JP7753770B2 - Information processing device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device and a program.

Conventionally, a technique has been proposed in which two image forming units form an image on one sheet of paper.
For example, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes, in a single housing, a first image forming unit that forms a first image, a second image forming unit that forms a second image, a first control unit that controls the first image forming unit, and a second control unit that controls the second image forming unit. This image forming apparatus then superimposes the first image and the second image on a single sheet of paper.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-170038

For example, in order for the image forming device described in Patent Document 1 to be able to superimpose a first image and a second image to be superimposed on the first image onto a single sheet of paper, the first control unit and the second control unit need to recognize that the image forming instructions correspond to the respective images to be superimposed.
For example, if the identification information of an image formation instruction for forming a first image and the identification information of an image formation instruction for forming a second image to be superimposed on the first image are the same, it is easy to recognize that the image formation instruction is for superimposing the first image and the second image. On the other hand, if the identification information of an image formation instruction for forming the first image and the identification information of an image formation instruction for forming the second image to be superimposed on the first image are different, it is difficult to recognize that the image formation instruction is for superimposing the first image and the second image. Therefore, it is desirable for an information processing device that transmits image formation instructions to an image forming device to use the same identification information for the image formation instructions for forming each of the images to be superimposed on the image forming device.
On the other hand, for example, if the documents are created using one application, it is easy to make the identification information of the image formation instructions for forming each of the images to be superimposed on the image forming device the same. However, for example, if the images to be superimposed are formed using different applications, it is difficult to make the identification information of the image formation instructions for forming each of the images to be superimposed the same.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and the like that can make the identification information of image formation instructions for forming the respective images to be superimposed in the image forming apparatus the same.

The invention described in claim 1 is an information processing device having a processor, wherein when sending an image forming instruction including information to superimpose the first image and the second image to an image forming device equipped with a first image forming unit that forms a first image using color materials of a first color composition and a second image forming unit that forms a second image that is superimposed on the first image using color materials of a second color composition, if another image forming instruction including information to superimpose the first image and the second image is not stored in a memory unit, the processor stores the one image forming instruction in the memory unit and sends it, and if the other image forming instruction is stored in the memory unit, the processor sends it including identification information that is the same as the identification information of the other image forming instruction , and when accepting the one image forming instruction, if the other image forming instruction is stored in the memory unit, the processor prevents the color configuration of the other image forming instruction from being accepted, out of the first color composition and the second color composition .
The invention described in claim 2 is an information processing device described in claim 1, in which the processor is capable of accepting the first color configuration and the second color configuration when accepting the one image formation instruction and if the other image formation instruction is not stored in the memory unit.
The invention described in claim 3 is an information processing device described in claim 1, in which, when accepting one image formation instruction, if another image formation instruction is stored in the memory unit, the processor does not accept a paper size different from the paper size of the other image formation instruction.
In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the processor is configured to be unable to accept an image formation mode different from the image formation mode of the other image formation instruction.
A fifth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein the processor does not accept a tray different from a tray that supplies paper for the other image formation instruction.
The invention described in claim 6 is an information processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the processor deletes the other image formation instruction from the memory unit when sending the one image formation instruction including identification information that is the same as the identification information of the other image formation instruction.
The invention described in claim 7 is an information processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the processor deletes the other image formation instruction from the memory unit when a predetermined period has elapsed after the other image formation instruction is stored in the memory unit.
The invention described in claim 8 is a program that causes a processor to execute a function of, to an image forming device that has a first image forming unit that forms a first image using color materials of a first color composition and a second image forming unit that forms a second image that is superimposed on the first image using color materials of a second color composition, when sending an image formation instruction that includes information that the first image and the second image should be superimposed, if another image formation instruction that includes information that the first image and the second image should be superimposed is not stored in a memory unit, storing the one image formation instruction in the memory unit and sending it, and if the other image formation instruction is stored in the memory unit, sending it with the same identification information as the other image formation instruction, and when accepting the one image formation instruction, if the other image formation instruction is stored in the memory unit, not accepting the color configuration of the other image formation instruction out of the first color configuration and the second color configuration .

According to the invention of claim 1, it is possible to make the identification information of the image formation instruction for forming each image to be superimposed in the image forming device the same, and also to prevent the user from making an erroneous selection.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the image forming device can superimpose the first image and the second image.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the user from making an erroneous selection.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the user from making an erroneous selection.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the user from making an erroneous selection.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to make the identification information of two image formation instructions, which are image formation instructions for forming the images to be superimposed in the image forming apparatus, the same with a high degree of certainty.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to make the identification information of two image formation instructions, which are image formation instructions for forming the images to be superimposed in the image forming apparatus, the same with a high degree of certainty.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to make the identification information of the image formation instructions for forming each image to be superimposed in the image forming device the same, and it is also possible to prevent the user from making an erroneous selection.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a terminal device. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an internal structure of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions of a terminal device and an image forming device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a first control unit and a second control unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed by a first control unit and a second control unit. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed by the first control unit when the first main control unit receives a first independent instruction. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed by the first control unit and the second control unit when the first main control unit receives a second independent instruction. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a first main control unit. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a first main control unit. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a second main control unit. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of a control unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed on a display unit. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of processing when a cooperative instruction is included in information on image formation settings stored in a setting storage unit. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a setting process performed by a setting unit. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a start process performed by a start unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen according to a first modified example displayed on a display unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen according to a second modified example displayed on a display unit. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen according to a third modified example displayed on a display unit. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen according to a fourth modified example displayed on a display unit.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image forming system 1 according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal device 9. As shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the internal structure of the image forming apparatus 2. As shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functions of the terminal device 9 and the image forming device 2. As shown in FIG.
The image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2 and a terminal device 9 connected to the image forming apparatus 2 via a communication line 5. The communication line 5 is not particularly limited as long as it is a line used for data communication between apparatuses, and examples thereof include the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), and a local area network (LAN). The communication line 5 may be wired or wireless, or a combination of these may be used. An example of a wireless LAN is Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

Image forming device 2 is equipped with, within a single housing 3, two image forming units, a first image forming unit 10 and a second image forming unit 20, which together form an image on a single sheet of paper S; a first control unit 100 that controls first image forming unit 10; and a second control unit 200 that controls second image forming unit 20. In image forming device 2, first control unit 100 also controls sheet transport device 40, which transports sheet S. Details of image forming device 2 will be described later.

(Terminal device)
The terminal device 9 includes a control unit 91 that controls the entire device, a memory unit 92 used to store data, etc., a display unit 93 used to display operation reception screens and images, an operation unit 94 that accepts user input operations, and a communication unit 95 used to communicate with external devices.

The control unit 91 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 91b, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 91c. The ROM 91b stores the basic program (operating system) executed by the CPU 91a, various settings, etc. The CPU 91a uses the RAM 91c as a working area and executes application programs, etc. read from the ROM 91b or the memory unit 92. The CPU 91a executes the programs to control each part of the terminal device 9.

The storage unit 92 can be, for example, a storage device such as a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 92 stores, for example, application programs such as document creation applications, printer drivers, etc. The storage unit 92 also stores the configuration of the color materials used in the first image forming unit 10 and the second image forming unit 20 of the image forming device 2.

For example, a document creation application generates instructions for forming an image of an original M created using the application on paper S. The printer driver acquires the image formation instructions output from the application and converts them into commands in a format that can be analyzed by the image forming device 2.
More specifically, after acquiring an instruction to form an image on a document M output from an application, for example, the printer driver takes into consideration the respective characteristics of the first image forming unit 10 and the second image forming unit 20 and converts the instruction into a first image forming instruction, which is a command for forming an image in the first image forming unit 10, and a second image forming instruction, which is a command for forming an image in the second image forming unit 20. The printer driver then outputs the first image forming instruction and the second image forming instruction to the first control unit 100. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the first image forming instruction and the second image forming instruction, they may be collectively referred to as "image forming instructions."

Image formation instructions include identification information that identifies the image formation instruction, image data that is data for the image to be formed, and the instructed image formation settings. Examples of image formation settings include the size and material of the paper S on which the image is to be formed, and the color of the colorant to be used. The image formation instruction also includes information on whether it is a collaborative instruction or a solo instruction, as described below. Examples of identification information include information on the terminal device 9 from which the image formation instruction was output, the time the image formation instruction was output, etc.

The display unit 93 is a display device that displays still images, moving images, etc. The display unit 93 can be exemplified by a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.
The operation unit 94 is an input device that accepts operations from the user. Examples of the operation unit 94 include buttons, switches, and a touch panel.
The communication unit 95 can be exemplified as a communication interface.

Examples of terminal devices 9 configured as described above include notebook PCs, desktop PCs, tablet PCs, tablet terminals, multi-function mobile phones (so-called "smartphones"), mobile phones (so-called "feature phones"), and personal digital assistants (PDAs).

(Image forming apparatus)
The image forming apparatus 2 includes a first image forming unit 10 that forms an image on paper S, which is an example of a recording material, and a second image forming unit 20 that forms an image on paper S. The image forming apparatus 2 also includes a paper holding unit 30 that holds paper S, and a paper transport device 40 that transports paper S held in the paper holding unit 30 to the first image forming unit 10, etc. The image forming apparatus 2 also includes a fixing device 50 that applies heat and pressure to fix a toner image formed on paper S, a paper stacking unit 60 that stacks paper S on which an image has been formed by fixing the toner image by the fixing device 50, and a user interface (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "UI") 70 that displays information, etc. The image forming apparatus 2 also includes a first control unit 100 that controls the first image forming unit 10, the paper transport device 40, the fixing device 50, etc., and a second control unit 200 that controls the second image forming unit 20.

The first image forming unit 10 includes four image forming units 11 arranged in parallel at regular intervals. Each image forming unit 11 forms a toner image of a corresponding color, using toner as an example of a color material. Each image forming unit 11 includes a photosensitive drum 12 that holds the toner image, a charger 13 that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 12, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) print head 14 that exposes the photosensitive drum 12 charged by the charger 13 based on image data for each color to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 12. Each image forming unit 11 also includes a developer 15 that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 and a drum cleaner 16 that cleans the photosensitive drum 12 after transfer. In the four image forming units 11 of this embodiment, the developer 15 contains yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner, respectively, and forms a toner image of the corresponding color. Hereinafter, the color configuration of toner stored in the four image forming units 11 of the first image forming section 10 (e.g., yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K)) may be referred to as the "first color configuration."

The first image forming unit 10 also includes an intermediate transfer belt 17 onto which the color toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 12 of each image forming unit 11 are transferred in a multi-layered manner. The first image forming unit 10 also includes a primary transfer roll 18 that sequentially transfers (primary transfer) the color toner images formed on each image forming unit 11 onto the intermediate transfer belt 17, and a secondary transfer roll 19 that collectively transfers (secondary transfer) the color toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 17 in a superimposed state onto the paper S.

Like the first image forming unit 10, the second image forming unit 20 includes four image forming units 21, an intermediate transfer belt 27, a primary transfer roll 28, and a secondary transfer roll 29. Like the image forming unit 11, each image forming unit 21 includes a photosensitive drum 22, a charger 23, an LED print head 24, a developer 25, and a drum cleaner 26. In this embodiment, the four image forming units 21 each contain white, gold, silver, or clear toner in their respective developer 25, forming toner images of the respective colors. Note that the toner colors contained in the developer 25 of each image forming unit 21 are not limited to the above colors. For example, they may be red, blue, or green. Hereinafter, the color configuration of the toner colors contained in the four image forming units 21 of the second image forming unit 20 (e.g., white, gold, silver, and clear) may be referred to as the "second color configuration."

The paper transport device 40 includes an upper roll 41 and a lower roll 42 that are spaced apart in the vertical direction, and a transport belt 43 that is stretched across the upper roll 41 and the lower roll 42. The paper transport device 40 also includes a supply roll 44 that supplies paper S held in the paper holding unit 30 toward the transport belt 43, and a transport roll 45 that is positioned between the supply roll 44 and the transport belt 43. The paper transport device 40 also includes multiple sensors 46 that detect the passage of paper S being transported.

The fixing device 50 includes a heating roll 51 that heats the conveyed paper S, and a belt module 52 that is pressed against the heating roll 51 to form a pressure section between the heating roll 51 and the belt module 52. The fixing device 50 fixes the toner image to the paper S by applying pressure and heat to the paper S on which the toner image has been formed in the pressure section.
The UI 70 is configured with a touch panel or the like that combines a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display with a position input device such as a touch pad, and receives information from the user and displays the information to the user.

The image forming apparatus 2 configured as above operates as follows.
The four-color toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 of the image forming unit 11 of the first image forming section 10 is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 17 by the primary transfer roll 18, and a superimposed toner image in which the four color toners are superimposed is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 17. Then, as the intermediate transfer belt 17 moves, this superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 17 is transported to a secondary transfer section in which a secondary transfer roll 19 is disposed.

When the superimposed toner image from the first image forming unit 10 is transported to the secondary transfer unit, paper S is supplied to the secondary transfer unit from the paper holding unit 30 in time with this. The superimposed toner image is then secondarily transferred all at once onto the transported paper S by the transfer electric field formed by the secondary transfer roll 19 at the secondary transfer unit. Hereinafter, the superimposed toner image formed by the first image forming unit 10 may be referred to as the "first image I1."

Meanwhile, the other four color toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 22 of the image forming units 21 of the second image forming section 20 are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 27 by the primary transfer roll 28, and a superimposed toner image in which the other four color toners are superimposed is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 27. Then, as the intermediate transfer belt 27 moves, this superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 27 is transported to the secondary transfer section in which the secondary transfer roll 29 is disposed.

When the superimposed toner image from the second image forming unit 20 is transported to the secondary transfer unit, the paper S onto which the superimposed toner image has been electrostatically transferred in the first image forming unit 10 is supplied to this secondary transfer unit at the same timing. Then, in the secondary transfer unit, the superimposed toner image from the second image forming unit 20 is secondarily transferred all at once onto the superimposed toner image on the paper S onto which the superimposed toner image has been electrostatically transferred in the first image forming unit 10, by the transfer electric field formed by the secondary transfer roll 29. Hereinafter, the superimposed toner image formed by the second image forming unit 20 may be referred to as the "second image I2."

Then, the paper S onto which the superimposed toner image, which is a superimposed toner image of the first image forming unit 10 and the second image forming unit 20, has been electrostatically transferred is transported to the fixing device 50. The toner image on the paper S transported to the fixing device 50 is heated and pressurized by the fixing device 50, and is fixed onto the paper S. The paper S with the fixed image is then transported to the paper stacking unit 60 of the image forming device 2.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200. As shown in FIG.
(First control unit 100)
The first control unit 100 includes a first main control unit 110 that controls the operation of the first image forming unit 10, paper conveying device 40, fixing device 50, etc., and a first subordinate control unit 120 that controls the operation of these devices under the control of the first main control unit 110.

The first main control unit 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113, a storage unit 114 such as a semiconductor memory, and a communication unit 115 used for communication with external devices. The communication unit 115 can be exemplified as a communication interface (communication I/F).
The ROM 112 stores a basic program (operating system) executed by the CPU 111, various settings, etc. The CPU 111 uses the RAM 113 as a work area and executes programs read from the ROM 112 or the storage unit 114. The CPU 111 executes the programs to realize the functions of the first main control unit 110, which will be described below.

The first main control unit 110 transmits and receives information to and from the first subordinate control unit 120 , the second control unit 200 , and the UI 70 via the communication unit 115 .
The first main control unit 110 also receives an image formation instruction from an external device, such as a terminal device 9, via the communication unit 115. The first main control unit 110 analyzes the received image formation instruction. The image formation instruction includes identification information, image data, image formation settings, and information indicating whether the instruction is a collaborative instruction or an individual instruction, which will be described later.

The first main control unit 110 also performs predetermined image processing on the received image data. The first main control unit 110 converts the image data into YMCK data, which are the colors reproduced by the first image forming unit 10, i.e., the toner colors (yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K)) of the first image forming unit 10, and outputs the converted data. This YMCK data is composed of Y color data, M color data, C color data, and K color data separated for each color.
The first main control unit 110 also notifies the first subordinate control unit 120 of the size and material of the sheet S related to the received image formation instruction.
The first main control unit 110 also transfers the received image formation instruction to the second control unit 200 .

Similar to the first main control unit 110, the first secondary control unit 120 includes a CPU 121, a ROM 122, a RAM 123, a storage unit 124, and a communication unit 125. The CPU 121 uses the RAM 123 as a working area and executes programs read from the ROM 122 or the storage unit 124, thereby realizing the functions of the first secondary control unit 120 described below.
The first subordinate control unit 120 exchanges control information with the first main control unit 110, and controls the exposure, development, and transfer processes in the first image forming unit 10, the feeding and transport of paper S in accordance with the transfer timing by the paper transport device 40, and the fixing of the toner image by the fixing device 50.

The first slave control unit 120 also acquires information about errors that have occurred, such as when the toner in the first image forming unit 10 runs out or when a paper jam occurs in the paper transport device 40. The first slave control unit 120 notifies the first main control unit 110 of this error information. The first main control unit 110 notifies the user of this error information by displaying it on the display panel of the UI 70. For example, if the error is due to a toner shortage, the first slave control unit 120 acquires information that the error has been resolved once toner is replenished. For example, if the error is due to a paper jam, the first slave control unit 120 acquires information that the error has been resolved once the paper jam is cleared. The first slave control unit 120 then notifies the first main control unit 110 that the error has been resolved. The first main control unit 110 notifies the user that the error has been resolved by displaying it on the display panel of the UI 70.

(Second control unit 200)
The second control unit 200 includes a second main control unit 210 that controls the operation of the second image forming unit 20, and a second subordinate control unit 220 that controls the operation of the second image forming unit 20 under the control of the second main control unit 210. The second main control unit 210 transmits and receives information to and from the first main control unit 110 via a connection line 150.

The second main control unit 210 includes a CPU 211, a ROM 212, a RAM 213, a storage unit 214 such as a semiconductor memory, and a communication unit 215 used for communication with external devices.
The ROM 212 stores a basic program (operating system) executed by the CPU 211, various settings, etc. The CPU 211 uses the RAM 213 as a work area and executes programs read from the ROM 212 or the storage unit 214. The CPU 211 executes the programs to realize the functions of the second main control unit 210, which will be described below.

The second main control unit 210 transmits and receives information to and from the second subordinate control unit 220 , the first control unit 100 , and the UI 70 via the communication unit 215 .
The second main control unit 210 also performs predetermined image processing on the received image data, converting the data into the reproduction colors of the second image forming unit 20, i.e., the toner colors of the second image forming unit 20 (white, gold, silver, clear), i.e., white data, gold data, silver data, and clear data, and outputs the converted data.
The second main control unit 210 also notifies the second subordinate control unit 220 of the size and material of the sheet S related to the received image formation instruction.

The second secondary control unit 220 includes a CPU 221, a ROM 222, a RAM 223, a storage unit 224, and a communication unit 225. The CPU 221 uses the RAM 223 as a work area and executes programs read from the ROM 222 or the storage unit 224, thereby realizing the functions of the second secondary control unit 220 described below.
The second subordinate control unit 220 exchanges control information with the second main control unit 210 and controls exposure, development, transfer, and the like in the second image forming unit 20 .
The second slave control unit 220 also acquires information that a toner out-of-toner error has occurred in the second image forming unit 20. The second slave control unit 220 notifies the second main control unit 210 of the error information. The second main control unit 210 notifies the user of the error information by displaying it on the display panel of the UI 70. For example, if the error is out of toner, the second slave control unit 220 acquires information that the error has been resolved once toner is replenished. The second slave control unit 220 then notifies the second main control unit 210 that the error has been resolved. The second main control unit 210 notifies the user that the error has been resolved by displaying it on the display panel of the UI 70.

(Regarding cooperation between the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200)
After startup, the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 send and receive information to each other, and the first image forming unit 10 performs second transfer of a four-color superimposed toner image onto the paper S conveyed by the paper conveying device 40, which operates under the control of the first control unit 100, and the second image forming unit 20 performs second transfer of the other four-color superimposed toner images onto the paper S. Hereinafter, the second transfer of the four-color superimposed toner image onto the paper S by the first image forming unit 10 may be referred to as "the first image forming unit 10 forming an image." Furthermore, the second transfer of the other four-color superimposed toner images onto the paper S by the second image forming unit 20 may be referred to as "the second image forming unit 20 forming an image."

The processing procedures performed by the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 will be described below.
Here, the printer driver of the terminal device 9, for example, acquires an image formation instruction output from an application, and if the instruction requires the first image forming unit 10 and the second image forming unit 20 to form an image, converts the instruction into a command for the first main control unit 110 and the second main control unit 210. The printer driver then outputs the command to the first main control unit 110. In this manner, the terminal device 9 transmits an image formation instruction to the first main control unit 110. Hereinafter, an image formation instruction requiring the first image forming unit 10 and the second image forming unit 20 to form an image may be referred to as a "cooperative instruction." The terminal device 9 transmits the cooperative instruction to the first main control unit 110. The terminal device 9 includes, in the cooperative instruction, information indicating that the first image forming unit 10 and the second image forming unit 20 must form an image.

On the other hand, if an instruction output from an application, for example, requires that an image be formed in the first image forming unit 10 but not in the second image forming unit 20 (for example, an instruction to form an image using the toner in the first image forming unit 10 without using the toner in the second image forming unit 20, or if a user specifies image formation only in the first image forming unit 10 via the printer driver on the terminal device 9), the printer driver of the terminal device 9 converts the instruction into a command for the first main control unit 110. The printer driver then outputs the command to the first main control unit 110. In this manner, the terminal device 9 transmits an image formation instruction to the first main control unit 110. Hereinafter, an image formation instruction that requires that an image be formed in the first image forming unit 10 but not in the second image forming unit 20 may be referred to as a "first independent instruction." The terminal device 9 transmits the first independent instruction to the first main control unit 110. The terminal device 9 includes in the first individual instruction information indicating that an image needs to be formed in the first image forming unit 10 but does not need to be formed in the second image forming unit 20.

Furthermore, when an instruction output from an application, for example, indicates that an image needs to be formed in the second image forming unit 20 but not in the first image forming unit 10 (for example, an instruction to form an image using toner provided in the second image forming unit 20 without using toner provided in the first image forming unit 10, or when a user specifies image formation only in the second image forming unit 20 via the printer driver on the terminal device 9), the printer driver of the terminal device 9 converts the instruction into a command for the first main control unit 110 and the second main control unit 210. The printer driver then outputs the command to the first main control unit 110. When an image does not need to be formed in the first image forming unit 10 but does need to be formed in the second image forming unit 20, the first main control unit 110 needs to control the paper transport device 40, the fixing device 50, etc., and therefore the printer driver converts the instruction output from the application, for example, into a command for the first main control unit 110 to control the paper transport device 40, the fixing device 50, etc. The printer driver then outputs the command to the first main control unit 110. In this way, the terminal device 9 sends an image formation instruction to the first main control unit 110. Hereinafter, an image formation instruction that requires the second image forming unit 20 to form an image but does not require the first image forming unit 10 to form an image may be referred to as a "second individual instruction." The terminal device 9 sends the second individual instruction to the first main control unit 110. The terminal device 9 includes in the second individual instruction information that requires the second image forming unit 20 to form an image but does not require the first image forming unit 10 to form an image. Note that when there is no need to distinguish between a "first individual instruction" and a "second individual instruction," they may be collectively referred to as an "individual instruction."

The first main control unit 110 determines whether the image formation instruction sent from the terminal device 9 is a collaborative instruction, a first individual instruction, or a second individual instruction based on the information contained therein. If the instruction is a first individual instruction, the first main control unit 110 performs image formation processing corresponding to the first individual instruction. If the instruction is a second individual instruction, the first main control unit 110 transfers the second individual instruction to the second main control unit 210. The first main control unit 110 and the second main control unit 210 then perform image formation processing corresponding to the second individual instruction. These processes will be described in detail later.

On the other hand, if the instruction is a cooperative instruction, the first main control unit 110 waits for another cooperative instruction with the same identification information to arrive. The first main control unit 110 then transfers the cooperative instruction with the second color configuration to the second main control unit 210, out of the two cooperative instructions with the same identification information. The first main control unit 110 and second main control unit 210 then perform image formation processing corresponding to the cooperative instruction.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200. Fig. 6 shows the processing when the first control unit 100 receives a cooperation instruction. Fig. 6 also shows the processing when, after receiving the cooperation instruction, another cooperation instruction with the same identification information is received within a predetermined period of time.
When the first main control unit 110 receives an image formation instruction from, for example, the terminal device 9 via the communication unit 115, it checks whether the image formation instruction is a cooperative instruction or a sole instruction (S601). If the image formation instruction is a cooperative instruction, it determines whether a cooperative instruction with the same identification information has been received within a predetermined period of time. If so, the first main control unit 110 transfers the cooperative instruction with the second color configuration, out of the two cooperative instructions with the same identification information, to the second main control unit 210 (S602). The second main control unit 210 receives the cooperative instruction transferred by the first main control unit 110 (S603).

The first main control unit 110 notifies the first subordinate control unit 120 of the instructed image formation settings (S604). As a result, the first subordinate control unit 120 acquires the image formation settings and instructs preparations for image formation (S605). Preparations for image formation include, for example, preparations required to enable the paper transport device 40 to transport paper S (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "transport preparations"), such as starting the motors that rotate various rolls such as the supply roll 44. Furthermore, preparations required for the fixing device 50 to fix the toner image to paper S include, for example, raising the temperature of the heating roll 51.

Then, the first main control unit 110 determines whether an error such as a toner shortage or paper jam has occurred in the first image forming unit 10 (S606). If no error has occurred (no in S606), the first main control unit 110 sends a preparation instruction to the second main control unit 210 to prepare the second image forming unit 20 for image formation (S607). On the other hand, if an error has occurred (yes in S606), the first main control unit 110 waits until the error is resolved.

The second main control unit 210 receives the preparation instruction sent by the first main control unit 110 (S608). The second main control unit 210 then notifies the second subordinate control unit 220 of the image formation settings (S609). As a result, the second subordinate control unit 220 acquires the image formation settings (S610).

The second main control unit 210 then determines whether an error, such as a toner shortage, has occurred in the second image forming unit 20 (S611). If no error has occurred (no in S611), the second main control unit 210 sends a preparation instruction to the second subordinate control unit 220 to prepare for image formation in the second image forming unit 20 (S612). After receiving the preparation instruction (S613), the second subordinate control unit 220 instructs the second image forming unit 20 to prepare for image formation (S614). Image formation preparation refers to preparatory operations performed by the second image forming unit 20 before forming an image on paper S, and examples of such operations include warming up the developing unit 25, image quality adjustment processing, and voluntary disposal of degraded toner. All of these operations consume power, and some operations consume toner. The second image forming unit 20 then enters standby mode once image formation preparation is complete. On the other hand, if an error has occurred (yes in S611), the second main control unit 210 waits until the error is resolved.

When the second image forming unit 20 is ready to form an image, the second main control unit 210 sends a completion notification to the first main control unit 110 indicating that preparation is complete (S615). Note that the second main control unit 210 may determine that the second image forming unit 20 is ready to form an image when it receives a notification from the second image forming unit 20 indicating that preparation is complete after the second subordinate control unit 220 instructs the second image forming unit 20 to prepare for image formation (S614). The second main control unit 210 may also determine that the second image forming unit 20 is ready to form an image when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the second subordinate control unit 220 instructs the second image forming unit 20 to prepare for image formation (S614).

After receiving a completion notification from the second main control unit 210 (S616), the first main control unit 110 sends a preparation instruction to the first slave control unit 120 to prepare the first image forming unit 10 for image formation (S617). After receiving the preparation instruction (S618), the first slave control unit 120 instructs the first image forming unit 10 to prepare for image formation (S619). Examples of image formation preparation include warming up the developing unit 15, image quality adjustment processing, and voluntary disposal of degraded toner. Then, the first image forming unit 10 enters a standby state as soon as image formation preparation is complete.

When the first image forming unit 10 is ready to form an image, the first slave control unit 120 causes the paper transport device 40 to start transporting paper S (S620) and causes the first image forming unit 10 to form an image on the transported paper S (S621). After instructing image formation preparation (S617), the first main control unit 110 may determine that the first image forming unit 10 is ready to form an image when it receives a notification from the first image forming unit 10 that preparation is complete. Furthermore, the first main control unit 110 may determine that the first image forming unit 10 is ready to form an image when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after instructing image formation preparation (S617).

The second secondary control unit 220 causes the second image forming unit 20 to form an image on the conveyed sheet S (S622).
Then, the first subordinate control unit 120 causes the fixing device 50 to fix the toner image on the transported paper S, and discharges the paper S after fixing onto the paper stacking unit 60, thereby completing image formation (S623).
Thereafter, the first slave control unit 120 notifies the first main control unit 110 that image formation is complete (S624). After receiving the completion notification (S625), the first main control unit 110 transmits a completion notification indicating that image formation is complete to the second main control unit 210 (S626).
After receiving the completion notification (S627), the second main control unit 210 transmits a notification to the effect that the completion notification has been received to the first main control unit 110 (S628).

After receiving the completion notification (S629), the first main control unit 110 ends the image forming operation (S630). Note that the end of the image forming operation includes the end of the toner image formation operation in the first image forming unit 10 and the deletion process of information related to this image formation that is stored in the RAM 113 and the storage unit 114.
The second main control unit 210 transmits a notification of receipt of the completion notification to the first main control unit 110 (S628), and then ends the image forming operation (S631). Note that the end of the image forming operation includes the end of the toner image formation operation in the second image forming unit 20 and the deletion process of information related to this image formation that is stored in the RAM 213 and the storage unit 214.

In this manner, in this embodiment, the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 cooperate with each other to form an image.
For example, if no error has occurred in the first image forming unit 10 or the paper transport device 40, which are controlled by the first main control unit 110, the first main control unit 110 transmits a preparation instruction to the second main control unit 210 to prepare for image formation on the second image forming unit 20 (S607). After receiving this preparation instruction (S608), if no error has occurred in the second image forming unit 20, which is controlled by the first main control unit 110, the second main control unit 210 transmits a preparation instruction to the second subordinate control unit 220 to prepare for image formation on the second image forming unit 20 (S612). Furthermore, when the second image forming unit 20 has completed image formation preparation, the second main control unit 210 transmits a completion notification to the first main control unit 110 indicating that preparation has been completed (S615). After receiving this completion notification (S616), the first main control unit 110 transmits a preparation instruction to the first subordinate control unit 120 to prepare for image formation on the first image forming unit 10 (S617).

This prevents a mismatch between the start of image formation operation by the first image forming unit 10 and the start of image formation operation by the second image forming unit 20, which may occur, for example, when the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 are operated independently without being linked together. For example, it prevents a situation in which paper transport by the paper transport device 40 or the image formation operation by the first image forming unit 10 is started even though the second image forming unit 20 is not yet ready to start image formation, causing the image formation operation by the second image forming unit 20 to be late.
Furthermore, it is possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption caused by the second image forming unit 20 being in a standby state for a long period of time despite an error occurring in the first image forming unit 10 or the paper transport device 40. It is also possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption caused by the first image forming unit 10 being in a standby state for a long period of time despite an error occurring in the second image forming unit 20.

In this embodiment, after image formation is completed, the first main control unit 110 transmits a completion notification to the second main control unit 210 (S626), indicating that image formation is complete. After receiving the completion notification (S627), the second main control unit 210 transmits a notification indicating that the completion notification has been received to the first main control unit 110 (S628).
This prevents the second control unit 200 from failing to recognize that the fixing by the fixing device 50 has also finished and image formation has been completed.

(Processing when a first independent instruction is received)
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 when the first main control unit 110 receives a first independent instruction.
When the first main control unit 110 receives a first independent instruction (S701), it notifies the first slave control unit 120 of the image formation settings corresponding to the first independent instruction (S702). As a result, the first slave control unit 120 acquires the image formation settings corresponding to the first independent instruction and instructs the first slave control unit 120 to prepare for image formation (S703). The first main control unit 110 then determines whether an error has occurred (S704). If an error has occurred (yes in S704), the first main control unit 110 waits until the error is resolved. On the other hand, if no error has occurred (no in S704), the first main control unit 110 notifies the first slave control unit 120 of a preparation instruction corresponding to the independent instruction, to prepare the first image forming unit 10 for image formation (S705).

After receiving the preparation instruction (S706), the first slave control unit 120 instructs the first image forming unit 10 to prepare for image formation (S707). When the first image forming unit 10 is ready for image formation, the first slave control unit 120 causes the paper transport device 40 to start transporting paper S (S708) and causes the first image forming unit 10 to form an image on the transported paper S (S709). The first slave control unit 120 then causes the fixing device 50 to fix the toner image on the transported paper S and ejects the fixed paper S to the paper stacking unit 60, completing image formation (S710). The first slave control unit 120 then notifies the first main control unit 110 that image formation is complete (S711). The first main control unit 110 then receives a completion notification (S712) and ends the image formation operation (S713).

(Processing when a second independent instruction is received)
8 is a diagram showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 when the first main control unit 110 receives a second independent instruction. In Fig. 8, the same processes as those shown in Fig. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.
When the first main control unit 110 receives the second individual instruction (S801), it transmits the second individual instruction to the second main control unit 210 via the connection line 150 (S802). The second main control unit 210 receives the second individual instruction transmitted by the first main control unit 110 (S803). The first main control unit 110 notifies the first subordinate control unit 120 of the setting corresponding to the second individual instruction (S804).

The first subordinate control unit 120 acquires the setting corresponding to the second independent instruction and instructs the preparation for image formation (S805), which causes the paper transport device 40 and the fixing device 50 to make preparations for image formation, such as paper transport and fixing.
Thereafter, the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 perform the above-described processes of S606 to S616.

After receiving the completion notification in S616 (S616), the first main control unit 110 notifies the first subordinate control unit 120 that preparation will not be made, meaning that paper transport and fixing will be performed in conjunction with image formation in the second image forming unit 20 without preparing the first image forming unit 10 for image formation (S817). After receiving the notification that preparation will not be made (S818), the first subordinate control unit 120 causes the paper transport device 40 to start transporting paper S (S819).

The second secondary control unit 220 causes the second image forming unit 20 to form an image on the conveyed sheet S (S622).
Thereafter, the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 perform the above-described processes of S623 to S631.

(Processing when a collaboration instruction with the same identification information is not received within a predetermined period of time)
6 illustrates the process when, after receiving a cooperative instruction, another cooperative instruction with the same identification information is received within a predetermined period of time. However, it is possible that two cooperative instructions with the same identification information will not be received within the predetermined period of time because the identification information of the cooperative instructions for the first image I1 and the second image I2 to be superimposed is different. The predetermined period can be, for example, five minutes.
In this embodiment, if no other cooperation instruction with the same identification information is received within a predetermined period of time, the received cooperation instruction is deleted and the terminal device 9 that sent the cooperation instruction is notified of the deletion. As a result, the cooperation instruction is deleted in the terminal device 9.

The processing performed by the first main control unit 110 will be described below using a flowchart.
9 and 10 are flowcharts showing an example of the processing of the first main control unit 110. The first main control unit 110 repeatedly executes this processing at predetermined intervals (for example, every 1 millisecond).
The first main control unit 110 determines whether an image formation instruction has been received from, for example, the terminal device 9 via the communication unit 115 (S901). If an image formation instruction has not been received (no in S901), the first main control unit 110 terminates this process. On the other hand, if the image formation instruction has been received (yes in S901), the first main control unit 110 checks whether the image formation instruction is a cooperative instruction or a single instruction and determines whether a cooperative instruction has been received (S902). If the image formation instruction is a cooperative instruction (yes in S902), the first main control unit 110 determines whether another cooperative instruction with the same identification information has been received (S903). If an image formation instruction has not been received (no in S903), the first main control unit 110 determines whether a predetermined period has elapsed (S904). If the predetermined period has not elapsed (no in S904), the first main control unit 110 performs the processes from S902 onward. On the other hand, if a predetermined period has elapsed (yes in S904), the first main control unit 110 deletes the image formation instruction received in S901 and notifies the terminal device 9 that sent the collaborative instruction of the deletion (S905).

On the other hand, if another cooperative instruction with the same identification information is received in S903 (yes in S903), the first main control unit 110 transmits the cooperative instruction corresponding to the second color configuration (an example of a second image formation instruction) of the two cooperative instructions with the same identification information to the second main control unit 210 (S906). Then, in order to have the first image forming unit 10 form the first image I1 in accordance with the cooperative instruction corresponding to the first color configuration (an example of a first image formation instruction), the first main control unit 110 notifies the first slave control unit 120 of the image formation settings corresponding to the cooperative instruction (S907). The processing of S907 corresponds to the processing of S604 described using Figure 6.

Then, the first main control unit 110 determines whether an error has occurred (S908). If an error has occurred (yes in S908), the first main control unit 110 waits until the error is resolved. On the other hand, if an error has not occurred (no in S908), the first main control unit 110 sends a preparation instruction to the second main control unit 210 to prepare the second image forming unit 20 for image formation (S909). The processes of S908 and S909 correspond to the processes of S606 and S607, respectively, described using Figure 6.

Then, the first main control unit 110 determines whether a completion notification has been received from the second main control unit 210 (S910). If a completion notification has not been received (no in S910), the first main control unit 110 waits until a completion notification is received. On the other hand, if a completion notification has been received (yes in S910 (this process corresponds to the process of S616 described using FIG. 6)), the first main control unit 110 sends a preparation instruction to the first slave control unit 120 to prepare for image formation at the first image forming unit 10 (S911). This process of S911 corresponds to the process of S617 described using FIG. 6.

Thereafter, the first main control unit 110 determines whether or not a completion notification indicating that image formation is complete has been received from the first subordinate control unit 120 (S912). If the completion notification has not been received (no in S912), the first main control unit 110 waits until the completion notification is received. On the other hand, if the completion notification has been received (yes in S912), the first main control unit 110 transmits a completion notification indicating that image formation is complete to the second main control unit 210 (S913). The processing of S913 corresponds to the processing of S626 described with reference to FIG. 6.
Thereafter, the first main control unit 110 determines whether or not a completion notification has been received from the second main control unit 210 (S914). If the completion notification has not been received (no in S914), the first main control unit 110 waits until the completion notification is received. On the other hand, if the completion notification has been received (yes in S914 (this process corresponds to the process of S629 described with reference to FIG. 6)), the first main control unit 110 ends the image forming operation (S915).

On the other hand, if the instruction is not a cooperative instruction (no in S902), the first main control unit 110 determines whether or not it has received a first individual instruction (S916). If it has not received a first individual instruction (no in S916), the image formation instruction received in S901 is a second individual instruction, and therefore the first main control unit 110 transmits the second individual instruction to the second main control unit 210 (S917). The first main control unit 110 then notifies the first slave control unit 120 of the image formation settings corresponding to the second individual instruction (S918). This processing in S918 corresponds to the processing in S802 described using FIG. 8. Thereafter, the first main control unit 110 determines whether or not it has received a request to send a preparation instruction (S919). If it has not received a request to send a preparation instruction (no in S919), the first main control unit 110 waits until it receives one. On the other hand, if a request to send a preparation instruction has been received (yes in S919 (this process corresponds to the process of S605 described using FIG. 6)), it is determined whether an error has occurred (S920). If an error has occurred (yes in S920), the first main control unit 110 waits until the error is resolved. On the other hand, if no error has occurred (no in S920), the first main control unit 110 sends a preparation instruction to the second main control unit 210 to prepare the second image forming unit 20 for image formation (S921). The processes of S920 and S921 correspond to the processes of S606 and S607 in FIG. 6, respectively.

Then, the first main control unit 110 determines whether or not a completion notification has been received from the second main control unit 210 (S922). If a completion notification has not been received (no in S922), the first main control unit 110 waits until a completion notification is received. On the other hand, if a completion notification has been received (yes in S922 (this process corresponds to the process of S616 in Figure 8)), the first main control unit 110 sends the above-mentioned notification that preparation is not being made to the first subordinate control unit 120 (S923), and performs the processes from S912 onwards. This process of S923 corresponds to the process of S817 in Figure 8.

Thereafter, the first main control unit 110 determines whether or not a completion notification indicating that image formation is complete has been received from the first subordinate control unit 120 (S924). If a completion notification has not been received (no in S924), the first main control unit 110 waits until such a notification is received. On the other hand, if a completion notification has been received (yes in S924), the first main control unit 110 transmits a completion notification indicating that image formation is complete to the second main control unit 210 (S925). The processing of S925 corresponds to the processing of S626 described with reference to FIG. 8.
Thereafter, the first main control unit 110 determines whether or not a completion notification has been received from the second main control unit 210 (S926). If the completion notification has not been received (no in S926), the first main control unit 110 waits until it is received. On the other hand, if the completion notification has been received (yes in S926 (this process corresponds to the process of S629 described with reference to FIG. 8)), the first main control unit 110 ends the image forming operation (S915).

On the other hand, if the first individual instruction has been received (yes in S916), the first main control unit 110 notifies the first subordinate control unit 120 of the image formation settings corresponding to the first individual instruction (S927). The process of S927 corresponds to the process of S702 described with reference to FIG. 7.
Thereafter, the first main control unit 110 determines whether an error has occurred (S928). If an error has occurred (yes in S928), the first main control unit 110 waits until the error is resolved. On the other hand, if an error has not occurred (no in S928), the first main control unit 110 notifies the first subordinate control unit 120 of a preparation instruction to prepare the first image forming unit 10 for image formation (S929). The processing of S929 corresponds to the processing of S705 described with reference to FIG. 7.

Then, the first main control unit 110 determines whether a completion notification indicating that image formation has been completed has been received from the first slave control unit 120 (S930). If a completion notification has not been received (no in S930), the first main control unit 110 waits until it is received. On the other hand, if a completion notification has been received (yes in S930 (this process corresponds to the process of S712 described using Figure 7)), the first main control unit 110 ends the image formation operation (S915).

The processing performed by the second main control unit 210 will be described below using a flowchart.
11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the second main control unit 210. The second main control unit 210 repeatedly executes this processing at predetermined intervals (for example, every 1 millisecond).
The second main control unit 210 determines whether a cooperative command has been received from the first main control unit 110 (S1101). If a cooperative command has been received (yes in S1101 (this process corresponds to the process of S603 described with reference to FIG. 6)), the second main control unit 210 determines whether a preparation command has been received from the first main control unit 110 (S1102). If a preparation command has not been received (no in S1102), the second main control unit 210 waits until a preparation command is received. On the other hand, if a preparation command has been received (yes in S1102 (this process corresponds to the process of S608 described with reference to FIG. 6)), the second main control unit 210 notifies the second slave control unit 220 of the instructed image formation settings (S1103). The process of S1103 corresponds to the process of S609 in FIG. 6.

Then, it is determined whether an error has occurred in the second image forming unit 20 (S1104). The processing of S1104 corresponds to the processing of S611 in FIG. 6. If an error has occurred (yes in S1104), the second main control unit 210 waits until the error is resolved. On the other hand, if an error has not occurred (no in S1104), the second main control unit 210 sends a preparation instruction to the second slave control unit 220 to prepare for image formation in the second image forming unit 20 (S1105). The processing of S1105 corresponds to the processing of S612 in FIG. 6. The second main control unit 210 then sends a completion notification to the first main control unit 110 (S1106). The processing of S1106 corresponds to the processing of S615 in FIG. 6.

Then, the second main control unit 210 determines whether a completion notification indicating that image formation is complete has been received from the first main control unit 110 (S1107). If a completion notification has not been received (no in S1107), the second main control unit 210 waits until it is received. On the other hand, if a completion notification has been received (yes in S1107 (this process corresponds to S627 in FIG. 6)), the second main control unit 210 sends a notification to the first main control unit 110 that the completion notification has been received (S1108). This process in S1108 corresponds to S628 in FIG. 6. The second main control unit 210 then ends the image formation operation (S1109).

On the other hand, if a cooperative instruction has not been received in the processing of S1101 (no in S1101), the second main control unit 210 determines whether a second individual instruction has been received from the first main control unit 110 (S1110). If a second individual instruction has not been received (no in S1110), the second main control unit 210 terminates this processing. On the other hand, if a second individual instruction has been received (yes in S1110 (this processing corresponds to the processing of S803 described using Figure 8)), the second main control unit 210 performs processing from S1102 onwards.

In the above-described embodiment, the functions of the first control unit 100 are executed by the CPU 111 of the first main control unit 110 and the CPU 121 of the first subordinate control unit 120 in cooperation with each other, but this is not limited to this. For example, the functions of the first control unit 100 may be implemented by a single processor, or by three or more processors. Similarly, in the above-described embodiment, the functions of the second control unit 200 are executed by the CPU 211 of the second main control unit 210 and the CPU 221 of the second subordinate control unit 220 in cooperation with each other, but this is not limited to this. For example, the functions of the second control unit 200 may be implemented by a single processor, or by three or more processors. Note that the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPUs) as well as dedicated processors (e.g., GPUs (Graphical Processing Units), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), programmable logic devices, etc.).

The image forming device 2 described above includes a first image forming unit 10 that forms a first image I1 using toner as an example of a color material having a first color configuration, and a second image forming unit 20 that forms a second image I2 that is superimposed on the first image I1 using toner having a second color configuration.

The programs executed by the CPU 111 of the first main control unit 110, the CPU 121 of the first slave control unit 120, the CPU 211 of the second main control unit 210, and the CPU 221 of the second slave control unit 220 may be provided in a state stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. They may also be downloaded using a communication means such as the Internet.

The program constituting the present invention causes the first processor, which controls the first image forming unit 10 that forms the first image I1 using color materials of a first color composition, to receive an image forming instruction that includes information indicating that the first image I1 should be superimposed on a second image I2 formed by the second image forming unit 20 using color materials of a second color composition, and if the first processor has received another image forming instruction with the same identification information, to execute a function of causing the first image forming unit 10 to form the first image I1 in accordance with the first image forming instruction corresponding to the first color composition out of the one image forming instruction and the other image forming instruction, and to send a second image forming instruction corresponding to the second color composition to the second processor that controls the second image forming unit 20.
The program constituting the present invention also causes the second processor to execute a function of causing the second image forming unit 20 to form the second image I2 in accordance with the second image formation instruction.

(Functions of terminal device 9)
As described above, in the image forming device 2, in order to superimpose the first image I1 formed by the first image forming unit 10 in accordance with a cooperative instruction corresponding to the first color configuration and the second image I2 formed by the second image forming unit 20 in accordance with a cooperative instruction corresponding to the second color configuration, it is necessary to make the identification information contained in these two cooperative instructions the same.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the control unit 91.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the setting screen 931 displayed on the display unit 93. As shown in FIG.
The control unit 91 has the following functions by executing the printer driver stored in the storage unit 92 .
The control unit 91 has a setting unit 911 that performs setting processing for image formation, a setting storage unit 912 that stores the image formation settings set by the setting unit 911, an initiation unit 913 that performs processing to start an image formation instruction, and an identification information storage unit 914 that stores identification information for a collaborative instruction initiated by the initiation unit 913. The setting storage unit 912 and the identification information storage unit 914 can be exemplified as storage areas provided in at least one of the ROM 91b and the RAM 91c, respectively.

When a predetermined operation (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "predetermined operation") for printing is performed, the setting unit 911 causes the display unit 93 to display the setting screen 931 shown in FIG. 13. Examples of the predetermined operation include pressing the "Print" button of an application, or pressing a specific key on a keyboard (e.g., pressing the "Ctrl" key and the "P" key at the same time) as an example of the operation unit 94.

For example, the setting unit 911 displays on the setting screen 931 a solo instruction button 941 displaying the word "solo" to allow the user to select solo instructions, and a collaborative instruction button 942 displaying the word "collaborative" to allow the user to select collaborative instructions. Note that the setting unit 911 initially sets the solo instruction button 941 to the pressed state.

The setting unit 911 also displays a black and white button 943 displaying the word "black and white" on the setting screen 931 to enable black and white printing. The setting unit 911 also displays a first color configuration button 944 to enable selection of a first color configuration and a second color configuration button 945 to enable selection of a second color configuration on the setting screen 931. The setting unit 911 displays the color material configurations of the first color configuration button 944 and the second color configuration button 945 based on the color material configurations installed in the first image forming unit 10 and the second image forming unit 20 of the image forming device 2, which are stored in the memory unit 92. For example, information on the first and second color configurations may be notified from the image forming device 2 and stored in advance in a memory area such as ROM 91b, RAM 91c, or memory unit 92. In this embodiment, if the first color configuration is yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), the first color configuration button 944 may, for example, display the words Y, M, C, and K as shown in FIG. 13. If the second color configuration is white, gold, silver, and clear, the second color configuration button 945 may, for example, be composed of four buttons displaying the words white, gold, silver, and clear, respectively, as shown in FIG. 13. Note that the setting unit 911 initially sets the black and white button 943 to the pressed state. However, the initial setting may also be set to the first color configuration button 944 or the second color configuration button 945 being pressed.

When the collaborative instruction button 942 displayed on the setting screen 931 is pressed, the setting unit 911 determines whether color information is stored in the identification information storage unit 914 in association with the identification information of another image formation instruction. If color information is stored, the setting unit 911 disables pressing of either the first color configuration button 944 or the second color configuration button 945, whichever corresponds to the same color configuration as the stored color configuration, and enables pressing of a button corresponding to a color configuration different from the stored color configuration. For example, when the color information stored in the identification information storage unit 914 is the first color configuration, the setting unit 911 disables pressing of the first color configuration button 944, but enables pressing of the second color configuration button 945. When the color information stored in the identification information storage unit 914 is the second color configuration, the setting unit 911 disables pressing of the second color configuration button 945, but enables pressing of the first color configuration button 944.
On the other hand, when the collaborative instruction button 942 is pressed and no color information is stored in the identification information storage unit 914, the setting unit 911 enables the first color configuration button 944 and the second color configuration button 945 to be pressed.

The setting unit 911 also displays a print button 946, which displays the word "Print" and is the button to be pressed to execute printing, on the setting screen 931. When the print button 946 is pressed, the setting unit 911 determines that the various buttons displayed on the setting screen 931 are pressed, and stores the image formation settings corresponding to the pressed button in the setting storage unit 912.

For example, if the print button 946 is pressed without pressing a button such as the collaborative instruction button 942 after the setting screen 931 is displayed on the display unit 93, the setting unit 911 confirms the initial settings of single instruction and black and white as the image formation settings, and stores this setting information in the setting memory unit 912.
For example, when the print button 946 is pressed while the collaborative instruction button 942 and the first color composition button 944 are pressed, the setting unit 911 confirms the collaborative instruction and the specification of the color materials for the first color composition as image formation settings, and stores this setting information in the setting memory unit 912.
For example, when the print button 946 is pressed while the cooperative instruction button 942 and the silver second color configuration button 945 are pressed, the setting unit 911 confirms the cooperative instruction and the designation of silver as the second color configuration as the image formation settings, and stores this setting information in the setting memory unit 912.
For example, when the print button 946 is pressed while the cooperative instruction button 942, the first color configuration button 944, and the silver second color configuration button 945 are pressed, the setting unit 911 confirms the cooperative instruction, the first color configuration, and the silver second color configuration as the image formation settings, and stores this setting information in the setting memory unit 912.

When the print button 946 is pressed, the start unit 913 assigns identification information and performs the following processing depending on whether the type of image formation set by the setting unit 911 is a single instruction or a collaborative instruction, which is one of the pieces of information included in the image formation settings stored in the setting memory unit 912.
In the case of a single instruction, the initiation unit 913 generates an image formation instruction including the information set by the setting unit 911 and the assigned identification information, and transmits this image formation instruction to the first control unit 100 .

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing when a cooperative instruction is included in the information on image formation settings stored in the setting storage unit 912. In FIG.
When a cooperative instruction is included in the information on image formation settings stored in the setting storage unit 912, the starting unit 913 determines whether or not identification information, etc. of other image formation instructions is stored in the identification information storage unit 914. When no identification information, etc. is stored in the identification information storage unit 914, the starting unit 913 determines whether or not the color designation in the information set by the setting unit 911 is a first color configuration and a second color configuration.

Here, if the document M created using one application displays the black letter "A" against a gold rectangular background, as shown in FIG. 14(a), it is assumed that the print button 946 is pressed on the setting screen 931 while the collaborative instruction button 942, first color configuration button 944, and gold second color configuration button 945 are pressed. Therefore, the image formation settings stored in the setting memory unit 912 include the collaborative instruction, first color configuration, and gold second color configuration specifications. In this way, when the color specifications in the information set by the setting unit 911 are the first color configuration and second color configuration, the initiation unit 913 sends to the first control unit 100 a first image formation instruction for the letter "A" and a second image formation instruction for a gold background, both of which include the same assigned identification information.

On the other hand, when an image of characters or the like created using different applications is formed on a single sheet of paper S, a predetermined operation is performed in each of the different applications. For example, as shown in FIG. 14(b), if the first application that created the character "A" is different from the second application that created the gold background, it is considered that the print button 946 is pressed while the collaborative instruction button 942 and the first color configuration button 944 are pressed on the setting screen 931 displayed as a result of performing a predetermined operation in the first application. In such a case, it is considered that the image formation settings stored in the setting memory unit 912 include the collaborative instruction and the first color configuration designation, but not the second color configuration. Then, if the color designation in the information set by the setting unit 911 is not the first color configuration and the second color configuration, but only the first color configuration, the initiation unit 913 stores the identification information and the first color configuration set by the setting unit 911 in the identification information memory unit 914, and transmits a first image formation instruction for the character "A" including the assigned identification information to the first control unit 100.

On the other hand, it is assumed that the print button 946 is pressed while the collaborative instruction button 942 and the gold second color configuration button 945 are pressed on the settings screen 931 displayed as a result of a predetermined operation being performed in the second application. In such a case, the image formation settings stored in the settings storage unit 912 include the collaborative instruction and the second color configuration designation, but not the first color configuration. If the color designation in the information set by the setting unit 911 is not the first or second color configuration, but only the second color configuration, the initiation unit 913 stores the identification information and the second color configuration set by the setting unit 911 in the identification information storage unit 914, and sends a second image formation instruction for a gold background, including the assigned identification information, to the first control unit 100.

On the other hand, if the identification information storage unit 914 stores identification information, etc. of another image formation instruction, the initiation unit 913 replaces the assigned identification information with the identification information stored in the identification information storage unit 914 and erases the identification information, etc. stored in the identification information storage unit 914. The initiation unit 913 then generates an image formation instruction that includes the replaced identification information and the information set by the setting unit 911, and transmits this image formation instruction to the first control unit 100.

The initiation unit 913 deletes the identification information, etc. of other image formation instructions stored in the identification information storage unit 914 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the information was stored. The predetermined period can be, for example, five minutes. For example, if five minutes have elapsed, it is likely that the user's collaborative instruction is incorrect or that the user wishes to stop the image formation that superimposes the first image I1 and the second image I2. Therefore, by having the initiation unit 913 delete the information after the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the amount of information stored in the identification information storage unit 914 can be prevented from becoming unnecessarily large. Furthermore, reducing the amount of information stored in the identification information storage unit 914 can speed up the processing of the setting unit 911 and the initiation unit 913. Furthermore, it is preferable that the predetermined period of time be equal to or shorter than the period until the first main control unit 110 of the image forming device 2 deletes the image formation instruction in processing S905. If the period is longer than the period until the first main control unit 110 deletes the image formation instruction in the processing of S905, the image formation process will not be executed even if the image formation instruction including the identification information replaced in S1607 is sent to the first control unit 100 in the processing of S1606.

The setting process performed by the setting unit 911 will be described below with reference to a flowchart.
15 is a flowchart showing an example of the setting process performed by the setting unit 911. The setting unit 911 repeatedly executes this process at predetermined intervals (for example, every 1 millisecond).
The setting unit 911 determines whether a predetermined operation has been performed (S1501). If the predetermined operation has not been performed (no in S1501), the setting unit 911 terminates this process. If the predetermined operation has been performed (yes in S1501), the setting unit 911 displays the setting screen 931 on the display unit 93 (S1502). Thereafter, the setting unit 911 determines whether a collaborative instruction has been made (S1503). This is a process for determining whether the collaborative instruction button 942 on the setting screen 931 has been pressed. If a collaborative instruction has been made (yes in S1503), the setting unit 911 determines whether color information has been stored in the identification information storage unit 914 in association with the identification information of another image formation instruction (S1504). If no color information has been stored (no in S1504), the setting unit 911 makes all colors selectable (S1505). In this embodiment, the setting unit 911 displays a black and white button 943, a first color configuration button 944, and a second color configuration button 945 on the setting screen 931 so that they can be pressed.

Then, the setting unit 911 determines whether the print button 946 has been pressed (S1506). If it has not been pressed (no in S1506), the setting unit 911 waits until it is pressed. On the other hand, if it has been pressed (yes in S1506), the setting unit 911 stores the image formation settings in the setting storage unit 912 (S1507) and ends this processing.

On the other hand, if color information is stored (yes in S1504), the setting unit 911 enables selection of a color configuration different from the color configuration related to the stored color information (S1508). For example, if a first color configuration is stored in the identification information storage unit 914, the setting unit 911 displays on the setting screen 931 that the first color configuration button 944 cannot be pressed and that the second color configuration button 945 can be pressed. On the other hand, if a second color configuration is stored in the identification information storage unit 914, the setting unit 911 displays on the setting screen 931 that the second color configuration button 945 cannot be pressed and that the first color configuration button 944 can be pressed. Thereafter, the setting unit 911 performs the processes from S1506 onwards.
In step S1503, if the instruction is not a collaborative instruction (no in step S1503), the setting unit 911 performs the processing in step S1505 and subsequent steps.

The image formation instruction start process performed by the start unit 913 will be described below with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the start process performed by the start unit 913.
The start unit 913 executes the start process when the print button 946 is pressed.
The initiation unit 913 assigns identification information to the image formation instruction (S1601). Thereafter, the initiation unit 913 determines whether the instruction is a collaborative instruction (S1602). If the instruction is a collaborative instruction (yes in S1602), the initiation unit 913 determines whether the identification information of another image formation instruction is stored in the identification information storage unit 914 (S1603). If the identification information is not stored (no in S1603), the initiation unit 913 determines whether the image formation settings stored in the setting storage unit 912 are a first color configuration and a second color configuration (S1604). If the image formation settings are not a first color configuration and a second color configuration (no in S1604), the initiation unit 913 stores, in the identification information storage unit 914, the identification information, which is information about the image formation instruction to which the identification information was assigned in S1601, and the image formation settings stored in the setting storage unit 912 (e.g., color information such as the size of the paper S and the color of the color material to be used) (S1605). Thereafter, the initiation unit 913 transmits an image formation instruction including the identification information and image formation settings to the first control unit 100 (S1606). If the first color configuration and the second color configuration are selected (yes in S1604), the initiation unit 913 transmits an image formation instruction including the identification information and image formation settings, i.e., two cooperative instructions having the same identification information, to the first control unit 100 (S1606).

On the other hand, if the identification information is stored (YES in S1603), the initiation unit 913 replaces the identification information assigned in S1601 with the identification information stored in the identification information storage unit 914 (S1607), and deletes the image formation setting including the identification information and color information, which are the image formation instruction information stored in the identification information storage unit 914 (S1608). Thereafter, the initiation unit 913 transmits the image formation instruction including the identification information and image formation setting replaced in S1607 to the first control unit 100 (S1606).
On the other hand, if the instruction is not a collaborative instruction (no in S1602), the initiation unit 913 determines that the instruction is an individual instruction and transmits the individual instruction including identification information and image formation settings to the first control unit 100 (S1606).

The terminal device 9 configured as described above is an example of an information processing device having a CPU 91a as an example of a processor. When transmitting an image formation instruction to the image forming device 2, including information indicating that the first image I1 and the second image I2 should be superimposed, if no other image formation instruction including information indicating that the first image I1 and the second image I2 should be superimposed is stored in the identification information storage unit 914 (as an example of a storage unit), the CPU 91a stores the image formation instruction in the identification information storage unit 914 (S1605) and transmits the image formation instruction (S1606). On the other hand, if another image formation instruction is stored in the identification information storage unit 914, the CPU 91a replaces the identification information stored in the other image formation instruction with the same identification information as the other image formation instruction (S1607). In other words, the CPU 91a transmits the image formation instruction including the same identification information as the other image formation instruction (S1606). With the terminal device 9 configured in this manner, it is possible to make the identification information of two image formation instructions (collaboration instructions), which are image formation instructions for forming the respective images to be superimposed by the image forming device 2, the same.

Furthermore, when accepting one image formation instruction, if another image formation instruction is stored in the identification information storage unit 914, the CPU 91a does not accept the color configuration of the other image formation instruction, either the first color configuration or the second color configuration (S1508), thereby preventing the user from making an erroneous selection.
On the other hand, when receiving one image formation instruction, if no other image formation instructions are stored in the identification information storage unit 914, the CPU 91a enables the first and second color configurations to be received (S1505), thereby enabling the image forming device 2 to superimpose the first image I1 and the second image I2.

Furthermore, when the CPU 91a sends one image formation instruction including the same identification information as the identification information of another image formation instruction, it deletes the other image formation instruction from the identification information storage unit 914 (S1608). This makes it possible to ensure that the identification information of two image formation instructions (cooperative instructions), which are image formation instructions for forming the respective images to be superimposed on the image forming device 2, is the same with a high degree of accuracy.

The program executed by the CPU 91a may be provided in a state stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. It may also be downloaded using a communication means such as the Internet.

The program constituting the present invention causes the CPU 91a to execute a function to, when transmitting an image formation instruction including information to superimpose the first image I1 and the second image I2 to an image forming device 2 equipped with a first image forming unit 10 that forms a first image I1 using color materials of a first color composition and a second image forming unit 20 that forms a second image I2 that is superimposed on the first image I1 using color materials of a second color composition, store the image formation instruction in the identification information storage unit 914 (S1605) and transmit it (S1606) if no other image formation instruction including information to superimpose the first image I1 and the second image I2 is stored in the identification information storage unit 914. Furthermore, the program constituting the present invention causes the CPU 91a to execute a function to, when another image formation instruction is stored in the identification information storage unit 914, transmit the image formation instruction including the same identification information as the other image formation instruction (S1606).

<Modification>
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen 971 according to the first modified example displayed on the display unit 93. As shown in FIG.
In addition to the items displayed on the setting screen 931, the setting unit 911 displays on the setting screen 971 an A3 button 951 for selecting A3, an A4 button 952 for selecting A4, and a B5 button 953 for selecting B5 as buttons for selecting the size of the paper S. Note that "A3,""A4," and "B5" are merely examples, and the setting unit 911 sets the size notation (e.g., A4) on the buttons for selecting the size of the paper S based on the size of the paper S held in the paper holding unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 2, which is stored in the storage unit 92. For example, information on the size of the paper S may be notified from the image forming apparatus 2 and stored in advance in a storage area such as the ROM 91b, RAM 91c, or storage unit 92. Note that the setting unit 911 initially sets the A4 button 952 to a pressed state.

After the setting screen 971 is displayed on the display unit 93, if the print button 946 is pressed while the A4 button 952 is pressed, for example, the start unit 913 determines the paper size to A4 as one of the image formation settings, associates the determined size of the paper S with identification information, and stores it in the identification information storage unit 914.

When the collaborative instruction button 942 displayed on the setting screen 971 is pressed, the setting unit 911 determines whether the size of paper S is stored in the identification information storage unit 914 in association with the identification information of another image formation instruction. If the size of paper S is stored, the setting unit 911 prevents the user from pressing any button among the multiple buttons indicating the size of paper S corresponding to a size different from the stored size of paper S, and allows the user to press a button corresponding to the same size as the stored size of paper S. For example, if the size of paper S stored in the identification information storage unit 914 is A4, the setting unit 911 prevents the A3 button 951 and B5 button 953 from being pressed, and allows the A4 button 952 to be pressed. This prevents the user from accidentally selecting the wrong size of paper S.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen 972 according to the second modified example displayed on the display unit 93. As shown in FIG.
The setting unit 911 displays on the setting screen 972, in addition to the items displayed on the setting screen 971, a single-sided button 955 for selecting single-sided printing and a double-sided button 956 for selecting double-sided printing as buttons for selecting the printing mode. Note that, for example, information on whether the image forming apparatus 2 can perform single-sided printing or double-sided printing is notified from the image forming apparatus 2 and stored in advance in a storage area such as the ROM 91b, RAM 91c, or storage unit 92. Note that the setting unit 911 sets the single-sided button 955 to a pressed state as an initial setting.

After the setting screen 972 is displayed on the display unit 93, if the print button 946 is pressed while the single-sided button 955 is pressed, for example, the start unit 913 confirms single-sided printing as one of the image formation settings, associates the confirmed single-sided printing with identification information, and stores it in the identification information storage unit 914.

When the collaborative instruction button 942 displayed on the setting screen 972 is pressed, the setting unit 911 determines whether single-sided printing is stored in the identification information storage unit 914 in association with the identification information of another image formation instruction. If single-sided printing is stored, the setting unit 911 prevents the user from pressing the double-sided button 956, which corresponds to double-sided printing different from the stored single-sided printing, out of the single-sided button 955 and double-sided button 956, and allows the user to press the single-sided button 955, which corresponds to single-sided printing identical to the stored single-sided printing. This prevents the user from accidentally selecting the wrong printing mode.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen 973 according to the third modified example displayed on the display unit 93. As shown in FIG.
The setting unit 911 displays on the setting screen 973, in addition to the items displayed on the setting screen 972, buttons for selecting the number of pages to print per sheet of paper S as buttons for selecting the printing mode. For example, the setting unit 911 displays on the setting screen 973 a 1 page/sheet button 957 for selecting printing one page per sheet of paper S, and a 2 pages/sheet button 958 for selecting printing two pages per sheet of paper S. Note that "1 page/sheet" and "2 pages/sheet" are merely examples, and it can be exemplified that information on the number of pages that the image forming apparatus 2 can print per sheet of paper S is notified from the image forming apparatus 2 and stored in advance in a storage area such as the ROM 91b, RAM 91c, or storage unit 92. Note that the setting unit 911 sets the 1 page/sheet button 957 to a pressed state as an initial setting.

After the setting screen 973 is displayed on the display unit 93, if the print button 946 is pressed while the 1 page/1 sheet button 957 is pressed, the start unit 913 determines that one page will be printed per sheet of paper S as one of the image formation settings, and associates the determined single-sided mode with identification information and stores it in the identification information storage unit 914.

When the collaborative instruction button 942 displayed on the setting screen 973 is pressed, the setting unit 911 determines whether the identification information storage unit 914 stores the number of pages that can be printed per sheet of paper S in association with the identification information of another image formation instruction. If 1 page per sheet of paper S is stored, the setting unit 911 prevents the 2 pages/1 sheet button 958, which corresponds to a page number different from the stored page number, from being pressed, out of the 1 page/1 sheet button 957 and the 2 pages/1 sheet button 958, and allows the 1 page/1 sheet button 957, which corresponds to the stored page number, to be pressed. This prevents the user from accidentally selecting the wrong page number.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen 974 according to the fourth modified example displayed on the display unit 93. As shown in FIG.
The setting unit 911 displays, on the setting screen 974, in addition to the items displayed on the setting screen 973, a plurality of buttons for selecting a holding unit that holds the sheet S on which the image is to be formed. For example, the setting unit 911 displays, on the setting screen 974, an A3 button 961 for selecting a holding unit that holds A3 sheet S, an A4 button 962 for selecting a holding unit that holds A4 sheet S, a B5 button 963 for selecting a holding unit that holds B5 sheet S, and a manual feed button 964 for selecting a manual feed tray into which the sheet S can be inserted. It is possible to exemplify that information about the sheet S held by the sheet holding unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 2 is notified from the image forming apparatus 2 and stored in advance in a storage area such as the ROM 91b, RAM 91c, or storage unit 92. The setting unit 911 initially sets the A4 button 962 to a pressed state.

After the setting screen 974 is displayed on the display unit 93, if the print button 946 is pressed while the A4 button 962 is pressed, for example, the start unit 913 determines the holding unit to hold A4 paper S as one of the image formation settings, associates the determined holding unit with identification information, and stores it in the identification information storage unit 914.

When the collaborative instruction button 942 displayed on the setting screen 973 is pressed, the setting unit 911 determines whether the identification information storage unit 914 stores a holding unit in which paper S is held, associated with the identification information of another image formation instruction. If a holding unit in which paper S is held is stored, the setting unit 911 disables the A3 button 961, A4 button 962, B5 button 963, and manual feed button 964 from pressing any button corresponding to a holding unit other than the stored holding unit, while allowing the button corresponding to the stored holding unit to be pressed. For example, if the holding unit stored in the identification information storage unit 914 is A4, the setting unit 911 disables the A3 button 961, B5 button 963, and manual feed button 964 from being pressed, while allowing the A4 button 962 to be pressed. This prevents the user from accidentally selecting the wrong holding unit.

1...Image forming system, 2...Image forming device, 5...Communication line, 9...Terminal device, 10...First image forming unit, 20...Second image forming unit, 40...Paper transport device, 91...Control unit, 100...First control unit, 110...First main control unit, 120...First subordinate control unit, 150...Connection line, 200...Second control unit, 210...Second main control unit, 220...Second subordinate control unit, 911...Setting unit, 912...Setting storage unit, 913...Starting unit, 914...Identification information storage unit

Claims (8)

a processor;
The processor:
an image forming apparatus including a first image forming unit that forms a first image using color materials of a first color composition and a second image forming unit that forms a second image that is superimposed on the first image using color materials of a second color composition, wherein when transmitting an image formation instruction including information to superimpose the first image and the second image to an image forming apparatus including a first image forming unit that forms a first image using color materials of a first color composition and a second image forming unit that forms a second image that is superimposed on the first image, if another image formation instruction including information to superimpose the first image and the second image is not stored in a storage unit, the image formation instruction is stored in the storage unit and transmitted; if the other image formation instruction is stored in the storage unit, the image formation instruction is transmitted including identification information that is the same as the identification information of the other image formation instruction ;
When the one image formation instruction is accepted, if the other image formation instruction is stored in the storage unit, the color configuration of the other image formation instruction, of the first color configuration and the second color configuration, cannot be accepted.
Information processing device. when the processor receives the one image formation instruction, if the other image formation instruction is not stored in the storage unit, the processor is able to receive the first color configuration and the second color configuration.
The information processing device according to claim 1 . When the processor receives the one image formation instruction, if the other image formation instruction is stored in the storage unit, the processor does not accept a paper size different from the size of the other image formation instruction.
The information processing device according to claim 1 . the processor prevents the reception of an image formation mode different from the image formation mode of the other image formation instruction;
The information processing device according to claim 3 . the processor prevents a tray different from a tray for supplying paper for the other image forming instruction from being accepted;
5. The information processing device according to claim 3 . 6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein when the processor transmits the one image formation instruction including the same identification information as the identification information of the other image formation instruction, the processor deletes the other image formation instruction from the storage unit. the processor deletes the other image formation instruction from the storage unit when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the other image formation instruction was stored in the storage unit;
The information processing device according to claim 1 . The processor
When transmitting an image formation instruction including information indicating that the first image and the second image should be superimposed to an image forming device equipped with a first image forming unit that forms a first image using color materials of a first color configuration and a second image forming unit that forms a second image that is superimposed on the first image using color materials of a second color configuration, if another image formation instruction including information indicating that the first image and the second image should be superimposed is not stored in a storage unit, the image formation instruction is stored in the storage unit and transmitted, and if the other image formation instruction is stored in the storage unit, the image formation instruction is transmitted with the same identification information as the identification information of the other image formation instruction included ,
a function of preventing the color configuration of the other image formation instruction from being accepted when the other image formation instruction is stored in the storage unit when accepting the one image formation instruction, from being accepted among the first color configuration and the second color configuration;
The program to be executed.