JP2008165596A - Image forming system and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display information for a job, when the job is transmitted from a user while execution of jobs cannot be performed, in a period where the information for the job can be displayed. <P>SOLUTION: The system comprises a designated image forming device 2A and an information management device 3 for managing jobs executed by the designated image forming device 2A and a proxy image forming device 2B. The information management device 3 includes a control part 30 for determining whether the designated image forming device 2A is in a job unexecutable period or not; and a communication part 33 for transmitting a job to be executed by the device 2A to the proxy image forming device 2B and also transmitting proxy execution information to the device 2A when the device 2A is receivable. The device 2A includes a communication part 18 for receiving the proxy execution information, a display part 12 for displaying the proxy execution information; and a control part 10 for making the display means 12 display the proxy execution information during a displayable period of the proxy execution information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing system and an image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus having a function of displaying a job execution history such as scan, print, copy, fax transmission, and mail transmission is known.

For example, there is known an image forming apparatus that includes a history display unit that displays a history of job executions performed in the past, so that a job execution result can be reliably grasped (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-341212

However, an instruction to execute a job may be transmitted from the user during a period in which the above-described image forming apparatus cannot execute the job. For example, after a user sends a print job from a PC (Personal Computer) to the image forming apparatus when the power is turned off (during the period during which the job cannot be executed), the user immediately takes the printed recording paper up to the image forming apparatus. There is a case. In this case, after the user turns on the power of the image forming apparatus, the user must wait until the warm-up period when the image forming apparatus is activated (a period during which information about the job can be displayed) ends. For this reason, there was a problem that the time of the warm-up period was wasted.
In addition, when confirming information related to a print job executed by the user (for example, information on the contents of the print job transmitted by the user), it is necessary to check again from the image forming apparatus to the PC. For this reason, there is a problem in that it takes time to confirm job information.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system and an image forming apparatus capable of displaying information related to a job during a period in which the information related to the job can be displayed when the job is transmitted during a period in which the job cannot be executed. Is to provide.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an image forming system according to an aspect of the present invention includes:
A first image forming apparatus that executes a job;
An information management device for managing jobs executed by the first image forming device and the second image forming device;
The information management device includes:
Determining means for determining whether or not the first image forming apparatus is in a period during which the job cannot be executed;
When the determination unit determines that the first image forming apparatus is in a period during which the job cannot be executed, the job executed by the first image forming apparatus is transmitted to the second image forming apparatus. Transmission means for transmitting, when the first image forming apparatus is capable of receiving, proxy execution information indicating that the job has been proxy-executed by the second image forming apparatus,
The first image forming apparatus includes:
Receiving means for receiving proxy execution information transmitted by the transmitting means;
Display means for displaying the proxy execution information received by the receiving means;
Display control means for displaying the proxy execution information on the display means during the displayable period of the proxy execution information.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the first aspect,
The information management device includes:
The image forming apparatus includes: a determination unit configured to determine whether to cause the second image forming apparatus to execute a job executed by the first image forming apparatus.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the first aspect,
The proxy execution information is:
It includes at least one of a job name of the job, a name of a user who gives an instruction to execute the job, a name of the second image forming apparatus, and position information of the second image forming apparatus.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus.
Receiving means for receiving identification information for identifying a job and an image forming apparatus that can execute the job on behalf of the job;
Display means for displaying the identification information received by the receiving means;
Display control means for displaying the identification information on the display means during a period in which the identification information can be displayed;
An operation unit that receives an operation of designating an image forming apparatus that performs the job on behalf based on the identification information displayed by the display control unit;
Control means for causing the image forming apparatus designated by the operation means to execute the job on behalf of the image forming apparatus.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect,
The identification information is
It includes at least one of the job name of the job, the name of the user who issued the job execution instruction, the name of the image forming apparatus capable of proxy execution of the job, and the position information of the image forming apparatus capable of proxy execution of the job It is characterized by that.

  According to the first aspect, when it is determined that the first image forming apparatus is in a period during which the job cannot be executed, the proxy execution information indicating that the second image forming apparatus has executed the proxy execution information. The proxy execution information can be displayed on the display unit of the first image forming apparatus during the displayable period. As a result, the user can grasp the proxy execution information during the period in which the proxy execution information can be displayed, thereby eliminating the waiting time during the period in which the proxy execution information can be displayed.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine whether or not the job executed by the first image forming apparatus is to be executed by the second image forming apparatus. Accordingly, the information management apparatus can cause the first image forming apparatus or the second image forming apparatus to execute a job based on the determination result.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, the proxy execution information includes the job name of the job, the name of the user who issued the job execution instruction, the name of the second image forming apparatus, and the position information of the second image forming apparatus. Any one of these may be included.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, the identification information can be displayed on the display means during the period in which the identification information can be displayed. As a result, the user can designate an image forming apparatus that performs a job on behalf during the period in which the identification information can be displayed, and the waiting time during the period in which the identification information can be displayed can be eliminated.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the identification information includes the job name of the job, the name of the user who issued the job execution instruction, the name of the image forming apparatus that can execute the job in substitution, and the image that can be executed in substitution for the job. At least one of the position information of the forming apparatus can be included.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 2. FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the information management apparatus 3. FIG. 4 shows the internal configuration of the PC 4. FIGS. 5 and 6 show screens displayed on the display unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 2. FIG. 7 shows a flow of proxy output determination processing executed by the information management apparatus 3. FIG. 8 shows the flow of the first screen display process executed by the image forming apparatus 2.

  First, the configuration of the image forming system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2, an information management apparatus 3, a PC 4, and a communication line N.

  The image forming apparatus 2 executes jobs such as scan, print, copy, fax transmission, and mail transmission. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the job is described as a print job. The image forming apparatus 2 includes a designated image forming apparatus 2A as a first image forming apparatus and image forming apparatuses 2B to 2D as second image forming apparatuses. The information management apparatus 3 is a server apparatus that manages jobs executed by the image forming apparatuses 2A to 2D. The PC 4 transmits a job execution instruction to the information management apparatus 3.

  The communication line N is configured by a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication line N may include various communication lines such as a telephone line network, an ISDN line network, a dedicated line, a mobile communication network, a communication satellite line, a CATV line network, and an Internet service provider base station that connects them. .

  Next, the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming apparatus 2 includes a display control unit, a control unit 10 as a control unit, an operation unit 11 as an operation unit, a display unit 12 as a display unit, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 13, a scanner unit 14, and the like. The image processing unit 15, the printer unit 16, the image memory 17, a communication unit 18 as a transmission / reception unit, and an I / F unit 19 are configured.

  The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Read Access Memory) (not shown). Controls data communication between departments. Specifically, a program designated from the system program and various application programs stored in the ROM is expanded in the RAM, and various processes are executed in cooperation with the program expanded in the RAM and the CPU. In particular, the ROM stores a first screen display program to be described later.

When the information management apparatus 3 receives a print job executed by the designated image forming apparatus 2A during a period in which the designated image forming apparatus 2A cannot execute the print job by the first screen display program, the control unit 10 Is displayed on the display unit 12 during a period in which information about the print job can be displayed. Here, the period during which the print job cannot be executed means that the designated image forming apparatus 2A is powered off, the designated image forming apparatus 2A is powered on, and the designated image forming apparatus 2A is in an abnormal state ( For example, during an abnormal state due to a jam or the like, during a maintenance period of the designated image forming apparatus 2A, or during an execution period of another job of the designated image forming apparatus 2A (for example, during a FAX processing execution period). The period during which information relating to the print job can be displayed refers to a period during which information relating to the print job can be displayed on the display unit 12 of the designated image forming apparatus 2A.
In the present embodiment, a case where the designated image forming apparatus 2A is in a power-off period as a period during which a print job cannot be executed will be described. In addition, a description will be given of a warm-up period when the specified image forming apparatus is turned on as a period during which information relating to a print job can be displayed.
Further, the information related to the print job means proxy output job information 33A as proxy execution information or print job information 33B as identification information. The proxy output job information 33A and the print job information 33B will be described later.

  The operation unit 11 includes operation input keys, a touch panel, and the like, and outputs operation signals such as a press signal corresponding to the pressed key and a position signal corresponding to a position where the touch panel is touched to the control unit 10.

  The display unit 12 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays and outputs an image display state, an operation state of each function, and the like based on display data output from the control unit 10.

  The HDD 13 includes a magnetic storage medium, and stores various information in the magnetic storage medium in a readable / writable manner according to instructions from the control unit 10.

  The scanner unit 14 includes a platen glass, a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices), and a light source, and forms an image of the reflected light of the light scanned from the light source on a document placed on an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) (not shown) by the CCD. Then, the image of the original is read by photoelectric conversion, image data of the image is generated and output to the image processing unit 15.

  Based on an instruction from the control unit 10, the image processing unit 15 compresses the image data output from the scanner unit 14 and the image data stored in the HDD 13 and writes the compressed image data in the compression memory of the image memory 17. Remember me temporarily.

  When there is an instruction to read out image data from the control unit 10, the compressed image data stored in the image memory 17 is decompressed and temporarily stored in the image memory 17. When printing output is instructed from the control unit 10, the image processing unit 15 reads out uncompressed image data from the page memory in units of pages, and performs image processing such as enlargement / reduction or direction change of the image data. Then, by generating a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal based on the image data, the gradation (shading) of the image data is controlled by the pulse width, and the PWM signal is output to the printer unit 16.

  The printer unit 16 includes an LD (Laser Diode) (not shown), a photosensitive drum, a charger, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a fixing unit, a paper feed tray for supplying recording paper, and a conveyance path. It is configured to include a paper feed roller for conveying recording paper. The printer unit 16 may be another printing method such as an ink jet method or a thermal transfer method.

  Specifically, based on an instruction from the image processing unit 15, the printer unit 16 feeds recording paper having a predetermined size and direction from one of the paper feed trays, and transports the recording paper onto the transport path. Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum is charged by a charger, and an electrostatic latent image is formed by irradiating the surface of the photosensitive drum with a laser beam by the LD based on the PWM signal input from the image processing unit 15. Toner is adhered to the drum surface area including the electrostatic latent image by a developing device. Further, the transfer unit transfers the toner onto the transfer paper conveyed from the paper feed tray to form an image, and the image is fixed by the fixing device.

  The image memory 17 is composed of a DRAM (Dynamic RAM), a compression memory that temporarily stores compressed image data, and a page memory that temporarily stores uncompressed image data to be printed before printing. And have.

  The communication unit 18 is a functional unit for data communication with an external device (not shown) via the communication line N, and includes a modem, a LAN interface, a USB, and the like. The I / F unit 19 is a functional unit for data communication with a post-processing device (not shown), and includes a serial interface or the like.

  Next, the internal configuration of the information management apparatus 3 will be described with reference to FIG. The information management device 3 includes a control unit 30 as a determination unit, a determination unit, an operation unit 31, a display unit 32, a storage unit 33, and a communication unit 34 as a transmission / reception unit. They are connected by a bus 35.

  The control unit 30 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM (not shown), and the like, and controls instructions for each function constituting the information management apparatus 3, data communication between the function units, and the like. The control unit 30 expands a program designated from the system program and various application programs stored in the ROM on the RAM, and executes various processes in cooperation with the program expanded on the RAM and the CPU. .

  The control unit 30 transmits the proxy output job information 33A to the image forming apparatus 2 based on the proxy output determination information in cooperation with a proxy output determination program described later.

  The operation unit 31 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input, various function keys, and the like, and outputs a pressing signal pressed by the operator on the keyboard to the control unit 30. The operation unit 31 may include a pointing device such as a mouse.

  The display unit 32 includes an LCD, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and the like, and performs screen display according to a display signal from the control unit 30.

  The storage unit 33 is configured by an HDD or the like, and stores proxy output job information 33A.

  The communication unit 34 is a functional unit for performing data communication with an external device such as the image forming apparatus 2 and the PC 4 via the communication line N, and includes a modem, a LAN interface, and the like.

  Next, the internal configuration of the PC 4 will be described with reference to FIG. The PC 4 includes a control unit 40, an operation unit 41, a display unit 42, a storage unit 43, and a communication unit 44, and each unit is connected by a bus 45. The control unit 40, the operation unit 41, the display unit 42, the storage unit 43, and the communication unit 44 are the same as the control unit 30, the operation unit 31, the display unit 32, the storage unit 33, and the communication unit 34, respectively. The different parts will be mainly described.

  The control unit 40 transmits a print job instructed by the user to the information management apparatus 3 via the communication unit 44.

  Next, an example of the display screen of the display unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 2 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5A shows an example of a display screen during warm-up. FIG. 5B shows an example of a display screen when proxy output job information is received from the information management apparatus 3. FIG. 6A shows an example of a display screen for proxy output job information. FIG. 6B shows an example of a map display screen showing the position of the image forming apparatus 2.

  FIG. 5A shows that a warm-up screen 51 and a touch panel button 52 for proxy output job information are displayed on the display unit 12. The warm-up screen 51 is a screen indicating that the image forming apparatus 2 is in a warm-up state. The proxy output job information touch panel button 52 is a button indicating the proxy output job information 33 </ b> A received from the information management apparatus 3. For example, when the touch panel button 52 for proxy output job information is pressed by the user, a proxy output job information display screen 61 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5B shows that a warm-up screen 53 and a proxy output job information display screen 54 are displayed on the display unit 12. The proxy output job information display screen 54 includes a print job name 55 as the job name of the job, a user name 56 as the name of the user who issued the execution instruction, and a proxy output machine as the name of the second image forming apparatus. A name 57 and a map touch panel button 58 are displayed. For example, when the map touch panel button 58 is pressed by the user, a screen shown in FIG. 6B described later is displayed on the display unit 12.

  FIG. 6A shows that the proxy output job information display screen 61 is displayed on the display unit 12. Similar to the proxy output job information display screen 54, the proxy output job information display screen 61 displays a print job name 55, a user name 56, a proxy output machine name 57, and a map touch panel button 58. The

  FIG. 6B shows that a map representing the position information of the image forming apparatus 2 is displayed on the display unit 12. In the example of FIG. 6B, the position information of the image forming apparatus 2 whose names are “aaa”, “bbb”, “ccc”, and “xxx” is displayed. For example, when a print job is output on behalf of the image forming apparatus 2 of “bbb”, the image forming apparatus 2 of “bbb” blinks. As a result, the user can grasp the position of the image forming apparatus “bbb” output in proxy.

  Next, the proxy output determination process executed by the information management apparatus 3 will be described with reference to FIG. The proxy output determination process is a process for determining whether or not a print job received from the PC 4 is output by proxy using an image forming apparatus other than the designated image forming apparatus.

  For example, in the information management device 3, the proxy output determination is performed in cooperation with the CPU and the proxy output determination program that is read from the ROM and appropriately expanded in the RAM, triggered by the start of reception of a print job from the PC 4. Processing is executed.

  First, a print job transmitted from the PC 4 is received (step S101). The transmission of the print job is performed when the user inputs a print job execution instruction via the operation unit 41 of the PC 4. Then, it is determined whether proxy output determination information has been received (step S102). The proxy output determination information refers to determination information for determining whether or not a print job is to be executed by a proxy other than the designated image forming apparatus. The designated image forming apparatus refers to an image forming apparatus that executes a print job designated by a user. The proxy output determination information is set by the user via the operation unit 41 of the PC 4 when setting a print job. Hereinafter, the designated image forming apparatus will be described as the image forming apparatus 2A in FIG. 1, and the proxy image forming apparatus will be described as the image forming apparatus 2B in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S102 that proxy output determination information has not been received (step S102; NO), it is determined whether or not the designated image forming apparatus 2A is powered on (step S103). If it is determined that the designated image forming apparatus 2A is not turned on (step S103; NO), the process proceeds to step S103. If it is determined that the designated image forming apparatus 2A is powered on (step S103; YES), the process proceeds to step S109 described later.

  If it is determined in step S102 that proxy output determination information is received (step S102; YES), it is determined whether or not the designated image forming apparatus 2A is powered on (step S104). If it is determined that the designated image forming apparatus 2A is not turned on (step S104; NO), the proxy output job information 33A is stored in the storage unit 33 of the information management apparatus 3 (step S105). The proxy output job information 33A includes the print job name 55, the user name 56, the proxy output machine name 57, and the proxy output machine position information shown in FIGS. 5B and 6A and 6B. I mean. The proxy output machine refers to the proxy image forming apparatus 2B that has performed proxy output.

  After execution of step S105, the print job is transmitted to proxy image forming apparatus 2B (step S106). Then, a signal indicating that the designated image forming apparatus 2A is powered on is received (step S107). After execution of step S107, the proxy output job information 33A is transmitted to the designated image forming apparatus 2A (step S108). At this time, the proxy output job information 33A is repeatedly transmitted until the designated image forming apparatus 2A as the transmission destination receives the proxy output job information. After execution of step S108, the proxy output determination process ends.

  If it is determined in step S104 that the designated image forming apparatus 2A is powered on (step S104; YES), a print job and print job information are transmitted to the designated image forming apparatus 2A (step S109). Here, the print job refers to information such as the number of copies to be printed and the density of an image to be printed. The print job information 33B is identification information of a printable image forming apparatus. A print job name 55, a user name 56, an output machine name 57A capable of proxy output, and a proxy output capable of proxy output are described below. This refers to the position information of the output machine. The output machine capable of proxy output refers to an image forming apparatus capable of proxy output instead of the designated image forming apparatus 2A.

  After execution of step S109, it is determined whether or not there is a selection instruction to perform proxy output by the user (step S110). This step is determined based on the selection instruction in step S308 in the second screen display process of the second embodiment to be described later. When it is determined that there is no selection instruction to perform proxy output by the user (step S110; NO), the proxy output determination process ends.

  When it is determined that there is a selection instruction to perform proxy output by the user (step S110; YES), the print job and the print job information 33B are received from the designated image forming apparatus 2A (step S111). Then, the print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus selected by the user (step S112). After execution of step S112, the proxy output determination process ends.

  Next, a first screen display process executed by the designated image forming apparatus 2A will be described with reference to FIG. The first screen display process is a process for causing the display unit 12 to display the proxy output job information of the print job received during the power-off period of the designated image forming apparatus 2A during the warm-up period of the designated image forming apparatus 2A. is there.

  For example, the first screen display process is performed in cooperation with the first screen display program read from the ROM and appropriately expanded in the RAM, triggered by the power-on of the designated image forming apparatus 2A. Is executed.

  First, the designated image forming apparatus 2A is powered on and a warm-up period is started (step S201). Then, a warm-up screen is displayed on the display unit 12 (step S202). For example, a screen shown in FIG. 5A is displayed as the warm-up screen. After executing step S202, the information management apparatus 3 is connected for communication (step S203). Then, it is determined whether there is proxy output job information 33A received from the information management apparatus 3 (step S204). Here, the proxy output job information 33A received from the information management apparatus 3 refers to the job information transmitted in step S108 of the proxy output determination process.

  If it is determined in step S204 that there is no proxy output job information 33A (step S204; NO), the process proceeds to step S209 described later. If it is determined in step S204 that there is proxy output job information 33A (step S204; YES), the screen of the display unit 12 is switched (step S205). At this time, the screen of the display unit 12 is switched to the screen of FIG. 5B or FIG. 6A, for example.

  After execution of step S205, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to select a map by the user (step S206). The instruction to select a map is performed when the user inputs an instruction to select a map via the operation unit 11. For example, when the user presses the touch panel button 58 of the map of FIG. 5B or FIG. When it is determined that there is no instruction to select a map (step S206; NO), the process proceeds to step S208 described later. When it is determined that there is an instruction to select a map (step S206; YES), the screen displayed on the display unit 12 is switched (step S207). At this time, for example, the screen shown in FIG.

  After step S207 is executed, a print job confirmation operation is executed (step S208). The print job confirmation operation means that, for example, blinking display of the proxy image forming apparatus 2B that has output the print job as a proxy is executed on the screen shown in FIG. 6B. At this time, if the proxy image forming apparatus 2B is “bbb” on the screen of FIG. 6B, the image forming apparatus “bbb” is displayed in a blinking manner. As a result, the user can check the image forming apparatus 2 that has output the job as a proxy. After execution of step S207, the warm-up is completed (step S208). Then, the first screen display process ends. For example, in the case of step S204; NO after the end of the first screen display process, the print job is received from the information management apparatus 3, and the print job is executed by the designated image forming apparatus 2A.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the designated image forming apparatus 2A is in the power-off period, the proxy output job information 33A indicating that the designated image forming apparatus 2A has been executed is designated as the designated image formation. The image can be displayed on the display unit 12 of the designated image forming apparatus 2A during the warm-up period of the apparatus 2A. As a result, the user can grasp the proxy output job information 33A during the warm-up period of the designated image forming apparatus 2A, so that the waiting time during the warm-up period of the designated image forming apparatus 2A can be eliminated.

  Further, it is possible to determine whether or not the proxy image forming apparatus 2B is to execute a print job executed by the designated image forming apparatus 2A. As a result, the information management apparatus 3 can cause the designated image forming apparatus 2A or the proxy image forming apparatus 2B to execute a print job based on the determination result.

(Second Embodiment)
With reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 shows a screen displayed on the display unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 shows the flow of the second screen display process executed by the image forming apparatus 2. Hereinafter, the apparatus configuration of the present embodiment uses the image forming system 1 in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be given. The different parts will be described below.

  In the image forming apparatus 2, a second screen display program is stored in the ROM.

  With reference to FIG. 9, an example of a display screen displayed on display unit 12 of image forming apparatus 2 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9A shows an example of a display screen during warm-up. FIG. 9B shows an example of a display screen when print job information is received from the information management apparatus 3.

  FIG. 9A shows that the display unit 12 displays a warm-up screen 51, a touch panel button 52 for proxy output job information, and a touch panel button 52A for an output machine capable of proxy output. The touch panel button 52A of the output machine capable of proxy output is a button for displaying position information of the output machine capable of proxy output. For example, when the user presses the touch panel button 52 </ b> A of the output device capable of proxy output, the screen shown in FIG. 6B is displayed on the display unit 12. In other words, the position information of the output machine capable of proxy output is displayed on the display unit 12.

  FIG. 9B shows that the display unit 12 displays a warm-up screen 53 and a job information display screen 54A. The job information display screen 54A includes a print job name 55, a user name 56, an output machine name 57A capable of proxy output as a name of an image forming apparatus capable of proxy execution of the job, a map touch panel button 58, Is displayed. The name 57A of the output machine capable of proxy output is the name of the image forming apparatus 2 capable of proxy output of the print job.

Next, a second screen display process executed by the designated image forming apparatus 2A will be described with reference to FIG. In the second screen display process, when the information management apparatus 3 receives a print job executed by the designated image forming apparatus 2A during a period in which the designated image forming apparatus 2A cannot execute the print job, information about the print job (print job) Information 33B) is displayed on the display unit 12 during a period in which the print job information 33B can be displayed, and a proxy-executable image forming apparatus is designated.
In the present embodiment, a case where the designated image forming apparatus 2A is in the warm-up period as a period during which the print job cannot be executed will be described. A case where the designated image forming apparatus 2A is in the warm-up period will be described as the period during which the print job information can be displayed.

  In the present embodiment, the information management apparatus 3 executes a proxy output determination process as in the first embodiment.

  For example, the second screen is displayed in cooperation with the second proxy output screen display program read from the ROM and appropriately expanded in the RAM, triggered by the power-on of the designated image forming apparatus 2A. Display processing is executed.

  First, the designated image forming apparatus 2A is turned on, and a warm-up period is started (step S301). Then, a warm-up screen is displayed on the display unit 12 (step S302). As the warm-up screen, for example, the screen shown in FIG. After execution of step S302, the information management apparatus 3 is connected for communication (step S303). Then, it is determined whether there is print job information 33B received from the information management device 3 (step S304). The print job information 33B refers to the print job information 33B transmitted in step S109 of the proxy output determination process executed by the information management apparatus 3. At this time, a print job is also received.

  If it is determined in step S304 that there is no print job information 33B (step S304; NO), the process proceeds to step S310 described later. When it is determined that there is the print job information 33B (step S304; YES), the screen of the display unit 12 is switched (step S305). At this time, the screen of the display unit 12 is switched to, for example, the screen of FIG. 9B or FIG.

  After execution of step S305, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to select a map by the user (step S306). The instruction to select a map is performed when the user inputs an instruction to select a map via the operation unit 11. For example, when the user presses the touch panel button 58 of the map shown in FIG. 9B or 6A, an instruction to select the map is issued. When it is determined that there is no instruction to select a map by the user (step S306; NO), the process proceeds to step S308 described later. When it is determined that there is an instruction to select a map by the user (step S306; YES), the screen displayed on the display unit 12 is switched (step S307). At this time, for example, the screen shown in FIG.

  After execution of step S307, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to perform proxy output processing of the print job by the user (step S308). An instruction to perform print job proxy output processing is performed by the user specifying an image forming apparatus that performs proxy output via the operation unit 11.

  When it is determined that there is no instruction to perform proxy output processing of the print job by the user (step S308; NO), the process proceeds to step S310 described later. In this case, the proxy output determination process of the information management device 3 is step S110; NO. If it is determined that there is an instruction to perform proxy output processing of the print job by the user (step S308; YES), the print job and the print job information 33B are transmitted to the information management apparatus 3 (step S309). In this case, the proxy output determination process of the information management apparatus 3 is YES in step S110; the print job is received in step S111. The proxy execution of the print job is performed by the image forming apparatus designated by the user. After execution of step S309, the warm-up is completed (step S310). Then, the second screen display process ends.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the print job information 33B received during the warm-up period of the designated image forming apparatus 2A can be displayed on the display unit 12 during the warm-up period of the designated image forming apparatus 2A. . Accordingly, the user can designate an image forming apparatus that performs a job on behalf during the warm-up period of the designated image forming apparatus, and can eliminate the waiting time during the warm-up period of the designated image forming apparatus 2A.

(Modification of the second embodiment)
A modification of the second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 shows a screen displayed on the display unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 2 according to this modification. FIG. 12 shows the flow of the third screen display process executed by the image forming apparatus 2. Hereinafter, the apparatus configuration of this modification uses the image forming system 1 as in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be given. The different parts will be described below.

  In the image forming apparatus 2, a third screen display program is stored in the ROM.

  With reference to FIG. 11, an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 2 in the present modification will be described. In this modification, the image forming apparatus 2 will be described below assuming that it has a FAX transmission / reception function. FIG. 11A shows an example of a display screen during FAX processing. FIG. 11B shows an example of a display screen when print job information is received from the information management apparatus 3.

  FIG. 11A shows that a FAX processing screen 51A, a proxy output job information touch panel button 52, and a touch panel button 52A of an output machine capable of proxy output are displayed on the display unit 12. . The FAX processing in progress screen 51A is a screen indicating that the designated image forming apparatus 2A is in the FAX processing. FIG. 11B shows that a FAX processing screen 53A and a job information display screen 54A are displayed on the display unit 12.

Next, a third screen display process executed by the designated image forming apparatus 2A will be described with reference to FIG. In the third screen display process, when the information management apparatus 3 receives a print job executed by the designated image forming apparatus 2A during a period in which the designated image forming apparatus 2A cannot execute the print job, information about the print job (print job) Information 33B) is displayed on the display unit 12 during a period in which the print job information 33B can be displayed, and a proxy-executable image forming apparatus is designated.
In this modification, the case where the designated image forming apparatus 2A is another job (during the FAX processing period) will be described as a period during which the print job cannot be executed. The case where the print job information 33B can be displayed will be described in the case where another job is being executed (in the FAX processing period).

  For example, when the power of the image forming apparatus 2 is turned on, the print job display process is executed in cooperation with the third screen display program read from the ROM and appropriately developed in the RAM and the CPU. The

  First, the image forming apparatus 2 is turned on (step S401). Then, FAX processing is executed (step S402). After execution of step S402, a screen indicating that the FAX processing period is in progress is displayed on the display unit 12 (step S403). For example, the screen shown in FIG. After executing step S403, the information management apparatus 3 is connected for communication (step S404). Then, it is determined whether or not there is print job information 33B received from the information management device 3 (step S405). The print job information 33B refers to 33B of the print job information transmitted in step S109 of the proxy output determination process executed by the information management apparatus 3. At this time, a print job is also received.

  If it is determined in step S405 that there is no print job information 33B (step S405; NO), the process proceeds to step S409 described later. If it is determined in step S405 that there is print job information 33B (step S405; YES), screen switching of the display unit 12 is executed (step S406). At this time, the screen of the display unit 12 is switched to, for example, the screen of FIG. 11B or FIG.

  After execution of step S406, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to select a map by the user (step S407). The instruction to select a map is performed when the user inputs an instruction to select a map via the operation unit 11. For example, an instruction to select a map is performed when the user presses the touch panel button 58 of the map of FIG. When it is determined that there is no instruction for selecting a map by the user (step S407; NO), the process proceeds to step S409 described later. When it is determined that there is an instruction to select a map by the user (step S407; YES), the screen displayed on the display unit 12 is switched (step S408). At this time, for example, the screen shown in FIG.

  After execution of step S408, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to perform proxy output processing of the print job by the user (step S409). An instruction to perform print job proxy output processing is performed by the user specifying an image forming apparatus that performs proxy output via the operation unit 11.

  When it is determined that there is no instruction to perform the print job proxy output process by the user (step S409; NO), the third display screen process ends. If it is determined that there is an instruction to perform proxy output processing of the print job by the user (step S409; YES), the print job and the print processing information are transmitted to the information management apparatus 3 (step S410). The proxy execution of the print job is performed by the image forming apparatus designated by the user. After execution of step S410, the third display screen process ends.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the print job information 33B received during the FAX processing period of the designated image forming apparatus 2A can be displayed on the display unit 12 during the FAX processing period of the designated image forming apparatus 2A. . Accordingly, the user can designate an image forming apparatus that performs a job on behalf of the designated image forming apparatus 2A during the FAX processing period, and can eliminate the waiting time during the FAX processing period of the designated image forming apparatus 2A. .

  The description in the above embodiment is an example of the image forming system 1 and the image forming apparatus 2 according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the job is described as a print job, but it may be a scan job, a copy job, a fax transmission job, and a mail transmission job.

  In addition, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of the image forming system 1 in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system 1 according to the present invention. 2 is an internal configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 2. FIG. 3 is an internal configuration diagram of an information management device 3. FIG. It is an internal block diagram of PC4. 3 is a screen displayed on the display unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 2. 3 is a screen displayed on the display unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 2. It is a figure which shows the flow of the proxy output judgment process performed with the information management apparatus 3. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a first screen display process executed by the image forming apparatus 2. FIG. 3 is a screen displayed on the display unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 2. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flow of second screen display processing executed by the image forming apparatus 2. FIG. 3 is a screen displayed on the display unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 2. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flow of third screen display processing executed by the image forming apparatus 2. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system 2A-2D Image forming apparatus 3 Information management apparatus 4 PC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Control part 11 Operation part 12 Display part 13 HDD
14 Scanner unit 15 Image processing unit 16 Printer unit 17 Image memory 18 Communication unit 19 I / F unit 30 Control unit 31 Operation unit 32 Display unit 33 Storage unit 33A Proxy output job information 34 Communication unit 35 Bus 51 Warm-up screen 51A FAX processing Intermediate screen 52 Touch panel button 52A for proxy output job information Touch panel button 53 for the output machine capable of proxy output 53 Warm-up screen 53A Fax processing in progress screen 54 Proxy output job information display screen 54A Job information display screen 55 Print job name 56 User name 57 Name of proxy output machine 57A Name of output machine capable of proxy output 58 Map touch panel button 61 Proxy output job information display screen N Communication line

Claims (5)

A first image forming apparatus that executes a job;
An information management device for managing jobs executed by the first image forming device and the second image forming device;
The information management device includes:
Determining means for determining whether or not the first image forming apparatus is in a period in which a job cannot be executed;
When the determination unit determines that the first image forming apparatus is in a period during which the job cannot be executed, the job executed by the first image forming apparatus is transmitted to the second image forming apparatus, and Transmission means for transmitting, when the first image forming apparatus can receive proxy execution information indicating that the job has been executed by the second image forming apparatus as a proxy,
The first image forming apparatus includes:
Receiving means for receiving proxy execution information transmitted by the transmitting means;
Display means for displaying the proxy execution information received by the receiving means;
An image forming system comprising: display control means for causing the display means to display the proxy execution information during a displayable period of the proxy execution information. The information management device includes:
The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising: a determination unit that determines whether or not the second image forming apparatus causes the second image forming apparatus to execute a job executed by the first image forming apparatus. The proxy execution information is:
The job information includes at least one of a job name of the job, a name of a user who gives an instruction to execute the job, a name of the second image forming apparatus, and position information of the second image forming apparatus. Item 4. The image forming system according to Item 1. Receiving means for receiving identification information for identifying a job and an image forming apparatus that can execute the job on behalf of the job;
Display means for displaying the identification information received by the receiving means;
Display control means for displaying the identification information on the display means during a period in which the identification information can be displayed;
An operation unit that receives an operation of designating an image forming apparatus that performs the job on behalf based on the identification information displayed by the display control unit;
Control means for causing the image forming apparatus designated by the operation means to execute the job on behalf;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The identification information is
It includes at least one of the job name of the job, the name of the user who issued the job execution instruction, the name of the image forming apparatus capable of proxy execution of the job, and the position information of the image forming apparatus capable of proxy execution of the job The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

Images