Image forming system

Abstract

To provide an image forming system that determines the necessity of test printing for every class of a print medium and controls execution of test printing.SOLUTION: An image forming system has: acquisition means that acquires settings of the necessity of test printing for every class of a print medium; and first control means that, when a print medium of a first class is designated for which test printing is set to be necessary in the settings acquired by the acquisition means, controls to perform printing on a print medium of a second class different from the print medium of the first class before performing printing on the print medium of the first class.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system, a control method for an image forming system, a program, and a recording medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a print control device that generates a new proof print job from a print job, instructs a cut-sheet printer to perform printing, and notifies a print workflow system that the print job has been put on hold. The print control device receives an instruction to release the print job from the print workflow system or an operator. The print control device then sends the print data included in the print job and print parameters changed in accordance with the image quality parameters changed in the proof print job to the continuous paper printer, and instructs it to execute the actual print job. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-215624 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the necessity of test printing may differ depending on the type of print media specified in the print job. For example, if the print media is inexpensive, it may be more advantageous overall to immediately print the actual product rather than increase the workload and waste time caused by test printing, as this increases the availability rate of the image forming device and shortens the work process. In such cases, immediacy is prioritized.

[0005] On the other hand, when printing on expensive print media, the increased costs due to printing errors cannot be ignored. Therefore, there is a need to be able to switch whether or not to perform test printing for each type of print media. However, there is a problem in that the user issuing the print instruction may not be aware that the print media specified in the print job is expensive and that a test printing is necessary.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an image forming system that determines whether or not test printing is necessary for each type of print medium and controls the execution of test printing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The image forming system has an acquisition means for acquiring a setting for whether or not test printing is required for each type of printing medium, and a first control means for controlling printing to be performed on a second type of printing medium different from the first type of printing medium before printing on the first type of printing medium when a first type of printing medium for which test printing is required is specified for a print job in the setting acquired by the acquisition means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] It is possible to provide an image forming system that determines whether or not test printing is necessary for each type of print medium and controls the execution of test printing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a server. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a print application. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a test print request flag. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a test printing process flow. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining proof of test printing completion information. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of prompting a user to make a test print. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the process of executing actual printing. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart when the image forming apparatus receives a print job. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a process when proof information of test printing completion is requested. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (First embodiment) 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 according to this embodiment includes an information processing device 101, a server 102, image forming devices 103 and 104, and a network 105.

[0012] The information processing device 101 is an information processing device for creating a print job and transmitting the print job to the image forming devices 103 and 104, and is a so-called general personal computer (PC).

[0013] The server 102 is connected to the information processing device 101 and the image forming devices 103 and 104 via a network 105 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet. The server 102 stores print medium information and various programs used by the image forming devices 103 and 104 in this embodiment.

[0014] The print medium information and various programs stored in the server 102 are downloaded and used as needed to the image forming devices 103 and 104 via the network 105. Here, print medium information refers to a group of information required when forming an image on a print medium using the image forming devices 103 and 104, and includes adjustment values ​​for making print adjustments according to the characteristics of the print medium. By preparing this information for each type of print medium, high-quality output images are achieved.

[0015] Image forming apparatus 103 is a large-format inkjet image forming apparatus for printing posters and graphic art. Image forming apparatus 104 is a small-format inkjet image forming apparatus. Small-format inkjet image forming apparatus 104 is used for test printing before actual printing is performed by large-format inkjet image forming apparatus 103.

[0016] The information processing device 101 is configured to be capable of two-way communication with the image forming devices 103 and 104. The information processing device 101 can receive information transmitted from the image forming devices 103 and 104 and notify the user. The image forming devices 103 and 104 notify the user of the appropriate device status, urging the user to perform appropriate operations and improving the availability of the image forming system 100.

[0017] Similarly, the information processing device 101 is configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the server 102, and can download print medium information and various programs stored in the server 102 to the image forming devices 103 and 104.

[0018] (Explanation of the block diagram of the information processing device) 2 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing apparatus 101 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The information processing apparatus 101 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, an image information processing unit 204, an image storage unit 205, an external input / output I / F 206, a network I / F 207, and a print job processing unit 208. The information processing apparatus 101 also includes an output device 209, an input device 210, and a network device 211.

[0019] The CPU 201 is connected to a ROM 202 , a RAM 203 , an image information processing unit 204 , an image storage unit 205 , an external input / output I / F 206 , a network I / F 207 , and a print job processing unit 208 via an address bus and a data bus 212 .

[0020] Furthermore, the external input / output I / F 206 is connected to an output device 209 such as a display for displaying various types of information, and an input device 210 such as a keyboard or mouse for inputting information from the outside.

[0021] The network I / F 207 is configured to be able to communicate with various network devices 211 via a LAN, a WAN, or the Internet.

[0022] A CPU 201 installed inside the information processing device 101 is activated and controlled by a program stored in a ROM 202 installed in the information processing device 101. The information processing device 101 also has a RAM 203 installed therein. The RAM 203 temporarily stores programs and data for running applications, such as those for creating a print job using the information processing device 101 and printing to image forming devices 103 and 104 that can communicate via a network. The information processing device 101 performs various image processes based on print settings on image information stored in an image storage unit 205 by an image information processing unit 204, and then connects to a network 105 via a network I / F 207 and transmits the image information to various network devices 211.

[0023] (Server block diagram explanation) 3 is a block diagram illustrating the server 102 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The server 102 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a web service processing unit 304, a mass storage unit 305, an external input / output I / F 306, a network I / F 307, and an image forming device management unit 308. The server 102 also includes an output device 309, an input device 310, and a network device 311.

[0024] The CPU 301 is interconnected with the ROM 302, RAM 303, web service processing unit 304, mass storage unit 305, external input / output I / F 306, network I / F 307, and image forming device management unit 308 via an address bus and a data bus 312.

[0025] Furthermore, the external input / output I / F 306 is connected to an output device 309 such as a display for displaying various information, and an input device 310 such as a keyboard or mouse for inputting information from the outside.

[0026] A CPU 301 installed inside the server 102 is started and controlled by a program stored in a ROM 302 installed in the server 102 .

[0027] The server 102 also includes a RAM 303. The RAM 303 temporarily stores, for example, programs and data for managing print medium information and various programs to be sent to the image forming apparatuses 103 and 104 connected to the network 105, applications for sending the information, and programs and data for running web services and the like.

[0028] The web service processing unit 304 provides various web services to the information processing device 101 connected to the network 105. For example, the web service processing unit 304 outputs print medium information and various programs registered in the server 102 on a browser.

[0029] The image forming device management unit 308 centrally manages the image forming devices 103 and 104 registered in the server 102 .

[0030] The network I / F 307 is connected to the network 105 and is an interface for communicating with various network devices 311 .

[0031] (Explanation of the block diagram of the image forming device) 4 is a block diagram illustrating the image forming apparatuses 103 and 104 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Each of the image forming apparatuses 103 and 104 includes a controller unit 402, an image forming unit 414, and an operation unit 411.

[0032] The controller unit 402 is connected to the network 105 via a network I / F 403 and receives a print job. The controller unit 402 has the network I / F 403, a ROM 404, a RAM 405, a network I / F 406, a CPU 408, an image storage unit 409, an operation unit I / F 410, and an image processing unit 412.

[0033] The CPU 408 is connected to the ROM 404 , RAM 405 , network I / F 406 , image storage unit 409 , operation unit I / F 410 , and image processing unit 412 via an address bus and a data bus 407 .

[0034] An operation unit I / F 410 is connected to an operation unit 411 and receives control commands from the user.

[0035] The CPU 408 installed inside the image forming apparatuses 103 and 104 is started up and controls by a program stored in the ROM 404 installed in the controller unit 402 .

[0036] The controller unit 402 also includes a RAM 405. The RAM 405 temporarily stores programs and data for implementing various functions of the image forming apparatuses 103 and 104.

[0037] The controller unit 402 also includes an image storage unit 409 for storing print jobs received via the network 105 .

[0038] The image processing unit 412 performs image processing based on a control command from the operation unit 411 .

[0039] In response to a print execution command from the network 105 or the operation unit 411 , the print job is passed to the image forming unit 414 via the network I / Fs 406 and 415 in the image forming apparatuses 103 and 104 .

[0040] A network 413 indicates a network within the image forming apparatuses 103 and 104 .

[0041] The image forming unit 414 includes a network I / F 415 , a ROM 416 , a RAM 417 , a CPU 419 , and a print processing unit 420 .

[0042] The CPU 419 is connected to the ROM 416 , RAM 417 , print processing unit 320 , and network I / F 415 via an address bus and a data bus 418 .

[0043] A CPU 419 of the image forming unit 414 sequentially processes print jobs received via the network 413 in the image forming apparatuses 103 and 104 in the print processing unit 320, and executes printing.

[0044] (printing application) 5 is a diagram showing a print application 500 that runs on the information processing apparatus 101 of the first embodiment. The print application 500 includes a menu bar 501, a tab menu 502, a job pane 503, a preview pane 504, a print information pane 505, and an image forming device status pane 506.

[0045] When test printing is to be performed, by checking a check box 508, the information processing apparatus 101 can request the image forming apparatuses 103 and 104 to send test printing completion certification information 800 shown in FIG. 8, which will be described later.

[0046] When a file that is print content is selected from the file menu of the menu bar 501 and loaded into the print application 500, information about each page that makes up the print content is displayed in the job pane 503.

[0047] Here, an example in which the print content consists of one page will be described. Preview pane 504 displays an image of the print content loaded in print application 500.

[0048] The print information pane 505 displays the current print settings of the print content loaded in the print application 500. Before pressing the Print button 507, the user checks the print image that will be created based on the print settings displayed in the print information pane 505 on the preview pane 504. If the print image is not what the user expects, the user can reset the print setting items in the print information pane 505, for example.

[0049] Status information for the currently selected image forming device is displayed in the image forming device status pane 506. The status information includes information on currently selectable print media, information on consumables such as ink and toner, error information, and information on test printing.

[0050] When the print button 507 is pressed, the print application 500 generates a print job and transmits the print job to the target image forming apparatus.

[0051] Here, the print image displayed in the preview pane 504 is merely an image and differs from the result that will actually be printed by the image forming apparatuses 103 and 104. For example, if the print content is a photograph, the color displayed on the display of the information processing apparatus 101 will not be the same as the color printed on paper.

[0052] Furthermore, even if you check the print image displayed in the preview pane 504, there may be defects in the print content that you notice when you actually print it. When printing a large number of copies, printing failures can result in significant losses, so you must try to reduce them as much as possible.

[0053] (Effectiveness of test printing) To solve the above problems, the image forming system 100 may require a trial print before the actual printing. Trial printing is a printing process in which only a portion of the print content is created on the image forming device before the actual printing, and a final check is performed before the actual printing. This is an effective workflow for reducing printing failures.

[0054] (Proof printing assignment) This test printing often reduces costs by using a cheaper image forming device and printing media than those used for production printing. Because the image forming device and printing media used for test printing are different from those used for production printing, it is not possible to check for color, bleeding, print wrinkles, etc., but it is effective in reducing failed prints because it allows you to check for defects in the print content.

[0055] However, when performing a test print, tasks such as creating a print job for the test print, the time required for the test print, and checking the results of the test print are required. When a test print is required before the actual print, the time loss required for the test print cannot be ignored. If the print media used for the actual print is inexpensive, it may be more efficient to perform the actual print without performing a test print.

[0056] However, there is a problem in that the user issuing the print instruction may not be aware that the print medium specified in the print job is expensive and that a test print is required.

[0057] Therefore, the image forming system 100 of the first embodiment stores information indicating the need for test printing for each type of print medium in the image forming device, and checks the information indicating the need for test printing for the print medium specified in the print job submitted to the image forming device.The image forming system 100 then requests the user to perform a test print when test printing is required, thereby aiming to reduce failed prints without reducing the efficiency of actual printing.

[0058] (For print media that requires a test print) If the actual printing fails, the print media (such as paper) and ink will be wasted. Recently, large-format inkjet image forming apparatuses 103 are increasingly being used to print posters, graphic art, and other items. While the print content depends on the type and quality of the print media, the output results vary greatly. For example, high-quality print media such as super art paper can produce high-quality posters with vivid colors and a glossy finish.

[0059] However, these are naturally expensive, and because they are not widely distributed, delivery often takes a long time, so it is best to avoid wasting such printing media due to printing failures.

[0060] When using such print media, it is desirable to perform a test print and eliminate failed prints as much as possible. However, because whether a test print is required is up to the user, the image forming system 100 of the first embodiment is designed to store information indicating the need for a test print (hereinafter referred to as a test print request flag) in the image forming device.

[0061] (About the trial print request flag) 6 is a diagram for explaining the test print request flag 600 in the image forming system 100 of the first embodiment. The test print request flag 600 is set for each type of print medium (paper).

[0062] If a print medium requires test printing, the test printing request flag 600 for that print medium stores 1. If a print medium does not require test printing, the test printing request flag 600 stores 0.

[0063] The test print request flag 600 for each type of print medium can be set from the operation unit 411 of the image forming apparatus 103, 104, and is stored in the ROM 404 in the image forming apparatus 103, 104.

[0064] The setting of the test print request flag 600 is usually performed when the image forming apparatuses 103, 104 are installed. In addition, when there are multiple image forming apparatuses 103, 104, the test print request flags 600 can be set collectively by the image forming apparatuses 103, 104 downloading the test print request flags 600 from the server 102 as part of the print medium information.

[0065] (Proof printing process flow) 7 is a flowchart showing a control method of the information processing apparatus 101 according to the first embodiment, and is a flowchart for explaining a test printing process flow. Each step of the flowchart in FIG. 7 is realized by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 loading a program recorded in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing the program.

[0066] In S700, the CPU 201 creates a print job based on a user instruction using the print application 500 shown in FIG.

[0067] In S701, the CPU 201, via the print application 500, obtains the test print request flag 600 for each type of print medium registered in the image forming device 103 from the image forming device 103 to be used for the actual printing specified in the print job.

[0068] In S702, the CPU 201 determines whether the type of print medium specified in the print job requires test printing based on the test printing request flag 600 acquired from the image forming apparatus 103 by the print application 500.

[0069] If the test print request flag 600 for the specified print medium is "1", test print is required, so the process proceeds to S703. If the test print request flag 600 for the specified print medium is "0", test print is not required, so the process proceeds to S706.

[0070] In S703, the CPU 201 notifies the user, via the print application 500, that a test print is required.

[0071] In step S704, the CPU 201 causes the print application 500 to prompt the user to select a type of print medium that does not require test printing based on the test printing request flag 600 being set to "1" obtained from the image forming device 103, and sets the type of print medium in accordance with the user's operation. If a print medium that does not require test printing is not set in the image forming device 103, the user sets the desired print medium in the image forming device 103.

[0072] Furthermore, the CPU 201 sets the image forming apparatus 104 as the image forming apparatus to be used for test printing in response to a user operation of the print application 500.

[0073] In S705, the CPU 201 causes the print application 500 to send a print job (execution instruction) for test printing for the type of print medium set in S704 to the image forming apparatus 104 set in S704.

[0074] In S706, the CPU 201 sends a print job (execution instruction) for the actual printing of the type of printing medium specified in the print job to the image forming device 103 to be used for the actual printing specified in the print job via the print application 500.

[0075] As described above, the information processing apparatus 101 of the first embodiment determines whether test printing is required for each type of print medium specified in the production print job. If test printing is required for the print medium, the information processing apparatus 101 notifies the user via the print application 500 to perform test printing, and can prompt the user to perform test printing.

[0076] Next, the execution of the actual print job after the test print is performed will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[0077] (Proof printing flow issues) 7, whether the print medium specified in the production print job is set to require test printing is determined based on the test printing request flag 600 acquired from the image forming apparatus 103 specified in the print job. If it is determined that test printing is required, the CPU 201 prompts the user to reselect a type of print medium that does not require test printing using the print application and perform test printing.

[0078] If the test print result shows that there are no problems or that the problematic areas have been corrected, and you want to proceed to actual printing, but there is no evidence that test printing has been performed, the CPU 201 cannot proceed to actual printing using the print application 500. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 103 cannot proceed to print processing either.

[0079] Therefore, in the image forming system 100 of the first embodiment, proof printing completion information 800 shown in Fig. 8 (described later) is shared between the print application 500 of the information processing device 101 and the image forming device 103. This reduces the risk of printing failures on expensive print media, and eliminates the need for proof printing in the case of inexpensive print media that does not require proof printing, thereby realizing the image forming system 100 that enables an improvement in the availability rate of the image forming device.

[0080] (Proof of proof printing information) Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the test print completion certificate information 800. As shown in Fig. 8, the test print completion certificate information 800 lists the device name and IP address of the image forming device 104 that performed the test print as the certificate issuing device.

[0081] Furthermore, the proof printing certification information 800 includes the date and time when the proof printing was carried out as the certificate issue date.

[0082] Furthermore, the test print completion certificate information 800 includes a print file name so that it is possible to identify which print job the certificate is for.

[0083] Furthermore, the proof printing completion information 800 includes a proof printing result indicating whether the proof printing was completed without any errors. If an error occurs, an error code is included in the proof printing result.

[0084] The proof printing completion information 800 also includes details of the printing conditions.

[0085] The proof printing completion information 800 is created by the image forming apparatus 104 used for the proof printing, and is issued to the print application 500 of the information processing apparatus 101 as evidence.

[0086] Whether or not the proof printing certificate information 800 is created depends on whether or not the proof printing check box 508 in the layout in the print information pane 505 of the print application 500 is checked.

[0087] This proof printing completion information 800 is sent from the information processing apparatus 101 to the image forming apparatus 103 when the actual print job is sent.

[0088] This allows the image forming apparatus 103 to determine whether or not actual printing can be performed based on the information contained in the proof printing completion information 800 received from the print application 500 of the information processing apparatus 101. This reduces the risk of printing failures on expensive print media.

[0089] Next, a description will be given of the production printing process using the proof of test printing information 800. In the first embodiment, an example in which the print application 500 of the information processing device 101 takes the initiative in test printing will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In the second embodiment, an example in which the image forming device 103 takes the initiative in test printing will be described.

[0090] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a control method of the information processing device 101, and is a flowchart for explaining actual printing using the proof printing completion information 800. Each step of the flowchart in Fig. 9 is realized by the CPU 201 of the information processing device 101 expanding a program recorded in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing it. Here, the CPU 201 is an example of a control unit.

[0091] In S900, the CPU 201 sets print settings for the print job based on the user's instructions using the print application 500. As a result, the image forming apparatus 103 to be used for printing and the type of print medium to be used for printing are specified in the print job.

[0092] In S901, the CPU 201 acquires the test print request flag 600 for each type of print medium registered in the image forming device 103 from the image forming device 103 specified in the print job based on the print settings set in S900 by the print application 500. Here, the test print request flag 600 is an example of a setting for whether test print is required for each type of print medium.

[0093] In S902, the CPU 201 extracts the test print request flag 600 for the type of printing medium specified in the print job from the test print request flags 600 obtained from the image forming device 103 by the print application 500, and determines whether test printing is required.

[0094] If the test print request flag 600 for the specified type of print medium is "1", test print is required, so the process proceeds to S903. If the test print request flag 600 for the specified type of print medium is "0", test print is not required, so the process proceeds to S905.

[0095] In S903, the CPU 201 determines whether the print application 500 has received the proof printing completion information 800 for the print job from the image forming apparatus 104. If the proof printing completion information 800 has not been received, the process proceeds to S906. If the proof printing completion information 800 has been received, the process proceeds to S904.

[0096] In S906, the CPU 201 notifies the user that a test print is required to print on the print medium specified in the print job, via the print application 500. This notifies the user that the print medium specified in the print job is expensive and that a test print is required to check the print content in advance.

[0097] In S907, the CPU 201 prompts the user, via the print application 500, to select the type of print medium for which test printing is not required, and sets the type of print medium in response to the user's operation.

[0098] In S908, the CPU 201 prompts the user, via the print application 500, to select the image forming apparatus for performing test printing, and sets the image forming apparatus 104 in accordance with the user's operation.

[0099] In S909, when the user presses the print execution button 507 through the print application 500, the CPU 201 transmits a print job (execution instruction) for test printing for the type of print medium set in S907 to the image forming apparatus 104 set in S908, even without an operation from the user to instruct test printing for the print job. By transmitting the test printing print job to the image forming apparatus 104, the CPU 201 controls the image forming apparatus 104 to print the test printing for the type of print medium set in S907.

[0100] In S910, the CPU 201 receives, via the print application 500, proof printing completion information 800 from the image forming apparatus 104 that performed the proof printing, and returns to S900. Here, the proof printing completion information 800 is an example of printed information.

[0101] In step S904, the CPU 201 causes the print application 500 to send the proof printing completion information 800 associated with the print job to the image forming apparatus 103 specified in the print job.

[0102] In S905, the CPU 201 transmits the print job of S900 (an instruction to perform actual printing) to the image forming apparatus 103 specified in the print job of S900 via the print application 500. By transmitting the print job, the CPU 201 controls the image forming apparatus 103 specified in the print job to print on the type of print medium specified in the print job.

[0103] This allows the CPU 201 to perform control so that test printing is performed in step S909 before printing the print job in step S905.

[0104] As described above, in this embodiment, the user does not need to worry about whether the print medium specified in the print job is an expensive print medium or an inexpensive print medium. If a test print has already been performed, the CPU 201 automatically transmits test print completion certificate information 800 to the image forming apparatus 103 via the print application 500. If test print completion certificate information 800 is not available, the CPU 201 notifies the user via the print application 500 that a test print is required and can prompt the user to perform the test print.

[0105] (Determination of proof of test printing) 10 is a flowchart showing a control method for the image forming apparatus 103, and is a flowchart showing the processing of the image forming apparatus 103 that has received the proof of test printing information 800. Each step of the flowchart in FIG. 10 is realized by the CPU 408 of the image forming apparatus 103 expanding a program recorded in the ROM 404 into the RAM 405 and executing it.

[0106] In S1000 , the CPU 408 receives the proof of completion information 800 from the information processing device 101 .

[0107] In step S1001 , the CPU 408 receives a print job from the information processing apparatus 101 .

[0108] In S1002, the CPU 408 determines whether the test print file name described in the test print completion certification information 800 matches the print file name of the print job. If they match, the process proceeds to S1003. If they do not match, the process proceeds to S1005.

[0109] In S1005, the CPU 408 discards the print job received in S1001.

[0110] In S1006, the CPU 408 notifies the print application 500 of the information processing apparatus 101 that the test print completion certificate information 800 is required, and ends the processing of the flowchart in FIG.

[0111] In S1003, the CPU 408 determines whether the certificate issue date of the proof printing completion certification information 800 is within the preset expiration date. For example, if the preset expiration date is two days, and the certificate issue date is three days ago, it is not within the expiration date. On the other hand, if the certificate issue date is yesterday, it is within the expiration date. Here, the certificate issue date is an example of the print date.

[0112] If the certificate issuance date is within the validity period, the process proceeds to S1004. If the certificate issuance date is not within the validity period, the process proceeds to S1005.

[0113] In S1004, the CPU 408 controls the image forming unit 414 based on the print job in S1001 to perform actual printing on the type of print medium specified in the print job.

[0114] As described above, the image forming system 100 can provide the user with appropriate information based on the information contained in the proof printing completion information 800, and can prompt the user to carry out a proof printing for printing media that is set to require a proof printing.

[0115] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 103 determines whether or not the actual printing can be performed based on the certificate issue date and the test print file name described in the test print completion certification information 800, but the criteria for the determination are not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus 103 may make the determination based on the image forming apparatus 104 used for the test printing, the number of test printings, and the printing conditions of the test printing.

[0116] Furthermore, the contents described in the proof printing completion information 800 are not limited to this. For example, the proof printing completion information 800 may describe a condition that indicates that a print job has been specially permitted and that does not require proof printing.

[0117] As described above, the image forming apparatus 103 can determine whether a test print has been performed based on the information contained in the test print certification information 800, thereby reducing the occurrence of failed prints during actual printing.

[0118] (Second embodiment) 11 is a flowchart showing a control method of the image forming apparatus 103 according to the second embodiment, and is a flowchart for explaining actual printing using the proof printing completion information 800. Each step of the flowchart in FIG. 11 is realized by the CPU 408 of the image forming apparatus 103 loading a program recorded in the ROM 404 into the RAM 405 and executing it.

[0119] In step S1100, the CPU 408 receives a print job from the information processing apparatus 101.

[0120] In S1101, the CPU 408 determines whether or not test printing is required for the print medium specified in the received print job, based on the stored test printing request flag 600.

[0121] If the test print request flag 600 for the specified print medium is "1", test print is required, so the process proceeds to S1102. If the test print request flag 600 for the specified print medium is "0", test print is not required, so the process proceeds to S1105.

[0122] In S1102, the CPU 408 determines whether or not the test print completion certification information 800 has been received from the information processing device 101. If the test print completion certification information 800 has not been received, the process proceeds to S1103. If the test print completion certification information 800 has been received, the process proceeds to S1104.

[0123] In step S1103 , the CPU 408 transmits a request for the proof printing completion information 800 to the print application 500 of the information processing apparatus 101 .

[0124] In S1104, the CPU 408 determines whether the received test print completion certification information 800 is valid. The image forming apparatus 103 determines whether the test print completion certification information 800 is valid based on various information included in the test print completion certification information 800, as described in S1002 and S1003 of FIG.

[0125] If the test print file name described in the test print certification information 800 matches the print job name and the certificate issue date of the test print certification information 800 is within the preset expiration date, the test print certification information 800 is valid.

[0126] If the test print file name described in the test print certification information 800 does not match the print job name, or if the certificate issue date of the test print certification information 800 is not within the preset expiration date, the test print certification information 800 is not valid.

[0127] If the test print completion certification information 800 is valid, the process proceeds to S1105. If the test print completion certification information 800 is not valid, the process proceeds to S1106.

[0128] In S1105, the CPU 408 controls the image forming unit 414 based on the received print job to perform actual printing on the type of print medium specified in the print job.

[0129] In S1106, the CPU 408 transmits to the print application 500 of the information processing apparatus 101 a message indicating that the test print completion certificate information 800 is invalid, and ends the processing of the print job.

[0130] 12 is a flowchart when the information processing device 101 receives a request for proof of test printing completion information 800 from the image forming device 103. Each step of the flowchart in FIG. 12 is realized by the CPU 201 of the information processing device 101 expanding a program recorded in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing it.

[0131] The test printing process in FIG.

[0132] In S1201, the CPU 201 receives a request for the proof printing completion certificate information 800 from the print application 500.

[0133] In S1202, the CPU 201 notifies the user via the print application 500 that proof printing completion certificate information 800 needs to be sent.

[0134] In S1203, the CPU 201 determines whether the print application 500 has received the test print completion certification information 800 from the image forming apparatus 104. If the test print completion certification information 800 has been received, the process proceeds to S1204. If the test print completion certification information 800 has not been received, the process proceeds to S1205.

[0135] In step S1204 , the CPU 201 causes the print application 500 to send the proof printing completion information 800 to the image forming apparatus 103 .

[0136] In step S1205, the CPU 201 causes the print application 500 to transmit to the image forming apparatus 103 a message indicating that proof of test printing is not available.

[0137] As described above, the image forming apparatus 103 can receive the proof printing completion information 800 in advance when receiving a print job from the print application 500 of the information processing apparatus 101. In this case, the image forming apparatus 103 determines whether actual printing is possible based on the proof printing completion information 800 received in advance, and starts actual printing if it is determined that actual printing is possible. Because there is no user intervention in this series of steps, efficient print processing can be achieved for print jobs for which proof printing has been performed in advance.

[0138] The various controls described above as being performed by CPU 201 or CPU 408 may be performed by a single piece of hardware, or the entire device may be controlled by multiple pieces of hardware (e.g., multiple processors or circuits) sharing the processing.

[0139] Furthermore, although the present invention has been described in detail based on preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments merely represents one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

[0140] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to image forming system 100, but this is not limited to this example and can be applied to any image forming system that performs trial printing before actual printing.

[0141] That is, the present invention is applicable to personal computers, PDAs, mobile phone terminals, portable image viewers, printer devices with displays, digital photo frames, and the like.

[0142] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program code. In this case, the program and the storage medium on which the program is recorded constitute the present invention.

[0143] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, program, and recording medium. (Configuration 1) An acquisition means for acquiring a setting for whether or not test printing is required for each type of print medium; a first control means for controlling printing to be performed on a second type of printing medium different from the first type of printing medium before printing on the first type of printing medium when a first type of printing medium that is set as requiring test printing in the settings acquired by the acquisition means is specified for the print job; An image forming system comprising: (Configuration 2) The image forming system described in configuration 1 is characterized in that, when the first type of printing medium, which is set to require test printing in the settings acquired by the acquisition means, is specified for the print job, the first control means controls printing to be performed on the second type of printing medium before printing on the first type of printing medium, even without operation from the user to instruct test printing for the print job. (Configuration 3) The image forming system described in configuration 1 or 2 is characterized in that, when a third type of printing medium that is not set as requiring test printing in the settings acquired by the acquisition means is specified for the print job, the first control means controls printing to be performed on the third type of printing medium without performing test printing. (Configuration 4) the image forming system includes an information processing device, the information processing device includes the acquisition means and the first control means, 4. The image forming system according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the first control means controls the first image forming device to print on the second type of print medium. (Configuration 5) the acquiring unit acquires a setting as to whether or not test printing is required for each type of print medium from the second image forming apparatus specified in the print job; The image forming system described in configuration 4 is characterized in that, when a third type of printing medium that is not set as requiring test printing in the settings acquired by the acquisition means is specified for the print job, the first control means controls the second image forming device specified in the print job to print on the third type of printing medium specified in the print job. (Configuration 6) The first control means setting the second type of print medium and the first image forming device in response to a user operation; The image forming system of configuration 5 is characterized in that, when a first type of printing medium that is set as requiring test printing in the settings acquired by the acquisition means is specified for the print job, the first image forming device is controlled to print on the second type of printing medium before printing on the first type of printing medium. (Configuration 7) The image forming system described in configuration 6, wherein the first control means controls the first image forming device to print on the second type of printing medium, receives printed information from the first image forming device, and then controls the second image forming device specified in the print job to print on the first type of printing medium specified in the print job. (Configuration 8) The image forming system according to configuration 7, wherein the first control means receives printed information from the first image forming device and then transmits the printed information to the second image forming device. (Configuration 9) the image forming system includes the second image forming apparatus, the first control means transmits the print job to a second image forming apparatus specified in the print job to control the second image forming apparatus to print on a first type of print medium specified in the print job; the second image forming apparatus, a receiving means for receiving the print job from the information processing device; and a second control means for controlling the image forming unit to perform printing on the first type of print medium based on the print job. (Configuration 10) the receiving means receives the printed information from the information processing device; The image forming system described in configuration 9 is characterized in that the second control means controls the image forming device to print on the first type of printing medium based on the print job when the print file name of the printed information matches the print file name of the print job. (Configuration 11) The image forming system of configuration 10 is characterized in that the second control means controls the image forming device to print on the first type of printing medium based on the print job when the print file name of the printed information matches the print file name of the print job and the print date of the printed information is within the expiration date. (Method 1) an acquisition step of acquiring a setting as to whether test printing is required for each type of print medium; a first control step of controlling printing to be performed on a second type of printing medium different from the first type of printing medium before printing on the first type of printing medium when a first type of printing medium set as requiring test printing in the settings acquired in the acquisition step is specified for the print job; 1. A control method for an image forming system, comprising: (Program 1) 12. A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the image forming system according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects. (Recording Medium 1) 12. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the image forming system according to any one of configurations 1 to 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 101 information processing device, 103, 104 image forming device, 201, 408 CPU, 600 test print request flag

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring a setting for whether or not test printing is required for each type of print medium; a first control means for controlling printing to be performed on a second type of printing medium different from the first type of printing medium before printing on the first type of printing medium when a first type of printing medium that is set as requiring test printing in the settings acquired by the acquisition means is specified for the print job; An image forming system comprising:

2. The image forming system described in claim 1, characterized in that when the first type of printing medium, which is set to require test printing in the settings acquired by the acquisition means, is specified for the print job, the first control means controls printing to be performed on the second type of printing medium before printing on the first type of printing medium, even if there is no operation from the user to instruct test printing for the print job.

3. The image forming system described in claim 1, characterized in that when a third type of printing medium is specified for the print job and the settings acquired by the acquisition means do not require a test print, the first control means controls the printing to be performed on the third type of printing medium without performing a test print.

4. the image forming system includes an information processing device, the information processing device includes the acquisition means and the first control means, 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the first control means controls the first image forming device to print on the second type of print medium.

5. the acquiring unit acquires a setting as to whether or not test printing is required for each type of print medium from the second image forming apparatus specified in the print job; The image forming system described in claim 4, characterized in that when a third type of printing medium that is not set as requiring a test print in the settings acquired by the acquisition means is specified for the print job, the first control means controls the second image forming device specified in the print job to print on the third type of printing medium specified in the print job.

6. The first control means setting the second type of print medium and the first image forming device in response to a user operation; An image forming system as described in claim 5, characterized in that when a first type of printing medium is specified for the print job in the settings acquired by the acquisition means as requiring a test print, the first image forming device is controlled to print on the second type of printing medium before printing on the first type of printing medium.

7. The image forming system of claim 6, wherein the first control means controls the first image forming device to print on the second type of printing medium, receives printed information from the first image forming device, and then controls the second image forming device specified in the print job to print on the first type of printing medium specified in the print job.

8. 8. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the first control unit receives printed information from the first image forming device and then transmits the printed information to the second image forming device.

9. the image forming system includes the second image forming apparatus, the first control means transmits the print job to a second image forming apparatus designated in the print job to control the second image forming apparatus to print on a first type of print medium designated in the print job; the second image forming apparatus, a receiving means for receiving the print job from the information processing device; 9. The image forming system according to claim 8, further comprising a second control unit that controls the image forming unit to perform printing on the first type of print medium based on the print job.

10. the receiving means receives the printed information from the information processing device; The image forming system according to claim 9, characterized in that the second control means controls the image forming device to print on the first type of printing medium based on the print job when the print file name of the printed information matches the print file name of the print job.

11. The image forming system of claim 10, characterized in that the second control means controls the image forming device to print on the first type of printing medium based on the print job if the print file name of the printed information matches the print file name of the print job and the print date of the printed information is within the expiration date.

12. an acquisition step of acquiring a setting as to whether test printing is required for each type of print medium; a first control step of controlling printing to be performed on a second type of printing medium different from the first type of printing medium before printing on the first type of printing medium when a first type of printing medium set as requiring test printing in the settings acquired in the acquisition step is specified for the print job; 1. A control method for an image forming system, comprising:

13. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 11 is recorded.

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