JP7363509B2 - print processing system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a print processing system, and particularly to hot folder technology.

Hot folders are used in multifunction devices that have various functions such as copy, printer, scanner, and facsimile functions. A hot folder is an application that automatically prints a print file according to the print settings when a print file such as a document is stored in a dedicated folder that is associated with print settings. Patent Document 1 describes a multifunction peripheral in which a hot folder is set.

Additionally, when an information processing device such as a personal computer and a multifunction device are able to communicate via a network, a hot folder is set on the information processing device, and a print file is stored in the hot folder, the print file is stored together with the print settings. 2. Description of the Related Art There is a print processing system that transmits a print file from an information processing device to a multifunction peripheral and automatically prints a print file according to print settings on the multifunction peripheral.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-276789

For example, since large-sized print files are handled in an information processing device, before setting up a hot folder, that is, before creating print settings according to the large-sized print files, only sending to the multifunction device is performed first. There are cases where you may want to do so.

However, in the above print processing system, the print file cannot be sent to the multifunction device before the hot folder is set, that is, before the print settings are linked to the dedicated folder. Furthermore, in the multifunction device described in Patent Document 1, the hot folder cannot be used because there is no storage location for print files before the hot folder is set. Therefore, until the print settings are created, in other words, until the hot folder is set, the print file cannot be sent, resulting in an extra waiting time. The more print files there are, the greater this effect becomes.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and aims to make it possible to efficiently create print settings and send print files when using a hot folder. .

A print processing system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an information processing device and an image forming device connectable via a network, wherein the information processing device is operated by a first communication unit and a user. an operation unit; a first control unit that causes the first communication unit to transmit a print file to the image forming apparatus via a network and generates a folder; the image forming apparatus includes a printing unit; a second communication unit; a setting unit that sets the image forming apparatus to the hot folder mode upon receiving a setting instruction for the hot folder mode; a generation unit that generates identification information for identifying the print file; a storage unit that stores the print file and the identification information in association with each other; a second control unit that causes the second communication unit to transmit the identification information to the generated folder, and the first control unit of the information processing device associates the identification information received by the first communication unit with the generated folder, When the print settings are stored in the folder, subsequent setting information including the print settings and the identification information is generated, and the first communication unit transmits the subsequent setting information to the image forming apparatus via a network. and the second control unit of the image forming apparatus transmits the received print file having identification information that matches the identification information indicated by the subsequent setting information received by the second communication unit to the subsequent setting information. This causes the printing section to execute printing according to the print settings indicated by .

According to this invention, it is possible to efficiently create print settings and send print files when using a hot folder.

1 is a diagram showing a print processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configurations of an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus in a print processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in which a hot folder icon is displayed on a display unit of an information processing device, and (B) is an example of a display screen in which a hot folder icon is displayed on a display unit in an image forming device. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print processing by the print processing system according to the first embodiment. (A) to (C) are diagrams showing an example of the flow of print processing by the print processing system according to the first embodiment. 5A to 5C are diagrams showing an example of the flow of print processing following FIG. 5C by the print processing system according to the first embodiment. (A) is a diagram showing an example in which a print file and identification information are stored in association with each other in the storage unit of an image forming device, and (B) is a diagram showing an example in which print settings are stored in a folder in the storage unit of an information processing device. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of how a hot folder is set by configuring a hot folder. (A) to (C) are diagrams showing characteristic parts of the flow of print processing by the print processing system according to the second embodiment. (A) is a diagram showing an example in which print settings with matching identification information can be stored in a folder in the storage unit of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment, and (B) is a diagram illustrating an example in which print settings of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment can be stored in a folder. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example in which print settings whose identification information does not match in a storage unit cannot be stored in a folder. (A) is a diagram showing an example in which five print files are stored in the storage unit of the image forming device, and (B) is a diagram showing an example in which five print files are stored in the storage unit of the information processing device. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example in which hot folders are set.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A print processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a print processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configurations of the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus in the print processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The print processing system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 10 and an information processing apparatus 30 that are connectable to each other via a network N such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The image forming apparatus 10 and the information processing apparatus 30 are capable of data communication with each other.

The information processing device 30 is a personal computer, a mobile terminal, a server, or the like, and includes a control unit 31, a display section 32, an operation section 33, and a communication section 35 (first communication section). Note that the operation unit 33 is an example of an operation unit in the claims. These components are capable of transmitting and receiving data or signals to and from each other via a bus.

The display unit 32 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED).

The operation unit 33 is an input device such as a keyboard, a pointing device (eg, a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), and is operated by a user.

The communication unit 35 is a communication interface including a communication module, and performs data communication through a network N such as a LAN or the Internet. For example, the communication unit 35 receives remote panel screen data transmitted from the image forming apparatus 10.

The storage unit 34 is a large capacity storage device such as an HDD.

The control unit 31 includes a processor, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU, or ASIC. This control unit 31 functions as a control section 41 (first control section) when a control program stored in the storage section 34 is executed by the processor. Note that the control section 41 of the control unit 31 may be configured by a hardware circuit instead of operating based on the above-mentioned control program.

The control unit 41 controls the overall operation of the information processing device 30.

The control unit 41 has a function of controlling communication operations of the communication unit 35. For example, the communication unit 35 sends and receives data to and from the image forming apparatus 10 via the LAN under the control of the control unit 41.

The control unit 41 receives operations on the operation unit 33 by the user.

When the user instructs the operation unit 33 to set the hot folder mode, the control unit 41 of the information processing device 30 transmits a hot folder mode setting instruction to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N using the communication unit 35. let

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen on which a hot folder icon is displayed on a display unit of an information processing apparatus. In this embodiment, the control unit 41 receives an icon display operation on the operation unit 33 by the user, and causes the display unit 32 to display the hot folder icon 32a shown in FIG. 3(A). When the control unit 41 receives a user's operation to execute the icon 32a (eg, click operation) on the operation unit 33, the control unit 41 starts the hot folder application. When the hot folder application is started, the control unit 41 causes the communication unit 35 to transmit a hot folder mode setting instruction to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N. The control unit 41 then executes processing according to the hot folder application.

When the control unit 41 receives a print file transmission operation from the user to the operation unit 33 while the hot folder application is being executed, the control unit 41 causes the communication unit 35 to transmit the print file to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N, and A folder is generated in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit 34. The print file is a document to be printed in various formats such as a word document or a PDF (Portable Document Format) document.

The control unit 41 sets the folder name indicating the generated folder to a name that includes the file name of the print file. For example, if the print file is "estimate.pdf", that is, if the print file is a PDF format file and the file name is "estimate", the control unit 41 saves the generated folder. Set the folder name to the name of "Estimate_1" which includes "Estimate" which is the file name of the print file. Note that the name according to the user's input operation on the operation unit 33 may be used as the folder name of the generated folder.

On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 10 is a multifunction device that has multiple functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. In addition to copying, facsimile, and scanning operations, the image forming apparatus 10 also prints out data stored in the internal storage device of the image forming apparatus 10, prints out data sent from the information processing apparatus 30, etc. perform printer operations.

The image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11, a display section 12, an operation section 14, a touch panel 15, a communication section 16 (second communication section), an image reading section 17, an image forming section 18, and a storage section. It is equipped with 19. These components are capable of transmitting and receiving data or signals to and from each other via a bus.

The image reading unit 17 includes a scanner that optically reads a document, and generates image data representing an image of the document.

The image forming unit 18 uniformly charges the surface of the photoreceptor drum and exposes the surface of the photoreceptor drum to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor drum. is developed into a toner image, and the toner image (image) on the surface of the photoreceptor drum is transferred and fixed onto recording paper (recording medium). For example, under the control of the control unit 21, the image forming unit 18 prints an image indicated by the print data received by the communication unit 16 from the information processing device 30 on recording paper, or prints the image data generated by the image reading unit 17 on recording paper. It is possible to print the image shown by on recording paper. Note that the image forming section 18 is an example of a printing section in the claims.

The display unit 12 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on which a hot folder icon is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus. For example, under the control of the control unit 21, the display unit 12 displays a menu screen G1 showing information on a plurality of functions (copy function, printer function, scanner function, and facsimile function) provided in the image forming apparatus 10.

A touch panel 15 is arranged on the screen of the display unit 12. The touch panel 15 is a so-called resistive film type or capacitive type touch panel, and detects the contact (touch) of a user's finger or the like on the touch panel 15 together with the position of the touch, and generates a detection signal indicating the coordinates of the position of the touch. is output to a control section 21 of the control unit 11, which will be described later. Therefore, the touch panel 15 serves as an operation unit that receives user operations on the screen of the display unit 12.

The operation unit 14 includes a plurality of hard keys, such as a menu key that calls up a menu, an arrow key that moves the focus on a GUI that makes up the menu, a decision key that performs a final operation on the GUI that makes up the menu, and a start key. ing. Further, the operation unit 14 includes soft keys displayed on the screen of the display unit 12.

The communication unit 16 is a communication interface including a communication module, and performs data communication through a network N such as a LAN or the Internet.

The storage unit 19 is a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

The control unit 11 includes a processor, RAM, ROM, and the like. The processor is, for example, a CPU, MPU, or ASIC. This control unit 11 functions as a control section 21 (second control section), a setting section 22, and a generation section 23 by executing a control program stored in the storage section 19 by the above-mentioned processor. Note that each of the above-mentioned components of the control unit 11 may be configured by a hardware circuit instead of operating based on the control program.

The control unit 21 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10 .

The control unit 21 receives a user operation on the touch panel 15 based on a detection signal output from the touch panel 15. That is, the control unit 21 accepts user operations on soft keys displayed on the screen of the display unit 12. Further, the control unit 21 receives user operations on the hard keys of the operation unit 14 .

The control unit 21 controls the display unit 12 to display an input screen for setting items necessary for image forming processing, an input screen for information, or the like.

The control unit 21 controls communication operations by the communication unit 16. For example, the communication unit 16 transmits and receives data to and from the information processing device 30 via the network N under the control of the control unit 21.

When receiving an instruction to set the hot folder mode from the information processing device 30, the setting unit 22 sets the image forming device 10 to the hot folder mode.

Note that the control unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 causes the display unit 12 to display a menu screen G1 shown in FIG. 3(B) in advance. The menu screen G1 includes a plurality of touch keys 61a to 61h, each of which is associated with each function of the image forming apparatus 10. When the user touches the touch key 61h corresponding to the hot folder, the touch panel 15 detects the touch operation on the touch key 61h, and the control unit 21 accepts the touch operation. The setting unit 22 may set the image forming apparatus 10 to hot folder mode under the control of the control unit 21.

When the communication unit 16 receives a print file in the hot folder mode, the generation unit 23 generates identification information for identifying the print file. As shown in FIG. 5(B), which will be described later, the generation unit 23 generates, for example, "ID:001" as the identification information id1.

The storage unit 19 stores print files and identification information in association with each other under the control of the control unit 21 .

The control unit 21 causes the communication unit 16 to transmit the identification information generated by the generation unit 23 to the information processing device 30 via the network N.

Further, the control unit 41 of the information processing device 30 associates the identification information received by the communication unit 35 with the generated folder. The user creates print settings for the sent print file by operating the operation unit 33. For example, in a print file such as a word document that spans multiple pages, print settings can be used to configure settings related to printing, such as performing consolidated printing (2-in-1 printing) on a specific page among multiple pages, or adding blank pages in the middle. , is a text file written in a page description language such as JDF (job definition format). Further, the print settings may be general settings related to printing, such as the number of copies to be printed, color/monochrome settings, and the like. Further, the print settings may be encrypted using a known encryption method.

Further, when the created print settings are stored in the folder, the control unit 41 generates subsequent setting information including the print settings and identification information, and transmits the subsequent setting information to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N. is transmitted by the communication unit 35.

The control unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 then prints the received print file having the identification information that matches the identification information indicated by the subsequent setting information received by the communication unit 16 according to the print settings indicated by the subsequent setting information. The image forming unit 18 is caused to execute printing.

Thereafter, the folder generated by the control unit 41 functions as a hot folder. Specifically, the control unit 41 causes the communication unit 35 to transmit the subsequent setting information to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N, and then transfers the folder to the hot folder associated with the stored print settings. When the print file is set as a folder and stored in the hot folder, the stored print file and the print settings associated with the hot folder are sent to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N by the communication unit 35. Let it be sent.

The control unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 causes the image forming unit 18 to print the print file received by the communication unit 16 according to the print settings received by the communication unit 16.

Next, print processing by the print processing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be explained using the drawings. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print processing by the print processing system according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams showing an example of the flow of print processing by the print processing system according to the first embodiment. 6(A) to 6(C) are diagrams showing an example of the flow of print processing following FIG. 5(C) by the print processing system according to the first embodiment.

When the control unit 41 of the information processing device 30 receives an operation (for example, a click operation) to execute the icon 32a shown in FIG. The communication unit 35 causes the communication unit 35 to transmit a hot folder mode setting instruction to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N (S11). The control unit 41 of the information processing device 30 then executes processing (S12 to S22 described later) according to the hot folder application.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, when the communication unit 16 receives an instruction to set the hot folder mode, the setting unit 22 of the image forming apparatus 10 sets the image forming apparatus 10 to the hot folder mode (S31).

When the control unit 41 of the information processing device 30 receives a print file sending operation from the user to the operation unit 33, the control unit 41 transmits the print file PF1 to the image forming device 10 via the network N, as shown in FIG. 5(A). The information is transmitted by the unit 35 (S12). In FIG. 5(A), [1] Transmission is written. Note that the print file PF1 is prepared in advance in the information processing device 30 by the user.

Subsequently, the storage unit 34 of the information processing device 30 generates a folder F1 in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit 34 under the control of the control unit 41 (S13). In FIG. 5(A), it is written as [2] Folder generation. Further, the control unit 41 sets the folder name indicating the generated folder F1 to a name that includes the file name of the print file PF1. As described above, if the file name of the print file is "estimate", the folder name of the generated folder is set to "estimate_1".

Meanwhile, the communication unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives the print file PF1 from the information processing apparatus 30 (S32).

When the communication unit 16 receives the print file PF1 in the hot folder mode, the generation unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 10 generates, for example, identification information id1 for identifying the print file PF1, as shown in FIG. 5(B). "ID:001" is generated (S33). In FIG. 5(B), [3] ID:001 is described as generated.

Then, the control unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 causes the storage unit 19 to associate the print file PF1 received by the communication unit 16 with the identification information id1 generated by the generation unit 23 and store it in the storage unit 19 ( S34). In FIG. 5(B), it is written as [4] Grant. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example in which a print file and identification information are stored in association with each other in a storage unit of an image forming apparatus. The storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus 10 stores a print file PF1 and identification information id1 in association with each other, as shown in FIG. 7(A). That is, the print file PF1 is given the identification information id1.

Subsequently, the control section 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 causes the communication section 16 to transmit the identification information id1 generated by the generation section 23 to the information processing apparatus 30 via the network N (S35). In FIG. 5(B), [5] Transmission is written.

The communication unit 35 of the information processing device 30 receives the identification information id1 from the image forming device 10 (S14). Then, the control unit 41 of the information processing device 30 associates the identification information id1 received by the communication unit 35 with the generated folder F1 (S15). In FIG. 5(B), it is described as [6] ID association. FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating an example in which a hot folder is set by storing print settings in a folder after the fact in the storage unit of the information processing device. The storage unit 34 of the information processing device 30 stores a folder F1 and identification information id1 in association with each other, as shown in FIG. 7(B). In other words, the identification information id1 is assigned to the folder F1. Here, since the print settings are not stored in the folder F1, the print settings are "-".

The control unit 41 also determines whether the print settings C1 created by the user for the print file PF1 have been stored in the folder F1 (S16). When the print setting C1 is stored in the folder F1 (YES in S16), the control unit 41 generates subsequent setting information LS1 including the print setting C1 and identification information id1 (S17). In FIG. 5(C), it is described as [7] Storing, and in FIG. 6(A), it is described as [8] Generating subsequent setting information. Then, the control unit 41 causes the communication unit 35 to transmit the subsequent setting information LS1 to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N (S18). In FIG. 6(A), [9] Transmission is written.

On the other hand, if the print setting C1 is not stored in the folder F1 (NO in S16), the control unit 41 returns to S16 and waits until the print setting C1 is stored.

The communication unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives the subsequent setting information LS1 from the information processing apparatus 30 (S36).

Then, the control unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 prints the received print file PF1 having the identification information id1 that matches the identification information id1 indicated by the subsequent setting information LS1 received by the communication unit 16. The image forming unit 18 is caused to execute printing according to the print settings C1 shown (S37). That is, the identification information id1 indicated by the subsequent setting information LS1 is "ID:001", the identification information id1 associated with the received print file PF1 is "ID:001", and both identification information id1 match. Therefore, the received print file PF1 is printed according to the print setting C1 indicated by the subsequent setting information LS1.

When the printing of the print file PF1 is completed, the control unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 deletes the print file PF1 and the identification information id1 shown in FIG. 7A stored in the storage unit 19. For example, as shown in FIG. 6(B), the print file PF1 and the subsequent setting information LS1 have been deleted from the image forming apparatus 10.

After S18 shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 41 of the information processing device 30 sets the folder F1 as the hot folder HF1 to which the stored print settings C1 are associated (S19). In FIG. 6(B), it is written as [10] Hot folder settings. The hot folder HF1 is associated with the print settings C1, as shown in FIGS. 6(B) and 7(B). In other words, the print settings C1 are maintained in the hot folder HF1.

The control unit 41 also determines whether the print file has been stored in the hot folder HF1 by the user (S20). Note that the print file referred to here is, for example, a new print file NPF1 different from the print file PF1, but it may also be the print file PF1.

When a print file (for example, a new print file NPF1) is stored in the hot folder HF1 (YES in S20), the control unit 41 controls the print settings associated with the stored print file NPF1 and the hot folder HF1. C1 is transmitted by the communication unit 35 to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N (S21). In FIG. 6(C), [11] Storage is written and [12] Transmission is written.

Then, the control unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 executes printing using the hot folder (S38). That is, the control unit 21 causes the image forming unit 18 to print the print file (for example, new print file NPF1) stored in the hot folder HF1 according to the print settings C1.

On the other hand, if the print file is not stored in the hot folder HF1 (NO in S20), the control unit 41 proceeds to S22.

The control unit 41 of the information processing device 30 terminates this process when the user performs a termination operation on the operation unit 33 (YES in S22). On the other hand, if the user does not perform a termination operation on the operation unit 33 (NO in S22), the control unit 41 returns to S20.

According to the print processing system 1 of the first embodiment, the information processing apparatus 30 and the image forming apparatus 10 are connectable via the network N. The information processing device 30 includes a communication section 35, an operation section 33, and a control section 41. The control unit 41 causes the communication unit 35 to transmit the print file PF1 to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N, and generates a folder F1. The image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming section 18 , a communication section 16 , a setting section 22 , a generating section 23 , a storage section 19 , and a control section 21 . When receiving the instruction to set the hot folder mode, the setting unit 22 sets the image forming apparatus 10 to the hot folder mode. When the communication unit 16 receives the print file PF1 in the hot folder mode, the generation unit 23 generates identification information id1 for identifying the print file PF1. The storage unit 19 stores the print file PF1 and the identification information id1 in association with each other. The control unit 21 causes the communication unit 16 to transmit the identification information id1 generated by the generation unit 23 to the information processing device 30 via the network N. The control unit 41 of the information processing device 30 associates the identification information id1 received by the communication unit 35 with the generated folder F1, and when the created print setting C1 is stored in the folder F1, the control unit 41 associates the identification information id1 received by the communication unit 35 with the print setting C1 and the identification information. id1 is generated, and the communication unit 35 transmits the subsequent setting information LS1 to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N. The control unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 prints the received print file PF1 having the identification information id1 that matches the identification information id1 indicated by the subsequent setting information LS1 received by the communication unit 16. The image forming section 18 is caused to execute printing according to the setting C1. Therefore, even before setting the hot folder HF1, the print file PF1 can be sent from the information processing device 30 to the image forming device 10, and the print settings C1 can be set after the fact for the sent print file PF1. can be linked appropriately. Thereby, it is possible to efficiently create the print settings C1 and send the print file PF1 when using the hot folder HF1.

Further, the control unit 41 of the information processing device 30 sets the folder name indicating the generated folder F1 to a name that includes the file name of the print file PF1. Therefore, it becomes easier for the user to understand the correspondence between the folder F1 generated in the information processing device 30 and the sent print file PF1, and the print settings C1 created after the fact for the sent print file PF1 are stored. This makes it easier for the user to specify the desired folder F1, and improves usability for the user when storing the print settings C1 created after the fact in the folder F1.

Further, the control unit 41 of the information processing device 30 causes the communication unit 35 to transmit the subsequent setting information LS1 to the image forming device 10 via the network N, and then associates the folder F1 with the stored print settings C1. When the print file NPF1 is stored in the hot folder HF1, the stored print file NPF1 and the print settings C1 linked to the hot folder HF1 are transferred via the network N. The communication unit 35 causes the image forming apparatus 10 to transmit the information. The control unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 causes the image forming unit 18 to print the print file NPF1 received by the communication unit 16 according to the print settings C1 received by the communication unit 16. Therefore, before setting the hot folder HF1, the folder F1 created when transmitting the print file PF1 from the information processing device 30 to the image forming device 10 can be used as the hot folder HF1, and the work of the print setting C1 can be done. The burden can be improved.

Further, when the user instructs the operation unit 33 to set the hot folder mode, the control unit 41 of the information processing device 30 transmits a hot folder mode setting instruction to the communication unit 35 of the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N. It is sent by This eliminates the need for the user to go to the image forming apparatus 10 and set the hot folder mode, thereby improving user convenience.

Next, a print processing system 1 according to a second embodiment will be described. FIGS. 8A to 8C are diagrams showing characteristic parts of the flow of print processing by the print processing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating an example in which print settings with matching identification information can be stored in a folder in the storage unit of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating an example in which print settings whose identification information does not match cannot be stored in a folder in the storage unit of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, the control unit 41 of the information processing device 30 associates the identification information id1 received by the communication unit 35 only with the generated folder F1; S15 in FIG. 4), in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8(B), the control unit 41 creates an unfilled print setting C0 in advance, and also adds identification information to the unfilled print setting C0. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that id1 is associated. In the second embodiment, descriptions of processes and configurations similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 8(B) and 9(A), when the communication unit 35 receives the identification information id1, the control unit 41 displays the blank print setting C0 (that is, the content of the print setting C1 is not written). For example, a blank print setting) is created and the identification information id1 is associated with the blank print setting C0.

Then, as shown in FIG. 9A, the contents of the print setting C1 are written in the blank print setting C0 by the user's input operation on the operation unit 33, thereby creating the print setting C1. Thereby, the identification information id1 received by the communication unit 35 and the created print setting C1 are associated. Note that instead of associating the blank print setting C0 with the identification information id1, the print setting C1 may be associated with the identification information id1 after the print setting C1 is created.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the created print setting C1 is stored in the folder F1, the control unit 41 stores the identification information id1 associated with the created print setting C1. It is determined whether or not the and identification information id1 associated with the folder F1 match, and when it is determined that they match, the created print setting C1 is stored in the folder F1. In FIG. 9A, the identification information id1 of the folder F1 and the identification information id1 of the print setting C1 are both "001", and the control unit 41 determines that the two match, and moves the folder F1 of the print setting C1 to the corresponding folder F1. Allow storage of.

On the other hand, if the control unit 41 determines that the identification information id2 associated with the created print setting C2 does not match the identification information id1 associated with the folder F1, as shown in FIG. 9(B), The print settings C2 created above are not stored in the folder F1. In FIG. 9B, the identification information id1 of the folder F1 is "001" and the identification information id2 of the print setting C2 is "002", and the control unit 41 determines that the two do not match, and the print setting Storing C2 in the folder F1 is not permitted.

According to the second embodiment, the print settings C1 can be linked to the transmitted print file PF1 without making any mistakes afterwards.

Next, a print processing system 1 according to a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating an example in which five print files are stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating an example in which five hot folders are set by storing print settings in folders after the fact in the storage unit of the information processing device.

In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, a case is described in which one print file PF1 is sent from the information processing device 30 to the image forming device 10 before setting a hot folder. As shown in FIG. 10(A), multiple print files may be transmitted. For example, in the third embodiment, five print files PF1 to PF5 are transmitted. In the third embodiment, descriptions of processes and configurations similar to those of the above embodiments will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 10(B), the control unit 41 of the information processing device 30 generates folders F1 to F5 for each of the five print files PF1 to PF5 when transmitting the five print files PF1 to PF5. .

As shown in FIG. 10A, when the communication unit 16 receives the five print files PF1 to PF5 in the hot folder mode, the generation unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 10 identifies the five print files PF1 to PF5. Identification information id1 to id5 are generated respectively.

Under the control of the control unit 21, the storage unit 19 of the image forming apparatus 10 associates five print files PF1 to PF5 with five pieces of identification information id1 to id5 in one-to-one correspondence, as shown in FIG. 10(A). memorize it.

The control section 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 causes the communication section 16 to transmit the five pieces of identification information id1 to id5 generated by the generation section 23 to the information processing apparatus 30 via the network N.

As shown in FIG. 10B, the control unit 41 of the information processing device 30 associates the five pieces of identification information id1 to id5 received by the communication unit 35 with the five folders F1 to F5 in a one-to-one manner, for example, When the print setting C1 is stored in the corresponding folder F1 among the five folders F1 to F5, subsequent setting information LS1 including the print setting C1 and identification information id1 is generated, and this subsequent setting information LS1 is The image forming apparatus 10 is caused to transmit via the communication unit 35 via the network N. Then, as shown in FIG. 10(B), the control unit 41 sets the folder F1 as a hot folder HF1 to which the stored print settings C1 are associated.

The control unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 prints the received print file PF1 having the identification information id1 that matches the identification information id1 indicated by the subsequent setting information LS1 received by the communication unit 16. The image forming section 18 is caused to execute printing according to the setting C1.

As shown in FIG. 10B, for example, when the created print setting C5 is stored in the corresponding folder F5 among the five folders F1 to F5, the control unit 41 of the information processing device 30 stores the print setting C5 in the corresponding folder F5 among the five folders F1 to F5. Subsequent setting information LS5 including C5 and identification information id5 is generated, and the communication unit 35 transmits this subsequent setting information LS5 to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network N. Then, as shown in FIG. 10(B), the control unit 41 sets the folder F5 as a hot folder HF5 to which the stored print settings C5 are associated.

The control unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 prints the received print file PF5 having the identification information id5 that matches the identification information id5 indicated by the subsequent setting information LS5 received by the communication unit 16. The image forming section 18 is caused to execute printing according to the setting C5.

Note that when the print settings C2 to C4 are also stored for the folders F2 to F4, the control unit 21 sets the folders F2 to F4 as hot folders HF2 to HF4.

According to the third embodiment, a plurality of print files can be sent from the information processing device 30 to the image forming apparatus 10 even before setting a hot folder, and a one-on-one correspondence is sent to the plurality of print files that have already been sent. Corresponding print settings can be appropriately linked after the fact.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the embodiment described above, a multifunction peripheral is used as an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, but this is only an example, and an image forming apparatus such as a printer may be used.

Further, the configuration and processing shown in the above embodiment using FIGS. 1 to 10 are merely one embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not intended to be limited to the configuration and processing.

10 Image forming device 16 Communication section (second communication section)
18 Image forming section (printing section)
21 Control unit (second control unit)
22 Setting section 23 Generation section 30 Information processing device 33 Operation section 35 Communication section (first communication section)
41 Control unit (first control unit)

Claims (6)

In a print processing system that includes an information processing device and an image forming device that can be connected via a network,
The information processing device includes a first communication unit;
an operation section operated by a user;
a first control unit that causes the first communication unit to transmit a print file to the image forming apparatus via a network and generates a folder;
The image forming apparatus includes a printing section;
A second communication department,
a setting unit that sets the image forming apparatus to the hot folder mode upon receiving the instruction to set the hot folder mode;
a generation unit that generates identification information for identifying the print file when the second communication unit receives the print file in the hot folder mode;
a storage unit that stores the print file and the identification information in association with each other;
a second control unit that causes the second communication unit to transmit the identification information generated by the generation unit to the information processing device via a network,
The first control unit of the information processing device associates the identification information received by the first communication unit with the generated folder, and when the created print settings are stored in the folder, the first control unit associates the identification information received by the first communication unit with the identification information. generating subsequent setting information including information, and causing the first communication unit to transmit the subsequent setting information to the image forming apparatus via a network;
The second control unit of the image forming apparatus is configured to print a received print file having identification information matching the identification information indicated by the subsequent setting information received by the second communication unit, as indicated by the subsequent setting information. A print processing system that causes the printing unit to execute printing according to settings. The print processing system according to claim 1, wherein the first control unit of the information processing device sets a folder name indicating the generated folder to a name that includes a file name of a print file. The first control unit of the information processing apparatus causes the first communication unit to transmit the subsequent setting information to the image forming apparatus via a network, and then links the folder with the stored print settings. When a print file is stored in the hot folder, the stored print file and the print settings associated with the hot folder are sent to the image forming apparatus via the network. Transmitted by the first communication unit,
The second control unit of the image forming apparatus causes the printing unit to print the print file received by the second communication unit according to the print settings received by the second communication unit. 3. The print processing system according to claim 1 or claim 2. When the user instructs the operation unit to set the hot folder mode, the first control unit of the information processing apparatus transmits the hot folder mode setting instruction to the first image forming apparatus via a network. The print processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the print processing system is transmitted by a communication unit. The first control unit of the information processing device associates the identification information received by the first communication unit with each of the generated folder and the created print settings, and stores the created print settings in the folder. When the created print settings are created, it is determined whether or not the identification information associated with the created print settings matches the identification information associated with the folder, and if it is determined that they match, the created print settings are 4. The print processing system according to claim 3, wherein the created print settings are not stored in the folder if it is determined that they do not match. The first control unit of the information processing device generates the folder for each of the plurality of print files when transmitting the plurality of print files,
The generation unit of the image forming apparatus generates identification information for identifying each of the plurality of print files when the second communication unit receives the plurality of print files in hot folder mode;
The storage unit stores the plurality of print files and the plurality of identification information in one-to-one correspondence,
The second control unit causes the second communication unit to transmit the plurality of identification information generated by the generation unit to the information processing device via a network,
The first control unit of the information processing device associates the plurality of identification information received by the first communication unit with the plurality of folders in a one-to-one manner, and the created print setting is configured to be one of the plurality of folders. When stored in the corresponding folder, generating subsequent setting information including the print settings and the identification information, and causing the first communication unit to transmit the subsequent setting information to the image forming apparatus via a network;
The second control unit of the image forming apparatus is configured to print a received print file having identification information matching the identification information indicated by the subsequent setting information received by the second communication unit, as indicated by the subsequent setting information. The print processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the printing unit is caused to execute printing according to settings.