Image forming system, image forming apparatus, and method for controlling image forming system

Abstract

To provide an image forming system and the like that can easily change a group to process a print job in a connection destination group cooperation function related to print release.SOLUTION: An image forming system has a plurality of groups to which one or more image forming apparatuses operating as master units and one or more image forming apparatuses operating as slave units belong, and causes the image forming apparatuses belonging to the set group to perform image formation. The image forming system comprises a display unit that displays a basic screen that receives an operation instruction to the image forming apparatus, and a control unit that controls screen display of the basic screen. The control unit displays, on the basic screen, a changeover key that receives a changeover instruction to the group designated by a user, and outputs, from the slave units, a print image based on a print job registered in the master units belonging to the group that has been changed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming system and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, some image forming devices such as multifunction peripherals are equipped with a function (hereinafter referred to as the print release function) that outputs a print job registered in an image forming device operating as a parent device on an image forming device operating as a child device.

[0003] Some such print release functions have multiple groups to which parent and child devices belong, and have an extended function (connection group collaboration function) that allows collaboration with other groups different from the group normally used to process print jobs.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a plurality of groups each including a plurality of printers can be created, and the groups can be switched and displayed on a UI (User Interface) screen of a print server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-149388 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide an image forming system and the like that can easily switch the group that processes a print job in a connection destination group cooperation function related to a print release function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the image forming system of the present disclosure is an image forming system that has multiple groups to which one or more image forming devices operating as parent devices and one or more image forming devices operating as child devices belong, and that forms images using the image forming devices that belong to the set groups, and is equipped with a display unit that displays a basic screen that accepts operation instructions for the image forming devices, and a control unit that controls the screen display of the basic screen, and is characterized in that the control unit displays a switch key on the basic screen that accepts instructions to switch to the group specified by the user, and outputs a print image based on a print job registered in the parent device that belongs to the switched group from the child device.

[0008] In addition, the image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure is an image forming apparatus that operates as the parent unit or the child unit in a system having a plurality of groups, each group having one or more parent units and one or more child units, and performing image formation using one of the plurality of groups, and that includes a display unit that displays a basic screen that accepts operation instructions from a user, and a control unit that controls the screen display of the basic screen, and is characterized in that the control unit displays a switch key on the basic screen that accepts an instruction to switch to the group specified by the user.

[0009] In addition, the control method for an image forming system according to the present disclosure is a control method for an image forming system having a plurality of groups to which one or more image forming devices operating as parent devices and one or more image forming devices operating as child devices belong, and forming images using the image forming devices belonging to the set groups, characterized in that a basic screen for accepting operation instructions for the image forming devices is displayed, the screen display of the basic screen is controlled, a switching key for accepting an instruction to switch to the group specified by the user is displayed on the basic screen, and a print image based on a print job registered in the parent device belonging to the switched group is output from the child device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an image forming system or the like that can easily switch the group that processes a print job in a connection destination group cooperation function related to a print release function. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a connection configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a conventional technique. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a conventional technique. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are examples for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical content of the description set forth in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0013] Typically, an image forming apparatus displays a home screen W10, as exemplified in Fig. 16, when, for example, the power is turned on, when the apparatus is in standby mode, when the apparatus is restored from a sleep state, etc. The home screen W10 is a basic screen that accepts operation inputs by the user, and by accepting, for example, an instruction to select a shortcut key (function selection icon) displayed in the shortcut key display area R10, the screen can transition to each operation mode assigned to the shortcut key (transition to a function setting screen).

[0014] 16 is an example including a shortcut key display area R10 that displays shortcut keys corresponding to each operation mode (function), such as simple copy, simple fax, simple scan, print release, etc. The shortcut keys displayed in the shortcut key display area R10 are configured to be set and changed via an editing screen that accepts instructions to edit the display configuration of the home screen W10.

[0015] In addition to the shortcut key display area R10, the home screen W10 may also include an information display area R12 and a settings display area R14. The information display area R12 is a display area that displays various information corresponding to the operating status of the device, such as the remaining amount of consumables (e.g., toner, paper, etc.), device settings, and communication status. The settings display area R14 is a display area that displays various setting items related to checking and changing settings of the image forming device. FIG. 16 shows an example in which the setting display area R14 includes configurable items such as "Operation Guide," "Large Text Mode," "Settings," "Total Page Count Display," "Brightness Adjustment," and "Language Settings." Instead of the information display area R12 and the settings display area R14 on the home screen W10, the display area of ​​the shortcut key display area R10 can be expanded from one row and four columns (as shown in FIG. 16) to two rows and four columns, thereby increasing the number of selectable shortcut keys. The display configuration of the home screen W10 can be changed as appropriate depending on the display capabilities of the display device provided in the image forming apparatus and the settings made by the administrator (user).

[0016] Here, Figure 17 shows an example of the configuration of the print release screen W20 that the image forming device displays when it receives a user instruction to select the shortcut key K10 (print release key K10) displayed in the shortcut key display area R10.

[0017] The print release screen W20 shown in FIG. 17 includes a job selection area R16, a number of copies setting area R18, a select all button B10, a delete button B12, a print button B14, and a connection destination selection button B16.

[0018] The job selection area R16 is a display area that displays print jobs registered in the image forming device operating as the parent device. Here, if the destination group linking function is disabled in the print release function or if the destination group has not been changed, print jobs registered in the image forming device (parent device) that belongs to the default (initial setting) group are displayed.

[0019] The select all button B10 is a button that accepts an instruction to select all print jobs displayed in the job selection area R16 at once. The delete button B12 is a button that accepts an instruction to delete a print job selected by the user. The print button B14 is a button that accepts an instruction to execute a print job selected by the user. The number of copies setting area R18 is an area that accepts an instruction from the user to set or change the number of copies to print.

[0020] The connection destination selection button B16 is a button that accepts an instruction to switch the connection destination group when the connection destination group linking function is enabled in the print release function. If the user wants to change the connection destination group from, for example, the default group, they need to switch the connection destination group via the connection destination selection button B16.

[0021] As described above, conventionally, when switching the connection group for the print release function from the currently set group to another group, the user had to select the shortcut key K10 on the home screen W10 shown in FIG. 16 to display the print release screen W20 shown in FIG. 17, and then switch to the desired group via the connection selection button B16 on the print release screen W20; it was not possible to switch to the desired group directly from the home screen W10.

[0022] In the present disclosure, the following embodiments realize an image forming system (image forming apparatus) that can easily switch the group that processes a print job in the destination group cooperation function of the print release function.

[0023] [1 First Embodiment] [1.1 Functional Configuration] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection configuration of an image forming system 100 according to the first embodiment. In the image forming system 100, image forming apparatuses (P1, P2) operating as parent machines and image forming apparatuses (C1, C2, C3) operating as child machines belong to one group (e.g., group 1, group 2), image forming apparatuses (P1, P3) operating as parent machines and image forming apparatuses (C1, C2, C3) operating as child machines belong to another group (e.g., group 3), and image forming apparatuses (P1, P2) operating as parent machines and image forming apparatuses (C1, C2, C4) operating as child machines belong to another group (e.g., group 4), and the groups 1 to 4 are connected via a network NW.

[0024] The parent machine is an image forming device that can store print jobs based on print jobs output from information processing device T1 or document information or image information acquired by other means (for example, reading data from a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, etc.), and output the print jobs in response to an acquisition request from a child machine. While Fig. 1 shows an example of a configuration in which two image forming devices (P1, P2, or P3) are included in one group as parent machines, there is no limit to the number of parent machines that may be included in one group, as long as one or more parent machines are included in one group.

[0025] The slave machine is an image forming device that can output a print image based on a print job acquired in response to an acquisition request output to the master machine onto a sheet-like medium. Although Fig. 1 shows an example in which three image forming devices (C1, C2, C3, and C4) are included in one group as slave machines, there is no limit to the number of slave machines that may be included in one group, as long as one or more slave machines are included in one group.

[0026] The information processing device T1 is an information processing device that includes, for example, document creation software and diagram drawing software, and is capable of outputting document information and image information created using the software to a parent device as a print job. The information processing device T1 is an information processing device that is primarily used by a user who wishes to obtain a print image based on a print job. As the information processing device T1 can be, for example, a general information processing device available on the market, such as a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet, or a smartphone, a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0027] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a multifunction peripheral 10 as an image forming apparatus. Fig. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction peripheral 10. Note that, since the multifunction peripherals operating as parent devices (image forming devices P1, P2, P3) and the multifunction peripherals operating as child devices (image forming devices C1, C2, C3, C4) according to the present disclosure can have substantially the same configuration, the parent device and the child device will not be distinguished here and will be described as the multifunction peripheral 10.

[0028] The multifunction device 10 is an image forming device that can perform various types of jobs, such as print jobs, copy jobs, scan jobs, fax jobs, and image transmission jobs, in a single housing. Note that in this disclosure, an example of a multifunction device will be described as one form of image forming device, but the image forming device is not limited to a multifunction device, and may be a printer, copier, fax machine, or the like with limited job functions for each type.

[0029] The multifunction peripheral 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation input unit 15, a communication unit 17, a storage unit 19, and an image processing unit 21.

[0030] The control unit 11 controls the entire multifunction device 10. The control unit 11 can be configured with one or more arithmetic units (e.g., a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an SoC (System on Chip), etc.). The control unit 11 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 19.

[0031] The display unit 13 is a display device that displays various information to the user, etc. The display unit 13 can be configured, for example, with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, etc. The display unit 13 displays, for example, an operation screen such as a home screen, a setting screen for each operation mode, etc.

[0032] The operation input unit 15 is an input device that accepts information input by a user or the like. The operation input unit 15 can be configured with various input devices, such as operation keys such as hardware keys or software keys, buttons, etc. The operation input unit 15 can be configured as a touch panel that allows input via the display unit 13. When configured as a touch panel, the operation input unit 15 can detect a user's touch, tap, swipe, etc. on an object displayed via the display unit 13, and acquire the coordinate position and pressure-sensitive information of the touch panel information. In this case, the input method of the touch panel can be, for example, a general input method such as a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a capacitive method.

[0033] The communication unit 17 includes a wired / wireless interface or both for communicating with the multifunction peripherals 10 and the information processing devices T1 belonging to the same group or other groups via a network NW such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, a telephone line, or a FAX line. The communication unit 17 may also include an interface related to short-range wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), or wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0034] The storage unit 19 is one or more storage devices that store various programs and various data required for the operation of the multifunction device 10. The storage unit 19 can be configured with storage devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory), SSD (Solid State Drive), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0035] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 19 stores a control program 191, a display control program 192, and a job control program 193, and reserves a setting information storage area 194, a screen information storage area 195, and a job storage area 196.

[0036] The control program 191 is a program that is read by the control unit 11 after the device is started up. The control unit 11 that reads the control program 191 functions as an OS (Operating System) and controls the operation of hardware such as the display unit 13, the operation input unit 15, the communication unit 17, and the image processing unit 21.

[0037] The display control program 192 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out when controlling the output of an operation screen displayed on the display unit 13 or the operation input unit 15 configured as a touch panel. The display control program 192 includes a home screen control program 1921. The control unit 11 that reads out the home screen control program 1921 receives an editing instruction for the display configuration of the home screen W10 from the user via an editing screen described below. Then, the control unit 11 determines the display configuration of the home screen W10 based on the editing instruction received from the user, and displays the home screen W10 on the display unit 13 (operation input unit 15).

[0038] The job control program 193 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when executing a print job related to printing, copying, etc., or a job related to faxing or image transmission. After reading the job control program 193, the control unit 11 transitions to an operation mode for executing each job (for example, simple copy mode, simple fax mode, simple scan mode, print release mode) and executes the job. When executing a job, the control unit 11 can display an operation screen on the touch panel as necessary to accept selection of setting values ​​and functions required for executing the job from the user. The control unit 11 can execute the job based on the setting values ​​and functions accepted via the operation screen.

[0039] The job control program 193 also includes a print release setting program 1931. The control unit 11 that reads out the print release setting program 1931 accepts, via a print release setting screen described later, user-specified destination group function extension, default group to be used, destination group setting, and group to be displayed in the shortcut key display area R10 of the home screen W10. The control unit 11 also executes a series of processes related to print release, such as switching the group to be used for print release.

[0040] The setting information storage area 194 is a storage area that stores device settings in the multifunction device 10 (for example, settings and specified contents received via the print release setting program 1931), setting values ​​required to execute each job received via the operation screen, selection information for each function, etc.

[0041] The screen information storage area 195 is a storage area that stores, for example, display content required to display the home screen W10, operation screens for executing each job, and the like.

[0042] The job storage area 196 is a storage area for storing print jobs acquired from the information processing device T1, and print jobs based on document information and image information acquired via a USB memory or an image input unit 213 (described later).

[0043] Image processing unit 21 includes image forming unit 211 and image input unit 213. Image forming unit 211 feeds paper as a sheet-like medium from paper feed unit 25, forms an image on the paper based on image data, and then discharges the paper to paper discharge unit 27. Image forming unit 211 can be configured, for example, by a laser printer that employs an electrophotographic system.

[0044] The image input unit 213 generates image information by scanning an original. The image input unit 213 can be configured as a scanner device having, for example, an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), an automatic document feeder (ADF), a flatbed for placing and reading an original, or the like. The image input unit 213 is not particularly limited in configuration as long as it is capable of generating image information by reading a reflected light image from an original image with an image sensor. The image input unit 213 can also be configured as an interface capable of acquiring image information stored in a storage medium such as a USB memory or image information transmitted from the information processing device T1. The image processing unit 21 may be configured to perform, for example, shading correction or density correction on the image information input from the image input unit 213 to generate image information for data transmission.

[0045] [1.2 Processing flow] Next, a process flow according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating, for example, a process relating to the display of the home screen W10 in a slave device (C1, C2, C3, C4) belonging to any one of groups 1 to 4. The process described in Fig. 4 is a process executed by the control unit 11 by reading out the control program 191, the display control program 192 (home screen control program 1921), etc. Note that Fig. 4 describes the process flow executed by the multifunction device 10 operating as a slave device, but the process flow can also be executed by the multifunction device 10 operating as a master device.

[0046] The control unit 11 starts the display process of the home screen W10 at an appropriate timing, for example, when the power is turned on, when the device is in standby mode, when the device is restored from a sleep state, etc. When the display process of the home screen W10 starts, the control unit 11 performs a determination process to determine which operation mode the shortcut keys assigned to should be displayed in the shortcut key display area R10 (step S100).

[0047] The control unit 11 determines whether the shortcut keys displayed in the shortcut key display area R10 include a shortcut key related to a print release (step S110). If it is determined that the shortcut keys displayed in the shortcut key display area R10 include a shortcut key related to a print release, the control unit 11 determines whether the group to be displayed in the shortcut key display area R10 has been designated by the user (step S110; Yes → step S120). On the other hand, if it is determined that the shortcut keys displayed in the shortcut key display area R10 do not include a shortcut key related to a print release, the control unit 11 configures a home screen W10 that includes shortcut keys other than the shortcut key related to a print release in the shortcut key display area R10 (step S110; No → step S140). Then, the control unit 11 displays the configured home screen W10 on the display unit 13 (operation input unit 15) and ends the process (step S150).

[0048] In step S120, if it is determined that the group to be displayed in the shortcut key display area R10 has been specified by the user, the control unit 11 determines to display a switching key that accepts an instruction to switch to the specified group (step S120; Yes → step S130).

[0049] Next, the control unit 11 creates a home screen W10 that includes the switching key determined in step S130 in the shortcut key display area R10 (step S140).Then, the control unit 11 displays the created home screen W10 on the display unit 13 (operation input unit 15) and ends the process (step S150).

[0050] On the other hand, if it is determined that the group to be displayed in the shortcut key display area R10 has not been specified by the user, the control unit 11 determines to display a selection key that accepts an instruction to select a group to be used by default (step S120; No → step S160).

[0051] Then, the control unit 11 creates a home screen W10 including the selected key determined in step S160 in the shortcut key display area R10 (step S140).The control unit 11 then displays the created home screen W10 on the display unit 13 (operation input unit 15) and ends the process (step S150→"end").

[0052] Next, the process from selecting a shortcut key related to print release displayed on the home screen W10 to executing a print job will be described using the flowchart in Fig. 5. The process described in Fig. 5 is executed by the control unit 11 of a slave device (C1, C2, C3, C4) belonging to any of groups 1 to 4, by reading out the control program 191, display control program 192 (home screen control program 1921), job control program 193 (print release setting program 1931), etc.

[0053] The control unit 11 determines whether or not a selection instruction for a shortcut key (print release key) related to print release has been received via the home screen W10 (step S200). If it is determined that a selection instruction for the print release key has been received, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the selection instruction relates to a group switching instruction (step S200; Yes → step S210). If it is determined that a selection instruction for the print release key has not been received, the control unit 11 waits until a selection instruction for the print release key is received (step S200; No). Although not shown, if a shortcut key other than the print release key is selected by the user, it is also possible to execute processing related to the operation mode (function) assigned to the shortcut key.

[0054] When it is determined that the selection instruction by the user is related to an instruction to switch groups, the control unit 11 performs a group switching process to the selected group (step S210; Yes→step S220).

[0055] After switching to the selected group, the control unit 11 acquires the print jobs registered in the parent machine belonging to the group and displays the acquired print jobs in the job selection area R16 of the print release screen W20 (step S230).

[0056] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S210 that the user's selection instruction does not relate to a group switching instruction, the control unit 11 determines that the user's selection instruction relates to a default group selection instruction, acquires the print job registered in the parent machine belonging to the default group, and displays the acquired print job in the job selection area R16 of the print release screen W20 (step S210; No → step S240).

[0057] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not an execution instruction from the user has been received for the print job displayed in the job selection area R16 (step S250). If it determines that an execution instruction from the user has been received, the control unit 11 sends an acquisition request for the print job to a parent machine belonging to the currently selected group (step S250; Yes → step S260).

[0058] Then, the control unit 11 executes the print job acquired from the parent machine and ends the process (step S270 → "End"). Note that, if it is determined that an instruction to execute the print job from the user has not been received, the control unit 11 waits until an input instruction to execute the print job is received (step S250; No).

[0059] The processes in steps S200 to S220 can also be executed by the control unit 11 of the parent device (P1, P2, P3) belonging to any one of groups 1 to 4.

[0060] [1.3 Example of operation] Next, an example of operation according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 6 shows an example of the configuration of a home screen setting screen W30 as an editing screen that accepts editing instructions for the display configuration of the home screen W10. The home screen setting screen W30 includes a shortcut key selection area R20, a key name setting area R22, and a registration button B18.

[0061] The shortcut key selection area R20 is an area where the user accepts selection instructions such as shortcut keys desired to be displayed in the shortcut key display area R10 of the home screen W10, various information desired to be displayed in the information display area R12, and (setting) items desired to be displayed in the setting display area R14. The shortcut key selection area R20 is provided with a print release selection area R201 that accepts display instructions for shortcut keys related to print releases.

[0062] The print release selection area R201 includes a radio button for accepting a setting of whether to enable or disable the display of the shortcut key K10 related to print release (print release key K10), and a pull-down menu for accepting a selection of a group that processes the print job. Fig. 6 shows an example when the display of the shortcut key K10 related to print release is set to enabled, and an example in which a group that is used by default as a group that processes the print job (no group specified) is specified.

[0063] The key name setting area R22 is an area for accepting settings such as the key name and icon of the shortcut key K10 related to print release to be displayed in the shortcut key display area R10. Fig. 6 shows an example in which "default" is set as the name and icon of the shortcut key K10. When "default" is set as the key name, the name (print release) of the operation mode assigned to the shortcut key K10 is displayed, but the name can be changed by selecting the custom radio button and entering a desired name.

[0064] The registration button B18 is a button that accepts an instruction to confirm the selection and setting contents in the shortcut key selection area R20 and the key name etc. setting area R22.

[0065] Fig. 7 shows an example of the configuration of a home screen W10 whose display configuration has been edited via the home screen settings screen W30. The home screen W10 shown in Fig. 7 is an example in which a shortcut key K10 related to print release is provided in the shortcut key display area R10. Note that the display configuration of the home screen W10 shown in Fig. 7 can be the same as the home screen W10 described in Fig. 16, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0066] 8 shows an example of the configuration of the print release setting screen W40. The print release setting screen W40 includes an update button B20, a function selection tab T10, a register button B22, a destination group extension function setting area R24, and a destination group setting area R26.

[0067] The update button B20 is a button that accepts input of an update instruction to update the print release settings with the contents set via the print release setting screen W40.

[0068] The function selection tab T10 includes a standard function tab and an extension tab, and is a tab that accepts instructions to switch between functions set via the print release setting screen W40. Fig. 8 shows an example in which the extension tab is selected by the user, and a setting screen related to the destination group extension function is displayed as an extension function.

[0069] The registration button B22 is a button that accepts an instruction to register the settings configured in the destination group extension function setting area R24 and the destination group setting area R26.

[0070] The destination group extension setting area R24 includes a pull-down menu for accepting an instruction to enable or disable the destination group extension function as an extension function, and a pull-down menu for accepting an instruction to select a group to be used by default. Fig. 8 shows an example in which the destination group extension function is set to "enabled" and "Group 1" is selected as the group to be used by default.

[0071] The destination group setting area R26 is an area for receiving input of connection information for the destination group that will process the print job. In addition to being an input area where the user can input connection information for each group they wish to use, the destination group setting area R26 is also provided with a check box C10 for receiving whether or not to use the group for print release (application of usage settings).

[0072] For example, in the setting area for "Group 1," the "Use this group" checkbox C10 is checked, and the following settings are made: "Factory 8, Floor 6," "Parent unit 1 address" is "10.36.108.100," "Parent unit 2 address" is "10.36.108.101," "Parent unit 3 address" is "10.36.108.102," "Connection code" is "Not set," and "Port number" is "53000."

[0073] In the setting area for "Group 2," the "Use this group" checkbox C12 is checked, and "Factory 8, Floor 5" is set as the "Group name." Note that the connection information after "Address of Parent Unit 1" is omitted due to space limitations.

[0074] Incidentally, Figure 8 shows an example of inputting connection information for two groups, "Group 1" and "Group 2," as groups of connection destinations that process print jobs, but there is no particular limit to the number of connection groups that can be set (number of registrations).

[0075] Fig. 9 shows an example of the configuration of the home screen setting screen W30 displayed by the control unit 11 based on the settings made via the print release setting screen W40 described in Fig. 8. Fig. 9 shows an example in which "Factory 8, Floor 6" set as "Group 1" is displayed selectably in the print release selection area R201 of the home screen setting screen W30.

[0076] Similarly, Fig. 10 shows an example of the configuration of the home screen setting screen W30 displayed by the control unit 11 based on the settings made via the print release setting screen W40 described in Fig. 8. Fig. 10 shows an example in which "Factory 8, 5th Floor" set as "Group 2" is displayed selectably in the print release selection area R201 of the home screen setting screen W30.

[0077] In the print release selection area R201, when the destination group extension function is enabled in the destination group extension function setting area R24 of the print release setting screen W40 described in FIG. 8, and the “Use this group” checkbox C10 for “Group 1” and / or the “Use this group” checkbox C12 for “Group 2” in the destination group setting area R26 on the print release setting screen W40 are checked, the “Group name” assigned to the group is displayed.

[0078] Incidentally, even if an appropriate "group name" is not assigned in the destination group setting area R26 of the print release setting screen W40, it is possible to select a group to process a print job on the home screen setting screen W30. In this case, as shown in Fig. 11, the print release selection area R201 displays "Group 1" or "Group 2" as the group to process the print job, allowing the user to select it. If the user wishes to assign a "group name" to "Group 1" or "Group 2," the user can assign the name "Group 1" or "Group 2" in the key name setting area R22.

[0079] Fig. 12 shows an example of the configuration of a home screen W50 edited via the home screen setting screen W30 shown in Fig. 9 to Fig. 11. The home screen W50 shown in Fig. 12 is an example in which a shortcut key K12 corresponding to "Group 1" and a shortcut key K14 corresponding to "Group 2" are displayed in the shortcut key display area R10 as shortcut keys related to print release.

[0080] As described above, according to the first embodiment, when using the PrintRelease destination group expansion function, multiple shortcut keys, each assigned to a different group, can be placed on the home screen, making it easy to directly switch to the group that processes the print job.

[0081] [2 Second embodiment] The second embodiment is a form in which, in the first embodiment, when a plurality of shortcut keys assigned to print releases are arranged (displayed) on the home screen, each shortcut key is displayed in a distinguishable manner.

[0082] The functional configuration and processing flow of the image forming system 100 (multifunction peripheral 10) according to the second embodiment can be the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0083] [2.1 Example of operation] Fig. 13 shows an example in which the shortcut keys K12 and K14 assigned to the print release described in the first embodiment are displayed in different display colors. In Fig. 13, to show the different display colors, the parts with different display colors are represented by crosshatching.

[0084] In the second embodiment, as long as it is possible to display each shortcut key in a distinguishable manner, the display is not limited to displaying the shortcut keys in different display colors, and for example, display control may be performed to distinguishably display the font, font size, icon, etc. representing the name of each shortcut key.

[0085] As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, when multiple shortcut keys assigned to print releases are lined up on the home screen, the user can easily identify the group to switch to.

[0086] [3 Third embodiment] The third embodiment is a form in which, in the first embodiment, a specific multifunction device 10 (for example, parent device P1) is given administrative authority and the "group name" set on that multifunction device 10 is allowed to be synchronized with other multifunction devices 10 (for example, parent device P2, child devices C1, C2, C3), in which changing of the shortcut key name ("group name") is restricted.

[0087] The functional configuration and processing flow of the image forming system 100 (multifunction peripheral 10) according to the third embodiment can be the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0088] [3.1 Example of operation] Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display configuration of a print release setting screen W60 according to the third embodiment. The print release setting screen W60 illustrated in Fig. 14 includes a connection destination group extended function setting area R241 that includes a management parent device function check box C14, an address input box Bx10, a synchronization execution button B24, and a synchronization cancellation button B26, in addition to the configuration of the connection destination group extended function setting area R24 described in Fig. 8 etc.

[0089] The management master function checkbox C14 is a checkbox that accepts a setting instruction to enable / disable the management master function for granting management authority. The address input box Bx10 is an input box that accepts input of the address (IP address) of the multifunction device 10 that is to be set as the management master device. The synchronization execution button B24 is a button that accepts input of a synchronization start instruction when synchronizing the "group name" set in the multifunction device 10 that is the management master device with another multifunction device 10, and the synchronization cancellation button B26 is a button that accepts input of a synchronization cancellation instruction when canceling synchronization of the "group name".

[0090] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display configuration of the print release setting screen W70 on another multifunction device 10 that is to be synchronized when synchronization of the "group name" set on the multifunction device 10 of the management parent device is initiated.

[0091] As shown in the example of Fig. 15, when synchronization with the management parent device is initiated, changes to the names of shortcut keys ("group names") are restricted in other synchronized multifunction devices 10. Fig. 15 shows an example of restricting changes to the "group name" by darkening the destination group setting area R26 on the print release setting screen W70, thereby disabling input into that area.

[0092] As described above, according to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, when the "group name" set in a multifunction device 10 with administrative authority can be synchronized with another multifunction device 10, changing the name of the shortcut key ("group name") is restricted, thereby preventing a user operating the other multifunction device 10 from accidentally changing the name of the shortcut key.

[0093] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0094] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiments are described separately for the sake of convenience, they may of course be combined and executed within the scope of technical feasibility.

[0095] In addition, the programs that run on each device in the embodiments are programs that control the CPU, etc. (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and then stored in various storage devices such as ROMs (Read Only Memories) and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0096] Here, the computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which the program is recorded in the information processing device may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), optical recording media / magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc, etc.)), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.). In this case, the program recorded on the recording medium is read by the computer of the information processing device and executed by the computer, thereby realizing not only the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments, but also the functions of the present disclosure, which are realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs, etc., based on instructions from the program.

[0097] Furthermore, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is also included in the present disclosure.

[0098] Additionally, each functional block or feature of the device used in the above-described embodiments may be implemented or performed by an electrical circuit, such as an integrated circuit or multiple integrated circuits. The electrical circuit designed to realize the functions described herein may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or a combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or a conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The electrical circuit may be composed of digital circuits or analog circuits. Furthermore, as advances in semiconductor technology emerge, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may utilize new integrated circuits based on that technology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 10 Multifunction device 11 Control section 13 Display section 15 Operation input section 17 Communications Department 19 Memory section 191 Control Program 192 Display Control Program 1921 Home screen control program 193 Job Control Program 1931 Print Release Setting Program 194 Setting information storage area 195 Screen information storage area 196 Job Storage Area 100 Image forming system

Claims

1. An image forming system having a plurality of groups to which one or more image forming apparatuses operating as parent machines and one or more image forming apparatuses operating as child machines belong, and performing image formation by the image forming apparatuses belonging to a set group, a display unit that displays a basic screen for receiving operation instructions for the image forming apparatus; a control unit for controlling the screen display of the basic screen, The control unit An image forming system characterized by displaying a switching key on the basic screen that accepts an instruction to switch to the group specified by the user, and outputting a print image based on a print job registered in the parent machine belonging to the switched group from the child machine.

2. The control unit displaying an editing screen on the display unit for receiving an instruction to edit the display configuration of the basic screen; 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein an instruction to display the switching key on the basic screen is accepted via the edit screen.

3. The control unit 3. The image forming system according to claim 2, further comprising: a display instruction for the switching key corresponding to the group to which the usage setting is applied;

4. The control unit 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein, when the instruction to display the switching key is not accepted, a selection key for accepting an instruction to select the group set as a default is displayed on the basic screen.

5. The control unit 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein when a plurality of the switching keys are displayed on the basic screen, the plurality of switching keys are displayed so as to be identifiable from one another.

6. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the name of the group can be changed from a name set as a default.

7. The control unit 7. The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein when the administrative authority for the parent device is enabled and synchronization with the child device is executed, changing of the name of the group is restricted.

8. In a system having a plurality of groups to which one or more parent machines and one or more child machines belong, and performing image formation by one of the groups selected from the plurality of groups, an image forming apparatus that operates as the parent machine or the child machine, a display unit that displays a basic screen for receiving operation instructions from a user; a control unit for controlling the screen display of the basic screen, The control unit an image forming apparatus, wherein a switching key for accepting an instruction to switch to the group designated by the user is displayed on the basic screen;

9. 1. A control method for an image forming system having a plurality of groups to which one or more image forming apparatuses operating as parent machines and one or more image forming apparatuses operating as child machines belong, and in which image formation is performed by the image forming apparatuses belonging to a set group, comprising: displaying a basic screen for receiving operation instructions for the image forming apparatus; Controlling the screen display of the basic screen; A control method for an image forming system, characterized in that a switching key that accepts a switching instruction to the group specified by the user is displayed on the basic screen, and a print image based on a print job registered in the parent machine that belongs to the switched group is output from the child machine.

Images