JP2013058010A - Image processing system, image processing device, image forming device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing system in which a user can call a print job on an image processing apparatus from a desired image forming apparatus and cause the image forming apparatus to execute printing.
In response to a print execution command, the image processing system 100 determines a virtual printer driver unit 122 that generates intermediate data of a print job related to the print execution command, and an output destination candidate included in the intermediate data. Output destination determination means 128 that determines one or more output destination candidates for the print job from one or more image forming apparatuses according to the information to be performed, and each of the image forming apparatuses that are one or more output destination candidates On the other hand, in response to the print processing start request relating to the print job received from any one or more output destination candidates, the status notification unit 132 that notifies the print job waiting state of the print job, A distribution unit 126 that distributes intermediate data to a certain output destination candidate image forming apparatus.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming process, and more specifically, an image processing system that allows a user to call a print job on an external image processing apparatus from a desired image forming apparatus and cause the image forming apparatus to execute printing. The present invention relates to a processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a program.

  In recent years, rather than causing a specific image forming apparatus to execute printing, a so-called location / acquisition in which a user obtains a desired printed matter by giving an instruction on an operation panel of a vacant image forming apparatus among a plurality of users. There is a growing focus on free printing. In order to realize the location-free printing, there is known a method in which an external server for storing print data is provided so that desired print data can be acquired by accessing the external server from the image forming apparatus.

  In addition, there is a demand to limit the image forming apparatuses that can be used according to the user and the type of document. Regarding the technology for limiting the usable image forming apparatuses, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-157208 (Patent Document 1) discloses a system for distributing print data output destinations according to the contents of users, terminals, and documents. Disclose. In the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, print data and user-specific information (IP address, terminal name, user name, etc.) are extracted at the time of printing, and the corresponding information is associated with output destination candidates. It has a configuration for managing the attachment information, determining an appropriate output destination of the print data from the unique information and the association information, and outputting it.

  However, in the conventional location-free printing system, as described above, it is necessary to separately construct an external server for holding print data, which is not sufficient in terms of increasing the server management cost. In addition, it is difficult for the above-described conventional location-free printing system to meet the demand for restricting the image forming apparatuses that can be used depending on the user and the type of document. In order to limit the image forming apparatuses that can be used on the external server, information for determining the usable image forming apparatus is transmitted to the external server side, or the image forming apparatus that can be used on the external server side. It is necessary to build a mechanism for judging Therefore, the development cost increases.

  Further, according to the conventional technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, output destinations can be limited according to print data and unique information. However, the prior art of Patent Document 1 performs location-free printing in which a user operates a desired image forming apparatus, calls a print job on an image processing apparatus such as an external terminal, and causes the image forming apparatus to execute printing. It was not realized.

  The present invention has been made in view of the insufficiency in the prior art described above, and the present invention can provide a user with a desired image from a plurality of candidates for an image forming apparatus limited by the contents of a print job. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system, an image processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a program capable of calling a print job on the image processing apparatus and causing the image forming apparatus to print out using the forming apparatus. .

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides an image forming system having the following characteristics. The image forming system includes virtual printer driver means for generating intermediate data of a print job related to the print execution command in response to the print execution command. The image forming system includes an output destination determining unit that determines one or more output destination candidates for a print job from one or more image forming apparatuses according to information for determining an output destination candidate included in the intermediate data. And a status notification unit that notifies each of the image forming apparatuses that are one or more output destination candidates of a print job waiting state. In addition, in response to a print processing start request relating to a print job received from any one or more output destination candidates, the present image forming system provides an intermediate to the output destination candidate image forming apparatus that is the request source of the print processing start. Distribution means for distributing data.

  According to the above configuration, only by the user giving a print instruction on the image processing apparatus, the limited output destination candidate image forming apparatus is determined according to the content of the print job, and the output destination candidate image forming apparatus is determined. It becomes possible to start printing from the beginning. After the preparation for printing execution is completed, the user selects a desired output destination from a plurality of output destination candidates selected according to the contents of the print job, and starts printing from the image forming apparatus. The desired printed matter can be obtained.

1 is a schematic diagram of a printing system according to a first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram related to a sorting printing function realized in the printing system according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows the data structure of the matching information which the matching information storage part in 1st Embodiment stores. 6 is a diagram illustrating a print waiting screen that is displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment and that receives an instruction to start print processing of a print job that is in a print wait state. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by a virtual printer driver in the terminal device according to the first embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process which the dispatch process part in the terminal device by 1st Embodiment performs. 6 is a flowchart (1/2) illustrating processing executed by the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart (2/2) illustrating processing executed by the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining cooperation between functional units in print distribution processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the (A) terminal device and the (B) image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing processing executed by a virtual printer driver in a terminal device according to a second embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process which the dispatch process part in the terminal device by 2nd Embodiment performs. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining cooperation between functional units in print distribution processing according to the second embodiment.

  Hereinafter, although embodiment of this invention is described, embodiment of this invention is not limited to embodiment described below. In the embodiment described below, an example of an image processing system will be described using a print system including a personal computer as an image processing apparatus and a laser printer and a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing system according to the first embodiment. A print system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes personal computers 110a and 110b, a multi-function device 150a, and laser printers 150b and 150c, which are connected to a network 102, respectively. The devices 110a, 110b, 150a, 150b, and 150c are interconnected via the network 102. The network 102 is not particularly limited, but a LAN (Local Area Network) based on a transaction protocol such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), VPN (Virtual Private Network), etc. It can be configured as a WAN (Wide Area Network) connected using a dedicated line. Further, the network 102 can preferably correspond to a protocol such as WSD (Web Services on Devices) that supports connection between a device and a computer.

  Each of the personal computers 110a and 110b has a sort printing function for sending print data in response to a call of a print job from the device while restricting devices that can output in accordance with the contents of the print job. Device. The personal computers 110a and 110b are hereinafter referred to as the terminal device 110. The terminal device 110 is exemplified by a personal computer in FIG. 1, but is not particularly limited thereto. The terminal device 110 may be another information processing device such as a workstation or a server, or a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance). In addition, FIG. 1 illustrates the case where two terminal devices 110 are provided on the network 102, but the number of terminal devices 110 is not particularly limited, and may be one or more.

  In response to an instruction from the operator of the device, the multi-function device 150a and the laser printers 150b and 150c call up a print job that is prepared in the terminal device 110 and is in a waiting state, and print it out. It is a corresponding device. The multi-function device 150a and the laser printers 150b and 150c are hereinafter collectively referred to as the image forming apparatus 150. The image forming apparatus 150 is exemplified by a multifunction peripheral and a laser printer in FIG. 1, but is not particularly limited thereto. The image forming apparatus 150 may be configured as various image devices such as other printer apparatuses such as an ink jet printer, and a facsimile apparatus having a print function. The number of image forming apparatuses 150 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as being three on the network 102, but is not particularly limited, and can be one or more.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatuses 150 a to 150 c are disposed at different locations 190 a to 190 c, respectively. In the print system 100 according to the present embodiment, the user can conveniently select from among the image forming apparatuses arranged in various locations 190a to 190c that can be output according to the contents of the print job. Can be used to output a desired printed matter. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 9, the sorting printing function by the printing system 100 of the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks related to the sort printing function implemented in the printing system according to the first embodiment. The functional blocks shown in FIG. 2 include functional blocks realized on the terminal device 110 and functional blocks realized on the image forming apparatus 150.

  The terminal device 110 includes an application 112, a print distribution unit 120, and a print queue 144. The application 112 is a variety of applications such as document creation, spreadsheet, presentation, drawing, painting, photo retouching, and any application capable of executing printing can be used. The print queue 144 is provided corresponding to one or more image forming apparatuses 150 registered in advance as output destination candidates in the terminal apparatus 110. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the terminal device 110 includes print queues 144a to 144c corresponding to the image forming apparatuses 150a to 150c.

  The print distribution unit 120 processes a print job from the application 112 and waits for a print processing start request from a device that can output, which is restricted according to the content of the print job. Hereinafter, an apparatus capable of outputting is referred to as an output destination candidate apparatus (or an image forming apparatus). Upon receiving a print processing start request from the output destination candidate device, the print distribution unit 120 sends the print data to the request source device for printing.

  More specifically, the print distribution unit 120 includes a virtual printer driver 122, an intermediate data storage unit 124, a distribution unit 126, an output destination determination unit 128, an association information storage unit 130, and a status notification unit 132. A print request receiving unit 134. In addition, the distribution unit 126, the output destination determination unit 128, the association information storage unit 130, the status notification unit 132, and the print request reception unit 134 constitute a shipping processing unit 142. The dispatch processing unit 142 is activated as an instance for each print job, and for each print job, determination of an output destination candidate to be described later, notification of a waiting state for printing, and distribution processing of intermediate data to the image forming apparatus that requested the print processing start I do.

  In the application 112, when the user designates the virtual printer driver 122 and performs print settings as appropriate, and issues a print execution instruction for a document or the like, the application 112 issues a print execution command to the virtual printer driver 122. . The virtual printer driver 122 receives job data generated according to the document together with a print execution command from the application 112, generates intermediate data, and temporarily stores it in the intermediate data storage unit 124. When the storage of the intermediate data is completed, the virtual printer driver 122 makes a print request to the distribution unit 126 and takes over the subsequent processing.

  More specifically, the virtual printer driver 122 generates intermediate image data for each page from the job data, and stores the generated intermediate image data in the intermediate data storage unit 124 as the intermediate image 136. The data format of the intermediate image 136 is not particularly limited, and examples include EMF (Enhanced Meta File), bitmap, PDF (Portable Document Format), and XPS (EXL Paper Specification). In a Windows (registered trademark) environment that is a specific embodiment, the intermediate image storage unit 124 divides the EMF file generated by the spooler into predetermined unit units such as page units by the print processor. Can be generated by copying to

  The virtual printer driver 122 also saves the file name, the number of pages, print settings, and the like as print information 138 in the intermediate data storage unit 124. Examples of the print settings include various print setting items managed by the DEVMODE structure, such as the number of copies, aggregation conditions, double-sided or single-sided designation, sort designation, color mode designation, and reduction / enlargement ratio. The virtual printer driver 122 further includes user-specific information (such as a user name) that identifies a user who is using the terminal device 110, and terminal-specific information that identifies the terminal device 110 (host name, IP address, MAC address, UUID, The serial number or the like is stored as system information 140 in the intermediate data storage unit 124.

  The distribution unit 126, in cooperation with the output destination determination unit 128, the status notification unit 132, and the print request reception unit 134, waits for a print processing start request from an output destination candidate device that is restricted according to the content of the print job. In response to the request, print data is sent out. In response to the print request from the virtual printer driver 122, the distribution unit 126 requests the output destination determination unit 128 to provide output destination candidates, and obtains an output destination candidate list including the output destination candidates.

  The output destination determination unit 128 compares the intermediate data 136, 138, and 140 stored in the intermediate data storage unit 124 with the association information stored in the association information storage unit 130, determines an output destination candidate, The output destination candidate list is provided to the distribution unit 126. The association information is registered in advance in order to determine output destination candidates from the contents of the print job, and has a data structure as illustrated in FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of association information stored in the association information storage unit according to the first embodiment. The association information shown in FIG. 3 includes a mode section indicated by [Mode], and this mode section includes designation of which item is used as information for determining an output destination candidate. ing. In the example of FIG. 3, “UserName = 1” is described in the mode section, and the description is made by the output destination determination unit 128 by referring to the user name section indicated by [UserName] and system information. This indicates that an output destination candidate is determined using the user name in the list. If there is a user name section that matches the user name in the system information, the printer associated with the user name is determined as an output destination candidate. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, if the user name in the system information is “Taro”, “PrinterA”, “PrinterB”, and “PrinterC” are determined as output destination candidates.

  Although different from the example of FIG. 3, when “HostName = 1” is described in the mode section, the output destination determination unit 128 refers to the host name section indicated by [HostName] and Output destination candidates are determined using the host name. When “IPAddress = 1” is described in the mode section, the output destination determination unit 128 refers to the IP address section indicated by [IPAddress], and uses the IP address of the terminal device 110 as an output destination candidate. To decide.

  Further, when “Keyword = 1” is described in the mode section, the output destination determination unit 128 refers to the keyword section indicated by [Keyword] and determines an output destination candidate using the described keyword. can do. At this time, the output destination determination unit 128 analyzes the intermediate image 136 in the intermediate data storage unit 124, and when an image that matches the keyword described in the keyword section is extracted, it is associated with the keyword. The printer that is currently being used is determined as an output destination candidate. When “ColorMode = 1” is described in the mode section, the output destination determination unit 128 refers to the color mode section indicated by [ColorMode] and uses the color mode designation of the print information 138 to output the output destination. Candidates can be determined. When “Copies = 1” is described in the mode section, the output destination determination unit 128 refers to the copy section indicated by [Copies] and selects an output destination candidate using the number of copies specified in the print information 138. Can be determined.

  In FIG. 3, the host name and the IP address have been described as examples of the terminal specific information. However, other terminal identification information such as the UUID and serial number of the terminal device 110, and address information of another address system such as a MAC address are used. May be. In addition, as the print information, the copy mode designation and the copy number designation have been described as examples, but other print setting items such as aggregation conditions and sort designation may be used. In FIG. 3, keywords are used, but in other embodiments, any information that can be extracted by analyzing an intermediate image may be used.

  Here, referring again to FIG. 2, the distribution unit 126 requests the status notification unit 132 for status notification together with the acquired output destination candidate list, and notifies the status of each output destination candidate to the image forming apparatus. Make it. In response to the status notification request from the distribution unit 126, the status notification unit 132 notifies the status notification to all the output destination candidate image forming apparatuses 150 in the received output destination candidate list.

  The status of the notified print job includes a “print waiting state” and a “print completion state”. The “print waiting state” refers to a state in which intermediate data preparation has been completed for the print job and printing processing can be executed from an image forming apparatus as an arbitrary output destination candidate. On the other hand, the “print completion state” refers to a state in which a print job is completed after print processing is executed by any one of the output destination candidates. It is assumed that the status notification unit 132 holds communication information such as the IP address of the image forming apparatus 150 registered in advance in order to notify the status.

  The print request reception unit 134 waits for a print processing start request from the output destination candidate image forming apparatus 150 that has notified the print wait state. When the print request receiving unit 134 receives the request for starting the printing process, the print request receiving unit 134 notifies the distribution unit 126 of the image forming apparatus (output destination image forming apparatus) that is the request destination output destination candidate. When the print request receiving unit 134 receives a print processing start request from one of the output destination candidate image forming apparatuses, the distribution unit 126 corresponds to the requesting image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an output destination image forming apparatus). The intermediate data is transmitted as print data to the print queue 144 to complete the distribution process.

  On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 150 includes a status receiving unit 152, a print instruction receiving unit 154, and a print request transmitting unit 156. The status reception unit 152 receives the status notification from the status notification unit 132 of the terminal device 110 and makes a request to the print instruction reception unit 154 according to the notified status. When the “print waiting state” is notified, the status receiving unit 152 causes the print instruction receiving unit 154 to display a screen for instructing the start of print processing of the print job in the print waiting state. On the other hand, when the “print completion status” is notified, the status reception unit 152 causes the print instruction reception unit 154 to delete the print job that has already been displayed from the screen display.

  FIG. 4 illustrates a print waiting screen that is displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 150 according to the first embodiment and receives an instruction to start print processing of a print job that is in a print waiting state. The print standby screen 200 is popped up on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 150 in response to the status reception unit 152 receiving the “print wait status” status notification. Alternatively, it is displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 150 in response to selection of a specific print job from the print job list display screen that can be called from the image forming apparatus 150.

  The print standby screen 200 includes a message display 202 indicating that there is a print job waiting to be printed with the image forming apparatus 150 as an output destination candidate, a content display 204 indicating the content of the print job, a print button 208, and the like. , And a close button 210.

  When the print button 208 is touched on the print standby screen 200 shown in FIG. 4, the status reception unit 152 requests the print request transmission unit 156 to transmit a print processing start request. The print request transmission unit 156 transmits a print processing start request to the terminal device 110 together with identification information (such as an IP address) for identifying the image forming apparatus 150. When the print processing start request is transmitted, the image forming apparatus 150 receives print data transmitted via the print queue 144 and executes the image forming process by a printing method such as an electrophotographic method.

  Hereinafter, the flow of the print distribution process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the virtual printer driver in the terminal device according to the first embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 5 is started from step S100 in response to the user designating the virtual printer driver 122 by the application 112 and issuing a print instruction. In step S <b> 101, the virtual printer driver 122 receives a print execution command and job data from the application 122 in response to a print execution instruction performed by the application 112.

  In step S <b> 102, the virtual printer driver 122 generates one or more intermediate images for each page from the received job data, and stores them in the intermediate data storage unit 124. In step S <b> 103, the virtual printer driver 122 extracts print information such as the document name and the number of copies specified in the job data and stores them in the intermediate data storage unit 124. In step S <b> 104, the virtual printer driver 122 extracts system information such as user-specific information and terminal-specific information from the job data, and stores it in the intermediate data storage unit 124. The print job is identified by a job ID, for example, and the intermediate data is associated with the job ID. In step S105, the virtual printer driver 122 makes a print request with a job ID to the distribution unit 126 of the dispatch processing unit 142, and in step S106, the virtual printer driver side responds to the print execution command. Terminate.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the shipping processing unit in the terminal device according to the first embodiment. The process by the dispatch processing unit 142 illustrated in FIG. 6 is executed for each print job. The process shown in FIG. 6 is started from step S200 in response to the print request from the virtual printer driver 122 in step S105 shown in FIG. In step S <b> 201, the distribution unit 126 receives a print request from the virtual printer driver 122.

  In step S202, the distribution unit 126 passes the job ID to the output destination determination unit 128 and requests an output destination candidate list. In step S203, the output destination determination unit 128 collates the intermediate data stored in the intermediate data storage unit 124 and associated with the passed job ID with the association information stored in the association information storage unit 130. Then, an output destination candidate list is generated and returned to the distribution unit 126.

  In step S <b> 204, the distribution unit 126 requests the status notification unit 132 to pass the output destination candidate list and notify all candidates included in the output destination candidate list to the print waiting state. In step S <b> 205, the status notification unit 132 notifies all the output destination candidate image forming apparatuses together with terminal identification information (such as an IP address) for communicating with the terminal apparatus 110, and print waiting status notification. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, in order to display the print job contents easily, a print waiting state notification may be sent with a terminal name, an IP address, a document name, and the like.

  In step S206, the print request receiving unit 134 starts waiting for a print processing start request from the output destination candidate image forming apparatus. In step S207, the print request reception unit 134 determines whether a print processing start request has been received from one of the output destination candidate image forming apparatuses, and until the request is received (during NO), step Loop S207. If it is determined in step S207 that a print processing start request has been received from one of the output destination candidates (YES), the process proceeds to step S208.

  In step S <b> 208, the print request reception unit 134 indicates to the distribution unit 126 that an output destination image has been received from the request source output destination candidate image forming apparatus (output destination image forming apparatus). Notification is made together with identification information (such as an IP address) of the forming apparatus. In step S209, the distribution unit 126 reads the intermediate data from the intermediate data storage unit 124, and sends it to the print queue 144 corresponding to the output destination image forming apparatus notified from the print request reception unit 134. In step S210, the distribution unit 126 determines whether or not the intermediate data sending process has been completed, and loops step S210 until it is completed (during NO).

  If it is determined in step S210 that the shipping process has been completed (YES), the process proceeds to step S211. In step S211, the distribution unit 126 requests the status notification unit 132 to send a print completion status notification to all candidates included in the output destination candidate list. In step S212, the status notification unit 132 notifies the print completion status together with the terminal identification information to all the output destination candidate image forming apparatuses, and the process ends in step S213.

  7 and 8 are flowcharts illustrating processing executed by the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 7 is started from step S300 in response to the activation of the image forming apparatus 150. In step S301, the status reception unit 152 determines whether or not a print wait state notification is received from the distribution unit 126, and loops step S301 until the print wait state notification is received (during NO).

  If it is determined in step S301 that a print wait state notification has been received (YES), the process proceeds to step S302. In step S <b> 302, the state reception unit 152 requests the print instruction reception unit 154 to perform display processing related to the print waiting state notification from the terminal device 110. In step S303, as shown in FIG. 4, the print instruction reception unit 154 displays a print standby screen indicating that there is a print job waiting to be printed on the operation panel, and notifies the operator of the image forming apparatus 150. Prompts the user to start printing. Then, the process proceeds from step S304 to the process shown in FIG.

  Through the processing described with reference to FIG. 7, the user issues a print execution instruction from the application 112 on the terminal device 110, moves in front of any desired image forming apparatus among the output destination candidates, and operates as the operator. It is possible to issue an instruction to start a printing process for a print job waiting to be printed.

  The process shown in FIG. 8 proceeds from step S304 shown in FIG. 7, and starts from step S400. In step S401, the status reception unit 152 determines whether a print completion status notification has been received. If it is determined in step S401 that the print completion status notification has not been received (NO), the process proceeds to step S402. In step S402, the print instruction receiving unit 154 determines whether or not there has been an instruction to start printing from the operator. If no instruction to start printing has been issued (NO), the process loops to step S401. Let

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S402 that there is an instruction to start printing from the operator by touching the print button 208 on the print standby screen shown in FIG. 4 (YES), the process proceeds to step S403. It is done. In step S403, the print instruction reception unit 154 requests the print request transmission unit 156 to transmit a print process start request in response to the print start instruction. In step S <b> 404, the print request transmission unit 156 transmits a print processing start request to the terminal apparatus 110 together with identification information (such as an IP address) of the image forming apparatus.

  In step S405, the status reception unit 152 determines whether a print completion status notification has been received. In step S405, the process is looped in step S405 until the print completion status notification is received (during NO). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S401 or step S405 that a print completion status notification has been received (YES), the process branches to step S406. In step S406, the status reception unit 152 requests the print instruction reception unit 154 to delete the display corresponding to the received print wait status notification from the terminal device. In step S407, the print instruction reception unit 154 deletes the display indicating that there is a print job waiting to be printed corresponding to the notification displayed on the operation panel, and ends the process in step S408.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 9, the cooperation of the functional units in the print distribution process according to the first embodiment will be described. The process shown in FIG. 9 starts from step S501. In step S501, the application 112 instructs the virtual printer driver 122 to execute printing. In step S <b> 502, the virtual printer driver 122 generates intermediate data in response to the print execution command and stores it in the intermediate data storage unit 124. In step 503, the virtual printer driver 122 makes a print request to the distribution unit 126.

  In step S504, the distribution unit 126 requests the output destination determination unit 128 to provide output destination candidates in response to the print request. In step S505, the output destination determination unit 128 collates the intermediate data and the association information to generate an output destination candidate list, and returns the output destination candidate list to the distribution unit 126 in step S506. In step S507, the distribution unit 126 requests the status notification unit 132 for a print waiting state notification, and in step S508, the state notification unit 132 notifies the print receiving state 152 of all the output destination candidates.

  On the image forming apparatus 150 side, in step S509, the status reception unit 152 requests the print instruction reception unit 154 to display the print wait state in response to the print wait state notification. In step S <b> 510, the print instruction receiving unit 154 displays a print wait state in order to present a print job in a print wait state to the operator and prompt a print start instruction. In step S511, when an instruction to start printing by the operator is received, in step S512, the print instruction receiving unit 154 requests the print request transmitting unit 156 to transmit a print processing start request. In step S513, the print request transmission unit 156 transmits a print processing start request to the print request reception unit 134 of the terminal device 110.

  When the print processing start request is made, on the terminal device 110 side, in step S514, the print request receiving unit 134 notifies the distribution unit 126 of the output destination image forming apparatus that is the request source. In step S515, the distribution unit 126 reads the intermediate data, and in step S516, the distribution unit 126 transmits the intermediate data as print data to the print queue 144 corresponding to the output destination image forming apparatus. As a result, print data in a print data format suitable for the output destination image forming apparatus is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 150 via the print queue 144 and printed out. In step S517, the distribution unit 126 requests the status notification unit 132 for a print completion status notification in response to the successful completion of the intermediate data transmission. In step S518, the status notification unit 132 notifies the print completion status to the status reception units 152 of all output destination candidates.

  On the image forming apparatus 150 side, in step S519, the status reception unit 152 requests the print instruction reception unit 154 to delete the print waiting status display in response to the print completion status notification. In step S520, the print instruction receiving unit 154 deletes the print wait state display and cancels the print wait screen display as shown in FIG.

  By the processing described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, both the image forming apparatus in which the user has issued a print processing start request and the image forming apparatus that has received the print completion status notification without performing the print processing start request. Then, the processing relating to the print job is completed.

  Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the terminal device 110 and the image forming apparatus 150 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of (A) the terminal device 110 and (B) the image forming apparatus 150 according to the first embodiment. A terminal device 110 shown in FIG. 10A includes a control unit 12 including a single-core or multi-core CPU (central processing unit), a main storage unit 14 such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). ) And SSD (Solid State Drive) and the like, an external storage device I / F unit 18, and a network I / F unit 20 such as a NIC (Network Interface Card). The terminal device 110 can further include an input unit 22 and a display unit 24. The input unit 22 includes a mouse and a keyboard.

  The terminal device 110 reads a control program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 16 under the control of the control unit 12 shown in FIG. 10A and develops it in a work space provided by the main storage unit 14. As a result, the terminal device 110 is controlled under the control of an appropriate operating system such as Windows (registered trademark) XP, Vista (registered trademark), 7 (registered trademark), UNIX (registered trademark), LINUX (registered trademark), or the like. Each functional means and each process mentioned above are implement | achieved.

  Similarly, the image forming apparatus 150 illustrated in FIG. 10B includes a control unit 32 including a CPU and a main storage unit 34 such as a RAM. The image forming apparatus 150 further includes an auxiliary storage unit 36 such as an HDD, an external storage device I / F unit 38, a network I / F unit 40 such as a NIC, a printing unit 42, and an operation panel unit 44. .

  The auxiliary storage unit 36 accumulates image data, document data, programs, font data, form data, and the like, and stores a control program for controlling the image forming apparatus 150, various system information, and various setting information. The external storage device I / F unit 38 is an interface unit for connecting to an external storage medium such as a USB flash memory, a smart media (registered trademark), or a compact flash (registered trademark).

  The network I / F unit 40 is an interface device that connects the image forming apparatus 150 to the network 102 such as the Internet or a LAN. The network I / F unit 40 receives a status notification and intermediate data related to the print job from the terminal device 110 via the network 102, and transmits a print processing start request. The printing unit 42 includes a plotter engine based on an existing printing technique such as an electrophotographic method, and performs print output for a print job according to received print data. The operation panel unit 44 includes a display device and an input device such as a liquid crystal display device, a hard key, and a touch panel. The operation panel unit 44 accepts input of various instructions from an operator of the image forming apparatus 150, and provides a user interface for accepting an instruction to start printing for a print job waiting to be printed.

  Similarly, the image forming apparatus 150 reads the control program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 36 under the control of the control unit 32 shown in FIG. 10B and develops it in the work space provided by the main storage unit 34. Thus, the image forming apparatus 150 starts various processes under an appropriate operating system such as WINDOWS (registered trademark), UNIX (registered trademark), LINUX (registered trademark), and the like. Realize processing.

  According to the embodiments described above, an image forming apparatus that is an appropriate output destination candidate is determined according to the content of a print job by a user simply issuing a print instruction from the application 112 on the terminal apparatus 110, and the image formation is performed. It becomes possible to start printing from the apparatus. After the preparation for printing execution from the image forming apparatus is completed, the user selects a desired output destination from among a plurality of output destination candidates selected according to the contents of the print job, and forms an image. An instruction to start printing a print job can be issued from the operation panel of the apparatus. Thereby, the user can call a print job prepared on the terminal device and obtain a desired printed matter regardless of the location.

  In the above configuration, since it is not necessary to separately provide an external server on which a function for centrally managing print jobs and restricting image forming apparatuses as output destinations is provided, the server management cost for enabling location-free printing and Development costs can be reduced.

  The print system according to the second embodiment will be described below. In the second embodiment described below, the print system allows only a legitimate user who has issued a print execution instruction to start print output from a restricted output destination candidate image forming apparatus. It is configured as follows. Note that the schematic configuration and functional blocks of the printing system according to the second embodiment are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described below. . Hereinafter, the flow of the print distribution process according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the virtual printer driver in the terminal device according to the second embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 11 is started from step S600 in response to the user designating the virtual printer driver 122 by the application 112 and issuing a print instruction. In the application 112, when the user designates the virtual printer driver 122 and performs print settings as appropriate, and issues a print execution instruction for a document or the like, the application 112 issues a print execution command to the virtual printer driver 122. .

  At this time, in the second embodiment, authentication information such as user information, a user ID, a password, and a token ID for verification by user authentication is added to the print execution command. The authentication information input method is not particularly limited, and there is a method in which a user is requested to input from a keyboard at the time of a print instruction, or is acquired from an ID card using a card reader. In step S <b> 601, the virtual printer driver 122 receives a print execution command, job data, and authentication information from the application 122 in response to a print execution instruction performed by the application 112.

  In step S <b> 602, the virtual printer driver 122 generates an intermediate image and stores it in the intermediate data storage unit 124. In step S <b> 603, the virtual printer driver 122 extracts print information and stores it in the intermediate data storage unit 124. In step S <b> 604, the virtual printer driver 122 extracts system information from the job data and stores it in the intermediate data storage unit 124. Here, the authentication information received from the application 112 is also stored as system information. In step S605, the virtual printer driver 122 issues a print request to the distribution unit 126 of the shipping processing unit 142, and in step S606, the virtual printer driver side process responding to the print execution command is terminated.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the shipping processing unit in the terminal device according to the second embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 12 is started from step S700 corresponding to step S605 shown in FIG. The process shown in FIG. 12 is performed for each print job. The distribution unit 126 receives a print request in step S701, and requests an output destination candidate list from the output destination determination unit 128 in step S702. In step S <b> 703, the output destination determination unit 128 generates an output destination candidate list and returns it to the distribution unit 126. In step S <b> 704, the distribution unit 126 acquires authentication information from the system information 140 in the intermediate data storage unit 124. In step S705, the distribution unit 126 requests the status notification unit 132 to send the output destination candidate list and the authentication information to notify all candidates included in the output destination candidate list of the print waiting state. In step S <b> 706, the status notification unit 132 sends a print waiting status notification to all the output destination candidate image forming apparatuses together with the terminal identification information and the authentication information. The processing from step S707 to step S714 is the same as step S206 to 213 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 7 in the first embodiment is the same, and the description thereof is omitted. By the same processing as in FIG. 7, the user can move to any one of the output destination candidates in front of the desired image forming apparatus, and can issue an instruction to start print processing for a print job waiting for printing as the operator. It becomes like this.

  The process shown in FIG. 13 proceeds from step S304 shown in FIG. 7, and starts from step S800. In step S801, the status reception unit 152 determines whether a print completion status notification has been received. If it is determined in step S801 that the print completion status notification has not yet been received (NO), the process proceeds to step S802. In step S802, the print instruction receiving unit 154 determines whether or not there has been an instruction to start printing from the operator. If no instruction to start printing has been issued (NO), the process loops to step S801. Let On the other hand, if it is determined in step S802 that there is an instruction to start printing from the operator (YES), the process proceeds to step S803.

  In step S803, the print instruction accepting unit 154 compares the first authentication information transmitted from the terminal device 110 with the second authentication information input from the user on the image forming apparatus 150 side, thereby obtaining authentication information. It is determined whether or not. The input method of the second authentication information is not particularly limited, but prior to the print instruction or after the print instruction, the user is requested to input from the keyboard at the time of the print instruction, or a card reader. There is a method of obtaining from an ID card using If it is determined in step S803 that the authentication information does not match (NO), the process loops to step S801 to prompt the user to input authentication information and print instructions again. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S803 that the authentication information matches (YES), the process proceeds to step S804. The processing after step S804 is the same as the processing from step S403 to step S408 shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 14, the cooperation of the functional units in the print distribution process according to the second embodiment will be described. The process shown in FIG. 14 starts from step S901, and the application 112 instructs the virtual printer driver 122 to execute printing. Here, authentication information is added to the print execution command. In step S <b> 902, the virtual printer driver 122 generates intermediate data in response to the print execution command and stores it in the intermediate data storage unit 124. The authentication information is also stored as intermediate data. In step S <b> 903, the virtual printer driver 122 sends a print request to the distribution unit 126.

  In step S904, the distribution unit 126 requests the output destination determination unit 128 to provide output destination candidates. In step S905, the output destination determination unit 128 collates the intermediate data and the association information to generate an output destination candidate list, and returns the output destination candidate list to the distribution unit 126 in step S906. In step S907, the distribution unit 126 refers to the authentication information in the intermediate data storage unit 124. In step S908, the distribution unit 126 passes the authentication information to the status notification unit 132 to request a print waiting status notification, and in step S909, the status notification unit 132 sends the status reception unit 152 to all the output destination candidates. , Print status notification including authentication information.

  On the image forming apparatus 150 side, in step S910, the state reception unit 152 requests the print instruction reception unit 154 to display a print waiting state. In step S911, the print instruction receiving unit 154 displays a print waiting state. In step S912, when the operator receives the human power of authentication information and an instruction to start printing, the print instruction receiving unit 154 performs user authentication in step S913. Here, the description will be continued assuming that user authentication is completed successfully. In step S <b> 914, the print instruction reception unit 154 requests the print request transmission unit 156 to transmit a print processing start request. In step S <b> 915, the print request transmission unit 156 transmits a print processing start request to the print request reception unit 134 of the terminal device 110.

  On the terminal device 110 side, in step S916, in response to the print processing start request, the print request reception unit 134 notifies the distribution unit 126 of the output destination image forming apparatus that is the request source. In step S917, the distribution unit 126 reads the intermediate data, and in step S918, transmits the intermediate data as print data to the print queue 144 corresponding to the output destination image forming apparatus. As a result, the print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 150 via the print queue 144. In step S919, the distribution unit 126 requests the status notification unit 132 for a print completion status notification in response to the successful completion of the intermediate data transmission. In step S920, the status notification unit 132 notifies the status reception unit 152 of all output destination candidates of the print completion status.

  On the image forming apparatus 150 side, in step S921, the status reception unit 152 requests the print instruction reception unit 154 to delete the print wait status display in response to the print completion status notification. In step S922, the print instruction reception unit 154 deletes the print wait state display and cancels the print wait screen display.

  Through the processing described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 11 to 14, in the second embodiment as well, the image forming apparatus from which the user has issued a print processing start request, and the printing is completed without the print processing start request being performed. Both of the image forming apparatuses that have received the status notification end the processing relating to the print job.

  In the second embodiment described above, a person other than the user who has given the print instruction cannot start print output of the print job even if the image forming apparatus is an output destination candidate. For this reason, information leakage can be suitably prevented when printing a document including confidential information. In addition, after the preparation of the print job is completed, if the user has a legitimate authority, an image can be selected by selecting a desired output destination from among a plurality of output destination candidates selected according to the contents of the print job. An instruction to start printing of a print job can be issued from the operation panel of the forming apparatus.

  In the second embodiment described above, authentication information is transmitted from the terminal device 110 to all the output destination candidate image forming apparatuses 150, and on the image forming apparatus 150 side, the first authentication information on the terminal apparatus 110 side, User authentication is performed by collating with the second authentication information input to the image forming apparatus 150. However, in another embodiment, the second authentication information is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 150 to the terminal apparatus 110, and the second authentication information received from the image forming apparatus 150 on the terminal apparatus 110 side and the terminal apparatus 110 side. The user authentication may be performed by collating with the first authentication information.

  As described above, according to the embodiments described above, an image processing apparatus can be used by a user using a desired image forming apparatus from among a plurality of image forming apparatus candidates restricted by the contents of a print job. It is possible to provide an image processing system, an image processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a program capable of calling the above print job and causing the image forming apparatus to print out the print job.

  In the embodiment described above, the virtual printer driver 122, the intermediate data storage unit 124, and the shipping processing unit 142 are all configured on the terminal device 110. However, the arrangement of the functional units is not particularly limited. In another embodiment, as shown by the network boundary 104 in FIG. 2, the client terminal including the application 112, the virtual printer driver 122, and the intermediate data storage unit 124 and the server device including the shipping processing unit 142 are included. It may be configured separately. When the output destination candidates are determined using the terminal specific information and the user specific information, the specific information can be used in the client terminal on which the application side operates.

  In another embodiment, instead of the terminal device 110, a terminal server device in which the application 112, the virtual printer driver 122, the intermediate data storage unit 124, and the shipping processing unit 142 are appropriately configured may be configured. In this case, the end user accesses the terminal server device from the thin client terminal using the remote desktop service or the terminal service. When the output destination candidate is determined using the terminal unique information and the user unique information, the unique information can be that of the thin client terminal.

  The functional unit can be realized by a computer-executable program written in a legacy programming language such as assembler, C, C ++, C #, Java (registered trademark), an object-oriented programming language, or the like. EPROM, flash memory, flexible disk, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, Blu-ray disc, SD card, MO, etc. Can be distributed through.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art may conceive other embodiments, additions, modifications, deletions, and the like. It can be changed within the range that can be done, and any embodiment is included in the scope of the present invention as long as the effects of the present invention are exhibited.

12, 32 ... control unit, 14, 34 ... main storage unit, 16, 36 ... auxiliary storage unit, 18, 38 ... external storage device I / F unit, 20, 40 ... network I / F unit, 22 ... input unit, 24 ... Display unit, 42 ... Printing unit, 44 ... Operation panel unit, 100 ... Print system, 102 ... Network, 104 ... Network boundary, 110 ... Terminal device, 112 ... Application, 120 ... Print distribution unit, 122 ... Virtual printer Driver 124, intermediate data storage unit 126, sorting unit 128, output destination determination unit 130, association information storage unit 132, status notification unit 134, print request reception unit, 136 intermediate image, 138 print Information, 140 ... System information, 142 ... Shipment processing unit, 144 ... Print queue, 150 ... Image forming apparatus, 152 ... Status receiving unit, 54 ... print instruction receiving unit, 156 ... print request transmitting section, 190 ... location, 200 ... printing standby screen, 202 ... message display, 204 ... content display, 208 ... print button, 210 ... close button

JP 2010-157208 A

Claims (10)

An image processing system connected to one or more image forming apparatuses via a network,
Virtual printer driver means for generating intermediate data of a print job related to the print execution command in response to the print execution command;
Output destination determination means for determining one or more output destination candidates for the print job from the one or more image forming apparatuses according to information for determining an output destination candidate included in the intermediate data;
Status notification means for notifying each of the image forming apparatuses that are one or more output destination candidates of a print waiting state of the print job;
Distributing the intermediate data to an output destination candidate image forming apparatus that is a request source of the print processing in response to a print processing start request for the print job received from any one or more of the output destination candidates And an image processing system. The image processing system includes the one or more image forming apparatuses, and each of the one or more image forming apparatuses includes:
Receiving means for receiving a notification of a print waiting state for the print job;
Accepting means for accepting an instruction to start printing for the print job in a print waiting state;
The image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: a transmission unit that transmits a print processing start request for the print job in response to the print start instruction.   First authentication information added to the print job and second authentication information input to the image forming apparatus so that the distribution unit sends the intermediate data only when user authentication is successful. The image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising authentication means for performing user authentication by collating.   The status notification unit notifies the image forming apparatuses that are one or more output destination candidates of the completion of printing of the print job after the distribution unit completes the process of sending the intermediate data. The image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image processing system is characterized.   Determination of one or more output destination candidates for a print job, notification of a print job waiting state for the print job, and distribution of intermediate data to a request source image forming apparatus in response to a print processing start request for the print job are performed for each print job. The image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the image processing system is performed as described above.   The information for determining the output destination candidate is based on the terminal-specific information of the requester of the print execution command, the user-specific information of the requester of the print execution command, the print setting of the print job, and the image of the print job The image processing system according to claim 1, comprising at least one piece of data information extracted by analysis. An image processing apparatus connected to one or more image forming apparatuses via a network,
Output destination determination means for determining one or more output destination candidates for the print job from the one or more image forming apparatuses according to information for determining output destination candidates included in the intermediate data related to the print job; ,
Status notification means for notifying each of the image forming apparatuses that are one or more output destination candidates of a print waiting state of the print job;
Distributing the intermediate data to an output destination candidate image forming apparatus that is a request source of the print processing in response to a print processing start request for the print job received from any one or more of the output destination candidates And an image processing apparatus.   First authentication information added to the print job and second authentication information input to the image forming apparatus so that the distribution unit sends the intermediate data only when user authentication is successful. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising authentication means for performing user authentication by collating. An image forming apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8 via a network,
Receiving means for receiving a notification of a print waiting state for a print job;
Accepting means for accepting an instruction to start printing for a print job waiting for printing;
A transmission means for transmitting a print processing start request for the print job in response to the print start instruction;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints out intermediate data of a print job received from the image processing apparatus. A computer-executable program that causes a computer to function as an image processing apparatus that can be connected to one or more image forming apparatuses via a network, the program comprising:
Output destination determination means for determining one or more output destination candidates for the print job from the one or more image forming apparatuses according to information for determining output destination candidates included in the intermediate data related to the print job;
A status notification unit that notifies each of the image forming apparatuses that are one or more output destination candidates of a print waiting state of the print job; A program that functions as a distribution unit that distributes the intermediate data to an output destination candidate image forming apparatus that is a request source of the print processing in response to a start request.