Image forming apparatus and image forming program

Abstract

To provide an image forming device and an image forming program which can suppress the device, in which pre-registered alternative information different from alternative information in one image forming device is set, from outputting a result that is not intended by a user, even when the device executes a printing job.SOLUTION: An image forming device comprises a processor. The processor obtains user information which is information showing a user associated with one image forming device which is different from the device and a printing job including setting information which is information concerning settings for executing printing, and when the setting information concerning the obtained printing job cannot be applied to the device, further obtains alternative information showing information substituting for the setting information concerning one image forming device associated with the user information, and then executes the printing job by utilizing the obtained alternative information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a printing system in which a first image forming device that can be set as a slave device and a second image forming device that can be set as a master device are connected to different networks, and the system is equipped with a user terminal that can be connected to the first image forming device, and the second image forming device saves print jobs received from the user terminal, and the first image forming device can use a print service that executes the saved print jobs. The printing system is characterized in that the user terminal has an inquiry information sending unit that sends inquiry information to the first image forming device, and the first image forming device has a storage unit that stores identification information of the second image forming device that is set as a master device, and an identification information sending control unit that sends the identification information to the user terminal when the inquiry information is received from the user terminal and the print service is valid and the first image forming device is set as a slave device, and the user terminal has a print job sending unit that, when it receives the identification information from the first image forming device, sends the print job to the second image forming device identified by the identification information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6656112 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A technology has been proposed that enables multiple image forming devices connected via a network to execute a print job by setting up a parent device that receives a print job from a user and a child device that can obtain the print job from the parent device.

[0005] Incidentally, among a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected via a network, an image forming apparatus can be registered in advance for each user as an image forming apparatus that the user will normally use (e.g., a parent machine).Furthermore, when specified setting information (e.g., paper size) is not applicable, the image forming apparatus can set in advance information that will serve as an alternative to the specified setting information (hereinafter referred to as "alternative information").

[0006] However, there are cases where substitution information set in one image forming apparatus differs from that set in the apparatus that actually executes the print job.

[0007] Therefore, when a device that has alternative information set different from that of a particular image forming device applies the alternative information to execute a print job, the alternative information related to the pre-registered image forming device may not be applied, resulting in an unintended output result.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide an image forming device and an image forming program that can prevent an output result that is not intended by the user, even if a print job is executed by the device itself with alternative information set that differs from that of a pre-registered image forming device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The image forming device of the first aspect has a processor, which acquires user information, which is information indicating a user associated with an image forming device other than the image forming device itself, and a print job including setting information, which is information regarding settings when performing printing, and if the setting information related to the acquired print job is not applicable to the image forming device itself, further acquires alternative information indicating alternative information for the setting information related to the image forming device associated with the user information, and executes the print job by applying the acquired alternative information.

[0010] In a second aspect of the image forming apparatus, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, the processor further acquires tray information indicating information regarding the tray configuration of one image forming apparatus, and if the first tray information corresponds to the tray configuration of the image forming apparatus itself, the acquired substitution information is applied to execute the print job.

[0011] In a third aspect of the image forming apparatus, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, if the first tray information does not correspond to the tray configuration of the device itself, the processor notifies the device that the first tray information does not correspond to the tray configuration of the device itself.

[0012] In a fourth aspect of the image forming apparatus, in an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the processor determines whether the acquired substitution information is applicable to the apparatus itself, and if applicable, applies the substitution information and executes the print job.

[0013] In the image forming apparatus of a fifth aspect, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, when the acquired substitute information is not applicable to the image forming apparatus itself, the processor notifies the apparatus that the substitute information is not applicable.

[0014] An image forming apparatus according to a sixth aspect is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the processor acquires, as the substitute information, a policy for changing the setting information.

[0015] An image forming apparatus of a seventh aspect is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the processor pre-stores replacement information relating to a plurality of image forming apparatuses, including one image forming apparatus, connected to a common network with the image forming apparatus.

[0016] An eighth aspect of the image forming program causes a computer to acquire user information, which is information indicating a user who has associated an image forming device other than the computer's own device, and a print job including setting information, which is information regarding settings when performing printing; if the setting information related to the acquired print job is not applicable to the computer's own device, the program further acquires alternative information indicating alternative information for the setting information related to the image forming device, and executes the print job by applying the acquired alternative information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the image forming device of the first aspect and the image forming program of the eighth aspect, even if a print job is executed by a device that has alternative information set that differs from that of a pre-registered image forming device, it is possible to prevent the output result from being unintended by the user.

[0018] According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, it is possible to prevent unintended output results from occurring due to differences in the image forming apparatus.

[0019] According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, the user can recognize that an unintended output result will be produced before executing a print job.

[0020] According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, it is possible to prevent the execution of a print job to which substitution information cannot be applied.

[0021] According to the image forming apparatus of the fifth aspect, it is possible to recognize that the substitute information is not applicable to the image forming apparatus before executing a print job.

[0022] According to the image forming apparatus of the sixth aspect, even if the user has not clearly designated the substitution information, the print job can be executed by applying the substitution of the setting information.

[0023] According to the image forming apparatus of the seventh aspect, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication required to obtain replacement information for one image forming apparatus. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming system according to each embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is an activity diagram showing an example of a flow when a print job stored in a parent machine is executed by a child machine according to each embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to each embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to each embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information according to each embodiment. [Figure 6] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of setting information of print job information according to each embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of tray information of a parent machine according to each embodiment. [Figure 8] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for executing a print job according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for executing a print job according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for executing a print job according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] [First embodiment] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0026] 1, an image forming system 1 is configured by a terminal 2 operated by a user and a plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 connected to one another via a network N. The plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 are configured by a parent image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a "parent apparatus") 10A and child image forming apparatuses (hereinafter referred to as "child apparatuses") 10B.

[0027] The terminal 2 is a device such as a personal computer or tablet that is operated by a user to set a print job and send the print job to the image forming device 10. Note that the print job according to this embodiment includes file data to be printed and information related to the settings for executing printing (hereinafter referred to as "setting information").

[0028] The parent device 10A is an image forming device 10 that acquires and stores a print job sent from a user and executes the print job in response to an instruction from the user to execute the print job. In addition, the parent device 10A transmits the print job to the child device 10B in response to a request for the print job.

[0029] In response to an instruction from a user to execute a print job, the slave device 10B acquires the print job sent by the user from the master device 10A and executes the acquired print job.

[0030] In the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment, the parent device 10A stores a print job sent by a user, and the image forming device 10 (parent device 10A or child device 10B) instructed by the user to execute the print job executes the print job. For example, when a user instructs the parent device 10A to execute a print job, the parent device 10A executes the print job for the user stored in the parent device. When a user instructs the child device 10B to execute a print job, the parent device 10A acquires the print job for the user from the parent device 10A and executes it. Here, the parent device 10A is an example of "one image forming device," and the child device 10B is an example of "the device itself." In the following, a configuration in which the child device 10B executes the print job will be described. In the following, a configuration in which the image forming device 10 frequently used by a user (the image forming device 10 most frequently used) is registered in advance and associated with each user will be described.

[0031] Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment detects that the setting information is inapplicable when executing a print job, the image forming apparatus 10 applies information that substitutes for the setting information (hereinafter referred to as "substitution information") and executes the print job. The substitution information is information for determining paper to substitute for A4 paper when, for example, the paper size "A4" is set as the setting information and the image forming apparatus 10 runs out of A4 paper. Specifically, the substitution information sets a policy for changing the setting information, such as to a "large size" or a "small size," with respect to the paper size registered in the setting information. In other words, if the image forming apparatus 10 runs out of A4 paper when executing a print job, the substitution information is applied, and the print job is executed using paper that is larger or smaller than A4 paper.

[0032] Next, a flow when the slave device 10B executes a print job sent to the master device 10A by a user will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is an activity diagram showing an example of a flow when the slave device 10B executes a print job acquired from the master device 10A.

[0033] 2, the user sets a print job by registering setting information such as paper size (step S101). The user then transmits the set print job from the terminal 2 that the user is operating to the image forming device 10 (step S102).

[0034] The parent device 10A acquires and stores the print job sent from the user (step S103).

[0035] After transmitting the print job, the user moves to the slave device 10B, performs user authentication on the slave device 10B (step S104), and operates the slave device 10B to instruct it to execute the transmitted print job (step S105).

[0036] The slave device 10B acquires an instruction to execute the print job (step S106) and requests the master device 10A to execute the print job (step S107).

[0037] When the parent apparatus 10A acquires a print job request (step S108), the parent apparatus 10A transmits the stored print job to the child apparatus 10B (step S109).

[0038] The slave device 10B acquires the print job from the master device 10A (step S110) and executes the acquired print job (step S111).

[0039] As described above, the print job is stored in the parent device 10A, and when the print job is executed, the print job is acquired from the parent device 10A, so that the user can execute the print job in either image forming device 10 without being aware of the parent device 10A or the child device 10B. For example, if the user intended to execute the print job in the parent device 10A, but the parent device 10A is in use, the user can execute the print job in the child device 10B.

[0040] Below, we will explain a method for preventing an output result that is not intended by the user, even if the image forming device 10 associated with the user is the parent device 10A and a print job is executed by the child device 10B.

[0041] The hardware configuration of the slave unit 10B (image forming device 10) will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the slave unit 10B according to this embodiment.

[0042] 3, the slave device 10B according to this 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. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, the storage 14, the input unit 15, the monitor 16, and the communication I / F 17 are interconnected by a bus 18. Here, the CPU 11 is an example of a processor.

[0043] The CPU 11 supervises and controls the entire slave device 10B. The ROM 12 stores various programs, data, etc., including the image forming program used in this embodiment. The RAM 13 is a memory used as a work area when various programs are executed. The CPU 11 acquires substitution information and executes a print job by loading the program stored in the ROM 12 into the RAM 13 and executing it. The storage 14 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or flash memory. The storage 14 may store the image forming program, etc. The input unit 15 is, for example, a touch panel that accepts character input, a keyboard, etc. The monitor 16 displays characters and images. The communication I / F 17 transmits and receives data.

[0044] Next, the functional configuration of the slave device 10B will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the slave device 10B according to this embodiment.

[0045] 4, the slave device 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. The CPU 11 executes an image forming program, thereby functioning 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.

[0046] The acquisition unit 21 acquires user information and print jobs stored in the parent device 10A. Using the user information, the acquisition unit 21 acquires information indicating the configuration of trays of the image forming device 10 (parent device 10A) associated with the user information (hereinafter referred to as "tray information") and substitution information.

[0047] Here, the user information is information that associates a user with the image forming device 10 that the user frequently uses (the image forming device 10 that is most frequently used). As an example, as shown in Fig. 5, the user information is configured to include a user ID (IDentification) and related devices. The user ID is information for identifying the user, and the related devices are the names of the image forming devices 10 that the user frequently uses.

[0048] The print job also includes setting information. As an example, the setting information according to this embodiment includes a user ID, a file name, and a specified paper size, as shown in Fig. 6. The file name is the name of the file data to be printed, and the specified paper size is the size of paper specified by the user.

[0049] Moreover, the tray information according to this embodiment includes a tray number, a set size, and a set paper type, as shown in Fig. 7. The tray number is a number for identifying the trays installed in the parent device 10A (image forming device 10), the set size is the size of the paper installed in each tray, and the set paper type is the type of the paper installed in each tray.

[0050] The determination unit 22 uses the user information to determine whether or not an image forming apparatus 10 other than the own apparatus is associated with the user information. If an image forming apparatus 10 (parent apparatus 10A) other than the own apparatus is associated with the user information, the determination unit 22 determines whether or not the setting information related to the print job is inapplicable to the own apparatus when the print job is executed. If the user information is associated with an image forming apparatus 10 other than the own apparatus and the setting information is inapplicable to the own apparatus, the acquisition unit 21 acquires alternative information for the image forming apparatus 10 (parent apparatus 10A) associated with the user information.

[0051] Furthermore, the determination unit 22 determines whether the tray configuration of the parent unit 10A corresponds to the tray configuration of the parent unit 10A itself, using the tray information of the parent unit 10A associated with the user information acquired by the acquisition unit 21. For example, if the tray configuration of the parent unit 10A related to the acquired tray information matches the tray configuration of the parent unit 10A itself, the determination unit 22 determines that they correspond, and the execution unit 25, which will be described later, executes the print job.

[0052] In the present embodiment, when the tray configuration of the parent device 10A matches the tray configuration of the parent device, it is determined that the acquired tray information corresponds to the tray configuration of the parent device. However, this is not limited to this. It may also be determined that the tray information corresponds to the tray configuration of the parent device if the paper sizes installed are the same (for example, the tray numbers are different but "A4" and "A3" paper sizes are installed in both the parent device 10A and the parent device).

[0053] Furthermore, the determination unit 22 determines whether or not the substitution information of the parent device 10A acquired by the acquisition unit 21 is applicable to the parent device. Specifically, when the substitution information is applied to the parent device based on the designated paper size related to the print job, if a corresponding paper size is found, the determination unit 22 determines that the substitution information is applicable to the parent device. For example, if the designated paper size is "A4" and the substitution information is "large size," and if paper larger than A4 paper is installed in the parent device, the determination unit 22 determines that the substitution information is applicable to the parent device. On the other hand, if paper larger than A4 paper is not installed in the parent device, the determination unit 22 determines that the substitution information is not applicable to the parent device.

[0054] Furthermore, the determination unit 22 may determine that the substitution information is applicable when the paper sizes when the substitution information is applied based on the designated paper size for the print job are the same in the parent device 10A and the parent device itself. For example, if the designated paper size is "A4" and the substitution information is "large size," and the parent device and the parent device use the "large size" as the substitution information, the determination unit 22 determines that the substitution information is applicable if the same A3 paper size is used. On the other hand, if different paper sizes are used when the same substitution information is applied, such as when A3 paper is used in the parent device 10A and B4 paper is used in the parent device itself, the determination unit 22 determines that the substitution information is inapplicable.

[0055] If the determination unit 22 determines that the tray configuration of the parent device 10A and the tray configuration of the device itself do not correspond, the presentation unit 23 presents that the trays do not correspond. Specifically, the presentation unit 23 displays a message that the tray configuration of the parent device 10A and the tray configuration of the device itself do not correspond to notify the user.

[0056] If the determination unit 22 determines that the alternative information is not applicable to the own device, the presentation unit 23 presents a message to the effect that the alternative information of the parent device 10A is not applicable to the own device, and also presents applicable alternative information. For example, the presentation unit 23 notifies the user by displaying a message to the effect that no paper corresponding to the alternative information of the parent device 10A is installed in the own device. The presentation unit 23 also displays a message prompting the user to select alternative information, along with the applicable alternative information.

[0057] The receiving unit 24 receives the alternative information selected by the user.

[0058] Execution unit 25 executes the print job using the paper size specified in the setting information of the print job. If the setting information related to the print job cannot be applied to the execution unit 25, execution unit 25 applies the acquired substitution information of parent device 10A to execute the print job. Furthermore, if substitution information is accepted by acceptance unit 24, execution unit 25 applies the substitution information to execute the print job.

[0059] The storage unit 26 stores the substitution information acquired by the acquisition unit 21. Note that the substitution information according to this embodiment may be acquired when a print job is executed, or may be acquired from a plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 connected to a common network N and stored in advance when the image forming apparatus itself is started up.

[0060] Next, the operation of the slave unit 10B (image forming device 10) according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for executing a print job according to this embodiment. The image forming process shown in Fig. 8 is executed by the CPU 11 reading and executing an image forming program from the ROM 12 or the storage 14. The image forming process shown in Fig. 8 is executed, for example, when an instruction to execute a print job is input by a user.

[0061] 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 S202. On the other hand, if the user has not been authenticated (step S201: NO), the CPU 11 waits until the user is authenticated.

[0062] In step S202, the CPU 11 acquires user information related to the authenticated user.

[0063] In step S203, 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 for which the user ID indicating the authenticated user corresponds to the user ID in the setting information related to the print job shown in FIG. 6.

[0064] In step S204, CPU 11 determines whether or not an image forming apparatus 10 other than the own apparatus is associated with the user information. If an image forming apparatus 10 other than the own apparatus is associated (step S204: YES), CPU 11 proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if an image forming apparatus 10 other than the own apparatus is not associated (the own apparatus is associated) (step S204: NO), CPU 11 proceeds to step S208.

[0065] In step S205, when executing a print job, CPU 11 determines whether the setting information related to the print job is not applicable to the own device. If the setting information related to the print job is not applicable to the own device (step S205: YES), CPU 11 proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, if the setting information related to the print job is not not applicable to the own device (if the setting information related to the print job is applicable to the own device) (step S205: NO), CPU 11 proceeds to step S208.

[0066] In step S206, the CPU 11 acquires the replacement information of the image forming apparatus 10 (parent apparatus 10A) associated with the user information.

[0067] In step S207, the CPU 11 applies the obtained substitution information to the settings of the own device.

[0068] In step S208, the CPU 11 executes the print job. If the CPU 11 acquires the substitution information of the image forming apparatus 10 (parent apparatus 10A) associated with the user information, the CPU 11 executes the print job using the acquired substitution information.

[0069] As described above, according to this embodiment, even if a print job is executed by a device that has alternative information set that differs from that of a pre-registered image forming device, it is possible to prevent the output result from being unintended by the user.

[0070] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, a form was described in which, when setting information cannot be applied, substitute information of the image forming device 10 (parent device 10A) associated with the user is acquired and applied. In the present embodiment, a form will be described in which, when the tray configuration of the image forming device 10 associated with the user information does not correspond to the tray configuration of the image forming device itself, substitute information is received from the user.

[0071] The configuration of the image forming system according to this embodiment (see FIG. 1), an example of a flow for executing a print job (see FIG. 2), and the hardware configuration of the slave unit 10B (image forming device 10) (see FIG. 3) are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted. Also, the functional configuration of the slave unit 10B (image forming device 10) according to this embodiment (see FIG. 4), an example of user information (see FIG. 5), an example of setting information (see FIG. 6), and an example of configuration information (see FIG. 7) are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0072] The operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for executing a print job according to this embodiment. The image forming process shown in FIG. 9 is executed by the CPU 11 reading and executing an image forming program from the ROM 12 or the storage 14. The image forming process shown in FIG. 9 is executed, for example, when an instruction to execute a print job is input from a user. Note that in FIG. 9, the same steps as those in the image forming process shown in FIG. 7 are assigned the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 7, and their description will be omitted.

[0073] In step S209, the CPU 11 acquires tray information of the image forming apparatus 10 (parent apparatus 10A) associated with the user information.

[0074] In step S210, CPU 11 determines whether the acquired tray information corresponds to the tray configuration of its own device. If the acquired tray information corresponds to the tray configuration of its own device (step S210: YES), CPU 11 proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, if the acquired tray information does not correspond to the tray configuration of its own device (step S210: NO), CPU 11 proceeds to step S211.

[0075] In step S211, the CPU 11 notifies the user that the tray configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 associated with the user information does not correspond to the tray configuration of the image forming apparatus itself.

[0076] In step S212, the CPU 11 accepts replacement information from the user.

[0077] As described above, according to this embodiment, even if a print job is executed by a device that has alternative information set that differs from that of a pre-registered image forming device, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the output result from being unintended by the user.

[0078] [Third embodiment] In the second embodiment, a configuration was described in which alternative information is received from a user when the tray configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 (parent apparatus 10A) associated with user information does not correspond to the tray configuration of the image forming apparatus itself. In the present embodiment, a configuration is described in which alternative information is received from a user when the acquired alternative information set in the image forming apparatus 10 cannot be applied to the image forming apparatus itself.

[0079] The configuration of the image forming system according to this embodiment (see FIG. 1), an example of a flow for executing a print job (see FIG. 2), and the hardware configuration of the slave unit 10B (image forming device 10) (see FIG. 3) are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted. Also, the functional configuration of the slave unit 10B (image forming device 10) according to this embodiment (see FIG. 4), an example of user information (see FIG. 5), an example of setting information (see FIG. 6), and an example of configuration information (see FIG. 7) are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0080] The operation of the slave unit 10B (image forming device 10) according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for executing a print job according to this embodiment. The image formation process shown in FIG. 10 is executed by the CPU 11 reading and executing an image formation program from the ROM 12 or the storage 14. The image formation process shown in FIG. 10 is executed, for example, when an instruction to execute a print job is input from a user. Note that in FIG. 10, steps that are the same as those in the image formation process shown in FIG. 9 are assigned the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 7, and their description will be omitted.

[0081] In step S213, CPU 11 determines whether the acquired substitution information is applicable to the own device. If the acquired substitution information is applicable to the own device (step S213: YES), CPU 11 proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, if the acquired substitution information is not applicable (not applicable) to the own device (step S213: NO), CPU 11 proceeds to step S214.

[0082] In step S214, the CPU 11 notifies the image forming apparatus 10 that the substitute information set in the image forming apparatus 10 associated with the user information cannot be applied to the image forming apparatus 10 itself.

[0083] As described above, according to this embodiment, even if a print job is executed by a device that has alternative information set that differs from that of a pre-registered image forming device, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the output result from being unintended by the user.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the user instructs the slave unit 10B to execute a print job. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The user may instruct the master unit 10A to execute a print job.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the print job sent from the user is stored in the parent device 10A. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The print job may be stored in the child device 10B or in an image forming device 10 registered for each user.

[0086] In the above embodiment, when a user instructs the slave device 10B to execute a print job, the slave device 10B acquires the print job from the master device 10A. However, this is not limiting. When a user instructs the master device 10A to execute a print job, the slave device 10A may acquire the print job from the slave device 10B, or when a user instructs the slave device 10B to execute a print job, the slave device 10B may acquire the print job from another slave device 10B.

[0087] In the present embodiment, the parent device 10A and the child device 10B are set in advance. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The image forming device 10 that the user frequently uses (the image forming device 10 that is used most frequently) may be set as the parent device 10A.

[0088] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments. Various modifications and improvements can be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and such modifications and improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes, for example, a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU: Central Processing Unit) and a dedicated processor (e.g., a GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, an ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, an FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, a programmable logic device, etc.).

[0090] Furthermore, the operations of the processor in each of the above embodiments may not only be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0091] Although the present embodiment has been described with reference to an embodiment in which the image forming program is installed in storage, the present invention is not limited to this. The image forming program according to the present 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 disc such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM. The image forming program according to the present embodiment may be provided in a form recorded on a semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a memory card. The image forming program according to the present embodiment may also be obtained from an external device via a communication line connected to the communication I / F. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10 Image forming device 10A base unit 10B handset 11 CPU 12 ROM 13 RAM 14. Storage 15 Input section 16 monitors 17 Communication I / F 18 Bus 21 Acquisition Department 22 Judgment section 23 Presentation section 24 Reception Department 25 Executive Department 26 Memory section

Claims

1. a processor, the processor comprising: acquires user information indicating a user associated with one image forming apparatus, and an execution instruction for a print job including setting information corresponding to the user information, the setting information being information regarding settings for executing printing; If the image forming apparatus associated with the acquired user information is different from the image forming apparatus itself, determining whether the setting information related to the acquired print job is applicable to the image forming apparatus itself; If the setting information related to the acquired print job is not applicable to the image forming apparatus, further acquire alternative information for the setting information related to the one image forming apparatus that is set as information to substitute for the setting information when the setting information is not applicable to the one image forming apparatus associated with the user information; The obtained substitution information is applied to execute the print job. Image forming device.

2. The processor: further acquiring tray information indicating information relating to a tray configuration of the one image forming apparatus; If the tray information corresponds to the tray configuration of the local device, the obtained substitution information is applied to execute the print job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. The processor: If the tray information does not correspond to the tray configuration of the device itself, a notification is given to the effect that the tray information does not correspond to the tray configuration of the device itself. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 .

4. The processor: It is determined whether the acquired alternative information is applicable to the local device, and if applicable, it applies the alternative information and executes the print job. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The processor: If the acquired substitute information is not applicable to the device itself, the device is notified that the substitute information is not applicable. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 .

6. The processor: As the alternative information, a policy for changing the setting information is acquired. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The processor: a plurality of image forming apparatuses including the one image forming apparatus, the plurality of image forming apparatuses being connected to a common network and pre-storing replacement information relating to the plurality of image forming apparatuses; The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. On the computer, acquires user information indicating a user associated with one image forming apparatus, and an execution instruction for a print job including setting information corresponding to the user information, the setting information being information regarding settings for executing printing; If the image forming apparatus associated with the acquired user information is different from the image forming apparatus itself, determining whether the setting information related to the acquired print job is applicable to the image forming apparatus itself; If the setting information related to the acquired print job is not applicable to the image forming apparatus, further acquire alternative information for the setting information related to the one image forming apparatus, the alternative information being set as information to substitute for the setting information when the setting information is not applicable to the one image forming apparatus; The obtained substitution information is applied to execute the print job. An image forming program for executing the above.

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