forming apparatus, and comparing the device information of its own device managed by the managing means with the device information of another image forming apparatus acquired by the acquiring means; Generating means for generating a display object of the own device represented by a relative relationship with the image forming apparatus; and generating the object when detecting access from an information processing terminal. A construction which is characterized in that a transmission unit that transmits the display object to the information processing terminal that is generated by the.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the first aspect, the generation unit includes a function information included in device information of the own device and a function information included in device information of another image forming apparatus. By identifying a common function common to the own device and another image forming apparatus, an icon image corresponding to a function excluding the common function from a plurality of functions available to a user in the own device is determined. And generating the display object including the icon image.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the second aspect, each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes a basic icon indicating that the plurality of image forming apparatuses is an image forming apparatus, and a plurality of functions that can be used by a user. Storage means for storing a plurality of sub-icons corresponding to each of the plurality of sub-icons, wherein the generation means reads out the basic icon from the storage means and, among the plurality of functions available to the user in the own device, The sub-icon corresponding to a function excluding a common function is read from the storage unit, and the icon image is generated by adding the sub-icon read from the storage unit to the basic icon. It is.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the first to third aspects, the generating unit determines a recommendation order of the own apparatus based on a relative relationship with another image forming apparatus. Then, the display object is generated in a display mode corresponding to the recommendation order.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the fourth aspect, the generating unit includes consumables information included in device information of its own device and consumables included in device information of another image forming apparatus. The recommendation order is determined based on a relative relationship between information and the remaining amount of consumables of the image forming apparatus and the remaining amount of consumables of another image forming apparatus.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the fourth or fifth aspect, the generation unit includes a load information included in the device information of its own device and a load included in the device information of another image forming device. The recommended order is determined based on a relative relationship between the load state of the apparatus itself and the load state of another image forming apparatus.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, the generation unit includes a consumable item information included in device information of the own device based on a predetermined priority. The configuration is characterized in that the recommendation order is determined by comparing one of the load information with information included in the device information of another image forming apparatus.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the fourth to seventh aspects, the generation unit generates the display object using a display color corresponding to the recommendation order. It is a configuration to do.

  According to a ninth aspect, in the image forming system according to any one of the fourth to eighth aspects, the generation unit generates the display object having a display size corresponding to the recommendation order. It is.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the fourth to ninth aspects, the management unit further manages status information indicating a status of the own device, and the generation unit includes the status information. When the error status indicates an error state, the recommendation order is lowered.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the management unit further manages installation location information indicating an installation location of the image forming apparatus. The display object including the installation location information is generated.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the obtaining unit periodically obtains device information managed by another image forming device via the network, The generating unit performs a process of comparing the device information of its own device with the device information of another image forming device each time the device information of another image forming device is obtained by the obtaining unit. The display object is updated at a timing when the relative relationship with the information processing terminal changes, and when the display object is updated by the generation unit after transmitting the display object to the information processing terminal, Wherein the display object is further transmitted to the information processing terminal.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, at least one of function information on a function available to a user, consumable information on a remaining amount of consumables, and load information indicating a load state is stored. Management means for managing device information including, acquisition means for acquiring device information managed by another image forming apparatus via a network, device information of its own device managed by the management means, Generating means for comparing the acquired device information of the other image forming apparatus and generating a display object of the own apparatus represented by a relative relationship with the other image forming apparatus, and detecting access from the information processing terminal And transmitting means for transmitting the display object generated by the generating means to the information processing terminal.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, the generation unit includes a function information included in the device information of the own device and a function information included in the device information of another image forming device. By identifying a common function common to the own device and another image forming apparatus, an icon image corresponding to a function excluding the common function from a plurality of functions available to a user in the own device is determined. And generating the display object including the icon image.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect, a basic icon indicating an image forming apparatus and a plurality of sub-icons respectively corresponding to a plurality of functions available to a user are provided. Storage means for storing, wherein the generation means reads out the basic icon from the storage means, and corresponds to a function obtained by excluding the common function from a plurality of functions available to a user in the own device. The sub-icon is read from the storage unit, and the icon image is generated by adding the sub-icon read from the storage unit to the basic icon.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the thirteenth to thirteenth aspects, the generating unit determines a recommendation order of the own apparatus based on a relative relationship with another image forming apparatus. Then, the display object is generated in a display mode corresponding to the recommendation order.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect, the generation unit includes consumables information included in device information of the image forming apparatus and consumables included in device information of another image forming apparatus. The recommendation order is determined based on a relative relationship between information and the remaining amount of consumables of the image forming apparatus and the remaining amount of consumables of another image forming apparatus.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixteenth or seventeenth aspect, the generating unit includes a load information included in the device information of its own device and a load included in the device information of another image forming device. The recommended order is determined based on a relative relationship between the load state of the apparatus itself and the load state of another image forming apparatus.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the sixteenth to eighteenth aspects, the generating unit may include consumable information included in the apparatus information of the own apparatus based on a predetermined priority. The configuration is characterized in that the recommendation order is determined by comparing one of the load information with information included in the device information of another image forming apparatus.

  According to a twentieth aspect, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the sixteenth to nineteenth aspects, the generation unit generates the display object using a display color corresponding to the recommendation order. It is a configuration to do.

  According to a twenty-first aspect, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the sixteenth to twentieth aspects, the generation unit generates the display object having a display size corresponding to the recommendation order. It is.

  According to a twenty-second aspect, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the sixteenth to twenty-first aspects, the management unit further manages status information indicating a status of the image forming apparatus, and the generation unit includes the status information. When the error status indicates an error state, the recommendation order is lowered.

  According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the thirteenth to thirteenth aspects, the management unit further manages installation location information indicating an installation location of the own apparatus, and the generation unit performs The display object including the installation location information is generated.

  According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the thirteenth to twenty-third aspects, the obtaining unit periodically obtains device information managed by another image forming device via the network. Each time the obtaining unit obtains the device information of another image forming apparatus, the generating unit performs a comparison process between the device information of the own apparatus and the device information of the other image forming apparatus to obtain another image. The display object is updated at a timing when the relative relationship with the forming apparatus changes, and the transmission unit updates the display object by the generation unit after transmitting the display object to the information processing terminal; The display object after the update is further transmitted to the information processing terminal.

  The invention according to claim 25 is a program executed in an image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus stores function information on functions available to a user, consumable information on remaining amount of consumables, and a load state. A first step of managing device information including at least one of the pieces of load information, a second step of acquiring device information managed by another image forming apparatus via a network, and the first step. A display object of the own device, which compares the managed device information of the own device with the device information of the other image forming device acquired in the second step, and expresses the relative information with the other image forming device. And generating the display object generated in the third step when the access from the information processing terminal is detected. A construction which is characterized in that to execute a fourth step of transmitting to the management terminal.

  According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the twenty-fifth aspect, the third step includes the step of storing function information included in the apparatus information of the own apparatus and function information included in the apparatus information of another image forming apparatus. By comparing, a common function common to the own apparatus and another image forming apparatus is specified, and an icon image corresponding to a function excluding the common function among a plurality of functions available to the user in the own apparatus is generated. Then, the display object including the icon image is generated.

  The invention according to claim 27 is the program according to claim 26, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a basic icon indicating that the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus, and a plurality of functions corresponding to a plurality of functions available to a user. A storage unit for storing a sub-icon, wherein the third step reads out the basic icon from the storage unit and removes the common function from a plurality of functions available to a user in the own device. The sub-icon corresponding to the function is read out from the storage unit, and the icon image is generated by adding the sub-icon read out from the storage unit to the basic icon.

  According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to any one of the twenty-fifth to twenty-fifth aspects, the third step determines a recommendation order of the own device based on a relative relationship with another image forming apparatus. , The display object is generated in a display mode corresponding to the recommendation order.

  According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the twenty-eighth aspect, the third step includes consumables information included in device information of its own device and consumables information included in device information of another image forming apparatus. And recommendation order is determined based on the relative relationship between the remaining amount of consumables of the image forming apparatus and the remaining amount of consumables of the image forming apparatus.

  The invention according to claim 30 is the program according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the third step comprises: loading information included in device information of the own device and load information included in device information of another image forming apparatus. And the recommendation order is determined based on the relative relationship between the load state of the own apparatus and the load state of another image forming apparatus.

  According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, in the program according to any one of the thirty-eighth to thirty-fifth aspects, the third step includes the steps of: The recommendation order is determined by comparing any one of the information with information included in device information of another image forming apparatus.

  The invention according to Claim 32 is characterized in that, in the program according to any one of Claims 28 to 31, the third step generates the display object using a display color corresponding to the recommendation order. Configuration.

  The invention according to claim 33 is the program according to any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein the third step generates the display object having a display size corresponding to the recommendation order. is there.

  According to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to any one of the thirty-eighth to thirty-fourth aspects, the first step further manages status information indicating a status of the own device, and the third step includes the status information. When the error status indicates an error state, the recommendation order is lowered.

  According to a thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to any one of the twenty-fifth to thirty-fourth aspects, the first step further manages installation location information indicating an installation location of the own device. The display object including the installation location information is generated.

  The invention according to Claim 36 is the program according to any one of Claims 25 to 35, wherein the second step includes periodically acquiring device information managed by another image forming apparatus via the network. In the third step, each time the device information of another image forming apparatus is acquired in the second step, a comparison process between the device information of its own device and the device information of another image forming device is performed. The display object is updated at a timing when a relative relationship with the image forming apparatus changes, and in the fourth step, the display object is updated in the third step after transmitting the display object to the information processing terminal. In this case, the updated display object is further transmitted to the information processing terminal.

  According to the present invention, it is possible for one image forming apparatus to generate a display object indicating the state of the image forming apparatus in a relative relationship with another image forming apparatus, and transmit the display object to the information processing terminal. . Therefore, the user of the information processing terminal can compare and select the states of the plurality of image forming apparatuses when selecting one image forming apparatus from the plurality of image forming apparatuses. Be improved.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of the information processing terminal. FIG. 9 is a process diagram illustrating a flow of a cooperative operation until a print job is executed in the image forming system. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example in which one image forming apparatus acquires device information from another image forming apparatus. It is a figure showing an example of a selection screen displayed on an information processing terminal. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mounting function in a plurality of image forming apparatuses. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an icon image generated by an icon generation unit. It is a figure showing the example of change of the display mode of the icon image based on recommendation order. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of a display mode of an icon image different from that in FIG. 9. It is a figure showing the generation concept of a display object. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed in the image forming apparatus.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, members common to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system 1 has a configuration in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 are connected to a network 3 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 can perform data communication with each other via the network 3. FIG. 1 illustrates a case where four image forming apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are connected to the network 3, but the number of image forming apparatuses 2 is not limited to this. Also, a communication device 4 serving as an access point for wireless communication is connected to the network 3. Therefore, the portable information processing terminal 5 composed of a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like communicates with the communication device 4 to connect to the network 3, and each of the plurality of image forming devices 2 via the network 3. Can be accessed. In addition to the above, an information processing device such as a personal computer may be connected to the network 3. In the following, when the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are not particularly distinguished, they are collectively referred to as an image forming apparatus 2.

  The image forming apparatus 2 is configured by, for example, an MFP (Multifunction Peripherals) and has a scan function, a print function, a facsimile function, and the like, and executes a job specified by a user. However, the image forming apparatus 2 may not be provided with a scan function or a FAX function, and may be at least provided with a print function. That is, the image forming apparatus 2 only needs to be capable of performing print output by executing a print job submitted by a user via the network 3.

  The information processing terminal 5 is configured to be able to submit a print job to each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 via the network 3. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of the information processing terminal 5. The information processing terminal 5 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, and a communication interface 14. The control unit 10 includes a CPU and a memory (not shown) and controls the operation of each unit. The storage unit 11 is a nonvolatile storage device including, for example, a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 11 stores an OS program 15 as a basic program of the information processing terminal 5 and a print program 16 as an application program in advance. The display unit 12 includes, for example, a color liquid crystal display, and displays various information to a user. The operation unit 13 receives an operation by a user, and is configured by, for example, a touch panel arranged on a display screen of the display unit 12. The communication interface 14 performs wireless communication with the communication device 4. However, the communication interface 14 is not limited to one that performs wireless communication, and may be one that performs wired communication.

  When the power of the information processing terminal 5 is turned on, the CPU of the control unit 10 reads the OS program 15 from the storage unit 11 and executes it. Thereby, the control unit 10 starts the operating system 17. When the control unit 10 receives a print instruction operation from the user while the operating system 17 is running, the control unit 10 reads out the print program 16 from the storage unit 11 and executes it. Thus, the control unit 10 activates the print application 18. When the print application 18 is activated in the control unit 10, the print application 18 connects to the network 3 via the communication interface 14 and starts a process for searching for the image forming apparatus 2 connected to the network 3. That is, the print application 18 accesses each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 to start communication, and extracts all the image forming apparatuses 2 to which a print job can be input based on information obtained from each of the image forming apparatuses 2. . When the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 are extracted from the network 3, the print application 18 displays a selection screen for the user to select one image forming apparatus 2 to which a print job is to be input from the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2. It is displayed on the display unit 12 as an initial screen. At this time, the print application 18 is configured to generate a selection screen based on the display objects acquired from each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 and display the selection screen on the display unit 12.

  On the other hand, each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 performs data communication with each other at a predetermined timing before detecting access from the information processing terminal 5, and exchanges device information with each other. Each of the image forming apparatuses 2 compares the apparatus information acquired from the other image forming apparatuses 2 with the apparatus information of its own apparatus, and displays the state of its own apparatus based on the relative relationship with the other image forming apparatuses 2. Generate a display object. The display object is display data that is a component of a selection screen displayed as a user interface in the information processing terminal 5, and is data including image data and text data in, for example, a TIFF format or a bitmap format. When detecting an access from the information processing terminal 5, each image forming apparatus 2 transmits a display object generated in advance to the information processing terminal 5.

  FIG. 3 is a process diagram showing a flow of a cooperative operation until a print job is executed in the image forming system 1. Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d exchanges device information with each other regardless of the presence or absence of access from the information processing terminal 5 (process P1). For example, in the process P1, each image forming apparatus 2 acquires a device information from another image forming apparatus 2 by transmitting a command requesting transmission of the apparatus information to the other image forming apparatus 2.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the image forming apparatus 2a acquires device information from the other image forming apparatuses 2b, 2c, and 2d. The image forming apparatus 2a transmits a transmission request command D1 to the other image forming apparatuses 2b, 2c, 2d when it is time to acquire the apparatus information of the other image forming apparatuses 2b, 2c, 2d. Upon receiving the transmission request command from the image forming apparatus 2a, the other image forming apparatuses 2b, 2c, and 2d transmit their own device information D2 to the image forming apparatus 2a. The device information D2 includes function information 31, consumable information 32, and load information 33. The function information 31 is information on a function that can be applied when each of the image forming apparatuses 2b, 2c, and 2d executes a print job, and includes a monochrome print function, a color print function, a punch function, a staple function, a double-sided print function, and the like. This is information listing the functions available to the user. The consumable information 32 is information indicating the remaining amount of consumables, such as printing paper and toner, which are consumed with the execution of a print job. The load information 33 is information indicating a load state of each of the image forming apparatuses 2b, 2c, and 2d, and includes, for example, the number of information processing terminals 5 connected to each of the image forming apparatuses 2b, 2c, and 2d, This is information including the number of waiting jobs in a waiting state. In this way, the image forming apparatus 2a acquires the device information D2 from the other image forming apparatuses 2b, 2c, 2d. FIG. 4 illustrates a case where the image forming apparatus 2a acquires the device information D2 from the image forming apparatuses 2b, 2c, and 2d. However, each of the image forming apparatuses 2b, 2c, and 2d also performs the other operations in the same manner as described above. The device information D2 is acquired from the image forming device 2. As a result, each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d can acquire the apparatus information D2 of another image forming apparatus 2.

  Referring back to FIG. 3, when the image forming apparatus 2a acquires the apparatus information D2 from the other image forming apparatuses 2b, 2c, and 2d, the image forming apparatus 2a compares the apparatus information D2 with the apparatus information of its own apparatus to obtain another image. A process of generating a display object representing the state of the own device in a relative relationship with the forming devices 2b, 2c, 2d is performed (process P2). Similarly, the image forming apparatus 2b performs a process of generating a display object representing the state of the image forming apparatus 2a relative to the other image forming apparatuses 2a, 2c, and 2d (process P3). The image forming apparatus 2c performs a process of generating a display object representing the state of the image forming apparatus 2a relative to the other image forming apparatuses 2a, 2b, and 2d (process P3). Further, the image forming apparatus 2d performs a process of generating a display object representing the state of the image forming apparatus 2a relative to the other image forming apparatuses 2a, 2b, and 2c (process P4). In this manner, in each of the image forming apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, a display object representing the state of the own apparatus in a relative relationship with another image forming apparatus 2 is individually generated. A specific process for generating a display object will be described later.

  Thereafter, when the print application 18 is activated in the information processing terminal 5 (process P6), the information processing terminal 5 searches for a plurality of image forming apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d in order to search for an image forming apparatus 2 to which a job can be input. (Process P7). When detecting the access from the information processing terminal 5, the image forming apparatus 2 a transmits the display object 8 a generated in advance to the information processing terminal 5 as a response to the access. Similarly, the other image forming apparatuses 2b, 2c, and 2d also transmit the display objects 8b, 8c, and 8d generated in advance to the information processing terminal 5.

  The information processing terminal 5 receives the display objects 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d from each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, and the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. Is an image forming apparatus 2 to which a job can be input. Then, based on the display objects 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d received from the image forming apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, the information processing terminal 5 allows the user to select one image forming apparatus 2 as a print job input destination. A selection screen is generated, and the selection screen is displayed on the display unit 12 as an initial screen operated by the user immediately after the print application 18 is activated (process P8).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the selection screen G1 displayed on the display unit 12 of the information processing terminal 5. As shown in FIG. 5, on the selection screen G1, display objects 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d obtained from the respective image forming apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d are displayed in a list format. Each display object 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d has an icon image 90 corresponding to each image forming device 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, a device name 91 of each image forming device 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, And position information 92 indicating the installation location of the image forming apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. The icon image 90 is image data generated in a relative relationship with another image forming apparatus 2. The icon image 90 may include a sub-icon 37 relating to a function applicable when executing a print job in each of the image forming apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. The device name 91 and the position information 92 are text data based on a font and a size determined based on a relative relationship with another image forming apparatus 2, and are displayed at a position adjacent to the icon image 90.

  For example, the user can confirm whether or not a desired print function is provided by checking the sub-icon 37 included in the icon image 90 included in each of the display objects 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d. Further, as described later, each image forming apparatus 2 determines its own recommendation order based on a relative relationship with another image forming apparatus 2, and changes the background color of the icon image 90 according to the recommendation order. For example, the display objects 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d that have display modes according to the recommendation order of the own device are generated. Therefore, the user can grasp the relative relationship between the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d to some extent by checking the display mode of each of the display objects 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d. That is, the plurality of display objects 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d included in the selection screen G1 have different display modes depending on the relative relationship between the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. Therefore, the user can grasp the relative relationship between the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d based on the display mode of each display object 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d. Therefore, such a selection screen G1 is a screen that allows the user to easily select one image forming apparatus 2 to which a job is to be input, as compared with a conventional selection screen.

  Next, the detailed configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus 2 will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 2. The image forming apparatus 2 includes a control unit 20, an operation panel 21, a communication interface 22, a storage unit 23, a scanner unit 24, a printer unit 25, and a FAX unit 26.

  The control unit 20 includes a CPU and a memory (not shown), and controls the operation of each unit. The operation panel 21 is a user interface for a user who uses the image forming apparatus 2, and includes a display unit 27 for displaying various information to the user and an operation unit 28 for receiving an operation by the user. The communication interface 22 is for communicating with the information processing terminal 5 and other image forming apparatuses 2 via the network 3. The storage unit 23 is a non-volatile storage device including, for example, a solid state drive (SSD) and a hard disk drive (HDD).

  The scanner unit 24 optically scans and reads a document set by a user, and generates image data corresponding to the document. The printer unit 25 performs printing by generating a toner image based on image data included in a print job, transferring the toner image to printing paper, and fixing the toner image. The FAX unit 26 transmits and receives FAX data via a public telephone network (not shown).

  The program 30 executed by the CPU of the control unit 20 is stored in the storage unit 23 in advance. The CPU of the control unit 20 reads and executes the program 30 to function as the information management unit 40, the information acquisition unit 50, the display object generation unit 60, the cooperation processing unit 70, and the job control unit 80. Let it.

  The storage unit 23 stores function information 31, consumables information 32, load information 33, status information, installation location information 35, basic icons 36, and sub icons 37. The function information 31, the consumable information 32, and the load information 33 are the same information as the information included in the apparatus information D2 acquired from the other image forming apparatus 2 as described above. That is, the function information 31 is information on a function that can be applied when executing a print job in the own device, and is available to a user such as a monochrome printing function, a color printing function, a punch function, a staple function, and a two-sided printing function. This is information listing functions. The consumables information 32 is information indicating the remaining amount of consumables in the printer, such as printing paper and toner. The load information 33 is information indicating a load state of the own device. The status information 34 is information indicating the status of the own device. For example, when an error such as a jam error, out of paper, or out of toner occurs, error information is recorded, and when no error occurs, it indicates that the machine is operating normally. Information is recorded. The installation location information 35 is information that can specify the location where the image forming apparatus 2 is installed, and is, for example, information registered by an administrator when the image forming apparatus 2 is installed. The basic icon 36 is an icon indicating that the image forming apparatus 2 is used, and serves as a basic image when the icon image 90 is generated. The sub-icon 37 is an icon prepared in advance for each function available to the user in the own device, and is an icon added to the basic icon 36. For example, when the image forming apparatus 2 has four functions of a monochrome print function, a color print function, a punch function, and a staple function as functions that can be used by a user when executing a print job, the storage unit 23 Are stored in advance with sub-icons 37 corresponding to these four functions.

  The information management unit 40 manages the function information 31, the consumables information 32, the load information 33, the status information 34, and the installation location information 35 stored in the storage unit 23. The information management unit 40 constantly monitors the remaining amount of printing paper set in the own device, the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge, and the like, and updates the consumable information 32 sequentially. In addition, the information management unit 40 constantly monitors the number of information processing terminals 5 to which the own device is connected, the number of waiting jobs in an execution waiting state, and the like, and updates the load information 33 sequentially. The information management unit 40 constantly monitors the status of occurrence of errors and the like, and updates the status information 34 sequentially.

  Further, when receiving the transmission request command D1 from another image forming apparatus 2, the information management unit 40 reads out the function information 31, the consumables information 32, and the load information 33 from the storage unit 23 and generates the apparatus information D2. Then, the information management unit 40 transmits the device information D2 to the image forming device 2 that is the transmission source of the transmission request command D1.

  The information acquiring unit 50 transmits a transmission request command D1 to the other image forming apparatus 2 when it is time to acquire the apparatus information D2 from the other image forming apparatus 2, and transmits the transmission request command D1 to the other image forming apparatus 2. This is a processing unit that acquires the device information D2. The timing at which the information acquisition unit 50 acquires the device information D2 from another image forming apparatus 2 is, for example, the timing at which a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous acquisition of the device information D2, or the information management unit 40 uses This is the timing at which one of the information 33 and the status information 34 is updated.

  The display object generation unit 60 functions when the information obtaining unit 50 obtains the device information D2 of another image forming apparatus 2, and displays the state of the own apparatus based on the relative relationship with the other image forming apparatus 2. Is a processing unit that generates a display object that represents. The display object generation unit 60 includes a device information comparison unit 61, an icon generation unit 62, a text generation unit 63, a recommendation order determination unit 64, and a generation processing unit 65.

  The device information comparison unit 61 includes the device information D2 of another image forming apparatus 2 acquired by the information acquisition unit 50 and the device information of its own device stored in the storage unit 23, that is, the function information 31, the consumables information 32 and the load information 33 are compared. The device information comparison unit 61 compares the function information 31 included in the device information D2 of the other image forming apparatus 2 with the function information 31 of the own device, so that the functions available to the user on the own device are included. It is determined whether or not a function that cannot be used in at least one other image forming apparatus 2 is included. Further, the device information comparing unit 61 compares the consumable information 32 included in the device information D2 of the other image forming apparatus 2 with the consumable information 32 of the own device, so that the remaining amount of the consumable in the own device is reduced. It is determined whether the remaining amount of consumables in the other image forming apparatus 2 is larger than the remaining amount. Further, the device information comparison unit 61 compares the load information 33 included in the device information D2 of the other image forming apparatus 2 with the load information 33 of the own device, so that the load state of the own device is changed to another image forming device. It is determined whether the load is lighter than the load state of the device 2.

  The icon generation unit 62 is a processing unit that reads the basic icon 36 and the sub icon 37 from the storage unit 23, and generates the icon image 90 included in the display object by appropriately combining the basic icon 36 and the sub icon 37. . The icon generation unit 62 determines the sub-icon 37 to be added to the basic icon 36 based on the result of the comparison between the function information 31 of the other image forming apparatus 2 and the function information 31 of the own apparatus by the apparatus information comparison unit 61. I do.

  When determining the sub-icon 37 to be added to the basic icon 36, the icon generation unit 62 specifies a common function common to the own device and the other image forming apparatus 2 based on the comparison result by the device information comparison unit 61, It is determined that a sub-icon 37 corresponding to the function excluding the common function is added to the basic icon 36. For example, it is assumed that the functions mounted on each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d are in a state as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 2a has a monochrome printing function, a color printing function, a punch function, and a staple function. The image forming apparatus 2b has only a monochrome printing function. The image forming apparatus 2c has a monochrome printing function, a color printing function, and a punch function. Further, the image forming apparatus 2d has a monochrome printing function, a color printing function, and a staple function. In this case, the common function common to the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d is only the monochrome printing function. Therefore, for example, assuming that the icon generation unit 62 functions in the image forming apparatus 2a, the icon generation unit 62 excludes a common function from a plurality of functions mounted on the image forming apparatus 2a, The sub-icons 37 corresponding to the three functions of the punch function and the staple function are determined to be added to the basic icon 36. Then, the icon generation unit 62 adds the sub icon 37 determined as the addition target to the basic icon 3.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the icon image 90 generated by the icon generation unit 62. Note that FIG. 8 illustrates an example of processing by the icon generation unit 62 of the image forming apparatus 2a. As shown in FIG. 8, the sub-icons 37 stored in the storage unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 2a include a sub-icon 37a corresponding to the punch function, a sub-icon 37b corresponding to the stapling function, and a sub-icon 37b corresponding to the stapling function. A corresponding sub-icon 37c and a sub-icon 37d corresponding to the monochrome printing function are included. The icon generation unit 62 of the image forming apparatus 2a adds three sub-icons 37a, 37b, and 37c excluding the sub-icon 37d corresponding to the monochrome printing function, which is a common function, in a state of being superimposed on the basic icon 36. Then, an icon image 90 is generated.

  On the other hand, the icon image 90 generated in the image forming apparatus 2b is an image to which the sub icon 37 is not added, and thus becomes the same image as the basic icon 36. The icon image 90 generated in the image forming apparatus 2c is an image in which a sub icon 37a corresponding to the punch function and a sub icon 37c corresponding to the color printing function are added to the basic icon 36. Further, the icon image 90 generated in the image forming apparatus 2d is an image in which a sub icon 37b corresponding to the staple function and a sub icon 37c corresponding to the color printing function are added to the basic icon 36.

  By generating the icon image 90 as described above by the icon generating unit 62, the user can grasp the unique function mounted on the image forming apparatus 2 only by looking at the icon image 90. In particular, since the icon image 90 has a small image size, by adding only the sub-icon 37 corresponding to the function excluding the common function to the basic icon 36, the unique function of the icon image 90 mounted on the image forming apparatus 2 is provided. It can only be displayed effectively.

  Next, the text generation unit 63 is a processing unit that generates the device name 91 and the position information 92 included in the display object. The text generation unit 63 acquires the model name of the image forming apparatus 2 and the like, converts the model name and the like into text data, and generates the apparatus name 91. Further, the text generation unit 63 reads the installation location information 35 from the storage unit 23 and generates the location information 92 by converting the installation location information 35 into text data.

  The recommendation order determination unit 64 is a processing unit that determines a recommendation order of the own device based on the comparison result by the device information comparison unit 61 and the status information 34. For example, as a result of the comparison of the consumables information 32 by the device information comparing unit 61, the recommendation order determination unit 64 determines that the remaining amount of the consumables of the own apparatus is more than the remaining amount of the consumables of the other image forming apparatuses 2. When the number is larger, the recommendation order of the own device is determined to be higher. When the remaining amount is relatively smaller than the remaining amount of the consumables of the other image forming apparatuses 2, the recommendation order of the own device is determined to be lower. That is, when the remaining amount of the consumables of the image forming apparatus 2 is relatively smaller than the remaining amount of the consumables of the other image forming apparatus 2, the print job is sent to the other image forming apparatus 2 rather than inputting the print job to the own apparatus. In this case, the recommendation order determination unit 64 lowers the recommendation order of its own device because the possibility of running out of paper or toner during the execution of the print job is lower when the print job is executed.

  For example, when the recommendation order determination unit 64 is functioning in the image forming apparatus 2a, the recommendation order determination unit 64 determines that the remaining amount of the consumables of the own apparatus is the remaining amount of the consumables in the other image forming apparatuses 2b, 2c, and 2d. When the number is larger than the quantity, the recommendation order of the own device is determined to be the highest order. On the other hand, when the remaining amount of the consumables of the own apparatus is the second largest compared with the remaining amount of the consumables in the other image forming apparatuses 2b, 2c, and 2d, the recommendation order is determined to be the second order. I do. As described above, the recommendation order determination unit 64 may determine the recommendation order of the own device according to the order of the remaining amount of the consumables of the own device.

  For example, when the load information 33 is compared by the device information comparing unit 61 and the load information of the own apparatus is relatively lighter than the load state of the other image forming apparatus 2, the recommendation order determining unit 64 may The recommendation order is determined to be high, and when the load state of the other image forming apparatuses 2 is relatively heavy, the recommendation order of the own device is determined to be low. That is, when the load state of the own apparatus is relatively heavier than the load state of the other image forming apparatuses 2, it is more preferable to input a print job to the other image forming apparatus 2 than to input a print job to the own apparatus. Since the print job is executed efficiently, the recommendation order determination unit 64 lowers the recommendation order of the own device.

  For example, when the recommendation order determination unit 64 is functioning in the image forming apparatus 2a, the recommendation order determination unit 64 compares the load state of the own apparatus with the load state of the other image forming apparatuses 2b, 2c, and 2d. When it is light, the recommendation order of own machine is decided to the highest order. On the other hand, when the load state of the own apparatus is the second lightest as compared with the load states of the other image forming apparatuses 2b, 2c, 2d, the recommendation order is determined to be the second order. As described above, the recommendation order determination unit 64 may determine the recommendation order of the own device according to the order of the load state of the own device.

  Then, the recommendation order determination unit 64 adds or integrates the recommendation order determined based on the comparison result of the consumable information 32 and the recommendation order determined based on the comparison result of the load information 33, thereby obtaining the consumable information. It is also possible to determine a recommendation ranking obtained by comprehensively evaluating both the load information 32 and the load information 33. In addition, for example, the recommendation order determination unit 64 selects one of the comparison result of the consumable information 32 and the comparison result of the load information 33 based on a predetermined priority, and selects the selection result. The recommendation order may be determined based on the comparison result.

  However, when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus 2, even if a print job is input, the job cannot be executed immediately. Therefore, the recommendation order determination unit 64 refers to the status information 34 and checks whether or not an error has occurred in its own device. As a result, when an error has occurred in the own device, the recommendation order determination unit 64 determines the recommendation order of the own device as the lowest order. On the other hand, if no error has occurred in the own device, the recommendation order determination unit 64 determines the recommendation order determined based on the comparison result of the consumables information 32 or the load information 33 as described above. Is adopted as a general recommendation ranking.

  The generation processing unit 65 obtains the icon image 90 generated by the icon generation unit 62, the device name 91 and the position information 92 generated by the text generation unit 63, and generates a display object by combining them. It is. Further, the generation processing unit 65 changes the display mode of the icon image 90, the device name 91, and the position information 92 based on the recommendation order of the own device determined by the recommendation order determination unit 64. Then, a display object having a display mode corresponding to the recommendation order of the own device is generated.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of changing the display mode of the icon image 90 based on the recommendation order. As shown in FIG. 9, the generation processing unit 65 converts the background color of the icon image 90 into a different color according to the recommendation order of the own device. For example, the generation processing unit 65 converts the background colors into “green”, “blue”, “yellow”, and “red” in descending order of the recommendation order. In this case, “red” is a color indicating that an error is occurring. Thus, the user can grasp the relative relationship between the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 by checking the background color of the icon image 90.

  FIG. 10 is a view showing a modified example of the display mode of the icon image 90, which is different from FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the generation processing unit 65 converts the size of the icon image 90 to a different size according to the recommendation order of the own device. For example, the generation processing unit 65 performs size conversion such that the icon image 90 becomes larger as the recommendation order becomes higher, and conversely, the icon image 90 becomes smaller as the recommendation order becomes lower. Accordingly, the user can grasp the relative relationship between the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 by checking the size of the icon image 90. The size of the icon image 90 may be changed in accordance with the change of the background color of the icon image 90.

  In addition, the generation processing unit 65 converts the font, character color, character size, and the like of the device name 91 and the position information 92 based on the recommendation order of the own device determined by the recommendation order determination unit 64, so as to correspond to the recommendation order. The generated device name 91 and position information 92 are generated.

  Then, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the generation processing unit 65 combines the icon image 90 reflecting the recommendation order of the own device, the device name 91, and the position information 92, so that the generation process unit 65 can be compared with the other image forming devices 2. A display object 8a representing the state of the own device by the relation is generated. FIG. 11 illustrates a case where the display object 8a corresponding to the image forming apparatus 2a is generated.

  The display object generation unit 60 generates the display object 8a by performing the above-described processing. Then, the display object generating unit 60 temporarily stores the display object 8a in, for example, the storage unit 23 and manages the display object 8a.

  Next, the cooperation processing unit 70 is a processing unit that performs an operation in cooperation with the information processing terminal 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the cooperation processing unit 70 includes an access detection unit 71, a transmission unit 72, and a job reception unit 73.

  The access detection unit 71 is a processing unit that detects an access from the information processing terminal 5. When detecting access from the information processing terminal 5, the access detection unit 71 causes the transmission unit 72 to function. When the access detection unit 71 detects an access from the information processing terminal 5, the transmission unit 72 reads the display object 8 a generated by the display object generation unit 60 and temporarily stored in the storage unit 23. The display object 8a is transmitted to the information processing terminal 5. Thereby, the information processing terminal 5 can display the selection screen G1 using the display object 8a received from the image forming apparatus 2. Therefore, the user of the information processing terminal 5 can easily grasp the image forming apparatus 2 on which the desired function is mounted on the initial screen immediately after the print application 18 has been started, and can display the image forming apparatus 2 among the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2. In this case, the user can select a job submission destination while avoiding a consumable having a relatively small remaining amount or a heavy load, and thus has excellent operability.

  Thereafter, when a print job is received from the information processing terminal 5, the job receiving unit 73 functions in the cooperation processing unit 70. Then, the job receiving unit 73 receives the print job received from the information processing terminal 5 and outputs the print job to the job control unit 80.

  The job control unit 80 controls execution of a job in the image forming apparatus 2 by controlling operations of the scanner unit 24, the printer unit 25, and the FAX unit 26. When a print job is output from the job accepting unit 73 of the cooperation processing unit 70, the job control unit 80 drives the printer unit 25 based on the print job to perform print output. At this time, the job control unit 80 reflects the print settings specified by the user of the information processing terminal 5 on the printer unit 25, and performs control so that printout is performed with print settings desired by the user.

  Next, a processing procedure performed in the image forming apparatus 2 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed in the image forming apparatus 2. Upon starting this processing, the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous acquisition of the apparatus information D2 from another image forming apparatus 2 (step S10). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S10), image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not the state of the apparatus has changed from the previous state (step S11). The determination as to whether or not the state of the apparatus has changed is made by, for example, determining whether or not any of the consumables information 32, the load information 33, and the status information 34 has been updated by the information management unit 40. As a result, if the state of the apparatus has not changed (NO in step S11), the processing by the image forming apparatus 2 proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed since the previous acquisition of the device information D2 (YES in step S10), or if the state of the device has changed from the previous state (YES in step S11), image formation is performed. The apparatus 2 transmits a transmission request command D1 of the apparatus information D2 to another image forming apparatus 2 (step S12), and acquires the apparatus information D2 from the other image forming apparatus 2 (step S13).

  Upon acquiring the device information D2 from the other image forming device 2, the image forming device 2 performs a process of comparing the device information D2 of the other image forming device 2 with the device information of its own device (Step S14). That is, the image forming apparatus 2 includes the function information 31, the consumables information 32, and the load information 33 included in the apparatus information D2 acquired from the other image forming apparatuses 2, and the function information 31, the consumables information 32, and the load of the own apparatus. A process for individually comparing with the information 33 is executed. Thereby, it is possible to grasp the relative relationship between the functions of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2, the remaining amount of consumables, and the load state.

  Then, the image forming apparatus 2 performs an icon generation process (Step S15). By this processing, an icon image 90 is generated in which the sub-icons 37 corresponding to the functions owned by the own apparatus are added to the basic icons 36 except for the common functions common to the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2. Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 2 performs a text generation process (Step S16). By this processing, the device name 91 and the position information 92 are generated.

  Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 2 determines its own recommendation order based on the comparison result of the apparatus information D2 (step S17). The image forming apparatus 2 processes the icon image 90, the device name 91, and the position information 92 based on the recommendation order, generates a display object 8a by combining them, and temporarily stores the generated display object 8a (step S18). (Step S19). After generating the display object 8a, the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not the display object 8a needs to be retransmitted (step S20). That is, after transmitting the display object 8a to the information processing terminal 5, the image forming apparatus 2 updates the display object 8a representing the state of the image forming apparatus 2 while maintaining the connection state with the information processing terminal 5. In this case, it is determined that retransmission of the display object 8a is necessary. If the display object 8a needs to be retransmitted (YES in step S20), the image forming apparatus 2 retransmits the display object 8a generated in step S18 to the currently connected information processing terminal 5 (step S21). . If retransmission is not required, the process in step S21 is skipped.

  Next, the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not access has been detected from the information processing terminal 5 (Step S22). When detecting access from information processing terminal 5 (YES in step S22), image forming apparatus 2 reads display object 8a from storage unit 23 (step S23) and transmits display object 8a to information processing terminal 5 (step S23). Step S24). If the access from the information processing terminal 5 has not been detected (NO in step S22), the processing in steps S23 and S24 is skipped.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether a print job has been received from the information processing terminal 5 (Step S25). As a result, when a print job has been received (YES in step S25), image forming apparatus 2 executes the print job and performs print output (step S26). If a print job has not been received from the information processing terminal 5 (NO in step S25), the processing in step S26 is skipped.

  The plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 repeatedly execute the above-described processing, thereby sequentially updating the display object 8a representing the state of the own apparatus in a relative relationship with the other image forming apparatuses 2, and performing information processing. When the access from the terminal 5 is detected, the display object 8a reflecting the latest state of the own device can be transmitted to the information processing terminal 5. When the display object 8a is updated after the display object 8a is transmitted to the information processing terminal 5, the latest display object 8a is retransmitted to the information processing terminal 5, so that the information processing terminal 5 selects the selection screen G1. Can be updated to the latest display object 8a. Therefore, the user using the information processing terminal 5 can select the job submission destination while checking the display objects 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d reflecting the latest state of each image forming apparatus 2. Therefore, convenience is improved.

  Further, in this embodiment, even in a situation where the remaining amount of consumables in each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 is small, the remaining amount of consumables in each image forming apparatus 2 is compared, and The recommendation order of the device having the larger remaining amount becomes higher. Further, even in a situation where a relatively large load is applied to each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2, the load states of the image forming apparatuses 2 are compared, and the recommendation order of the apparatus with a relatively light load state is determined. Get higher. Since the information processing terminal 5 displays the display objects 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d generated based on the recommendation order, one image forming apparatus to which the user submits a job as compared with the related art is displayed. There is an advantage that it becomes easy to select No. 2.

  As described above, the image forming system 1 of the present embodiment has a configuration in which the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 can communicate with each other via the network 3. Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 manages apparatus information including function information 31 on functions available to the user, consumable information 32 on the remaining amount of consumables, and load information 33 indicating a load state. The display object 8a (which compares the device information of the own device with the device information D2 acquired from the other image forming device 2 and indicates the state of the own device in a relative relationship with the other image forming device 2) 8b, 8c, 8d). Then, when an access from the information processing terminal 5 is detected, the image forming apparatus 2 is configured to transmit the display object 8a (8b, 8c, 8d) to the information processing terminal 5.

  According to such a configuration, when the print application 18 is started in the information processing terminal 5 and the image forming apparatus 2 connected to the network 3 is searched, the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 connected to the network 3 are searched. The display objects 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d representing the state of the own device can be acquired from each of them, and the user selects one image forming apparatus 2 based on the display objects 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d. Screen G1 can be displayed. Therefore, when the user selects one image forming apparatus 2 to which a print job is to be input from among the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 displayed on the selection screen G1, the relative relationship between the plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 is determined. The selection operation can be performed after grasping. That is, the user can select an image forming apparatus 2 having a desired function or an image forming apparatus 2 having a high recommendation order without hesitation, so that operability is significantly improved.

  In particular, since the information processing terminal 5 is carried by a user, it is not always connected to the same network 3 every time. Therefore, each image forming apparatus 2 connected to the network 3 to which the information processing terminal 5 is connected generates the display objects 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d in advance, and the information processing terminal 5 accesses each image forming apparatus 2. By providing the display objects 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d from the respective image forming apparatuses 2 to the information processing terminal 5 at the specified timings, the selection screen G1 can be promptly displayed on the information processing terminal 5, which is convenient. It is expensive.

  As mentioned above, although one Embodiment concerning this invention was described, this invention is not limited to what was demonstrated in the said Embodiment, Of course, various modifications are applicable.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been exemplified in which the device information D2 acquired by the image forming apparatus 2 from another image forming apparatus 2 includes three pieces of information of function information 31, consumables information 32, and load information 33. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the device information D2 only needs to include at least one of the three pieces of information of the function information 31, the consumables information 32, and the load information 33. That is, the image forming apparatus 2 compares at least one of the function information 31, the consumables information 32, and the load information 33 with the information of the image forming apparatus 2 to determine the mounted function, the remaining amount of the consumables, and the load state. A relative relationship with at least one of the other image forming apparatuses 2 may be specified, and the display objects 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d of the own device may be generated based on the relative relationship.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the display objects 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d include the icon image 90, the device name 91, and the position information 92 based on the installation location information 35 is exemplified. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the display objects 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d may include only the icon image 90, or may include the icon image 90 and the device name 91 and do not include the position information 92. good.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatuses 2 exchange the apparatus information D2 and generate the display objects 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d in advance before the information processing terminal 5 accesses the apparatus is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Each image forming apparatus 2 exchanges the device information D2 when detecting the access from the information processing terminal 5, and displays the display objects 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d may be generated.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the information processing terminal 5 is a portable terminal device configured by a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like is illustrated. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the information processing terminal 5 may be configured by a desktop personal computer or the like.

Reference Signs List 1 image forming system 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) image forming apparatus 3 network 5 information processing terminal 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d display object 31 function information 32 consumable information 33 load information 34 status information 35 installation location information 36 Basic icon 37 (37a, 37b, 37c, 37d) Sub icon 40 Information management unit (management means)
50 Information acquisition unit (acquisition means)
60 display object generation unit (generation means)
70 cooperation processing unit 72 transmission unit (transmission means)
90 Icon image D2 Device information

Claims (36)

An image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses can communicate with each other via a network,
Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes:
Management means for managing device information including at least one of function information on functions available to the user, consumable information on the remaining amount of consumables, and load information indicating a load state;
Acquiring means for acquiring device information managed in another image forming apparatus via the network,
Comparing the device information of the own device managed by the management unit with the device information of another image forming device acquired by the acquiring unit, and expressing the device information in a relative relationship with another image forming device; Generating means for generating a display object of
Transmitting means for transmitting the display object generated by the generating means to the information processing terminal when detecting access from the information processing terminal;
An image forming system comprising:   The generation unit compares the function information included in the apparatus information of the own apparatus with the function information included in the apparatus information of the other image forming apparatus, thereby generating a common function common to the own apparatus and another image forming apparatus. And generating an icon image corresponding to a function excluding the common function from a plurality of functions available to the user in the own device, and generating the display object including the icon image. The image forming system according to claim 1. Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes:
Storage means for storing a basic icon indicating that the image forming apparatus is used, and a plurality of sub-icons corresponding to a plurality of functions available to the user,
Further comprising
The generation unit reads the basic icon from the storage unit, and reads the sub-icon corresponding to a function excluding the common function from a plurality of functions available to a user in the own device from the storage unit, The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the icon image is generated by adding the sub icon read from the storage unit to the basic icon.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit determines a recommendation order of the own device based on a relative relationship with another image forming apparatus, and generates the display object in a display mode corresponding to the recommendation order. An image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The generator compares the consumable information included in the apparatus information of the own apparatus with the consumable information included in the apparatus information of another image forming apparatus, and determines the remaining amount of the consumables of the own apparatus and other image forming apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the recommendation order is determined based on a relative relationship with a remaining amount of consumables of the apparatus.   The generating unit compares the load information included in the apparatus information of the own apparatus with the load information included in the apparatus information of another image forming apparatus, and compares the load state of the own apparatus with the load state of the other image forming apparatus. 6. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the recommendation order is determined based on a relative relationship of the image forming apparatus.   The generation unit compares one of the consumables information and the load information included in the apparatus information of the own apparatus with information included in the apparatus information of another image forming apparatus based on a predetermined priority. 7. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the recommendation order is determined.   The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the generation unit generates the display object using a display color corresponding to the recommendation order.   The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the generating unit generates the display object having a display size corresponding to the recommendation order. The management unit further manages status information indicating a status of the own device,
10. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the generation unit reduces the recommendation order when the status information indicates an error state. The management unit further manages installation location information indicating an installation location of the own device,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the generating unit generates the display object including the installation location information. The acquisition unit periodically acquires device information managed in another image forming apparatus via the network,
The generating unit performs a process of comparing the device information of its own device with the device information of another image forming device each time the device information of another image forming device is obtained by the obtaining unit, and performs another image forming process. The display object is updated at a timing when a relative relationship with the device changes,
When the display object is updated by the generation unit after transmitting the display object to the information processing terminal, the transmission unit further transmits the updated display object to the information processing terminal. The image forming system according to claim 1. Management means for managing device information including at least one of function information on functions available to the user, consumable information on the remaining amount of consumables, and load information indicating a load state;
Acquiring means for acquiring device information managed in another image forming apparatus via a network,
Comparing the device information of the own device managed by the management unit with the device information of another image forming device acquired by the acquiring unit, and expressing the device information in a relative relationship with another image forming device; Generating means for generating a display object of
Transmitting means for transmitting the display object generated by the generating means to the information processing terminal when detecting access from the information processing terminal;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The generation unit compares the function information included in the apparatus information of the own apparatus with the function information included in the apparatus information of the other image forming apparatus, thereby generating a common function common to the own apparatus and another image forming apparatus. And generating an icon image corresponding to a function excluding the common function from a plurality of functions available to the user in the own device, and generating the display object including the icon image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13. Storage means for storing a basic icon indicating that the image forming apparatus is used, and a plurality of sub-icons corresponding to a plurality of functions available to the user,
Further comprising
The generation unit reads the basic icon from the storage unit, and reads the sub-icon corresponding to a function excluding the common function from a plurality of functions available to a user in the own device from the storage unit, 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the icon image is generated by adding the sub icon read from the storage unit to the basic icon.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit determines a recommendation order of the own device based on a relative relationship with another image forming apparatus, and generates the display object in a display mode corresponding to the recommendation order. 16. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 13 to 15.   The generation unit compares the consumable information included in the apparatus information of the own apparatus with the consumable information included in the apparatus information of another image forming apparatus, and determines the remaining amount of the consumables of the own apparatus and other image forming apparatus. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the recommendation order is determined based on a relative relationship with a remaining amount of consumables of the apparatus.   The generating unit compares the load information included in the apparatus information of the own apparatus with the load information included in the apparatus information of another image forming apparatus, and compares the load state of the own apparatus with the load state of the other image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the recommendation order is determined based on a relative relationship of:   The generation unit compares one of the consumable information and the load information included in the apparatus information of the own apparatus with information included in the apparatus information of another image forming apparatus based on a predetermined priority. 19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the recommendation order is determined.   20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the generation unit generates the display object using a display color corresponding to the recommendation order.   21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the generation unit generates the display object having a display size corresponding to the recommendation order. The management unit further manages status information indicating a status of the own device,
22. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the generation unit lowers the recommendation order when the status information indicates an error state. The management unit further manages installation location information indicating an installation location of the own device,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the generation unit generates the display object including the installation location information. The acquisition unit periodically acquires device information managed in another image forming apparatus via the network,
The generating unit performs a comparison process between the device information of its own device and the device information of another image forming device each time the device information of another image forming device is obtained by the obtaining unit, and The display object is updated at the timing when the relative relationship with is changed,
When the display object is updated by the generation unit after transmitting the display object to the information processing terminal, the transmission unit further transmits the updated display object to the information processing terminal. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 23. A program executed in the image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus includes:
A first step of managing device information including at least one of function information on functions available to the user, consumable information on the remaining amount of consumables, and load information indicating a load state;
A second step of acquiring device information managed by another image forming apparatus via a network;
The apparatus information of the own apparatus managed in the first step is compared with the apparatus information of another image forming apparatus obtained in the second step, and is represented by a relative relationship with another image forming apparatus. A third step of generating a display object of the own device;
A fourth step of transmitting the display object generated in the third step to the information processing terminal when an access from the information processing terminal is detected;
A program characterized by executing   In the third step, the function information included in the apparatus information of the own apparatus is compared with the function information included in the apparatus information of the other image forming apparatus, and the common step common to the own apparatus and the other image forming apparatuses is performed. Specifying a function, generating an icon image corresponding to a function excluding the common function from a plurality of functions available to the user in the own device, and generating the display object including the icon image. The program according to claim 25, wherein the program is executed. The image forming apparatus includes a storage unit that stores a basic icon indicating that the image forming apparatus is used, and a plurality of sub-icons corresponding to a plurality of functions available to a user,
In the third step, the basic icon is read from the storage means, and the sub icon corresponding to a function excluding the common function from a plurality of functions available to the user in the own device is read from the storage means. 27. The program according to claim 26, wherein the icon image is generated by adding the sub icon read from the storage unit to the basic icon.   The third step is to determine a recommendation order of the own device based on a relative relationship with another image forming apparatus, and to generate the display object in a display mode corresponding to the recommendation order. Item 28. The program according to any one of Items 25 to 27.   In the third step, the consumable information included in the apparatus information of the own apparatus is compared with the consumable information included in the apparatus information of another image forming apparatus, and the remaining amount of the consumables of the own apparatus and the other image are compared. 29. The program according to claim 28, wherein the recommendation order is determined based on a relative relationship with a remaining amount of consumables of the forming apparatus.   The third step compares the load information included in the apparatus information of the own apparatus with the load information included in the apparatus information of another image forming apparatus, and compares the load state of the own apparatus with the load state of another image forming apparatus. 30. The program according to claim 28, wherein the recommendation order is determined based on a relative relationship with the recommendation order.   In the third step, one of the consumable information and the load information included in the apparatus information of the own apparatus is compared with the information included in the apparatus information of another image forming apparatus based on a predetermined priority. 31. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 28, wherein the recommendation order is determined.   32. The program according to claim 28, wherein in the third step, the display object is generated using a display color corresponding to the recommendation order.   33. The program according to claim 28, wherein the third step generates the display object having a display size corresponding to the recommendation order. The first step further manages status information indicating a status of the own device,
34. The program according to claim 28, wherein the third step lowers the recommendation rank when the status information indicates an error state. The first step further manages installation location information indicating an installation location of the own device,
35. The program according to claim 25, wherein in the third step, the display object including the installation location information is generated. The second step is to periodically acquire device information managed in another image forming apparatus via the network,
In the third step, each time the apparatus information of another image forming apparatus is acquired in the second step, a comparison process between the apparatus information of the own apparatus and the apparatus information of the other image forming apparatus is performed. Updating the display object at a timing when the relative relationship with the forming device changes;
In the fourth step, when the display object is updated in the third step after the display object is transmitted to the information processing terminal, the updated display object is further transmitted to the information processing terminal. The program according to any one of claims 25 to 35.

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