WO2015182845A1

WO2015182845A1 - Electronic device, method for controlling printing, and computer readable recording medium

Info

Publication number: WO2015182845A1
Application number: PCT/KR2014/012710
Authority: WO
Inventors: 김용임; 윤태정; 김홍석; 최창석
Original assignee: 삼성전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2014-05-29
Filing date: 2014-12-23
Publication date: 2015-12-03

Abstract

An electronic device is disclosed. The present electronic device comprises: a user interface unit displaying a UI for controlling a function of an image forming device; a communication interface unit for transmitting, to the image forming device, a control command received through the UI; a workform generation unit for automatically generating a workform on the basis of a series of user operation contents and orders inputted on the UI; and a storage unit for storing the generated workform.

Description

Electronic devices, print control methods and computer readable recording media

The present invention relates to an electronic device, a print control method and a computer readable recording medium. More particularly, the present invention relates to an electronic device, a print control method and a computer readable recording medium which can be easily created without a complicated setup.

In general, an image forming apparatus means an apparatus for printing print data generated in a terminal apparatus such as a computer on a recording sheet. Examples of such an image forming apparatus may include a copier, a printer, a facsimile, or a multi function peripheral (MFP) that implements their functions in a single device.

As the performance of the image forming apparatus has recently developed, the image forming apparatus may provide a plurality of functions, and the user may perform a series of tasks by combining the plurality of functions of the image forming apparatus.

Recent image forming apparatuses support a workform to easily perform such a series of tasks. Here, the workform includes information such as a task created by a user, a device to perform stacking operations, a processing sequence of the task, etc. The user can perform a series of tasks only by selecting a specific workform without setting a plurality of functions. It becomes possible.

On the other hand, with the recent development of the network, it was possible for a plurality of users to share and use a plurality of image forming apparatuses. Could. Therefore, since the workform for a specific device cannot be used in another device, there is an inconvenience that a user must create a new workform.

In addition, since methods and UIs for making a workform are different for each image forming apparatus, there is a difficulty in mastering a method for generating a workform.

On the other hand, companies and public offices may operate several to several dozen image forming apparatuses. In such an enterprise or government office environment, a user can select and perform a job by selecting an image forming apparatus desired by the user.

In this case, the user selects an image forming apparatus that supports a function to be used by the user, or selects an image forming apparatus that can quickly process a function to be used by the user to perform a job.

However, a device that satisfies such a user's demand is generally a new image forming apparatus installed recently. Therefore, in a printing environment in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses exist, there have been cases where a plurality of image forming apparatuses are caught by a specific image forming apparatus rather than being uniformly performed.

For example, if one multifunction device and four printers exist in a network environment, and a job desired by a plurality of users is copying, the copy job of a plurality of users will be concentrated on one multifunction device, and the remaining four printers cannot be utilized. There was a problem.

Alternatively, when one scanner and four printers exist in a network environment, when a job desired by a user is a copy, the copy job cannot be used and a new copying machine or a multifunction device has to be installed. Alternatively, the user has to perform scanning by using a scanner individually, and then copy by performing printing by using a scan result and a printer.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device, a print control method, and a computer-readable recording medium capable of easily generating a workform without complicated setting.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a mobile apparatus, and a print control method which can group and use a plurality of image forming apparatuses to expand and use the functions of each image forming apparatus.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device including a user interface for displaying a UI for controlling a function of the image forming apparatus, and a communication for transmitting a control command input through the UI to the image forming apparatus. An interface unit, a workform generation unit for automatically generating a workform based on a series of user manipulation contents and a sequence input on the UI, and a storage unit storing the generated workform.

In this case, the user interface unit receives a plurality of functions to be performed in the image forming apparatus and options for each of the plurality of functions, and the workform generation unit is further configured to perform the work based on the received plurality of functions and options. You can create a form.

In the meantime, when each of the plurality of functions includes a scan job, the user interface unit receives an input of whether the document used in the scan job of each of the plurality of functions is the same document, and the workform generation unit receives the input. The workform may be generated by merging scan jobs for each of the plurality of functions into one scan job according to the same document.

The workform generation unit may generate the workform in at least one language of jason and XML.

Meanwhile, the UI includes a recording start menu and a recording end menu, and the workform generation unit is based on a user operation command and a sequence input between a time point at which the recording start menu is selected and a time point at which the recording end menu is selected. The workform can be created with.

In this case, when the recording start menu is selected and a preset time elapses, the user interface unit may display a message requesting selection of the recording end menu.

The function of the image forming apparatus may be at least one of copying, faxing, scan-to-e-mail, scan-to-server, and device setting change.

The user interface unit may display a function included in the stored workform and an option of the function.

In this case, the user interface unit receives a delete or change command for at least one of the functions and options included in the stored workform, and the workform generation unit corresponds to the received delete or change command. You can update the workform.

The user interface unit may receive an execution command for the stored workform, and the communication interface unit may transmit a control command corresponding to the workform to the image forming apparatus.

In this case, the electronic device may be connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses, and the user interface unit may select an image forming apparatus to execute the workform among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and the communication interface unit may select the selected image. The control command corresponding to the workform may be transmitted to the forming apparatus.

In this case, the electronic device may further include a determiner configured to determine whether the workform is executable in the selected image forming apparatus.

In this case, the determination unit may acquire device information of the selected image forming apparatus and determine whether the workform is executable based on the acquired device information.

In this case, if there is a blank field in the workform, the user interface may display a message requesting input of a value required for the blank field.

If the workform includes at least one of a function and an option that cannot be performed by the selected image forming apparatus, the determination unit may search for a function or option that may replace the function or option.

On the other hand, if the user interface includes at least one of a function and an option that the selected image forming apparatus cannot perform in the workform, a function or option that can replace the function or option is selected or performed. You may be chosen to cancel the progression of functions that you cannot.

The user interface may display a progress state of the selected workform.

On the other hand, the print control method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, displaying a UI for controlling the function of the image forming apparatus, transmitting a control command received through the UI to the image forming apparatus And automatically generating a workform based on a series of user manipulation contents and a sequence input on the UI, and storing the generated workform.

In this case, the electronic device may be connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses, and the print control method may include selecting an image forming apparatus to execute the workform among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and the selected image forming apparatus. The method may further include transmitting a control command corresponding to the workform to the device.

Meanwhile, in a computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing a print control method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the print control method may display a UI for controlling a function of the image forming apparatus. Transmitting a control command input through the UI to the image forming apparatus; automatically generating a workform based on a series of user manipulations and sequences input on the UI; and generating the generated control command. Saving the workform.

An image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment for achieving the above object includes a control unit for generating a work group including the image forming apparatus and another image forming apparatus connectable to the image forming apparatus, and a job comprising a plurality of tasks. A user interface that receives a command to perform a task, a task processor that processes at least one task among a plurality of tasks corresponding to the job, and performs a part of the job, and the remaining job that is not processed by the task processor And a communication interface for transmitting to another image forming apparatus in the work group.

In this case, the controller may receive information about the plurality of image forming apparatuses selected by the mobile device, and generate the work group based on the received information.

In this case, the information on the plurality of image forming apparatuses may be information of the image forming apparatus tagged with the mobile device and NFC (Near Field Communication).

The user interface unit may display a list of a plurality of other image forming apparatuses that may be connected to the image forming apparatus, and the controller may select the at least one other image forming apparatus from the displayed list. And the work group including the selected other image forming apparatus.

The controller may search for another image forming apparatus connectable to the image forming apparatus through a local area network, and generate the work group including the found other image forming apparatus.

In this case, the local area network may be Bluetooth.

The controller may search for another image forming apparatus having an identifier common to the device name of the image forming apparatus, and generate the work group including the found other image forming apparatus.

The controller may generate a plurality of work groups, and the user interface may be selected to select a work group to perform the job.

The controller may search for another image forming apparatus having an address area common to the IP address of the image forming apparatus, and generate a work group including the found other image forming apparatus.

In this case, the communication interface unit receives the retrieved hop count information of the other image forming apparatus and the SSID information of an access point to which the other image forming apparatus is connectable, and the control unit is further configured to have a hop count having a preset value. An image forming apparatus and another image forming apparatus having SSID information different from the image forming apparatus may be excluded from the work group.

The image forming apparatus may further include a task distributing unit configured to distribute a task to be performed by the image forming apparatus and another image forming apparatus in the work group among a plurality of tasks corresponding to the job.

The image forming apparatus supports a scan task and does not support a print task. The user interface unit receives a copy command of an original, and the task processor generates a scanned image by scanning the original. The communication interface unit may transmit the generated scan image to another image forming apparatus supporting a print task in the work group.

The image forming apparatus supports a scan task and does not support a fax transmission task. The user interface unit receives a fax transmission command of an original, and the task processing unit scans the original to scan a scanned image. The communication interface unit may generate the scanned image to another image forming apparatus that supports a fax transmission task in the workgroup.

The image forming apparatus is a device which supports a color scan task, a black and white print task, and a black and white copy task, and does not support a color copy task. The user interface unit receives a color copy command of an original, and the task processing unit The scanner may scan a document to generate a color scan image, and the communication interface may transmit the generated color scan image to another image forming apparatus that supports a color printing task in the workgroup.

The image forming apparatus is a device supporting a scan task, a print task, and a copy task, wherein the user interface unit receives a copy command of an original, and the task processing unit scans the original to generate a scanned image, A part of the generated scan image may be printed, and the communication interface unit may transmit the remainder of the generated scan image to another image forming apparatus supporting a print task in the work group.

The communication interface unit may receive a partial job related to a job execution command input from the other image forming apparatus from another image forming apparatus in the work group, and the task processor may perform the received partial job.

On the other hand, a mobile device that can be connected to a plurality of image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, a user interface for displaying a UI for controlling the task of each of the plurality of image forming apparatus, a control command received through the UI A communication interface unit for transmitting a plurality of image forming apparatuses to each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, a workform generating unit for automatically generating a workform based on a series of user manipulations and sequences input on the UI, and the generated workform. And a storage unit to store the received control command, wherein the received control command is a control command to perform a plurality of tasks in the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

In this case, the user interface unit may receive a first task to be performed in the first image forming apparatus and a second task that is different from the first task to be performed in the second image forming apparatus.

On the other hand, the print control method in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, generating a work group including the image forming apparatus and another image forming apparatus connectable to the image forming apparatus, a plurality of tasks Receiving a command to execute a configured job, performing a part of the job by performing at least one task among a plurality of tasks corresponding to the job, and rest of the job not performed by the image forming apparatus Transmitting the job to another image forming apparatus in the work group.

On the other hand, the print control method according to another embodiment of the present invention, displaying a UI for controlling the task of the plurality of image forming apparatus, transmitting a control command received through the UI to each of the plurality of image forming apparatus And automatically generating a workform based on a series of user manipulations and sequences input on the UI, and storing the generated workform, wherein the received control command includes: Is a control command for performing the task of the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a simplified block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

3 is a detailed block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

4 is a simplified block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a detailed block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a workform creation method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

7 is a view for explaining a workform editing method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

8 is a view for explaining a workform execution method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

9 to 26 illustrate examples of a user interface window that may be displayed on an electronic device.

27 is a block diagram illustrating an image forming system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

28 and 29 are diagrams for describing a virtual grouping operation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

30 is a simplified block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

31 is a detailed block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

32 is a detailed block diagram of a mobile device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

33 is a flowchart illustrating a print control method according to another embodiment of the present invention;

34 is a flowchart for explaining a grouping method according to a first embodiment;

35 is a view for explaining a grouping method according to a first embodiment;

36 and 37 are sequence diagrams for describing a series of print control methods including a grouping method according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 38 illustrates an example of information stored by the mobile device of FIG. 35;

39 is a view for explaining an M-plow generation operation of FIGS. 36 and 37;

40 illustrates an example of a user interface window that may be displayed on the mobile device of FIG. 36 or 37;

41 is a flowchart for explaining a grouping method according to a second embodiment;

42 is a view for explaining a grouping method according to a second embodiment;

43 is a flowchart for explaining a grouping method according to a third embodiment;

44 is a view for explaining a grouping method according to a third embodiment;

45 is a flowchart for explaining a grouping method according to a fourth embodiment;

46 is a view for explaining a grouping method according to a fourth embodiment; and

47 to 49 illustrate examples of a user interface window that may be displayed in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 27.

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Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, in describing the present invention, when it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an image forming system according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, the image forming system 300 includes an electronic device 100 and an image forming apparatus 200.

The electronic device 100 displays a UI for controlling the function of the image forming apparatus 200 and receives a control command for the image forming apparatus 200 through the displayed UI. The electronic device 100 transmits the input control command to the image forming apparatus 200, and generates and stores the workform based on the input series and operation sequence of the user. A detailed configuration and operation of the electronic device 100 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. Here, the electronic device 100 may be a mobile device such as a laptop, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PMP, an MP3 player, or the like, as well as a device such as a PC.

Here, the workform includes information necessary to perform a task provided by the image forming apparatus 200. For example, the workform may include information such as a processing order of a job, a job condition, a location to store the result data of the job, and the like by the user. Using saved workforms, users can simply perform the same task without repetitive setup. Meanwhile, the workform may be generated in XML (eXtensible Markup Language) format.

Typical workforms include input sources that provide data and destinations to which data is delivered. For example, the data to be processed may be a document to be scanned, the input source being an image forming apparatus capable of scanning a document, the destination being a file server to which the scanned document is delivered, a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server, or an SMTP server. And so on.

Conventionally, input sources, destinations, and work conditions must be input through a UI required for creating a work form when creating a work form. In the present embodiment, an electronic device (eg, 100) creates a workform by filling in the input source, destination, and work conditions described above. In this regard, the workform according to the present embodiment may be referred to as M-plow to distinguish it from the conventional workform.

In addition, the user may create a workform in which a destination field is input to each workform by deleting a destination field in a preformed workform. There is a blank field in the workform generated by this process.

The image forming apparatus 200 receives a control command from the electronic device 100 and performs a function according to the received control command. A detailed configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus 200 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The image forming apparatus 200 may be a multifunction apparatus capable of performing not only a printer capable of performing a print job but also a function of scanning and copying.

As described above, the image forming system 300 according to the present exemplary embodiment may generate the workform only by the operation for controlling the function of the image forming apparatus, and the user does not need to learn and make an effort to generate the workform. User convenience is improved.

In FIG. 1, the electronic device 100 receives a user control command and generates a workform based on the user control command. However, in the implementation, the user control command is received from the electronic device 100. The image forming apparatus 200 may generate a work form or may receive a user control command directly from the image forming apparatus 200 to generate a work form.

Meanwhile, although FIG. 1 illustrates that one electronic device 100 is connected to two image forming apparatuses, one electronic device 100 may be connected to three or more image forming apparatuses. Each image forming apparatus may be connected to a plurality of electronic devices.

In addition, the implementation may be implemented in a form in which each device is directly connected, as well as indirectly connected through a router and other devices (for example, a server). In addition, in the illustrated example, each device is shown as being connected by wire, but when implemented, it may be implemented in a form that is wirelessly connected.

2 is a simplified block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device 100 according to the present embodiment may include a communication interface 110, a user interface 120, a storage 130, and a workform generator 140.

The communication interface 110 is formed to connect the electronic device 100 to an external device, and is connected to a local area network (LAN) and an internet network, as well as a universal serial bus (USB) port and It is also possible to be connected via a wireless module. The wireless module may be WiFi, WiFi Direct, NFC, Bluetooth, IR, and the like.

The communication interface 110 searches for a connectable image forming apparatus 200. In detail, the communication interface 110 may search for an image forming apparatus 200 that may be connected to the electronic device 100 using a communication method supported by the electronic device 100. For example, when the communication interface 110 uses WiFi, the communication interface 110 may search for an image forming apparatus that may be connected to WiFi, and if the communication interface 110 supports WiFi and NFC, In addition, an image forming apparatus connectable to each connection method may be searched for.

The communication interface 110 receives device information on the retrieved image forming apparatus or the selected image forming apparatus. In detail, the communication interface 110 may receive information of an image forming apparatus that may be connected, or may receive information of an image forming apparatus selected by a user. The device information may include address information (IP address, MAC information, etc.) of the image forming apparatus, information required for connection with the image forming apparatus, and function information (such as whether color printing or scanning is possible). Information about a function), status information (whether work is possible, whether an error has occurred, work progress status, etc.). Receiving such device information may be performed in the process of generating the workform, and may also be performed in the process of executing the workform.

The communication interface 110 receives a UI for controlling a function of the image forming apparatus. In detail, the electronic device 100 according to the present embodiment may display a UI for controlling the function of the image forming apparatus in two forms. First, the first embodiment is to receive and display the UI from the image forming apparatus, another embodiment receives the information (for example, the above-described device information) necessary for generating the UI from the image forming apparatus, by using this To create and display a UI (for example, a virtual GUI function). Therefore, when the electronic device 100 is implemented as the first embodiment, the communication interface 110 may receive a UI for controlling the function from the image forming apparatus.

The communication interface 110 transmits a control command to the image forming apparatus. In detail, the communication interface 110 may transmit a control command input through the UI to the image forming apparatus 200.

The communication interface 110 may transmit a control command corresponding to the workform to the image forming apparatus to perform the workform in response to the selection of the workform. The control command is a command that can be recognized by the image forming apparatus that will perform the workform. Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the command corresponding to the workform has been described as being transmitted to the image forming apparatus. However, the embodiment may also be implemented in the form of delivering the workform itself.

The communication interface 110 transmits print data. In detail, when the user's control command is a print command or a fax transmission command for a document stored in the electronic device 100, the communication interface 110 may transmit print data. The print data may be data of a printer language such as PS (Postscript) or PCL (Printer Control Language). When the image forming apparatus 200 supports direct printing, the print data may be PDF, XPS, BMP, JPG, or the like. May be the file itself.

The communication interface 110 transmits the workform. In detail, the communication interface 110 may transmit a workform generated in another electronic device, an image forming apparatus, a management server, or the like in order to share the workform generated by the workform generator 140, which will be described later, with another device. have. In addition, the communication interface 110 may receive a workform generated by another device.

The user interface 120 may include a plurality of function keys for setting or selecting various functions supported by the electronic device 100, and may display various information provided by the electronic device 100. The user interface 120 may be implemented as a device in which input and output are simultaneously implemented, such as a touch screen, or may be implemented as a device through a combination of a mouse and a monitor. That is, the user interface unit 120 may include a display unit for providing information to a user and an operation input unit for receiving a control command of the user.

The user interface 120 selects an image forming apparatus. When there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses that can be connected to the electronic device 100, the user interface 120 may display a plurality of connectable image forming apparatuses and select one of them.

The user interface 120 displays a UI for controlling the function of the image forming apparatus 200. In detail, the user interface 120 may display a UI received through the communication interface 110 or may generate and display a UI by itself based on device information received through the communication interface 110. . The user may input a control command for controlling the function of the image forming apparatus 200 through the displayed UI.

In this case, the user interface 120 may select a copy, fax, scan-to-email, scan-to-server, or device setting change function and options for the corresponding function that may be performed by the image forming apparatus 200 through the displayed UI. Can be input. In this case, the user may input only one function or may input a plurality of functions. In the above description, the functions that can be performed by the image forming apparatus are described only for selecting a copy, fax, scan-to-e-mail, scan-to-server, or device setting change function. However, the image forming apparatus is supported in addition to the above-described functions. If there is another function, it is obvious that the function can be applied.

In this case, the UI displayed for the function input described above may include a recording start menu (or a workform creation command) and a recording end menu. The function selection after the user presses the recording start menu is described below. The workform generator 140 may be transferred to the workform generator 140. Meanwhile, when the user selects the recording start menu, the user interface 120 may receive a name of a workform to be created.

In addition, the UI displayed for the function input described above may display information on whether or not recording is being performed for generating the workform, and may include a menu for displaying a previously stored workform.

In addition, the above-described UI may include a pause recording menu and a resume recording menu. In this case, the user's function selection and the like are not described until the recording pause menu is selected and the recording recovery menu is selected. It is not delivered to the workform generator 140.

In addition, the user interface 120 receives an option related to the creation of the workform. In detail, the user interface 120 may receive a setting for canceling the workform creation job and a setting of the preset time when the recording start menu is input and the preset time elapses.

Therefore, in the case where such a setting is made, if a predetermined time elapses after the user selects the recording start menu (or even if there is no UI operation), a message requesting selection of the recording end menu can be displayed.

In an implementation, the workform generation operation may be canceled when an additional time elapses after displaying such a message. Alternatively, the workform generation operation may be canceled without displaying the above-mentioned message after a predetermined time elapses.

In addition, when each of the plurality of functions includes a scan job, the user interface 120 may receive information about whether the originals used in the scan job of each of the plurality of functions are the same document.

The user interface 120 displays the stored workform and receives one of the displayed workforms. In detail, the user interface 120 may display a list of workforms stored in the storage 130 to be described later, and receive one of the displayed lists.

In this case, the user interface 120 may display information on compatibility with the currently selected image forming apparatus of each workform. For example, when the currently selected image forming apparatus is a device capable of outputting only black and white, the user interface unit 120 may indicate that a work form using color output among previously stored work forms is not compatible with the current image forming apparatus. The same icon can be used to display.

In response to the user's selection, the user interface 120 may display details of the selected workform and receive an editing command for the workform. In detail, the user interface 120 may display functions and options included in the workform based on the detail display command of the workform.

In this case, the user interface 120 displays information on the functions included in the selected workform and compatibility with the pre-selected image forming apparatus (that is, whether the included functions or options can be performed in the pre-selected image forming apparatus). can do. For example, if the pre-selected image forming apparatus does not have a scan function or the selected workform includes a scan function, the function cannot be performed. It can be displayed as an icon such as. In this case, the user may edit and delete the displayed functions and options.

The user interface 120 receives a progress command for the selected workform. In detail, the user interface 120 may receive a task execution command for the pre-selected image forming apparatus for the selected workform. Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus is preferentially selected and the workform is subsequently selected. However, the image forming apparatus may be selected first and then the image forming apparatus may be selected.

If a blank field exists in the selected workform, the user interface 120 may display a message requesting input of a value required for the blank field. After the workform is created, the user edits the value to a support area, for example, the address of the server in the email to server, the area of the receiving phone number in the Fax transmission, and the name of the scan file to be created in the scan to server function. And the like.

On the other hand, if the selected workform includes a function or option that the image forming apparatus 200 cannot support, the user interface 120 may display to the user that the function or option of the workform cannot be performed. have. In this case, the user interface 120 may display that the corresponding option is replaced by the replaced option found by the determination unit 150 to be described later, or may request modification of an option that cannot be performed by the user.

On the other hand, if a function that cannot be supported in the selected workform is the main function of the workform, the user interface 120 may display that the process for the workform is canceled.

In addition, the user interface 120 may display a progress state of the selected workform. For example, when the workform includes a plurality of functions, the progress of each function may be displayed in%.

The workform generator 140 automatically generates a workform based on a series of user manipulations and orders input on the UI. In detail, the workform generator 140 may display an operation command input by the user through the UI and a sequence thereof between a time point at which the recording start menu is selected and a time point at which the recording end menu is selected, and a terminal device such as Jason or XML and an order thereof. The workform can be created in a language that the forming apparatus can recognize. Such a workform may include recipient / sender information, and the recipient information and sender information may be input at the time of executing / editing / creating the workform and may be dynamically changed.

In addition, the workform generator 140 may generate a workform in consideration of options related to workform creation. In detail, if there is no user addition operation for a predetermined time after the creation of the workform is started by selecting the workform start menu, the workform generator 140 may cancel the workform creation operation currently being generated.

The workform generator 140 merges scan jobs for a plurality of functions including scan jobs into one, based on option information on whether the originals used in the scan jobs of the plurality of functions are the same originals. You can create a workform.

For example, if the work performed by the user after selecting the workform start menu is scan-to-email and scan-to-server, the two operations can be performed in two ways. First, scan the document A and send it to the e-mail, scan the document B and send it to the server, scan the document A and send it to the e-mail, and send the scanned result to the server. Do.

Accordingly, the workform generation unit 140 sets that the originals used for the scan job are the same originals, but does not make any modification for the first scan-to-email function and additional scan jobs for the second scan-to-server. Without this, you can create a workform that allows the scanned image created in the previous step to be sent to the server.

In addition, when the pre-stored workform is edited, the workform generator 140 may update the workform in response to the modification of the user.

The storage unit 130 stores the generated workform. The storage unit 130 may store document or print data, and store device information received from the image forming apparatus 200.

The storage unit 130 may be implemented as a storage medium and an external storage medium in the electronic device 100, for example, a removable disk including a USB memory, a web server through a network, and the like.

As such, the electronic device 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment may generate a workform using an operation operation for controlling the function of the image forming apparatus, thereby improving user convenience.

In the above, only the simple configuration of the electronic device 100 is illustrated and described, but the electronic device 100 may further include a configuration other than the above-described configuration. A more detailed configuration of the electronic device 100 will be described below with reference to FIG. 3.

3 is a detailed block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device 100 may include a communication interface 110, a user interface 120, a storage 130, a workform generator 140, a determiner 150, and a controller 160. It can be configured as.

Operations of the communication interface 110, the user interface 120, the storage 130, and the workform generator 140 are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 2, and thus redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The determination unit 150 determines whether the work form is executable in the selected image forming apparatus. In detail, the determination unit 150 may acquire device information of the selected image forming apparatus and determine whether a function or an option of a function included in the selected workform is valid in the selected image forming apparatus based on the acquired device information. . For example, if the pre-selected image forming apparatus does not have a scan function or the selected workform includes a scan function, it may be determined that an invalid function is included.

If the selected workform includes a function or option that cannot be performed by the selected image forming apparatus, the determination unit 150 may search for a function and an option that may replace the corresponding function and option.

For example, if the selected workform includes printing with color printing options, but the image forming apparatus cannot print the selected color, the determination unit 150 searches for the black and white printing options as an option to replace the color printing options. can do. In addition, although the scan-to-server function is included in the selected workform, when the connection to the server is impossible, the determination unit 150 may search for the scan-to-email function as a replaceable function.

In addition, the determination unit 150 may control the user interface unit 120 so that only the inability to perform a function or option included in the work form is displayed without displaying a function or option that can be directly replaced, and may be replaced by a user. You may be offered a choice of features or options Meanwhile, the replaceable functions and options found in the foregoing process may be provided to the user as changeable functions and options.

The controller 160 controls each component in the electronic device 100. In detail, when the controller 160 receives a driving command of an application for controlling the image forming apparatus from the user, the controller 160 may control the user interface 120 to display a UI for driving control of the image forming apparatus.

When the recording start menu is selected on the displayed UI, the controller 160 generates a workform to generate a workform based on an operation command and an order input from the user from the time after the recording start menu to the time when the recording end menu is selected. 140).

When the controller 160 receives the execution command for the pre-stored workform, the controller 160 controls the determiner 150 to determine whether the pre-selected image forming apparatus is capable of executing the selected workform. When the image forming apparatus is executable, the communication interface 110 may be controlled to transmit a control command corresponding to the workform to the image forming apparatus 200. The control command transmitted here is a control command recognizable by the image forming apparatus 200. That is, the command of the workform generated by the operation of the device A may not be a command recognizable by the device B. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the workform is executed, the command is converted into a command recognized by the corresponding device and transmitted.

Meanwhile, in the present exemplary embodiment, the electronic device 100 generates and transmits the workform as a command that can be interpreted by the corresponding image forming apparatus, but the operation may be performed by the image forming apparatus 200.

That is, when the execution command for the workform is input, the controller 160 transmits the workform itself, to which the execution command is input, to the image forming apparatus 200, and the image forming apparatus parses the transmitted workform to the workform. It may also be implemented in the form of performing the included functions.

As such, the electronic device 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment may generate the workform using only an operation operation for controlling the function of the image forming apparatus, and thus may easily generate the workform. In addition, the electronic device 100 generates a workform based on a user's operation command, and the generated workform may be easily used in a plurality of devices.

In FIG. 3, the electronic device 100 generates only the workform and controls the image forming apparatus accordingly. However, in the implementation, the electronic device 100 may perform a virtual grouping operation. An operation of generating a work group of a plurality of image forming apparatuses may also be performed. Such an example will be described later with reference to FIG. 32. Hereinafter, for ease of description, an electronic device that creates a workgroup is referred to as a mobile device, but the mobile device may be referred to as an electronic device.

4 is a simplified block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 200 according to the present exemplary embodiment may include a communication interface 210, a user interface 220, a storage 230, and a workform generator 240. .

The image forming apparatus 200 may be a copier, a printer, a facsimile, or a multi function peripheral (MFP) that implements a combination of these functions through a single device.

The communication interface 210 is formed to connect the image forming apparatus 200 to an external device, and is connected to a local area network (LAN) and an internet network, as well as a universal serial bus (USB) port. And it is also possible to be connected via a wireless module. The wireless module may be WiFi, WiFi Direct, NFC, Bluetooth, and the like.

The communication interface 210 searches for a connectable electronic device 100 or another image forming apparatus 200-2 in the vicinity. The communication interface 210 receives device information about the found other image forming apparatus. In detail, the communication interface unit 210 may receive information of other image forming apparatuses that may be connected or may receive information of another image forming apparatus selected by the user.

The device information may include address information (IP address, MAC information, etc.) of the image forming apparatus, information required for connection with the image forming apparatus, and function information (such as whether color printing or scanning is possible). Information about a function), status information (whether work is possible, whether an error has occurred, work progress status, etc.).

The communication interface 210 may transmit a control command corresponding to the workform to another image forming apparatus to perform the workform in response to the selection of the workform. The control command is a command that can be recognized by the image forming apparatus that will perform the workform. Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the command corresponding to the workform has been described as being transmitted to the image forming apparatus. However, the embodiment may also be implemented in the form of delivering the workform itself.

The communication interface 210 receives print data. The print data may be data of a printer language such as PS (Postscript) or PCL (Printer Control Language). When the image forming apparatus 200 supports direct printing, the print data may be PDF, XPS, BMP, JPG, or the like. May be the file itself.

And the communication interface 210 transmits the workform. In detail, the communication interface unit 210 may transmit a workform generated in an electronic device, another image forming apparatus, a management server, or the like in order to share the workform generated by the workform generator 240, which will be described later, with another device. have. In addition, the communication interface 210 may receive a workform generated by another device.

The user interface 220 may include a plurality of function keys for the user to set or select various functions supported by the image forming apparatus 200, and may display various information provided by the image forming apparatus 200. . The user interface 220 may be implemented as a device in which input and output are simultaneously implemented, such as a touch screen, or may be implemented as a device through a combination of a mouse and a monitor.

The user interface 220 displays a UI for controlling the function of the image forming apparatus 200. The user may input a control command for controlling the function of the image forming apparatus 200 through the displayed UI.

In this case, the user interface 220 may select a copy, fax, scan-to-e-mail, scan-to-server, or device setting change function and options for the corresponding function that may be performed by the image forming apparatus 200 through the displayed UI. Can be input.

In this case, the user may input only one function or may input a plurality of functions. In the above description, the functions that can be performed by the image forming apparatus are described only for selecting a copy, fax, scan-to-e-mail, scan-to-server, or device setting change function. However, the image forming apparatus is supported in addition to the above-described functions. If there is another function, it is obvious that the function can be applied.

The UI displayed for the function input described above may include a recording start menu (or a workform creation command) and a recording end menu. The function selection after the user presses the recording start menu may be performed as described later. The form generating unit 240 may be delivered. Meanwhile, when the user selects the recording start menu, the user interface 220 may receive a name of a workform to be created.

In addition, the UI displayed for the function input described above may display information on whether a recording operation for generating a workform is being performed, or may include a menu displaying a previously stored workform.

In addition, the user interface 220 receives an option related to the creation of the workform. In detail, the user interface 220 may receive a setting for canceling the workform creation job and a setting of the preset time when the recording start menu is input and the preset time elapses.

In addition, when each of the plurality of functions includes a scan job, the user interface 220 may receive information about whether the originals used in the scan job of each of the plurality of functions are the same document.

The user interface 220 displays the stored workform and receives one of the displayed workforms. In detail, the user interface 220 may display a list of workforms stored in the storage 230 to be described later, and receive one of the displayed lists.

In this case, the UI unit 220 may display information on compatibility with the current image forming apparatus of each workform. For example, if the current image forming apparatus 200 is a device capable of outputting only black and white, the user interface unit 220 indicates that a work form using color output among previously stored work forms is not compatible with the current image forming apparatus. Can be displayed using an icon such as "."

When the user inputs a detailed display command for the workform, the user interface 220 may display a function and an option of the function included in the workform. In this state, the user interface 220 may receive an editing command for the workform, and may modify functions and options included in the workform. If the user's modification command is input later, the workform can be updated with the changed functions and options.

The user interface 220 receives a selection of an image forming apparatus to perform a workform. If the user wants to perform the workform in another image forming apparatus and inputs a search command, the user interface 220 displays a list of other image forming apparatuses that can be connected and receives one of them. Can be.

In this case, the user interface unit 220 may provide information on a function included in the pre-selected workform and compatibility with other selected image forming apparatuses (that is, whether the included function or option can be performed in the preselected image forming apparatus). Can be displayed. For example, if the selected image forming apparatus does not have a scanning function or the selected workform includes a scanning function, the function cannot be performed. It can be displayed as an icon such as. In this case, the user may edit and delete the displayed functions and options.

The user interface 220 receives a progress command for the selected workform. In detail, the user interface 220 may receive only a workform and receive a workform execution command for the current image forming apparatus 200. The user interface 220 may receive a workform and other image forming apparatuses, and may select another image forming apparatus. You can receive a workform execution command for.

If a blank field exists in the selected workform, the user interface 220 may display a message requesting input of a value required for the blank field. After the workform is created, the user edits the value to a support area, for example, the address of the server in the email to server, the area of the receiving phone number in the Fax transmission, and the name of the scan file to be created in the scan to server function. And the like.

On the other hand, if the selected workform includes a function or option that the image forming apparatus 200 cannot support, the user interface 220 may display to the user that the function or option of the workform cannot be performed. have. In this case, the user interface 220 may display that the corresponding option is replaced with the replaced option searched by the determination unit 250 to be described later, or may request modification of an option that cannot be proceeded from the user.

On the other hand, if a function that cannot be supported in the selected workform is the main function of the workform, the user interface 220 may display that the process for the workform is canceled.

In addition, the user interface 220 may display a progress state of the selected workform. For example, when the workform includes a plurality of functions, the progress of each function may be displayed in%.

The workform generator 240 automatically generates a workform based on a series of user manipulations and sequences input on the UI. In detail, the workform generator 240 may display an operation command input by the user through the UI and a sequence thereof between a time point when the recording start menu is selected and a time point when the recording end menu is selected. You can create a workform in a language that you can recognize.

In addition, the workform generator 240 may generate a workform in consideration of options related to workform creation. In detail, if there is no user addition operation for a predetermined time after the creation of the workform is started by selecting the workform start menu, the workform generator 240 may cancel the workform creation operation currently being generated.

The workform generator 240 merges the scan jobs for a plurality of functions including the scan job into one, based on the option information on whether the originals used in the scan jobs of the plurality of functions are the same originals. You can create a workform.

Accordingly, the workform generation unit 240 sets that the original used for the scan job is the same original, but does not modify the first scan-to-email function and additionally scans the second scan-to-server. Without this, you can create a workform that allows the scanned image created in the previous step to be sent to the server.

In addition, when the pre-stored workform is edited, the workform generator 240 may update the workform in response to the modification of the user.

The storage unit 230 stores the generated workform. The storage unit 230 may store a document or print data.

The storage unit 230 may be implemented as a storage medium and an external storage medium in the image forming apparatus 200, for example, a removable disk including a USB memory, a web server through a network, and the like.

As such, the image forming apparatus 200 according to the present exemplary embodiment may generate a workform using an operation operation for controlling the function of the image forming apparatus, thereby improving user convenience.

In the above, only the simple configuration of the image forming apparatus 200 is illustrated and described, but the image forming apparatus 200 may further include a configuration other than the above-described configuration. A more detailed configuration of the image forming apparatus 200 will be described below with reference to FIG. 5.

5 is a detailed block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 200 may include a communication interface 210, a user interface 220, a storage 230, a workform generator 240, a determination unit 250, and a functional unit ( 260 and the control unit 270.

Operations of the communication interface 210, the user interface 220, the storage 230, and the workform generator 240 are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 4, and thus redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The determination unit 250 determines whether or not the workform is executable in the image forming apparatus. In detail, the determination unit 250 may determine whether a function or an option of a function included in the selected workform is valid in the current image forming apparatus. For example, when the image forming apparatus 200 does not have a scan function or the selected workform includes a scan function, it may be determined that an invalid function is included. On the other hand, when the user selects another image forming apparatus to perform the workform, the determination unit 250 may determine whether the currently selected workform can be executed by another previously selected image forming apparatus.

If the selected workform includes a function or option that cannot be performed by the selected image forming apparatus, the determination unit 250 may search for a function and an option that may replace the corresponding function and option.

For example, if the selected workform includes printing with color printing options, but the image forming apparatus cannot print the selected color, the determination unit 250 searches for the black and white printing options as an option to replace the color printing options. can do. In addition, although the scan-to-server function is included in the selected workform, when the connection to the server is impossible, the determination unit 250 may search for the scan-to-email function as a replaceable function.

In addition, the determination unit 250 may control the user interface 220 to display only the inability to perform a function or option included in the work form without displaying a function or option that can be directly replaced, and replace the user from the user. You may be offered a choice of features or options. Meanwhile, the replaceable functions and options found in the foregoing process may be provided to the user as changeable functions and options.

The function unit 260 performs a preset function. Specifically, the function unit 260 may be an image forming unit that outputs print data, and the fax processing unit may perform a fax function when the image forming apparatus 200 supports a fax function such as a fax transmission and a fax reception. May be included. If the image forming apparatus 200 supports the scan function, a scan processor may perform a scan function. In addition, when the image forming apparatus 200 is a multifunction apparatus capable of complexly processing the above-described functions, the image forming apparatus may include an image forming unit, a fax processing unit, a scan processing unit, and the like.

The controller 270 controls the components of the image forming apparatus 200. In detail, the controller 270 controls the user interface 220 to display a UI for receiving a driving control command from a user, and when a driving control command is received from the UI, a function based on the driving control command is performed. The function unit 260 may be controlled.

When the recording start menu is selected on the displayed UI, the controller 270 may generate a workform to generate a workform based on an operation command and an order input from the user from the time after the recording start menu to the time when the recording end menu is selected. 240) can be controlled.

When the controller 270 receives the execution command for the pre-stored workform, the controller 270 controls the determination unit 250 to determine whether the selected workform can be executed, and when the workform is executable, The function unit 260 may be controlled to perform a corresponding function.

As such, the image forming apparatus 200 according to the present exemplary embodiment may generate the workform using only an operation operation for controlling the function, thereby easily generating the workform.

1 to 5, the electronic device and the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment have been described as generating a workform while performing a specific function. However, in the implementation, the control command is not transmitted to the image forming apparatus. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus may be configured not to perform an actual function so that the above-described operations may be performed only for generating the workform.

4 and 5, the image forming apparatus 200 is described by only performing a work using a workform that provides or transmits information for generating a workform. However, the image forming apparatus 200 may be implemented. May belong to one work group with another image forming apparatus and perform a virtual grouping operation. Such an example will be described later with reference to FIGS. 30 and 31. Hereinafter, for ease of description, an electronic device that creates a workgroup is referred to as a mobile device, but the mobile device may be referred to as an electronic device.

6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a workform creation method according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, first, the electronic device 100 drives an application for driving control of the image forming apparatus 200 (S605). By driving the application, the electronic device 100 displays a UI as shown in FIG. 9 for selecting a function to be performed in the image forming apparatus.

Thereafter, the electronic device 100 receives an option related to creation of the workform (S610). In detail, the electronic device 100 may display a UI as illustrated in FIG. 21 for receiving the option related to the creation of the workform, and receive the option related to the creation of the workform through the corresponding UI. Such a setting operation may operate only when the user selects it at the time of implementation.

When a recording start command is input on the displayed UI (S615), the user operation command after the recording start command is recorded.

In operation S620, a control command for driving control of the image forming apparatus 200 is input through the UI. Then, the received control command is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 200 (S625).

The image forming apparatus 200 which receives the control command performs a function corresponding to the control command (S630).

On the other hand, if a recording end menu is selected after inputting a series of control commands on the displayed UI, a workform is generated based on a series of input control commands until the recording end menu is selected at the time when the recording start menu is selected. Save it (S640).

As described above, the workform generating method according to the present exemplary embodiment may generate the workform using an operation operation for controlling the function of the image forming apparatus, thereby improving user convenience. The workform generation method as shown in FIG. 6 may be executed on an electronic device having the configuration of FIG. 2 or 3, or may be executed on an electronic device having another configuration. In addition, the operation except for the above-described step 625 may be executed on the image forming apparatus having the configuration of FIG. 4 or 5, and may also be executed on the image forming apparatus having the other configuration.

In addition, the workform generation method as described above may be implemented as a program including an executable algorithm that can be executed on a computer, the program being stored and provided in a non-transitory computer readable medium. Can be.

The non-transitory readable medium refers to a medium that stores data semi-permanently and is readable by a device, not a medium storing data for a short time such as a register, a cache, a memory, and the like. Specifically, the various applications or programs described above may be stored and provided in a non-transitory readable medium such as a CD, a DVD, a hard disk, a Blu-ray disk, a USB, a memory card, a ROM, or the like.

7 is a view for explaining a workform editing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, when a workform display command is received on the UI, as shown in FIG. 20, a list of previously stored workforms is displayed. The user may select editing for the workform and the workform on the displayed list (S705 and S710).

If an editing command is input, the editable field for the corresponding workform is displayed (S715). In this case, an option of a specific function may be set to be blank by the user. In this case, the option may be modified by receiving a field from the user when the workform is executed (S720, S725, and S730).

In addition, the user may receive a command to delete a specific function itself from the user. In this case, the workform may be modified to be removed from the workform (S735, S740, and S750).

As described above, the workform editing method according to the present embodiment can be easily edited by deleting a function or deleting an option for a previously created workform. The workform editing method as shown in FIG. 7 may be executed on an electronic device having the configuration of FIG. 2 or 3, or may be executed on an electronic device having another configuration. Further, the above-described operation can be executed on the image forming apparatus having the configuration of FIG. 4 or 5, and can also be executed on the image forming apparatus having other configurations.

In addition, the workform editing method as described above may be implemented as a program including an executable algorithm that may be executed on a computer, and the program may be stored and provided in a non-transitory computer readable medium. Can be.

8 is a view for explaining a workform execution method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, first, the electronic device 100 drives an application for driving control of the image forming apparatus 200 (S805). By driving the application, the electronic device 100 displays a UI as shown in FIG. 9 for selecting a function to be performed in the image forming apparatus.

Thereafter, the electronic device 100 is set an option related to the execution of the workform (S810). In detail, the electronic device 100 may display a UI as shown in FIG. 21 for receiving an option related to the execution of the workform, and receive an option related to the execution of the workform through the corresponding UI. Such a setting operation may operate only when the user selects it at the time of implementation.

When a workform display command is input on the displayed UI, a list of previously stored workforms may be displayed, and one workform may be selected on the displayed list (S815).

When the workform is selected, the contents of the workform are interpreted (S820) to check whether there are blank fields in the workform. If there are blank fields, the user is requested to input the corresponding fields (S825), A job is started according to whether or not it can be performed in the selected image forming apparatus for the workform (S830 and S835).

The image forming apparatus 200 receiving the control command corresponding to the workform performs a task (S840) and notifies the electronic device 100 of the work process (S845).

The electronic device 100 displays the progress state of the work (S850). Meanwhile, when a work form undo command is input from the user while the work is in progress (S855), the electronic device 100 cancels the function corresponding to the workform. The image forming apparatus 200 is notified to the image forming apparatus 200 (S860), and the image forming apparatus notified of this ends the corresponding function (S865).

As described above, the workform execution method according to the present embodiment uses a workform generated through an operation operation for controlling a user's function, and thus the user can also easily use the same workform on multiple devices. The workform execution method as shown in FIG. 8 may be executed on an electronic device having the configuration of FIG. 2 or 3, or may be executed on an electronic device having another configuration. In addition, operations except for the above-described steps 830, 835, and 845 may be executed on the image forming apparatus having the configuration of FIG. 4 or 5, and may also be executed on the image forming apparatus having other configurations.

In the above description, the operation in the electronic device is divided into a workform generation operation, a workform editing operation, and a workform execution operation, but each operation may be organically connected. For example, workform creation and execution may be performed together, and editing and execution may be performed together. Therefore, the above-described workform creation operation, workform editing operation, and workform execution operation may be integrated into a print control method.

Hereinafter, the workform creation / edit / execution operations described above will be described through the user interface window which can be actually displayed on the electronic device.

In detail, FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a user interface window that may be initially displayed when an application for driving control of the image forming apparatus 200 is driven.

Referring to FIG. 9, the user interface window 900 includes a menu area 910, a function area 920, and a status display area 930.

The menu area 910 is an area for displaying menus such as creating and executing a workform, and includes a home menu 911, a selection menu 912 of an image forming apparatus, a recording start menu 913, a recording end menu 914, List menu 915 is included.

The home menu 911 is an area for receiving a command to display a UI as shown in FIG. 9. When the user selects the home menu 911 even when a different content from that of FIG. 9 is displayed in the function area 920, the corresponding menu is displayed. The screen changes as shown in FIG.

The selection menu 912 of the image forming apparatus is an area for receiving a command for searching for an image forming apparatus for controlling a function or performing a workform. When the user selects the selection menu 912, the user interface window as shown in FIG. Can be displayed.

The recording start menu 913 is an area for receiving a recording start command for creating a workform. When the user selects the recording start menu 913, a user interface window as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed to receive a name of a new workform. Can be.

The recording end menu 914 is an area for receiving a recording end command for terminating the creation of the workform. If the user selects the recording end menu 914 after selecting the recording start menu 913, the workform generation operation is performed. It ends. This recording end menu 914 is deactivated until the recording start menu 913 is selected.

The list menu 915 is an area for receiving a command to display a list of previously stored work forms in the electronic device 100. When the user selects the list menu 915, the user interface window as shown in FIG. 20 may be displayed. have.

The functional area 920 is an area for displaying functions that can be performed by the image forming apparatus, and includes a copy area 921, a scan-to-email area 922, a scan-to-server area 923, and a fax area 924. In the present embodiment, although only four functions are supported, the number and types of icons displayed on the function area 920 may be changed according to the functions of the image forming apparatus to be connected.

The copy area 921 is an area for selecting a copy function as a function to be performed in the image forming apparatus. When the user selects the copy area 921, the copy area 921 displays a user interface window as shown in FIG. 13 to select options related to the copy function. Can be.

The scan-to-email area 922 is an area for selecting the scan-to-email function as a function to be performed in the image forming apparatus. A user interface window as shown in FIG. 14 may be displayed.

The scan-to-server area 923 is an area for selecting a scan-to-server function as a function to be performed in the image forming apparatus. A user interface window as shown in FIG. 15 may be displayed.

The fax area 924 is an area where a fax function is selected as a function to be performed in the image forming apparatus. When the user selects the fax area 924, a user interface window as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed to select options related to the fax function. Can be.

The status display area 930 displays an operation state of the electronic device 100. In detail, if a recording start menu for generating a workform is selected, the status display area 930 may indicate that recording is being performed, and when recording is completed, it may indicate that recording is completed.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface window that may be displayed when a selection menu of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 9 is selected.

Referring to FIG. 10, the user interface window 1000 includes a menu area 910, a result display area 1020, and a status display area 930.

The result display area 1020 is an area for displaying the found image forming apparatus in a list. In this case, the result display area 1020 may display the model name and the IP address of the found image forming apparatus. For example, in the illustrated example, four image forming apparatuses 1020-1, 1020-2, 1020-3, and 1020-4 are found, and the user can select one of the four image forming apparatuses displayed.

When the user receives a device 1020-4 selected from one of the four image forming apparatuses displayed by the user, the electronic device 100 displays device information of the corresponding image forming apparatus 1020-4. ) To receive it. On the other hand, such a reception operation may be performed in advance before the user's selection.

The function area 920 may be changed and displayed so that only an icon corresponding to a function supported by the image forming apparatus 1020-4 is displayed.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface window that may be displayed when the recording start menu 913 of FIG. 9 is selected.

Referring to FIG. 11, the user interface window 1100 includes an input area 1110, a workform execution cancellation area 1120, and a confirmation area 1130 for receiving a name of a new workform.

The input area 1110 is an area for receiving a user name for a new workform. When the user creates the workform, the user may click on the asterisk displayed next to the input area 1110 to select whether the workform is a frequently used workform.

The cancel area 1120 is an area for receiving a command for canceling the workform creation.

The confirmation area 1130 is an area for confirming that the workform is created with the entered name. On the other hand, if the same thing as the name of the workform input by the user is stored in advance, the electronic device 100 may request to input a new workform name for the selection of the user confirmation area 1130. Meanwhile, if the name of the workform input by the user is legal, the electronic device 100 may display a user interface window as shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a user interface window that may be displayed when the confirmation region 1130 of FIG. 11 is selected.

9 and 12, the recording start menu 913 ', the recording end menu 914', and the status display area 930 of the user interface window 900 'are changed.

Specifically, the recording start menu 913 'is deactivated, and the recording end menu 914' is changed to the activated state. In addition, the status display area 930 indicates that workform generation is in progress.

Meanwhile, after the workform generation is performed, the user may select an icon displayed in the function area 920 to perform a function control and workform generation process for the image forming apparatus. An example of the user interface window corresponding to each function will be described later with reference to FIGS. 13 to 17.

Thereafter, when the user completes input of all control commands and selects the recording end menu 914 ', the electronic device 100 displays a user interface window as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, after the predetermined time elapses without the user inputting a separate control command after the screen display as shown in FIG. 12, the electronic device 100 may display the user interface window as shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a user interface window that may be displayed when the copy area 921 of FIG. 9 is selected.

Referring to FIG. 13, the user interface window 1300 includes a plurality of option areas 1310 and a selection completion area 1320 for receiving an option related to a copy function.

The option area 1310 is an area for receiving each of the print options such as the number of copies, enlargement / reduction options, duplex printing, document size, paper size, paper type, and color printing in relation to the copy function. The default option values are displayed. The user can change the option value by selecting the area for the option that needs to be changed.

For example, when the user wants to change the number of copies, when the user clicks the copy quantity area, the electronic device 100 displays a numeric key input UI for selecting the number of copies, and thereby receives the number of copies. have. When the user wants to change the printing paper, the electronic device 100 displays a list of printing papers selectable in the currently selected image forming apparatus, and the user may be selected one of them.

The selection completion area 1320 is an area for confirming that the copy function is performed with the options displayed in the option area 1310. When the user selects the selection complete area 1320, the electronic device 100 transmits a copy command to the image forming apparatus 200 to perform copying based on the selected option, and returns to the user interface window as shown in FIG. 12. do.

14 illustrates an example of a user interface window that may be displayed when the scan-to-email area 922 of FIG. 9 is selected.

Referring to FIG. 14, the user interface window 1400 includes a plurality of option areas 1410 and a selection completion area 1420 for receiving options related to scan-to-email.

The option area 1410 contains, in connection with the scan-to-email function, the sender address, recipient address, name of the attached file, format type (e.g. PDF, JPEG, TIFF), scan resolution (e.g. 600dpi, 300dpi), document size (e.g. A4, letter) and color (e.g., mono, gray, color). The default option values are displayed. The sender address, the recipient address, and the name of the attached file are blank (or preset address or name value). You can change the option value by entering the sender's address, the recipient's address, and the name of the file to which it is attached, and selecting the area for the option that needs to be changed.

For example, when the sender address area is clicked in order to change the sender address, the electronic device 100 may display a qwerty seat UI for receiving address information, and may receive the address information through this. .

On the other hand, after the workform is created, the user edits any one of a sender address, a recipient address, and a file name on the created workform by blanking the address, and the name and address of the workform when the workform is executed. Instead, you can let the user enter an address or name.

The selection completion area 1420 is an area for confirming that the scan-to-email function is performed with the options displayed in the option area 1410. When the user selects the selection completion area 1420, the electronic device 100 transmits a scan and email transmission command to the image forming apparatus 200 to perform scan-to-email based on the selected option, as shown in FIG. 12. Return to the user interface window.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a user interface window that may be displayed when the scan-to-server area 923 of FIG. 9 is selected.

Referring to FIG. 15, the user interface window 1500 includes a plurality of option areas 1510 and a selection completion area 1520 for receiving options related to the scan-to-server.

The option area 1510 is an area for receiving options for performing a scan-to-server function such as format type, scan resolution, document size, color status, and server address (SMB) in relation to the scan-to-server function. The default option values are displayed, and the preset server address is displayed in SMB.

If the user wants to send scan data to a server other than the predetermined server, the user may select the SMB area 1511 to change the server address information. When the user selects the SMB area 1511, a user interface window as shown in FIG. 16 may be displayed.

The selection completion area 1520 is an area for confirming that the scan-to-server function is performed with the options displayed in the option area 1510. When the user selects the selection completion area 1520, the electronic device 100 transmits a scan and server transmission command to the image forming apparatus 200 to perform a scan-to-server based on the selected option, as shown in FIG. 12. Return to the user interface window.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a user interface window that may be displayed when the SMB area 1511 of FIG. 15 is selected.

Referring to FIG. 16, the user interface window 1600 includes some areas for receiving a setting related to a server address.

The user can know the address information of the current server through the displayed area, and can change the server address and the like.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a user interface window that may be displayed when the fax area 924 of FIG. 9 is selected.

Referring to FIG. 17, the user interface window 1700 includes a plurality of option areas 1710 and a selection completion area 1720 for receiving options related to a fax function.

The option area 1710 is an area for receiving an option required to perform a fax function such as a telephone number, a resolution, and a document size in relation to a fax function. Initially, option values set as defaults are displayed. The telephone number is left blank (or a preset telephone number). The user can change the option value by entering the receiving telephone number and selecting the corresponding area for the option that needs to be changed.

For example, when the recipient telephone number area is clicked to change or input the recipient telephone number, the electronic device 100 displays a numeric window UI for inputting the telephone number, and through this, the recipient fax telephone is entered. You can enter a number.

On the other hand, after the workform is created, the user edits the receiving telephone number blank on the created workform, so that the user calls a new fax call instead of the fax phone number that was performed during the work when the workform was executed. You can enter a number.

The selection completion area 1720 is an area for receiving confirmation that the FAX function is performed with the options displayed in the option area 1710. When the user selects the selection completion area 1720, the electronic device 100 transmits a fax transmission command to the image forming apparatus 200 to perform a fax function based on the selected option, and the user interface window as shown in FIG. 12. Return to.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a user interface window that may be displayed when the recording end menu 914 'of FIG. 12 is selected.

12 and 18, the recording start menu 913 is changed to active, and the recording end menu 914 is changed to inactive. The status display area 930 " indicates that the workform creation is completed. After that, the user interface window as shown in FIG. 18 is returned to the first user interface window as shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a user interface window that may be displayed when a user does not input a control command for a preset time after displaying the user interface window as shown in FIGS. 12 to 17.

12 and 19, the recording start menu 913 is changed to active, and the recording end menu 914 is changed to inactive. The status display area 930 "'indicates that the creation of the workform has been canceled. Thereafter, the user interface window shown in FIG. 19 is returned to the first user interface window shown in FIG.

20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface window that may be displayed when the list menu 915 of FIG. 9 is selected.

Referring to FIG. 20, the user interface window 2000 includes a workform display area 2010 and a workform option area 2020 that display previously stored workforms.

The workform display area 2010 is an area for displaying a workform previously stored in the electronic device 100, and may be displayed according to the name, creation order, and frequency of use of the workform. The workform display area 2010 may preferentially display a workform in which an asterisk is selected, depending on whether a star is selected when a workform is generated. When one of the displayed workforms is selected by the user, the workform is executed.

On the other hand, if you want to check the specific operation of the workform, the user can select the triangle (2013) displayed next to the workform, to check the functions and options included in the workform. When the user selects the triangle 2013, a user interface window as shown in FIG. 22 may be displayed.

Meanwhile, when any one of the workforms displayed on the workform display area 2010 is selected in order to perform the workform, the electronic device 100 selects a control command corresponding to the workform in advance and selects the image forming apparatus 200. To be sent). Meanwhile, when the workform selected by the user is a workform requiring input of information in order to perform a function, that is, a workform in which a blank field exists, the electronic device 100 may display a user interface window as illustrated in FIG. 23. Can be displayed.

If the function included in the workform cannot be performed by the pre-selected image forming apparatus, the electronic device 100 may display a user interface window as shown in FIG. 24.

Meanwhile, a plurality of workforms displayed on the workform display area 2010 may be selected. In this case, the electronic device 100 may generate a plurality of workforms as one workform.

The workform option area 2020 is an area displayed when three vertically continuous points at the bottom of the illustrated list menu 915 are selected, and includes a setting area 2021 and a deletion area 2022.

The setting area 2021 is an area for setting options when creating and executing a workform. When the user selects the setting area 2021, the user interface window as shown in FIG. 21 may be displayed.

The deletion area 2022 is a command for deleting a previously stored workform. When the user selects the deletion area 2022, a tab (□) for selecting the deleted workform is displayed instead of the triangle display, thereby allowing a plurality of workforms to be deleted. You can delete some or all of your workforms.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface window that may be displayed when the setting area 2021 of FIG. 20 is selected.

Referring to FIG. 21, the UI window 2100 includes a first area 2110 for receiving an option related to creating a workform and a second area 2120 for receiving an option related to executing a workform.

The first area 2110 is an area for receiving an option related to creating a workform, and is an area for selecting a timeout time after selecting a recording start menu and whether to store server information.

For example, the time-out time is an area to select whether to stop recording after a certain amount of time has elapsed since the recording start command is input, and may include options such as 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, and no application. have.

The server information storage area is an area for selecting whether to store the server information associated with the job execution. In case of 'on', when the server-to-email job is executed, the SMTP server setting information of the image forming apparatus is read, You can write to the workform.

The second area 2120 is an area for receiving an option related to the execution of the workform, and is an area for selecting a processing method when a function or option included in the workform cannot be performed by the selected image forming apparatus. The options in that area may be job cancel, force processing, or perform a workform with the most similar options or functions.

FIG. 22 illustrates an example of a user interface window that may be displayed when the triangle 2013 of FIG. 20 is selected.

Referring to FIG. 22, the user interface window 2200 includes an area 2210 displaying information of a selected workform, an area 2230 displaying functions and options included in the workform, and an option area 2220. do.

An area 2210 displaying information on the workform displays the name of the workform selected in FIG. 20 and a workform execution option.

The area 2230 displays the

functions

2231, 2232, 2233, and 2234 included in the workform and options of the corresponding functions.

The option area 2220 is an area displayed when three vertically continuous points at the bottom of the illustrated list menu are selected, and includes an editing area 2221 and a deletion area 2222.

The edit area 2221 is an area for receiving an editing command for the currently selected workform. When the user selects the edit area 2221, a user interface window as illustrated in FIG. 26 may be displayed.

The deletion area 2222 is a region for receiving a deletion command for the currently selected workform. When the user deletion area 2222 is selected, the workform is deleted.

23 to 25 illustrate examples of a user interface window that may be displayed when one of the workforms displayed on the workform display area 2010 of FIG. 20 is selected. Specifically, FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface window that may be displayed when a blank field exists in a workform selected by a user, and FIG. 24 is an image in which a function or option included in a workform selected by the user is selected. FIG. 25 is a view illustrating an example of a user interface window that may be displayed when it cannot be performed in the forming apparatus, and FIG. 25 is a view illustrating an example of a user interface window that may be displayed when a selected workform is executed without any problem. .

Referring to FIG. 23, the user interface window 2300 displays

functions

2310, 2320, and 2330 in which a blank field exists among functions included in a workform. The user may enter the displayed space to proceed with the execution of the workform. When the user enters all the blanks and the workform is performed, the user interface window as shown in FIG. 25 may be displayed.

Referring to FIG. 24, the user interface window displays information indicating that the currently selected workform and the preselected image forming apparatus are incompatible.

Referring to FIG. 25, the user interface window 2500 includes an area 2520 and a job canceling area 2510 that display functions that are being performed in the currently selected image forming apparatus and the progress of each function.

The job cancel area 2510 is an area for receiving a command for canceling the progress of functions currently in progress.

The area 2520 is an area that displays functions currently being performed and progress of each function.

FIG. 26 illustrates an example of a user interface window that may be displayed when the editing area 2221 of FIG. 22 is selected.

Referring to FIG. 26, the user interface window 2600 includes a name display area 2610, an identical original selection area 2620, and

correction areas

2630, 2640, and 2650.

The name display area 2610 is an area for displaying the name and information of the workform currently being edited.

The same document selection area 2620 includes a plurality of functions in the workform, and when each of the plurality of functions includes a scan job, an area for selecting whether to perform a scan job for each of the plurality of functions is selected. to be. For example, if you turn on the area, both Scan-to-Fax and Scan-to-Server are set to perform the job with one original, scanning the original A and sending the fax, The operation of transmitting to the server is performed. On the contrary, when (off) is set, scan-to-fax is performed with document A, and scan-to-server with another B document is performed.

The

correction areas

2630, 2640, and 2650 are areas for displaying the

parts

2630, 2640, and 2650 that can be changed by the user among the functions included in the workform. The user changes the values of the displayed parts to change the workform. Can be updated.

The printing control method according to the present embodiment as described above can easily generate the workform without learning to use the separate method only by knowing the usage method for the image forming apparatus. 9 to 26, the method of using the image forming apparatus is not device dependent, and thus device manipulation and workform generation are possible regardless of the device type. In addition, the generated workform is written in a language recognizable by both the electronic device and the image forming apparatus, and thus may be used universally, and the user input may be generated in a flexible manner instead of a fixed value.

Meanwhile, although the user interface window of FIGS. 9 to 26 has been described as being displayed on the electronic device 100, the user interface window of FIGS. 9 to 26 described above may be employed in the image forming apparatus 200. .

27 is a block diagram illustrating an image forming system according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 27, an image forming system 300 ′ according to an exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3 and a mobile device 500.

The image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3 receive a job execution command and perform the received job execution command. The image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3 may include at least one of a scan task (where the task may have a meaning in 'function'), a print task, a fax task, and an image editing task. Can be a printer, scanner, copier, facsimile and multifunction machine. Here, the job execution command may be directly input from the image forming apparatus 400 and may be input through the mobile device 500. In this case, the image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3 may receive a job execution command including a control command of another image forming apparatus from the mobile device 500, and perform a job applied only to itself. Only commands can be input. Such an example will be described later with reference to FIGS. 36 and 37.

On the other hand, if the received job execution command is a command to use the tasks of the other image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3, the image forming apparatus 400-1 may perform a job (or A job, hereinafter referred to as a job), and the remaining job can be transferred to other image forming apparatuses 500-2 and 500-3. In this case, the image forming apparatus 400-1 may deliver all of the remaining tasks to one other image forming apparatus 400-2, and distribute the remaining tasks to the plurality of image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3. Can be delivered. Job execution using the plurality of image forming apparatuses is hereinafter referred to as a virtual grouping operation (or virtualization function). Such a virtual grouping operation may be performed by two image forming apparatuses, or may be performed by generation or more generation image forming apparatuses. A detailed operation of the virtual grouping operation will be described later with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29.

The mobile device 500 displays a UI for controlling the functions of the image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3, and displays the image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, and 400 through the displayed UI. Receive the job execution command for -3). In this case, the received job execution command may be a job execution command for a plurality of image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3 as well as control of one image forming apparatus 400-1. .

The mobile device 500 transmits the input job execution command to the image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3, and generates a workform based on the input and operation sequence of the user input. Save it. A detailed configuration and operation of the mobile device 500 will be described later with reference to FIG. 32. Here, the mobile device 500 may be a laptop, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PMP, an MP3 player, or the like.

Here, the workform includes information necessary to perform a task provided by the image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3. For example, the workform may include information such as a processing order of a job, a job condition, a location to store the result data of the job, and the like by the user. Using saved workforms, users can simply perform the same task without repetitive setup. Meanwhile, the workform may be generated in XML (eXtensible Markup Language) format.

Conventionally, input sources, destinations, and work conditions must be input through a UI required for creating a work form at the time of creating a work form. 500) fills in the above-described input source, destination, and work conditions to create a workform. The workform may include a task execution condition for a plurality of devices as well as a task execution condition for one device. In this regard, the workform according to the present embodiment may be referred to as M-plow to distinguish it from the conventional workform.

The mobile device 500 may generate a group of the image forming apparatus to be performed in the virtual grouping operation. In detail, the mobile apparatus 500 performs an operation of selecting / acquiring information of the image forming apparatus when generating the workform. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus selected by the user at the time of generating the workform is generated as a work group. The selection may be an NFC tag, but is not limited thereto. Various selection methods may be used.

In addition, the mobile device 500 may transmit the generated work group information to the image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3 corresponding to each work group. In an implementation, the information on the work group may be transmitted only to the representative image forming apparatus 400-1 in the work group.

As described above, the image forming system 300 ′ may use the functions of the other image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3 in the image forming apparatus 400-1. Functions not supported by (400-1) can be extended and provided, and faster work can be performed.

In addition, the image forming system 300 ′ according to the present exemplary embodiment may generate the workform only by controlling the function of the image forming apparatus, and thus the user does not need to learn and make efforts to generate the workform. User convenience is improved.

Meanwhile, in FIG. 27, although one mobile device 500 is illustrated as being connected to three image forming apparatuses, one mobile device 500 may be connected to two image forming apparatuses. It can also be connected to four or more image forming apparatuses.

In the implementation, the devices may be directly connected as well as indirectly connected through routers and other devices (for example, servers). In addition, in the illustrated example, although each device is shown as being connected by wire, the implementation may be implemented in a form that is wirelessly connected.

Meanwhile, in the description of FIG. 27, the mobile device 500 receives the user control command and generates the workform. However, in the implementation, the image forming apparatus 400 receives the user control command to generate the workform. You may.

Meanwhile, in the description of FIG. 27, it has been described that the mobile apparatus 500 determines the image forming apparatus to participate in the virtual grouping operation. However, the management server managing the plurality of image forming apparatuses may be performed. It may also be performed on the image forming apparatus side. Such an example will be described later with reference to FIG. 30.

28 and 29 are diagrams for describing a virtual grouping operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the virtual grouping operation according to the present invention, the plurality of image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3 perform one operation using a plurality of tasks (where the plurality of tasks are tasks having different functions). To do. The task may be represented as a function as a scan task, an image forming task, a fax transmission task, a fax reception task, an email transmission task, a server transmission task, a format conversion task, an editing task, and the like. On the other hand, a copy task is a task in which a scan task and an image forming task are combined, and a plurality of tasks are also combined in a scan-to-email, a scan-to-server, and the like.

This virtual grouping operation can be implemented in two ways.

First, in order to process tasks that can be performed in device A more quickly, the device B is used. And secondly, in order to extend a task that cannot be performed in the device A, the device B is used. First, the first method will be described with reference to FIG. 28, and the second method will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29.

Referring to FIG. 28, the image forming system includes three image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3.

In order to facilitate the following description, the function of each image forming apparatus in FIG. 28 is assumed as follows. First, the first image forming apparatus 400-1 is a current image forming apparatus in which a user is located and inputs a job execution command. The first image forming apparatus 400-1 includes a scan unit, an image forming unit, and a fax unit. Support fax reception. The second image forming apparatus 400-2 is another image forming apparatus not directly manipulated by a user, and includes an image forming unit to support black and white printing. That is, the second image forming apparatus 400-2 is a black and white printer. The third image forming apparatus 400-3 is another image forming apparatus not directly manipulated by a user, and includes a color image forming unit to support black and white printing and color printing. That is, the third image forming apparatus 400-3 is a color printer.

Typically, the scanning speed of the scanning portion is faster than the printing speed of the image forming portion. Therefore, when performing a copy job (combination of a scan job and a print job), the scan job is completed quickly, but the print job may take a long time, causing user waiting.

Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, in order to reduce such waiting, a job may be performed using not only the first image forming apparatus 400-1 but also another second image forming apparatus 400-2. In detail, the first image forming apparatus 400-1 may scan a document to generate a scan image, and may print a part of the generated scan image. The first image forming apparatus 400-1 may transmit the remaining scan image to another second image forming apparatus 400-2. In this case, the other second image forming apparatus 400-2 may perform a print job on the received scan image. Accordingly, the total work time performed for the copy work can be shortened compared to the conventional method.

Meanwhile, in the above description, only the second image forming apparatus 400-2 participates in the virtual grouping operation, but in the implementation, the third image forming apparatus 400-3 participates in place of the second image forming apparatus 400-2. The second image forming apparatus 400-2 and the third image forming apparatus 400-3 may participate. Meanwhile, a method of selecting a device to participate in a job will be described later with reference to the task distributor of FIG. 31.

This first method can be applied to not only copy jobs but also fax transmission jobs and e-book creation jobs. For example, faxing is a long time-consuming task. Therefore, by using a virtual grouping method, a plurality of scanned images are generated on the device A, a fax transmission operation is performed on some of the scanned images on the device A, the remaining scanned images are sent to the device B, and the remaining scans on the device B are performed. You can allow faxing to be performed on the image.

In addition, when generating an e-book which requires a large amount of scanning, the device A may scan a portion of the original to make a scanned image C, and the device B may scan the rest of the original to produce a scanned image D. FIG. The device B may receive the scan image C generated by the device A, and may process the scan image D and the received scan image C created by the device A to generate an e-book.

In the above, three embodiments related to the first virtual grouping method have been described. However, the implementation may be applied to other examples as well as the above-described embodiment, as long as the operation uses the functions of the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

Hereinafter, a second virtualization method will be described.

Since the image forming unit included in the first image forming apparatus 400-1 is a black and white image forming unit for which color printing is not possible, even if the scanning unit of the first image forming apparatus 400-1 is configured to perform color scanning, the first image The forming apparatus 400-1 cannot perform color copying.

However, if there is a third image forming apparatus 400-3 capable of performing color printing in the vicinity, in this embodiment, even if the first image forming apparatus 400-1 is not capable of color copying, color copying is supported. Virtual grouping operations (or virtualization functions) can be performed as shown. When the virtualization grouping operation is performed, the first image forming apparatus 400-1 may display a user interface window as illustrated in FIG. 48.

The first image forming apparatus 400-1 in which color copying is enabled by the virtual grouping operation may receive a color copy command from a user. In this case, the first image forming apparatus 400-1 generates a color scan image by color scanning the original. The first image forming apparatus 400-1 may transmit the generated color scan image to the third image forming apparatus 400-3 so that the transmitted scan image may be color printed. In this case, the first image forming apparatus 400-1 may display that the color result is output from the third image forming apparatus 400-3. Accordingly, although color copying is not possible in the existing printing environment, the user can easily perform color copying by the virtual grouping operation.

This virtual grouping method is applicable even when the image forming apparatus 400-1 is a scanner. For example, when the image forming apparatus 400-1 is a scanner capable of supporting only a scan task, another image forming apparatus capable of scanning an original to generate a scanned image and performing a print job on the generated color scanned image ( 400-2, 400-3). Therefore, the basic task of the first image forming apparatus 400 does not support the copy task, but it is possible to perform the copy task using the performance of another image forming apparatus.

This second method can be applied not only to copying but also to fax transmission and e-book generation.

For example, the fax transmission can be performed only in the apparatus provided with the fax unit. As illustrated in FIG. 29, the fourth image forming apparatus 400-4 is not provided with the fax unit, and thus the fax transmission is not possible. However, if the same virtual grouping operation as the present embodiment is applied and the first image forming apparatus 400-1 supports a fax task, the fourth image forming apparatus 400-4 becomes an apparatus supporting a fax task. Accordingly, the fourth image forming apparatus 400-4 may receive a fax transmission command for transmitting an original from the user to the fifth image forming apparatus 400-5. The fourth image forming apparatus 400-4 receiving such a command may scan a document to generate a scanned image, and transmit the generated scan image to the first image forming apparatus 400-1. In this case, the first image forming apparatus 400-1 may transmit the received scan image to the fifth image forming apparatus 400-5.

If the image forming apparatus 400-4 is closer to the user than the image forming apparatus 400-1, for example, if the two image forming apparatuses 400-1 and 400-4 are located on different layers, the user FAX operation can be performed using the image forming apparatus 400-4 located on the same floor without having to go to another floor for fax transmission. It also increases the usability of the device.

In addition, the e-book generation function can perform only the latest image forming apparatus, and the fourth image forming apparatus 400-4 is not equipped with the e-book generating function because it is a spherical composite device. However, if the same virtual grouping operation as the present embodiment is applied and the first image forming apparatus 400-1 supports the e-book generating function, the fourth image forming apparatus 400-4 may support the e-book generating function. It becomes a device. Accordingly, when the user receives a command for generating the originals in the north, the fourth image forming apparatus 400-4 scans the originals to generate a scanned image, and generates the scanned image in the first image forming apparatus 400-. To 1). The first image forming apparatus 400-1 receiving the scan image may generate the received scan image as an e-book. The first image forming apparatus 400-1 may transmit the generated e-book to the storage pointed by the user (eg, the management server).

In the above, three embodiments related to the second virtual grouping method have been described. However, the implementation may be applied to other examples as well as the above-described embodiment, as long as the operation uses the functions of the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

As described above, the virtualization group method according to the present embodiment can extend a function not supported by the existing image forming apparatus, and thus user convenience is extended. It can also increase the speed of existing supported functions.

On the other hand, if all of the connectable image forming apparatuses are subjected to the virtual grouping as described above, there are difficulties in management and device selection. For example, when performing the first virtual grouping method described above, it may be inconvenient for the user if it takes more time to find the output with another image forming apparatus than the time for outputting all the output from one apparatus.

Therefore, in applying the virtual grouping method, it is required to efficiently group and use a plurality of image forming apparatuses. Hereinafter, a method of grouping a plurality of image forming apparatuses will be described with reference to FIG. 30.

30 is a simplified block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 30, the image forming apparatus 400 may include a user interface 410, a task processor 420, a communication interface 430, and a controller 440. The image forming apparatus 400 may be one of the image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3 of FIG. 27, but for ease of explanation, the first image forming apparatus 400-1 may be used. Is referred to as a current image forming apparatus that receives a work command, and the second and third image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3 are referred to as other image forming apparatuses.

The user interface unit 410 includes a plurality of function keys for the user to set or select various functions supported by the image forming apparatus 400-1, and provides various types of information provided by the image forming apparatus 400-1. Can be displayed. The user interface unit 410 may be implemented as a device in which an input and an output are simultaneously implemented, such as a touch screen, and the combination of an operation input unit (eg, a keyboard and a mouse) and a display unit (eg, a monitor). It can also be implemented as a device.

The user interface unit 410 may display a list of a plurality of connectable image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3. In detail, the user interface 410 may display a list of the image forming apparatus searched by the communication interface 430. In this case, the user interface unit 410 may display information of each device together. The device information that may be displayed may include a function, a location, a device name, and the like supported by the corresponding device. The user may select a plurality of image forming apparatuses to create a work group through the list displayed on the user interface unit 410.

The user interface 410 displays a UI for controlling the function of the image forming apparatus 400-1. The user may input a control command for controlling the function of the image forming apparatus 400-1 through the displayed UI. In this case, the user interface 410 may be configured to select a copy, fax, scan-to-email, scan-to-server, or device setting change function and the corresponding function that may be performed by the image forming apparatus 400-1 through the displayed UI. You may be prompted for options. In the above description, only the selection of a copy, fax, scan-to-e-mail, scan-to-server, or device setting change function is described as a function that can be performed by the image forming apparatus 400-1. If there is another function supported by the image forming apparatus, it is obvious that the function may be applied.

In this case, the user may input only one function or may input a plurality of functions. That is, the user interface unit 410 may receive a command to perform a job using a plurality of functions. Here, the job using the plurality of functions may include functions not currently supported by the image forming apparatus 400-1.

In detail, the user interface unit 410 may receive a function and an option thereof that can be performed in combination with other image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3 through the displayed UI. In detail, when the image forming apparatus 400 belongs to a work group and a virtual grouping operation is possible, the user interface unit 410 may receive a job that can be performed using a function of another image forming apparatus in the virtual group. The UI can be displayed. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 47 and 48, the first image forming apparatus 400-1 that does not support the color copy task includes another third image forming apparatus 400-3 capable of color printing. When included in the work group, the first image forming apparatus 400-1 may display color copying options that have not been conventionally displayed.

Meanwhile, the user interface unit 410 may receive selection of the image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3 to perform the current work together. In detail, when there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3 to perform a virtual grouping operation, the user interface unit 410 may receive at least one of a plurality of devices in the work group.

On the other hand, the user interface unit 410 displays a result of the execution of the input job. In detail, if the job input from the user is a virtual grouping operation, the user interface unit 410 may perform different operations on the image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3, which are different from the results of the current task in the image forming apparatus 400-1. The work results can be displayed together.

In addition, the user interface unit 410 may display information of other image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3 in a virtual grouping operation. In detail, the user interface 410 may inform the user of the device name, location, etc. of the other image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3 performing the virtual grouping operation. In some implementations, the information may be displayed through printed matter or may be displayed on the mobile device which has transmitted the work command.

On the other hand, if an error occurs in another image forming apparatus 400-2 in the virtual grouping operation, the user interface unit 410 may display that an error has occurred, and in the image forming apparatus 400-2 in which the error occurs A list of another image forming apparatus 400-3 may be displayed instead of the work that was being performed. Accordingly, the user can select another image forming apparatus on the list to resume work.

Meanwhile, the user interface unit 410 may display a UI related to the creation of the workform and the execution of the workform, and receive a setting value. Meanwhile, the operation of creating the workform and executing the workform is the same as the operation of the mobile device 500, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 32.

The task processor 420 performs a preset function. In detail, the task processing unit 420 may include an image forming unit which outputs print data (or scan data). When the image forming apparatus 400 supports a fax task such as a fax transmission and a fax reception, the task may be executed. The fax unit may be included. If the image forming apparatus 400 supports the scan task, the scan unit may perform a scan task. In addition, when the image forming apparatus 400 is a multifunction apparatus capable of complexly processing the above-described functions, the image forming apparatus may include an image forming unit, a fax unit, a scanning unit, and the like. In addition, the task processing unit 420 may further include an image processing unit that performs file conversion of an image (for example, a scanned image in a PDF file or an e-book format). In addition, the task processor 420 may further include an email transmitter, a server transmitter, and the like that may transmit the generated data to a specific device.

The task processor 420 performs a part of the job by performing at least one task among a plurality of tasks corresponding to the job. In detail, the task processor 420 may perform a part of the work distributed by the task distributor 460 which will be described later.

The task processing unit 420 receives a job received from the other image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3 through the communication interface unit 430, which will be described later (specifically, the rest of the work not performed by the other image forming apparatuses). Can be performed. Specifically, when a job execution command is input from the other image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3, the task processor 420 performs a job transmitted from the other image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3. can do.

The communication interface unit 430 is formed to connect the image forming apparatus 400-1 to an external device, and is connected to a local area network (LAN) and an internet network, as well as a universal serial bus (USB). It is also possible to be connected through a port and a wireless module. The wireless module may be WiFi, WiFi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth, or the like.

The communication interface unit 430 searches for other image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3 that can be connected. In detail, the communication interface unit 430 uses a communication method in which the image forming apparatus 400-1 supports the image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3, which may be connected to the image forming apparatus 400-1. You can search by

For example, when the communication interface unit 430 uses WiFi, the communication interface unit 430 may search for an image forming apparatus that may be connected to WiFi, and the communication interface unit 430 supports WiFi and WiFi Direct. In this case, an image forming apparatus connectable to each connection method may be searched for.

In addition, the communication interface unit 430 receives device information about the found other image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3. In detail, the communication interface unit 430 may receive information of other image forming apparatuses that may be connected or may receive information of another image forming apparatus selected by the user.

In this case, the device information may include the device name, address information (IP address, MAC information, etc. of the image forming apparatus, information necessary for connection with the image forming apparatus), function information (color printing or scanning, etc.). Information about a supported function), status information (whether work can be performed, whether an error has occurred, work progress status, etc.).

The communication interface unit 430 transmits the device information to the mobile device 500 or another image forming apparatus. In detail, when the communication interface unit 430 receives the NFC tag from the mobile device 500, the communication interface unit 430 may transmit its device information to the mobile device 500.

The communication interface 430 transmits a UI for controlling the function of the image forming apparatus 400 to the mobile device 500. Specifically, the mobile device 500 according to the present embodiment may display the UI in two ways, firstly, receiving device information, and configuring and displaying the UI accordingly, and secondly, an image. The UI is directly received from the forming apparatus and displayed.

Therefore, when the mobile device 500 operates in the second manner, the communication interface 430 may provide the UI to the mobile device 500. Meanwhile, since the image forming apparatus belongs to a work group, the image forming apparatus may use the functions of other image forming apparatuses, and the communication interface unit 430 provides the mobile device 500 with a UI that can also control the functions of other image forming apparatuses. can do.

The communication interface unit 430 transmits the remaining jobs not performed by the task processing unit 420 to the other image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3 in the work group. In detail, the communication interface unit 430 may transmit a job to be performed by the other image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3 to the other image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3 during the virtual grouping operation. . In this case, the communication interface unit 430 may transmit a job to be distributed to the image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3 determined by the task distribution unit 460 which will be described later, and may be one other image forming apparatus. It may be a plurality of different image forming apparatuses.

The communication interface unit 430 receives some jobs related to job execution commands input from other image forming apparatuses from other image forming apparatuses in the work group. The received job may be transferred to the task processor 420 and processed.

In addition, the communication interface unit 430 may transmit its state information or a progress state related to the received job to another image forming apparatus that has transmitted the job.

The communication interface 430 may receive information on the plurality of image forming apparatuses selected by the mobile device from the mobile device 500. Here, the information on the plurality of image forming apparatuses selected by the mobile apparatus 500 is information about the image forming apparatus having a tagged history with the mobile apparatus 500, and the process of generating a workform in the mobile apparatus 500. It may be information generated from.

The communication interface 430 receives print data. The print data may be printer language data such as PS (Postscript) or PCL (Printer Control Language). When the image forming apparatus 400 supports direct printing, the print data may be PDF, XPS, BMP, JPG, or the like. May be the file itself.

In addition, the communication interface unit 430 receives the workform. In detail, the workform generated by the mobile device 500 may be received. In addition, the communication interface unit 430 may perform a control command that is transmitted in response to performing the workform in the mobile device 500.

In addition, the communication interface unit 430 may transmit a control command corresponding to the workform to another image forming apparatus to perform the workform, in response to the selection of the workform. The control command is a command that can be recognized by the image forming apparatus that will perform the workform. Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the command corresponding to the workform has been described as being transmitted to the image forming apparatus. However, the embodiment may also be implemented in the form of delivering the workform itself.

The controller 440 controls the components of the image forming apparatus 400. In detail, the controller 440 generates a work group including the image forming apparatus 400-1 and other image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3. More specifically, the controller 440 searches for connectable image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3 and bundles the found plurality of image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3 into work groups in various ways. Can be.

First, the controller 440 may generate all of the connectable image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3 in one work group. This method can be applied when the number of image forming apparatuses is small. That is, when the image forming apparatus connectable to the image forming apparatus 400-1 becomes several teenagers, it may be difficult to grasp the state of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and it may be difficult to find the output result. Therefore, it is preferable that the number of image forming apparatuses included in one work group is several.

Accordingly, the following describes a method for creating a workgroup having an appropriate number of devices.

First, the controller 440 controls the user interface unit 410 to display a list of a plurality of connectable image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3, and works with the image forming apparatus selected from the displayed list. Can be created as a group. In the above description, the image forming apparatus to be included in the work group is selected by the user after displaying the connectable image forming apparatus as a list. However, in the implementation, information of another image forming apparatus to be included in the work group can be directly input. have. For example, when receiving information for specifying an image forming apparatus, such as an IP address of another image forming apparatus, a device name, and an Any # telephone number (a telephone number assigned to a corresponding image forming apparatus to perform cloud printing), The input device may be added to a work group including the current image forming apparatus.

In the above description, the searched image forming apparatuses are all displayed. However, in the implementation, only one image forming apparatus satisfying a specific condition may be displayed as a list by applying one of the following methods. For example, only another image forming apparatus having an address of the same subnet as the first image forming apparatus 400-1 may be displayed as a list.

Alternatively, the controller 440 may receive information about the plurality of image forming apparatuses selected by the mobile device 500, and generate a work group based on the received information. Here, the information on the plurality of image forming apparatuses is information of a mobile device and an image forming apparatus tagged with a near field communication (NFC). Such an embodiment will be described later with reference to FIG. 35. In the above description, the information on the plurality of image forming apparatuses is only received from the mobile apparatus. However, the information may be received from an image forming apparatus or a management server other than the mobile apparatus. In this case, the management server may be an Any # server supporting cloud printing based on a phone number.

Alternatively, the controller 440 may search for an image forming apparatus connectable through a local area network and generate the found image forming apparatus as a work group. Here, the local area network may be Bluetooth. Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, only Bluetooth is used, but in implementation, another wireless network method having a wide communication distance may be used. Such an embodiment will be described later with reference to FIGS. 41 and 42.

Alternatively, the controller 440 acquires device names of other image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3 that can be connected, and has another image forming apparatus 400 having an identifier common to the device names of the image forming apparatus 400-1. -2, 400-3) can be created. Such an embodiment will be described later with reference to FIGS. 43 and 44.

Alternatively, the controller 440 obtains address information including IP addresses of other connectable image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3, and obtains the obtained address information and address information of the image forming apparatus 400-1. You can create a workgroup by comparing. That is, the controller 440 may generate the image forming apparatus of the same subnet as a work group. In this case, the controller 440 may have other image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3 having a hop count having a preset value, and another image forming apparatus 400 having different SSID information from the image forming apparatus 400-1. -2, 400-3) may be excluded from the work group and create a work group. Such an embodiment will be described later with reference to FIGS. 45 and 46.

Meanwhile, the workgroup generation method as described above may be merged in series and / or in parallel. For example, by serially combining two embodiments using a method of using an IP address and a local area network, only a device capable of mutual local area network communication among the image forming apparatuses in the same subnet may be generated as a workgroup.

In parallel, the image forming apparatus 400-2 connected to the NFC tag is generated as the first work groups 400-1 and 400-2, and the image forming apparatus 400-3 capable of short-range network communication is created. The second work groups 400-1 and 400-3 may be generated. When a plurality of work groups exist, when a work command requiring a virtual grouping operation is received from the user, the work group to proceed with the work may be selected.

In addition, the workgroup generation scheme as described above may be automatically formed as well as manually formed. For example, an NFC-tagged image forming apparatus may be automatically generated as one work group, but in an implementation, a list of tagged image forming apparatuses is displayed, and a device to be created as a work group from a user is displayed in the displayed list. It can also be generated by selection.

The controller 440 may generate a work group in consideration of the functions supported by the image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3. For example, an image forming apparatus capable of performing a general function such as a print task may be limitedly grouped using the grouping method as described above, and may have scarcity such as color printing, fax transmission, and e-book generation. An image forming apparatus capable of performing a task may be included in a work group without limitation.

That is, the workgroup may be created in a form in which devices in the workgroup may perform various functions. For example, when there is only one device capable of fax transmission among the found plurality of image forming apparatuses, the controller 440 may basically include the image forming apparatus capable of fax transmission in the workgroup.

In the above description, the image forming apparatus 400 generates a work group. In this case, all the image forming apparatus 400 in the system may individually create a work group. Alternatively, only certain image forming apparatuses in the system can create such a workgroup. In this case, the specific image forming apparatus may be a device capable of performing various functions than other devices or a newer device.

When the job execution command is input from the user, the controller 440 determines whether the input job execution command uses the virtual grouping method, and if the job grouping method is the virtual grouping method, the device to perform the task and the task to be performed in the device. And the task distribution unit 460 to be described later to determine the amount of work. The controller 440 may control the task processor 420 and the communication interface 430 to perform a corresponding task according to the distributed task.

Meanwhile, the controller 440 may generate a workgroup when the preset condition is satisfied. Here, the preset condition may be power-on of the image forming apparatus, change of the connectable image forming apparatus, periodic time, user's request, and the like.

In addition, when the image forming apparatus 400 belongs to a work group capable of performing a virtual grouping operation, the controller 440 may determine whether there is a task that can be additionally performed by the virtual grouping, and may select a task that can be additionally supported. The user interface unit 410 may be controlled to display the changed UI.

As such, the image forming apparatus 400 according to the present exemplary embodiment forms a work group with other connectable image forming apparatuses, and thus, the image forming apparatus 400 may perform tasks for functions not supported by the image forming apparatus 400. In addition, a job command for a function that can be supported by the image forming apparatus 400 may be performed by using another image forming apparatus in the work group, thereby enabling faster job execution.

In the above, only the simple configuration of the image forming apparatus 400 has been illustrated and described, but the image forming apparatus 400 may further include a configuration other than the above-described configuration. A more detailed configuration of the image forming apparatus 400 will be described below with reference to FIG. 31.

31 is a detailed block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 31, the image forming apparatus 400 may include a user interface 410, a task processor 420, a communication interface 430, a controller 440, a storage 450, and a task distributor 460. It can be configured as.

Operations of the user interface unit 410, the task processor 420, the communication interface unit 430, and the control unit 440 are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 4, and thus descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

The storage unit 450 stores the created work group. In detail, the storage unit 450 may store a work group generated by the controller 440. In this case, the storage unit 450 may store device information about each image forming apparatus in the work group.

The storage unit 450 stores the workform. In detail, the storage 450 may store a workform received through the communication interface 430 or a workform generated by itself.

The storage unit 450 may temporarily store job data (document, print data, scan data, etc.) transferred from another device.

The storage unit 450 may be implemented as a storage medium and an external storage medium in the image forming apparatus 400, for example, a removable disk including a USB memory, a web server through a network, and the like.

The task distributor 460 determines whether to process the input job in general or in a virtual grouping manner. In detail, the task distribution unit 460 may determine that the input work command is processed in a virtual grouping method when the input operation command includes a function that cannot be performed on the image forming apparatus 400.

In addition, the task distribution unit 460 processes the virtual work in a virtual grouping manner when the input work command uses a plurality of tasks, and when some of the plurality of tasks are performed in another image forming apparatus and have a faster working speed. You can judge that.

If it is determined that the virtual grouping process is performed, the task distribution unit 460 may determine which device to perform each task of the input job. In this case, the task distributor 460 may perform operations performed by the image forming apparatus 400-1 and other image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400 in consideration of the operation state of the other image forming apparatus in the virtual group and the functions that can be supported. -3) you can decide what to do.

For example, if the user's control command is color printing and the image forming apparatus 400-1 does not include the color image forming unit, it is determined that the color scan is performed in the image forming apparatus 400-1, and the color is determined. Another image forming apparatus in the printable working group may determine to perform color printing.

In this case, the task distributor 460 may determine a device including a color image forming unit in the work group as the device to perform color printing. On the other hand, when there are a plurality of devices having a color image forming unit in a work group, whether or not the device can directly perform a print job (that is, whether there is an error or not, considering the number of jobs being pending), and an image for performing a scan job. One other device may be determined in consideration of the distance from the forming apparatus 400-1. Alternatively, it may be determined that a print job is performed using all of the plurality of color image forming units.

As such, the image forming apparatus 400 according to the present exemplary embodiment forms a work group with other connectable image forming apparatuses. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 400 may perform a task even for a function not supported by the image forming apparatus. In addition, a job command for a function that can be supported by the image forming apparatus 400 may be performed by using another image forming apparatus in the work group, thereby enabling faster job execution.

Meanwhile, the image forming apparatus 400 has been described as performing only the virtual grouping operation as shown in FIG. 28 or 29. However, the image forming apparatus 400 may also perform the operation as described with reference to FIG. 5.

32 is a detailed block diagram of a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 32, the mobile device 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a communication interface 510, a user interface 520, a storage 530, a workform generator 540, and a determiner. 550 and the controller 560.

The communication interface 510 is formed to connect the mobile device 500 to an external device, and is connected to a local area network (LAN) and an internet network, as well as a universal serial bus (USB) port and It is also possible to be connected via a wireless module. The wireless module may be WiFi, WiFi Direct, NFC, Bluetooth, IR, and the like.

The communication interface unit 510 searches for connectable image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3. In detail, the communication interface 510 searches for the image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3 that can be connected to the mobile apparatus 500 using a communication method supported by the mobile apparatus 500. can do. For example, when the communication interface unit 510 uses WiFi, the communication interface unit 510 may search for an image forming apparatus that may be connected to WiFi. When the communication interface unit 510 supports WiFi and NFC, In addition, an image forming apparatus connectable to each connection method may be searched for.

The communication interface unit 510 receives device information regarding the found image forming apparatus or the selected image forming apparatus. In detail, the communication interface unit 510 may receive information of an image forming apparatus that may be connected, or may receive information of an image forming apparatus selected by a user. The device information may include address information (IP address, MAC information, etc.) of the image forming apparatus, information required for connection with the image forming apparatus, and function information (such as whether color printing or scanning is possible). Information about a function), status information (whether work is possible, whether an error has occurred, work progress status, etc.).

In the above, the reception of the device information is described as being performed after the search or selection, but in the implementation, the selection and the reception of the information may be performed simultaneously. For example, when the communication interface unit 510 supports NFC communication, a user may select an image forming apparatus by NFC tag method, and device information of the image forming apparatus in response to a tag operation of the user. Can be received.

The communication interface 510 receives a UI for controlling the functions of the image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3. In detail, the mobile device 500 according to the present embodiment may display a UI for controlling the function of the image forming apparatus in two forms. First, the first embodiment is to receive and display the UI from the image forming apparatus, another embodiment receives the information (for example, the above-described device information) necessary for generating the UI from the image forming apparatus, by using this To create and display a UI (for example, a virtual GUI function). Therefore, when the mobile device 500 is implemented as the first embodiment, the communication interface 510 may receive a UI for controlling the function from the image forming apparatus.

The communication interface 510 transmits a control command to the image forming apparatus 400-1. In detail, the communication interface unit 510 may transmit a control command input through the UI to the image forming apparatus 500.

The communication interface unit 510 may transmit a control command corresponding to the workform to the image forming apparatus to perform the workform in response to the selection of the workform. The control command is a command that can be recognized by the image forming apparatus that will perform the workform. Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the command corresponding to the workform has been described as being transmitted to the image forming apparatus. However, the embodiment may also be implemented in the form of delivering the workform itself.

The communication interface 510 transmits print data. In detail, when the user's control command is a print command or a fax transmission command for a document stored in the mobile device 500, the communication interface unit 510 may transmit print data. The print data may be printer language data such as PS (Postscript) or PCL (Printer Control Language). When the image forming apparatus 400 supports direct printing, the print data may be PDF, XPS, BMP, JPG, or the like. May be the file itself.

The communication interface 510 transmits the workform. In detail, the communication interface unit 510 may transmit a workform generated in another mobile device, an image forming apparatus, a management server, or the like in order to share the workform generated by the workform generator 540 to be described later with other devices. have. In addition, the communication interface unit 510 may receive a workform generated by another device.

In addition, the communication interface unit 510 transmits information on the work group to the image forming apparatus 400. In detail, the communication interface unit 510 may transmit information about a work group for the plurality of image forming apparatuses generated by the mobile device 500 to the image forming apparatus in the work group.

The user interface unit 520 may include a plurality of function keys for setting or selecting various functions supported by the mobile device 500, and may display various information provided by the mobile device 500. The user interface unit 520 may be implemented as a device in which input and output are simultaneously implemented, such as a touch screen, or may be implemented as a device by combining a mouse and a monitor.

The user interface 520 selects an image forming apparatus. When there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses to which the mobile device 500 can connect, the user interface unit 520 may display a plurality of image forming apparatuses to which the mobile apparatus 500 can be connected, and select one of them.

The user interface 520 displays a UI for controlling the function of the image forming apparatus 400. In detail, the user interface 520 may display a UI transmitted through the communication interface 510, or may generate and display a UI itself based on device information transmitted through the communication interface 510. . The user may input a control command for controlling the function of the image forming apparatus 400 through the displayed UI.

At this time, the user interface unit 520 selects a copy, fax, scan-to-email, scan-to-server or device setting change task and options for the task, which can be performed by the image forming apparatus 400 through the displayed UI. Can be input. In the above description, only the selection of a copy, fax, scan-to-e-mail, scan-to-server, or device setting change task is described as a task that can be performed in the image forming apparatus. However, the image forming apparatus is supported in addition to the above-described task. Obviously, if there are other tasks to do that task can be applied.

In this case, the user may input only one task and may input a plurality of tasks. That is, the user interface unit 520 may receive a command to perform a task using a plurality of tasks. For example, a first task to be performed in the first image forming apparatus 400-1 and a second task (a task different from the first task) to be performed in the second image forming apparatus may be input. The job using the plurality of tasks may include tasks not supported by the currently selected image forming apparatus 400-1.

In detail, the user interface 520 may receive a task and an option thereof that can be performed in combination with other image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3 through the displayed UI. In detail, when the image forming apparatus 400-1 belongs to the work groups 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3, and the virtual grouping operation is possible, the user interface unit 520 forms another image in the virtual group. A UI for receiving an input of a task that can be performed using a task of the device may be displayed. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 47 and 48, the first image forming apparatus 400-1 that does not support the color copy task includes another third image forming apparatus 400-3 capable of color printing. When included in the work group, the first image forming apparatus 400-1 may display color copying options that have not been conventionally displayed.

Meanwhile, the UI displayed for the above task input may include a recording start menu (or a workform creation command) and a recording end menu, and a task selection input after the user presses the recording start menu is described later. The workform generator 540 may be transferred. Meanwhile, when the user selects a recording start menu, the user interface 520 may receive a name of a workform to be created.

In addition, the UI displayed for the above task input may display information on whether or not recording is being performed for generating a workform, and may include a menu for displaying a previously stored workform.

In addition, the above-described UI may include a pause recording menu and a resume recording menu. In this case, the user's task selection and the like are not described until the recording pause menu is selected and the recording resume menu is selected. The workform generator 540 is not transmitted.

In addition, the user interface 520 receives a selection related to the creation of the workform. In detail, the user interface unit 520 may receive a setting for canceling the workform creation job and a setting of the preset time when the recording start menu is input and the preset time elapses.

In addition, when each of the plurality of jobs includes a scan task, the user interface unit 520 may receive information about whether the originals used for the scan tasks of each of the plurality of jobs are the same document.

The user interface 520 displays the stored workform and receives one of the displayed workforms. In detail, the user interface 520 may display a list of workforms stored in the storage 530 to be described later, and receive one of the displayed lists.

In this case, the user interface 520 may display information on compatibility with the currently selected image forming apparatus of each workform. For example, if the currently selected image forming apparatus is a device capable of monochrome output only, the user interface unit 520 may indicate that a work form using color output among previously stored work forms is not compatible with the current image forming apparatus. The same icon can be used to display.

In response to the user's selection, the user interface 520 may display details of the selected workform and receive an editing command for the workform. In detail, the user interface 520 may display tasks and options included in the workform based on the detail display command of the workform.

In this case, the user interface unit 520 displays information on the compatibility of the task included in the selected workform with the pre-selected image forming apparatus (that is, whether the included task or option can be performed on the pre-selected image forming apparatus). can do. For example, if the pre-selected image forming apparatus does not have a scan task or the selected workform includes a scan task, the task cannot be performed. It can be displayed as an icon such as. In this case, the user may edit and delete the displayed tasks and options.

The user interface 520 receives a progress command for the selected workform. In detail, the user interface 520 may receive a job execution command for the pre-selected image forming apparatus for the selected workform. Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus is preferentially selected and the workform is subsequently selected. However, the image forming apparatus may be selected first and then the image forming apparatus may be selected.

If a blank field exists in the selected workform, the user interface 520 may display a message requesting input of a value required for the blank field. After the workform is created, the user edits the value into a support area, for example, the address of the server in e-mail to server, the area of the receiving telephone number in the fax transmission, and the scan file to be created in the scan to server job It may be the name of the.

On the other hand, if the selected workform includes a task or option that the image forming apparatus 400 cannot support, the user interface unit 520 may display to the user that the task or option of the workform cannot be performed. have. In this case, the user interface 520 may display that the corresponding option is replaced with the replaced option found by the determination unit 550, which will be described later, or may request modification of an option that cannot be proceeded from the user.

On the other hand, if a task that cannot be supported in the selected workform is the main task of the workform, the user interface 520 may display that the process for the workform is canceled.

The user interface 520 may display a progress state of the selected workform. For example, when the workform includes a plurality of tasks, the progress of each task may be displayed in%. On the other hand, if the workform includes jobs performed in the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the user interface 520 may display the job status in each image forming apparatus.

In addition, the user interface 520 may display location information of the image forming apparatus that is performing the operation. On the other hand, such a display may be performed when a print task is included in a corresponding job and a user needs to find an output.

The user interface 520 receives a selection of the image forming apparatus to be included in the work group. In detail, the user interface unit 520 may display a connectable image forming apparatus or display an NFC-tagged image forming apparatus, and select a plurality of image forming apparatuses to be grouped into a work group. In this case, the user interface unit 520 may display a task of each image forming apparatus to help generate a work group.

The storage unit 530 stores the generated workform. The storage unit 530 may store a document or print data and store device information received from the image forming apparatus 400.

The storage unit 530 stores the created work group. In detail, the storage unit 530 may store a work group generated by the controller 560. In this case, the storage unit 2350 may store device information about each image forming apparatus in the work group.

The storage unit 530 may be implemented as a storage medium and an external storage medium in the mobile device 500, for example, a removable disk including a USB memory, a web server through a network, and the like.

The workform generator 540 automatically generates a workform based on a series of user manipulations and sequences input on the UI. Specifically, the workform generation unit 540 displays the operation commands input by the user through the UI and the sequence thereof between the time point when the recording start menu is selected and the time point when the recording end menu is selected, and the terminal apparatus and image such as Jason or XML. The workform can be created in a language that the forming apparatus can recognize. Such a workform may include recipient / sender information, and the recipient information and sender information may be input at the time of executing / editing / creating the workform and may be dynamically changed. In this case, the user's operation may be an operation on a plurality of image forming apparatuses as well as an operation on one image forming apparatus. For example, a first task (for example, a scan task) to be performed in the first image forming apparatus is received, and a second task (for example, a print task) different from the first task to be performed in the second image forming apparatus is received. ) Can be input.

In addition, the workform generator 540 may generate a workform in consideration of options related to workform creation. In detail, if there is no user addition operation for a preset time after the creation of the workform is started by selecting the workform start menu, the workform generator 540 may cancel the workform generation operation currently being generated.

The workform generator 540 merges the scan tasks for a plurality of jobs each including the scan task into one, based on option information on whether the originals used in the scan tasks included in the plurality of jobs are the same originals. To create a workform.

Accordingly, if the user sets the originals used for the plurality of scan tasks to be the same originals, the workform generation unit 540 does not modify the first scan-to-email function and additionally scans the second scan-to-server. You can create a workform that sends the scanned image created in the previous procedure to the server without a task.

In addition, when the pre-stored workform is edited, the workform generator 540 may update the workform in response to the modification of the user.

The determination unit 550 determines whether the work form is executable in the selected image forming apparatus. In detail, the determination unit 550 may determine whether a function or an option of a function included in the selected workform is valid in the selected image forming apparatus. For example, when the pre-selected image forming apparatus does not include a scan unit or the selected workform includes a scan task, it may be determined that an invalid function is included.

If the selected workform includes a task or option that cannot be performed by the selected image forming apparatus, the determination unit 550 may search for a task and an option that may replace the task and the option.

For example, if the selected workform includes printing with color printing options, but the image forming apparatus cannot print the selected color, the determination unit 550 searches for the black and white printing options as an option to replace the color printing options. can do. In addition, if the selected workform includes a scan-to-server task, but the connection to the server is not possible, the determination unit 550 may search for the scan-to-email task as a replaceable task.

In this case, the determination unit 550 may search for tasks and options that can be replaced in the selected image forming apparatus. However, the determination unit 550 may search for tasks and options that may be replaced by other image forming apparatuses in the work group. . For example, if the selected workform includes printing with the color printing option, but the image forming apparatus that is not capable of the selected color printing, another image forming apparatus capable of color printing in the work group may be searched as replaceable.

In addition, the determination unit 550 may control the user interface unit 520 so that only the inability to perform the task or option included in the work form is displayed without displaying a task or option that can be directly replaced, and may be replaced by the user. You can be selected to select a task or option. Meanwhile, the replaceable tasks and options found in the foregoing process may be provided to the user as changeable tasks and options.

The controller 560 controls each component in the mobile device 500. In detail, when the controller 560 receives a driving command of an application for controlling the image forming apparatus from the user, the controller 560 may control the user interface 520 to display a UI for driving control of the image forming apparatus.

When the recording start menu is selected on the displayed UI, the controller 560 may generate a workform generation unit based on an operation command and an order input from the user from the recording start menu until the recording end menu is selected. 540 can be controlled.

When the controller 560 receives the execution command for the pre-stored workform, the controller 560 controls the determination unit 550 to determine whether the pre-selected workform can be executed in the pre-selected image forming apparatus. When the image forming apparatus is executable, the communication interface unit 510 may be controlled to transmit a control command corresponding to the workform to the image forming apparatus 400. The control command transmitted here is a control command recognizable by the image forming apparatus 400. That is, the command of the workform generated by the operation of the device A may not be a command recognizable by the device B. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the workform is executed, the command is converted into a command recognized by the corresponding device and transmitted.

Meanwhile, in the present exemplary embodiment, the mobile device 500 generates and transmits the workform as a command that can be interpreted by the corresponding image forming apparatus. However, the operation may be performed by the image forming apparatus 400.

That is, when the execution command for the workform is input, the controller 560 transmits the workform itself, to which the execution command is input, to the image forming apparatus 400, and the image forming apparatus parses the transmitted workform to the workform. It may also be implemented in the form of performing an included task.

The mobile device 500 may control the communication interface 510 to collect information of a plurality of connectable image forming apparatuses and generate a work group including a plurality of image forming apparatuses based on the received information. . This generation operation may be performed automatically or manually. In more detail, the workgroup generation method is the same as the workgroup generation method in the image forming apparatus.

As described above, the mobile apparatus 500 according to the present embodiment may generate the workform using only an operation operation for controlling the function of the image forming apparatus, and thus may easily generate the workform. In addition, the mobile device 500 generates a workform based on a user's operation command, and the generated workform may be easily used in a plurality of devices.

As such, the mobile device 500 according to the present embodiment may generate a workform using an operation operation for controlling the function of the image forming apparatus, thereby improving user convenience. In addition, since the work group is generated by using the tag operation of the mobile apparatus 500 and the image forming apparatus, the user can easily create the work group without knowing the device name of the image forming apparatus.

33 is a flowchart illustrating a print control method according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 33, first, a work group including an image forming apparatus and another image forming apparatus connectable to the image forming apparatus is generated (S3310). Specifically, the work group may be created in various forms, which will be described later with reference to FIGS. 33 to 46.

In operation S3320, a command to perform a task using a plurality of tasks is received. In detail, the user may receive a work command using the virtual grouping from the user. Such a work command may be input by the image forming apparatus 400 itself, and may be input through the mobile device 500. When received through the mobile device 500, the command may be an execution command of the workform using the virtual grouping.

In operation S3330, a part of the job is performed by performing at least one task among a plurality of tasks corresponding to the job. In detail, the image forming apparatus 400-1 may be one of a printer, a scanner, a copier, a facsimile, and a multifunction device capable of performing at least one of a scan task, a print task, a fax task, and an editing task. A part of the job may be performed by using a component (or a function that may be performed) included in the device that receives the job command.

The remaining job not performed in the image forming apparatus is transmitted to another image forming apparatus in the work group (S3340). Specifically, a task that cannot be performed in the image forming apparatus 400 may be performed by the corresponding task in the working group. Can be transferred to another image forming apparatus, or performed by the image forming apparatus 400, but when performing on another image forming apparatus has a faster working speed, a part of the job (that is, The remaining work not to be performed) may be transmitted to another image forming apparatus in the work group.

In this case, the job may be transmitted to a plurality of other image forming apparatuses instead of one other image forming apparatus. The transfer operation may be performed simultaneously with performing the task of the previous image forming apparatus, not after completion of the task of the image forming apparatus.

As described above, the print control method according to the present exemplary embodiment forms a work group with other connectable image forming apparatuses, and thus a task may be performed even for a task not supported by the image forming apparatus 400. In addition, a task command for a task that can be supported by the image forming apparatus 400 may be performed by using another image forming apparatus in the work group, thereby enabling faster task execution. The print control method as shown in Fig. 33 can be executed on the image forming apparatus having the configuration of Fig. 30 or 31, and can also be executed on the image forming apparatus having the other configurations.

In addition, the print control method as described above may be implemented as a program including an executable algorithm that can be executed in a computer, and the program may be stored and provided in a non-transitory computer readable medium. have.

34 is a flowchart illustrating a grouping method according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a grouping method according to a first embodiment.

34 and 35, first, a tag for a plurality of image forming apparatuses is performed in the mobile device 500. The tag operation may be performed in the process of generating the workform in the mobile device 500, that is, in the process of generating the M-plow.

The image forming apparatus 400 receives information of the image forming apparatus 400 tagged in the mobile apparatus 500 from the mobile apparatus 500 (S3410). In this case, the transmitted information may include address information and function information of the image forming apparatus.

Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 400 may generate a work group based on the received information (S3420). That is, the mobile device 500 may generate a plurality of image forming apparatuses having a NFC-tagged history into one work group.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 35, four image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, 400-3, and 400-4 of the six image forming apparatuses to which the mobile device 500 can be connected, and the NFC tag. If it has been performed, the mobile device 500 may transmit information of the image forming apparatus having a history of performing the NFC tag to the specific first image forming apparatus 400-1. In this case, the first image forming apparatus 400-1 may generate four image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, 400-3, and 400-4 including the work group.

In the above description, only one device receives the information of the mobile device 500. However, in the implementation, the mobile device 500 may transmit NFC tag information to all the image forming apparatuses having the tag history. That is, the grouping method as shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 may be individually performed by each image forming apparatus in the work group, or may be performed by one device in the work group and notifying the rest of the devices.

36 is a sequence diagram illustrating a series of print control methods including a grouping method according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 36, the mobile device 500 sequentially performs an NFC tag operation with the plurality of image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-3, 400-5 (S3605, S3615, S3625), and forms each image. The device information of the devices 400-1, 400-3, and 400-5 may be received (S3610, S3620, S3630). In this case, the device information may include address information and function information of the image forming apparatus as shown in FIG. 38.

The mobile device 500 may generate a workform (specifically, M-plow) using tasks of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-3, and 400-5 using the received device information. There is (S3635). A detailed M-plow generation method will be described later with reference to FIG. 39.

The mobile device 500 generating the workform transmits the received device information to the image forming apparatus 400-1 (S3640). Here, the device information may be information of an image forming apparatus having an NFC tag history in the mobile device 500, but is not limited thereto. When the work group itself may be generated in the mobile device 500, the image forming apparatus belonging to the work group may be included. It may be information of. In this case, the transmitted device information may be information of all image forming apparatuses having the NFC tag history, but may be information about the image forming apparatus used in the process of generating the workform. That is, the information may be some device information of the image forming apparatus having the NFC tag history.

The image forming apparatus 400-1 receiving the NFC tag information generates three image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-3, and 400-5 in one work group (S3645). In this case, the image forming apparatus in the work group may perform the task even if the task is not supported. For example, the first image forming apparatus 400-1, which cannot perform color copying, may display a UI for receiving color copying after virtual grouping.

Subsequently, upon receiving a control command using the virtualization function from the user, the image forming apparatus 400-1 performs a task to be performed by itself according to the virtual grouping method, and the other tasks are performed by another image forming apparatus ( 400-3, 400-5) to perform the requested operation (S3650, S3655).

For example, if a user's job command is a color copy command, the first image forming apparatus 400-1 is not capable of color printing, and the image forming apparatuses 400-3 and 400-5 are capable of color printing, The first image forming apparatus 400-1 scans an original (1-10 pages). In operation S3650, the first image forming apparatus 400-1 may transmit a portion (1-5 pages) of the scanned image to the third image forming apparatus 400-3 while transmitting it to the third image forming apparatus 400-3. In operation S3655, the first image forming apparatus 400-1 may transmit a remainder (6-10 pages) of the scanned image to the fifth image forming apparatus 400-5 and print the same.

On the other hand, in the above, the image forming apparatus 400-1 has been described as itself to distribute the job requested from the user to provide to another image forming apparatus, in the implementation, such a job distribution is performed in the mobile device 500 May be This will be described below with reference to FIG. 37.

37 is a sequence diagram illustrating another series of operations including a grouping method according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 37, the mobile device 500 sequentially performs NFC tag operations with the plurality of image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-3, and 400-5 (S3705, S3715, and S3725) to form respective images. The device information of the devices 400-1, 400-3, and 400-5 may be received (S3710, S3720, S3730). In this case, the device information may include address information and function information of the image forming apparatus as shown in FIG. 38.

The mobile device 500 may generate a workform (specifically, an M-plow) using tasks of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-3, and 400-5 using the received device information. There is (S3735). A detailed M-plow generation method will be described later with reference to FIG. 39.

In this case, the mobile device 500 may generate a work group using the collected information (S3735). In detail, the image forming apparatus having the NFC tag history may be generated as a work group. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in connection with FIG. 4, the work group may be created in various other manners as described above.

When the work group is generated, the mobile device 500 may vary and display the UI for the specific first image forming apparatus (S3740). In detail, the UI to which the color copy option is added may be displayed on the UI for the first image forming apparatus that cannot perform the color copy.

Through such a UI, when a user receives a job command requiring a virtual grouping operation, the mobile device 500 distributes a task to perform the received job, and sends each job command to each image forming apparatus 400 for each of the distributed tasks. -1, 400-3, 400-5) (S3745, S3750, S3755).

For example, if a user's job command is a color copy command, the first image forming apparatus 400-1 is not capable of color printing, and the image forming apparatuses 400-3 and 400-5 are capable of color printing, The mobile device 500 scans an original (pages 1-10) on the first image forming apparatus 400-1, and transmits a portion (1-5 pages) of the scanned image to the third image forming apparatus 400-3. In operation S3745, the remaining scanned image 6-10 may be transmitted to the fifth image forming apparatus 400-5. The mobile apparatus 500 transmits a command to print the scanned image transmitted from the image forming apparatus 400-1 to the third image forming apparatus 400-3 (S3750), and the fifth image forming apparatus 400-3. 5) a command for printing the scanned image transmitted from the first image forming apparatus 400-1 may be transmitted (S3755).

On the other hand, while the above-described operation when the scan data is delivered to each image forming apparatus has been described, if the data cannot be delivered directly, the storage of the server can be used.

For example, the mobile device 500 scans an original (1-10 pages) to the first image forming apparatus 400-1, and stores a part (1-5 pages) of the scanned image in the A location of the server. The remaining scanned image (pages 6-10) can send a command to save to location B on the server. The mobile device 500 transmits a command to the third image forming apparatus 400-3 to print the data stored at the position A of the server when the completion of the job is confirmed by the first image forming apparatus 400-1. In addition, the fifth image forming apparatus 400-5 may transmit a command to print the data stored at the position B of the server.

As described above, in the grouping method according to the first embodiment, a plurality of image forming apparatuses having a NFC tag history are grouped into a work group, and a user may intuitively group the plurality of image forming apparatuses into a work group.

FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored by the mobile device of FIG. 36.

Referring to FIG. 38, the mobile device 500 receives address information from each image forming apparatus. In addition, the mobile device 500 may receive function information that can be performed by each image forming apparatus.

Therefore, the mobile device 500 stores address and function information of the plurality of image forming apparatuses in the form of a lookup table. The mobile device 500 may use this information when creating a work group, and transmit the information to be used to create a work group in the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 39 is a diagram for describing an M-plow generation operation of FIGS. 36 and 37.

Referring to FIG. 39, first, the mobile device 500 drives an application for driving control of the image forming apparatuses 400-1 and 400-2 (S3905). By driving the application, the mobile device 500 displays a UI as shown in FIG. 40 for selecting a task to be performed in the image forming apparatus.

Thereafter, the mobile device 500 is set an option related to the workform creation (S3910). In detail, the mobile device 500 may display a UI for receiving the option related to the creation of the workform and receive the option related to the creation of the workform through the corresponding UI. Such a setting operation may be operated only when there is a user selection at the time of implementation.

When a recording start command is input on the displayed UI (S3915), the user operation command after the recording start command is recorded.

In operation S3920, a control command for driving control of the image forming apparatus 400-1 is input through the UI. In operation S3925, the received control command is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 400-1. On the other hand, it has been described above that only control commands for one device are received and transmitted. However, in the implementation, control commands for a plurality of devices may be received. The control command for the plurality of apparatuses may be a B task execution command for the second image forming apparatus after inputting an A task execution command for the first image forming apparatus, and a command for performing a virtual grouping function in the first image forming apparatus ( A task of the first image forming apparatus + B task of the second image forming apparatus).

The image forming apparatus 400-1 receiving the control command performs a task corresponding to the control command (S3935). If the control command received from the user is the command for performing the virtual grouping function as described above, the image forming apparatus 400-1 may transfer the remaining tasks to the other image forming apparatus 400-2 (S3930). The other image forming apparatus 400-2 may perform the remaining task received in operation S3940.

On the other hand, if a recording end menu is selected after inputting a series of control commands on the displayed UI, the workform is based on a series of input control commands until the recording end menu is selected at the time when the recording start menu is selected. Create and store (S3950).

As described above, the workform generating method according to the present exemplary embodiment may generate the workform using an operation operation for controlling the function of the image forming apparatus, thereby improving user convenience. And it is possible to easily create a workgroup using the information used when creating the workform. The workform generation method as shown in FIG. 39 may be executed on a mobile device having the configuration of FIG. 32 or may be executed on a mobile device having other configurations. In addition, the operation except for the above-described step 3925 (the step of transmitting the job execution from the mobile device to the image forming apparatus) may be executed on the image forming apparatus having the configuration of FIG. 30 or 31, and the image forming apparatus having the other configuration. It can also be run on.

40 illustrates an example of a user interface window that may be displayed on the mobile device of FIG. 36.

Referring to FIG. 40, the user interface window 4000 includes a menu area 4010, a function area 4020, and a status display area 4030.

The menu area 4010 is an area for displaying menus such as creating and executing a workform. The menu area 4010 is a home menu 4011, a selection menu 4012 of an image forming apparatus, a recording start menu 4013, a recording end menu 4014, A list menu 4015 is included.

The home menu 4011 is an area for receiving a command to display the UI as shown in FIG. 40. When the user selects the home menu 4011 even when the user is displaying different contents from FIG. 40 in the function area 4020, the home menu 4011 is displayed. The screen changes as shown in FIG.

The selection menu 4012 of the image forming apparatus is an area for receiving a command for searching for an image forming apparatus for controlling a function or performing a workform.

The recording start menu 4013 is an area for receiving a recording start command for creating a workform. When the user selects the recording start menu 4013, an additional UI for receiving a name of a new workform may be displayed.

The recording end menu 4014 is an area for receiving a recording end command for terminating the workform creation. If the user selects the recording end menu 4014 after the user selects the recording start menu 4013, the workform creation operation is performed. It ends. This recording end menu 4014 is deactivated until the recording start menu 4013 is selected.

The list menu 4015 is an area for receiving a command to display a list of previously stored workforms on the mobile device 500. When the user selects the list menu 4015, the list of generated workforms may be displayed. have.

The functional area 4020 is an area displaying tasks that can be performed by the image forming apparatus. The functional area 4020 is a copy area 4021, a scan-to-email area 4022, a scan-to-server area 4023, a fax area 4024, and a color copy area. 4025, distributed radiation area 4026. Meanwhile, in the present exemplary embodiment, only six tasks are supported, but the number and types of icons displayed in the functional area 4020 may be changed according to the performance of the image forming apparatus to be connected.

The copy area 4021 is an area where a copy task is selected as a task to be performed in the image forming apparatus. When the user selects the copy area 4021, an additional UI for selecting an option related to the copy task may be displayed.

The scan-to-email area 4022 is an area where a scan-to-email task is selected as a task to be performed in the image forming apparatus. When the user selects the scan-to-email area 4022, the scan-to-email area 4022 is used to select an option related to the scan-to-email task. Additional UI may be displayed.

The scan-to-server area 4023 is an area where a scan-to-server task is selected as a task to be performed in the image forming apparatus. When the user selects the scan-to-server area 4023, the scan-to-server area 4023 is used to receive an option related to the scan-to-server task. Additional UI may be displayed.

The fax area 4024 is an area where a fax task is selected as a task to be performed in the image forming apparatus. When the user selects the fax area 4024, an additional UI for selecting options related to the fax task may be displayed.

The color copy area 4025 is a virtual grouping function to be performed in the image forming apparatus and is an area for receiving a color copy task. The image forming apparatus 400-1 does not include a color image forming unit, and is an area using a task of another image forming apparatus including a color image forming unit in a work group by a virtual grouping function. On the other hand, when there is no device having a color image forming unit in the work group, the corresponding color copy area can be deactivated.

The distributed copy area 4026 is a virtual grouping function to be performed by the image forming apparatus and is an area for receiving a copy task. However, as a copy command using another image forming apparatus for performing a faster task, when a corresponding task is selected, a UI for selecting another image forming apparatus in a work group from a user may be displayed. In the above description, the image forming apparatus is selected by the user when the corresponding distributed copy area 4026 is selected. However, the image forming apparatus may be automatically determined according to a preset condition in the implementation. And if the processing itself is faster or does not need to be distributed (eg, copying one copy) without job distribution, the distributed copy area can be deactivated.

The status display area 930 displays an operation state of the mobile device 500. In detail, if a recording start menu for generating a workform is selected, the status display area 930 may display that recording is being performed, and when recording is completed, it may display that recording is completed.

41 is a flowchart illustrating a grouping method according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a grouping method according to a second embodiment.

41 and 42, the first image forming apparatus 400-1 searches for another image forming apparatus by using a local area network such as Bluetooth (S4110). Although only the use of Bluetooth has been described above, other wireless communication may be used in implementation.

In operation S4120, a work group including the found image forming apparatus may be generated.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 42, the three image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3 are disposed within a range capable of mutual Bluetooth communication, and thus, the first image forming apparatus 400-1 is provided. May search for the image forming apparatuses 400-2 and 400-3 in a Bluetooth manner. Accordingly, the first image forming apparatus 400-1 may generate three image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3 in a work group.

As described above, in the grouping method according to the second embodiment, the devices that can communicate with a short-range network such as Bluetooth can be grouped into a work group, and thus an image forming apparatus existing within a short distance can be grouped into a work group. . That is, an image forming apparatus that can be easily accessed by a user may be grouped into a work group.

Although the distance between the devices is determined using Bluetooth, the distance between the devices may be determined by comparing the access points that can be received by each image forming apparatus.

43 is a flowchart illustrating a grouping method according to a third embodiment. 44 is a diagram illustrating a grouping method according to a third embodiment.

43 and 44, a connectable image forming apparatus is searched for (S4310). In detail, the image forming apparatus may search for an image forming apparatus that may be connected using a communication scheme (whether wired or wireless) supported by the image forming apparatus.

The device name is extracted from the retrieved image forming apparatus (S4320). Meanwhile, although only the device name is used in the above description, the description of the image forming apparatus may be used in addition to the device name.

In operation S4330, a workgroup is generated based on the extracted device name. In detail, other image forming apparatuses having keywords in common with keywords included in the device name of the image forming apparatus 400-1 may be generated as a workgroup. In this case, the keyword may be designated by the user and may be automatically extracted. On the other hand, when there are a plurality of keywords in the device name of the image forming apparatus, a work group may be generated for each keyword.

For example, when the device name of the image forming apparatus 400-1 is marketing_design_2 layer and the extracted keyword is marketing, as shown in FIG. 44, the image forming apparatus 400-1, 400-4, 400 -5) can be created as a marketing workgroup.

Meanwhile, when the extracted keyword is a design, the image forming apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, 400-3, and 400-6 may be generated as a design work group.

Meanwhile, when the extraction keyword is two layers, the image forming apparatuses 400-1 and 400-6 may be generated as a two-layer work group.

On the other hand, if there is no separate keyword, the image forming apparatus 400-1 automatically uses the marketing, design, and second floors included in the device name of the first image forming apparatus 400-1 to form the first work group. (400-1, 400-4, 400-5), the second workgroup (400-1, 400-2, 400-3, 400-6), the third workgroup (400-1, 400-6) You can also create

As described above, in the grouping method according to the third embodiment, the work groups are grouped based on the device name, and thus a work group can be created without using additional configuration, and the work group can be automatically generated without user's manipulation.

45 is a flowchart illustrating a grouping method according to a fourth embodiment. 46 is a view for explaining a grouping method according to a fourth embodiment.

45 and 46, a connectable image forming apparatus in a network is searched for (S4510). Specifically, the image forming apparatus searches for connectable image forming apparatuses in a network and extracts address information of each image forming apparatus. In this case, the address information may include an IP address, hop count, and SSID.

In operation S4520, device filtering is performed. Specifically, it is possible to search for another image forming apparatus having an address area common to the IP address of the image forming apparatus. That is, the image forming apparatuses other than the image forming apparatus having the IP address within the same subnet may be filtered.

On the other hand, even if a plurality of image forming apparatuses are on the same subnet, the image forming apparatuses may be physically spaced apart from each other. For example, in an enterprise using a plurality of layers, each image forming apparatus in the company may have an address of the same subnet. However, each image forming apparatus may be arranged in a different layer. Accordingly, it is necessary to filter the image forming apparatuses that are physically spaced apart even from the same subnet.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the hop count of each image forming apparatus and the SSID of the wireless access point connectable to each image forming apparatus are detected to determine whether they are physically separated.

In detail, the hop count is a path in which data packets travel from one router to another router in a packet switched network. When the hop count passes through the router, the hop counter is decreased. Therefore, when passing through a router, even if they are logically on the same subnet, they may be physically separated from each other. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus filters a hop count that differs by more than a predetermined value.

In the case of a wireless network, if the SSIDs of the connected wireless access points are different, even if they are in the same subnet, they may be physically separated, and thus the image forming apparatus having different SSIDs of the wireless access points may filter.

For example, as shown in FIG. 46, the image forming apparatus 400-2, 400-4, 400-6 that differs only from the last address after the IP address of the image forming apparatus 400-1, that is, image forming within the same subnet. You can create devices as workgroups. At this time, if the SSID of the second image forming apparatus is different from the first image forming apparatus, the second image forming apparatus may be excluded from the work group.

In operation S4530, a workgroup for the found image forming apparatus is generated according to the filtering result.

As described above, the grouping method according to the fourth embodiment can perform grouping only with address information most basic to communication, and thus can be easily implemented.

Meanwhile, although the hop counts of the image forming apparatuses existing in the same subnet are different, and the image forming apparatuses having different SSIDs are described as being excluded from the work group, in the implementation, the work groups may be classified according to their priorities. Image forming apparatuses having no difference in hop counts in the same subnet may be grouped into a workgroup having a first priority, and image forming apparatuses having a different hop count may be grouped into a work group having a second priority in the same subnet. have.

Specifically, FIG. 47 is an example of a user interface window when virtual grouping is not applied.

Referring to FIG. 47, the UI window 4700 displays tasks and options supported by the image forming apparatus 400-1. In detail, the image forming apparatus 400-1 may include a scan unit and an image forming unit to scan, print, and copy a job, and thus the user interface window 4700 may include an area for displaying a currently selected task. 4710),

areas

4720, 4730, and 4740 for selecting options for the task, and if areas for receiving options are selected,

areas

4472, 4722, and 4723 for selecting options of the corresponding areas. 4724, 4725 are displayed.

When the virtual grouping is applied to the image forming apparatus 400-1, a task of another image forming apparatus 400-2 having color printing tasks in the work group may be used. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 400-1 may also support a color copy task. Hereinafter, a user interface window displayable on the image forming apparatus 400-1 after virtual grouping is applied will be described with reference to FIG. 48.

48 is an example of a user interface window when virtual grouping is applied.

Referring to FIG. 48, the user interface window 4700 ′ is displayed with an area 4750 added to receive a color copy option. Thus, the user can select the color copy through the added option.

Meanwhile, when the user inputs a color copy and there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of color printing in the work group, the image forming apparatus may display a user interface window as shown in FIG. 49.

FIG. 49 is an example of a user interface window that may be displayed when region 4750 of FIG. 48 is selected.

Referring to FIG. 49, the user interface unit 4900 may include a list area 4920 for displaying other

image forming apparatuses

4921, 4922, and 4923 capable of color printing in a workgroup. The user can select one of the displayed devices. Meanwhile, in the illustrated example, although the device is selected and described as being selected by the user, another image forming apparatus that satisfies a predetermined condition may be automatically selected.

While the above has been shown and described with respect to preferred embodiments of the invention, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, it is usually in the technical field to which the invention belongs without departing from the spirit of the invention claimed in the claims. Various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art, and these modifications should not be individually understood from the technical spirit or prospect of the present invention.

Claims

An electronic device connectable to an image forming apparatus,

A user interface to display a UI for controlling a function of the image forming apparatus;

A communication interface unit which transmits a control command received through the UI to the image forming apparatus;

A workform generation unit for automatically generating a workform based on a series of user manipulation contents and a sequence input on the UI; And

A storage unit to store the generated workform; Electronic device comprising a.
The method of claim 1,

The user interface unit,

Receiving a plurality of functions to be performed in the image forming apparatus and options for each of the plurality of functions,

The workform generation unit,

And generating the workform based on the received plurality of functions and options.
The method of claim 1,

The user interface unit,

When each of the plurality of functions includes a scan job, whether or not the document used for the scan job of each of the plurality of functions is the same document is input,

The workform generation unit,

And the workform is generated by merging scan jobs for each of the plurality of functions into one scan job according to whether the same original is received.
The method of claim 1,

The UI,

A recording start menu and a recording end menu,

The workform generation unit,

And generating the workform based on a user manipulation command and a sequence input between a time point when the recording start menu is selected and a time point when the recording end menu is selected.
The method of claim 4, wherein

The user interface unit,

And displaying a message requesting selection of the recording end menu when the recording start menu is selected and a preset time elapses.
The method of claim 1,

The user interface unit,

And displaying a function included in the stored workform and an option of the function.
The method of claim 6,

The user interface unit,

Receiving a delete or change command for at least one of the functions and options included in the stored workform;

The workform generation unit,

And the stored workform is updated in response to the received delete or change command.
The method of claim 6,

The user interface unit,

Receiving an execution command for the stored workform,

The communication interface unit,

And transmitting a control command corresponding to the workform to the image forming apparatus.
The method of claim 8,

The electronic device,

Can be connected to a plurality of image forming apparatus,

The user interface unit may be selected from the image forming apparatus to execute the workform of the plurality of image forming apparatus,

The communication interface unit,

And transmitting a control command corresponding to the workform to the selected image forming apparatus.
The method of claim 10,

And a determination unit to determine whether the workform is executable in the selected image forming apparatus.
The method of claim 9,

The determination unit,

And acquiring device information of the selected image forming apparatus, and determining whether the workform is executable based on the acquired device information.
The method of claim 9,

The determination unit,

And if the workform includes at least one of a function and an option that cannot be performed by the selected image forming apparatus, searching for a function or an option that can replace the function or option.
The method of claim 9,

The user interface unit,

If the workform includes at least one of a function and an option that cannot be performed in the selected image forming apparatus, a function or an option that replaces the function or option is selected, or a cancellation of the function that cannot be performed is cancelled. Electronic device characterized in that the selection.
The method of claim 7, wherein

The user interface unit,

And displaying the progress state of the selected workform.
In the print control method of an electronic device connectable to the image forming apparatus,

Displaying a UI for controlling a function of the image forming apparatus;

Transmitting a control command received through the UI to the image forming apparatus;

Automatically generating a workform based on a series of user manipulations and orders inputted on the UI; And

And storing the generated workform.