JP2004086692A - System for shaping graphics - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system for shaping graphics, which comprises an information processing device as well as a graphic shaping device connected to a network, exchanges data regardless of a type of the graphic shaping devices connected to the system, facilitates use of a large amount of the data to be handled, and improves usability for a user. <P>SOLUTION: A server 4 is equipped with a means for inquiring information of an apparatus type, which asks a device type for each device connected to a network 9, and a means for processing graphics, which processes graphic data on the basis of the information of the apparatus for distributing the graphic data to the inquired apparatus on the basis of its device type obtained through the means for inquiring the information of the apparatus type. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming system, and more particularly, to an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus are connected via a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine having an image reading unit that reads an image from a document on which an image is recorded and outputs the image as image data and an image forming unit that forms an image on paper or the like based on the image data has been developed. well known.
[0003]
In such an image forming apparatus, for example, simple image processing such as trimming is performed on image data read by the image reading unit, and the image forming unit forms an image based on the image data subjected to the image processing. be able to.
[0004]
Further, an image forming system used in a network environment has been conventionally provided.
[0005]
This image forming system includes, for example, an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine and an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer or a workstation for instructing the image forming apparatus to scan (read) or print (print) an image. It is configured to be interconnected by a network. Further, a configuration in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a plurality of information processing apparatuses are connected to a network may be adopted.
[0006]
In such an image forming system, for example, a method of using the scanner mode in which an information processing apparatus instructs an image forming apparatus to read an image and transfers the image read by the image forming apparatus to the information processing apparatus is known. ing.
[0007]
In a conventional image forming system, for example, image data of an image read by the image forming apparatus in the scanner mode is transferred to an information processing apparatus, and the information processing apparatus receiving the image data converts the image data as an image file to a hard disk, for example. Or the image file can be transferred to an image forming apparatus as needed to form an image. Further, conventionally, a so-called Internet FAX that performs image transmission using an e-mail function is also known.
[0008]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-333237 discloses that when performing various image processing on image data, the image processing is performed by an image forming apparatus or the image data is transferred to an information processing apparatus via a network. An image forming system that allows a user to select whether to perform image processing in the information processing apparatus is disclosed.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when performing image transmission using the e-mail function as described above, there is a problem in that the capacity is limited depending on the mail server, and a large amount of data cannot be transmitted.
[0010]
Further, the conventional image forming system described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-333237 has means for transferring image data from the image forming apparatus to the information processing apparatus. However, it does not disclose data consistency in the entire network system.
[0011]
For example, when image data is transmitted to an image forming apparatus in order to form an image based on the image data, an image may not be formed in the format of the transmitted data depending on the destination image forming apparatus. was there.
[0012]
Also, when a user tries to make a copy in a copying machine as an image forming apparatus, an image formation instructed by a user of another apparatus connected to the copying machine via a network is suddenly started by the copying machine. For example, there is a problem that the user may be confused.
[0013]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has been made in consideration of the above problem. In an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus connected to a network, a It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming system capable of exchanging data, handling large-capacity data, and improving user-friendliness.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a first information processing apparatus having image data distribution means for distributing image data, an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on image data, and the image data distribution. An image forming apparatus having a first image data receiving means for receiving image data from the means, the image forming apparatus being connected to a network, wherein the first information processing apparatus is connected to the network. A model information inquiring unit for inquiring each device of the model information about each model information, and distributing the image data to the device of the model information by the image data distributing unit based on the model information obtained by the model information inquiring unit. Image processing means for performing processing based on model information on the image data.
[0015]
Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a first information processing apparatus having image data distribution means for distributing image data, an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on image data, and receiving image data from the image data distribution means. An image formed by connecting an image forming apparatus having first image data receiving means and a second information processing apparatus having second image data receiving means for receiving image data from the image data distribution means via a network A forming system, wherein the first information processing device is configured to inquire other devices connected to the network about respective model information based on model information inquiring means and model information obtained by the model information inquiring means. When distributing the image data to the device of the model information by the image data distributing means, a process based on the model information is performed on the image data. Characterized by further comprising an image processing means for subjecting the data.
[0016]
The present invention is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the processing based on the model information performed by the image processing means is a processing for changing a data format of image data.
[0017]
Further, according to the present invention, the processing based on the model information performed by the image processing means is a processing for changing the resolution or the number of gradations of the image data.
[0018]
Also, in the present invention according to the first or second aspect, the processing based on the model information performed by the image processing means includes converting the color image data into monochrome image data or converting the monochrome image data into color image data. Is performed.
[0019]
The present invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first information processing apparatus further comprises a distribution destination designating means for designating a distribution destination to which the image data distribution means distributes the image data by a user. And the distribution destination designation means has grouping means for grouping other devices connected to the network, and when the user designates the distribution destination, the apparatus grouped by the grouping means is , Can be specified collectively.
[0020]
According to the present invention, when the image data distribution unit distributes image data to a plurality of image forming apparatuses that perform tandem output, the image processing unit is configured to execute the image data distribution based on the model information. And determining the assigned amount of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses that perform the tandem output.
[0021]
Further, according to the invention according to claim 1 or 2, when the image forming apparatus forms an image by the image forming unit based on image data received by the first image data receiving unit, The image forming apparatus further includes a banner image forming unit that forms an image of a banner indicating a processing result of the image forming.
[0022]
Further, in the invention according to the eighth aspect, the banner formed by the banner image forming means indicates information about a distribution source of the image data.
[0023]
According to the present invention, in the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the first information processing apparatus associates the first information processing apparatus with an address of the destination apparatus when the image data is distributed by the image data distribution unit. , Transmission destination specification information transmission means for transmitting transmission destination specification information comprising predetermined characters or symbols to the distribution destination device.
[0024]
Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a first information processing apparatus having image data distribution means for distributing image data, an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on image data, and receiving image data from the image data distribution means. An image forming system in which an image forming apparatus having first image data receiving means is connected to a network by a network, wherein the image data delivering means delivers image data at a predetermined designated time. .
[0025]
Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a first information processing apparatus having image data distribution means for distributing image data, an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on image data, and receiving image data from the image data distribution means. An image formed by connecting an image forming apparatus having first image data receiving means and a second information processing apparatus having second image data receiving means for receiving image data from the image data distribution means via a network In the forming system, the image data distribution means distributes the image data at a predetermined designated time.
[0026]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0027]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an embodiment of an image forming system according to the present invention.
[0028]
In the present embodiment, an electrophotographic digital copying machine will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus, and a PC (personal computer) will be described as an example of an information processing apparatus. Further, a PC that plays a role of a server in the network system among the plurality of PCs is hereinafter referred to as a server.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system according to the present embodiment is configured by connecting PCs 1 to 3, a server 4, and digital copying machines 5 to 8 via a network 9.
[0030]
Each of the digital copying machines 5 to 8 is capable of reading (scanning) and forming an image (printing) of a document independently. In addition, the digital copying machines 5 to 8 are connected to a network 9 and read by the digital copying machine 5, for example. The transferred image can be transferred to the digital copying machine 6 to form an image on the digital copying machine 6, and vice versa. That is, an image read by one of the digital copying machines 5 to 8 is transferred to another device via the network 9, and an image received from another device via the network 9 is read by any of the digital copying machines 5 to 8. To form an image.
[0031]
In the present embodiment, the server 4 is also connected to the network 9. The server 4 prints the job (image data and processing information that is the content of the processing to be performed when printing this image data (for example, how many pages to how many pages of an image are to be printed) What is the paper size, color printing or monochrome printing, perforating the paper, stapling the paper, automatically folding the paper after image formation, or combining multiple images on one paper A job in which the data is allocated and printed (N in 1, imposition, etc.) is called a job), and the data is transferred to a predetermined digital copying machine 5 to 8, and the digital copying machine performs image formation ( Print).
[0032]
In FIG. 1, the network 9 may be any network such as a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or a token ring, or the Internet. An address (for example, an IP address) on the network is set in advance for each device connected to the network 9, and each device is identified by this address, and communicates with another device connected to the network 9. I do.
[0033]
In FIG. 1, the numerical relationship between the PC, that is, the information processing apparatus, and the digital copying machine, that is, the image forming apparatus is many-to-many, but it goes without saying that this may be one-to-many. .
[0034]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the digital copying machine 5 shown in FIG.
[0035]
The digital copying machines 5 to 8 shown in FIG. 1 have the same basic configuration according to the present embodiment, and therefore, the digital copying machine 5 will be described as a representative here.
[0036]
The digital copying machine 5 includes a network connection unit 51 which is an interface with the network 9 shown in FIG. 1, a control unit 52 for controlling the entire operation of the digital copying machine 5, an image reading unit 53 for reading an image from a document, For example, an image forming means 54 for forming an image on paper or the like, a storage means 55 for storing job data of an image to be formed and other parameters necessary for the operation of the digital copying machine 5, It comprises an input means 56 for inputting operations, instructions and the like, and a display means 57 for displaying various information to the user. Note that the input unit 56 and the display unit 57 may be configured as an integrated operation screen such as a touch panel.
[0037]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the server 4 shown in FIG.
[0038]
The server 4 stores a network connection unit 41 that is an interface with the network 9 shown in FIG. 1, a control unit 42 that controls the operation of the entire server 4, a program executed by the control unit 42, job data, and the like. It comprises a storage unit 43, an input unit 44 for the user to input an operation, an instruction and the like to the server 4, and a display unit 45 for displaying various information to the user.
[0039]
The server 4 may have a function as a DNS (Domain Name System) server.
[0040]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the PC 1 shown in FIG.
[0041]
The PCs 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 1 have the same basic configuration according to the present embodiment, and therefore, the PC 1 will be described as a representative here.
[0042]
The PC 1 includes a network connection unit 11 that is an interface with the network 9 shown in FIG. 1, a control unit 12 that controls the entire operation of the PC 1, and a storage unit that stores programs executed by the control unit 12, job data, and the like. 13, an input unit 14 for the user to input an operation, an instruction and the like to the client PC 1, and a display unit 15 for displaying various information to the user.
[0043]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
[0044]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the operation of the image forming system shown in FIG.
[0045]
First, initialization is performed in each device connected to the network 9 (A-1).
[0046]
For example, in the server 4, a user (preferably a super user such as a system administrator) can perform initial setting using the input unit 44 and the display unit 45. At this time, it is preferable that the input means 44 and the display means 45 provide a GUI (Graphical User Interface).
[0047]
Examples of the initial settings in the server 4 include:
(1) Register (list) the IP address / DNS name of the output destination device in, for example, an address book.
{Circle around (2)} Prescribed IP addresses / DNS names are grouped, and the grouping information is registered in an address book.
{Circle around (3)} Tandem (here, a printing method for shortening the time until all the printouts are performed by sharing a plurality of printouts by a predetermined number of copies by a plurality of digital copying machines is called "tandem"). (For example, it is not preferable to perform tandem between copiers that are located far apart from each other in terms of usability of a user who obtains a print result. It is also not preferable to group a certain copying machine in tandem.) Digital copying machines are grouped with reference to an address book, and the tandem grouping information is registered in the address book.
(4) Register the user account (user name) in the user list.
{Circle around (5)} Set a prohibition that defines a process that is not permitted to the user and a rule that the user cannot use the user, group the users with the same prohibition, and register them in the user group list.
{Circle around (6)} When registering a new user, the user accounts are set to prohibition or user groups are assigned, and the user list is updated.
[0048]
In each of the digital copying machines 5 to 8, the IP address of the server 4 is registered.
[0049]
The user operates the operation unit (input means 56 and display means 57) of the digital copying machine 5 to select the network scanner mode (A-2), and reads the document image by the image reading means 53.
[0050]
Thereafter, the user inputs a user name, a password, and the like, and performs an account process (user authentication based on the user list stored in the storage unit 43 of the server 4) described later with reference to FIG. 6 (A-3). When the account processing is successful, functions available to the user are displayed based on prohibitions set for the user (for example, stored in the storage unit 43 of the server 4), and functions unavailable to the user are displayed. An operation guide or the like for the user that is not displayed is displayed on the operation unit of the digital copying machine 5 (A-4).
[0051]
Note that, in the description here, an example in which the user operates the operation unit of the digital copying machine for reading a document is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The digital copying machine may be remotely operated by the means 14 and the display means 15). The same applies to the following.
[0052]
When the user refers to the display of step (A-4) and inputs the processing he / she wants, the read image data and the processing information are transmitted to the server 4 as a job (A-5), and the server 4 executes a predetermined processing. Processing is performed (A-6). The processing in the server 4 in this step (A-6) will be described later with reference to FIG.
[0053]
Thereafter, job data is transmitted from the server 4 to the device selected by the processing in the server 4 (A-7). At this time, the server 4 registers (lists) the IP address / DNS name of the output destination device in, for example, an address book, and (2) registers the registered IP address / DNS name in the above-described initial setting. Since the specified information is grouped and the grouping information is registered in the address book, it is possible to easily specify the output destination without having to input the IP address every time. Possible and improved usability. The processing of this step (A-7) will be described later with reference to FIG.
[0054]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the account processing shown in step (A-3) of FIG.
[0055]
This account processing is performed by the server 4 having a user list. However, the user list may be obtained by a PC or a digital copying machine, and may be performed by the PC or the digital copying machine.
[0056]
When account information (user name, password, etc.) is input (B-1), it is determined whether the account information matches account information in the user list (B-2). As a result, if the account information does not match the account information in the user list, the failure of the account processing is notified to the digital copying machine 5 (B-3), and the digital copying machine 5 displays the fact by the display means 57, for example. Notify the user.
[0057]
If the account information input in step (B-2) matches the account information in the user list, a plug-in for executing a process available to the user based on the prohibition set for the user ( Software that is provided for each function and can incorporate the function into an application with a simple operation) and output devices (digital copiers and PCs) that can be used by the user (B-4); Is transmitted to the requesting digital copying machine 5 (B-5). The display in step (A-4) is performed based on the information transmitted in step (B-5).
[0058]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the processing in the server shown in step (A-6) of FIG.
[0059]
When the job data is input to the server 4 (C-1), the server 4 inquires each device connected to the network 9 about model information (C-2). As the model information, for example, when the device is a digital copying machine, its serial number is used, and when the device is a PC, the extension of the file name indicating a file format usable on the PC is used. Or the type can be used.
[0060]
By making an inquiry about the model information, it is possible to know the existence status of the copying machine or the PC connected to the network, and to notify the user of the existence status.
[0061]
Subsequently, it is determined whether the process specified by the user is tandem (C-3). If the process is tandem, the process is specified by the user, prohibition set for the user, tandem grouping information of the address book, and the like. , A plurality of digital copying machines to be used in tandem are determined, job data corresponding to each model is created (C-5), and the process proceeds to step (A-7).
[0062]
In the case of tandem, when allocating job data to a plurality of copiers that are in charge of tandem output, for example, a FCOT (First Copy Output Time; original) is set for each copier, and a copy button (start button) is pressed. From the time until the first printed sheet is discharged) based on the information of step (C-2), and the amount to be allocated to each copying machine is determined based on the FCOT. You may.
[0063]
In this embodiment, the server 4 groups (3) tandem-capable digital copiers with reference to the address book and registers the tandem grouping information in the address book. This eliminates the need for inputting and setting a plurality of copiers that handle the tandem output each time.
[0064]
The server 4 may be provided with an automatic tandem grouping function for automatically setting a copying machine having a local IP address as a tandem destination. By limiting to a local IP address in this way, a distant or another person's copying machine can be automatically excluded from the group.
[0065]
In addition, in a plurality of output destination copiers at the time of this tandem, since another printing is currently being performed, even if participating in the tandem, the request cannot be output immediately, and the tandem does not make sense. There are cases. To cope with such a case, in the present embodiment, in the case of tandem, the server 4 inquires of each of the plurality of copying machines in the tandem destination about the current operation status, and requests the tandem according to the operation status. Can be determined.
[0066]
On the other hand, if the process specified by the user is not a tandem, a plug-in process according to the specified process is performed (C-4), and the specification by the user, the prohibition set for the user, and the like are referred to. Then, a device to be output is determined, job data corresponding to the model is created, and (C-5), the process proceeds to step (A-7).
[0067]
As a specific example of the step (C-5) in which the job data is created according to the output model, for example, the resolution or the number of gradations of the image data is converted, or the color image is converted to a monochrome image or a monochrome image. To a color image.
[0068]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process of outputting a job to the designated output destination shown in step (A-7) of FIG.
[0069]
In this processing in the server 4, the job data created in the step (C-5) is input (D-1), and it is confirmed whether or not the designated partner device that outputs the job data is actually operating. In order to do so, it makes an inquiry to the device and waits for a response (D-2, D-3). If there is a response, output is made to the device (D-4).
[0070]
The server 4 has a spool function of spooling job data while waiting for a response from the output destination device. That is, job data is spooled, communication is retried at regular intervals, and a response from the output destination device is waited. Further, when the retry fails a predetermined number of times, the fixed interval at which the communication is retried can be changed (for example, the interval is extended).
[0071]
If there is no response finally, a predetermined process, for example, a process of notifying the user that the output destination device does not respond may be performed.
[0072]
Further, when the user instructs the execution of a job from the digital copying machine 5 or the PC 1, the time for printing out (printing out) may be designated. In this case, it is desirable that the server 4 spool the job data until the designated time.
[0073]
Further, in a digital copying machine that prints out based on the job data transmitted from the server 4, the details of the printout prior to the printout, such as the name of the user who requested the output and the device from which the output was requested. Is preferably printed as a cover (so-called banner function). The cover may be formed by the server 4 and printed unconsciously by the digital copying machine, or may be formed and printed by the digital copying machine. As a result, even when the copier receives a plurality of requests and prints, it is not difficult to determine which print result belongs to which user, and there is an effect that the usability is good.
[0074]
In a digital copying machine that prints out based on the job data transmitted from the server 4, when printing a plurality of pages, a predetermined number (N) of each image of the plurality of pages is printed on one sheet. (So-called Nin1 printing), and a thumbnail can be printed. As a result, the user can use the thumbnail as an index of a series of printed images, and can grasp the document at a glance.
[0075]
When the printing in the step (D-4) in FIG. 8 is completed, it is desirable that the server 4 notifies the user of the completion and information on which copying machine has outputted the information. This notification may be sent by e-mail to the user's e-mail address registered in advance, or may be displayed on the display means 57 of the digital copying machine 5 or the display means 15 of the PC 1 operated by the user. The mail may be transmitted not only to the user who requested the output but also to the system administrator. In addition, it is desirable to notify not only when the distribution of the job data to the PC and the printing by the copying machine are completed normally, but also in the case of an error, together with the situation.
[0076]
In the server 4, the IP address of each device connected by the network 9 is registered. However, predetermined characters and symbols can be registered in association with this IP address. By transmitting the predetermined characters and symbols associated with the destination device to the image data and transmitting the image data, the reliability of image distribution can be improved.
[0077]
When transmitting image data to each device, it is desirable from the viewpoint of security to encrypt and transmit each data. At the time of this encryption, for example, an encoding means for encoding with a user account (user name) and a password is provided at the transmission source, and the transmission destination requests the user to input the user account and the password. Decoding means for decoding with an account and a password may be provided.
[0078]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in an image forming system including an image forming apparatus connected to a network and an information processing apparatus, data exchange is performed without depending on the model of the image forming apparatus connected to the system. In addition, it is possible to provide an image forming system capable of handling a large amount of data and improving user-friendliness.
[0079]
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a function corresponding to each model of the output device.
[0080]
Further, according to the present invention, when inquiring about the model information of the transmission destination, the serial number of the device can be used as the model information, whereby a process unique to the device (for example, a stapling function) can be performed.
[0081]
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to support various data formats (for example, RAW, BMP, TIFF, TXT, TEX, HTML, and PDF) according to the transmission destination device.
[0082]
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to change the resolution and the number of gradations of an image according to the device of the transmission destination, and it is possible to eliminate the dependence on the data model.
[0083]
Further, according to the present invention, since a color image and a monochrome image can be mutually converted according to a destination device, compatibility between a color machine and a monochrome machine can be ensured.
[0084]
Further, according to the present invention, since various functions and processes are performed in the server, when a function expansion, a version upgrade, or the like becomes necessary, it can be dealt with only by introducing it in the server.
[0085]
Further, according to the present invention, by registering and grouping an IP address and a DNS name in advance, it is possible to save the trouble of inputting and setting each time.
[0086]
Further, according to the present invention, a user can be notified of a copying machine or a PC currently existing on the network, and the usability of the user can be improved.
[0087]
Further, according to the present invention, the user can be authenticated, and thereby, the available functions can be restricted for each user.
[0088]
Further, according to the present invention, users can be grouped and restrictions on available functions can be provided for each group, so that the settings can be set collectively, and the cumbersome setting operation can be eliminated.
[0089]
Further, according to the present invention, since the spool function is provided in the server, even if the output destination device is another output, it is possible to wait for the output to be completed, and output the data at an idle time. it can.
[0090]
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to specify the time of printing and output, and output at an arbitrary time.
[0091]
Further, according to the present invention, tandem output can be performed as needed.
[0092]
Further, according to the present invention, the FCOT of a plurality of copiers performing tandem can be ascertained based on the model information of the output destination, and the distribution of the amount in tandem can be changed based on the FCOT. Good tandem output can be realized.
[0093]
Further, according to the present invention, the tandem destinations can be grouped, and the trouble of inputting and setting each time can be saved.
[0094]
Further, according to the present invention, a locally connected copying machine is automatically selected as a tandem destination based on the IP address, so that tandem with a remote copying machine can be prevented.
[0095]
Further, according to the present invention, since the cover page can be output as the banner function at the output destination, it is possible to prevent the request output from being unknown from where.
[0096]
Further, according to the present invention, since the thumbnail of the output product can be printed, it is possible to grasp at a glance what kind of data the content is.
[0097]
Further, according to the present invention, since the delivery result can be transmitted by e-mail, the user can easily know the success or failure of the process.
[0098]
Further, according to the present invention, fixed characters or symbols can be attached to an image for each transmission destination IP address, thereby improving the reliability of a distributed product.
[0099]
Further, according to the present invention, leakage of confidential information can be prevented by encrypting image data to be transmitted.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an embodiment of an image forming system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the digital copying machine 5 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server 4 shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a PC 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a view showing a flowchart of an operation of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an account process shown in step (A-3) of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a view showing a flowchart of processing in the server shown in step (A-6) of FIG. 5;
8 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a process of outputting a job to a designated output destination shown in step (A-7) of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 2, 3 PC
4 server
5, 6, 7, 8 digital copier
9 Network
11 Network connection means
12 control means
13 Storage means
14 Input means
15 Display means
41 Network connection means
42 control means
43 storage means
44 Input means
45 display means
51 Network connection means
52 control means
53 Image reading means
54 Image Forming Means
55 storage means
56 input means
57 display means

Claims (12)

A first information processing apparatus having image data distribution means for distributing image data, an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on the image data, and a first image data receiving image data from the image data distribution means An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus having a receiving unit connected to a network, wherein the first information processing apparatus inquires of other apparatuses connected to the network about respective model information. Inquiring means, and when distributing the image data to the apparatus of the model information based on the model information obtained by the model information inquiring means, performing processing based on the model information to the image data. An image forming system further comprising an image processing unit. A first information processing apparatus having image data distribution means for distributing image data, an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on the image data, and a first image data receiving image data from the image data distribution means An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus having a receiving unit; and a second information processing apparatus having a second image data receiving unit that receives image data from the image data distributing unit. ,
The first information processing apparatus includes: a model information inquiring unit for inquiring other devices connected to the network about respective model information; and a device of the model information based on the model information obtained by the model information inquiring unit. An image forming system, further comprising: an image processing unit that performs a process based on the model information on the image data when the image data is distributed by the image data distribution unit. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the processing based on the model information performed by the image processing unit is a processing of changing a data format of the image data. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the processing based on the model information performed by the image processing unit is a processing of changing a resolution or the number of gradations of the image data. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the processing based on the model information performed by the image processing unit is a processing of converting color image data into monochrome image data or converting monochrome image data into color image data. The image forming system as described in the above. The first information processing apparatus further includes a distribution destination designating unit that designates a distribution destination for distributing image data by the image data distribution unit by a user,
The distribution destination designation means has grouping means for grouping other devices connected to the network, and when a user designates the distribution destination, the devices grouped by the grouping means are collectively collected. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system can be designated by the following. When the image data distribution unit distributes image data to a plurality of image forming apparatuses that perform tandem output, the image processing unit is in charge of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses that perform the tandem output based on the model information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the amount is determined. A banner image forming unit for forming a banner indicating a processing result of the image forming when the image forming apparatus forms an image based on the image data received by the first image data receiving unit; The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising a unit. 9. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein the banner formed by the banner image forming unit indicates information on a distribution source of the image data. The first information processing device transmits the destination specifying information including predetermined characters or symbols associated with the address of the destination device in accordance with the distribution of the image data by the image data distribution unit. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising a destination specifying information transmitting unit that transmits the destination specifying information to the destination device. A first information processing apparatus having image data distribution means for distributing image data, an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on the image data, and a first image data receiving image data from the image data distribution means An image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus having a receiving unit and an image forming apparatus connected via a network,
An image forming system, wherein the image data distribution means distributes image data at a predetermined designated time. A first information processing apparatus having image data distribution means for distributing image data, an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on the image data, and a first image data receiving image data from the image data distribution means An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus having a receiving unit; and a second information processing apparatus having a second image data receiving unit that receives image data from the image data distributing unit. ,
An image forming system, wherein the image data distribution means distributes image data at a predetermined designated time.

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