JP4681470B2 - Image forming apparatus and image forming system - Google Patents

Description

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

  In recent years, an image forming apparatus such as a printer is connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and has been increasingly used jointly by a plurality of users. Then, such an image forming apparatus accepts, as print information, image information generated in a user terminal such as a personal computer connected to the same network as that added with attribute information such as format and output format, Printing is performed on a recording medium such as paper (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-4664

  However, when used in a small network such as an in-house LAN, for example, the user who requested the output data may be different from the user who receives the printed material based on the output data. In this case, the user who requests the output data matches the user who receives the printed material based on the output data due to the difference in the appearance, preference, etc. of the printed material between the user who output the printed material and the user who receives the printed material. Therefore, there is a problem that the format and output format of the printed matter must be changed, and the work becomes complicated.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the case where the user who transmitted the image data to the image forming apparatus is different from the user who receives the recording medium on which the image based on the image data is recorded. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily forming print attributes of an image recorded on a recording medium in accordance with a user who receives a printed matter.

Therefore, in order to solve the above-described problem, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is added to image data generated in a predetermined information processing apparatus and a predetermined image in which an image based on the image data is formed. Receiving means for receiving first destination information including information relating to a user as a distribution destination of the recording medium, and information relating to the user as the distribution destination who desires to form an image based on the image data on the recording medium Input means for inputting individual information including : attribute information relating to printing attributes of the image data, information relating to a user as a distribution destination, and distribution destination determined in correspondence with the individual information input to the input means storing means and said second address information stored in said storage means for storing second address information including the identification information capable identified by the user A change unit that changes the print attribute of the image data to which the corresponding first destination information is added based on the attribute information stored in the storage unit, and the print attribute of the image is changed by the change unit. An image forming unit that forms an image based on the image data and an image based on the identification information on the recording medium, and the first destination information is information processing in which the first destination information is added to the image data. The apparatus includes information on the apparatus, and includes a reply unit that returns the identification information stored in the storage unit to the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the image data based on the first destination information. .

  According to this configuration, the image forming apparatus can change the print attribute of the image based on the image data based on the attribute information corresponding to the individual information of the user as the distribution destination. The image formed on the recording medium is an image based on image data in which the attribute is changed based on attribute information corresponding to individual information regarding the user as a distribution destination. That is, when operating the information processing apparatus, even if the user as the distribution destination who receives the recording medium on which the image based on the image data is formed does not know the desired printing attribute, Based on the individual information input to the input unit by the user, the print attribute of the image formed on the recording medium can be easily changed by referring to the attribute information stored in the storage unit in advance and changing the print attribute of the image data. , It can be tailored to the user as the distribution destination.

In addition, an image forming system according to the present invention includes information relating to a user as a distribution destination of a predetermined recording medium on which an image based on the image data is formed in the image data generated in an application for generating image data. An information processing apparatus having an adding means for adding one destination information; and a transmission means for transmitting the image data to which the first destination information is added by the adding means; and image data generated by the information processing apparatus, And receiving means for receiving the first destination information added to the image data, and individual information including information on the user as the distribution destination who desires to form an image based on the image data on the recording medium input means for inputting, which is determined corresponding to the individual information input to the input means, printing genus of the image data Attribute information relating to the information about the user as a distribution destination, and a storage means for storing a second address information including the identification information capable identified by the distribution destination user, the second destination information stored in said storage means A change unit that changes the print attribute of the image data to which the corresponding first destination information is added based on the attribute information stored in the storage unit, and the print attribute of the image is changed by the change unit An image forming unit that forms an image based on image data and an image based on the identification information on the recording medium, and the first destination information relates to an information processing apparatus that adds the first destination information to the image data. Including the information, and returns the identification information stored in the storage means to the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the image data based on the first destination information. And an image forming apparatus and a responding means for, the information processing apparatus is characterized by comprising output means for outputting an image based on the identification information returned by the returning means.

  According to this configuration, the image forming system can change the print attribute of the image based on the image data based on the attribute information corresponding to the input individual information of the user as the distribution destination. The image formed on the recording medium is an image based on image data in which the attribute is changed based on attribute information corresponding to individual information regarding the user as a distribution destination. That is, when operating the information processing apparatus, even if the user as the distribution destination who receives the recording medium on which the image based on the image data is formed does not know the desired printing attribute, Based on the individual information input to the input unit by the user, the print attribute of the image formed on the recording medium can be easily changed by referring to the attribute information stored in the storage unit in advance and changing the print attribute of the image data. , It can be tailored to the user as the distribution destination.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus and the image forming system according to the present invention, the user who transmitted the image data to the image forming apparatus is different from the user who receives the recording medium on which the image based on the image data is recorded. In addition, the print attribute of the image recorded on the recording medium can be easily formed according to the user who receives the printed matter.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  First, the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail. In the first embodiment, when a user who outputs a printed matter and a user who receives the printed matter are different users, for example, the format or output format of the printed matter output from the image forming apparatus is matched with the user who receives the printed matter. The image forming apparatus and the image forming system that can output the output will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system according to the first embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 1 connected to the same LAN and a computer 2 (hereinafter referred to as “PC2”) as a plurality of information processing apparatuses. Is provided.

  The PC 2 is an information processing terminal operated by a user who outputs a printed material, and is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a LAN. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 and the PC 2 are described in detail as being connected via a LAN. The image forming apparatus 1 and the PC 2 are, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus). Any connection method may be used as long as it is connected via an interface such as the above.

  Such a PC 2 is equipped with an application 2a for the user to generate an image, as shown in FIG. The application 2a is, for example, drawing software or text creation software that generates image data to be printed using the image forming apparatus 1 when operated by the user. When the user performs an operation of transmitting the image data to the image forming apparatus 1 to print the image data generated by the application 2a, the image data is supplied from the application 2a to the printer driver 2b.

  The printer driver 2b is software for driving the image forming apparatus 1, and converts the image data supplied from the application 2a into a format that can be read by the image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, the printer driver 2b converts the bitmap format image data generated by the application 2a into script format data expressed in a PDL (Page Discription Language) format, and the user generates it using the application 2a. Print information including information about the processed image is generated. At this time, the printer driver 2b adds the destination information supplied from the destination information input unit 2c to the image data.

  The destination information input unit 2c is, for example, a keyboard or mouse connected to the PC 2 that is used by a user who outputs a printed material to input destination information including information related to the user who receives the printed material. The destination information input to the destination information input unit 2c is information that can identify the user who outputs the printed material, for example, the name of the user who receives the printed material, or the identification number given to the user. . Here, the destination information input to the destination information input unit 2c is supplied to the printer driver 2b. The printer driver 2b supplied with the destination information from the destination information input unit 2c adds the destination information to, for example, the header portion of the image data. The image data to which the destination information is added in the printer driver 2b is converted into print information in script format by the printer driver 2b and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 via an interface such as an output port (not shown).

  The image forming apparatus 1 is a printer that prints an image included in print information generated by an information processing apparatus on a recording medium such as printer paper. As shown in FIG. 3, such an image forming apparatus 1 includes an individual information registration unit 11 that registers individual information input by a user who receives a printed matter, and a reception unit that receives print information transmitted from the PC 2. An interface 12, an identification information conversion unit 13 that reads attribute information based on destination information included in the print information, and an image based on image data included in the print information is converted into a format that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 1. An image based on the image data included in the image processing unit 15 that performs processing for performing the identification information, the identification information read by the identification information conversion unit 13, and the print information subjected to the predetermined conversion processing in the image processing unit 15 And an image composition unit 17 for composition.

  The image forming apparatus 1 receives print information using the interface 12. Although details will be described later, of the print information received by the interface 12, information related to the image based on the image data is read by the image processing unit 15, and the destination information is read by the identification information conversion unit 13. Then, the identification information conversion unit 13 that has read the destination information refers to individual information to be described later based on the read destination information, extracts attribute information and identification information to be described later, and uses the attribute information as the image processing unit 15. And the identification information is supplied to the image composition unit 17. Then, the image processing unit 15 that has read the image included in the print information converts the print attribute of the image included in the print information based on the attribute information supplied from the identification information conversion unit 13, and the attribute information is converted. The image based on the image data is converted into image information of a predetermined format so as to be printable, and is supplied to the converted image composition unit 17. Then, the image composition unit 17 supplied with the identification information and the image information combines the information and generates an image to be printed on the paper.

  In the following, each part constituting the image forming apparatus 1 will be described in detail.

  In the individual information registration unit 11, individual information of a user who desires to print an image included in the print information transmitted from the PC 2 on a sheet, that is, a user who receives a printed matter is registered. Specifically, the individual information is information composed of destination information, attribute information, identification information, and the like, and is information that is individually allocated for each user who shares the image forming apparatus 1.

  In addition, specifically, the attribute information is information relating to the printing attribute of the image determined corresponding to the individual information, and is information relating to the printing attribute desired by the user. The print attribute is information indicating an attribute relating to a specific way of indicating the character information displayed on the paper such as the size of the character displayed on the paper, the type of font, or the designation of layout printing. The identification information is used to prevent a third party from knowing to which user the printed material discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 onto a stacker (not shown) is output or distributed to which user. Information, such as a personal identification number or a predetermined graphic symbol, which is printed on paper instead of destination information. And such identification information is memorize | stored in the separate information registration part 11 as image information of a bitmap format, for example.

  Such individual information is registered in the individual information registration unit 11 as an individual information table as shown in FIG. Here, destination information, identification information, and attribute information are shown in the fields of the individual information table. Also, in the record of the individual information table, destination information, that is, unique identification information and attribute information for each user corresponding to the destination information is registered.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the individual information registration unit 11 includes an individual information input unit 11a as an input unit for a user to input individual information, and a storage unit for managing individual information input to the individual information input unit 11a. An individual information management unit 11b and a display LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 11c for displaying various information to the user are provided.

  The individual information input unit 11a is an operation panel installed on the surface of the image forming apparatus 1, for example.

  The individual information management unit 11b manages and stores the individual information input to the individual information input unit 11a as an individual information table. Such an individual information management unit 11b is preferably a non-volatile memory such as a flash ROM (Read Only Memory) in order to prevent the individual information table from being lost when the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off. .

  The display LCD 11c is a display unit that displays various information managed by the individual information management unit 11b. For example, when the user tries to input individual information, the individual information management unit 11b displays an individual information table on the display LCD 11c and requests the user to input individual information. Then, the user inputs his / her own individual information using the individual information input unit 11a while referring to the individual information table displayed on the display LCD 11c. Such an individual information table may be created using an information processing apparatus such as the PC 2 and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1.

  The identification information conversion unit 13 refers to the individual information table stored in the individual information management unit 11b, and extracts destination information, attribute information, and identification information included in the individual information shown in the individual information table. The identification information conversion unit 13 compares the destination information extracted from the individual information table with the destination information included in the print information, supplies attribute information to the image processing unit 15 based on the comparison result, and identifies the identification information. The image is supplied to the image composition unit 17. As shown in FIG. 6, the identification information conversion unit 13 has an individual information extraction unit 13 a that extracts destination information, attribute information, and identification information included in the individual information shown in the individual information table, and print information. Destination information detection unit 13b that detects and reads destination information included in the destination information, destination information storage unit 13c that stores the destination information extracted by the individual information extraction unit 13a, and destination information that is read by the destination information detection unit 13b A destination information comparison unit 13d that compares the destination information stored in the destination information storage unit 13c, an attribute information storage unit 13e that stores the attribute information extracted by the individual information extraction unit 13a, and an individual information extraction unit 13a. And an identification information storage unit 13f for storing the extracted identification information. Hereinafter, each part which comprises the identification information conversion part 13 is demonstrated in detail.

  The individual information extraction unit 13a refers to any destination information indicated in the individual information table stored in the individual information management unit 11b, identification information corresponding to the destination information, and attribute information. Information and attribute information are extracted. Here, the destination information extracted by the individual information extraction unit 13a is supplied to the destination information storage unit 13c and stored in the destination information storage unit 13c. Further, the identification information extracted by the individual information extraction unit 13a is supplied to the identification information storage unit 13f and stored in the identification information storage unit 13f. The attribute information extracted by the individual information extraction unit 13a is supplied to the attribute information storage unit 13e and stored in the attribute information storage unit 13e.

  Further, the destination information detection unit 13b detects and reads out only the destination information from the print data including the image data and the destination information supplied to the image forming apparatus 1 via the interface 12. The destination information detected and read by the destination information detection unit 13b is supplied to the destination information comparison unit 13d by the destination information detection unit 13b.

  The destination information storage unit 13c, the attribute information storage unit 13e, and the identification information storage unit 13f store destination information, attribute information, or identification information, respectively. The destination information storage unit 13c, the attribute information storage unit 13e, and the identification information storage unit 13f have a RAM (Random Access Memory) for erasing stored information when the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off. Or the like.

  The destination information comparison unit 13d compares the destination information included in the print information supplied from the destination information detection unit 13b and the destination information stored in the destination information storage unit 13c. If the destination information included in the print information does not match the destination information stored in the destination information storage unit 13c as a result of the comparison by the destination information comparison unit 13d, the information is the target of the individual information extracted by the individual information extraction unit 13a. A user and a user as a distribution destination of a printed material are different users. If the destination information included in the print information does not match the destination information stored in the destination information storage unit 13c as a result of the comparison by the destination information comparison unit 13d, the destination information comparison unit 13d acquires new individual information. The individual information extraction unit 13a is preferably referred to the individual information table stored in the individual information management unit 11b, and a command to acquire new individual information is supplied. On the other hand, if the destination information included in the print information matches the destination information stored in the destination information storage unit 13c as a result of the comparison by the destination information comparison unit 13d, the identification information conversion unit 13 sets the print attribute of the image data. The attribute information stored in the attribute information storage unit 13e is supplied to the image processing unit 15 to be changed, and the identification information stored in the identification information storage unit 13f is printed on the printed material based on the identification information. 17 is supplied.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the image processing unit 15 includes print information storage unit 15a that stores image data and attribute information included in the print information, and print information based on the attribute information stored in the print information storage unit 15a. An attribute change unit 15b that changes the print attribute of the image data included in the print information stored in the storage unit 15a, and an image conversion unit 15c that converts the format of the image data whose print attribute has been changed and generates image information. With.

  The print information storage unit 15a stores the image data and attribute information included in the print information as described above. The attribute information stored in the print information storage unit 15a is the print information transmitted from the PC 2. Is the attribute information of the user who wants to print on the paper, that is, the user who has printed the print information transmitted from the PC 2 on the paper and has received the individual information in the individual information input unit 11a to receive the print information.

  The attribute change unit 15b reads the image data and attribute information included in the print information stored in the print information storage unit 15a, and changes the print attribute of the image data included in the print information based on the read attribute information. . For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when an image based on print information is formed on a sheet without changing the print attribute of the image data included in the print information, the character “ Assume that “A” is printed. Further, the attribute information stored in the individual information management unit 11b in advance by a user who desires to print an image based on the image data included in the print information on the sheet is “change font size to size n”. It is assumed that the information is information (size m <size n). For example, when the attribute change unit 15b reads the image data and attribute information included in the print information as described above from the print information storage unit 15a, the attribute change unit 15b displays the attribute relating to the font size of the image data included in the print information. The information is subjected to attribute change processing for enlarging the font size of the character “A” in accordance with the attribute information stored in the individual information management unit 11b, that is, “change font size to size n”. When the font size attribute of the image data included in the print information is changed in this way, the character “A” printed on the paper by the image forming apparatus 1 is displayed on the paper P1 as shown on the paper P2. Is larger than the letter “A”. The image data whose printing attributes are changed in this way is supplied to the image conversion unit 15c as new image data.

  The image conversion unit 15c is image quality conversion means for converting the script format image data whose printing attributes have been changed by the attribute change unit 15b into bitmap format image information. Thereafter, the image information converted by the image conversion unit 15c is supplied to the image composition unit 17 by the image conversion unit 15c.

  In such an image processing unit 15, the image data included in the script-format print information transmitted from the PC 2 is subjected to a change process based on the attribute information, and further the print subjected to the change process based on the attribute information. The image data included in the information is converted into image information in a bitmap format so that it can be printed on paper by an image forming unit (not shown). When the image data and attribute information included in the print information are supplied to such an image processing unit 15, the image data and attribute information are stored in the print information storage unit 15a. When the image data included in the print information and the attribute information are stored in the print information storage unit 15a, the attribute change unit 15b reads the image data and the attribute information included in the print information from the print information storage unit 15a. The print attribute of the image data included in the print information is changed based on the above. Then, the image data included in the print information whose attribute is changed is supplied to the image conversion unit 15c by the attribute change unit 15b. When the image data included in the print information whose attribute has been changed is supplied to the image conversion unit 15c, the image conversion unit 15c converts the image data included in the print information into image information in a bitmap format, and the image data Information is supplied to the image composition unit 17. Hereinafter, each part which comprises the image process part 15 is demonstrated in detail.

  The image composition unit 17 synthesizes the image information supplied from the image conversion unit 15c and the identification information supplied from the identification information conversion unit 13, and combines them to be printed on paper by an image forming unit (not shown). The combined image information is supplied to an image forming unit (not shown).

  Hereinafter, a series of operations of the image forming system constituted by the image forming apparatus 1 and the PC 2 described above will be described in detail.

  First, a method for generating print information to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 by the user using the PC 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In this case, for convenience of explanation, the user who transmits the print information to the image forming apparatus 1 is the first user, and the user as the distribution destination who desires to print the image included in the print information on the sheet is the second user. Detailed explanation as a user.

  First, when the first user starts a series of operations by operating the application 2a so as to supply the image forming apparatus 1 with an image to be printed on a sheet using the application 2a, in step S1, the application 2a Image data based on the image generated by the user is generated. Here, the image data generated by the application 2a is supplied to the printer driver 2b by the application 2a.

  When the image data is supplied to the printer driver 2b by the application 2a, the printer driver 2b prompts the first user to input destination information of the second user who is the distribution destination of the image data. . When the first user inputs destination information of the second user using the destination information input unit 2c in step S2, the input destination information of the second user is input to the printer driver 2b through the destination information input unit 2c. To be supplied.

  When the destination information of the second user is supplied from the destination information input unit 2c, the printer driver 2b converts the supplied destination information of the second user into the image data generated by the first user in step S3. Append. At this time, the printer driver 2b adds destination information of the second user for each piece of image data for one sheet.

  Next, in step S <b> 4, the printer driver 2 b converts the image data for one sheet to which the destination information of the second user is added into print information to be sent to the image forming apparatus 1.

  Next, in step S5, the printer driver 2b determines whether or not the process of converting the image data into print information has been completed. Specifically, the printer driver 2b determines whether the image data for one job generated by the first user using the application 2a has been converted into print information. If the application 2a determines that all the image data has not been converted into print information, the process of step S4 is executed again to convert image data that has not been converted into print information into print information. To do. On the other hand, if the application 2a determines in step S4 that all image data has been converted to print information, the process of step S6 is executed to transmit print information for one job to the image forming apparatus 1.

  In step S6, the printer driver 2b transmits print information for one job generated by itself to the image forming apparatus 1, and ends a series of processes.

  Next, a series of operations of the image forming apparatus 1 from when the printing information is transmitted from the PC 2 to when the printing operation is started will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  When the print information is transmitted from the PC 2 and a series of operations is started, the image forming apparatus 1 receives the print information using the interface 12 in step S7. At this time, out of the print information received using the interface 12, the destination information of the second user is read by the identification information conversion unit 13, and the information regarding the image included in the print information is read by the image processing unit 15.

  Thereafter, when the second user inputs his / her destination information to the individual information input unit 11a, the individual information registration unit 11 responds to the destination information of the second user by performing the same process as described above. Attribute information to be read from the individual information table, the individual information registration unit 11 supplies the read attribute information to the identification information conversion unit 13, and the identification information conversion unit 13 supplies the attribute information to the image processing unit 15. . In step S8, when attribute information is supplied from the individual information registration unit 11 to the image processing unit 15 via the identification information conversion unit 13, the image processing unit 15 sets the print attribute of the print information based on the attribute information. change.

  Next, the image processing unit 15 converts the print information whose print attribute has been changed in step S10 into image information in a bitmap format. Then, the image processing unit 15 supplies the changed image information to the image composition unit 17.

  Next, in step S <b> 11, image information is supplied from the image processing unit 15 to the image composition unit 17, and identification information included in the individual information of the second user is supplied from the identification information conversion unit 13. .

  Then, the image composition unit 17 generates composite image information by combining the image information and the identification information in step S12, and the image forming apparatus 1 ends the series of processes.

  In the flow as described above, the identification information conversion unit 13 extracts the identification information from the correction table according to the operation as shown in FIG. 11 and supplies the extracted identification information to the image composition unit 17.

  When a series of processing starts, the destination information detection unit 13b detects destination information of the second user from the print information received by the interface 12 in step S13. Then, the destination information detection unit 13b supplies the read destination information of the second user to the destination information comparison unit 13d.

  Next, in step S14, the individual information extraction unit 13a extracts individual information included in an arbitrary record stored in the individual information management unit 11b.

  Next, the individual information extraction unit 13a extracts destination information, attribute information, and identification information from the extracted individual information, and stores the extracted destination information in the destination information storage unit 13c in step S15. Further, the individual information extraction unit 13a stores the attribute information extracted from the individual information in step S16 in the attribute information storage unit 13e, and stores the identification information in the identification information storage unit 13f in step S17.

  Next, in step S17, the destination information comparison unit 13d determines whether the destination information of the second user detected from the print information matches the destination information stored in the destination information storage unit 13c. If the destination information comparison unit 13d determines that the two information do not match, the individual information extraction unit 13a determines that the individual information extracted by the individual information extraction unit 13a is incorrect individual information, and the individual information management unit again in step S14. Arbitrary individual information stored in 11b is extracted. At this time, the destination information, attribute information, and identification information corresponding to the previously read individual information stored in the destination information storage unit 13c, the attribute information storage unit 13e, and the identification information storage unit 13f are read next. Each time the destination information, attribute information, and identification information corresponding to the individual information is stored, it is overwritten and deleted. Such an operation is repeated until the destination information of the second user detected from the print information in step S18 matches the destination information stored in the destination information storage unit 13c.

  When the destination information comparison unit 13d determines in step S18 that the destination information of the second user detected from the print information matches the destination information stored in the destination information storage unit 13c, the destination information comparison unit 13d This is notified to the identification information conversion unit 13.

  When the identification information conversion unit 13 receives a notification from the destination information comparison unit 13d that the second user's destination information detected from the print information matches the destination information stored in the destination information storage unit 13c, the step In S19, the attribute information is supplied to the image processing unit 15.

  Next, the identification information conversion unit 13 receives a notification from the destination information comparison unit 13d that the second user's destination information detected from the print information matches the destination information stored in the destination information storage unit 13c. In step S20, the identification information is supplied to the image composition unit 17, and the identification information conversion unit 13 ends the series of processes.

  When the composite image information is supplied to the image forming means (not shown) in this way, the image forming means prints an image based on the supplied composite image information on the paper, and the paper on which the image is printed. Is provided to the second user. At this time, since the image generated by the first user and the identification information registered by the second user in the individual information management unit 11b are printed on the sheet, the second user Can be recognized as being printed for itself. Since the print attribute of the image printed on the printed matter is changed based on the attribute information registered in the individual information management unit 11b by the second user, the first attribute does not know the preference of the second user. Even the printed matter output by the user can be printed according to the preference of the second user who receives the printed matter.

  Further, at this time, since the third party cannot recognize who the identification information printed on the printed material is, the destination of the printed material is recognized only by the first user and the second user. Never happen.

  Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

  In the image forming system according to the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus returns identification information printed on the paper together with the print information to the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the print information. The information processing apparatus notifies the user of the identification information returned from the image forming apparatus. In an image forming system having such a configuration, after a user transmits print information, an image based on his / her identification information can be known by a reply from the image forming apparatus. That is, when a user who has generated print information using the information processing apparatus transmits the print information to the image forming apparatus with himself / herself as the destination and obtains the printed matter output from the image forming apparatus, the printed information is printed on the printed matter. There is no need to memorize an image based on its own identification information.

  Note that in the image forming system according to the second embodiment, since there is a portion having the same configuration as the image forming system described in detail in the first embodiment, the portion is the first embodiment. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. Further, the destination information in the second embodiment includes not only information for specifying a user but also information such as the IP address of the PC 22 used by the user.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the image forming system according to the second embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 21 connected to the same LAN and a computer 22 as a plurality of information processing apparatuses (hereinafter referred to as “PC 22”). With.

  The PC 22 is a terminal operated by a user who outputs a printed matter, and is connected to the image forming apparatus 21 via a LAN. As shown in FIG. 13, such a PC 22 includes an application 2a, a printer driver 2b, a destination information input unit 2c, and an identification information output unit 22d that outputs identification information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 21. .

  The identification information output unit 22d is a CRT display provided in the PC 22, for example, and displays identification information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 21 to the user.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 21 performs predetermined processing for a print request transmitted from the destination information registration unit 11, the image processing unit 15, the image composition unit 17, the identification information conversion unit 23, and the user via the PC 22. It is comprised with the response part 29 which performs the process for performing a response.

  The identification information conversion unit 23 refers to the individual information table stored in the individual information management unit 11b, and extracts destination information, attribute information, and identification information included in the individual information shown in the individual information table. The identification information conversion unit 13 compares the destination information extracted from the individual information table with the destination information included in the print information, supplies attribute information to the image processing unit 15 based on the comparison result, and identifies the identification information. The identification information is supplied to the response unit 29. As shown in FIG. 15, the identification information conversion unit 23 has an individual information extraction unit 13a, a destination information detection unit 13b, and a destination information storage unit 23c that stores the destination information extracted by the individual information extraction unit 13a. A destination information comparison unit 23d that compares the destination information read by the destination information detection unit 13b and the destination information stored in the destination information storage unit 13c, an attribute information storage unit 13e, and an identification information storage unit 13f. Is provided.

  The destination information storage unit 23c stores the destination information as described above. Here, the destination information stored in the destination information storage unit 23c is supplied to the response unit 29 by the identification information conversion unit 23 based on the comparison result of the destination information comparison unit 23d. The destination information storage unit 23c preferably includes a nonvolatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) in order to erase the stored information when the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off.

  The destination information comparison unit 23d compares the destination information included in the print information supplied from the destination information detection unit 13b and the destination information stored in the destination information storage unit 23c. If the destination information included in the print information does not match the destination information stored in the destination information storage unit 23c as a result of the comparison by the destination information comparison unit 23d, the identification information conversion unit 23 should acquire new destination information. The individual information extraction unit 13a is referred to the individual information table stored in the individual information management unit 11b, and a command to acquire new destination information, identification information corresponding thereto, and attribute information is issued. Supply. On the other hand, if the destination information included in the print information matches the destination information stored in the destination information storage unit 23c as a result of the comparison by the destination information comparison unit 23d, the identification information conversion unit 23 stores the destination information storage unit 23c in the destination information storage unit 23c. The stored destination information is supplied to the response unit 29, the attribute information stored in the attribute information storage unit 13e is supplied to the image processing unit 15, and the identification information stored in the identification information storage unit 13f is supplied to the image composition unit 17. And supplied to the response unit 29.

  The response unit 29 returns the identification information supplied from the identification information conversion unit 23 to the PC 22 via the interface 12 based on the destination information supplied from the identification information conversion unit 23. Specifically, the identification information is returned only to the PC 22 that transmitted the print information.

  Hereinafter, a series of operations of the image forming system constituted by the image forming apparatus 21 and the PC 22 described above will be described in detail. Note that a method for generating print information to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 21 by the user using the PC 22 is the same method as that of the image forming system according to the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, the user who operates the PC 22 to generate print information and the user as the distribution destination are the same user.

  First, a series of operations of the image forming apparatus 21 from when the print information is transmitted from the PC 22 to when the print operation is started will be described in detail.

  When a series of processing starts, the destination information detection unit 13b detects destination information of the second user from the print information received by the interface 12 in step S21. Then, the destination information detection unit 13b supplies the read destination information of the second user to the destination information comparison unit 23d.

  Next, in step S22, the individual information extraction unit 13a extracts individual information included in an arbitrary record stored in the individual information management unit 11b.

  Next, the individual information extraction unit 13a extracts destination information, attribute information, and identification information from the extracted individual information, and stores the extracted destination information in the destination information storage unit 23c in step S23. Further, the individual information extraction unit 13a stores the attribute information extracted from the individual information in step S24 in the attribute information storage unit 13e, and stores the identification information in the identification information storage unit 13f in step S25.

  Next, in step S26, the destination information comparison unit 23d determines whether the destination information of the second user detected from the print information matches the destination information stored in the destination information storage unit 23c. Here, when the destination information comparison unit 23d determines that the two pieces of information do not match, the individual information extraction unit 13a determines that the individual information extracted by the individual information extraction unit 13a is incorrect individual information, and again in step S22, the individual information management unit Arbitrary individual information stored in 11b is extracted. At this time, the destination information, attribute information, and identification information corresponding to the previously read individual information stored in the destination information storage unit 23c, the attribute information storage unit 13e, and the identification information storage unit 13f are read next. Each time the destination information, attribute information, and identification information corresponding to the individual information is stored, it is overwritten and deleted. Such an operation is repeated until the destination information of the second user detected from the print information in step S25 matches the destination information stored in the destination information storage unit 23c.

  If the destination information comparison unit 23d determines in step S26 that the user destination information detected from the print information matches the destination information stored in the destination information storage unit 23c, the destination information comparison unit 23d stores the destination information storage. This is notified to the unit 23c, the attribute information storage unit 13e, and the identification information storage unit 13f.

  If the destination information of the user detected from the print information matches the destination information stored in the destination information storage unit 23c as a result of the comparison by the destination information comparison unit 23d, the identification information conversion unit 23 sets the attribute in step S27. Information is supplied to the image processing unit 15.

  The identification information conversion unit 23 supplies the attribute information to the image processing unit 15 in step S28 and also supplies the identification information to the image composition unit 17 and the response unit 29 in step S29. The image forming apparatus 21 performs a series of processing. Exit.

  Next, a series of processes of the image forming apparatus 21 and the PC 22 when the identification information and the destination information are supplied to the response unit 29 by the above-described method will be described in detail.

  When identification information and destination information are supplied to the response unit 29 and a series of processing starts, the response unit 29 receives the identification information in step S30 and receives the destination information in step S31.

  Next, the response unit 29 transmits identification information to the PC 22 based on the received destination information in step S32.

  When receiving the identification information in step S33, the PC 22 outputs an image based on the identification information to the identification information output unit 22d in step S34, and ends the series of processes.

  The image output to the identification information output unit 22d is the same image as the image based on the identification information printed on the printed material, and is based on the identification information printed on the printed material output by the user by visually recognizing the image. The image can be recognized.

  As described above, in the second image forming system, the user who receives the printed material from the image forming apparatus 21 can check the image based on the identification information output to the identification information output unit 22d before receiving the printed material. The user does not need to memorize the identification information, and can prevent a situation where a third party print is acquired.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the PC of the image forming system, for explaining the configuration of the information processing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus of the image forming system, for explaining a configuration of the image forming apparatus. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an individual information table stored in the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an individual information registration unit of the image forming apparatus, for illustrating a configuration of the individual information registration unit. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an identification information conversion unit of the image forming apparatus, for illustrating a configuration of the identification information conversion unit. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an image processing unit of the image forming apparatus, for illustrating a configuration of the image processing unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sheet on which an image based on image data is printed by the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus, for explaining a method for generating print information to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 by a user using a PC. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus, and is a diagram for explaining a series of operations of the image forming apparatus from when print information is transmitted from a PC until the printing operation is started. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus, and is a diagram for explaining a series of operations when the image forming apparatus extracts identification information from a correction table and supplies the extracted identification information to an image composition unit. It is. It is a figure which shows the structure of the image forming system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the PC of the image forming system, for explaining the configuration of the information processing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus of the image forming system, for explaining a configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an identification information conversion unit of the image forming apparatus, for illustrating a configuration of the identification information conversion unit. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus, and is a diagram for explaining a series of operations of the image forming apparatus from when print information is transmitted from a PC until the printing operation is started. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the PC, for explaining the operation when identification information is returned from the image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Computer 2a Application 2b Printer driver 2c Destination information input part 2 Image forming apparatus 11 Individual information registration part 11a Individual information input part 11b Individual information management part 12 Interface 13 Identification information conversion part 13a Individual information extraction part 13b Destination information Detection unit 13c Destination information storage unit 13d Destination information comparison unit 13e Attribute information storage unit 13f Identification information storage unit 15 Image processing unit 15a Print information storage unit 15b Attribute change unit 15c Image conversion unit 17 Image composition unit 21 Image forming device 22 Computer 22d Identification information output unit 23 Identification information conversion unit 23d Destination information comparison unit 23c Destination information storage unit 29 Response unit

Claims (5)

First destination information including image data generated in a predetermined information processing apparatus, and information related to a user as a distribution destination of a predetermined recording medium added to the image data and formed with an image based on the image data. Receiving means for receiving;
Input means for inputting individual information including information on the user as the distribution destination who desires to form an image based on the image data on the recording medium;
First information including attribute information relating to printing attributes of the image data, information relating to a user as a distribution destination, and identification information identifiable by the user of the distribution destination, determined in correspondence with the individual information input to the input means. Storage means for storing the destination information of 2;
Changing means for changing the print attribute of the image data to which the first destination information corresponding to the second destination information stored in the storage means is added based on the attribute information stored in the storage means When,
Image forming means for forming an image based on image data is print attribute has been changed in the image, and an image based on the identification information on the recording medium by said changing means,
The first destination information includes information related to an information processing apparatus that adds the first destination information to the image data, and the information processing that transmits the image data based on the first destination information. A reply means for returning the identification information stored in the storage means to the apparatus;
An image forming apparatus. A synthesis unit configured to generate a composite image information by combining the image based on the image data whose print attribute has been changed by the change unit and the image based on the identification information;
The image forming unit forms an image on the recording medium based on the combined image information combined by the combining unit.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. Extraction means for extracting at least the second destination information, the attribute information, and the identification information corresponding to the individual information stored in the storage means, based on the individual information input to the input means;
Comparing means for comparing the second destination information extracted by the extracting means and the first destination information received by the receiving means,
The changing unit sets the print attribute of the image data to which the first destination information corresponding to the second destination information extracted by the extracting unit based on the comparison result of the comparing unit is added, to the second attribute information. Change based on the attribute information corresponding to the destination information,
The synthesizing unit synthesizes the identification information and the image data in which the printing attribute is changed based on a comparison result of the comparing unit.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. Adding means for adding first destination information including information on a user as a distribution destination of a predetermined recording medium on which an image based on the image data is formed, to the image data generated in an application for generating image data; and
An information processing apparatus having a transmission unit configured to transmit the image data to which the first destination information is added in the addition unit;
Receiving means for receiving image data generated in the information processing apparatus and first destination information added to the image data;
Input means for inputting individual information including information on the user as the distribution destination who desires to form an image based on the image data on the recording medium;
First information including attribute information relating to printing attributes of the image data, information relating to a user as a distribution destination, and identification information identifiable by the user of the distribution destination, determined in correspondence with the individual information input to the input means. Storage means for storing the destination information of 2 ;
Changing means for changing the print attribute of the image data to which the first destination information corresponding to the second destination information stored in the storage means is added based on the attribute information stored in the storage means ,
An image forming means for forming an image based on the image data in which the printing attribute of the image has been changed by the changing means and an image based on the identification information on the recording medium;
The first destination information includes information related to an information processing apparatus that adds the first destination information to the image data, and the information processing that transmits the image data based on the first destination information. An image forming apparatus comprising: a reply unit that returns the identification information stored in the storage unit;
The information processing apparatus includes output means for outputting an image based on the identification information returned by the reply means.
An image forming system. In an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium based on input print information,
A destination registration unit that is provided for each distribution destination of an image formed on the recording medium and registers attribute information of the image to be formed;
Identification image information storage means for storing identification image information for identifying the distribution destination corresponding to the distribution destination registered in the destination registration means;
Based on distribution destination information input corresponding to the print information, attribute information registered in the destination registration unit and corresponding to the distribution destination information, and identification image information stored in the identification image information storage unit Image conversion means for converting the print information;
Image forming means for forming an image based on the print information converted by the image converting means;
Reply means for returning the identification image information stored in the identification image information storage means to the input source of the print information.
An image forming apparatus.