Image forming apparatus, control method for image forming apparatus, and program

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: a printing job subjected to RIP processing from an image control device cannot be done with one printing instruction if a forcibly retaining mode of an image formation apparatus becomes effective.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus comprises: acquisition means which acquires unique information on an image control device from the image control device; execution means which executes a printing job received by reception means; and setting means which sets an exceptional condition in which the printing job received by the reception means is not held in a function that holds the printing job received by the reception means in storage means without executing the printing job until a printing instruction is received. The setting means automatically sets the exceptional condition according to the unique information on the basis of such a state that the acquisition means acquires the unique information on the image control device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus 、 and a method for controlling the image forming apparatus , and program .

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, image forming apparatuses typified by printers and multifunction peripherals can set their operation modes to a forced hold mode for the purpose of enhancing security and suppressing the abandonment of printed materials. An image forming apparatus operating in the forced hold mode stores a print job transmitted from a PC in the image forming apparatus and forcibly halts the processing of the print job once. Thereafter, when a user who has given a transmission instruction on the PC gives a print instruction on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus, the print job that has been forcibly held is printed. As a result, only authenticated users can output printed materials, so security is enhanced, and since a print instruction is given on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus to output printed materials, abandonment can be suppressed.

[0003] An image control device called a print controller or a RIP controller for expanding and improving the printing processing ability, functions, or usability of an image forming apparatus may be connected to the image forming apparatus. In a printing system in which an image forming apparatus and an image control device are combined, the image control device processes operations on a print job in a user-friendly manner, RIPs the print job faster than the image forming apparatus, and prints and outputs it with the image forming apparatus. This image control device also has a mode in which, for the purpose of enhancing security and suppressing the abandonment of printed materials, once a print job is received, the processing of the print job is forcibly halted once in the image control device. After the print job is held, thereafter, when a user who has given a transmission instruction on the PC gives a print instruction on the operation screen of the image control device, the print job that has been forcibly held is transmitted to the image control device.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration for enhancing convenience by directly printing and outputting a print job received from an information processing terminal via a short-range communication protocol without performing forced hold. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-99837 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In a printing system that combines an image forming apparatus and an image control device, if the forced hold mode is active in both the image forming apparatus and the image control device, even if a print command is issued in the image control device, the print job will be held in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, a print output cannot be obtained unless a print command is issued again for the print job held in the image forming apparatus. There is no need to issue a print command twice for security or to deter unattended print jobs, and the operation becomes redundant.

[0007] However, simply disabling the forced retention mode of the image forming machine would mean that even print jobs received directly from the PC, not just from the image control device, would no longer be retained, thus compromising security and preventing unattended work.

[0008] In other words, with the conventional configuration, when the forced retention mode of the image forming apparatus was enabled, it was not possible to complete a print job that had undergone RIP processing in the image control device with a single print command. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This invention provides a storage means, A setting means that enables a function to store the print data in the storage means without printing the print data until a print command for the received print data is received from the user, A means of accepting IP addresses, A determination means for determining whether the device is configured to store the print data without printing it until it receives a print command for the print data from the user, If the setting means has enabled the function and the determination means determines that the device is configured to store the print data without printing it until it receives a print command from the user for the print data it has received, the determination means controls the printing process to print the print data received from the device corresponding to the IP address to be executed without receiving the print command. The device is characterized by having a control means that, if the setting means has enabled the function and the determination means determines that the device is not configured to store the print data without printing it until it receives a print instruction from a user for the print data it has received, the device will store the print data in the storage means without printing it until it receives a print instruction from a user for the print data it has received from a device corresponding to the IP address. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the configuration of the present invention, when the function of storing print data in a storage means without printing the print data until a print instruction for the received print data is received from the user is enabled, the device corresponding to the received IP address The device determines whether it is configured to store the print data without printing it until it receives a print command from the user for the print data it has received, and based on the determination result, the device The print process, which prints the print data received from the system, is executed without receiving a print command from the user. Alternatively, the device can control whether to store the print data in the storage means without printing it until a print instruction for the print data received from the device is received from the user. It is possible. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Printing system configuration diagram [Figure 2] Hardware configuration diagram [Figure 3] Software Functional Block Diagram [Figure 4] Control panel settings screen [Figure 5]Processing flowchart of an image forming apparatus [Figure 6] Image forming apparatus processing flowchart [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the invention as defined in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in each embodiment are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention. In this embodiment, an image processing device is used as an example of an information processing device, but the invention is not limited to this.

[0013] (Example 1) Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the printing system according to this embodiment.

[0014] In the following description, the image forming apparatus will be referred to as MFP110 (Multi-Function Peripheral). Similarly, the image control device will be referred to as DFE120 (Digital Front End). The DFE120 is equipped with a network port 105, such as 1 Gigabit Ethernet, and connects to network 100. Furthermore, in order to connect to the MFP110, the DFE120 is equipped with port 105 and another network port 104, such as 1 Gigabit Ethernet or a high-speed communication line such as HDMI® or USB. Alternatively, it may be equipped with both a network such as 1 Gigabit Ethernet and a high-speed communication line such as HDMI or USB. However, in the diagram, it will be represented by a single line.

[0015] The MFP 110 also has a port 102 for a network typified by 1G-bit Ethernet or a high-speed communication line typified by HDMI or USB in order to connect to the DFE 120. The MFP 110 and the DFE 120 are connected by a network 101. The network 100 to which the port 105 of the DFE 120 is connected has terminals such as so-called PCs and servers connected thereto, and is a network called a so-called office network or an intranet. Such devices as these PCs and servers are indicated as terminals 130 in FIG. 1a. Note that a smartphone typified by Apple's iPhone (registered trademark) can be connected to the network 100 via Wi-Fi, and this is also an example of the terminal 130.

[0016] The MFP 110 is provided with an operation unit 111, and the DFE 120 is provided with an operation unit 121. In FIG. 1a, the operation unit 111 and the operation unit 121 are shown as being integrated with the devices of the MFP 110 and the DFE 120, but just as a PC monitor may not be integrated with the PC main body and may be separate, it may be a separate monitor. Further, it may be a monitor of a terminal on the network 100, such as a remote desktop function or a thin client. Note that although the network 100 is shown as a priority network, it may be a wireless communication such as Wi-Fi.

[0017] A form of the printing system will be described using FIG. 1a.

[0018] First, the configuration of FIG. 1a will be described.

[0019] From the terminal 130 on the network 100, the MFP 110 and the DFE 120 are configured to appear as separate devices. When the IP address assigned to the port 103 of the MFP 110 is specified, the terminal 130 can send a print job to the MFP 110. When the IP address assigned to the port 105 of the DFE 120 is specified, the terminal 130 can send a print job to the DFE 120.

[0020] In other words, when a print job is sent from terminal 130 to DFE120, DFE120 rips the print job, generates and sends a print job containing the ripped data to MFP110, and MFP110 performs the print output. Here, when DFE120 sends the ripped print data to MFP110 after ripping, it uses the IP address assigned to port 104 of DFE120 as the source. DFE120 then sends the data over network 101 using the IP address assigned to port 102 of MFP110 as the destination.

[0021] Next, we will explain the problems that arise when the configurations shown in Figures 4 and 5, described later, are not applied to the configuration in Figure 1a.

[0022] When DFE120 receives a print job from terminal 130, it holds it. When DFE120 receives a print command from the user for one of the held print jobs, it performs RIP processing on the data contained in the print job and sends the RIP-processed data to MFP110. MFP110 holds all print jobs, including the RIP-processed data received from DFE120 and terminal 130. When MFP110 receives another print command from the user for one of the held print jobs, it executes the print job.

[0023] Thus, a user may need to issue multiple print commands to execute a single print job. On the other hand, a method to disable the forced hold mode is being considered. However, with that method, when a print job is sent from terminal 130 to MFP110, MFP110 will hold the print job upon receiving it, and then print output will be produced from MFP110 when a print command is issued. In other words, simply disabling the forced hold mode of MFP110 would mean that print jobs received directly from terminal 130 would no longer be held.

[0024] Therefore, in this embodiment, by applying Figures 4 and 5 described later to the configuration of Figure 1a, even if the forced retention mode of the image forming apparatus is enabled, it becomes possible to complete a print job that has undergone RIP processing in the image control device with a single print command. Furthermore, both jobs that have undergone RIP processing in the image control device and print jobs that the image forming apparatus receives directly from the terminal device can be completed with a single print command. The reason why the terminal 130 can send print jobs to both the MFP 110 and the DFE 120 is that each of the MFP 110 and DFE 120 has its own advantages. The MFP 110 has its own PDL language, and the DFE 120 has high-speed RIP processing. Based on these advantages, the user considers which of the MFP 110 and DFE 120 they want to use for printing and sends the print job to the respective.

[0025] Next, we will explain another configuration of the printing system using Figure 1b. First, we will explain the configuration in Figure 1b. In Figure 1b, the MFP 110 is not connected to the network 100, and only the DFE 120 is connected. In this configuration, the MFP 110 does not have port 103 and is not directly connected to the network 100. Therefore, terminal 130 sends a print job to DFE 120 in order to have the MFP 110 perform the printing process. That is, terminal 130 sends the print job to the IP address assigned to port 105 as the destination. Then, DFE 120, which receives the print job on port 105, determines that if a specific string exists at a certain location, such as the beginning of the print job, it should be processed by RIP on the MFP 110, and sends the print job received without a print instruction from the user to the MFP 110. The MFP110, upon receiving the print job, stores the print job received from terminal 130 via DFE120, just as it would be if the terminal 130 received the print job directly in the configuration shown in Figure 1a. The image forming apparatus then prints the print job when it receives a print command from the user. If you want the DFE120 to perform RIP processing on the print job, you can send the print job to the DFE120 from terminal 130, as explained in Figure 1a. Since there is no specific string at any particular location in the print job, such as the beginning, the DFE120 determines that it is a print job that it should process (perform RIP processing on) itself.

[0026] Next, we will explain the problems that arise when the configurations shown in Figures 4 and 5, which will be described later, are not applied in Figure 1b.

[0027] Both print jobs processed by the MFP110 and print jobs processed by the DFE120 are sent from terminal 130 to port 105 of the DFE120.

[0028] The DFE120 checks if a specific string exists at a particular location, such as the beginning, of the received print job. If it does not find the string, the DFE120 holds the print job in reserve for RIP processing. When the DFE120 receives a print command from the user for the reserved print job, it performs RIP processing and sends the RIP-processed print data to the MFP110. The MFP110 holds the received print data. When the user issues another print command to the reserved print job, the MFP110 executes the print job. Thus, the user may need to issue multiple print commands to execute a single print job.

[0029] Furthermore, if DFE120 determines that a specific string exists at a particular location, such as the beginning of a job, that job will be sent to MFP110 and will not be retained by DFE120. Note that DFE120 will not perform RIP processing on jobs that contain a specific string at a particular location.

[0030] On the other hand, when the MFP110 receives a print job from the DFE120, it holds all of them, and then prints from the MFP110 when a print command is issued. In other words, as explained in Figure 1a, print jobs processed by the MFP110 are held only by the MFP110, but print jobs processed by the DFE120 are held by both the DFE120 and the MFP110. Thus, multiple print commands are required by the user to execute a single print job.

[0031] On the other hand, a method for disabling the forced hold mode can also be considered in the configuration of Figure 1b. However, with that method, when the MFP110 receives a print job transmitted from terminal 130 via DFE120, the MFP110 prints the print job without holding it. In other words, simply disabling the forced hold mode of the MFP110 would prevent print jobs intended for the MFP110 received from terminal 130 via DFE120 from being held.

[0032] Therefore, in this embodiment, by applying Figures 4 and 5 described later to the configuration of Figure 1b, even if the forced retention mode of the image forming apparatus is enabled, it becomes possible to complete a print job that has undergone RIP processing in the image control device with a single print command. Furthermore, even if the forced retention mode of the image forming apparatus is enabled, it becomes possible to complete both RIP-processed and non-RIP-processed print jobs with a single print command in the image control device.

[0033] In the configuration shown in Figure 1b, the DFE120 determines whether to process a print job sent from terminal 130 using RIP or to send it to MFP110 by checking for a specific string at a particular location, such as the beginning of the job. However, there is another method. A specific TCP / UDP port number is set on port 105 of the DFE120 to receive print jobs that should be processed by the MFP110. All network packets received on that port number are then forwarded to the IP address assigned to port 102 of the MFP110. Terminal 130 sends print jobs that should be processed by the MFP110 to that specific port. The DFE120 then forwards all packets sent to that port to the MFP110. As a result, even print jobs sent to the DFE120 are not processed using RIP by the DFE120, but are processed by the MFP110.

[0034] Next, we will explain another configuration of the printing system using Figure 1c. First, we will explain the configuration in Figure 1c.

[0035] Figure 1c shows a configuration where the DFE120 is not connected to network 100, and only the MFP110 is connected. In this configuration, port 105 of the DFE120 does not exist, and the DFE120 is not directly connected to network 100. Therefore, in order for terminal 130 to perform RIP processing on the DFE120, it must send a print job to the MFP110, that is, send the print job to the IP address assigned to port 103 as the destination.

[0036] Then, MFP110, which receives a print job on port 103, determines that if a specific string exists at a particular location, such as the beginning of the print job, it should be processed by DFE120 using RIP, and sends the received print job to DFE120. Upon receiving it, DFE120 performs RIP processing on the print job and sends the RIP-processed print data back to MFP110. MFP110, upon receiving the RIP-processed print data, prints the output. Note that there is another method to determine whether a specific string exists at a particular location, such as the beginning of the print job.

[0037] The MFP110 sets a specific TCP / UDP port number to receive print jobs that should be processed by the DFE120. All network packets received on that port number are forwarded to the IP address assigned to port 104 on the DFE120. Terminal 130 sends print jobs that should be processed by RIP on the DFE120 to that specific port. The MFP110 forwards all packets sent to that port to the DFE120. As a result, even print jobs sent to the MFP110 are not printed by the MFP110 but are processed by RIP on the DFE120.

[0038] Next, we will explain the problems that arise when the configurations shown in Figures 4 and 5, described later, are not applied in Figure 1c. Print jobs sent from terminal 130 that are to be RIP processed by DFE 120 are sent to DFE 120 in the aforementioned process. When DFE 120 receives a print job, it holds it. When DFE 120 receives a print command from the user for a held print job, it performs RIP processing and sends the RIP-processed print data to MFP 110. MFP 110 holds all the print data received from DFE 120. When the user issues another print command to MFP 110 for a held print job, the print job is executed by MFP 110. In this way, the user needs to issue multiple print commands to execute a single print job. On the other hand, a method to release the forced hold mode is being considered. However, in that method, when MFP 110 receives a print job sent from terminal 130, MFP 110 prints the job without holding it. In other words, simply disabling the forced hold mode on the MFP110 will prevent print jobs received from terminal 130 for the MFP110 from being held.

[0039] Therefore, in this embodiment, by applying Figures 4 and 5 described later to the configuration of Figure 1c, even if the forced retention mode of the image forming apparatus is enabled, it becomes possible to complete a print job that has undergone RIP processing in the image control device with a single print command. Furthermore, both jobs that have undergone RIP processing in the image control device and print jobs that the image forming apparatus receives directly from the terminal device can be completed with a single print command.

[0040] The following embodiment will be explained based on Figure 1a, but it is possible to implement all configurations shown in Figures 1a to 1c.

[0041] Next, the hardware configuration according to this embodiment will be described.

[0042] Figure 2a is a hardware block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the MFP110.

[0043] The CPU 201 deploys control programs stored in the ROM 202 or the hard disk drive (HDD) 204 to the RAM 203, executes these programs, and comprehensively controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 200. The ROM 202 stores control programs and other data that the CPU 201 can execute. The RAM 203 primarily functions as the CPU 201's main memory and work area, and is configured to allow memory capacity expansion via optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The HDD 204 stores executable control programs, boot programs, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, configuration data, and other data.

[0044] In this embodiment 1, an HDD 204 was used, but other storage devices such as SD cards or flash memory may be used as storage devices as long as they retain their stored contents even when the power is turned off. The same applies to devices with HDDs described later. The first network interface 205 is the hardware for port 102, which connects to the DFE 120. As explained in Figure 1, the first network interface 205 may be a network such as 1 Gigabit Ethernet or a high-speed communication line such as HDMI or USB, but it will be described as a network below. The second network interface 206 is the hardware for port 103 of a network such as 1 Gigabit Ethernet, which connects to network 100.

[0045] Figure 2b is a hardware block diagram illustrating the DFE120 hardware configuration. Similarly, the CPU 221 loads control programs stored in ROM 222 or hard disk (HDD) 224 into RAM 223, executes the loaded programs, and comprehensively controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 220. ROM 222 stores control programs and other data that the CPU 221 can execute. RAM 223 primarily functions as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU 221, and is configured to allow memory capacity expansion by optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). HDD 224 stores executable control programs, boot programs, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, configuration data, and the like.

[0046] In this embodiment 1, an HDD 224 was used, but other storage devices such as SD cards or flash memory may be used as storage devices as long as they retain their stored contents even when the power is turned off. The same applies to devices with HDDs described later. The first network interface 225 is the hardware for port 104 that connects to the MFP 110. As explained in Figure 1, the first network interface 225 may be a network such as 1 Gigabit Ethernet or a high-speed communication line such as HDMI or USB, but it will be described as a network below. The second network interface 226 is the hardware for port 105 of a network such as 1 Gigabit Ethernet that connects to network 100.

[0047] To switch the configuration from Figure 1a to Figure 1b, the MFP110 can be equipped with both the first network interface 205 and the second network interface 206 hardware, but without connecting a network cable to the second network interface 206. Similarly, to switch the configuration from Figure 1a to Figure 1c, the DFE120 can be equipped with both the first network interface 225 and the second network interface 226 hardware, but without connecting a network cable to the second network interface 226. Furthermore, if it is difficult to equip the MFP110 hardware with two network ports, it is possible to use a conversion adapter on a USB port (not shown) to convert USB to Ethernet, thereby creating a second network interface 206. Moreover, without this USB conversion adapter, the second network interface 206 will not function, resulting in the configuration of Figure 1a. The same applies to the DFE120.

[0048] In this way, the hardware configuration shown in Figures 2a and 2b can be used to accommodate the configurations shown in Figures 1a, 1b, and 1c.

[0049] The functional block configuration of the software according to this embodiment will be described.

[0050] Figure 3a is a functional block diagram of the MFP110. This is achieved by the CPU 201 reading the program stored in ROM 202 or HDD 204, loading it into RAM 203, and executing it.

[0051] The first communication unit 307 and the second communication unit 308 control the processing of communication using the first network I / F 205 and the second network I / F 206 as described in Figure 2a. The first communication unit 307 and the second communication unit 308 may be configured to control either the first network I / F 205 or the second network I / F 206. However, in this embodiment, the first communication unit 307 will be described as controlling the first network I / F 205 connected to the DFE 120, and the second communication unit 308 will be described as controlling the second network I / F 206 connected to the terminal 130.

[0052] The print job processing unit 301 processes print jobs received from the first communication unit 307 or the second communication unit 308. The print job storage unit 306 has the function of holding received print jobs within the MFP 110 before printing them out. If the forced retention setting, which will be explained later in Figure 4, is set to "enable", the print job storage unit 306 will retain the print job. When the forced retention setting is enabled, the image forming apparatus holds the received print data in a forced storage area (a part of the storage area of ​​the HDD 204 (not shown)) for storage until it receives a print command from the user. From a security standpoint, only users authenticated by authentication means (IC card authentication or keyboard authentication) can instruct printing of the print data stored in the forced storage area. More specifically, the username of the user who logged into the sending terminal is attached to the received print data, and that username is stored in the forced storage area as the owner name of the job, associated with the print data. Then, if the owner name of the print data job stored in the forced storage area matches the username of the user authenticated through the authentication process described above, printing of the print data held in that forced storage area is permitted.

[0053] The screen display unit 303 displays operation menus and device status on the screen of the operation unit 111 of the MFP 110. The input reception unit 304 receives instructions entered on the operation unit 111 of the MFP 110. When a print instruction is entered on the operation unit 111 of the MFP 110 for a stored print job, the print job processing unit 301 prints the print job stored in the print job storage unit 306.

[0054] The configuration management unit 305 determines whether the DFE120 is connected to the MFP110 and manages its status. The overall control unit 302 coordinates with each of the aforementioned units to manage the entire function.

[0055] Figure 3b is a functional block diagram of the DFE120. This is achieved when the CPU 221 reads a program stored in the ROM 222 or HDD 224, loads it into the RAM 223, and executes it.

[0056] The first communication unit 327 and the second communication unit 328 control the processing of communication using the first network I / F 225 and the second network I / F 226 as described in Figure 2b. The first communication unit 327 and the second communication unit 328 may be configured to control either the first network I / F 225 or the second network I / F 226. However, in this embodiment, the first communication unit 327 will be described as controlling the first network I / F 225 connected to the DFE 120, and the second communication unit 328 will be described as controlling the second network I / F 226 connected to the terminal 130.

[0057] The print job processing unit 321 processes print jobs received from the first communication unit 327 or the second communication unit 328. The print job storage unit 326 has the function of holding received print jobs within the MFP 110 before printing them out. If the DFE 120's unique forced retention setting, which is different from the forced retention setting of the MFP 110 explained in Figure 3a, is set to "on", the print job storage unit 326 will retain the print job. The screen display unit 323 displays operation menus and device status on the screen of the operation unit 121 provided in the DFE 120. The input reception unit 324 receives instructions entered in the operation unit 121. When a print instruction is entered in the operation unit 121 for a retained print job, the print job processing unit 301 transmits the print job retained by the print job storage unit 326 to the MFP 110 via the first communication unit 327.

[0058] The DFE120's unique forced hold setting may use the same authentication process as the MFP110's forced hold setting described above, or it may use a different authentication process. A different authentication process, for example, may allow the acceptance of password-protected print jobs and manage the accepted password-protected print jobs in a hold area of ​​the memory, preventing printing from being executed until the password is received from the user.

[0059] The central control unit 322 works in conjunction with the aforementioned units to oversee the entire function.

[0060] The configuration management unit 305 of the MFP110 determines whether the DFE120 is connected to the MFP110. Specifically, it does so as follows:

[0061] The DFE120 is a product option, and when a service technician installs the MFP110 and DFE120 in the user's environment, they configure what options are available. This involves correctly setting the values ​​related to the options to be installed on the so-called service mode setting screen. For example, if the DFE120 is to be installed, the value of the service mode item corresponding to the DFE120 is changed from "Do not install" = 0 to "Install" = 1. The configuration management unit 305 reads the value of this service mode item and determines whether or not the DFE120 is installed. Alternatively, the MFP110 communicates with the installed DFE120 and controls the DFE120. Immediately after powering on the MFP110 or DFE120, the MFP110 sends an equipment information acquisition command to the DFE120 and determines whether or not the DFE120 is installed by receiving a reply from the DFE120.

[0062] Alternatively, the MFP110 and DFE120 may be connected by their own parallel signal lines, which are not shown in Figure 1, in addition to the network 101 between them. The MFP110 may determine whether the DFE120 is installed by setting the telephone connection level of some of these signal lines to Hi or Lo. Or, if the MFP110 has a hardware configuration that includes expansion hardware to process the RIP-processed print data from the DFE120, the MFP110 may determine whether the DFE120 is installed by checking whether that expansion hardware is installed.

[0063] The settings screen of the control unit according to this embodiment will be described.

[0064] Figure 4a shows the screen displayed on the control panel 111 of the MFP110. This is achieved when the CPU 201 reads a program stored in the ROM 202 or HDD 204, loads it into the RAM 203, and executes it.

[0065] The screen 401 displayed on the control unit 111 consists of the following elements.

[0066] There is a setting 402 that displays or allows you to set whether to enable or disable the forced retention setting. "Enable" and "Disable" are radio buttons, and you can select either one. The black circle indicates that it is selected, so Figure 4a shows the case when it is set to "Enable". When the forced retention setting 402 is set to "Enable", the print job storage unit 306 will retain the print job as explained in Figure 3a. Note that the setting to enable or disable the forced retention setting is set by the user according to their policy on print job security and preventing unattended printouts.

[0067] There is an exception setting 403 that displays or sets whether to "enable" or "disable" exception settings. "Enable" and "disable" are radio buttons, and you can select either one. The black circle indicates that it is selected, so Figure 4a shows the case when "disable" is set. There is an advanced conditions 404 that displays or sets the detailed conditions for the exception settings. Figure 4a shows the state when no advanced conditions are set.

[0068] This screen 401 can be closed with either Cancel 498 or OK 499. Cancel 498 is used to close the screen without saving any changes to the settings. OK 499 is used to save and apply the changes before closing the screen.

[0069] Figure 4b shows the detailed condition 404, which displays or sets detailed conditions when exception setting 403 is set to "enable". The detailed condition 404 of the exception setting has elements that display or set the type 405, setting value 406, and action 407. In Figure 4b, the type 405 is "IP address", the setting value 406 is "10.255.255.1", and the action 407 is "print". This means that if the source "IP address" of the print job is "10.255.255.1", the print job will not be forcibly held and will be processed to "print".

[0070] In other words, this indicates an exception condition under which forced retention will not be performed. Also, "10.255.255.1" here is the IP address assigned to port 104 of the DFE120 as explained in Figure 1. As explained in Figure 1a, when the DFE120 receives print data, processes it using RIP, and then sends the print data to the MFP110, the IP address assigned to port 104 becomes the source. In the connection configuration of Figure 1, if the communication between port 102 and port 104 uses a fixed IP address, that IP address is set to value 406. In the example in Figure 4b, the fixed IP address is illustrated as "10.255.255.1".

[0071] Furthermore, as will be explained later, the conditions for type 405 and setting value 406 may include not only the "IP address" but also attribute values ​​indicating the type of print job and the path for receiving print data. Also, action 407 can include options other than "print" such as "discard the job".

[0072] Furthermore, as will be described later, the MFP110 automatically sets the exception setting 403 and detailed condition 404 according to the processing flow, but the user may also set them manually.

[0073] The processing flowchart according to this embodiment will be described below. As mentioned above, the configuration in Figure 1a will be used as an example.

[0074] Figure 5 shows the processing flowchart of the MFP110. This is achieved by the CPU201 reading the program stored in ROM202 or HDD204, loading it into RAM203, and executing it. The control unit 302 works in conjunction with each part of Figure 3a to process the entire function.

[0075] Processing begins (S500) when the MFP110 is powered on. Next, the option configuration of the MFP is checked (S501). As explained in Figure 3a, this is achieved by the configuration management unit 305 determining whether or not the DFE120 is installed, and the control unit 302 acquiring that information. Next, it is determined whether or not the DFE120 is installed (S502). This is achieved by the control unit 302 determining the information acquired in 501. If the result of this determination is that it is not installed (No), the process proceeds to step 504; if it is installed (Yes), the process proceeds to S503.

[0076] S503 automatically adds DFE-specific conditions to the exception handling. This is the setting of exception setting 403 and its detailed condition 404, as explained in Figure 4b. For example, exception setting 403 is automatically set to "Do", type 405 to "IP address", setting value 406 to "10.255.255.1", and action 407 to "Print". Here, since the IP address assigned to DFE120 is determined as a device setting, a predetermined IP address is set.

[0077] Note that if type 405 is set to "IP address," it may not be possible to determine whether the job originated from DFE120. Specifically, this can occur when a unique string exists at a specific location, such as the beginning of a print job, as explained in the configurations of Figures 1b and 1c, or when a print job received on a specific TCP / UDP port number is forwarded to MFP110. In such cases, type 405 may be set to "print job type," "reception path (communication path)," "print data format," etc., as shown in the exception setting conditions in Figures 4c to 4e described later.

[0078] Alternatively, if the IP address assigned to the DFE120 is not predetermined in the device settings, the following method may be used. First, in S501, obtain the unique information of the DFE120. This unique information includes, for example, the IP address, print data format, and print job type. Then, in S503, set an exception setting 403 based on the obtained unique information, such as the IP address.

[0079] Next, the MFP110 starts the printing process (S504). Once started, the MFP110 checks whether it has received a print job from the first communication unit 307 or the second communication unit 308 (S505). If the check reveals that no job has been received (No), the process returns to step 505 and is repeated. If a job has been received (Yes), the process proceeds to step 507.

[0080] Next, the MFP110 checks the attributes of the received print job (S507). For example, the control unit 302 obtains the source address of the print job from the first communication unit 307 or the second communication unit 308 that received the print job. Next, it determines whether the received print job is a print job received from the DFE120 and whether it is a job that has been RIP processed by the DFE120 (S508). For example, if the source address of the print job obtained by the control unit 302 in S507 matches the setting value 406 "10.255.255.1", it is determined that it is a print job that has been RIP processed by the DFE120.

[0081] If the print job is not RIP processed by DFE120 (No), the process proceeds to S509; if it is RIP processed by DFE120 (Yes), the process proceeds to S510. In S509, since the detailed conditions for exception processing 404 are not met, no exception processing is performed, and forced retention is carried out. In step 510, since the detailed conditions for exception processing 404 are met, exception processing is performed, and the setting value of operation 407, "Print," is executed. In other words, when MFP110 receives a print job, it performs forced retention processing while determining whether it falls under the exception processing for forced retention.

[0082] After completing S509 or S510, the process transitions to step 505 to receive the next print job, and this is repeated.

[0083] As mentioned above, by applying Figures 4 and 5, the configurations in Figures 1a to 1c allow both print jobs from the image control device and print jobs received directly from the terminal to be processed with a single print command, even when the forced retention mode of the image forming apparatus is enabled.

[0084] Note that this flowchart process automatically sets the detailed conditions 404 for exception handling, but a notification may be sent to the user to confirm the settings. In other words, the settings shown in Figure 4b may be displayed on screen 401, and the settings may be applied once the user accepts them. Alternatively, as explained in Figure 4b, the user may set the settings manually, in which case steps S501 to S503 are omitted.

[0085] Furthermore, in the detailed conditions 404 for the exception setting explained in Figure 4b, conditions for type 405 and setting value 406 may include not only "IP address" but also attribute values ​​indicating the type of print job or the path for receiving print data.

[0086] For example, the type of print job can be used as a condition. A print job has an attribute that indicates the type of PDL language used to describe the print job. This indicates which PDL language it is, such as PS (PostScript) or PCL (Printer Command Language). If the DFE120 sets a value (DFE Job) indicating that it is a print job RIPped by the DFE120 to that attribute and sends it to the MFP110, the MFP110 can see that attribute value and determine that it is a print job RIPped by the DFE120. In other words, the conditions are: exception setting 403 is "do", type 405 is "print job type", setting value 406 is "DFE Job", and action 407 is "print". This forced hold setting screen is shown in Figure 4c.

[0087] For example, the print data of a print job ripped by the DFE120 represents every pixel as data, so its capacity is generally large. Therefore, to transmit the ripped print data from the DFE120 to the MFP110, HDMI, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, or a proprietary parallel signal line, which can transmit large amounts of data at high speed, are commonly used. In other words, a different receiving path than the 1 Gigabit Ethernet used to transmit general print jobs may be used. This can also be used as a condition for determining whether or not a print job has been ripped by the DFE120. In other words, the conditions would be: exception setting 403 "Yes", type 405 "Receiving path", setting value 406 "HDMI, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, proprietary parallel signal line", and operation 407 "Print". This forced retention setting screen is shown in Figure 4d.

[0088] For example, the data format of a print job received by the MFP110 is data written in the PDL language when sent by the terminal 130. The RIP-processed print data sent by the DFE120 is data containing the display values ​​of all pixels, called RAW, or compressed data such as JBIG or JPEG. This difference can be used as a criterion for determining whether or not a print job has been RIP-processed by the DFE120. In other words, the conditions are: exception setting 403 is "do", type 405 is "print data format", setting value 406 is "RAW / JBIG / JPEG", and operation 407 is "print". This forced retention setting screen is shown in Figure 4e.

[0089] In this way, the detailed conditions 404 for exception settings can be configured using characteristic conditions in the method of sending a print job RIPped by the DFE120 from the DFE120 to the MFP110.

[0090] Note that the flowchart in Figure 5 assumes that the print jobs received and RIPped by the DFE120 are forcibly held, and therefore the explanation of the forced holding process in the DFE120 is omitted, with only the process of the MFP110 being explained. Of course, the process of the MFP110 may be changed depending on whether or not the print jobs received and RIPped by the DFE120 are forcibly held. A modified example of Figure 5 in that case is shown in Figure 6. The same reference numerals are used for the same steps as in Figure 5, and the explanation is omitted.

[0091] In Figure 6, at S701, the control unit 302 of the MFP110 obtains from the DFE120 via the second communication unit 308 whether or not to force retention, and determines whether or not the DFE120 is set to force retention. If it is set to force retention, the process proceeds to S503. If it is not set to force retention, the process proceeds to S504.

[0092] Then, in S508, it is determined whether the received print job is a print job received from DFE120 and a job that has been RIP processed by DFE120. If yes, it proceeds to S509; otherwise, it proceeds to S702. In S702, it is determined whether there are any exception settings. If DFE120 does not force hold in S701, S503 is not performed, so there are no exception settings. Therefore, if there are no exception settings in S702, it proceeds to S509 and MFP110 performs force hold. If there are exception settings in S702, exception processing is performed according to the conditions added in S503, and the print job is printed without force hold.

[0093] In the configuration shown in Figure 6, if the DFE120 is not set to force retention, the MFP110 will not perform the exception setting process and will retain the data. This means that if the DFE120 forces retention, the MFP110 will not force retention, and if the DFE120 does not force retention, the MFP110 will force retention.

[0094] Based on the above explanation, the MFP110 can print print jobs processed by the DFE120 as an exception without forcibly holding them down.

[0095] (Other embodiments) Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the spirit and scope of the present invention are not limited to the specific descriptions herein.

[0096] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 101 Network 110 Image forming apparatus 121 Image control device 201 CPU 221 CPU

Claims

1. Memory means and A setting means that enables a function to store the print data in the storage means without printing the print data until a print command for the received print data is received from the user, A means of accepting IP addresses, A determination means for determining whether the device is configured to store the print data without printing it until it receives a print command for the print data from the user, If the setting means has enabled the function and the determination means determines that the device is configured to store the print data without printing it until it receives a print command from the user for the print data it has received, the determination means controls the printing process to print the print data received from the device corresponding to the IP address to be executed without receiving the print command. An image forming apparatus characterized by having a control means that, if the setting means has enabled the function and the determination means determines that the apparatus is not set to store the print data without printing it until it receives a print instruction from a user for the print data it has received, the apparatus will store the print data in the storage means without printing it until it receives a print instruction from a user for the print data it has received from the device corresponding to the IP address.

2. A first communication interface that communicates with the aforementioned device, It further includes a second communication interface that communicates with an information processing device without going through the aforementioned device, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the print data is received from the device corresponding to the IP address via the first communication interface.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that when the function is set to be enabled by the setting means, the control means controls the printing process for printing the print data received from the information processing device to print without accepting the print instruction.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the first communication interface and the second communication interface are network interfaces.

5. The device has a RIP processing unit that performs RIP processing, The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the print data is print data on which the RIP processing has been performed.

6. Further having a settings screen, The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the IP address is received via the settings screen.

7. A control method for an image forming apparatus having a memory means, A setting step to enable the function that stores the print data in the storage means without printing the print data until a print command for the received print data is received from the user, The process of accepting IP addresses, A determination step of determining whether the device is configured to store the print data without printing it until it receives a print instruction from the user for the print data it has received, If the setting step determines that the function is enabled and the device is configured to store the print data without printing it until it receives a print command from the user for the print data it has received, the device is controlled to execute the print process for printing the print data received from the device corresponding to the IP address without receiving the print command. A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized in that, if the setting step determines that the function is set to be enabled and the device is not set to store the print data without printing it until it receives a print instruction from a user for the print data it has received, the control step controls the device to store the print data in the storage means without printing it until it receives a print instruction from a user for the print data it has received from the device corresponding to the IP address.

8. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the image forming apparatus described in claim 7.

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