Image forming system

Abstract

This allows for easy support of newly connected image generation devices without requiring pre-implementation of functions for potentially connectable image generation devices. [Solution] When the image generating device 3 is not connected to the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 executes the display function of the paper feed stage setting screen 50 according to the function definition 40. When the image generating device 3A is connected to the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 30 of the image generating device 3A transmits function setting data 70 to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 33. When the control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 receives the function setting data 70 via the communication unit 19, it uses the function definition 40 and the function setting data 70 to generate a new function definition 140 in which the display function of the paper feed stage setting screen 50 is replaced with the display function of the paper feed stage setting screen 80, and executes the display function of the paper feed stage setting screen 80 according to the new function definition 140.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and an image generating apparatus that can be connected to the image forming apparatus, and particularly relates to a technique for changing or expanding functions in the image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and an image generating apparatus which is a DFE (Digital Front End) is known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for determining the content of a screen related to the network settings of an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) based on the determination of the network I / F to which the DFE is connected.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for collecting operation information from either one of the MFP and the DFE when the MFP and the DFE connected to the MFP are detected by network search.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Incidentally, in general image forming systems such as those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus modifies or expands its functions according to the specifications of the connected image generating device. Therefore, the image forming apparatus pre-implements functions that support all possible connected image generating devices. When connecting a new image generating device to such an image generating apparatus, it is necessary to update the functions or firmware implemented in the image forming apparatus, which makes it difficult to support the new image generating device.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to easily support newly connected image generation devices without having to pre-implement functions corresponding to potentially connectable image generation devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An image forming system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus and an image generating apparatus connectable to the image forming apparatus. The image generating apparatus includes a first communication unit that performs data communication with the image forming apparatus, a first storage unit that stores function setting data indicating a predetermined first function and a substitution instruction or an extension instruction, and a first control unit that, when the image generating apparatus is connected to the image forming apparatus, transmits the function setting data to the image forming apparatus via the first communication unit. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on paper, a second communication unit that performs data communication with the image generating apparatus, a second storage unit that stores a function definition for executing a predetermined second function different from the first function, and a second control unit that, when the image generating apparatus is not connected to the image forming apparatus, executes the second function according to the function definition. When the second control unit receives the function setting data via the second communication unit, it uses the function definition and the function setting data to generate a new function definition in which the second function is replaced by the first function or the first function is added to the second function, and executes the first function, or the first function and the second function, according to the new function definition. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the image forming apparatus modifies or expands its functions using function setting data transmitted from the image generation apparatus. As a result, the image forming apparatus can modify or expand its functions according to the connected image generation apparatus without having to pre-implement functions corresponding to potentially connectable image generation apparatuses. Consequently, it can easily support newly connected image generation apparatuses. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 2] This is a front cross-sectional view showing the structure of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the display menu when the image generation device is not connected. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a function definition. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the paper feed tray setting screen. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the display menu when an image generation device is connected. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of function setting data. [Figure 8] This figure shows another example of the paper feed tray setting screen. [Figure 9] This figure shows another example of the display menu when an image generation device is connected. [Figure 10] This figure shows another example of function setting data. [Figure 11] This figure shows another example of the paper feed tray setting screen. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing the process of sending function setting data. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart showing the function definition update process. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of how a function definition is updated. [Figure 15] This figure shows another example of how a function definition is updated. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system Sy according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system Sy includes an image forming apparatus 1 and two image generation apparatuses 3A and 3B that can be connected to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0012] Hereinafter, when collectively referring to the "image generation apparatuses 3A and 3B", they will be referred to as "image generation apparatus 3". The number of image generation apparatuses 3 that can be connected to the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more.

[0013] The image generation apparatus 3 generates a print job and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 1 through the network N. When the image forming apparatus 1 receives the print job, it executes the received print job.

[0014] [Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 1] FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view showing the structure of the image forming apparatus 1. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 1 is a color multifunction machine having a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a print function, and a transmission function.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image reading unit 11, an image forming unit 12, a fixing unit 13, a paper feeding unit 14, a conveying unit 15, a display unit 16, an operation unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, an interface unit 20, and a control unit 100 that functions as a control unit 10.

[0016] The image reading unit 11 includes a scanner having an imaging element. The image reading unit 11 optically reads a document and generates image data by a document moving method or a document fixing method.

[0017] The image forming unit 12 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, and a transfer device. The image forming unit 12 forms a toner image (image) on a sheet P that is conveyed along a conveyance path T by the conveying unit 15 based on the image data.

[0018] The fixing unit 13 fixes the toner image to the paper P by heating and pressurizing the paper P on which the toner image has been formed by the image forming unit 12.

[0019] The paper feeding unit 14 includes a manual feed tray and multiple paper cassettes. The paper feeding unit 14 feeds paper P placed in one of the multiple paper cassettes or the manual feed tray into the transport path T. Note that the paper P is not limited to paper media and may be, for example, an OHP (Overhead Projector) sheet.

[0020] The transport unit 15 includes a transport roller pair 15A and an discharge roller pair 15B, and a transport motor. The transport unit 15 transports the paper P fed by the paper feeding unit 14 along the transport path T.

[0021] The display unit 16 includes a liquid crystal display or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. The display unit 16 displays various screens.

[0022] The control unit 17 includes hard keys such as a numeric keypad, an enter key, or a start key. The control unit 17 also includes a touch panel 17A that is placed on top of the display unit 16. User instructions are input to the control unit 17.

[0023] The storage unit 18 is a large-capacity storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 18 stores various data along with various control programs for realizing the general operation of the image forming apparatus 1. As part of the above-mentioned control programs, the storage unit 18 stores a transmission program for executing the function setting data transmission process described later.

[0024] The communication unit 19 includes a communication module such as a LAN (Local Area Network) board. The control unit 10 performs data communication with external devices such as the image generation device 3, which are connected via the network N, through the communication unit 19.

[0025] The image generation device 3 is connected to the interface unit 20. The interface unit 20 includes terminals for electrically connecting to the image generation device 3.

[0026] The control unit 100 includes a processor, RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0027] The control unit 100 is electrically connected to the image reading unit 11, image forming unit 12, fixing unit 13, paper feeding unit 14, transport unit 15, display unit 16, operation unit 17, storage unit 18, communication unit 19, and interface unit 20, etc.

[0028] The control unit 100 functions as a control unit 10 when a control program stored in the ROM or storage unit 18 is executed by the processor. The control unit 10 controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, when the control unit 10 receives a print job via the communication unit 19, it instructs the image forming unit 12 to perform image forming according to the received print job.

[0029] The control unit 10 may be configured using logic circuits instead of the control program described above.

[0030] Each part of the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a power supply. The power supplied from this power supply enables the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0031] (Function definitions implemented by image forming apparatus 1) Figure 3 shows an example of the display menu 302 of the image forming apparatus 1 when used as a standalone unit. The storage unit 18 of the image forming apparatus 1 pre-stores image data and function definitions for realizing the display menu 302. For example, the storage unit 18 pre-stores the function definition 40 shown in Figure 4 as part of the function definitions implemented by the image forming apparatus 1.

[0032] Function definition 40 includes function IDs (1) to (3) and events (EVs) 12, 21, 23, and 32. Function ID (1) indicates the display function of the page layout setting screen. Function ID (2) indicates the display function of the paper feed tray setting screen 50 shown in Figure 5 (an example of the second function). Function ID (3) indicates the display function of the job setting screen.

[0033] Event 12 indicates the detection of a touch operation on the OK key on the page layout settings screen, serving as a trigger for transitioning from function ID (1) to (2). Event 23 indicates the detection of a touch operation on the OK key 52 on the paper feed tray settings screen 50, serving as a trigger for transitioning from function ID (2) to (3).

[0034] Event 21 indicates the detection of a touch operation on the cancel key 54 on the paper feed tray setting screen 50, which serves as a trigger for transitioning from function ID (2) to (1). Event 32 indicates the detection of a touch operation on the cancel key on the job setting screen, which serves as a trigger for transitioning from function ID (3) to (2).

[0035] The control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 executes the following screen transitions according to the function definition 40. Specifically, the control unit 10 displays the page layout setting screen on the display unit 16 according to the function ID (1).

[0036] When the touch panel 17A detects a user touch on the OK key on the page layout setting screen, the control unit 10 detects the occurrence of event 12 and displays the paper feed tray setting screen 50 on the display unit 16 according to the function ID (2).

[0037] When the touch panel 17A detects a user touch operation on the OK key 52, the control unit 10 detects the occurrence of event 23 and displays the job setting screen on the display unit 16 according to the function ID (3).

[0038] When the touch panel 17A detects a user touch operation on the cancel key on the job setting screen, the control unit 10 detects the occurrence of event 32 and displays the paper feed stage setting screen 50 on the display unit 16 according to the function ID (2).

[0039] When the touch panel 17A detects a user touch operation on the cancel key 54, the control unit 10 detects the occurrence of event 21 and displays the page layout setting screen on the display unit 16 according to the function ID (1).

[0040] [Configuration of Image Generation Device 3] The image generation device 3 is, for example, a server or a personal computer that functions as a digital front end. Referring to Figure 1, the image generation device 3 includes a control unit 300 that functions as a display unit 31, an operation unit 32, a communication unit 33, a storage unit 34, an interface unit 35, and a control unit 30.

[0041] The display unit 31 includes a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 31 displays various screens.

[0042] The operation unit 32 includes a touch panel 32A that is placed on top of the display unit 31. The operation unit 32 may also include hard keys such as a numeric keypad, a keyboard, or a pointing device such as a mouse. User instructions are input to the operation unit 32.

[0043] The communication unit 33 includes a communication module such as a LAN board. The control unit 30 performs data communication with external devices such as the image forming apparatus 1, which are connected via the network N, through the communication unit 33.

[0044] The storage unit 34 is a large-capacity storage device such as an SSD or HDD. The storage unit 34 stores various data along with various control programs for realizing the general operation of the image generation device 3. As part of the above-mentioned control programs, the storage unit 34 stores an update program for executing the function definition update process described later.

[0045] The image forming apparatus 1 is connected to the interface unit 35. The interface unit 35 includes terminals for electrically connecting to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0046] The control unit 300 includes a processor, RAM, ROM, etc. The processor is, for example, a CPU, MPU, or ASIC. The control unit 300 is electrically connected to the display unit 31, the operation unit 32, the communication unit 33, the storage unit 34, and the interface unit 35, etc.

[0047] The control unit 300 functions as a control unit 30 when a control program stored in the ROM or storage unit 34 is executed by the processor. The control unit 30 controls the operation of each part of the image generation device 3. For example, the control unit 30 generates a print job and transmits the generated print job to the image forming device 1 via the communication unit 33.

[0048] The control unit 30 may be configured using logic circuits instead of the control program described above.

[0049] Each part of the image generation device 3 is connected to a power supply. The power supplied from this power supply enables the operation of each part of the image generation device 3.

[0050] (Function setting data held by image generation device 3A) Figure 6 shows an example of the display menu 602 of the image forming apparatus 1 when the image generation device 3A is connected. As shown in the display menu 302 of Figure 3 and the display menu 602 of Figure 6, the specifications of the paper feed stage setting screen displayed on the display unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 1 differ when the image forming apparatus 1 is used alone and when the image generation device 3A is connected.

[0051] The memory unit 34 of the image generation device 3A pre-stores the function setting data 70 shown in Figure 7, which is used to enable the image forming device 1 to implement the specifications of the paper feed stage setting screen shown in the display menu 602. The function setting data 70 includes deletion information 72 and replacement information 74. The deletion information 72 indicates the function ID (2) to be deleted. The replacement information 74 indicates the function ID (N2) to be replaced, the activation conditions for function ID (N2), and the redefinition of events 21 and 23. The deletion information 72 and the replacement information 74 constitute a replacement instruction.

[0052] Function ID (N2) indicates the display function (an example of the first function) of the paper feed tray setting screen 80 shown in Figure 8. Events 12 and 32 are defined as activation conditions for Function ID (N2). Event 23 is redefined as the detection of a touch operation on the OK key 82 on the paper feed tray setting screen 80. Event 21 is redefined as the detection of a touch operation on the Cancel key 84 on the paper feed tray setting screen 80. Function setting data 70 further includes image data showing the paper feed tray setting screen 80.

[0053] (Function setting data held by image generation device 3B) Figure 9 shows an example of the display menu 902 of the image forming apparatus 1 when the image generation device 3B is connected. As shown in the display menu 302 in Figure 3 and the display menu 902 in Figure 9, the specifications of the paper feed stage setting screen displayed on the display unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 1 differ when the image forming apparatus 1 is used alone and when the image generation device 3B is connected.

[0054] The memory unit 34 of the image generation device 3B pre-stores the function setting data 101 shown in Figure 10, which is used to enable the image forming device 1 to implement the specifications of the paper feed stage setting screen shown in the display menu 902. The function setting data 101 includes deletion information 102 and replacement information 104. The deletion information 102 indicates the function ID (2) to be deleted. The replacement information 104 indicates the function ID (M2) to be replaced, the activation conditions for function ID (M2), and the redefinition of events 21 and 23. The deletion information 102 and the replacement information 104 constitute a replacement instruction.

[0055] Here, function ID (M2) indicates the display function of the paper feed tray setting screen 110 shown in Figure 11 (another example of the first function). Events 12 and 32 are defined as activation conditions for function ID (M2). Event 23 is redefined as the detection of a touch operation on the OK key 112 of the paper feed tray setting screen 110. Event 21 is redefined as the detection of a touch operation on the Cancel key 114 of the paper feed tray setting screen 110. Function setting data 101 further includes image data showing the paper feed tray setting screen 110.

[0056] [Operation] The operation of the image forming system Sy when the image generating device 3A or 3B is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 will be described below with reference to Figures 12 to 15, etc.

[0057] (1) When the image generating device 3A is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 (Function setting data transmission process) When the interface unit 35 of the image generation device 3A detects that it has been connected to the image forming device 1 via the interface unit 20 of the image forming device 1, the control unit 30 of the image generation device 3A starts executing the function setting data transmission process shown in Figure 12. First, the control unit 30 starts communication with the image forming device 1 via the communication unit 33 and performs checks on the version of the communication protocol, etc. (step S10).

[0058] After processing in step S10, the control unit 30 determines whether data communication with the image forming apparatus 1 is possible based on the version verification result, etc. (step S11). In this case, the control unit 30 determines that data communication with the image forming apparatus 1 is possible (YES in step S11), and determines whether the storage unit 34 holds the function setting data corresponding to the image forming apparatus 1 (step S12).

[0059] In this case, since the storage unit 34 stores the function setting data 70, the control unit 30 determines that the storage unit 34 holds the function setting data (YES in step S12) and transmits the function setting data 70 to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 33 (step S13). After processing in step S13, the control unit 30 terminates the function setting data transmission process.

[0060] On the other hand, if there is a problem such as the versions of the communication protocols used by the image forming apparatus 1 and the image generation apparatus 3A not matching, the control unit 30 determines that data communication with the image forming apparatus 1 is not possible (NO in step S11) and sends a connection failure notification to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 33 (step S14). After processing in step S14, the control unit 30 terminates the function setting data transmission process.

[0061] Furthermore, if the control unit 30 determines that the storage unit 34 does not hold function setting data (NO in step S12), it determines whether the image forming apparatus 1 can be used without updating the function definitions implemented by the image forming apparatus 1 using the function setting data (step S15).

[0062] If the control unit 30 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 is available (YES in step S15), it sends a connection completion notification to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 33 (step S16). After processing in step S16, the control unit 30 terminates the function setting data transmission process.

[0063] If the control unit 30 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 is unavailable (NO in step S15), it executes the process in step S14 and sends a connection failure notification to the image forming apparatus 1. After the process in step S14, the control unit 30 terminates the function setting data transmission process.

[0064] (Function definition update process) When the power to the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on, the control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 starts executing the function definition update process shown in Figure 13. The control unit 10 first repeatedly performs the following processes until it receives function setting data, a connection failure notification, or a connection completion notification via the communication unit 19: determining that it has not received function setting data (NO in step S20), determining that it has not received a connection failure notification (NO in step S21), and determining that it has not received a connection completion notification (NO in step S22).

[0065] In this case, the control unit 10 receives the function setting data 70. When the control unit 10 determines that it has received the function setting data (YES in step S20), it determines whether the received function setting data is valid or not (step S23). In this case, the function definition 40 implemented by the image forming apparatus 1 includes the function ID (2) indicated by the deletion information 72 of the function setting data 70, so the control unit 10 determines that the function setting data is valid (YES in step S23), and generates a new function definition using the received function setting data and the function definition implemented by the image forming apparatus 1 (step S24).

[0066] In this case, as shown in Figure 14, the control unit 10 generates a new function definition 140 by replacing function ID (2) in the function definition 40 with function ID (N2) according to the deletion information 72 and replacement information 74 of the function setting data 70. The control unit 10 also redefines events 21 and 23 according to the replacement information 74.

[0067] After processing in step S24, the control unit 10 determines whether or not other function setting data exists (step S25). If the control unit 10 determines that other function setting data exists (YES in step S25), it executes the processing in steps S23 and S24 for that other function setting data in the same manner as described above.

[0068] In this case, the control unit 10 determines that no other function setting data exists (NO in step S25) and determines whether there is a problem with the system-wide consistency of the new function definition (step S26). In this case, the control unit 10 performs a simulated transition of the display screen according to the new function definition 140 as follows.

[0069] Specifically, the control unit 10 displays the page layout setting screen on the display unit 16 according to function ID (1). Assuming that the touch panel 17A detects a user touch operation on the OK key of the page layout setting screen, the control unit 10 detects the occurrence of event 12 and displays the paper feed stage setting screen 80 on the display unit 16 according to function ID (N2). Assuming that the touch panel 17A detects a user touch operation on the OK key 82, the control unit 10 detects the occurrence of event 23 and displays the job setting screen on the display unit 16 according to function ID (3).

[0070] Assuming that the touch panel 17A detects a user touch operation on the cancel key on the job setting screen, the control unit 10 detects the occurrence of event 32 and displays the paper feed tray setting screen 80 on the display unit 16 according to function ID (2). Assuming that the touch panel 17A detects a user touch operation on the cancel key 84, the control unit 10 detects the occurrence of event 21 and displays the page layout setting screen on the display unit 16 according to function ID (1).

[0071] If the control unit 10 performs a simulated transition of the display screen as described above and no problems occur, it determines that there are no consistency issues with the new function definition (NO in step S26) and displays a connection completion screen on the display unit 16 indicating that the connection with the image generation device 3 has been completed (step S27).

[0072] Furthermore, even if the control unit 10 receives a connection completion notification (YES in step S22), it executes the process in step S27 to display the connection completion screen on the display unit 16.

[0073] On the other hand, if the control unit 10 performs a simulated transition of the display screen as described above and a problem occurs, it determines that there is a problem with the consistency of the new function definition (YES in step S26) and displays an error screen on the display unit 16 indicating that connection with the image generation device 3 is not possible (step S28).

[0074] Furthermore, if the control unit 10 receives a connection failure notification (YES in step S21) or determines that the function setting data is invalid (NO in step S23), it executes the process in step S28 to display an error screen on the display unit 16. After the processing in steps S27 and S28, the control unit 10 terminates the function definition update process.

[0075] (2) When the image generating device 3B is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 Next, the operation of the image forming system Sy when the image generating device 3B is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. In the following description, operations that are the same as those when the image generating device 3A is connected will not be repeated.

[0076] (Function setting data transmission process) Since the storage unit 34 of the image generation device 3B stores the function setting data 101, the control unit 30 of the image generation device 3B determines in the function setting data transmission process that the storage unit 34 holds the function setting data (YES in step S12) and transmits the function setting data 101 to the image forming device 1 via the communication unit 33 (step S13).

[0077] (Function definition update process) When function setting data 101 is received via the communication unit 19, the control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 determines that function setting data has been received (YES in step S20) during the function definition update process and executes the process in step S23.

[0078] In this case, the function definition 40 implemented by the image forming apparatus 1 includes the function ID (2) indicated by the deletion information 102 of the function setting data 101, so the control unit 10 determines that the function setting data is valid (YES in step S23) and executes the process in step S24.

[0079] In this case, as shown in Figure 15, the control unit 10 generates a new function definition 150 by replacing function ID (2) in function definition 40 with function ID (M2) according to the deletion information 102 and replacement information 104 of the function setting data 101. The control unit 10 also redefines events 21 and 23 according to the replacement information 104.

[0080] After processing in step S24, the control unit 10 determines that no other function setting data exists (NO in step S25) and executes the process in step S26. In this case, the control unit 10 performs a pseudo-transition of the display screen according to the new function definition 150 as follows.

[0081] Specifically, the control unit 10 displays the page layout setting screen on the display unit 16 according to function ID (1). Assuming that the touch panel 17A detects a user touch operation on the OK key of the page layout setting screen, the control unit 10 detects the occurrence of event 12 and displays the paper feed tray setting screen 110 on the display unit 16 according to function ID (M2). Assuming that the touch panel 17A detects a user touch operation on the OK key 112, the control unit 10 detects the occurrence of event 23 and displays the job setting screen on the display unit 16 according to function ID (3).

[0082] Assuming that the touch panel 17A detects a user touch operation on the cancel key on the job setting screen, the control unit 10 detects the occurrence of event 32 and displays the paper feed tray setting screen 110 on the display unit 16 according to function ID (2). Assuming that the touch panel 17A detects a user touch operation on the cancel key 114, the control unit 10 detects the occurrence of event 21 and displays the page layout setting screen on the display unit 16 according to function ID (1).

[0083] As a result of simulating the transition of the display screen as described above, the control unit 10 determines that there are no consistency issues with the new function definition 150 (NO in step S26), and executes the process in step S27 to display the connection completion screen on the display unit 16. After the process in step S27, the control unit 10 terminates the function definition update process.

[0084] According to the above embodiment, if the image generating device 3 is not connected to the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 executes the display function of the paper feed stage setting screen 50 according to the function definition 40. When, for example, the image generating device 3A is connected to the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 30 of the image generating device 3A transmits function setting data 70 to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 33. When the control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 receives the function setting data 70 via the communication unit 19, it uses the function definition 40 and the function setting data 70 to generate a new function definition 140 in which the display function of the paper feed stage setting screen 50 is replaced with the display function of the paper feed stage setting screen 80, and executes the display function of the paper feed stage setting screen 80 according to the new function definition 140.

[0085] In this way, the image forming apparatus 1 modifies its functions using the function setting data 70 transmitted from the image generation apparatus 3A. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 can modify its functions according to the connected image generation apparatus 3 without having to pre-implement functions corresponding to the potentially connected image generation apparatus 3. Consequently, it can easily support newly connected image generation apparatus 3.

[0086] (First variation) In the above embodiment, the storage unit 34 of the image generation device 3A stored function setting data 70 indicating the display function of the paper feed stage setting screen 80 and replacement instructions, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the storage unit 34 may store function setting data indicating the display function of the paper feed stage setting screen 80 and extended instructions.

[0087] In this case, when the control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 receives function setting data transmitted from the image generation apparatus 3A via the communication unit 19, it generates a new function definition in which the display function of the paper feed stage setting screen 80 is added to the display function of the paper feed stage setting screen 50, and displays the paper feed stage setting screen 80 on the display unit 16 before or after the display of the paper feed stage setting screen 50 according to the new function definition.

[0088] In this way, the image forming apparatus 1 expands its functions using the function setting data transmitted from the image generation apparatus 3A. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 can expand its functions according to the connected image generation apparatus 3 without having to pre-implement functions corresponding to the potentially connectable image generation apparatus 3. Consequently, it can easily support newly connected image generation apparatus 3.

[0089] (Other variations) In the above embodiment, the function setting data transmission process was performed when the image generation device 3 was connected to the image forming device 1, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the function setting data transmission process may be performed after the image generation device 3 has been connected to the image forming device 1, when a function execution instruction is input via the operation unit 17 of the image forming device 1.

[0090] In this case, when the control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 receives a function execution instruction via the operation unit 17, it sends an instruction to the image generating apparatus 3 via the communication unit 19 to execute the function setting data transmission process. When the control unit 30 of the image generating apparatus 3 receives the above execution instruction via the communication unit 33, it executes the function setting data transmission process.

[0091] The configuration and processing of the above embodiment shown with reference to Figures 1 to 15 are merely one embodiment of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to such configuration and processing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 1. Image forming apparatus 3A,3B Image generation device 10,30 Control Unit 12 Image forming unit 18,34 Storage section 19,33 Communications Department 16 Display section Sy Image Forming System

Claims

1. An image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus and an image generating apparatus connectable to the image forming apparatus, The image generation device is A first communication unit that performs data communication with the image forming apparatus, A first storage unit that stores function setting data indicating a predetermined first function and a replacement instruction or an extension instruction, When the image generation device is connected to the image forming apparatus, it comprises a first control unit that transmits the function setting data to the image forming apparatus via the first communication unit, The image forming apparatus is An image forming unit that forms an image on paper, A second communication unit that performs data communication with the aforementioned image generation device, A second storage unit that stores a function definition for executing a predetermined second function different from the first function described above, If the image generation device is not connected to the image forming device, the system includes a second control unit that executes the second function according to the function definition, Image forming system, wherein the second control unit, upon receiving the function setting data via the second communication unit, generates a new function definition using the function definition and the function setting data in which the second function is replaced by the first function or the first function is added to the second function, and executes the first function, or the first function and the second function, according to the new function definition.

2. The image forming apparatus further comprises a display unit, The first storage unit of the image generation apparatus performs a predetermined first function The system stores the function setting data indicating the display function of the first screen and the replacement instruction. The second storage unit of the image forming apparatus stores the function definition for executing the display function of a predetermined second screen, which is different from the first screen, as the second function. The second control unit of the image forming apparatus is If the image generation device is not connected to the image forming device, the second screen is displayed on the display unit. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein upon receiving the function setting data via the second communication unit, a new function definition is generated in which the display function of the second screen is replaced with the display function of the first screen, and the first screen is displayed on the display unit according to the new function definition.

3. The image forming apparatus further comprises a display unit, The first storage unit of the image generation apparatus performs a predetermined first function The system stores the function setting data indicating the display function of the first screen and the extended instructions. The second storage unit of the image forming apparatus stores the function definition for executing the display function of a predetermined second screen, which is different from the first screen, as the second function. The second control unit of the image forming apparatus is If the image generation device is not connected to the image forming device, the second screen is displayed on the display unit. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein upon receiving the function setting data via the second communication unit, a new function definition is generated in which the display function of the first screen is added to the display function of the second screen, and the first screen is displayed on the display unit before or after the display of the second screen according to the new function definition.

4. The first control unit of the image generation apparatus generates a print job and transmits the generated print job to the image forming apparatus via the first communication unit. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the second control unit of the image forming apparatus, upon receiving the print job via the second communication unit, causes the image forming unit to perform image forming according to the received print job.

Images