JP6357826B2 - Image forming system, image forming method, terminal device, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for forming an image of image data stored in an apparatus.

  Conventionally, there is a printing apparatus including a storage unit that stores image data in the apparatus (see Patent Document 1). In this printing apparatus, image data with authentication information received from a terminal device such as a PC is stored in the storage unit. The printing apparatus also includes an authentication device. When the authentication information read by the authentication device matches the authentication information added to the image data, the image data stored in the storage unit is formed as an image.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-185566

  By the way, in a storage unit of an image forming apparatus such as a printer apparatus, not only image data with authentication information but also image data to which authentication information is not added may be stored. Devices may be connected in an available manner. In this case, if the user sends the image data to the wrong image forming apparatus or the user forgets which image forming apparatus the image data was sent to, the user is recognized. There has been a problem that image data that has not been stored continues to be stored in a storage unit or the like of the image forming apparatus.

  The present specification discloses a technique for recognizing image data stored in an image forming apparatus or the like.

  The image forming system disclosed in the present specification is an image forming system having a first image forming apparatus, a second image forming apparatus, and a terminal device, and the first image forming apparatus includes the second image forming apparatus. And a first transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the terminal device, a first storage unit, and a first control unit, wherein the second image forming device performs transmission / reception with the first image forming device and the terminal device. A second transmission / reception unit, a second storage unit, and a second control unit, wherein the terminal device includes a terminal transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the first image forming device and the second image forming device; A display unit, a display unit, and a terminal control unit, wherein the terminal control unit includes a transmission command reception process for receiving an image data transmission command from the reception unit, and the transmission command reception process for the first image data. Send a command to the first image forming apparatus And the first image data associated with the identification information is transmitted to the first image forming apparatus, and the image data associated with the identification information is transmitted to the second image forming apparatus. And an information requesting process for transmitting an information request for requesting information on whether or not the information is stored to the second image forming apparatus, wherein the first control unit includes the first image data. Is received, the first storage processing is executed to store the first image data in the first storage unit, and the second control unit is configured to receive the information request from the second transmission / reception unit. And an information transmission process for transmitting information of the second image data stored in the second storage unit and associated with the identification information to the terminal device, and the terminal control unit further includes the terminal The transmission / reception unit transmits the second image data. If the information received, it executes a display process, for displaying information of the second image data after the first data transmission processing on the display unit.

  In the image forming system, after the first image data is sent to the first image forming apparatus in the terminal device, the information of the second image data stored in the second image forming apparatus is displayed on the display unit. Accordingly, the user who uses the terminal device to use the first image forming apparatus confirms that the image data associated with the identification information of the image data related to the data transmission is stored in the second image forming apparatus. Can be recognized. Further, since the information of the second image data is displayed after the first image data is sent, compared to the configuration displayed before the first image data is sent, the sending of the first image data is not hindered. It is possible to suppress sending of data not intended by the user.

  In the image forming system, the terminal control unit includes a deletion command reception process that receives a deletion command of the second image data related to the information of the second image data displayed in the display process from the reception unit, and the deletion command A deletion request process for transmitting, to the second image forming apparatus, a deletion request for the second image data that has received the deletion command when the deletion command is received in the reception process; When the second transmission / reception unit receives the deletion request for the second image data, a first deletion process for deleting the second image data according to the deletion request from the second storage unit may be executed. .

  The image forming system deletes the second image data from the second storage unit in response to a deletion command from the user. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent unnecessary second image data from being continuously stored in the second storage unit and the capacity of the second storage unit from being compressed.

  In the image forming system, in the information request process, the name of the first image data whose transmission command is received in the transmission command reception process is transmitted to the second image forming apparatus in the first image data together with the information request. In the information transmission process, information on the second image data having a name at least partially matching the name of the first image data received by the second transmission / reception unit may be transmitted to the terminal device.

  The image forming system transmits to the terminal device information on second image data that at least partially matches the name of the first image data that has received a transmission command to the first image forming apparatus. Thereby, the user can recognize the 2nd image data which becomes unnecessary by storing the 1st image data in the 1st storage part, and can delete efficiently.

  In the image forming system, the terminal control unit includes a transfer command receiving process for receiving a transfer command for the second image data displayed in the display process to the first image forming apparatus from the receiving unit, and the transfer command. A transfer request process for transmitting, to the second image forming apparatus, a transfer request for specific image data, which is the second image data for which the transfer command has been received, when the transfer command is received in the receiving process; A second control unit configured to transmit the specific image data to the first image forming apparatus when the second transmission / reception unit receives the transfer request; and to transmit the specific image data to the first image. A second deletion process for deleting the specific image data from the second storage unit when transmitted to the forming apparatus, and the first control unit is configured such that the first transmission / reception unit transmits the specific image data. The when the received second storage process of storing the specific image data in the first storage section, may be implemented.

  The image forming system deletes the second image data from the second storage unit after transferring the specific image data to the first image forming apparatus in response to a transfer command from the user. As a result, the image data associated with the same identification information can be collected in the first image forming apparatus, and the second image data that has become unnecessary due to the data transfer is deleted from the second storage unit. 2 It can suppress that the capacity | capacitance of a memory | storage part is pressed.

  In the image forming system, in the second storage process, the specific image data may be stored in association with the first image data stored in the first storage process. As a result, these image data can be formed by a common process or deleted by a common process.

  In the image forming system, in the specific data transmission process, the specific image data may be transmitted to the first image forming apparatus without going through the terminal device. The image forming system transmits specific image data from the second image forming apparatus to the first image forming apparatus without going through the terminal device. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the processing in the terminal control unit as compared with the case of transmission via the terminal device.

  In the image forming system, the first image forming apparatus includes a first image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, the terminal device includes a conversion unit, and the terminal control unit includes the first image forming unit. A format of image data that can be formed by one image forming unit is stored, and in the specific data transmission process, the specific image data is transmitted to the first image forming device via the terminal device, and the terminal The control unit may convert the specific image data received by the terminal transmission / reception unit into a format of the image data using the conversion unit and transmit the specific image data to the first image forming apparatus.

  In this image forming system, the format of the specific image data stored in the second storage unit is changed to a format compatible with the first image forming unit using the conversion unit of the terminal device. Thereby, even when the format of the specific image data is not compatible with the first image forming unit, the specific image data can be formed using the first image forming unit of the first image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming system, the first image forming apparatus includes a first image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, and an image that can be formed by the first image forming unit in the second storage unit. A data format is stored, and in the information transmission process, information of the second image data that matches the format of the image data in the second image data may be transmitted to the terminal device.

  This image forming system transmits information of second image data suitable for forming image data that can be formed by the first image forming unit to the terminal device. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the display of the information of the second image data that cannot be formed by the first image forming unit for the user who uses the terminal device to use the first image forming apparatus. .

  In the image forming system, the second image forming apparatus includes a second image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium. In the information transmission process, the second image data is stored in the second storage unit. Information on the second image data in which the stored storage period is equal to or longer than a predetermined period and no image is formed by the second image forming unit may be transmitted to the terminal device.

  In this image forming system, the storage period stored in the second storage unit is equal to or longer than the specified period, and information on the second image data in which no image is formed in the second image forming unit is transmitted to the terminal device. As a result, the user can recognize that there is second image data that has been forgotten to form an image for a relatively long time. When a valid period is set for the second image data, the user can recognize that there is second image data whose valid period is approaching.

  In the image forming system, the identification information may be a device ID for identifying the terminal device. In this image forming system, since the identification information is the apparatus ID, the user can transmit the first image data to the first image forming apparatus without setting the identification information.

  In the image forming system, the second image forming apparatus includes a second image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, and the terminal control unit determines whether the second image forming unit can form an image. Status request processing for transmitting a status request for requesting information to the second image forming apparatus, and the second control unit receives the status request when the second transmitting / receiving unit receives the status request. An information processing unit that transmits information indicating whether or not an image can be formed to the terminal device. In the display process, the second image forming unit transmits information indicating that image formation is impossible to the terminal transmitting and receiving unit. May be displayed together with the information on the second image data that the second image forming apparatus cannot form an image.

  When displaying the second image data, the image forming system also displays that the second image forming unit of the second image forming apparatus cannot form an image. Thus, the user can recognize that there is second image data that cannot be formed by the second image forming apparatus.

  The image forming system includes a plurality of the second image forming apparatuses, the information request processing transmits information requests to the plurality of second image forming apparatuses, and the display processing includes the plurality of second images. The information on the second image data received from the forming apparatus may be displayed separately for each of the plurality of second image forming apparatuses.

  In this image forming system, the information of the second image data received from the plurality of second image forming apparatuses is displayed for each second image forming apparatus. Accordingly, the user can recognize the second image data and the second image forming apparatus in association with each other.

  In the image forming system, in the display process, when the information of the second image data includes the same image data group that is a plurality of the second image data having the same name, the information is selected from the same image data group. One second image data and the number of second image data included in the same image data group may be displayed.

  In the image forming system, when the same image data group is included in the information of the second image data, one second image data selected from the same image data group and the second image data included in the same image data group The number of items is displayed. The user can recognize from the display of the number that there are a plurality of image data having the same name as the displayed second image data. The user can form an image using the second image data selected and displayed when image formation of the second image data is necessary, and can select the image when it is unnecessary. The second image data displayed in this way can be deleted together.

  The invention disclosed in this specification includes various image forming methods, image forming apparatuses, computer programs for realizing the functions of these methods and apparatuses, and recording media on which the computer programs are recorded. It can be realized in a manner.

  Another image forming system disclosed in this specification is an image forming system in which a terminal device and a server are connected to a first external device and a second external device, and the terminal device transmits and receives to and from the server. A server transmission / reception unit, a reception unit, a display unit, and a terminal control unit, wherein the server transmits / receives data to / from the terminal device, the first external device, and the second external device. , A server storage unit, and a server control unit, wherein the terminal control unit includes a transmission command reception process for receiving a transmission command for image data from the reception unit, and the first external device in the transmission command reception process. When a transmission command for the first image data associated with is received, a data transmission process for further associating identification information and transmitting the first image data to the server, and an image associated with the identification information And an information requesting process for transmitting an information request for requesting information as to whether or not data is stored in the server to the server, and the server control unit is configured such that the server transmission / reception unit receives the first image data. Storage processing for storing the first image data in the server storage unit in association with the first external device when received, and storage in the server storage unit when the server transmission / reception unit receives the information request And information transmission processing for transmitting the identification information and information of the second image data associated with the second external device to the terminal device, and the terminal control unit further performs the terminal transmission / reception When the unit receives the information on the second image data, a display process for displaying the information on the second image data on the display unit after the data transmission process is executed.

  In the image forming system, after the terminal device transmits the first image data associated with the first external device, the information on the second image data associated with the second external device is displayed on the display unit. Thus, the user who uses the terminal device to use the first external device recognizes that the image data associated with the identification information of the image data related to the data transmission is stored in the second external device. be able to. Further, since the information of the second image data is displayed after the first image data is sent, compared to the configuration displayed before the first image data is sent, the sending of the first image data is not hindered. It is possible to suppress sending of data not intended by the user.

  Further, another image forming system disclosed in this specification is an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus, a terminal device, and a server are connected to an external apparatus having an external storage unit, and the image forming apparatus includes: A transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the server, a storage unit, and a control unit, and the terminal device includes a terminal transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the server, a reception unit, a display unit, and a terminal control unit, The server includes a server transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the image forming apparatus, the terminal device, and the external device, a server storage unit, and a server control unit, and the terminal control unit includes: When the transmission command reception process for receiving the transmission command for the image data from the reception unit and the transmission command for the first image data to the image forming apparatus are received in the transmission command reception process, before the identification information is associated An information request for transmitting to the server a data transmission process for transmitting the first image data to the server, and an information request for requesting information on whether or not the image data associated with the identification information is stored in the external device And the server control unit transfers the first image data to the image forming apparatus when the server transmission / reception unit receives the first image data; Information of the second image data stored in the external storage unit and associated with the identification information based on the information stored in the server storage unit when the server transmission / reception unit receives the information request Information transmission processing is transmitted to the terminal device, and when the transmission / reception unit receives the first image data, the control unit stores the first image data in the storage unit. A storage process that stores the information, and the terminal control unit further displays the information on the second image data after the data transmission process when the terminal transmission / reception unit receives the information on the second image data. Display processing to be displayed on the section.

  In this image forming system, after the first image data is sent to the image forming apparatus in the terminal device, the information of the second image data stored in the external device is displayed on the display unit. Thereby, the user who uses the terminal device to use the image forming apparatus can recognize that the image data associated with the identification information of the image data related to the data transmission is stored in the external device. . Further, since the information of the second image data is displayed after the first image data is sent, compared to the configuration displayed before the first image data is sent, the sending of the first image data is not hindered. It is possible to suppress sending of data not intended by the user.

  According to the invention disclosed in this specification, it is possible to recognize image data stored in an image forming apparatus or the like.

Block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the system Flow chart showing image distribution processing Flow chart showing image storage processing Flow chart showing response processing Display example of image data Display example of image data Block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the system Flow chart showing response processing Flow chart showing image management processing Flow chart showing image distribution processing Flow chart showing image management processing

The system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.
As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 according to the present embodiment includes printers 10, 30, 50 and a terminal device 60 connected via a communication line 2. The system 1 is an example of an image forming system.

  The printer 10 is an example of a first image forming apparatus, and includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a nonvolatile memory 14, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 15, a network interface (hereinafter, network I / F) 18, and an image forming unit 19. Is provided.

  The ROM 12 stores various programs for controlling the operation of the printer 10, and the various programs include, for example, a program for executing image distribution processing described later. The CPU 11 controls each unit of the printer 10 while storing the processing result in the RAM 13 or the nonvolatile memory 14 according to the program read from the ROM 12. The non-volatile memory 14 may be any rewritable memory such as NVRAM, flash memory, HDD, or EEPROM. As shown by a solid line 17 in FIG. 1, the CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, the nonvolatile memory 14, and the ASIC 15 are examples of the first control unit and the control unit. The ROM 12, the RAM 13, and the nonvolatile memory 14 are It is an example of a 1st memory | storage part and a memory | storage part.

  The network I / F 18 is an example of a first transmission / reception unit and a transmission / reception unit, and is connected to the communication line 2 described above. Note that the existing communication line 2 may be an existing wired line or an existing wireless line. Accordingly, the printer 10 can communicate with the other printers 30 and 50 and the terminal device 60. For example, the image data is supplied from the terminal device 60 or the like, and the supplied image data is supplied and registered. The date is stored in the RAM 13 or the nonvolatile memory 14 in association with the registered date.

  The image forming unit 19 is an example of a first image forming unit, and forms an image on a sheet under the control of the CPU 11 based on image data of a specific format stored in the RAM 13 or the nonvolatile memory 14. The nonvolatile memory 14 stores information on image data formed by the image forming unit 19.

  The printer 30 is an example of a second image forming apparatus, and includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a nonvolatile memory 34, an ASIC 35, a network I / F 38, and an image forming unit 39. The network I / F 38 is an example of a second transmission / reception unit, and the image forming unit 39 is an example of a second image forming unit.

  Various programs for controlling the operation of the printer 30 are stored in the ROM 32, and the various programs include, for example, programs for executing image storage processing and the like described later. The nonvolatile memory 34 stores a format of image data that can be formed by the image forming unit 19 of the printer 10 and a format of image data that can be converted by the image processing circuit 63 of the terminal device 60. The CPU 31 controls each unit of the printer 30 while storing the processing result in the RAM 33 and the nonvolatile memory 34 according to the program read from the ROM 32. As shown by a solid line 37 in FIG. 1, the CPU 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, the nonvolatile memory 34, and the ASIC 35 are examples of the second control unit. The ROM 32, the RAM 33, and the nonvolatile memory 34 are stored in the second memory. It is an example of a part.

  In addition, about the structure which has the same name as the printer 10, the duplicate description is abbreviate | omitted. The printer 50 is another example of the second image forming apparatus, and has the same configuration as the printer 30. Therefore, the description of each component is omitted. The printers 30 and 50 are examples of a plurality of second image forming apparatuses.

  The terminal device 60 is, for example, a PC, and includes a CPU 61, a storage unit 62 such as a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk, an image processing circuit 63, an operation unit 64, a display unit 65, and a network I / F 68. The storage unit 62 stores various programs for controlling the operation of the terminal device 60, and the various programs include, for example, a program for executing response processing described later. The storage unit 62 stores a format of image data that can be formed by the image forming unit 19 of the printer 10. The CPU 61 controls each unit of the terminal device 60 according to the program read from the storage unit 62.

  The image processing circuit 63 is an example of a conversion unit. The image processing circuit 63 performs edge detection processing such as binarization processing and enhancement processing on the image data stored in the storage unit 62 and converts the format of the image data. Perform the conversion process. The operation unit 64 is an example of a reception unit, and is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse. The operation unit 64 can accept various input commands by the user. The display unit 65 is a liquid crystal display, for example, and can display various images and information under the control of the CPU 61.

  As indicated by a solid line 67 in FIG. 1, the one including the CPU 61, the storage unit 62, and the image processing circuit 63 is an example of a terminal control unit, and the network I / F 68 is an example of a terminal transmission / reception unit. In addition, about the structure which has the same name as the printer 10, the duplicate description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6, image distribution processing executed by the CPU 61 of the terminal device 60, image storage processing executed by the CPU 11 of the printer 10, and response processing executed by the CPU 31 of the printers 30 and 50 are performed. explain. The image distribution process is a process of transmitting image data to the printer 10 when a transmission command is received from the user, and is executed in accordance with the input of the transmission command from the user. When an image data transmission command is input by the user via the operation unit 64 (S2), the CPU 61 starts the image distribution process shown in FIG.

  In the transmission command, the destination printer 10 is specified together with the image data to be transmitted. When the transmission command is input, the CPU 61 associates the device ID of the terminal device 60 with the image data to be transmitted as transmission source information and transmits the image data to the transmission destination printer 10 (S4). The device ID of the terminal device 60 is an example of identification information.

  Next, the CPU 61 transmits the device ID of the terminal device 60 and the information request to the other printers 30 and 50 that are not designated as the transmission destination, and the image data associated with the device ID is transmitted to the other printer 30. , 50 is requested (S6). When the information request is transmitted, the CPU 61 also transmits the image data name of the image data designated as the transmission target in S2.

  Further, the CPU 61 transmits a status request to the other printers 30 and 50, and requests information on whether or not the other printers 30 and 50 can form images (S8). Here, “image can be formed” means that an image can be formed using the image forming unit 39. On the other hand, if an image cannot be formed using the image forming unit 39 due to ink depletion or a failure of the image forming unit 39, the image cannot be formed. The CPU 61 transmits an information request and a status request to the printers 30 and 50, respectively.

  After transmitting the information request and the status request to the other printers 30 and 50, the CPU 61 waits for a response to be received from the other printers 30 and 50. When a response is received via the network I / F 68, the CPU 61 checks whether image data information is included in the received response (S12).

  When the received response does not include image data information, that is, when the image data associated with the device ID of the terminal device 60 is not stored in the other printers 30 and 50 (S12: NO). Then, the image distribution process ends.

  On the other hand, if the received response includes image data information (S12: YES), the CPU 61 displays the image data information included in the response on the display unit 65 (S14). The CPU 61 displays the information of the image data after transmitting the image data in S4.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the image data information includes the image data name including the format of the image data, the color setting of the image data, the data size, the registration date, and the like. As image data information, for example, thumbnails of image data may be displayed instead of image data names.

  When displaying image data information, if the CPU 61 receives image data information from the printers 30 and 50, the CPU 61 classifies the information for each printer 30 and 50. Display image data information. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 61 displays the device names of the printers 30, 50, the number of image data stored in each printer 30, 50, When the last registration date of the image data at 50 is displayed and one apparatus name is selected, the contents shown in FIG. 4 may be displayed.

  In addition, when the received response includes information indicating that image formation is not possible, the CPU 61 displays information indicating that the printers 30 and 50 are unable to form an image together with the image data information. As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 61 displays that each of the printers 30 and 50 cannot form an image in association with the information of the image data divided for each of the printers 30 and 50.

  When the received response includes the same image data group that is a plurality of image data having the same name, the CPU 61 displays one image data selected from the same image data group as a representative. At the same time, the CPU 61 counts the number of image data included in the same image data group, and displays it in parentheses in association with the image data displayed on behalf of the counted number (see FIG. 5).

  After displaying the image data information, the CPU 61 waits for a transfer command or a deletion command to be input by the user within the first reference time (S16, S18). When the CPU 61 receives a transfer command for selecting image data via the operation unit 64 (S16: YES), the CPU 61 confirms whether the selected image data includes image data selected from the same image data group. . When the image data selected from the same image data group is included in the selected image data, the CPU 61 further displays on the display unit 65 a request to select which image data of the same image data group is to be transferred. The image data selection command is received.

  When the CPU 61 receives a transfer instruction including an image data selection instruction, the CPU 61 transmits a transfer request together with the image data name of the selected image data to the other printers 30 and 50, and the selected image data printer. 10 is requested (S20).

  After sending a transfer request to the other printers 30 and 50, the CPU 61 waits for image data to be transferred from the other printers 30 and 50. When the image data is received via the network I / F 68, the CPU 61 temporarily stores the received image data in the RAM 13 or the nonvolatile memory 14, and the format of the received image data is changed by the image forming unit 19. It is determined whether or not it matches the format of image data that can be formed (S24).

  When the format of the received image data matches the format of image data that can be formed by the image forming unit 19 (S24: YES), the CPU 61 transmits the image data to the printer 10 that transmits to the printer 10 (S28). ). On the other hand, if it is not suitable (S24: NO), the CPU 61 uses the image processing circuit 63 to convert the format of the image data into a format of image data that can be formed by the image forming unit 19 (S26). Is sent to the printer 10 (S28), and the image distribution process is terminated.

  In addition, when the CPU 61 receives a deletion command for selecting image data via the operation unit 64 (S16: NO, S18: YES), together with the image data name of the image data selected for the other printers 30, 50. A deletion request is transmitted to request deletion of the selected image data (S30). When the image data selected from the same image data group is included in the selected image data, the CPU 61 transmits a deletion request to all the image data included in the same image data group, and the image distribution is performed. End the process.

  On the other hand, when neither the transfer instruction nor the delete instruction is input by the user within the first reference time (S16: NO, S18: NO), the CPU 61 ends the image distribution process.

  Next, image storage processing executed by the CPU 11 of the printer 10 will be described. The image storage process is a process for storing image data transmitted from another printer 10 and is continuously executed when the printer 10 is powered on. When the image storage process is started, the CPU 11 waits for image data to be received from the other printers 30 and 50 via the network I / F 18 (S4: NO), as shown in FIG.

  When the CPU 11 receives the image data (S32: YES), the CPU 11 associates the device ID of the terminal device 60 that has received the image data with the information request and stores it in the RAM 13 or the nonvolatile memory 14 (S34). After storing the image data, the CPU 11 waits for reception of image data associated with the same device ID of the terminal device 60 as the image data within the second reference time (S).

  When the CPU 11 receives the image data associated with the same device ID of the terminal device 60 as the image data received in S32 (S36: YES), the CPU 11 associates the image data with the device ID of the terminal device 60 and the RAM 13 or nonvolatile memory. 14 (S38). At this time, the CPU 11 stores the image data in association with the image data received in S32.

  On the other hand, when the image data is not received within the second reference time (S36: NO), the CPU 11 repeats the processing from S32.

  Next, response processing executed by the CPU 31 of the printers 30 and 50 will be described. The response process is continuously executed when the printers 30 and 50 are powered on. When the response process is started, the CPU 31 receives an information request (S6), a status request (S8), a transfer request (S20), and a deletion request (S30) from the printer 10 via the network I / F 38, as shown in FIG. It waits for either to be received (S42: NO, S44: NO, S46: NO, S48: NO).

  When receiving the information request (S42: YES), the CPU 31 searches whether or not the image data associated with the device ID of the terminal device 60 received together with the information request is stored in the RAM 33 or the nonvolatile memory 34 (S52). , S54).

  When searching for image data, the CPU 31 searches for image data with reference to the image data name received together with the information request (S52). Specifically, image data having a name that at least partially matches the image data name is preferentially searched. For example, when a part of the image data name is “February 25, 2014” Image data having a name that differs only in the description of the date part is preferentially searched.

  Further, the CPU 31 stores the storage period in which the image data is stored in the RAM 33 and the nonvolatile memory 34, that is, the storage period from the registration date of the image data, and whether the image data is formed in the image forming unit 39. The image data is searched with reference to the information (S54). Specifically, the CPU 31 preferentially searches for image data in which the image data storage period is equal to or longer than a specified period and the image forming unit 39 does not form an image.

  The CPU 31 compares the format of the searched image data with the format of image data that can be formed by the image forming unit 19, and selects image data in a compatible format (S56). At this time, the CPU 31 includes the image processing circuit 63 of the terminal device 60 together with image data in which the format of the image data stored in the RAM 33 and the nonvolatile memory 34 matches the format of the image data that can be formed by the image forming unit 19. The image data in the format of image data that can be formed by the image forming unit 19 is selected by this conversion process. The CPU 31 transmits information on the selected image data to the terminal device 60 (S58).

  When the CPU 31 receives the status request (S44: YES), the CPU 31 determines the operation status of the image forming unit 39, and information indicating that the printers 30 and 50 can form an image or that the image cannot be formed. Information is transmitted to the terminal device 60 (S60). For example, when an event such as ink depletion or a failure of the image forming unit 39 has occurred, the CPU 31 transmits information indicating that image formation is not possible to the terminal device 60, and when these events have not occurred, Information about image formation is transmitted to the terminal device 60.

  Further, when receiving the transfer request (S46: YES), the CPU 31 searches for the image data having the image data name received together with the transfer request (S62). The CPU 31 transmits the searched image data to the printer 10 (S64). At this time, the CPU 31 transmits the searched image data to the printer 10 via the terminal device 60 (S64). Further, the CPU 31 deletes the transmitted image data from the RAM 33 and the nonvolatile memory 34 (S66).

  Further, when receiving the deletion request (S48: YES), the CPU 31 deletes the image data having the image data name received together with the deletion request from the RAM 33 and the nonvolatile memory 34 (S68).

  In the present embodiment described above, the CPU 61 sends the image data associated with the device ID of the terminal device 60 to the printer 10 and then stores the image data information stored in the printers 30 and 50 and associated with the device ID. It displays on 65 (S14). Accordingly, the user who uses the terminal device 60 to transmit the image data to the printer 10 can recognize that the image data associated with the device ID is stored in the printers 30 and 50.

  In the present embodiment described above, the CPU 61 uses the device ID of the terminal device 60 that is the transmission source as the identification information associated with the image data. Therefore, the user can transmit image data without setting or inputting identification information.

  In the present embodiment described above, the CPU 61 displays the image data information stored in the printers 30 and 50 after the transmission of the image data to the printer 10 (S4). As a result, compared to the configuration displayed before transmission of image data to the printer 10, data transmission unintended by the user due to the data transmission delay is equivalent to the delay in the transmission processing of the image data. Can be suppressed.

  In the present embodiment described above, when receiving the deletion request from the terminal device 60, the CPU 31 deletes the image data having the image data name received together with the deletion request from the RAM 33 or the nonvolatile memory 34 (S68). Thereby, unnecessary image data can be continuously stored in the RAM 33 and the nonvolatile memory 34, and the capacity of the RAM 33 and the nonvolatile memory 34 can be suppressed from being compressed.

  In the present embodiment described above, when the CPU 31 receives an information request from the terminal device 60, the image data having a name that at least partially matches the image data name received together with the information request is prioritized from the RAM 33 or the nonvolatile memory 34. This is searched (S52), and the information is transmitted to the terminal device 60 (S58). As a result, the user can recognize that image data that is unnecessary by storing image data in the printer 10 is stored in the printers 30 and 50 and can efficiently delete the image data.

  In the present embodiment described above, when the CPU 31 receives a transfer request from the terminal device 60, the image data having the image data name received together with the information request is transmitted to the printer 10 (S 64), and then from the RAM 33 and the nonvolatile memory 34. The image data is deleted (S66). As a result, the image data associated with the device ID of the terminal device 60 can be collected in the printer 10, and image data that is no longer necessary due to the data transfer is deleted from the RAM 33 or the nonvolatile memory 34 of the printers 30 and 50. As a result, it is possible to prevent the RAM 33 and the nonvolatile memory 34 from being compressed.

  In the present embodiment described above, when the image data is received from the other printers 30 and 50 after receiving the image data from the terminal device 60, the CPU 11 stores these image data in association with each other (S38). Accordingly, these image data associated with the device ID of the same terminal device 60 can be formed by common processing or deleted by common processing.

  In the above-described embodiment, the CPU 61 compares the format of image data being transferred from the printers 30 and 50 to the printer 10 with the format of image data that can be formed by the image forming unit 19 of the printer 10. (S24) If it does not match, it is converted to a compatible format (S26). As a result, even when the format of the image data that has transmitted the transfer request is not compatible with the image forming unit 19, an image can be formed using the image forming unit 19.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the CPU 31 receives an information request from the terminal device 60, the image data stored in the printers 30 and 50 and associated with the device ID of the terminal device 60 is imaged by the image forming unit 19 of the printer 10. Image data matching the format of formable image data is selected (S56), and information on the selected image data is transmitted to the terminal device 60 (S58). Thereby, it is possible to suppress display of information on image data that cannot be formed by the image forming unit 19 of the printer 10 for a user who uses the terminal device 60 to use the printer 10.

  In the present embodiment described above, when the CPU 31 retrieves image data from the RAM 33 or the nonvolatile memory 34 in response to an information request from the terminal device 60 (S54), the storage period of the image data is equal to or longer than a specified period, and The image forming unit 39 preferentially searches for image data on which no image is formed. Accordingly, the user can recognize that there is image data that has been forgotten to form an image over a relatively long time. When a valid period is set for the image data, the user can recognize that there is image data whose valid period is approaching.

  In the present embodiment described above, when displaying the image data information stored in the printers 30 and 50 on the display unit 65 (S14), the CPU 61 displays that the printers 30 and 50 cannot form images. Thus, the user can recognize that there is image data that cannot be formed by the stored printers 30 and 50.

  In the present embodiment described above, the CPU 61 receives image data information from the printers 30 and 50 when displaying the image data information stored in the printers 30 and 50 on the display unit 65 (S14). The image data information is displayed separately for each of the printers 30 and 50. Thus, the user can recognize the image data and the printers 30 and 50 in association with each other.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the CPU 61 displays the image data information stored in the printers 30 and 50 on the display unit 65 (S14), if the image data includes the same image data group. One image data selected from the same image data group and the number of image data included in the same image data group are displayed in association with each other. The user can recognize from the display of the number that there are a plurality of image data having the same name as the displayed image data. When the image formation of these image data is necessary, the user can form an image using the selected and displayed image data. When the image formation is unnecessary, the user can collect the same image data group. Can be deleted.

  A system 1 according to another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a server 70 is provided, and image data stored in the RAMs 13 and 33 of the printers 10, 30, and 50 and the nonvolatile memories 14 and 34 are stored in the storage unit 72 of the server 70. It differs from the system 1 of the above embodiment in that information (hereinafter, management information) is stored. In the following description, duplicate descriptions are omitted for the same contents as in the above embodiment. In the present embodiment, the printer 10 is an example of an image forming apparatus, the printers 30 and 50 are examples of external devices, and the RAM 33 and the nonvolatile memory 34 are examples of external storage units.

  The server 70 includes a CPU 71, a storage unit 72 such as a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk, and a network I / F 78. The storage unit 72 stores various programs for controlling the operation of the server 70. The various programs include, for example, programs for executing image management processing and the like described later. Further, the storage unit 72 stores a format of image data that can be formed by the image forming unit 19 of the printer 10. The CPU 71 controls each unit of the server 70 according to the program read from the storage unit 72.

  As shown by a solid line 77 in FIG. 7, the one including the CPU 71 and the storage unit 72 is an example of a server control unit, the storage unit 72 is an example of a server storage unit, and the network I / F 78 is a server transmission / reception unit. It is an example. In addition, about the structure which has the same name as the printer 10, the duplicate description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, an image distribution process executed by the CPU 61 of the terminal device 60, an image storage process executed by the CPU 11 of the printer 10, a response process executed by the CPU 31 of the printers 30 and 50, and a server An image management process executed by the CPU 71 will be described.

  Compared with the image forming process shown in FIG. 2, the image distribution process of the present embodiment is different in the transmission destination for transmitting various requests and the reception destination for receiving a response, and is the same for the other. In S4, S6, S20, and S30, the CPU 61 transmits image data, an information request, a transfer request, and a deletion request to the server 70 instead of the printers 10, 30, and 50. Further, the CPU 61 receives image data information from the server 70 instead of the other printers 30 and 50, while receiving information indicating that the printers 30 and 50 cannot form an image from the printers 30 and 50.

  The image storage process of this embodiment is equivalent to the image storage process shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, in the response process of the present embodiment, the printers 30 and 50 do not receive the information request, so the CPU 31 of the printers 30 and 50 does not transmit the image data information. Further, compared with the response process shown in FIG. 3, the receiving destination for receiving various requests is different. In S <b> 46 and S <b> 48, the CPU 31 receives a transfer request and a deletion request from the server 70 instead of the terminal device 60.

  Next, image management processing executed by the CPU 71 of the server 70 will be described. The image management process is continuously executed when the server 70 is powered on. When the image management process is started, the CPU 71 receives image data (S4), information request (S6), transfer request (S20), and delete request (S30) from the terminal device 60 via the network I / F 78, as shown in FIG. ) Is received (S72: NO, S74: NO, S76: NO, S78: NO).

  When receiving the image data (S72: YES), the CPU 71 transfers the image data together with the device ID of the terminal device 60 associated with the image data to the printer 10 (S80), and updates the management information (S82).

  When the CPU 71 receives the information request (S74: YES), the CPU 71 retrieves and selects image data from the management information stored in the storage unit 72 by the same process as the process from S52 to S56 in FIG. From S84 to S88, the image data information is transmitted to the terminal device 10 (S90). Note that when retrieving image data from the management information, the CPU 71 targets image data stored in the printers 30 and 50 and excludes image data stored in the printer 10 from the target.

  Further, when receiving the transfer request (S76: YES), the CPU 71 transfers the transfer request to the printers 30 and 50 together with the image data name received together with the transfer request (S92), and updates the management information (S94). ). When the CPU 71 receives the deletion request (S78: YES), the CPU 71 transfers the deletion request to the printers 30 and 50 together with the image data name received along with the deletion request (S96), and updates the management information (S98). ).

  In the present embodiment described above, the CPU 61 sends the image data associated with the device ID of the terminal device 60 to the printer 10, and then stores the image data information stored in the printers 30 and 50 and associated with the device ID. Are displayed on the display unit 65 (S14). Accordingly, the user who uses the terminal device 60 to transmit the image data to the printer 10 can recognize that the image data associated with the device ID is stored in the printers 30 and 50.

  In the present embodiment described above, the CPU 61 receives the image data information stored in the printers 30 and 50 from the management information of the server 70 (S14). As a result, the processing load on the CPU 61 can be reduced by the amount that the processing of the CPU 61 that has received the image data information can be combined, compared to the configuration in which the image data is received and displayed from the individual printers 30 and 50.

  A system 1 according to another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a server 70 is provided, and no image data is stored in the RAMs 13 and 33 and the nonvolatile memories 14 and 34 of the printers 10, 30, and 50. 72 is different from the system 1 of the above embodiment in that image data is stored in 72. The storage unit 72 stores image data in association with each printer 10, 30, 50. In the following description, duplicate descriptions are omitted for the same contents as in the above embodiment. In the present embodiment, the printer 10 is an example of a first external device, and the printers 30 and 50 are examples of a second external device.

  Hereinafter, the image distribution process executed by the CPU 61 of the terminal device 60, the response process executed by the CPU 31 of the printers 30 and 50, and the image management process executed by the CPU 71 of the server 70 will be described with reference to FIGS. To do. In the present embodiment, the CPU 11 of the printer 10 does not perform processing.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the image distribution process of the present embodiment, image data is not stored in the RAMs 13 and 33 and the nonvolatile memories 14 and 34 of the printers 10, 30, and 50. Therefore, no transfer command is input to the CPU 61, no transfer request is transmitted, and the format of the image data is not converted during the transmission of the image data.

  Even in the image distribution process of the present embodiment, the CPU 61 transmits image data, an information request, and a deletion request to the server 70 instead of the printers 10, 30, and 50 in S4, S6, and S18. . Further, the CPU 61 receives image data information from the server 70 instead of the other printers 30 and 50, while receiving information indicating that the printers 30 and 50 cannot form an image from the printers 30 and 50.

  In the response process according to the present embodiment, since the image data and the information thereof are not stored in the printers 30 and 50, the CPU 31 of the printers 30 and 50 receives the information request, the transfer request, and the deletion request. Otherwise, it will not respond. Therefore, when the CPU 31 receives the status request from the terminal device 60, the CPU 31 executes only processing for transmitting information indicating that the printers 30 and 50 are capable of image formation or information indicating that image formation is not possible to the terminal device 60. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the image management processing of this embodiment, image data is not stored in the RAMs 13 and 33 of the printers 10, 30, and 50 and the nonvolatile memories 14 and 34, but is stored in the storage unit 72 of the server 70. Image data is stored. Therefore, the transfer request is not received by the CPU 71.

  Further, when receiving the image data (S72: YES), the CPU 71 stores the image data in the storage unit 72 together with the device ID of the terminal device 60 received together with the image data (S102). When the CPU 71 receives the deletion request (S78: YES), the CPU 71 deletes the image data having the image data name received together with the deletion request from the storage unit 72 (S104).

  In the present embodiment described above, the CPU 61 receives the image data associated with the device ID of the terminal device 60 to the printer 10 and then receives information about the printers 30 and 50 and the image data associated with the device ID from the server 70. Is displayed on the display unit 65 (S14). Accordingly, the user who uses the terminal device 60 to transmit the image data to the printer 10 can recognize that the image data associated with the device ID is stored in the printers 30 and 50.

  The technology disclosed in the present specification is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings, and includes, for example, the following various aspects.

  The “image forming apparatus” is not limited to a printer, and may be, for example, a multifunction machine having a scanning function in addition to a printing function. Similarly, the “external device” is not limited to a printer but may be a scanner having a scan function. Furthermore, the “external device” may be a device that does not have a printing function, a scanner function, or the like but has only a capacity for storing image data.

  The “terminal device” is not limited to a PC but may be a mobile terminal.

  The “identification information” is not limited to the device ID, and may be, for example, a user ID or login information when the user logs in when operating the terminal device 60.

  The “control unit” has a configuration in which each of the processes in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit has a configuration in which each process in FIG. 2 is executed by a plurality of CPUs, a configuration in which each process in FIG. 2 is executed only by a dedicated hardware circuit such as the ASICs 15 and 35. The CPU and the hardware circuit may execute each process shown in FIG.

  In the embodiment described above, the CPU 61 has shown an example in which the image request is transmitted to the other printers 30 and 50 after the image data is transmitted to the printer 10 in the image distribution process. It is not limited to this. For example, when an image data transmission command to the printer 10 is input, the information request may be transmitted prior to the image data transmission. However, even in this case, the image data received in response to the information request is displayed on the display unit 65 after the image data is transmitted.

  In the above embodiment, the CPU 31 transmits the image data to the printer 10 via the terminal device 60 when transmitting the image data to the printer 10. For example, the CPU 31 directly transmits the image data to the printer 10 without using the terminal device 60. May be. Thereby, compared with the case where it transmits via the terminal device 60, the process in CPU61 can be simplified.

  In the above embodiment, when the CPU 11 receives image data associated with the same device ID of the terminal device 60 as the image data within the second reference time after storing the image data, the CPU 11 receives the image data in S32. Although an example in which the image data is stored in association with the image data is shown, the present invention is not limited to this content. For example, as a condition for storing the image data in association with the image data received in S32, when there is an instruction to associate with the image data received in S32 instead of the second reference time (this instruction is displayed together with the image data). This association may be performed when received).

  In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the information request and the status request transmitted from the terminal device 60 to the printers 30 and 50 are transmitted separately. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and includes the contents of the information request and the status request. The information status request may be transmitted to the printers 30 and 50. In addition, the printers 30 and 50 may transmit information including image data information and image formable information to the terminal device 60 in response to receiving the information status request.

1: System, 10: Printer, 13: RAM, 14: Non-volatile memory, 18: Network I / F, 19: Image forming unit, 30, 50: Printer, 33: RAM, 34: Non-volatile memory, 38: Network I / F, 39: Image forming unit, 60: Terminal device, 62: Storage unit, 63: Image processing circuit, 64: Operation unit, 65: Display unit, 70: Server, 72: Storage unit, 78: Network I / F F

Claims (18)

An image forming system having a first image forming apparatus, a second image forming apparatus, and a terminal device,
The first image forming apparatus includes:
A first transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the second image forming apparatus and the terminal device;
A first storage unit;
A first control unit,
The second image forming apparatus includes:
A second transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the first image forming apparatus and the terminal device;
A second storage unit;
A second control unit,
The terminal device
A terminal transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus;
A reception department;
A display unit;
A terminal control unit,
The terminal control unit
A transmission command reception process for receiving a transmission command of image data from the reception unit;
First data for transmitting the first image data associated with identification information to the first image forming apparatus when a transmission command for the first image data to the first image forming apparatus is received in the transmission command receiving process. Send processing and
Whether or not image data associated with the identification information is stored in the second image forming apparatus when a transmission instruction for the first image data to the first image forming apparatus is received in the transmission command receiving process. An information request process for transmitting an information request for requesting information to the second image forming apparatus;
Run
The first controller is
A first storage process for storing the first image data in the first storage unit when the first transmission / reception unit receives the first image data;
Run
The second controller is
An information transmission process for transmitting information of the second image data stored in the second storage unit and associated with the identification information to the terminal device when the second transmission / reception unit receives the information request;
Run
The terminal control unit further includes:
A display process for displaying the information on the second image data on the display unit after the first data transmission process when the terminal transmission / reception unit receives the information on the second image data;
Execute the image forming system. The image forming system according to claim 1,
The terminal control unit
A delete command receiving process for receiving a delete command of the second image data related to the information of the second image data displayed in the display process from the receiving unit;
A deletion request process for transmitting a deletion request for the second image data for which the deletion command has been received to the second image forming apparatus when the deletion command is received in the deletion command reception process;
Run
The second controller is
A first deletion process for deleting the second image data related to the deletion request from the second storage unit when the second transmission / reception unit receives the deletion request for the second image data;
Execute the image forming system. The image forming system according to claim 2,
In the information request process, the name of the first image data that has received the transmission command in the transmission command reception process in the first image data together with the information request is transmitted to the second image forming apparatus,
In the information transmission processing, the image forming system transmits information of the second image data having a name at least partially matching the name of the first image data received by the second transmission / reception unit to the terminal device. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The terminal control unit
A transfer command receiving process for receiving a transfer command for transferring the second image data displayed in the display process to the first image forming apparatus from the receiving unit;
A transfer request process for transmitting a transfer request for specific image data, which is the second image data for which the transfer command has been received, to the second image forming apparatus when the transfer command is received in the transfer command receiving process;
Run
The second controller is
Specific data transmission processing for transmitting the specific image data to the first image forming apparatus when the second transmission / reception unit receives the transfer request;
A second deletion process for deleting the specific image data from the second storage unit when the specific image data is transmitted to the first image forming apparatus;
Run
The first controller is
A second storage process for storing the specific image data in the first storage unit when the first transmission / reception unit receives the specific image data;
Execute the image forming system. The image forming system according to claim 4,
In the second storage process, the specific image data is stored in association with the first image data stored in the first storage process. The image forming system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein:
In the specific data transmission process, the specific image data is transmitted to the first image forming apparatus without passing through the terminal device. The image forming system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein:
The first image forming apparatus includes a first image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium,
The terminal device includes a conversion unit,
The terminal control unit stores a format of image data that can be formed by the first image forming unit,
In the specific data transmission process, the specific image data is transmitted to the first image forming apparatus via the terminal device,
The image forming system, wherein the terminal control unit converts the specific image data received by the terminal transmission / reception unit into a format of the image data using the conversion unit and transmits the image data to the first image forming apparatus. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The first image forming apparatus includes a first image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium,
The second storage unit stores a format of image data that can be formed by the first image forming unit,
In the information transmission process, an image forming system that transmits information of the second image data that conforms to a format of the image data among the second image data to the terminal device. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The second image forming apparatus includes a second image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium,
In the information transmission process, the second image data in which the storage period stored in the second storage unit is equal to or longer than a predetermined period and the image is not formed in the second image forming unit. An image forming system for transmitting the information to the terminal device. An image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The image forming system, wherein the identification information is a device ID for identifying the terminal device. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The second image forming apparatus includes a second image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium,
The terminal control unit
A status request process for transmitting a status request for requesting information on whether or not the second image forming unit is capable of image formation to the second image forming apparatus;
Run
The second controller is
When the second transmission / reception unit receives the status request, whether or not the second image forming unit transmits information to the terminal device.
Run
In the display process, when the terminal transmission / reception unit receives information indicating that the second image forming unit cannot form an image, the second image forming apparatus cannot form an image together with the information of the second image data. An image forming system for displaying. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
A plurality of the second image forming apparatuses;
In the information request process, an information request is transmitted to the plurality of second image forming apparatuses,
In the display process, an image forming system that displays the information of the second image data received from the plurality of second image forming apparatuses for each of the plurality of second image forming apparatuses. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
In the display process, when the same image data group as the plurality of second image data having the same name is included in the information of the second image data, one second image data selected from the same image data group And an image forming system for displaying the number of second image data included in the same image data group. An image forming method for forming an image using an image forming system having a first image forming apparatus, a second image forming apparatus, and a terminal device,
The first image forming apparatus includes:
A first transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the second image forming apparatus and the terminal device;
A first storage unit;
A first control unit,
The second image forming apparatus includes:
A second transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the first image forming apparatus and the terminal device;
A second storage unit;
A second control unit,
The terminal device
A terminal transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus;
A reception department;
A display unit;
A terminal control unit,
The image forming method includes:
A transmission command reception step of receiving a transmission command of image data using the reception unit;
The first image data associated with the identification information is transmitted from the terminal device to the first image forming device when a transmission command of the first image data to the first image forming device is received in the transmission command receiving step. and to Lud over data transmission process,
A first storage step of storing the first image data in the first storage unit when the first image data is received by the first transmission / reception unit;
Whether or not image data associated with the identification information is stored in the second image forming apparatus when a transmission command for the first image data to the first image forming apparatus is received in the transmission command receiving step. An information requesting step for transmitting an information request for requesting the information from the terminal device to the second image forming device;
When the information request is received by the second transmission / reception unit, information on the second image data stored in the second storage unit and associated with the identification information is transmitted from the second image forming apparatus to the terminal. An information transmission step for transmitting to the device;
A display step of displaying the information of the second image data on the display unit after the data transmission step when the information of the second image data is received by the terminal transmission / reception unit;
An image forming method. A terminal transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the external first image forming apparatus and the external second image forming apparatus;
A reception department;
A display unit;
A terminal control unit,
The terminal control unit
A transmission command reception process for receiving a transmission command of image data from the reception unit;
A data transmission process for transmitting the first image data associated with identification information to the first image forming apparatus when a transmission command for the first image data to the first image forming apparatus is received in the transmission command receiving process. When,
Whether or not image data associated with the identification information is stored in the second image forming apparatus when a transmission instruction for the first image data to the first image forming apparatus is received in the transmission command receiving process. An information request process for transmitting an information request for requesting information to the second image forming apparatus;
When the terminal transmission / reception unit receives information on the second image data stored in the second image forming apparatus and associated with the identification information, the information on the second image data is stored after the data transmission process. Display processing to be displayed on the display unit;
The terminal device that executes A terminal transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the external first image forming apparatus and the external second image forming apparatus;
A reception department;
A display unit;
In a computer used for a terminal device comprising:
A transmission command reception process for receiving a transmission command of image data from the reception unit;
A data transmission process for transmitting the first image data associated with identification information to the first image forming apparatus when a transmission command for the first image data to the first image forming apparatus is received in the transmission command receiving process. When,
Whether or not image data associated with the identification information is stored in the second image forming apparatus when a transmission instruction for the first image data to the first image forming apparatus is received in the transmission command receiving process. An information request process for transmitting an information request for requesting information to the second image forming apparatus;
When the terminal transmission / reception unit receives information on the second image data stored in the second image forming apparatus and associated with the identification information, the information on the second image data is stored after the data transmission process. Display processing to be displayed on the display unit;
A program that executes An image forming system in which a terminal device and a server are connected to a first external device and a second external device,
The terminal device
A terminal transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the server;
A reception department;
A display unit;
A terminal control unit,
The server
A server transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the terminal device, the first external device, and the second external device;
A server storage unit;
A server control unit,
The terminal control unit
A transmission command reception process for receiving a transmission command of image data from the reception unit;
A data transmission process for transmitting the first image data to the server by further associating identification information when a transmission command for the first image data associated with the first external device is received in the transmission command reception process;
Requests information on whether image data associated with the identification information is stored in the server when a transmission command for the first image data associated with the first external device is received in the transmission command reception process. An information request process for transmitting an information request to the server;
Run
The server control unit
A storage process for storing the first image data in the server storage unit in association with the first external device when the server transmission / reception unit receives the first image data;
When the server transmitting / receiving unit receives the information request, the server transmitting / receiving unit transmits the identification information and the second image data information associated with the second external device to the terminal device. Information transmission processing,
Run
The terminal control unit further includes:
A display process for displaying the information of the second image data on the display unit after the data transmission process when the terminal transmission / reception unit receives the information of the second image data;
Execute the image forming system. An image forming system in which an image forming device, a terminal device, and a server are connected to an external device having an external storage unit,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the server;
A storage unit;
A control unit,
The terminal device
A terminal transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the server;
A reception department;
A display unit;
A terminal control unit,
The server
A server transmission / reception unit that performs transmission / reception with the image forming apparatus, the terminal device, and the external device;
A server storage unit;
A server control unit,
The terminal control unit
A transmission command reception process for receiving a transmission command of image data from the reception unit;
A data transmission process of transmitting the first image data associated with identification information to the server when a transmission instruction of the first image data to the image forming apparatus is received in the transmission command reception process;
An information request process for transmitting to the server an information request for requesting information on whether or not image data associated with the identification information is stored in the external device;
Run
The server control unit
A first data transfer process for transferring the first image data to the image forming apparatus when the server transmission / reception unit receives the first image data;
When the server transmission / reception unit receives the information request, based on the information stored in the server storage unit, the second image data stored in the external storage unit and associated with the identification information Information transmission processing for transmitting information to the terminal device;
Run
The controller is
A storage process for storing the first image data in the storage unit when the transmission / reception unit receives the first image data;
Run
The terminal control unit further includes:
A display process for displaying the information of the second image data on the display unit after the data transmission process when the terminal transmission / reception unit receives the information of the second image data;
Execute the image forming system.

Images