Image forming apparatus, and image forming program

Abstract

To provide an image forming device and an image forming program which can suppress the device whose configuration is different from a configuration of one image forming device from outputting a result which is not intended by a user, even when the device executes a printing job in which tray information corresponding to the configuration of one image forming device is registered.SOLUTION: An image forming device comprises a processor. The processor obtains a printing job in which tray information which is information concerning a tray designated in accordance with a configuration of one image forming device which is different from a configuration of the device is registered, and executes the printing job, in accordance with the tray information concerning the printing job, by utilizing the tray information corresponding to the configuration of the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming program.

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, a first image forming apparatus that can be set as a slave device and a second image forming apparatus that can be set as a master device are connected to different networks, and a user terminal connectable to the first image forming apparatus is provided. The second image forming apparatus stores a print job received from the user terminal, and in a printing system in which the first image forming apparatus can use a print service for executing the stored print job, the user terminal includes an inquiry information transmission unit that transmits inquiry information to the first image forming apparatus. The first image forming apparatus includes a storage unit that stores identification information of the second image forming apparatus set as the master device, and an identification information transmission control unit that transmits the identification information to the user terminal when the print service is valid and the first image forming apparatus is set as a slave device when the inquiry information is received from the user terminal. The user terminal includes a print job transmission unit that transmits a print job to the second image forming apparatus indicated by the identification information when the identification information is received from the first image forming apparatus. A printing system is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected by a network, a technology has been proposed in which any image forming apparatus can execute a print job by setting a host machine that receives a print job from a user and a slave machine that can acquire the print job from the host machine.

[0005] By the way, a print job may include designation of one image forming apparatus (for example, a host machine) that executes the print job and information regarding a tray designated according to the configuration of the one image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "tray information").

[0006] However, the configuration of one image forming apparatus may be different from that of the own apparatus that actually executes the print job, and different sheets may be installed in the tray indicated by the tray information.

[0007] Therefore, when the own apparatus having a configuration different from that of one image forming apparatus executes a print job in which tray information registered according to the configuration of the one image forming apparatus is registered, an output result unintended by the user may occur.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming program capable of suppressing an output result unintended by the user even when the own apparatus having a configuration different from that of one image forming apparatus executes a print job in which tray information registered according to the configuration of the one image forming apparatus is registered.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The image forming apparatus according to the first aspect has a processor, and the processor acquires a print job in which tray information, which is information regarding a tray designated according to the configuration of one image forming apparatus different from the own apparatus, is registered, applies tray information corresponding to the tray information related to the print job and according to the configuration of the own apparatus, and executes the print job.

[0010] The image forming apparatus according to the second aspect is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the processor further acquires configuration information regarding the configuration of one image forming apparatus, and when the acquired configuration information corresponds to the configuration of the own apparatus, applies the tray information and executes the print job.

[0011] The image forming apparatus according to the third aspect is the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the processor determines whether the tray information can be changed to the tray information corresponding to the configuration of the own apparatus when the acquired configuration information does not correspond to the configuration of the own apparatus, and when it can be changed, applies the tray information corresponding to the configuration of the own apparatus and executes the print job.

[0012] The image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect is the image forming apparatus according to the second or third aspect, wherein after registering the tray information in the print job, when the configuration of one image forming apparatus is changed, the processor acquires, as the configuration information, the configuration information regarding the configuration of the one image forming apparatus before the change.

[0013] The image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein when the processor cannot apply the tray information corresponding to the print job and corresponding to the configuration of the own apparatus, the processor notifies that the configuration of the own apparatus does not correspond to the tray information.

[0014] The image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein when the one image forming apparatus related to the tray information is different from the own apparatus, the processor displays the tray information related to the print job and the configuration information related to the own apparatus.

[0015] The image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect is the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein when the tray information related to the print job does not correspond to the configuration information related to the own apparatus, the processor notifies that the configuration of the own apparatus will be changed.

[0016] The image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect is the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect or the seventh aspect, wherein the processor receives a change in the displayed tray information, applies the received tray information, and executes a print job.

[0017] The image forming apparatus according to the ninth aspect is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the processor stores in advance configuration information regarding one image forming apparatus, determines whether the configuration of the one image forming apparatus corresponds to the configuration of its own apparatus using the configuration information, and if it corresponds, applies the tray information and executes a print job.

[0018] The image forming program according to the tenth aspect causes a computer to acquire a print job in which tray information, which is information regarding a tray designated according to the configuration of one image forming apparatus different from its own apparatus, is registered, apply tray information corresponding to the tray information related to the print job and according to the configuration of its own apparatus, and execute the print job.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect and the image forming program of the tenth aspect, even when its own apparatus, which has a configuration different from that of one image forming apparatus, executes a print job in which tray information corresponding to the configuration of the one image forming apparatus is registered, it is possible to suppress an output result unintended by the user.

[0020] According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, a print job in which tray information corresponding to the configuration of one image forming apparatus is set can be executed on its own apparatus without changing the settings related to the print job.

[0021] According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, when the configurations of the trays are different, an output result similar to that obtained when a print job is executed by one image forming apparatus can be obtained.

[0022] According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, even when the configuration of one image forming apparatus is unintentionally changed, an output result intended by the user can be obtained.

[0023] According to the image forming apparatus of the fifth aspect, the user can recognize that an unintended output result will occur.

[0024] According to the image forming apparatus of the sixth aspect, the user can recognize the tray information registered in the print job and the configuration information of the own apparatus.

[0025] According to the image forming apparatus of the seventh aspect, a print job can be executed by applying tray information corresponding to the own apparatus.

[0026] According to the image forming apparatus of the eighth aspect, a print job can be executed by applying tray information corresponding to the configuration of the own apparatus.

[0027] According to the image forming apparatus of the ninth aspect, the communication volume for acquiring the configuration information of one image forming apparatus can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an example of an embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0030] As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 is configured by connecting a terminal 2 operated by a user and a plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 to each other via a network N. The plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 are composed of an image forming apparatus serving as a master machine (hereinafter referred to as "master machine") 10A and an image forming apparatus serving as a slave machine (hereinafter referred to as "slave machine") 10B.

[0031] The terminal 2 is a device such as a personal computer and a tablet operated by the user to set a print job and transmit the print job to the image forming apparatus 10. The print job according to the present embodiment includes file data to be printed and information regarding settings for executing printing (hereinafter referred to as "setting information").

[0032] The master machine 10A is an image forming apparatus that acquires and stores a print job transmitted from the user and executes the print job in response to an instruction from the user to execute the print job. Further, the master machine 10A transmits the print job to the slave machine 10B in response to a request for the print job.

[0033] The slave machine 10B acquires the print job transmitted by the user from the master machine 10A in response to an instruction from the user to execute the print job, and executes the acquired print job.

[0034] Note that in the image forming system 1 according to this embodiment, the host machine 10A stores the print job transmitted by the user, and the print job is executed by the image forming apparatus 10 (host machine 10A or slave machine 10B) instructed by the user to execute the print job. For example, when the user instructs the host machine 10A to execute a print job, the host machine 10A executes the print job related to the user stored in its own device. Also, when the user instructs the slave machine 10B to execute a print job, the host machine 10A acquires the print job related to the user and executes it. Here, the host machine 10A is an example of "one image forming apparatus", and the slave machine 10B is an example of "its own device". Below, the form in which the slave machine 10B executes the print job will be described.

[0035] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the flow when the slave machine 10B executes the print job transmitted to the host machine 10A by the user will be described. FIG. 2 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow when the print job acquired from the host machine 10A is executed by the slave machine 10B.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2 as an example, the user sets a print job based on the configuration of the host machine 10A (for example, A4 paper is set in the tray 1 of the host machine 10A, etc.) (step S101). The user transmits the set print job from the operating terminal 2 to the image forming apparatus 10 (step S102).

[0037] The host machine 10A acquires and stores the print job transmitted from the user (step S103).

[0038] After transmitting the print job, the user moves in front of the slave machine 10B, authenticates the user with respect to the slave machine 10B (step S104), and operates the slave machine 10B to instruct the execution of the transmitted print job (step S105).

[0039] The slave machine 10B acquires an instruction to execute the print job (step S106) and requests the host machine 10A for the print job (step S107).

[0040] When the master device 10A acquires a print job request (step S108), it transmits the stored print job to the slave device 10B (step S109).

[0041] The slave device 10B acquires the print job from the master device 10A (step S110) and executes the acquired print job (step S111).

[0042] As described above, since the print job is stored by the master device 10A and is acquired from the master device 10A when the print job is executed, the user can execute the print job on any image forming apparatus 10 without being aware of the master device 10A and the slave device 10B. For example, if the user had planned to execute a print job on the master device 10A but the master device 10A was in use, it would be possible to execute the print job on the slave device 10B.

[0043] Hereinafter, a method will be described in which, even when a print job set based on the configuration of the master device 10A is executed by the slave device 10B, the same execution result as when the print job is executed by the master device 10A can be obtained.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 3, the hardware configuration of the slave device 10B (image forming apparatus 10) will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the slave device 10B according to the present embodiment.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the slave device 10B according to the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a storage 14, an input unit 15, a monitor 16, and a communication interface (communication I / F) 17. Each of the CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, storage 14, input unit 15, monitor 16, and communication I / F 17 is interconnected by a bus 18. Here, the CPU 11 is an example of a processor.

[0046] The CPU 11 overall controls and manages the slave unit 10B. The ROM 12 stores various programs and data including the image forming program used in this embodiment. The RAM 13 is a memory used as a work area when executing various programs. The CPU 11 expands and executes the program stored in the ROM 12 in the RAM 13, and performs processing to execute a print job by applying tray information corresponding to the tray information related to the print job and according to the configuration of its own device. The storage 14 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory, etc. Note that the storage 14 may store an image forming program or the like. The input unit 15 is a touch panel that accepts input of characters and the like, and a keyboard, etc. The monitor 16 displays characters and images. The communication I / F 17 transmits and receives data.

[0047] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the functional configuration of the slave unit 10B will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the slave unit 10B according to this embodiment.

[0048] As an example, as shown in FIG. 4, the slave unit 10B includes an acquisition unit 21, a determination unit 22, a presentation unit 23, a reception unit 24, an execution unit 25, and a storage unit 26. When the CPU 11 executes the image forming program, it functions as the acquisition unit 21, the determination unit 22, the presentation unit 23, the reception unit 24, the execution unit 25, and the storage unit 26.

[0049] The acquisition unit 21 acquires the print job stored in the master unit 10A, information indicating the configuration of the trays of the master unit 10A currently set (hereinafter referred to as "configuration information"), and the configuration information of the master unit 10A set before being changed (hereinafter referred to as "configuration information before change").

[0050] The print job according to this embodiment includes setting information. As an example, as shown in FIG. 5, the setting information is configured to include a user ID (Identification), a file name, tray information, and a job setting date and time. The user ID is information for identifying the user, and the file name is the name of the file data to be printed. The tray information is the number of the tray related to the image forming apparatus 10 (parent apparatus 10A) and the image forming apparatus 10 (parent apparatus 10A) specified by the user, and the job setting date and time is the date and time when the print job is set by the user and transmitted to the parent apparatus 10A. Note that, in this embodiment, the form in which the image forming apparatus 10 is specified by the user has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The image forming apparatus 10 that the user frequently uses (the one with the highest usage frequency) may be set as the specified image forming apparatus 10.

[0051] Further, as an example, as shown in FIG. 6, the configuration information according to this embodiment is configured to include a tray number, a set size, set paper, and an update date and time. The tray number is a number for identifying the tray installed in the parent apparatus 10A, the set size is the size of the paper installed in each tray, and the set paper is the type of the paper installed in each tray. The update date and time is the date and time when the configuration related to the image forming apparatus 10 is changed and the configuration information is updated.

[0052] The determination unit 22 determines whether tray information is registered in the setting information included in the acquired print job. When the tray information is registered in the setting information, the acquisition unit 21 acquires the configuration information, and when the tray information is not registered in the setting information, the execution unit 25 described later executes the print job.

[0053] Further, the determination unit 22 compares the job setting date and time related to the print job with the update date and time related to the acquired configuration information, and determines whether the configuration of the host device 10A has been changed after the print job has been transmitted. When the update date and time related to the acquired configuration information is later than the job setting date and time related to the print job, the determination unit 22 determines that the configuration of the host device 10A has been changed after the print job has been transmitted. When it is determined by the determination unit 22 that the configuration of the host device 10A has been changed after the print job has been transmitted, as the configuration information acquired from the host device 10A, the configuration information before the change is acquired from the host device 10A.

[0054] Further, the determination unit 22 determines whether the acquired configuration information or the configuration information before the change corresponds to the configuration of the own device. When the configuration of the host device 10A related to the acquired configuration information matches the configuration of the own device, the determination unit 22 determines that it corresponds.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the case where it is determined that the acquired configuration information (configuration of the host device 10A) corresponds to the configuration of the own device when the acquired configuration information matches the configuration of the own device has been described. However, it is not limited to this. In the specified tray information, when the acquired configuration information (configuration of the host device 10A) matches the configuration of the own device, it may be determined that the acquired configuration information corresponds to the configuration of the own device. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when "host tray 1" is set in the tray information, when the "set size" and "set paper" of tray 1 in the acquired configuration information (host device 10A) match the "set size" and "set paper" of tray 1 in the configuration of the own device, it is determined that they correspond.

[0056] Also, when the acquired configuration information or the configuration information before the change does not correspond to the configuration of the own device, the determination unit 22 determines whether the configuration of the own device can be changed to a setting corresponding to the specified tray information. When "parent device tray 1" is registered in the tray information, the determination unit 22 determines whether the "setting size" and "setting paper" of tray 1 in the configuration information (parent device 10A) are the same as those installed in the own device. When the same "setting size" and "setting paper" are installed, the determination unit 22 determines that the setting of the tray information can be changed, and changes the tray number of the own device where the same "setting size" and "setting paper" are installed to the tray information of the print job.

[0057] When the acquired configuration information or the configuration information before the change does not correspond to the configuration of the own device and the configuration cannot be changed to a setting corresponding to the specified tray information, the presentation unit 23 presents and notifies that the configuration of the own device does not correspond to the tray information related to the print job. Specifically, the presentation unit 23 displays and notifies a message on the monitor 16 indicating that the configuration of the own device does not correspond to the tray information.

[0058] Also, when the acquired configuration information or the configuration information before the change does not correspond to the configuration of the own device and the configuration cannot be changed to a setting corresponding to the specified tray information, the presentation unit 23 presents the tray information related to the print job and the configuration information of the trays in the own device. Specifically, the presentation unit 23 displays the tray information related to the print job and the configuration of the trays in the own device together with a message prompting the change of the tray information.

[0059] The reception unit 24 receives the tray number selected by the user from among the tray configurations in the own device displayed by the presentation unit 23. The reception unit 24 registers and changes the received tray number in the tray information related to the print job.

[0060] The execution unit 25 executes a print job by applying tray information corresponding to the print job and suitable for the configuration of the own device. Specifically, when tray information is registered in the setting information of the print job, the execution unit 25 applies the tray information related to the print job to the file data related to the print job and executes it.

[0061] For example, when the obtained configuration information or the configuration information before the change corresponds to the configuration of the own device, the execution unit 25 applies the tray information related to the print job and executes the print job.

[0062] In addition, when the obtained configuration information or the configuration information before the change does not correspond to the configuration of the own device, and when it is possible to change to a setting that can correspond to the specified tray information, the execution unit 25 changes the tray information to the tray number of the own device corresponding thereto and executes the print job.

[0063] In addition, when the obtained configuration information or the configuration information before the change does not correspond to the configuration of the own device, and when it is not possible to change to a setting that can correspond to the specified tray information, the execution unit 25 applies the tray number received by the reception unit 24 and executes the print job.

[0064] In addition, when the tray information is not registered, the execution unit 25 applies settings (for example, paper size "A4", setting paper "plain paper", etc.) predetermined in the image forming apparatus 10 and executes the print job.

[0065] The storage unit 26 stores the print job, the configuration information, and the configuration information before the change acquired by the acquisition unit 21. Further, when the configuration of the own device is changed, the storage unit 26 stores the configuration information before the change related to the configuration of the own device. The stored configuration information before the change is transmitted to another image forming apparatus 10 when requested from another image forming apparatus 10 other than the own device.

[0066] Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the operation of the slave unit 10B (image forming apparatus 10) according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for executing a print job according to the present embodiment. When the CPU 11 reads out and executes an image forming program from the ROM 12 or the storage 14, the image forming process shown in FIG. 7 is executed. The image forming process shown in FIG. 7 is executed, for example, when an instruction to execute a print job is input from a user.

[0067] In step S201, the CPU 11 determines whether the user has been authenticated. If the user has been authenticated (step S201: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if the user has not been authenticated (step S201: NO), the CPU 11 waits until the user is authenticated.

[0068] In step S202, the CPU 11 acquires a print job related to the authenticated user. Here, the print job related to the authenticated user is a print job in which the information indicating the authenticated user and the user ID of the setting information related to the print job shown in FIG. 5 correspond.

[0069] In step S203, the CPU 11 determines whether tray information is registered in the setting information of the acquired print job. If tray information is registered in the setting information of the acquired print job (step S203: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if tray information is not registered in the setting information of the acquired print job (step S203: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S212.

[0070] In step S204, the CPU 11 determines whether a tray of a device other than its own device (for example, the host device 10A) is specified as tray information. If a tray of a device other than its own device is specified (step S204: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if a tray of a device other than its own device is not specified (a tray of its own device is specified) (step S204: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S212.

[0071] In step S205, the CPU 11 acquires the configuration information of the specified image forming apparatus 10 (host device 10A).

[0072] In step S206, the CPU 11 determines whether the configuration of its own device corresponds to the acquired configuration information (the configuration of the host device 10A). If the configuration of its own device corresponds to the acquired configuration information (the configuration of the host device 10A) (step S206: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S212. On the other hand, if the configuration of its own device does not correspond to the configuration according to the acquired configuration information (step S206: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S207.

[0073] In step S207, the CPU 11 determines whether the configuration of its own device can correspond to the specified tray information. If the configuration of its own device can correspond to the specified tray information (step S207: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S208. On the other hand, if the configuration of its own device cannot correspond to the specified tray information (step S207: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S209.

[0074] In step S208, the CPU 11 registers a tray number corresponding to the tray information related to the print job and according to the configuration of its own device in the tray information, and changes the tray information.

[0075] In step S209, the CPU 11 displays that the configuration of its own device does not correspond to the tray information related to the print job, and notifies the user.

[0076] In step S210, the CPU 11 displays the configuration of its own device and the tray information related to the print job, and notifies the user that the tray information can be changed.

[0077] In step S211, the CPU 11 accepts the change of the tray number related to its own device selected by the user as the tray information related to the print job.

[0078] In step S212, the CPU 11 applies the tray information related to the print job and executes the print job.

[0079] As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when a device having a configuration different from that of the one image forming apparatus 10 executes a print job in which tray information corresponding to the configuration of the one image forming apparatus 10 is registered, it is possible to suppress an output result unintended by the user.

[0080] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, the mode of acquiring the configuration information actually set in the parent device 10A has been described. In this embodiment, the mode of acquiring the configuration information that was set in the parent device 10A in the past will be described.

[0081] Note that since the configuration of the image forming system according to the present embodiment (see FIG. 1) and an example of the flow of executing the print job (see FIG. 2) are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. Also, since the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment (see FIG. 3), an example of the setting information related to the print job (see FIG. 5), and an example of the configuration information (see FIG. 6) are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] For example, in the flow shown in FIG. 2, if the configuration of the master device 10A is changed during the period from when the user sends a print job until the print job is executed by the slave device 10B, configuration information of the master device 10A that the user does not intend to obtain is acquired. Therefore, the print job is executed by applying the said configuration information. In the present embodiment, a form will be described in which the image forming apparatus 10 stores configuration information related to the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 before being changed.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 8, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for executing a print job according to the present embodiment. When the CPU 11 reads out and executes an image forming program from the ROM 12 or the storage 14, the image forming process shown in FIG. 8 is executed. The image forming process shown in FIG. 8 is executed, for example, when an instruction to execute a print job is input from a user. In FIG. 8, for steps that are the same as those of the image forming process shown in FIG. 7, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 7 are given and the description thereof is omitted.

[0084] In step S213, the CPU 11 compares the job setting date and time related to the setting information of the print job with the update date and time related to the configuration information of the master device 10A, and determines whether or not the configuration of the master device 10A has been changed after the print job was sent. If the configuration of the master device 10A has been changed after the print job was sent (step S213: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S214. On the other hand, if the configuration of the master device 10A has not been changed after the print job was sent (step S213: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S206.

[0085] In step S214, the CPU 11 acquires, as configuration information, the configuration information of the designated image forming apparatus 10 (for example, the master device 10A) before the change.

[0086] As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when the configuration is changed after a print job is sent, it is possible to suppress an output result that the user does not intend.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the form in which the print job transmitted from the user is stored by the master device 10A has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The print job may be stored in the slave device 10B, or may be stored by the image forming apparatus 10 selected by the user.

[0088] Also, in the above embodiment, the form in which the user instructs the slave device 10B to execute the print job has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The user may instruct the master device 10A to execute the print job. Further, when the user instructs the master device 10A to execute the print job, the print job may be acquired from the slave device 10B.

[0089] Also, in the above embodiment, the form in which the master device 10A and the slave device 10B are preset has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The user may set the image forming apparatus 10 that the user frequently uses (the highest usage frequency) as the master device 10A and store the print job.

[0090] Also, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the above embodiment, the form in which the configuration information related to the designated image forming apparatus 10 is acquired when it is recognized that the tray information is registered in the print job has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The image forming apparatus 10 may acquire and store in advance the configuration information related to the image forming apparatus 10 other than its own device. For example, in FIG. 1, the configuration information of the master device 10A connected to the network N and the slave device 10B belonging to the same master device 10A may be acquired and stored in advance. Further, when the print job is stored in the master device 10A, the master device 10A may specify the image forming apparatus 10 designated from the tray information related to the print job, and transmit the configuration information of the specified image forming apparatus 10 to all the slave devices 10B connected to the network N for storage.

[0091] Also, in the above-described embodiment, a form has been described in which it is detected that the configuration has been changed by comparing the job setting date and time related to the print job with the update date and time related to the configuration information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The change in the configuration may be detected using the pre-stored configuration information. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 pre-stores the configuration information of each image forming apparatus 10 connected to the network N shown in FIG. 1. When executing a print job, the image forming apparatus 10 acquires the configuration information related to the configuration currently set in the designated image forming apparatus 10, and compares the acquired configuration information with the pre-stored configuration information to detect that the configuration has been changed.

[0092] Also, in the above-described embodiment, a form has been described in which, when the configuration of the own apparatus is not compatible with the designated tray information, the tray information related to the print job is changed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A notification may be made to the effect that the configuration in the own apparatus is changed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when "parent machine tray 1" is designated in the tray information, the paper size "A4" and the set paper "plain paper" corresponding to "parent machine tray 1" are specified from the configuration information shown in FIG. 6, and a notification may be made to the effect that A4 plain paper is installed in tray 1 of the own apparatus.

[0093] As described above, the present invention has been described using each embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the scope described in each embodiment. Various changes or improvements can be made to each embodiment without departing from the gist of the present invention, and the forms with such changes or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0094] Note that, in the above-described embodiment, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes, for example, a general-purpose processor (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit) and a dedicated processor (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0095] Also, the operations of the processor in each of the above embodiments may be performed not only by a single processor but also by a plurality of physically separated processors working in cooperation. Also, the order of each operation of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments and may be changed as appropriate.

[0096] In addition, in this embodiment, the form in which the image forming program is installed in the storage has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The image forming program according to this embodiment may be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. For example, the image forming program according to the present invention may be provided in a form recorded on an optical disk such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM. The image forming program according to the present invention may be provided in a form recorded on a semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and a memory card. Also, the image forming program according to this embodiment may be acquired from an external device via a communication line connected to the communication I / F.

Explanation of Signs

[0097] 1 Image forming system 2 Terminal 10 Image forming apparatus 10A Master unit 10B Slave unit 11 CPU 12 ROM 13 RAM 14 Storage 15 Input unit 16 Monitor 17 Communication I / F 18 Bus 21 Acquisition unit 22 Determination unit 23 Presentation unit 24 Reception unit 25 Execution unit 26 Storage unit

Claims

1. A processor, wherein the processor acquires a print job in which tray information, which is information regarding a tray designated according to the configuration of another image forming apparatus different from the own apparatus, is registered, further acquires configuration information regarding the configuration of the another image forming apparatus, after registering the tray information in the print job, when the configuration of the another image forming apparatus is changed, acquires, as the configuration information, configuration information regarding the configuration of the another image forming apparatus before the change, applies tray information corresponding to the tray information related to the print job and according to the configuration of the own apparatus, and executes the print job An image forming apparatus.

2. The processor when the acquired configuration information corresponds to the configuration of the own apparatus, applies the tray information and executes the print job The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The processor when the acquired configuration information does not correspond to the configuration of the own apparatus, determines whether the tray information can be changed to tray information according to the configuration of the own apparatus, when it can be changed, applies the tray information according to the configuration of the own apparatus and executes the print job The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The processor when the tray information corresponding to the tray information related to the print job and according to the configuration of the own apparatus cannot be applied, notifies that the configuration of the own apparatus does not correspond to the tray information The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The processor when the another image forming apparatus related to the tray information and the own apparatus are different, displays the tray information related to the print job and the configuration information related to the own apparatus The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The processor when the tray information related to the print job and the configuration information related to the own apparatus do not correspond, notifies that the configuration of the own apparatus is to be changed The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The processor accepts a change to the displayed tray information, applies the accepted tray information and executes the print job The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The processor stores in advance configuration information regarding the another image forming apparatus, Using the configuration information, determine whether the configuration of the one image forming apparatus corresponds to the configuration of the own apparatus. If it corresponds, apply the tray information and execute the print job. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. On a computer, acquire a print job in which tray information, which is information regarding a tray designated according to the configuration of one image forming apparatus different from the own apparatus, is registered, further acquire configuration information regarding the configuration of the one image forming apparatus, after registering the tray information in the print job, if the configuration of the one image forming apparatus is changed, as the configuration information, acquire the configuration information regarding the configuration of the one image forming apparatus before the change, apply tray information corresponding to the tray information related to the print job and according to the configuration of the own apparatus, and execute the print job. An image forming program for causing this to be executed.

Images