JP6561795B2 - Image forming system, image forming method, image forming apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an image forming system, an image forming method, an image forming apparatus, and a program, and in particular, an image forming system including an image forming apparatus that receives input of terminal identification information associated with a print job, and the image forming system The present invention relates to an image forming method, an image forming apparatus constituting the image forming system, and a program executed by a computer of the image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, there is a case where a person different from the person who issued the print job acquires the printed matter of the print job. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-159107) discloses a printing apparatus that outputs printed matter in response to receiving an instruction from a person different from the print job issuer. Thereby, a person other than the person who issued the print job can acquire the printed matter.

JP 2013-159107 A

  The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is targeted for a case where an output destination printing apparatus has already been specified. On the other hand, an image forming apparatus such as a plurality of MFPs (Multi-Functional Peripheral) may be installed in an office. In such a case, the following cases are assumed.

  Mr. Suzuki in the conference room on the 1st floor noticed that there were not enough printed copies just before the start of the conference, and urgently tried to print a document stored in the MFP-A in the 3F room by remote control from the conference room. Mr. Suzuki called on Sato-san's mobile phone in the same department to bring the printed materials because he could not go to the 3F room to collect the printed materials. The phone was connected to Mr. Sato, and Mr. Suzuki got permission from Mr. Sato. However, Sato was on the 2nd floor, not the 3rd floor. If a print job is executed as it is on the 3F MFP-A, the printed matter will be output to the 3F MFP-A. Therefore, Mr. Sato moved from 2F to 3F and picked up the printed matter. It will be necessary to move to the first floor and deliver the printed matter to Mr. Suzuki in the conference room.

  That is, in an office where a plurality of image forming apparatuses are installed, it is preferable that an image forming apparatus that executes a print job is selected according to the position of a person who acquires a printed matter of the print job.

  The present disclosure has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus according to a position of a person who obtains a printed matter of a print job in an image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses. It is to execute a print job.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an image forming system including an information processing apparatus, a terminal separate from the information processing apparatus, and two or more image forming apparatuses is provided. Of the two or more image forming apparatuses, one image forming apparatus inputs a processor for generating a print job and terminal identification information that is associated with the print job and is information for identifying a terminal. Input means for receiving. The processor acquires the degree of distance between each of the two or more image forming apparatuses and the terminal specified by the terminal identification information, and obtains a degree between each of the two or more image forming apparatuses and the terminal specified by the terminal identification information. Based on the degree of distance, a print job transfer destination image forming apparatus is selected from two or more image forming apparatuses, and the print job is transferred to the transfer destination image forming apparatus. . The transfer destination image forming apparatus includes job execution means for executing a print job. The information processing apparatus includes a communication unit for communicating with the input unit and the terminal, and a first control unit for instructing the input unit to generate a print job. The first control unit is configured to output information requesting the terminal to obtain a printed matter of the print job. The terminal has an operation means for accepting an operation for accepting the request for acquisition according to information for requesting acquisition of a printed matter of the print job from the information processing apparatus, and a storage means for storing the terminal identification information And second control means for transmitting terminal identification information stored in the storage means to the information processing apparatus in response to an operation on the operation means.

  Preferably, the first control unit is configured to transmit an e-mail to the terminal as information for requesting acquisition of a printed matter of the print job. The e-mail includes link information to a program for causing the information processing apparatus to transmit terminal identification information. The operation on the operation means includes an operation on the link information. The second control unit is configured to transmit the terminal identification information to the information processing apparatus by executing a program for causing the information processing apparatus to transmit the terminal identification information in response to an operation on the operation unit. .

  Preferably, the information for requesting acquisition of the printed matter of the print job includes an address for accessing a Web page generated in advance. The web page is configured to acquire terminal identification information from the terminal and transmit the terminal identification information to the information processing apparatus in response to input of information for accepting the reception of the print job from the terminal.

  Preferably, the first control unit is configured to output information for requesting acquisition of a printed matter of the print job to the terminal by communicating with the terminal through a telephone line. The operation means is configured to accept an operation for accepting a request as an operation for inputting a push tone.

  Preferably, when none of the two or more image forming apparatuses is located within a predetermined distance from the terminal specified by the terminal identification information, the processor sends the print job to the information processing apparatus. All of the image forming apparatuses are configured to transmit together with information indicating that the image forming apparatus is not located within a predetermined distance from the terminal specified by the terminal identification information. The information processing apparatus is configured to transmit a print job and a job transmission program for transmitting the print job to the image forming apparatus to the terminal, and the terminal executes the job transmission program. Thus, the selection of the image forming apparatus that is the output destination of the print job is received, and execution of the print job is instructed to the selected image forming apparatus.

  Preferably, the terminal identification information is information for identifying a terminal in short-range wireless communication between the terminal and the image forming apparatus.

  Preferably, each of the two or more image forming apparatuses includes a short-range wireless communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication. Each processor of two or more image forming apparatuses specifies terminal identification information from the apparatus identification information acquired by the short-range wireless communication unit as a communication partner, and specifies a communication distance with the apparatus specified by the terminal identification information By doing so, the degree of distance from the terminal is specified.

  Preferably, the near field communication unit communicates with two or more communication methods. The processor is configured to specify the degree of distance to the terminal based on a communication method in which the short-range wireless communication unit can communicate with the device specified by the terminal identification information among the two or more communication methods. Yes.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing apparatus, a terminal, an image forming method for executing a print job in an image forming system that includes a two or more image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming method includes a step in which one of two or more image forming apparatuses generates a print job in response to an instruction from the information processing apparatus , and identifies a terminal associated with the print job A step of receiving input of terminal identification information that is information for performing, a step of acquiring a degree of distance between each of the two or more image forming apparatuses and the terminal specified by the terminal identification information, and two or more images Based on the degree of distance between each of the forming apparatuses and the terminal specified by the terminal identification information, an image forming apparatus having a distance from the terminal that is equal to or less than a predetermined distance is selected from two or more image forming apparatuses. selecting as the transfer destination of the image forming apparatus, and transmitting the print job to the destination of the image forming apparatus of the print job is identified by the terminal identification information End and the distance is nearest the image forming apparatus is in accordance with an instruction execution, and executing the print job, one image forming apparatus, any two or more of the image forming apparatus is a predetermined from the terminal If not below the distance, sending to the information processing apparatus a print job together with information indicating that none of the two or more image forming apparatuses are below the predetermined distance from the terminal. .

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, an image forming apparatus including a communication unit for communicating with an information processing apparatus and a terminal is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a processor for generating a print job in response to an instruction from the information processing apparatus , and an input for receiving terminal identification information that is associated with the print job and is information for identifying a terminal And a processor acquires a degree of distance between each of the two or more image forming apparatuses and the terminal specified by the terminal identification information, and specifies the degree of the distance between the two or more image forming apparatuses and the terminal identification information. Based on the degree of the distance to the terminal to be selected, an image forming apparatus whose distance from the terminal is equal to or less than a predetermined distance is selected as an image forming apparatus to which the print job is transferred from two or more image forming apparatuses. when the print job of the print job and sends to the destination of the image forming apparatus, any two or more image forming apparatus is not located below the distance from the terminal of a given, the information To the processing unit, the print job, any two or more of the image forming apparatus together with information indicating that no position below a distance from the terminal of a predetermined, and is configured to transmit.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a program executed by a computer of an image forming apparatus including a communication unit that communicates with an information processing apparatus and a terminal is provided. The program generates a print job in response to an instruction from the information processing apparatus to the computer, accepts input of terminal identification information that is associated with the print job and is information for identifying the terminal, and 2 Obtaining a degree of distance between each of the two or more image forming apparatuses and the terminal specified by the terminal identification information; and determining a distance between each of the two or more image forming apparatuses and the terminal specified by the terminal identification information A step of selecting, from two or more image forming apparatuses , an image forming apparatus whose distance from the terminal is equal to or smaller than a predetermined distance as an image forming apparatus that is a transfer destination of the print job based on the degree; transmitting a print job to the image forming apparatus, any two or more of the image forming apparatus Do positioned below a distance from the terminal of a given In this case, the information processing apparatus, the print job, any two or more of the image forming apparatus together with information indicating that no position below a distance from the terminal of a given, and a step of transmitting.

  According to the present disclosure, an image forming apparatus that executes a print job is selected from two or more image forming apparatuses in an image forming system according to a distance between each of the two or more image forming apparatuses and a terminal. The Thereby, when the terminal is possessed by the person who acquires the printed matter of the print job, it is possible to avoid a situation where the person moves wastefully in order to acquire the printed matter.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of an image forming system. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the process performed in an image forming system. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of an MFP. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of an operation panel. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an MFP. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation panel of the MFP. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a terminal. It is a figure for demonstrating the procedure performed in an image forming system. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display of a terminal. It is a figure which shows the other example of the screen displayed on the display of a terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the said email typically. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of determining how far a terminal is located from an MFP. It is a sequence diagram in an image forming system. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display of a terminal, when selecting a mail address from an address book. It is a figure which shows an example of a display of the web page for an answer. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for a confirmation displayed on the display of the terminal X of an agent. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed in the terminal of an agent.

  Embodiments of an image forming system will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, these descriptions will not be repeated.

[This embodiment]
<1. Schematic configuration of image forming system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the present embodiment of the image forming system. Image forming system 1 includes four MFPs 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D, a terminal 400, and a terminal 400X. The number of MFPs included in the image forming system 1 is not limited to four. Each of the four MFPs 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D is an example of an image forming apparatus. Each of the terminals 400 and 400X is, for example, a tablet PC (personal computer), a mobile phone, or a smartphone. MFPs 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D can be connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 600.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of processing executed in the image forming system 1. As shown in FIG. 2, in the image forming system 1, four MFPs 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D are arranged in a three-story building. More specifically, two MFPs 100A and 100B are arranged on the third floor (“3F” in FIG. 2) of the building, and two on the second floor (“2F” in FIG. 2) of the building. MFPs 100C and 100D are arranged.

  In the image forming system 1, the user U1 requests the user U2 to obtain a printed matter of a print job instructed by the user U1 and bring it to the meeting room on the first floor. In this case, a user (user U1 in FIG. 2) instructing generation of a print job is different from a user (user U2 in FIG. 2) who obtains printed matter of the print job.

  More specifically, the user U1 requests the MFP 100A on the third floor to generate a print job, and requests the user U2 to obtain a printed matter of the print job. User U2 is located on the second floor. However, the user U1 does not know the current location of the user U2.

  User U1 transmits identification information of terminal 400X possessed by user U2 to MFP 100A. The MFP 100A specifies the degree of distance between the MFP 100A and the terminal 400X, and specifies the degree of distance from the terminal 400X with respect to the other three MFPs 100B, 100C, and 100D in the image forming system 1. Ask.

  An example of the degree of distance is an actual distance between the MFP and the terminal 400X. In this case, each MFP has a distance measuring sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor, and the distance between the terminal 400X and the MFP is specified using the distance measuring sensor.

  Another example of the degree of distance is whether or not the MFP can communicate with the terminal 400X by a short-range wireless communication of a specific method. Each MFP has means (for example, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication device) for short-distance wireless communication using a specific method. Whether or not the MFP can perform a short-range wireless communication of a specific method with the terminal 400X depending on whether or not the means can perform a short-range wireless communication with a terminal having the same identification information as the identification information of the terminal 400X. Specify whether or not. The MFP may output information indicating that the terminal 400X is located in the vicinity of the MFP when communication with the terminal 400X is possible through short-range wireless communication of a specific method. The MFP may output information indicating that the terminal 400X is not located in the vicinity of the MFP when the communication with the terminal 400X cannot be performed by short-range wireless communication of a specific method.

  MFP 100A selects, from MFPs 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D, the MFP that is closest to terminal 400X, based on the degree of distance from terminal 400X that is specified in each of MFPs 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D. . Thereafter, MFP 100A transfers the print job generated in accordance with an instruction from user U1 to the selected MFP. In the example of FIG. 2, the MFP 100A selects the MFP 100D and transfers the print job to the MFP 100D.

  The MFP that has received the transferred print job outputs a printed matter of the print job. The user U2 acquires the output printed matter and delivers it to the user U1. In the example of FIG. 2, for the user U2, the MFP 100D arranged on the second floor outputs a printed matter (“document” in FIG. 2) of the print job. The user U2 acquires the printed matter on the second floor and delivers the printed matter to the user U1 in the conference room on the first floor.

  In the image forming system 1, when the MFP 100A instructed by the user U1 to generate a print job executes the print job, the user U2 located on the second floor moves to the third floor and acquires the printed material by the MFP 100A. It was necessary to bring the printed matter to the meeting room on the floor. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the print job is executed by MFP 100D arranged in the vicinity of user U2 located on the second floor. Thereby, the moving distance of the user U2 can be reduced as much as possible.

  In the present specification, the four MFPs 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D may be referred to as the MFP 100 when referring to the properties common to two or more of them.

  In this specification, the user U1 who gives an instruction to generate a print job is also referred to as a requester (for obtaining a printed matter). Further, the user U2 who acquires the printed material on behalf of the client is also referred to as an agent (for acquiring the printed material). In the present embodiment, the terminal 400 operated by the user U1 who is a client is an example of an information processing apparatus. The terminal 400X operated by the user U2 who is an agent is an example of a terminal.

<2. Appearance of MFP>
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of MFP 100.

  As shown in FIG. 3, MFP 100 includes an image reading unit 2 that optically reads a document to obtain image data, and an image forming unit 6 that prints an image on a sheet based on the image data. On the upper surface of the main body of the MFP 100, a feeder 4 for sending a document to the image reading unit 2 is disposed. Below the MFP 100, a plurality of paper feed units 9 for supplying printing paper to the image forming unit 6 are arranged. In the central part of the MFP 100, a tray 5 on which the printing paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 6 is discharged is disposed.

  An operation panel 300 is mounted on the front side of the upper part of the main body of the MFP 100. Operation panel 300 is installed in the main body of MFP 100 so as to be rotatable by hinge 300A.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the operation panel 300. Operation panel 300 includes a touch panel 320 and hard keys 330. The touch panel 320 displays information and accepts information input operations. As the touch panel 320, any type of touch panel such as a resistive film type or a capacitance type can be adopted.

  In the present embodiment, the operation on the operation panel 300 means that at least the hard key 330 or the touch panel 320 is operated.

<3. Hardware configuration of MFP>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of MFP 100. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the MFP 100 includes a system controller 601, a memory 602, a network interface (I / F) 603, a printer engine 604, an output image processing unit 605, a storage device 606, and an imaging unit 607. An input image processing unit 608, an operation panel 300, a power supply unit 609, a wireless communication unit 611, and a short-range communication unit 612. The system controller 601 includes, for example, a memory 602, a network I / F 603, a printer engine 604, an output image processing unit 605, a storage device 606, an imaging unit 607, an input image processing unit 608, a wireless communication unit 611, a short communication via an internal bus. The distance communication unit 612 and the operation panel 300 are connected.

  The power supply unit 609 is supplied with power from an external power supply. A system controller 601 controls power supply from the power supply unit 609 to each element in the MFP 100. For example, when a power button in operation panel 300 is operated, system controller 601 starts supplying power from power supply unit 609 to each element in MFP 100. For example, when the power button in operation panel 300 is operated again, system controller 601 stops the supply of power from power supply unit 609 to each element in MFP 100.

  A system controller 601 controls the entire MFP 100 for various jobs such as a scan job, a copy job, a mail transmission job, and a print job. The system controller 601 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 621 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 622.

  The CPU 621 executes a control program stored in the ROM 622. The ROM 622 stores various programs for controlling the operation of the MFP 100 and various fixed data. The CPU 621 reads data from the memory 602 and writes data to the memory 602 by performing predetermined processing.

  The memory 602 is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), and is used, for example, for temporary storage of data and image data necessary when the CPU 621 executes a control program.

  The network I / F 603 communicates with external devices (including the terminal 400) via the network in accordance with instructions from the system controller 601. The network I / F 603 is a wired LAN interface. MFP 100 communicates with a device on the LAN to which MFPs 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D are connected using network I / F 603.

  The printer engine 604 performs a printing process on paper or the like based on the print data processed by the output image processing unit 605. In particular, when the MFP 100 operates as a printer, the printer engine 604 prints an image. When the MFP 100 operates as a copier, the printer engine 604 prints an image read by the imaging unit 607.

  For example, when the image is printed, the output image processing unit 605 executes a conversion process for converting the data format of the image into a data format for printing.

  Storage device 606 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various data related to the operation of MFP 100. Storage device 606 may further store image data of a screen displayed on operation panel 300 of MFP 100.

The imaging unit 607 reads an image of the document and outputs it to the input image processing unit 608.
The input image processing unit 608 converts the format of the image data when the image capturing unit 607 reads an image (conversion processing).

  The wireless communication unit 611 is realized by hardware for transmitting and receiving radio waves in accordance with, for example, the WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) standard. MFP 100 can be connected to a LAN to which MFP 100A and the like are connected using wireless communication unit 611. The MFP 100 can directly communicate with the terminals 400 and 400X using the wireless communication unit 611.

  The short-range communication unit 612 is hardware for wireless communication at a shorter distance than the wireless communication unit 611. For example, the short-range communication unit 612 is realized by hardware for transmitting and receiving radio waves in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. MFP 100 can be connected to a LAN to which MFP 100A and the like are connected using short-range communication unit 612. The MFP 100 can directly communicate with the terminals 400 and 400X using the short-range communication unit 612.

  By including the wireless communication unit 611 and the short-range communication unit 612, the MFP 100 can communicate using a plurality of communication methods.

  The communication standards of the wireless communication unit 611 and the short-range communication unit 612 described above are merely examples. If the short-range communication unit 612 has a shorter communication distance than the wireless communication unit 611, the wireless communication unit 611 and the short-range communication unit 612 may communicate with each other by any method.

  In MFP 100, the operation of MFP 100 as described in the present specification is realized by CPU 621 executing an appropriate program. The program executed by CPU 621 may be stored in ROM 622 as described above, may be stored in storage device 606, or may be stored in a storage medium that is detachable from MFP 100. . The storage medium for storing the program includes, for example, CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk-Read Only Memory), USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, memory card, FD (Flexible Disk), hard disk, SSD (Solid State Drive), magnetic tape, cassette tape, MO (Magnetic Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), IC (Integrated Circuit) card (excluding memory card), optical card, mask ROM, It is a medium for storing data in a nonvolatile manner, such as EPROM and EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

  The program according to the present disclosure may be a program module that is provided as part of an operating system (OS) of a computer and that calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. . In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

<4. Operation panel configuration>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of operation panel 300 of MFP 100. The operation panel 300 includes a panel CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) control unit 104, a VRAM (Video RAM), in addition to the touch panel 320 and the hard keys 330 described with reference to FIG. ) 105 and an input / output control unit 111.

  The panel CPU 101 controls the entire operation panel 300 and communicates with a system controller 601 (see FIG. 5) on the MFP 100 main body side.

  The ROM 102 stores a program for controlling the operation of the operation panel 300 and an image displayed on the touch panel 320. A RAM 103 is a work memory of the panel CPU 101.

  The LCD control unit 104 controls display on a display (for example, a liquid crystal display device) included in the touch panel 320. The LCD control unit 104 controls reading / writing of the VRAM 105. The image stored in the ROM 102 is stored in the VRAM 105 by the panel CPU 101 via the LCD control unit 104, read out, and output to the touch panel 320.

  Touch panel 320 includes a display and a touch sensor. The touch panel 320 specifies a touch position (or a position where the conductor is close) on the touch sensor, and outputs the specified position to the input / output control unit 111.

  Based on the display content on the display and the touch position output from the touch panel 320, the input / output control unit 111 identifies the item (menu, function, etc.) selected by the touch operation and outputs it to the panel CPU 101. The input / output control unit 111 may be realized as one function of the same processor as that constituting the panel CPU 101.

  The hard key 330 includes various keys such as a start key, a numeric keypad, and a panel reset key.

  In addition to the above elements, operation panel 300 may include various elements such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) indicating the state of MFP 100 and a buzzer for notification.

  Input operations to the hard keys 330 and the touch panel 320 are transmitted to the system controller 601 via the input / output control unit 111 and the panel CPU 101 as necessary. Thus, MFP 100 main body operates based on an input operation on operation panel 300. For example, when a start key in the hard key 330 is pressed, information indicating that the start key is pressed is communicated to the MFP main body system control unit 100 via the hard key 330, the input / output control unit 111, and the panel CPU 101. Then, a series of copying operations is started.

<5. Configuration of information processing apparatus>
The terminal 400 is an example of an information processing device. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the terminal 400. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the terminal 400 includes a CPU 401, a RAM 402, a storage device 403, a display 404, an input device 405, a wireless communication unit 451, and a short-range communication unit 452 as main components. It has. The CPU 401, the RAM 402, the storage device 403, the display 404, the input device 405, the network I / F 406, the wireless communication unit 451, and the short-range communication unit 452 are connected to each other via an internal bus.

  The CPU 401 is an example of an arithmetic device that executes processing for controlling the overall operation of the terminal 400.

The RAM 402 functions as a work area when the CPU 401 executes processing.
The storage device 403 stores data of various programs such as an OS (Operating System) program and an application program executed by the CPU 401, and data used for executing these programs. Examples of the storage device 403 include a medium for storing data in a nonvolatile manner such as an EEPROM. In addition, a program downloaded via a network may be installed in the storage device 403. When CPU 401 implements the functions described in the present specification by executing a program recorded on a recording medium removable from the main body of terminal 400 and / or a storage medium on a network. There is also a possibility.

  A display 404 is a display device for displaying an image indicating a processing result of a program executed by the CPU 401.

  The input device 405 is an example of an input device for inputting information to the terminal 400 such as inputting an instruction regarding processing of an application being executed. Note that another example of the input device provided in the terminal 400 is a touch sensor provided on the display 404.

  The wireless communication unit 451 is realized by, for example, hardware for transmitting and receiving radio waves according to the WiFi standard. Terminal 400 can be connected to a LAN to which MFP 100A and the like are connected using wireless communication unit 451. Terminal 400 can directly communicate with MFP 100 </ b> A or the like using wireless communication unit 451.

  The short-range communication unit 452 is hardware for wireless communication at a shorter distance than the wireless communication unit 451. For example, the short-range communication unit 452 is realized by hardware for transmitting and receiving radio waves according to the Bluetooth standard. Terminal 400 can be connected to a LAN to which MFP 100A and the like are connected using short-range communication unit 452. Terminal 400 can directly communicate with MFP 100 </ b> A or the like using short-range communication unit 452.

  By providing the wireless communication unit 451 and the short-range communication unit 452, the terminal 400 can communicate with a plurality of communication methods.

  The communication standards of the wireless communication unit 451 and the short-range communication unit 452 described above are merely examples. If the short-range communication unit 452 has a shorter communication distance than the wireless communication unit 451, the wireless communication unit 451 and the short-range communication unit 452 may communicate with each other by any method.

<6. Terminal configuration>
In the present embodiment, terminal 400X is an example of a terminal. The hardware configuration of the terminal 400X may be the same as the hardware configuration of the terminal 400 described with reference to FIG. Therefore, detailed description is omitted.

<7. Procedures Performed in Image Forming System>
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a procedure executed in the image forming system 1. In the image forming system 1, the procedure (1) to the procedure (6) shown in FIG. 8 are executed for transferring the print job from the MFP 100A to the MFP 100D described with reference to FIG. Each procedure will be described below.

  In procedure (1), user U1 uses MFP 400 to instruct MFP 100A to generate a print job. More specifically, the user U1 inputs information specifying the MFP 100A and information specifying the document to be printed into the terminal 400. In response to this, terminal 400 instructs MFP 100A to generate a print job for the designated document.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display 404 of the terminal 400. In order to instruct generation of a print job, the user U1 uses the terminal 400 to remotely operate the MFP 100A. Screen 411 in FIG. 9 is a screen for terminal 400 to specify MFP 100A as a communication partner. Screen 411 includes a column (IP Address) for inputting the IP address of MFP 100A.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a screen displayed on the display 404 of the terminal 400. In order to instruct generation of a print job, the user U1 uses the terminal 400 to remotely operate the MFP 100A. Screen 412 in FIG. 10 is a screen for terminal 400 to specify a document to be output in a print job from documents stored in MFP 100A. The CPU 401 of the terminal 400 acquires a list of documents stored in the storage device 606 of the MFP 100A from the CPU 621 of the MFP 100A, and generates a screen 412 using the list.

  CPU 621 of MFP 100 </ b> A generates a print job in response to an instruction from terminal 400.

  In the procedure (2), the user U1 who is the client uses the terminal 400 to request the user U2 who is the agent to obtain a substitute for the printed matter.

  More specifically, the user U1 transmits information requesting proxy acquisition of a printed matter to the user U2. An example of transmission of the information is transmission of an e-mail addressed to the user U2. Another example of the transmission of the information is transmission of a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for accessing a Web page generated for a reply to the proxy acquisition request. Yet another example of the transmission of the information is to call the user U2.

  When obtaining the approval of the request from the user U2, the user U1 obtains identification information of the terminal 400X possessed by the user U2.

  An example of the procedure (2) will be described more specifically. For example, the user U1 transmits an e-mail addressed to the address associated with the user U2. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the electronic mail.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the e-mail transmitted from the user U1 to the user U2 is displayed on the screen 420 of the terminal 400X operated by the user U2. The mail text displayed on the screen 420 includes two link information 421 and 422. The link information 421 is operated to accept a request for obtaining a printed material. The link information 422 is operated to decline the request. Hereinafter, operations related to these two pieces of link information will be described more specifically.

  The link information 421 is information for executing a program (acknowledgment program) for transmitting an electronic mail including terminal information associated with the terminal 400X. That is, the e-mail transmitted to the user U2 includes a consent program. The consent program is realized as a macro program, for example.

  When the user U2 clicks the link information 421 in the screen 420, the CPU of the terminal 400X executes the above consent program. Thereby, the CPU of the terminal 400X creates a reply e-mail to the user U1. More specifically, the CPU stores the identification information of the terminal 400X (for example, the ID, telephone number, SSID, and / or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) pairing information of the terminal 400X) in the storage device of the terminal 400X. And the identification information is added to the reply e-mail. Thereafter, the CPU transmits the reply e-mail to the user U1.

  The user U1 receives the reply e-mail at the terminal 400. Thereby, the terminal 400 acquires the identification information of the terminal 400X operated by the user U2.

  The link information 422 is information for executing a program (a refusal program) for transmitting a message indicating that a request for obtaining a printed matter is refused. That is, the rejection program is included in the e-mail transmitted to the user U2. The refusal program is realized as a macro program, for example.

  When the user U2 clicks on the link information 422 in the screen 420, the CPU of the terminal 400X generates an e-mail including a message indicating that the request for obtaining the printed matter is refused by executing the above-described answer program. The generated electronic mail is transmitted to the user U1.

  In step (3), terminal 400 notifies MFP 100A of the terminal identification information acquired in step (2) (identification information of the partner terminal with which the client has obtained consent).

  In step (4), MFP 100A determines whether the terminal specified by the terminal identification information received in step (3) is located in the vicinity of MFP 100A. CPU 621 of MFP 100A determines, for example, whether wireless communication unit 611 or short-range communication unit 612 uses the terminal specified by the terminal identification information received in step (3) as the communication partner.

  CPU 621 may determine how far the terminal is located from MFP 100A. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining how far a terminal is located from the MFP.

  In FIG. 12, the communicable range of the wireless communication unit 611 is indicated by an area AR1. A range in which the short-range communication unit 612 can communicate is indicated by an area AR2. CPU 621 specifies the degree of distance between MFP 100 and the terminal depending on whether the terminal can communicate with wireless communication unit 611 and / or short-range communication unit 612. When the terminal cannot communicate with the wireless communication unit 611 or the short-range communication unit 612, the terminal is located outside the area AR1, as indicated by the position P3. When the terminal can communicate with the wireless communication unit 611 but cannot communicate with the short-range communication unit 612, the terminal is located inside the area AR1 and outside the area AR2, as indicated by the position P2. To position. When the terminal can communicate with both the wireless communication unit 611 and the short-range communication unit 612, the terminal is located outside the area AR2, as indicated by the position P1.

  The degree of distance is, for example, the following five types of information (“long-distance-communication impossible” “far-distance—communication is weak” “far-distance—strong communication” “short-distance—communication is weak” “short-distance—communication” Is strong "). These five types of information indicate the length of the distance between the MFP and the terminal in this order. More specifically, “long distance-communication impossible” indicates that the distance between the MFP and the terminal is the largest. “Near field-strong communication” indicates that the distance between the MFP and the terminal is the shortest.

  More specifically, when both the wireless communication unit 611 and the short-range communication unit 612 cannot communicate with the terminal, the CPU 621 outputs “long distance-communication impossible” as the degree of distance between the MFP and the terminal.

  When the wireless communication unit 611 can communicate with the terminal and the radio field intensity received from the terminal by the wireless communication unit 611 is lower than a predetermined threshold and the short-range communication unit 612 cannot communicate with the terminal, the CPU 621 As the degree of the distance, “long-distance-communication is weak” is output.

  When the wireless communication unit 611 can communicate with the terminal and the radio field intensity received from the terminal by the wireless communication unit 611 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, and the short-range communication unit 612 cannot communicate with the terminal, the CPU 621 “Long distance—strong communication” is output as the degree of the distance of the terminal.

  When both the wireless communication unit 611 and the short-range communication unit 612 can communicate with the terminal and the radio field intensity received from the terminal by the short-range communication unit 612 is lower than a predetermined threshold, the CPU 621 As the degree of the distance, "Short distance-weak communication" is output.

  When both the wireless communication unit 611 and the short-range communication unit 612 can communicate with the terminal and the radio field intensity received from the terminal by the short-range communication unit 612 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the CPU 621 “Near field-Strong communication” is output as the degree of the distance of the terminal.

  In step (4), MFP 100A further transmits the terminal identification information received in step (3) to other MFPs 100 (three MFPs 100B, 100C, and 100D) in image forming system 1, and the terminal identification information An inquiry is made as to whether or not the terminal (terminal 400X) specified in (1) is located in the vicinity of each MFP 100.

  In response, each of terminals 400B to 400D generates information for specifying the degree of distance between each of terminals 400B to 400D and terminal 400X in step (5), and transmits the generated information to MFP 100A. To do.

  In step (6), MFP 100A selects an MFP closest to terminal 400X from MFPs 100A to 100D. CPU 621 of MFP 100A selects an MFP using the degree of distance from terminal 400X generated in each of MFPs 100A to 100D. More specifically, the degree of distance from terminal 400X generated in each of MFPs 100A to 100D is shown as information INF01 in FIG.

  In the information INF01, the degree of the distance between the MFP 100A (MFP-A) and the terminal 400X is “long distance—communication is weak”. The degree of distance between MFP 100B (MFP-B) and terminal 400X is “short distance—communication is weak”. The degree of distance between MFP 100C (MFP-C) and terminal 400X is “long distance—strong communication”. The degree of distance between MFP 100D (MFP-D) and terminal 400X is “short distance—strong communication”.

  Comparing the degree of distance between each MFP and the terminal 400X, the MFP 100D is located closest to the terminal 400X. Thereby, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 621 selects the MFP 100D.

  Thereafter, MFP 100A transfers the print job generated in step (1) to selected MFP 100D and instructs execution of the print job. In response to this, MFP 100D to which the print job has been transferred executes the print job.

  The CPU 621 of the MFP 100A may transmit information specifying which MFP is selected to the terminal 400X and / or the terminal 400. In response to the information, the user U2 acquires the printed material of the print job using the MFP 100D.

  FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram in the image forming system 1. Hereinafter, the processing flow described with reference to FIG. 8 will be supplemented with reference to FIG. 13.

  FIG. 13 shows operations of MFPs 100A to 100D, terminal 400, and terminal 400X. In FIG. 13, three functions of the terminal 400 (a remote operation unit, a consent unit, and a communication unit) are described. In the terminal 400, the remote operation unit and the consent unit are realized by the CPU 401 executing a program, for example. The communication unit is realized by a CPU 401 that executes a communication application program, a storage device 403 that stores an address book, and the like, and a wireless communication unit 451 and / or a short-range communication unit 452.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, the remote operation unit of the terminal 400 gives an instruction to generate a print job by remotely accessing the MFP 100 </ b> A, and further calls the approval unit. The acceptance unit requests the address book from the communication unit (contact acquisition request). In response to this, the communication unit outputs an address book.

  The accepting unit selects the mail address of the terminal 400X from the address book. The consent section creates a text format and a macro program for acceptance determination. Thereby, an electronic mail as shown in FIG. 11 is generated.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display 404 of the terminal 400 when an e-mail address is selected from the address book. An address book is displayed on the display 404 as a screen 413. The user selects a destination from the address book.

  The consent unit requests the communication unit to transmit the generated e-mail. The communication unit transmits the electronic mail to terminal 400X (agent terminal). The acceptance determination macro program includes the acceptance program and the rejection program described above. The terminal 400X (agent terminal) replies according to the operation of the user U2.

  In terminal 400, the consent unit confirms the result from terminal 400X with respect to the communication unit. The communication unit returns a result (acceptance or rejection) transmitted from the terminal 400X. If the result is approval, the approval unit notifies the proxy response unit of the identification information of the terminal 400X.

  The consent unit executes control according to the result transmitted from the terminal 400X. If the result is “Accept”, the MFP 100A is instructed to cause the MFP close to the terminal 400X to execute the print job generated by the above instruction.

  MFP 100A selects an MFP close to terminal 400X based on the degree of distance from terminal 400X of each of MFP 100A and MFPs 100B to 100D. The CPU 621 of the MFP 100A transfers the print job to the selected MFP 100D (“if found” in FIG. 13).

  On the other hand, when the MFP located near the terminal 400X is not found, the image forming system operates as described in “when not found” in FIG.

  More specifically, in image forming system 1, CPU 621 of MFP 100 </ b> A transfers the print job to terminal 400 (acceptance unit). The acceptance unit transfers the transferred print job to the agent's terminal 400X. Accordingly, the user of the terminal 400X designates the transferred print job as the transfer destination of the print job. The CPU of terminal 400X transfers the print job to the designated transfer destination (MFP 100C in the example of FIG. 13) (“MFP selection” and “print instruction” in FIG. 13). As a result, the print job is executed at the designated transfer destination.

  In the present embodiment, the print job is executed in the MFP located in the vicinity of the terminal 400X associated with the user U2 who is the agent. Thereby, the moving distance of the user U2 can be reduced as much as possible.

  In the present embodiment, each of four MFPs 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D specifies the degree of distance between each MFP and terminal 400X, and transmits it to MFP 100A. This eliminates the use of GPS (Global Positioning System) for specifying the current location of the user U2. Thereby, the image forming system 1 does not require a facility for using GPS and a server for managing GPS information. Thereby, the selection of the MFP according to the current position of the user U2 is realized at a lower cost.

<8. First Modification>
In the procedure (2) of FIG. 8, the user U1 transmits information requesting proxy acquisition of the printed matter to the user U2. The transmission of the information may be transmission of a URL for accessing a Web page generated for replying to a proxy acquisition request. More specifically, the administrator of the image forming system 1 stores a reply Web page in a server on a network such as a LAN. The image forming system 1 may include a device other than the device shown in FIG. 1 as a server. In image forming system 1, any of MFPs 100A to 100D may function as a server.

  In the procedure (2) of FIG. 8, the client transmits the URL of the Web page for reply from the terminal 400 to the terminal 400X. In response to this, the agent causes the terminal 400X to access the answer Web page. As a result, the CPU of the terminal 400X displays an answer Web page on the display of the terminal 400X. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a Web page for answers.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the Web page 430 includes a button 431 that is operated to accept a request for proxy acquisition of a printed matter, and a button 432 that is operated to decline the request.

  When the user clicks the button 431 in FIG. 15, the CPU of the terminal 400X transmits the terminal identification information of the terminal 400X to the server. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen displayed on the display 404 of the agent terminal 400X.

  A screen 460 in FIG. 16 displays terminal identification information about the terminal 400X. The terminal identification information includes five items (terminal name (IS05), MAC (Media Access Control) address (A0: DD: E5: 37: B8: BC), WiFi SSID (Service Set Identifier) (0A1B2C3DE5F), Bluetooth Terminal name (IS05) and telephone number (090-1010-2233)).

  The above five items are stored in the storage device of the terminal 400X. When the information indicating that the request for acquiring the printed matter is accepted, the CPU of the terminal 400X reads the terminal identification information of the terminal 400X from the storage device of the terminal 400X and displays it on the display (screen 460).

  Screen 460 includes an OK button 461. When the user agrees to transmit the terminal identification information displayed on the screen 460, the user operates the button 461. When the OK button 461 is operated, the CPU of the terminal 400X transmits the terminal identification information of the terminal 400X to the server.

  The Web page includes a description that the terminal identification information transmitted due to browsing of the Web page is transmitted to the terminal 400 to the server. The server transmits the terminal identification information transmitted from the terminal 400X to the terminal 400 according to the description.

  Returning to FIG. 15, when the user U2 clicks the button 432 in FIG. 15, the CPU of the terminal 400 </ b> X rejects the request for acquisition of the printed material by the user U2 designated as the agent to the terminal 400. A message indicating that is sent.

<9. Second Modification>
In the procedure (2) of FIG. 8, the user U1 transmits information requesting proxy acquisition of the printed matter to the user U2. The transmission of the information may be a call to the user U2.

  In this case, an application for specifying the type of answer to the request for proxy acquisition of the printed matter is installed (phone answering application) on the client terminal 400 based on the push tone input through the telephone line.

  More specifically, the telephone answer application is activated and the telephone number of the user U2 is input to the application. In response to this, the CPU 401 of the terminal 400 connects the terminal 400 to the input telephone number through a telephone line. Thereafter, the CPU 401 transmits a message prompting the user to push a button corresponding to the content of the answer to the other party (terminal 400X) through the telephone line. An example of the message to be transmitted is “Please press“ 1 ”if you accept the proxy request from Mr. Suzuki (name of the client)”.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the agent terminal (terminal 400X). A screen 440 in FIG. 17 is an example of a screen displayed on the display of the terminal 400X when the terminal 400X is connected to the client's terminal 400 through a telephone line. Screen 440 includes ten dial buttons representing each of 1 to 0, * button, and # button.

  When the user U2 of the terminal 400X touches the dial button “1” on the screen 440, the CPU of the terminal 400X transmits a push tone corresponding to “1” to the terminal 400. In response to this, the CPU 401 of the terminal 400 executes control corresponding to “1” of the dial button. More specifically, the CPU 401 transmits information requesting transmission of terminal identification information of the terminal 400X through the telephone line. In response to this, the CPU of the terminal 400X transmits the terminal identification information of the terminal 400X to the terminal 400.

<10. Third Modification>
In the present embodiment described above, an instruction to generate a print job from terminal 400 to MFP 100A is realized by user U1 operating terminal 400. The instruction may be realized by the user U1 operating the operation panel 300 of the MFP 100A. More specifically, the operation panel 300 receives an input of a print job generation instruction based on the operation of the hardware button and / or software button of the user U1.

<11. Fourth Modification>
Terminal identification information of terminal 400X may be input to MFP 100A by an operation on operation panel 300 instead of being transmitted from terminal 400 to MFP 100A. For example, when receiving the terminal identification information of the terminal 400X, the CPU 401 of the terminal 400 displays the terminal identification information on the display 404. The user U1 of the terminal 400 inputs the displayed terminal identification information to the operation panel 300.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims. In addition, the invention described in the embodiment and each modification is intended to be carried out independently or in combination as much as possible.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system, 100 Main body system control part, 102,622 ROM, 103,105,402 RAM, 104 Control part, 111 Input / output control part, 300 Operation panel, 300A Hinge, 320 Touch panel, 400,400X terminal, 403, 606 storage device, 404 display, 405 input device, 411, 412, 413, 420, 440, 460 screen, 451, 611 wireless communication unit, 452, 612 short-range communication unit, 421, 422 link information, 601 system controller, 602 Memory, 604 printer engine, 605 output image processing unit, 607 imaging unit, 608 input image processing unit, 609 power supply unit.

Claims (11)

An image forming system comprising an information processing device, a terminal separate from the information processing device, and two or more image forming devices,
Of the two or more image forming apparatuses, one image forming apparatus is:
A processor for generating print jobs; and
Input means for accepting input of terminal identification information that is associated with the print job and is information for identifying the terminal;
The processor is
Obtaining a degree of distance between each of the two or more image forming apparatuses and the terminal specified by the terminal identification information;
Based on the degree of distance between each of the two or more image forming apparatuses and the terminal specified by the terminal identification information, an image forming apparatus to which the print job is transferred from the two or more image forming apparatuses. Selected,
The print job is configured to be transmitted to an image forming apparatus to which the print job is transferred,
The transfer destination image forming apparatus includes job execution means for executing the print job,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Communication means for communicating with the input means and the terminal;
It said communication means, and a first control means for instructing the generation of the print job that pair to said input means,
The first control unit is configured to output information for requesting acquisition of a printed matter of the print job to the terminal.
The terminal
An operation means for accepting an operation for accepting the acquisition request in accordance with information requesting acquisition of a printed matter of the print job from the information processing apparatus;
Storage means for storing the terminal identification information;
Depending on the operation to the operating unit, a second and a control unit, images forming system for transmitting the terminal identification information stored in said storage means to the information processing apparatus. The first control means is configured to send an e-mail to the terminal as information for requesting acquisition of a printed matter of the print job,
The e-mail includes link information to a program for causing the information processing apparatus to transmit the terminal identification information,
The operation on the operation means includes an operation on the link information,
The second control means transmits the terminal identification information to the information processing apparatus by executing a program for causing the information processing apparatus to transmit the terminal identification information in response to an operation on the operation means. It is configured to, the image forming system according to claim 1. The information for requesting acquisition of the printed matter of the print job includes an address for accessing a Web page generated in advance,
The Web page acquires the terminal identification information from the terminal and transmits the terminal identification information to the information processing apparatus in response to input of information for accepting reception of the print job from the terminal. The image forming system according to claim 1 , comprising: The first control unit is configured to output information requesting acquisition of a printed matter of the print job to the terminal by communicating with the terminal through a telephone line.
The image forming system according to claim 1 , wherein the operation unit is configured to accept an operation for accepting the request as an operation for inputting a push tone. If none of the two or more image forming apparatuses is located within a predetermined distance from the terminal specified by the terminal identification information, the processor sends the print job to the information processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus is configured to transmit together with information indicating that none of the image forming apparatuses equal to or higher than a predetermined distance from the terminal specified by the terminal identification information,
The information processing apparatus is configured to transmit the print job and a job transmission program for transmitting the print job to the image forming apparatus to the terminal.
The terminal is configured to receive the selection of an output destination image forming apparatus of the print job by executing the job transmission program, and to instruct the selected image forming apparatus to execute the print job. are, the image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The terminal identification information, the terminal and the information for identifying the terminal in a short-range wireless communication between the image forming apparatus, an image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . Each of the two or more image forming apparatuses includes a short-range wireless communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication,
Each of the processors of the two or more image forming apparatuses includes:
Identify the terminal identification information from the identification information of the device acquired by the short-range wireless communication unit as a communication partner,
By specifying the communication distance between the identified device by said terminal identification information, the is configured to identify the degree of the distance between terminals, according to any one of claims 1 to 6 Image forming system. The short-range wireless communication unit communicates with two or more communication methods,
The processor may specify a degree of distance to the terminal based on a communication method in which the short-range wireless communication unit can communicate with the device specified by the terminal identification information among the two or more communication methods. The image forming system according to claim 7 , which is configured as follows. And an information processing apparatus, a terminal and an image forming method for executing a print job in an image forming system that includes a two or more of the image forming apparatus,
Of the two or more image forming apparatuses, one image forming apparatus is
Generating a print job in response to an instruction from the information processing apparatus ;
Receiving input of terminal identification information, which is information for identifying the terminal, associated with the print job;
Obtaining a degree of distance between each of the two or more image forming apparatuses and a terminal specified by the terminal identification information;
Based on the degree of distance between each of the two or more image forming apparatuses and the terminal specified by the terminal identification information, the distance from the two or more image forming apparatuses to the terminal is a predetermined distance or less. selecting an image forming apparatus which is located as a transfer destination of the image forming apparatus of the print job,
Transmitting the print job to an image forming apparatus to which the print job is transferred;
An image forming apparatus having the closest distance to the terminal specified by the terminal identification information is
Executing the print job in response to the execution instruction ;
The one image forming apparatus includes:
When none of the two or more image forming apparatuses is located below the predetermined distance from the terminal, the print job is sent to the information processing apparatus, and any of the two or more image forming apparatuses is And a step of transmitting together with information indicating that the terminal is not located within a predetermined distance from the terminal . An image forming apparatus including a communication unit for communicating with an information processing apparatus and a terminal,
A processor for generating a print job in response to an instruction from the information processing apparatus ;
Input means for accepting input of terminal identification information that is associated with the print job and is information for identifying the terminal;
The processor is
Obtaining a degree of distance between each of the two or more image forming apparatuses and the terminal specified by the terminal identification information;
Based on the degree of distance between each of the two or more image forming apparatuses and the terminal specified by the terminal identification information, the distance from the two or more image forming apparatuses to the terminal is a predetermined distance or less. select an image forming apparatus which is located as a transfer destination of the image forming apparatus of the print job,
Sending the print job to the image forming apparatus to which the print job is transferred ;
When none of the two or more image forming apparatuses is located below the predetermined distance from the terminal, the print job is sent to the information processing apparatus, and any of the two or more image forming apparatuses is An image forming apparatus configured to transmit together with information indicating that the terminal is not located within a predetermined distance from the terminal . A program executed by a computer of an image forming apparatus including a communication unit that communicates with an information processing apparatus and a terminal,
The program is stored in the computer.
Generating a print job in response to an instruction from the information processing apparatus ;
Accepting input of terminal identification information that is associated with the print job and is information for identifying the terminal;
Obtaining a degree of distance between each of the two or more image forming apparatuses and the terminal specified by the terminal identification information;
Based on the degree of distance between each of the two or more image forming apparatuses and the terminal specified by the terminal identification information, the distance from the two or more image forming apparatuses to the terminal is a predetermined distance or less. selecting an image forming apparatus which is located as a transfer destination of the image forming apparatus of the print job,
Transmitting the print job to an image forming apparatus to which the print job is transferred ;
When none of the two or more image forming apparatuses is located below the predetermined distance from the terminal, the print job is sent to the information processing apparatus, and any of the two or more image forming apparatuses is A program for executing a step of transmitting together with information indicating that the terminal is not located within a predetermined distance from the terminal .

Images