JP2019191719A - Image forming system, image forming apparatus, and server device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To print a divided image obtained by dividing an original image in plural times. SOLUTION: The server device reserves information for a user who has logged in to a terminal device to print at a specific printing position to be printed at a specific time at a time different from the specific time described in the divided print rule. Is generated, and the generated reservation information is provided to the terminal device, the gateway, and the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus acquires a plurality of divided images to be used for printing from the server apparatus, acquires a divided print rule from the server apparatus, acquires reservation information from the server apparatus, and acquires a specific time and a specific time specified in the reservation information. A divided image to be printed is selected based on the print position and the divided print rule, the print position is determined, and the selected divided image is printed at the print position by controlling the image forming unit. [Selection diagram] Fig. 15

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, and a server apparatus that are typically installed in a convenience store and print an image.

  A technique for improving printing efficiency by combining an image forming apparatus compatible with a network and a server apparatus is known.

JP 2000-250726 A JP2015-138505A

  It is desirable to provide an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, and a server apparatus that can prompt a customer to visit a convenience store.

An image forming system according to an aspect of the present invention includes:
A server device;
An image forming apparatus connected to the server apparatus via a network via a gateway;
Comprising the server device and a terminal device connected via the network,
The server device is
A first communication unit capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus via the gateway;
A first storage unit;
A first control unit;
The image forming apparatus includes:
A second communication unit capable of communicating with the server device via the gateway;
A second storage unit;
An image forming unit for forming an image;
A second control unit,
The gateway is
A third communication unit that relays communication between the server apparatus and the image forming apparatus;
A third control unit,
The first control unit of the server device,
Selecting an original image to be provided to the image forming apparatus;
A plurality of divided images obtained by dividing the selected original image and obtained by combining all the original images are acquired and stored in the first storage unit, and provided to the image forming apparatus,
A rule for deciding which position of a plurality of divided images to be printed at which position, and a division in which information about the divided image to be printed and the printing position is described for each printing period Obtaining a printing rule, storing it in the first storage unit, and providing it to the image forming apparatus;
The first control unit of the server device,
A user who logs in to the terminal device generates reservation information for printing at a specific print position to be printed at the specific time at a time different from the specific time described in the division print rule,
The generated reservation information is provided to the terminal device, provided to the gateway and provided to the image forming device,
The second control unit of the image forming apparatus;
Obtaining the plurality of divided images used for printing from the server device, and storing them in the second storage unit;
Obtaining the divided printing rule from the server device and storing it in the second storage unit;
Obtaining the reservation information from the server device and storing it in the second storage unit;
Based on the specific time and the specific printing position specified in the reservation information, and the divided printing rule, the divided images to be printed are stored in the plurality of divided images stored in the second storage unit. Choose from, determine the print position,
Printing the selected divided image at the printing position is executed by controlling the image forming unit.

  According to this embodiment, the server device performs printing at a specific print position to be printed at a specific time at a time different from the specific time described in the division print rule by a user who has logged in to the terminal device. Reservation information is generated and provided to the image forming apparatus. Accordingly, when it is known in advance that the user cannot access the image forming apparatus in order to print the divided image at a specific time (for example, day of the week, time zone), the divided image can be printed at another time.

The third control unit of the gateway;
When the reservation information is acquired from the server device,
Generating expiration date information indicating an expiration date that can be printed at a specific printing position to be printed at the specific time at a time different from the specific time described in the divided printing rule;
Supplying the generated expiration date information to the image forming apparatus and the server apparatus;
The first control unit of the server device,
Obtaining the expiration date information from the gateway;
Providing the expiration date information to the terminal device;
Providing the current time as time information to the image forming apparatus;
The second control unit of the image forming apparatus;
Obtaining the expiration date information from the gateway and storing it in the second storage unit;
Obtaining the time information from the server device and storing it in the second storage unit;
When the time indicated by the time information is within the expiration date indicated by the expiration date information,
Based on the specific time and the specific printing position specified in the reservation information, and the divided printing rule, the divided images to be printed are stored in the plurality of divided images stored in the second storage unit. Choose from, determine the print position,
Printing the selected divided image at the printing position is executed by controlling the image forming unit.

  If the expiration date is set, the reservation information whose expiration date has expired can be deleted from the storage unit of the image forming apparatus, so that unnecessary information need not be stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus.

The first control unit of the server device,
Generating print position information indicating the specific print position specified in the reservation request;
Generating time information indicating the specific time described in the divided printing rule specified in the reservation request;
Generating a PIN (Personal Identification Number) code for identifying a user who has logged into the terminal device that is the transmission source of the reservation request;
The reservation information is generated by combining the generated print position information, the time information, and the PIN code.

  According to this embodiment, it is possible to generate reservation information that is easy and accurate in terms of software.

The second control unit of the image forming apparatus;
When the reservation information is not acquired from the server device, a divided image to be printed is selected from the plurality of divided images stored in the second storage unit based on the time information and the divided printing rule. Determine the print position,
Printing the selected divided image at the printing position is executed by controlling the image forming unit.

The third control unit of the gateway;
Providing location information, which is information indicating the location of the gateway, to the server device;
The first control unit of the server device,
For each position information, a position rule that describes information about the original image to be provided to the image forming apparatus is acquired and stored in the first storage unit,
Obtaining the location information from the gateway;
An image forming system that selects an original image to be provided to the image forming apparatus based on the position information and the position rule acquired from the gateway.

  According to the present embodiment, since different original images are selected according to the location information of the gateway, it is possible to select an optimal original image geographically and regionally. Furthermore, by dividing and printing the divided images obtained by dividing the original image, it is possible to prompt the customer to visit a convenience store.

An image forming system according to an aspect of the present invention includes:
A server device;
An image forming apparatus connected to the server apparatus via a network via a gateway;
Comprising the server device and a terminal device connected via the network,
The server device is
A first communication unit capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus via the gateway;
A first storage unit;
A first control unit;
The image forming apparatus includes:
A second communication unit capable of communicating with the server device via the gateway;
A second storage unit;
An image forming unit for forming an image;
A second control unit,
The gateway is
A third communication unit that relays communication between the server apparatus and the image forming apparatus;
A third control unit,
The first control unit of the server device,
Selecting an original image to be provided to the image forming apparatus;
A plurality of divided images obtained by dividing the selected original image and obtained by combining all the original images are acquired and stored in the first storage unit,
A rule for deciding which position of a plurality of divided images to be printed at which position, and a division in which information about the divided image to be printed and the printing position is described for each printing period Obtaining a printing rule and storing it in the first storage unit;
Hold the current time as time information,
A user who logs in to the terminal device generates reservation information for printing at a specific print position to be printed at the specific time at a time different from the specific time described in the division print rule,
The generated reservation information is provided to the terminal device, provided to the gateway and provided to the image forming device,
Based on the specific time and the specific printing position specified in the reservation information, and the divided printing rule, divided images to be printed are stored in the plurality of divided images stored in the first storage unit. Selecting from among them, determining a printing position, providing information on the selected divided image and the determined printing position in response to a request from the image forming apparatus;
The second control unit of the image forming apparatus;
Request the server device for information on the divided image and the print position used for printing, obtain the information on the divided image and the print position provided from the server device,
Printing the obtained divided image at the printing position is executed by controlling the image forming unit.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when it is known in advance that the user cannot access the image forming apparatus in order to print a divided image at a specific time (for example, a day of the week, a time zone), at another time Split images can be printed. Furthermore, since different original images are selected in accordance with the location information of the gateway, it is possible to select an original image that is geographically and geographically optimal. Furthermore, the customer can be urged to visit the store by printing the divided image obtained by dividing the original image in a plurality of times.

  In addition, the effect described here is not necessarily limited, and may be any effect described in the present invention.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining divided images used in the image forming system 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining divided images used in the image forming system 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining divided images used in the image forming system 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining divided images used in the image forming system 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining divided images used in the image forming system 1. It is a figure which shows the example of a division | segmentation printing rule. It is a block diagram in case the server 10 is comprised by a general computer. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus 20. The structure of the gateway 30 is shown. The structure of the terminal device 40 is shown. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of processing related to transmission / reception of divided images 17a to 17d in the image forming system 1. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of processing related to transmission / reception of a divided printing rule 17e in the image forming system 1; 4 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of processing related to transmission / reception of time information 29a in the image forming system 1; The flow of processing when making a print reservation in the image forming system 1 is shown. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of processing when divided printing is performed as a stamp rally in the image forming system 1; It is a block diagram in case the server 10B which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is comprised by a common computer. It is a block diagram which shows schematically the structure of the image forming apparatus 20B. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of processing when divided printing is performed as a stamp rally in the image forming system 1B.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
[overall structure]
First, the overall configuration of the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming system 1 is connected to the server 10 installed on the cloud, the image forming apparatus 20 installed on the store site of each convenience store, the server 10 and the image forming apparatus 20 via a network, and the server 10 and the image And a gateway (GW) 30 that relays communication between the forming apparatuses 20. The image forming system 1 further includes a terminal device 40 connected via this network.

  The gateway 30 includes a communication unit that relays communication between the server 10 and the image forming apparatus 20, a storage unit that stores an information processing program, and a processor that executes the information processing program. When the processor of the gateway 30 executes the information processing program, it provides the server 10 with location information that is information indicating the location of the gateway 30.

  The administrator of the server 10 determines a position rule that determines which original image is to be printed for each position information (for example, a region name such as a prefecture) that is information indicating the position of the gateway 30. Remember.

  An original image of a discount coupon that the administrator of the server 10 wants to distribute at a convenience store, and is different for each location information of the gateway 30 (for example, a plurality of original images that differ for each region such as a plurality of prefectures). Get An administrator of the server 10 divides each obtained plurality of original images to create a plurality of sets of divided images and stores them in the server 10.

  In addition, the administrator of the server 10 determines a divided print rule that determines which divided image is to be printed at which time (for example, day of the week, time zone) and stores the divided print rule in the server 10.

  Each image forming apparatus 20 acquires a divided image, a divided printing rule, and time information from the server 10 and prints the divided image at an appropriate position on the sheet based on a user instruction.

  The terminal device 40 is a smartphone, a tablet computer, a personal computer, a wearable computer, or the like, and is used by a user. If it is known in advance that the user cannot access the image forming apparatus 20 to print the divided image at a specific time (for example, day of the week, time zone), the terminal device 40 can print the divided image at another time. The server 10 is reserved for printing.

  A user who has obtained multiple coupons (hereinafter, “printing one“ divided image ”is referred to as“ divided printing ”) and has obtained the same image as the original image as a discount coupon. Can be used at stores to purchase products and services at discounted prices.

  In order to complete a discount coupon, the user must go to a convenience store many times (like so-called stamp rally) and print many times. I can do it.

  The overall configuration of the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[About image division]
Next, divided images used in the image forming system 1 will be described. 2 to 6 show divided images used in the image forming system 1. The divided image here is obtained by dividing the original image, and the original image can be obtained by combining (combining) all.

  FIG. 2 shows an original image before division. In the example shown in FIG. 2, a coupon is shown that discounts 50% off drinks sold at a store.

  FIG. 3 shows an image located in the upper left after four divisions.

  FIG. 4 shows an image located in the upper right after four divisions.

  FIG. 5 shows an image located in the lower left after four divisions.

  FIG. 6 shows an image located in the lower left after four divisions.

  The user can obtain a coupon of the same image as the original image by printing all four divided images on one sheet.

  Each divided image is an image having a size that is a quarter of the original image, and it is necessary to manage position information on which position on the sheet to be printed together with each divided image.

  In the above description, the original image is divided into four. This means that the user is made to visit the store four times, and the coupon is obtained after completing the image (original image) by performing the divided printing four times. How many times the original image is divided can be changed according to how many times the user wants to obtain the coupon after printing.

  For example, in the case of a discount coupon for a movie ticket that will be released “after one week”, the coupon can be divided into seven parts in the hope that the user will visit the same time zone every day for one week.

  In addition, if the coupon provides a high discount rate for a high-priced product, the value of the coupon is considered high, so even if many visits are requested, the user will not give up on the way. Therefore, it is possible to set 10 divisions, etc., and assume a number of visits.

  Also, if the coupon is not very discount rate, the value of the coupon is considered to be low, so it is set so that the coupon is completed with few visits such as two splits, so that the coupon can be obtained several times Also good.

  The divided image used in the image forming system 1 has been described above.

[About split printing rules]
Next, the division printing rule will be described. FIG. 7 shows an example of the division printing rule. The divided printing rule is a rule for determining which divided image to be printed among a plurality of divided images based on time information.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the divided printing rule defines a divided image to be printed every time and a printing position of the divided image. Here, the divided printing rule is premised on including all divided images obtained by dividing the original image without omission.

  As shown in FIG. 7, for example, when the user performs divided printing between 6:00 and 11:59 on Monday, the image forming system 1 indicates that the divided image B is printed at the upper right position of the sheet. (When each divided image is an image having a size of a quarter of the original image).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, focusing on the same time zone, for example, in the time zone from 0:00 to 5:59, the divided image A is printed on Monday, the divided image B is printed on Tuesday, Although not shown, the divided image C is printed on Wednesday and the divided image D is printed on Thursday.

  According to the division printing rule shown in FIG. 7, the user comes to the store at 5 am, 7 am, 3 pm and 9 pm on Monday, and if the division printing is performed, the coupon is completed and obtained in one day. I can do it.

  Also, if the user visits the store every day from Monday to Thursday at the same time (for example, 1 pm) and performs divided printing, the coupon can be completed and obtained without difficulty.

  The division printing rule may be disclosed to a visitor to the convenience store (a user of the terminal device 40). Specifically, the server 10 may provide the division printing rule to the terminal device 40. In that case, the store visitor can adjust the store visit date and time with reference to the division printing rule.

  The division printing rule has been described above.

Server configuration
Next, the configuration of the server 10 will be described. The server 10 may be configured by dedicated hardware or software, or may be configured by a general computer. FIG. 8 shows a configuration diagram when the server 10 is configured by a general computer.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the server 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, an operation input unit 14, and a communication unit 15 (first communication unit). The display unit 16 and the storage unit 17 (first storage unit) are connected to each other via a bus 18.

  The ROM 12 stores a plurality of programs and data such as firmware for executing various processes. The RAM 13 is used as a work area for the CPU 11 and temporarily holds an OS (Operating System), various applications being executed, and various data being processed.

  The storage unit 17 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, or other nonvolatile memory. The storage unit 17 stores an OS, various applications, various data, a divided image A17a, a divided image B17b, a divided image C17c, a divided image D17d, a divided printing rule 17e, and a position rule 17f. Note that the number of divided images varies according to the number of divided original images.

  The communication unit 15 is connected to a network for exchanging information with the image forming apparatus 20 and the gateway 30.

  The CPU 11 develops a program corresponding to an instruction given from the operation input unit 14 among the plurality of programs stored in the ROM 12 or the storage unit 17 in the RAM 13, and the display unit 16 and the storage unit according to the expanded program. 17 is appropriately controlled.

  The operation input unit 14 is, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, and other operation devices.

  The display unit 16 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, a plasma display, or the like.

  Next, functional blocks realized by executing a program in the CPU 11 will be described.

  The functional blocks realized in the CPU 11 of the server 10 are the first divided image management unit 11a, the first divided printing rule management unit 11b, the time information management unit 11c, the position rule management unit 11h, the position information management unit 11i, and the user. A registration unit 11j, a reservation information generation unit 11k, a printer driver execution unit 11l, and an expiration date management unit 11m.

  The location rule management unit 11 h acquires the location rule 17 f created by the administrator of the server 10 and stores it in the storage unit 17. In the position rule 17f, information on the original image to be provided to the image forming apparatus 20 is described for each position information (for example, information indicating a region name such as a prefecture). For example, in the position rule 17f, the original image “A” is associated with the position information “Tokyo”, and the original image “B” is associated with the position information “Kanagawa”.

  The position information management unit 11 i periodically acquires position information (for example, information indicating a region name such as a prefecture) that is information indicating the position of the gateway 30 from the gateway 30. The position information management unit 11 i selects an original image to be provided to the image forming apparatus 20 based on the position information acquired from the gateway 30 and the position rule 17 f.

  The first divided image management unit 11 a acquires divided images 17 a to 17 d obtained by dividing an original image (original image such as a coupon) selected by the administrator of the server 10 and stores the divided images 17 a to 17 d in the storage unit 17. Further, the divided images 17 a to 17 d stored in the storage unit 17 are provided to each image forming apparatus 20 via the gateway 30.

  The first divided printing rule management unit 11 b acquires the divided printing rule 17 e created by the administrator of the server 10 and stores it in the storage unit 17. In addition, the divided printing rule 17 e stored in the storage unit 17 is provided to each image forming apparatus 20 via the gateway 30.

  The time information management unit 11c provides the current time (for example, day of the week, time) as time information to each image forming apparatus 20 via the gateway 30.

  The user registration unit 11j manages the identification information 17g of the user of the terminal device 40 registered in the storage unit 17.

  The reservation information generation unit 11k generates reservation information for printing at a specific print position to be printed at a specific time at a time different from the specific time described in the divided print rule 17e (FIG. 7).

  Subsequently, the printer driver execution unit 11l generates a PIN (Personal Identification Number) code for identifying the user by executing the printer driver 12a.

  The expiration date managing unit 11m stores the reservation information 17h and the expiration date information 37a in association with each other in the storage unit 17 and manages them.

  The configuration of the server 10 has been described above.

[Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus]
Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 20 will be described. FIG. 9 schematically shows the configuration of the image forming apparatus 20.

  The image forming apparatus 20 includes a control unit 21. The control unit 21 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a dedicated hardware circuit, and the like, and governs overall operation control of the image forming apparatus 20.

  The control unit 21 includes a document reading unit 22, an image processing unit 23, an image memory 24, an image forming unit 25, an operation unit 26, a display unit 26a, a facsimile communication unit 27, a communication unit 28 (second communication unit), and a storage unit. 29 (second storage unit), a paper size / position detection unit 25a, and the like. The control unit 21 performs operation control of each of the above connected units, and transmission / reception of signals or data to / from each unit.

  The control unit 21 performs operation control on each function such as a scanner function, a print function, a copy function, and a facsimile transmission / reception function in accordance with a job execution instruction input from the user through the operation unit 26 or a network-connected PC. Controls the drive and processing of the mechanisms necessary to execute.

  The control unit 21 also includes a second divided image management unit 21a (divided image management unit), a second divided printing rule management unit 21b (divided printing rule management unit), a time information acquisition unit 21c, a paper size / position determination. A section 21d, a divided image selection section 21e, and a print execution section 21f. The second divided image management unit 21a, the second divided printing rule management unit 21b, the time information acquisition unit 21c, the paper size / position determination unit 21d, the divided image selection unit 21e, the print execution unit 21f, and the expiration date management unit 21h This is a functional block realized by a CPU executing a program loaded from a ROM or the like to a RAM.

  The second divided image management unit 21 a acquires the divided images 17 a to 17 d used for divided printing from the server 10 and stores them in the storage unit 29.

  The second divided printing rule management unit 21 b obtains the divided printing rule 17 e that determines which divided images 17 a to 17 d to use at the time of divided printing from the server 10 and stores them in the storage unit 29.

  The time information acquisition unit 21 c acquires time information from the server 10 (or the gateway 30) and stores it in the storage unit 29.

  The paper size / position determination unit 21d determines whether the size and position of the printing paper (stamp rally mount) placed by the user on the manual feed tray is correct based on a signal from the paper size / position detection unit 25a.

  When the paper size and the paper position are not appropriate, the paper size / position determination unit 21d may display a message to that effect on the display unit 26a to prompt the user to replace the printing paper.

  Here, it is determined whether or not the paper size and the paper position are appropriate. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the thickness, color, and front / back of the paper may be determined.

  The divided image selecting unit 21e selects a divided image to be printed in the stamp rally divided printing from the divided images 17a to 17d stored in the storage unit 29, based on the time information 29a and the divided printing rule 17e. Determine the print position.

  The print execution unit 21f controls the image forming unit 25 to execute the printing of the divided image selected by the divided image selection unit 21e at the print position.

  The expiration date management unit 21h stores the reservation information 17h and the expiration date information 37a in association with each other in the storage unit 29 and manages them.

  The document reading unit 22 reads an image from a document.

  The image processing unit 23 performs image processing on the image data of the image read by the document reading unit 22 as necessary. For example, the image processing unit 23 performs image processing such as shading correction in order to improve the quality after the image read by the document reading unit 22 is formed.

  The image memory 24 is an area for temporarily storing data of a document image obtained by reading by the document reading unit 22 and temporarily storing data to be printed by the image forming unit 25.

  The image forming unit 25 forms an image such as the image data read by the document reading unit 22.

  The operation unit 26 includes a touch panel unit and operation key units that receive instructions from the user regarding various operations and processes that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 20. The touch panel unit includes a display unit 26a such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) provided with a touch panel.

  The facsimile communication unit 27 includes an encoding / decoding unit, a modulation / demodulation unit, and an NCU (Network Control Unit) (not shown), and performs facsimile transmission using a public telephone line network.

  The communication unit 28 includes a communication module such as a LAN board, and transmits / receives various data to / from devices such as the server 10 and the gateway 30 via a LAN connected to the communication unit 28.

  The storage unit 29 stores a document image read by the document reading unit 22. The storage unit 29 is a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD.

  The paper size / position detection unit 25a detects the size and position of the paper placed by the user on the manual feed tray for divided printing in the stamp rally, and transmits a detection signal to the paper size / position determination unit 21d.

  The configuration of the image forming apparatus 20 has been described above.

[Gateway Configuration]
FIG. 10 shows the configuration of the gateway 30.

  The gateway 30 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a communication unit 15 (third communication unit), and a storage unit 37, and these blocks are connected via a bus 38.

  The ROM 32 stores a plurality of programs and data such as firmware for executing various processes. The RAM 33 is used as a work area for the CPU 31 and temporarily holds an OS (Operating System), various applications being executed, and various data being processed.

  The storage unit 37 is, for example, a flash memory or other nonvolatile memory. The storage unit 37 stores an OS, various applications, and various data.

  The communication unit 35 is connected to a network for exchanging information with the image forming apparatus 20 and the server 10.

  Next, functional blocks realized by executing a program in the CPU 31 will be described.

  A functional block implemented in the CPU 31 of the gateway 30 is a reservation information management unit 31a.

  The reservation information management unit 31a receives the reservation information 17h from the server 10 via the network N. The reservation information management unit 31 a generates expiration date information 37 a indicating the expiration date, and stores these in association in the storage unit 37.

[Configuration of terminal device]
FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the terminal device 40.

  The terminal device 40 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, an operation input unit 44, a communication unit 45 (fourth communication unit), a display unit 46, and a storage unit 47 (fourth storage unit). They are connected via a bus 48.

  The ROM 42 stores a plurality of programs and data such as firmware for executing various processes. The RAM 43 is used as a work area for the CPU 41, and temporarily holds an OS (Operating System), various applications being executed, and various data being processed.

  The storage unit 47 is, for example, a flash memory or other nonvolatile memory. The storage unit 47 stores an OS, various applications, and various data.

  The communication unit 45 is connected to a network for exchanging information with the server 10.

  The CPU 41 develops, in the RAM 43, a program corresponding to a command given from the operation input unit 44 among the plurality of programs stored in the ROM 42 or the storage unit 47, and the display unit 46 and the storage unit according to the developed program. 47 is appropriately controlled.

  The operation input unit 44 is, for example, a touch panel or other operation device.

  The display unit 46 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, a plasma display, or the like.

  Next, functional blocks realized by executing a program in the CPU 41 will be described.

  A functional block implemented in the CPU 41 of the terminal device 40 is a print reservation request unit 41a.

  The print reservation request unit 41a generates reservation information for printing at a specific print position to be printed at a specific time at a time different from the specific time described in the divided print rule 17e (FIG. 7). The reservation request is transmitted to the server 10.

[Processing flow (transmission / reception of divided images)]
Next, a flow of processing related to transmission / reception of the divided images 17a to 17d in the image forming system 1 will be described. FIG. 12 shows a flow of processing related to transmission / reception of the divided images 17a to 17d in the image forming system 1.

  First, the location information management unit 11i of the server 10 receives location information, which is information indicating the location of the gateway 30, from the gateway 30 (step S6).

  Next, the location information management unit 11i of the server 10 determines whether or not location information has been normally received from the gateway 30 (step S7).

  When the reception is normally performed (Y in step S7), the position information management unit 11i of the server 10 receives the position information received from the gateway 30 and information on the original image to be provided to the image forming apparatus 20 for each position information. The original image to be provided to the image forming apparatus 20 is selected on the basis of the position rule 17f in which is described (step S8).

Next, the first divided image management unit 11a of the server 10 acquires divided images 17a to 17d obtained by dividing an original image such as a coupon (an original image selected by the position information management unit 11i) from the storage unit 17 ( Step S1).
Next, the first divided image management unit 11a transmits the acquired divided images 17a to 17d to the image forming apparatus 20 (step S2).

  Next, the second divided image management unit 21a of the image forming apparatus 20 receives the divided images 17a to 17d (step S3).

  Next, the second divided image management unit 21a determines whether or not the divided images 17a to 17d are normally received (step S4).

  When the reception is not normally performed (N in Step S4), the process returns to Step S2 to retransmit the divided images 17a to 17d.

  When the reception is normally performed (Y in step S4), the second divided image management unit 21a stores the received divided images 17a to 17d in the storage unit 29 (step S5).

  The above process may be performed every time an administrator or the like inputs a divided image corresponding to a new original image to the server 10.

  The flow of processing related to transmission / reception of the divided images 17a to 17d in the image forming system 1 has been described above.

[Processing flow (Sending and receiving divided print rules)]
Next, a flow of processing related to transmission / reception of the divided printing rule 17e in the image forming system 1 will be described. FIG. 13 shows a flow of processing related to transmission / reception of the divided printing rule 17e in the image forming system 1.

  First, the first divided printing rule management unit 11b of the server 10 creates the divided printing rule 17e based on an instruction from an administrator or the like (step S10).

  Next, the first divided printing rule management unit 11b transmits the created divided printing rule 17e to the image forming apparatus 20 (step S11).

  Next, the second divided printing rule management unit 21b of the image forming apparatus 20 receives the divided printing rule 17e (step S12).

  Next, the second divided printing rule management unit 21b determines whether or not the divided printing rule 17e has been normally received (step S13).

  When the reception is not normally performed (N in step S13), the process returns to the process in step S11 and the divided printing rule 17e is retransmitted.

  When the reception is normally performed (Y in step S13), the second divided printing rule management unit 21b stores the received divided printing rule 17e in the storage unit 29 (step S14).

  The above process may be performed when a divided printing rule corresponding to a new original image is created, or when an existing divided printing rule 17e is modified.

  The flow of processing related to transmission / reception of the divided print rule 17e in the image forming system 1 has been described above.

[Processing flow (transmission / reception of time information)]
Next, a flow of processing relating to transmission / reception of the time information 29a in the image forming system 1 will be described. FIG. 14 shows a flow of processing relating to transmission / reception of the time information 29a in the image forming system 1.

  First, the time information management unit 11c of the server 10 transmits time information (day of the week and time) to the image forming apparatus 20 (step S20).

  Next, the time information acquisition unit 21c of the image forming apparatus 20 receives the time information 29a (step S21).

  Next, the time information acquisition unit 21c determines whether or not the time information 29a has been normally received (step S22).

  When the reception is not normally performed (N in Step S22), the process returns to Step S20 to retransmit the time information 29a.

  When the reception is normally performed (Y in Step S22), the time information acquisition unit 21c stores the received time information 29a in the storage unit 29 (Step S23).

  Note that the above processing is periodically performed in the image forming apparatus 20 in order to maintain correct day and time information.

  The flow of processing related to transmission / reception of the time information 29a in the image forming system 1 has been described above.

[Process flow (when printing is reserved)]
Next, the flow of processing when making a print reservation in the image forming system 1 will be described. FIG. 15 shows the flow of processing when making a print reservation in the image forming system 1.

  “Print reservation” is performed when the terminal device 40 knows in advance that the user cannot access the image forming apparatus 20 in order to print a divided image at a specific time (for example, day of the week, time). In other words, printing is reserved for the server 10 so that the divided images can be printed.

  As a premise, the server 10 has already provided the division printing rule to the terminal device 40. The user of the terminal device 40 refers to the divided printing rule 17e (FIG. 7) and knows in advance that the image forming apparatus 20 cannot be accessed to print the divided image at a specific time (for example, day of the week, time zone). Yes.

  The print reservation request unit 41a of the terminal device 40 has reservation information for printing at a specific print position to be printed at a specific time at a time different from the specific time described in the divided print rule 17e (FIG. 7). A reservation request for generating is transmitted to the server 10 (step S60). The reservation request includes information for identifying the user who has logged into the terminal device 40, a specific time (time and day of the week) described in the divided print rule, and a specific print position to be printed at this specific time.

  The user registration unit 11 j of the server 10 receives a reservation request from the terminal device 40. The user registration unit 11j determines whether or not the user identification information 17g identified by the information included in the reservation request is registered in the storage unit 17 (step S61).

  If the user registration unit 11j determines that the user identification information 17g identified by the information included in the reservation request is not registered (N in step S61), the user registration unit 11j determines whether to register new user information in the terminal device 40. An inquiry is made (step S63). Upon receiving a request for newly registering user information from the terminal device 40, the user registration unit 11j registers the user identification information 17g in the storage unit 17 (Y in step S63). On the other hand, if the user registration unit 11j does not receive a request to newly register user information from the terminal device 40, the user registration unit 11j ends the process (N in step S63).

  On the other hand, when the user registration unit 11j determines that the user identification information 17g identified by the information included in the reservation request is registered (Y in step S61), the reservation information generation unit 11k displays the PIN code generation web. The process proceeds to the page (step S62).

  The reservation information generation unit 11k print position information uniquely indicating a specific print position included in the reservation request received from the terminal device 40 (for example, numerical data. If there are four divided images, any one of integers 1 to 4). Is generated (step S64). The reservation information generation unit 11k is time information that uniquely indicates time among specific times included in the reservation request received from the terminal device 40, that is, time information (for example, numerical data. If there are four time zones, 1 to 4 Is generated) (step S65). The reservation information generation unit 11k is time information that uniquely indicates the day of the week included in the reservation request received from the terminal device 40, that is, day information (for example, numeric data. If there are seven days, 1-7 Any one of the integers) is generated (step S66).

  Subsequently, the printer driver execution unit 11l activates the printer driver 12a. The printer driver execution unit 11l executes the printer driver 12a to generate a PIN code (for example, numerical data, so-called PIN code, which is one of integers from 0001 to 9999) that identifies the user. (Step S67).

  The reservation information generation unit 11k includes a PIN code (PIN code) generated by the printer driver execution unit 11l (step S67), print position information generated by the reservation information generation unit 11k (step S64), time information (step S65), and Reservation information 17h is generated by combining (combining) the day information (step S66) (step S68). For example, when the PIN code (PIN code) is 4-digit numerical data and the printing position information, time information, and day-of-week information are each 1-digit numerical data, the reservation information is 7-digit numerical data. If the reservation information generation unit 11k cannot generate the reservation information 17h (step S68, N), the reservation information generation unit 11k retries. The reservation information generating unit 11k stores the generated reservation information 17h in the storage unit 17. The reservation information generating unit 11k transmits the generated reservation information 17h to the gateway 30 via the network N (Step S69).

  The reservation information management unit 31a of the gateway 30 receives the reservation information 17h from the server 10 via the network N. The reservation information management unit 31a generates expiration date information 37a indicating the expiration date. The “expiration date” is an expiration date that allows printing at a specific printing position to be printed at this specific time at a time different from the specific time described in the divided printing rule. The “expiration date” may be a uniform value such as one week. The reservation information management unit 31a transmits a notification of reservation information reception (including the reservation information 17h) and the generated expiration date information 37a to the server 10 and the image forming apparatus 20 (step S70). The reservation information management unit 31a retries until reception notifications are received from the server 10 and the image forming apparatus 20, respectively (step S70, N).

  The expiration date management unit 21h of the image forming apparatus 20 receives the reservation information reception notification (including the reservation information 17h) and the expiration date information 37a from the gateway 30, and stores them in the storage unit 29 in association with each other. (Step S71).

  The expiration date management unit 11m of the server 10 receives the notification of reservation information reception (including the reservation information 17h) and the expiration date information 37a from the gateway 30 via the network N, and associates these with the storage unit 17 (Step S71). The expiration date management unit 11m transmits the reservation information 17h and the expiration date information 37a to the terminal device 40 via the network N (step S72). Thereby, the user of the terminal device 40 can know the reservation information 17h and the expiration date indicated by the expiration date information 37a.

  Thereafter, the expiration date indicated by the expiration date information 37a for the reservation information 17h expires. Then, the reservation information management unit 31a of the gateway 30 notifies the server 10 and the image forming apparatus 20 that the expiration date indicated by the expiration date information 37a for the reservation information 17h has expired (N in step S73).

  The expiration date management unit 21h of the image forming apparatus 20 receives a notification from the gateway 30 that the expiration date indicated by the expiration date information 37a for the reservation information 17h has expired. The expiration date management unit 21h deletes the reservation information 17h and the expiration date information 37a from the storage unit 29 (step S74).

[Process flow (when printing)]
Next, the flow of processing when performing divided printing as a stamp rally in the image forming system 1 will be described. FIG. 16 shows the flow of processing when performing divided printing as a stamp rally in the image forming system 1.

  First, the user operates the operation unit 26 to select stamp rally printing (step S30).

  Next, the user sets paper on the manual feed tray (step S31).

  Next, the paper size / position determination unit 21d determines whether the position and size of the paper for stamp rally printing are appropriate based on the signal from the paper size / position detection unit 25a (step S32).

  If the position and size of the paper are not appropriate (N in Step S32), the user resets the paper on the manual feed tray (Step S33), and the process returns to Step S32.

  If the position and size of the paper are appropriate (Y in step S32), if the normal printing without reservation (N in step S37), the divided image selection unit 21e uses the time information 29a and the division stored in the storage unit 29. Based on the print rule 17e, a divided image to be printed and a print position are selected (step S34).

  On the other hand, in the case of reserved printing (Y in step S37), the divided image selecting unit 21e determines whether the same reservation information 17h as the reservation information input by the user to the operation unit 26 is stored in the storage unit 29 (step S37). S38). When the divided image selection unit 21e determines that the same reservation information 17h is stored in the storage unit 29 (Y in step S38), the divided image selection unit 21e and the divided image to be printed based on the time information and the print position indicated by the reservation information 17h A printing position is selected (step S39). On the other hand, if the divided image selection unit 21e determines that the same reservation information 17h is not stored in the storage unit 29 (N in step S38), an error is displayed, and the process ends without executing printing (step S39a). ).

  Next, the print execution unit 21f determines whether or not the print start button has been pressed (step S35).

  If the print start button has not been pressed (N in step S35), the process waits until it is pressed.

  When the print start button is pressed (Y in step S35), the print execution unit 21f controls the image forming unit 25 to perform printing (step 36).

  In the foregoing, the flow of processing when performing divided printing as a stamp rally in the image forming system 1 has been described.

  The first embodiment has been described above.

<Modification>
There is no need to set an expiration date for reserved printing. The example will be described with reference to FIG. 15 with respect to differences from the first embodiment. This modification can also be applied to the second embodiment described below.

  The reservation information management unit 31a of the gateway 30 receives the reservation information 17h from the server 10 via the network N. The reservation information management unit 31a transmits a notification of reservation information reception (including reservation information 17h) to the server 10 and the image forming apparatus 20 (step S70).

  The expiration date management unit 21h of the image forming apparatus 20 receives the reservation information reception notification (including the reservation information 17h) from the gateway 30, and stores it in the storage unit 29 (step S71).

  The expiration date management unit 11m of the server 10 receives the reservation information reception notification (including the reservation information 17h) from the gateway 30 via the network N, and stores it in the storage unit 17 (step S71). The expiration date management unit 11m transmits the reservation information 17h to the terminal device 40 via the network N (step S72). There are no steps S73 and S74.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, only portions different from the first embodiment will be described.

  In the first embodiment, all the divided images are downloaded and stored in the image forming apparatus 20, and the divided images to be printed on the image forming apparatus 20 side are selected based on the time information acquired from the server 10. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, all the divided images are stored in the server 10B, and the divided images using the time information are selected on the server 10B side. Only the information on the printing position is transmitted from the server 10B to the image forming apparatus 20B each time printing is performed.

Server configuration
Next, the configuration of the server 10B will be described. The server 10B may be configured by dedicated hardware or software, or may be configured by a general computer. FIG. 17 shows a configuration diagram when the server 10B is configured by a general computer.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the server 10B includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, an operation input unit 14, a communication unit 15 (first communication unit), a display unit 16, and a storage unit 17, each of which is a bus. 18 is connected.

  Functional blocks implemented in the CPU 11 of the server 10 are a divided image management unit 11d, a divided print rule management unit 11e, a time information management unit 11f, a divided image selection unit 11g, a position rule management unit 11h, and a position information management unit 11i. .

  The location rule management unit 11 h acquires the location rule 17 f created by the administrator of the server 10 and stores it in the storage unit 17. In the position rule 17f, information on the original image to be provided to the image forming apparatus 20 is described for each position information (for example, for each region name such as a prefecture).

  The location information management unit 11 i periodically acquires location information that is information indicating the location of the gateway 30 from the gateway 30. The position information management unit 11 i selects an original image to be provided to the image forming apparatus 20 based on the position information acquired from the gateway 30 and the position rule 17 f.

  The divided image management unit 11d acquires divided images 17a to 17d obtained by dividing the original image (original image such as a coupon) selected by the administrator of the server 10B and stores the divided images in the storage unit 17.

  The divided printing rule management unit 11e acquires the divided printing rule 17e created by the administrator of the server 10B and stores it in the storage unit 17.

  The time information management unit 11f holds the current day of the week and time as time information.

  Based on the time information provided from the time information management unit 11 f and the divided printing rule 17 e stored in the storage unit 17, the divided image selection unit 21 e stores, in the storage unit 17, a divided image to be printed in the stamp rally divided printing. The image is selected from the stored divided images 17a to 17d and provided according to a request from the image forming apparatus 20B.

  The configuration of the server 10B has been described above.

[Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus]
Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 20B will be described. FIG. 18 schematically shows the configuration of the image forming apparatus 20B.

  The image forming apparatus 20B includes a control unit 21. The control unit 21 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a dedicated hardware circuit, and the like, and governs overall operation control of the image forming apparatus 20.

  The control unit 21 includes a document reading unit 22, an image processing unit 23, an image memory 24, an image forming unit 25, an operation unit 26, a display unit 26a, a facsimile communication unit 27, a communication unit 28 (second communication unit), and a storage unit. 29, connected to the paper size / position detection unit 25a and the like. The control unit 21 performs operation control of each of the above connected units, and transmission / reception of signals or data to / from each unit.

  The control unit 21 includes a paper size / position determination unit 21d, a divided image acquisition unit 21g, and a print execution unit 21f. The paper size / position determination unit 21d, the divided image acquisition unit 21g, and the print execution unit 21f are functional blocks that are realized by the CPU executing a program loaded from the ROM or the like to the RAM.

  The paper size / position determination unit 21d determines whether the size and position of the printing paper (stamp rally mount) placed by the user on the manual feed tray is correct based on a signal from the paper size / position detection unit 25a.

  The divided image acquisition unit 21g requests the server 10B for information about the divided image used for divided printing and the printing position, and acquires the divided image provided from the server 10B.

  The print execution unit 21f controls the image forming unit 25 to execute the printing of the divided image acquired by the divided image acquisition unit 21g at the printing position.

  The configuration of the image forming apparatus 20B has been described above.

[Process flow (when printing)]
Next, the flow of processing when performing divided printing as a stamp rally in the image forming system 1B will be described. FIG. 19 shows the flow of processing when performing divided printing as a stamp rally in the image forming system 1B.

  First, the user operates the operation unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 20B to select stamp rally printing (step S40).

  Next, the user sets paper on the manual feed tray (step S41).

  Next, the paper size / position determination unit 21d of the image forming apparatus 20B determines whether the position and size of the paper for stamp rally printing are appropriate based on the signal from the paper size / position detection unit 25a (step S42).

  If the position and size of the paper are not appropriate (N in step S42), the user resets the paper on the manual feed tray (step S43), and the process returns to step S42.

  If the position and size of the paper are appropriate (Y in step S42), the divided image acquisition unit 21g of the image forming apparatus 20B requests a divided image to be printed from the server 10B (step S44).

  Next, the location information management unit 11i of the server 10 receives location information that is information indicating the location of the gateway 30 from the gateway 30 (step S49).

  Next, the location information management unit 11i of the server 10 determines whether the location information has been normally received from the gateway 30 (step S50).

  When the reception is normally performed (Y in step S50), the position information management unit 11i of the server 10 receives the position information received from the gateway 30 and information on the original image to be provided to the image forming apparatus 20 for each position information. The original image to be provided to the image forming apparatus 20 is selected on the basis of the position rule 17f in which is described (step S51).

  Next, if the divided image selection unit 11g of the server 10B is normal printing without reservation (N in Step S52), the divided printing stored in the time information and the storage unit 17 in response to a request from the image forming apparatus 20B. Based on the rule 17e, a divided image to be printed and a printing position are selected and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20B (step S45).

  On the other hand, in the case of reserved printing (Y in step S52), the divided image selection unit 11g of the server 10B stores in the storage unit 17 the same reservation information 17h as the reservation information input by the user to the operation unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 20. It is determined whether it has been performed (step S53). When the divided image selection unit 11g determines that the same reservation information 17h is stored in the storage unit 17 (Y in step S53), the divided image selection unit 11g and the divided image to be printed based on the time information and the print position indicated by the reservation information 17h A print position is selected and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20B (step S54). On the other hand, when the divided image selection unit 21e determines that the same reservation information 17h is not stored in the storage unit 17 (N in step S53), an error is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20B (step S55).

  Next, the divided image acquisition unit 21g of the image forming apparatus 20B acquires the divided image to be printed and the print position from the server 10B (step S46).

  Next, the print execution unit 21f of the image forming apparatus 20B determines whether or not the print start button has been pressed (step S47).

  If the print start button has not been pressed (N in step S47), the process waits until it is pressed.

  When the print start button is pressed (Y in step S47), the print execution unit 21f controls the image forming unit 25 to perform printing (step 48).

  The flow of processing when performing divided printing as a stamp rally in the image forming system 1B has been described above.

  The second embodiment has been described above.

<Modification 1>
Each divided image is the same size as the original image except that it is a quarter size of the original image as described above. For example, the image corresponding to FIG. Only the portion located at the same position as the original image may be the same image data, and the other portions (upper right, lower left, lower right) may be transparent image data.

  When each divided image has the same size as the original image and includes only one-fourth of the image data, the information on the print position is already included in the image, so there is no need to have information on the print position separately.

<Modification 2>
In the above description, the paper used for the stamp rally printing is always inserted from the manual feed tray. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. It may be configured that paper is fed from the tray only at times.

<Modification 3>
In the above description, the case where the original image is a discount coupon has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the original image may be a character image of an art work or a famous animation work.

<Modification 4>
In the above description, the original image is equally divided into four. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, an image that forms a part of the original image may be divided unevenly.

<Modification 5>
In the above description, the image division is performed by dividing an area in the image. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the image may be divided by color. For example, in the first printing, the original image is printed only in magenta, and in the second printing, the original image is printed only in cyan.

<Modification 6>
It should be noted that the divided printing rule may determine which divided images are printed manually by the administrator for all periods, and store them in the storage unit 17 of the server 10. If the time is a day of the week, for example, Monday is determined, and after the next day, the divided images to be automatically printed are shifted on the image forming system 1 side (in the example shown in FIG. 7, one by one is shifted). A split printing rule may be defined.

<Modification 7>
In the example shown in FIG. 7, when the original image is divided into four, the printing time zone also equally divides 24 hours into four. However, the configuration is not limited to this. . In the case of a user who wants to complete a coupon in one day, it takes a whole day to complete a coupon in 4 divisions. Coupon can be completed.

<Modification 8>
Regarding the division printing rule, the division of the time zone is not limited to dividing the 24 hours evenly as shown in FIG. 7. For example, from 0 o'clock to 10:59 minutes, the divided image A and 11 o'clock A divided image B from 11:59 may be divided image C from 12:00 to 12:59, and a divided image D from 13:00 to 23:59. When the time zone is divided in this manner, the user can complete the coupon efficiently if he / she visits the store four times equally from 10:00 to 14:00.

<Modification 9>
In the above-described embodiment and modification, the time defined by the division printing rule is the day of the week and / or the time zone, but may be a time other than the day of the week and the time zone.

[Additional notes]
As a device to improve the printing efficiency by combining the image forming device and the server, for example, in order to equalize the use opportunity of the image forming device shared on the network, the usage frequency for each user is totaled. A technique is conceivable in which the priority of printing is calculated and the order in which a print job is sent from the printer server to the image forming apparatus is controlled based on the priority.

  In addition, as a technique for dividing and printing an image, for example, in a method of dividing and printing a document image and then creating a large poster by pasting it, the division position of the image to be printed and the division on each page A technique for outputting a print page after the user confirms the layout of the image is conceivable.

  Typically, the method of dividing and printing a document image has been used only when printing a poster that exceeds the paper size that can be printed by one printing. In other words, division printing has not been used to promote visits to convenience stores.

  On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, different original images are selected in accordance with the gateway position information, so that it is possible to select an optimal original image geographically and regionally. Furthermore, by dividing and printing the divided images obtained by dividing the original image, it is possible to prompt the customer to visit a convenience store.

  According to the present embodiment, the server 10 performs printing at a specific print position to be printed at a specific time at a time different from the specific time described in the division print rule by the user who has logged in to the terminal device 40. Reservation information 17h is generated and provided 20 to the image forming apparatus. Accordingly, when it is known in advance that the user cannot access the image forming apparatus 20 to print the divided image at a specific time (for example, day of the week, time zone), the divided image can be printed at another time.

  In addition, this invention is not limited only to the above-mentioned embodiment, Of course, various changes can be added within the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming system 10 ... Server 11 ... CPU
11a ... First divided image management unit 11b ... First divided printing rule management unit 11c ... Time information management unit 11d ... Divided image management unit 11e ... Divided printing rule management unit 11f ... Time information management unit 11g ... Divided image selection unit 11h ... Location rule management unit 11i ... Location information management unit 12 ... ROM
13 ... RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... Operation input part 15 ... Communication part 16 ... Display part 17 ... Memory | storage part 17a ... Divided image A
17b ... Split image B
17c ... Split image C
17d ... Split image D
17e ... division printing rule 17f ... position rule 18 ... bus 20 ... image forming apparatus 21 ... control unit 21a ... second divided image management unit 21b ... second division printing rule management unit 21c ... time information acquisition unit 21d ... paper size Position determination unit 21e ... divided image selection unit 21f ... print execution unit 21g ... divided image acquisition unit 22 ... document reading unit 23 ... image processing unit 24 ... image memory 25 ... image forming unit 26 ... operation unit 26a ... display unit 27 ... Facsimile communication unit 28 ... Communication unit 29 ... Storage unit 29a ... Time information 30 ... Gateway (GW)

Claims (8)

A server device;
An image forming apparatus connected to the server apparatus via a network via a gateway;
Comprising the server device and a terminal device connected via the network,
The server device is
A first communication unit capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus via the gateway;
A first storage unit;
A first control unit;
The image forming apparatus includes:
A second communication unit capable of communicating with the server device via the gateway;
A second storage unit;
An image forming unit for forming an image;
A second control unit,
The gateway is
A third communication unit that relays communication between the server apparatus and the image forming apparatus;
A third control unit,
The first control unit of the server device,
Selecting an original image to be provided to the image forming apparatus;
A plurality of divided images obtained by dividing the selected original image and obtained by combining all the original images are acquired and stored in the first storage unit, and provided to the image forming apparatus,
A rule for deciding which position of a plurality of divided images to be printed at which position, and a division in which information about the divided image to be printed and the printing position is described for each printing period Obtaining a printing rule, storing it in the first storage unit, and providing it to the image forming apparatus;
The first control unit of the server device,
A user who logs in to the terminal device generates reservation information for printing at a specific print position to be printed at the specific time at a time different from the specific time described in the division print rule,
The generated reservation information is provided to the terminal device, provided to the gateway and provided to the image forming device,
The second control unit of the image forming apparatus;
Obtaining the plurality of divided images used for printing from the server device, and storing them in the second storage unit;
Obtaining the divided printing rule from the server device and storing it in the second storage unit;
Obtaining the reservation information from the server device and storing it in the second storage unit;
Based on the specific time and the specific printing position specified in the reservation information, and the divided printing rule, the divided images to be printed are stored in the plurality of divided images stored in the second storage unit. Choose from, determine the print position,
An image forming system that controls the image forming unit to print the selected divided image at the printing position. The image forming system according to claim 1,
The third control unit of the gateway;
When the reservation information is acquired from the server device,
Generating expiration date information indicating an expiration date that can be printed at a specific printing position to be printed at the specific time at a time different from the specific time described in the divided printing rule;
Supplying the generated expiration date information to the image forming apparatus and the server apparatus;
The first control unit of the server device,
Obtaining the expiration date information from the gateway;
Providing the expiration date information to the terminal device;
Providing the current time as time information to the image forming apparatus;
The second control unit of the image forming apparatus;
Obtaining the expiration date information from the gateway and storing it in the second storage unit;
Obtaining the time information from the server device and storing it in the second storage unit;
When the time indicated by the time information is within the expiration date indicated by the expiration date information,
Based on the specific time and the specific printing position specified in the reservation information, and the divided printing rule, the divided images to be printed are stored in the plurality of divided images stored in the second storage unit. Choose from, determine the print position,
An image forming system that controls the image forming unit to print the selected divided image at the printing position. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2,
The first control unit of the server device,
Generating print position information indicating the specific print position specified in the reservation request;
Generating time information indicating the specific time described in the divided printing rule specified in the reservation request;
Generating a PIN (Personal Identification Number) code for identifying a user who has logged into the terminal device that is the transmission source of the reservation request;
An image forming system that generates the reservation information by combining the generated printing position information, the time information, and a PIN code. The image forming system according to claim 2 or 3,
The second control unit of the image forming apparatus;
When the reservation information is not acquired from the server device, a divided image to be printed is selected from the plurality of divided images stored in the second storage unit based on the time information and the divided printing rule. Determine the print position,
An image forming system that controls the image forming unit to print the selected divided image at the printing position. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The third control unit of the gateway;
Providing location information, which is information indicating the location of the gateway, to the server device;
The first control unit of the server device,
For each position information, a position rule that describes information about the original image to be provided to the image forming apparatus is acquired and stored in the first storage unit,
Obtaining the location information from the gateway;
An image forming system that selects an original image to be provided to the image forming apparatus based on the position information and the position rule acquired from the gateway. A server device;
An image forming apparatus connected to the server apparatus via a network via a gateway;
A server device of an image forming system having the server device and a terminal device connected via the network,
The server device is
A first communication unit capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus via the gateway;
A first storage unit;
A first control unit;
The image forming apparatus includes:
A second communication unit capable of communicating with the server device via the gateway;
A second storage unit;
An image forming unit for forming an image;
A second control unit,
The gateway is
A third communication unit that relays communication between the server apparatus and the image forming apparatus;
A third control unit,
The first control unit of the server device,
Selecting an original image to be provided to the image forming apparatus;
A plurality of divided images obtained by dividing the selected original image and obtained by combining all the original images are acquired and stored in the first storage unit, and provided to the image forming apparatus,
A rule for deciding which position of a plurality of divided images to be printed at which position, and a division in which information about the divided image to be printed and the printing position is described for each printing period Obtaining a printing rule, storing it in the first storage unit, and providing it to the image forming apparatus;
The first control unit of the server device,
A user who logs in to the terminal device generates reservation information for printing at a specific print position to be printed at the specific time at a time different from the specific time described in the division print rule,
The generated reservation information is provided to the terminal device, provided to the gateway and provided to the image forming device,
The second control unit of the image forming apparatus;
Obtaining the plurality of divided images used for printing from the server device, and storing them in the second storage unit;
Obtaining the divided printing rule from the server device and storing it in the second storage unit;
Obtaining the reservation information from the server device and storing it in the second storage unit;
Based on the specific time and the specific printing position specified in the reservation information, and the divided printing rule, the divided images to be printed are stored in the plurality of divided images stored in the second storage unit. Choose from, determine the print position,
A server device that controls the image forming unit to print the selected divided image at the printing position. A server device;
An image forming apparatus connected to the server apparatus via a network via a gateway;
An image forming apparatus of an image forming system having the server device and a terminal device connected via the network,
The server device is
A first communication unit capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus via the gateway;
A first storage unit;
A first control unit;
The image forming apparatus includes:
A second communication unit capable of communicating with the server device via the gateway;
A second storage unit;
An image forming unit for forming an image;
A second control unit,
The gateway is
A third communication unit that relays communication between the server apparatus and the image forming apparatus;
A third control unit,
The first control unit of the server device,
Selecting an original image to be provided to the image forming apparatus;
A plurality of divided images obtained by dividing the selected original image and obtained by combining all the original images are acquired and stored in the first storage unit, and provided to the image forming apparatus,
A rule for deciding which position of a plurality of divided images to be printed at which position, and a division in which information about the divided image to be printed and the printing position is described for each printing period Obtaining a printing rule, storing it in the first storage unit, and providing it to the image forming apparatus;
The first control unit of the server device,
A user who logs in to the terminal device generates reservation information for printing at a specific print position to be printed at the specific time at a time different from the specific time described in the division print rule,
The generated reservation information is provided to the terminal device, provided to the gateway and provided to the image forming device,
The second control unit of the image forming apparatus;
Obtaining the plurality of divided images used for printing from the server device, and storing them in the second storage unit;
Obtaining the divided printing rule from the server device and storing it in the second storage unit;
Obtaining the reservation information from the server device and storing it in the second storage unit;
Based on the specific time and the specific printing position specified in the reservation information, and the divided printing rule, the divided images to be printed are stored in the plurality of divided images stored in the second storage unit. Choose from, determine the print position,
An image forming apparatus that controls the image forming unit to print the selected divided image at the printing position. A server device;
An image forming apparatus connected to the server apparatus via a network via a gateway;
Comprising the server device and a terminal device connected via the network,
The server device is
A first communication unit capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus via the gateway;
A first storage unit;
A first control unit;
The image forming apparatus includes:
A second communication unit capable of communicating with the server device via the gateway;
A second storage unit;
An image forming unit for forming an image;
A second control unit,
The gateway is
A third communication unit that relays communication between the server apparatus and the image forming apparatus;
A third control unit,
The first control unit of the server device,
Selecting an original image to be provided to the image forming apparatus;
A plurality of divided images obtained by dividing the selected original image and obtained by combining all the original images are acquired and stored in the first storage unit,
A rule for deciding which position of a plurality of divided images to be printed at which position, and a division in which information about the divided image to be printed and the printing position is described for each printing period Obtaining a printing rule and storing it in the first storage unit;
Hold the current time as time information,
A user who logs in to the terminal device generates reservation information for printing at a specific print position to be printed at the specific time at a time different from the specific time described in the division print rule,
The generated reservation information is provided to the terminal device, provided to the gateway and provided to the image forming device,
Based on the specific time and the specific printing position specified in the reservation information, and the divided printing rule, divided images to be printed are stored in the plurality of divided images stored in the first storage unit. Selecting from among them, determining a printing position, providing information on the selected divided image and the determined printing position in response to a request from the image forming apparatus;
The second control unit of the image forming apparatus;
Request the server device for information on the divided image and the print position used for printing, obtain the information on the divided image and the print position provided from the server device,
An image forming system that controls the image forming unit to print the acquired divided image at the printing position.

Images