JP3478639B2 - Copy system - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying system in which at least one copying machine and at least one terminal device (workstation, personal computer) are networked by a communication line such as LAN.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a plurality of terminal devices such as workstations and personal computers, and a plurality of copying machines for printing data output from the terminal devices on recording paper have been connected via a communication line such as a LAN. A so-called networked copying system is known. In such a copying system, the operator selects a copying machine capable of outputting a copy job from the copying machine group connected to the network from the terminal device, and directly transfers the output data or the like from the terminal device. .

Further, as a reference technical document related to such a conventional example, for example, a print server that supports a plurality of printers is provided, and the print server has a print condition by an operator and a priority order for each output request item. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-67823 discloses a "print server" that selects and outputs a printer based on an added print output request.

In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 274098/1993, a host computer sends a presentation signal containing print information to each printer, and when the printer receives the presentation signal, the present operating status and ability for the presentation signal are reported. A "print control system" is disclosed in which the computer selects one of the printers by making a judgment and transmitting a response signal to the computer. Furthermore, JP-A-5756
Japanese Patent Publication No. 67 discloses a "communication processing system" that sends the status of a printer to a client process during printing and allows the status of the printer during printing to be confirmed at a remote location.

[0005]

However, in the conventional technique as described above, the following situation is encountered after the copy job is finished or in the management / treatment of the unexecuted copy job. There was a problem because it was not considered.

First, since the copying condition cannot be uploaded from the terminal device to the copying machine, the copying condition which is frequently used for each operator is not held and the copying condition must be set each time. There was a problem.

Secondly, when the copying is being executed, the copying conditions cannot be uploaded to the copying machine, which causes a long waiting time and is inefficient. Thirdly, there is a problem that information such as the end of the copy job cannot be accurately known.

Fourthly, when the copy job is completed, the data corresponding to the copy job is not necessary but exists in the storage area as it is, so that the limited storage area cannot be effectively used. There was a point.

Fifth, there is a problem in that, when the same copy job as the copy condition is to be executed after the copy job is completed, the copy condition must be set each time.

Sixth, when a plurality of copy jobs are set for one copying machine, there is a problem that an arbitrary copy job cannot be selected from among them.
Seventh, there is a problem in that it is necessary to provide a large amount of storage means in order to store the copy condition managed for each copy job, which causes an increase in cost.

Eighth, there is a problem that when the copying conditions for the copy job are not managed on the copying machine side, the copying cannot be performed with the contents of the copying condition of the selected copy job.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and by uploading copying conditions from a terminal device to a copying machine, it is possible to set copying conditions that are frequently used for each operator from the terminal device. A first object of the present invention is to simplify the work such as setting copy conditions and shorten the work time.

A second object is to make it possible to upload the copying conditions to the copying machine even when copying is in progress, to eliminate waiting time, and to improve work efficiency.

A third object of the present invention is to smoothly inform the operator of information such as the end of the copy job so that the subsequent treatment and work can be smoothly executed.

Further, when the copy job is completed and the data corresponding to the copy job is unnecessary, it is possible to effectively use the limited storage area by deleting the corresponding job ID. The purpose of 4.

Further, after the copy job is finished, even if the same copy job as the copy condition is to be executed, it is possible to execute the copy job under the same copy condition without resetting. To aim.

A sixth object is to allow an arbitrary job to be selected from a plurality of jobs when a plurality of jobs are set for one copying machine.

A seventh object is to eliminate a large amount of storage means for storing the mode data managed for each job from the copying machine side to reduce the cost.

An eighth object is to enable copying with the setting contents of the selected job even when the mode setting for the job is not managed on the copying machine side.

[0020]

In order to achieve the above object, in the copying system according to claim 1, at least one copying machine having a unique ID (identification code),
In a copying system having a unique ID and at least one terminal device that requests the copying machine to execute a copy job, and the copying machine and the terminal device are connected by a network, the terminal device is performs an input means for inputting copying conditions of the copy job, based on the saving instruction from the operator, a copying condition storage means you memorize the input copying conditions of the copy job, a display of various information The copying machine is provided with an operating means for inputting and displaying various commands and a unique job ID is assigned to each copy job when a copy job request is input from the terminal device. Job ID
And allocation means, on the basis of the storage instruction of the terminal device, ID to the copy job executed you ID the remembers of the terminal device that requested the unique job ID and the copy job
The storage means and the control means for controlling the execution of the copy job are provided.

In the copying system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the control unit controls the job I via the operation unit.
When D is input, referring to the ID storage means, the copying condition is input from the corresponding terminal device based on the ID of the terminal device corresponding to the input job ID, and the input copying condition is set. Based on this, a copy job is executed.

Further, in the copying system according to the third aspect, the ID storage means stores the job ID assigned by the job ID assigning means and the ID of the terminal device requesting the copy job, and The copy conditions of the corresponding copy job input via the network are stored.

Further, in the copying system according to the fourth aspect, the control means causes the job I to be executed via the operation means.
When D is input, the ID storage means is referred to and the copy job is executed based on the copy condition corresponding to the input job ID.

Further, in the copying system according to the fifth aspect, when the copy job is completed, the control means controls the corresponding terminal device based on the ID of the corresponding terminal device in the ID storage means. In addition to notifying that the copy job is completed, a message prompting confirmation of deletion of the job ID is displayed on the operating means and the display means of the terminal device.

Further, in the copying system according to the sixth aspect, when the control means receives a job ID deletion command from the operation means or the terminal device, it is stored in the ID storage means. The data corresponding to the job ID is deleted.

Further, in the copying system according to the seventh aspect, when the control means receives a job ID saving command from the operating means or the terminal device, it is stored in the ID storage means. The data corresponding to the job ID is saved as it is.

Further, in the copying system according to the eighth aspect, when the control means cannot obtain a reply to the confirmation of the deletion of the job ID from the operation means or the terminal device even after a lapse of a predetermined time, The data corresponding to the corresponding job ID stored in the ID storage means is erased.

Further, in the copying system according to the ninth aspect, when the control means erases or saves the data corresponding to the job ID, a message indicating that the erase operation or the save operation has been executed is displayed. The information is displayed on the display means of the terminal device.

Further, in the copying system according to the tenth aspect, the control means stores the job ID and the erasing command in the ID storing means when the job ID and the erasing command are inputted from the operating means or the terminal device. The data of the job ID to be deleted is deleted.

Further, in the copying system according to the eleventh aspect, the control unit causes the ID storage unit to store the job I.
If a corresponding job ID is not input from the operating means even after a lapse of a predetermined time after D is stored, a confirmation message for erasing or saving the data of the corresponding job ID is output to the terminal device. However, the terminal device
When the confirmation message is input, the confirmation message is displayed on the display means.

Further, in the copying system according to the twelfth aspect, the control means controls the job ID from the terminal device.
When the delete command is received, the data corresponding to the corresponding job ID stored in the ID storage means is deleted.

Further, in the copying system according to the thirteenth aspect, the control means controls the job ID from the terminal device.
When the storage command is received, the data corresponding to the corresponding job ID stored in the ID storage means is stored as it is.

Further, in the copying system according to the fourteenth aspect, if the control means does not receive a response to the confirmation message from the terminal device even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the control means stores it in the ID storage means. The data corresponding to the applicable job ID is deleted.

Further, in the copying system according to the fifteenth aspect, when the control means erases or saves the data corresponding to the job ID, a message indicating that the erase operation or the save operation has been executed is displayed. The information is displayed on the display means of the terminal device.

Further, in the copying system according to the sixteenth aspect, when the control means stores the data related to the job ID assigned by the job ID assigning means in the ID storage means, the corresponding job ID is assigned. The information is displayed on the display means of the terminal device.

Further, in the copying system according to the seventeenth aspect, the terminal device comprises a job managing means for managing a copying condition for each of the copy jobs, and the job managing means operates from the copying machine. The sent job ID is stored in association with the corresponding copy job.

[0037]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The copying system of the present invention will be described below in detail in the order of [First Embodiment], [Second Embodiment], and [Third Embodiment] with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment (Structure of First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of a copying system according to the first embodiment. In the figure, 100 is L
It is a communication line using communication means such as AN (local area network), SCSI (small computer system interface), telephone line, RS-232C, IR (information retrieval system). To the communication line 100, copying machines 101 to 102 as copying machines having a function of a system controller and terminal devices 103 to 106 such as personal computers and workstations are connected.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal construction of the copying machine 101 and the terminal devices 103 and 104 of FIG.
Note that the copying machine 102 has the same configuration as the copying machine 102, and the terminal devices 105 and 106 have the same configuration as the terminal device 103, so description thereof will be omitted.

In the figure, the copying machine 101 is a terminal device 1
A main controller 202 that controls the entire copying machine 101 and the operation of each device, and also functions as a control unit and a job ID assigning unit of the present invention.
A data storage unit 203 as an ID storage unit for storing data such as copy conditions, a display unit 204 as an operation unit having both an input function by an input key and a display function such as an LCD, and a document to be copied. It is composed of a scanner 205 that optically reads, and an image processing unit 206 that performs predetermined image processing on document image data read by the scanner 205.

The terminal device 103 is composed of the copying machines 101 to 101.
System controller 2 that executes communication control with 102
07, a data storage unit 208 for storing various data, an input unit 209 as an input unit for inputting instructions to the copying machines 101-102, copying conditions and copying machines 101-1.
The display unit 210 serves as a display unit for displaying the message from 02. The terminal device 104, like the terminal device 103, has a system controller 211, a data storage unit 212, and an input unit 213.
And a display unit 214.

(Operation of Embodiment 1) Next, regarding the operation of the copying system configured as described above, the terminal device 103
A case where a copy job is executed by the copying machine 101 using the network system will be described. First,
In the terminal device 103, the input unit 209 is used to set copy conditions such as the number of copies, recording paper size, copy density, copy magnification, and whether or not a sorter is used, which are required to execute the copy process.

When the setting of the above copying conditions is completed, a copy job ID request is output to the system controller 201 of the copying machine 101 via the system controller 207 of the terminal device 103. Further, the copy condition at this time is stored in the data storage unit 208. Upon receiving the job request, the system controller 201 communicates to the main control unit 202 that the job request is generated from the ID of the terminal device 103, and further, the main control unit 202 provides a unique job ID for the requested job. Issue.

When the unique job ID is issued, the copying machine 101 issues the issued unique job ID and the ID of the terminal device 103, or the unique job ID of each job, the ID of the terminal device 103 and the terminal. Device 10
The copying conditions designated from No. 3 are collectively managed and stored in the data storage unit 203 based on the data management method for each job ID shown in FIG. At the same time, the copying machine 101 sends a unique job ID from the main control unit 202 to the terminal device 103 via the system controller 201. Upon receiving the response, the terminal device 103 causes the display unit 210 to display the unique job ID that has responded, and clearly indicates the job ID of the requested job to the operator.

The operator who receives the job ID can execute the copy under the set copy condition by inputting the unique job ID from the display section 204 of the copying machine 101.

Further, in the above, the unique job ID input from the display unit 204 is transmitted to the main control unit 202. The main control unit 202 includes the data storage unit 20.
3 based on the copy conditions stored in the scanner 20.
5, the necessary copying conditions are transmitted to the image processing unit 206 and the image processing unit 206, and the copying operation is started. At this time, when the copy condition is not stored in the data storage unit 203, the main control unit 202
From the system controller 201 to the terminal device 103 corresponding to the input unique job ID, to send a copy condition transmission request.

The terminal device 103 having received the transmission request
The copying conditions stored in the data storage unit 208 are transmitted to the copying machine 101. Therefore, the copying machine 101 starts the copying operation based on the received copying conditions.

Next, the unique job ID clearing operation at the end of copying will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the figure, first, it is judged whether or not the job of the specified copy condition is completed (S40).
1). If it is determined that the job is finished here, the copying machine 1
01 notifies the terminal device 103 of the job end of the input unique job ID (S402). Subsequently, a job end message for notifying the operator of the completed unique job ID and the completed job is displayed on the display unit 204 of the copying machine 101 (S40).
3).

Further, the copying machine 101 transmits a message confirming deletion of the unique job ID of the completed job to the terminal device 103 (S404). Here, when the terminal device 103 receives the job completion and the deletion confirmation of the unique job ID, the deletion confirmation message is displayed on the display unit 21.
It is displayed at 0 (S420). For example, as shown in Figure 5, "The copy of job ID.8091 has been completed.
Are you sure you want to delete the job ID? A deletion confirmation message such as “” is displayed on the screen of the display unit 210.

Next, the terminal device 103 determines whether or not to delete the job ID depending on the presence / absence of a command to delete the job ID from the operator (S421). Job ID here
If it is determined to delete the job ID, the unique job ID and the deletion request of the ID are notified to the copying machine 101 (S42).
2). In step S421, the job I
If it is determined that D is not erased, a job ID non-erasure request is notified (S423).

The copying machine 101 determines whether or not there is a response to the deletion request of the unique job ID of the completed job within a predetermined time (S405). If it is determined that there is a response within a predetermined time, it is further determined whether or not the corresponding unique job ID is deleted (S40).
6). If it is determined that the unique job ID is not deleted, the job ID is saved in the data storage unit 203 (S407), and the job ID is saved in the terminal device 103.
(S408).

When it is determined in step S405 that there is no response within a predetermined time, or in step S405.
When it is determined in 406 that the unique job ID is to be deleted, the data storage unit 20 stores the ID of the terminal device 103 corresponding to the corresponding unique job ID, or the ID of the terminal device 103 corresponding to the job ID and the copy condition.
It erases from 3 (S409). Further, when the deletion of the unique job ID is completed, the copying machine 101 notifies the terminal device 103 that the unique job ID has been deleted (S410).

On the other hand, the terminal device 103 has step S42.
2 or step S423 is executed, and when the notification of job ID storage or the notification of job ID deletion is received from the copying machine 101, in the case of deletion, as shown in FIG. A message indicating that the ID has been deleted is displayed.
Further, in the case of saving, as shown in FIG.
A save message "The job ID of 8091 has been saved" is displayed (S424).

(Effects of First Embodiment) According to the first embodiment described above, at least one copying machine 101-102.
In the copying system in which the communication line 100 and at least one terminal device 103 to 106 are networked, from the terminal device 103 to 106 to the copying machines 101 to 102.
By making it possible to set various conditions for copying, the frequently used copying conditions stored for each terminal device can be uploaded and copied even while the copying machines 101 to 102 are copying. Therefore, the setting operation of the copy condition becomes easy, and the time related to the setting can be saved. Furthermore, by notifying the end of copying, the operator can also perform other work, and it is possible to save time and use it effectively.

Further, by deleting the unnecessary job ID after the copying is completed, the data storage areas of the copying machines 101 to 102 can be quickly opened for effective use. Therefore, a smooth copy operation can be realized, and it becomes possible to save the job ID to be continuously used even after the copy is completed, and reset the copy condition and the job ID.
Since the trouble of re-requesting is saved, smooth copying work can be performed.

Further, even if a predetermined time has passed after the end of copying, if there is no instruction for a job ID deletion request or a storage request, the corresponding job ID is forcibly deleted to store data in the copying machine. The area can be used effectively, and other operators can also perform smooth copy work.

[Second Embodiment] (Structure of Second Embodiment) The structure of the second embodiment is the same as that of the copying system described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 described in the first embodiment.

(Operation of Second Embodiment) The operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS.

First, a case where the unique job ID issued by the copying machine 101 is canceled from the terminal device 103 will be described as an example. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a job ID canceling procedure operation according to the second embodiment. In the figure, when the terminal device 103 receives a response of a unique job ID from the copying machine 101 and wants to delete the received unique job ID before copying the response unique job ID, Terminal device 1
A cancel command is input with 03 (S80
1). Then, a unique job ID to be erased is input (S802). Also, the terminal device 103 that receives the input
Sends the cancellation of the job ID to the copying machine 101 which issued the unique job ID (S803).

The copying machine 101 determines whether or not a cancel request has been received from the terminal device 103 (S804).
If it is determined that the cancel request has been received, all data corresponding to the unique job ID for which the cancel request has been issued is deleted from the data storage unit 203 (S80).
5). Next, when the job ID and its corresponding data are deleted, the copying machine 101 notifies the terminal device 103 that has instructed the cancellation request as a message that the unique job ID for which the cancellation request has been made is deleted. (S806). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S804 that there is no cancellation request, this process ends.

Next, the terminal device 103 determines whether or not a notification that the unique job ID for which the cancel request has been issued has been deleted has been received (S807). When the deletion notification is received here, as shown in FIG.
A job ID deletion message "The job ID of 91 has been deleted" is displayed on the display unit 210 (S808). Further, the unique job ID and the copy condition corresponding to the ID are deleted from the data storage unit 208 (S809).

Next, the procedure for forcibly deleting the job ID from the copying machine 101 when the issued unique job ID is not executed even after the lapse of a predetermined time will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the figure, copy machine 1
In step 01, the elapsed time 1 is obtained from the difference between the job ID issuance time and the current time (S901). That is, the terminal device 1
Copier 10 that issued a unique job ID for 03
1, the time when the job ID is issued is stored in the data storage unit 20.
3 is stored and the difference from the current time is obtained as the elapsed time 1. Then, it is determined whether the elapsed time 1 has passed a predetermined time 1 or more (S902).

When it is determined in step S902 that the copying machine 101 has not received a copy of the corresponding unique job ID even if the elapsed time 1 has passed the predetermined time 1 or more, the copying machine 101 determines that the corresponding unique job ID has not been accepted. Job I is issued to the terminal device 103 that issued the job ID.
The deletion confirmation of D is transmitted (S903).

The terminal device 103 judges whether or not the deletion confirmation of the job ID from the copying machine 101 is received (S9).
04). If it is determined that the confirmation for deleting the job ID has been received, the message "The copy of job ID.8091 has not been executed? Are you sure you want to delete the job ID?" Is displayed on the display unit 210 as shown in FIG. Is displayed (S
905).

Next, for the message displayed above,
According to the instruction from the operator, it is determined whether or not the job ID is deleted (S906). If it is determined that the job ID is to be deleted, the terminal device 103 transmits a unique job ID deletion request to the copying machine 101 (S90).
7). If it is determined in step S906 that the job ID is not deleted, the terminal device 103 transmits a unique job ID storage request to the copying machine 101 (S908).

On the other hand, the copying machine 101 performs step S903.
After executing, the elapsed time 2 is obtained from the difference between the job ID clear transmission time and the current time (S909). Therefore, it is determined whether the elapsed time 2 has exceeded the predetermined time 2 (S910). Here, when it is determined that the elapsed time 2 has passed the predetermined time 2 or more, it is further determined whether or not a response is received from the terminal device 103 (S911), and when it is determined that the response is not received, the process returns to step S909.

If it is determined in step S911 that a response has been received, it is further determined whether or not an erase command has been received (S912). Next, step S91.
If it is determined that the elapsed time 2 has not passed the predetermined time 2 or more at 0, or in step S912,
Upon receiving the deletion command, the copying machine 101 forcibly deletes all the data corresponding to the unique job ID to be deleted from the data storage unit 203 (S91).
3). After that, when the unique job ID is forcibly erased, the copying machine 101 transmits to the terminal device 103 as a message that the unique job ID is forcibly erased (S914).

In step S912, when the deletion command is not received, that is, the copying machine 101 which has received the unique job ID storage command which issued the job ID deletion confirmation from the terminal device 103, the above-mentioned unique unique Only the reception time of the job ID is changed, and the data storage unit 2
It is stored in 03 (S915).

On the other hand, when the terminal device 103 receives the fact that the unique job ID is forcibly deleted, the terminal device 103 of FIG.
As shown in, a message of "Job ID.8091 is over the reception time. Job ID was forcibly deleted" is displayed (S916). The data storage unit 20
The unique job ID and the copy condition corresponding to the ID are deleted from S8 (S917).

(Effect of Second Embodiment) According to the second embodiment described above, at least one copying machine 101-102.
In a copying system in which the above and at least one of the terminal devices 103 to 106 are networked by the communication line 100, the job ID and the set copying conditions can be canceled, so that unnecessary data is deleted from the data storage area. ， The limited memory area can be used effectively.

Further, after the job ID is issued, the necessity of the job ID which is not executed even if a predetermined time has elapsed is displayed as a message and the operator is asked to confirm the execution of the copy by the operator, thereby facilitating smooth copying. Work is realized.

Further, in response to the above message, when the issued job ID becomes unnecessary, the limited memory area is effectively used by deleting the data related to the unnecessary job ID from the data storage area. be able to.

When a copy of the issued job ID is required, the job ID can be copied by changing the reception time and storing it in the data storage area, and smooth work can be performed. To be realized. Further, if no response is obtained to the above message, the copying machine 10
By forcibly deleting the corresponding job ID and its copy condition from the memory area of the first data storage unit 203, the limited memory area can be effectively used.

[Third Embodiment] (Structure of Third Embodiment) FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the structure of a copying system according to the third embodiment. In the figure, 12
00 is a LAN cable, and the copying machine 1210 and the terminal device 1220 have communication control units 1211 and 122 respectively.
1 is connected. Further, the copier 1210 includes an ADF (automatic document feeder) 1230 and a sorter 124.
0 and 0 are connected. Note that, in FIG. 12, for the sake of convenience, the copying machine 1210 and the terminal device 1220 are shown one by one, but in the present embodiment, a plurality of copying machines and terminal devices having the same configuration are connected to the LAN cable 1200. Be present.

The copying machine 1210 has a communication control unit 1211.
Scanner 1212 for optically reading a document to be copied
A printer 1213 that prints image data on recording paper, a main controller 1214 that totally controls the entire copying machine, an ID manager 1215 that manages jobs, devices of an operation unit 1216 that inputs and displays copying conditions and the like. It is composed by.

Further, the terminal device 1220 has the communication control unit 1
212, a copying machine management unit 1222 for managing a copying machine (in this case, copying machine 1210) connected to the LAN cable 1200, and job management as a job management means for managing copying conditions for each job set in the copying machine 1210. Part 1
223, display unit 1224 for performing various displays, input unit 1225 for performing various inputs, and CPU 1 for controlling these devices
226, ROM 122 storing a control program
7. A RAM 1228 used as a work memory.

FIG. 13 is a chart showing the internal state of the job management section 1223 including job management. The job ID issued to the terminal device, the machine ID of the terminal device that has set the job, and the copy condition (mode) set for the job are managed in association with each other. In addition,
4 is a chart showing the internal state of the copier management unit 1222. The machine ID of a copying machine existing on the network and the function of the copying machine are managed in association with each other.

FIG. 15 is a chart showing the internal state of the ID management unit 1215 of the copying machine 1210 when the job management function is not included. FIG. 16 shows the terminal device 12 for the copying machine 1210 when the job management function is not included.
20 is a chart showing an internal state of the job management unit 1223 of 20. Here, the job ID set from the copier 1210
And the machine ID of the copier that set the job,
The mode set for the job is managed in association with it.

(Operation of Third Embodiment) Next, the operation of the copying machine system according to the third embodiment configured as described above will be described separately for the terminal device 1220 and the copying machine 1210.

(1) Operation of Terminal Device The operation of the terminal device 1220 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal device 1220 when the power is turned on. In FIG. 17, when the terminal device 1220 is powered on while the copying machine 1210 is already powered on, first, the terminal device 1220 notifies the copying machine 1210 that it can connect to the detection signal. Is transmitted (S1701). After that, communication initialization processing (S
1702), the mode setting process (S1703), and the job transmission process (1704) are sequentially executed. These processes will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the communication initialization processing of the terminal device 1220. In the figure, first, it is determined whether or not there is a detection signal indicating that the copying machine 1210 is powered on and can be connected (S1).
801). If it is determined here that there is a detection signal, an ID transmission request is issued to the copying machine 1210 (S180).
2). When the presence of the copying machine 1210 cannot be confirmed, the copying machine 1210 is not connected and stands by until the power of the copying machine 1210 is turned on.

Next, it is judged whether or not the ID is received from the copying machine 1210 (S1803). If it is determined that the ID is received, this ID is stored in the copying machine management unit 1222 of the terminal device 1220 (S1804). After that, the copying machine 1210 is requested to send the functions and statuses of the copying machine 1210 (S1805), and it is determined whether the function or the like is received (S1806). When it is determined that the function or the like has been received, the received information is stored by being stored in association with the ID of the copying machine 1210 managed by the copying machine management unit 1222 (S180).
7). The information regarding the above functions is, for example, the presence / absence of the sorter 1240, the presence / absence of the ADF 1230, the recording paper size, and the like.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the mode setting process of the terminal device 1220. In the figure, first,
It is determined whether or not the mode is set (copy condition setting) (S1901). If it is determined that the mode is set, it is further determined whether or not a copying machine to execute the copying process is designated (S1902). When it is determined that the copying machine is designated, an input screen is displayed (S1903), and the mode is input (S1904). Then, it is determined whether the input is completed (S1905), and when the input is completed, a machine ID + job ID transmission request is transmitted to the target copying machine (S).
1906).

Then, it is judged whether or not the job ID is received (S1907). If it is determined that the job ID is received, the job ID is registered (S1908), and the job ID is displayed on the display unit 1224 (S1909).

Here, the mode setting process described above will be further described. First, the operator operates the copying machine 1210.
Is input from the input unit 1225 of the terminal device 1220. The terminal device 1220 deletes the mode that cannot be set for the copying machine 1210 from the data managed by the copying machine management unit 1222, or displays an input screen in a state in which it cannot be entered by shading. It is output to the display unit 1224 of the terminal device 1220.

Next, the copy mode is set on the input screen from the input unit 1225 such as a mouse or a keyboard. For example, copy conditions such as a copy magnification of 50%, recording paper-A4 length, repeat 10 and sort mode are designated.
Alternatively, when the mode is first set on the input screen where all the modes can be set, and then the copy machine to which the setting is made is specified, the copy machine can be specified. Alternatively, only the copying machines having the set function may be listed up and selected from the list.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the job transmission process of the terminal device 1220. In the figure, it is determined whether a job transmission request has been received from the copying machine 1210 (S2001). If it is determined that the job transmission request is received, the job is transmitted to the copying machine 1210 (S
2002).

(2) Operation of Copying Machine 1210 Next, the operation of the copying machine 1210 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 21 shows the copying machine 12
It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation of 10. First, the detection signal indicating the connection state is transmitted to the terminal device 1220 (S2101). After that, communication initialization processing (S2102), job ID issuing processing (S2103),
The copy start processing (S2104) is sequentially executed. These processes will be described below with reference to FIGS. 22 to 24.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the communication initialization processing of the copying machine 1210. In the figure,
First, it is determined whether or not there is the above-mentioned detection signal (S22).
01). If it is determined that there is a detection signal, the detection signal is transmitted to the terminal device 1220 (S220).
2). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not an ID transmission request is received from the terminal device 1220 (S2203), and when it is determined that the ID transmission request is received, the ID is transmitted (S220).
4).

Next, it is determined whether or not a function transmission request has been received from the terminal device 1220 (S2205). When it is determined that the function transmission request is received, the function possessed by the own device is transmitted to the terminal device 1220 (S2206). Therefore, as described above, the synchronization is established even when either the terminal device 1220 or the copying machine 1210 is powered on.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the job ID issuing process of the copying machine 1210. In the figure, first, it is determined whether or not a job ID transmission request from the terminal device 1220 has been received (S2301). Job I here
D If it is judged that the transmission request has been received, the machine ID
It registers in the management part 1215 (S2302). Further ID
The management unit 1215 searches for an empty job ID (S23
03), and transmits the corresponding ID to the terminal device 1220 (S2304).

FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing the copy start processing of the copying machine 1210. In the figure, first, a job ID is input (S2401), and then a machine ID is input (S2402). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the start key is turned on (S2403), and when it is determined that it is turned on, it is further determined whether or not the machine ID and the job ID are correct (S2404). If it is determined that the machine ID and the job ID are correct, the job ID and the job transmission request are transmitted to the terminal device 1220 (S2405).

Next, it is determined whether or not a job is received from the terminal device 1220 (S2406). If it is determined that the job is received, the mode is set (S240
7) The copy operation is started (S2408).

Next, among the operations described above, the operation of managing and copying the setting data will be further described.

(Management of Setting Data) Here, the terminal device 1
The mode for each job set from 220 (copying condition)
There are the following two methods, depending on whether the copy machine 1210 or the terminal device 1220 is used to manage the above. First, a method of managing on the copying machine 1210 side will be described.

When the setting end key (not shown) is pressed, the terminal device 1220 transmits the machine ID of the terminal device 1220 and the completion of the setting to the designated copying machine 1210. Upon receiving the setting completion of the terminal device 1220, the copying machine 1210 transmits a mode data transmission request to the terminal device 1220. Then, the terminal device 1220 transmits the set mode to the copying machine 1210, and finally transmits a job ID transmission request. The copier 1210 uses the data until the job ID transmission request is transmitted from the terminal device 1220 as the mode data for one job.
ID corresponding to the machine ID transmitted in advance
It is stored in the management unit 1215.

Then, the ID management unit 1215 searches for an empty job ID and sends the ID to the terminal device 1220. The ID management unit 1215 manages the machine ID of the terminal device 1220, the issued job ID, and the mode set for the job in association with each other. Upon receiving the job ID, the terminal device 1220 displays the ID on the display unit 1224, for example, "Your setting is ID number XXX.
It was registered with X ”.

Next, a method of managing the mode for each job on the terminal device 1220 side will be described. When the setting end key is pressed, the terminal device 1220 causes the designated copying machine 12
A machine ID and a job ID transmission request are transmitted to 10. Upon receiving the machine ID and the job ID transmission request, the copying machine 1210 receives an empty job ID by the ID management unit 1215.
Is stored in the ID management unit 1215 in association with the received machine ID. After that, the job I is transmitted to the terminal device 1220 which has transmitted the job ID transmission request.
Send D. Terminal device 1220 that received the job ID
Is stored in the job management unit 1215 in association with the mode in which the ID is set. Further, the job ID is displayed on the display unit
224, for example, "Your setting is ID number XXXX
It was registered in. ”Is displayed.

(Start of Copy) To execute the copy in the actually set mode, the display unit 12 of the terminal device 1220 is used.
The ID displayed on the screen 24 is used for the operation unit 121 of the copying machine 1210.
6 and input the original on the scanner 1212,
Press the start key. This allows the copying machine 1210
Performs the following two operations.

The first operation is an operation when the copying machine 1210 manages the mode for each job. in this case,
When the start key is pressed, the mode of the job corresponding to the input job ID is read from the job management unit 1223 and copying is started.

The second operation is an operation when the terminal device 1220 manages the mode for each job. In this case, when the start key is pressed, the machine ID corresponding to the job ID input by the ID management unit 1223 is searched, and the job ID is set for the terminal device 1220 that has made the setting.
And send a job send request. Then, the terminal device 122
0 starts the copy operation for setting the mode based on the job received by the job management unit 1223.

Also in the method of starting copying, not only the job ID but also the machine ID of the set terminal device 1220 may be input to the data input to the operation unit 1216 of the copying machine 1210. In this case, it is confirmed by the data of the ID management unit 1215 whether the input job ID is for the input machine ID. Then, by making it possible to copy in the setting mode when they match, security can be improved.

(Effects of the Third Embodiment) The effects of the third embodiment described above will be listed together. First,
By setting multiple jobs at the same time from multiple terminal devices on the network, while another person is setting the copy mode in front of the copying machine, another person can operate the copying machine using the terminal device. It is possible to eliminate the loss of time.

Secondly, since the ID is returned to the set job, when a plurality of jobs are set for one copying machine, an arbitrary job is selected from among them,
The job can be executed. Thirdly, since the job management unit 1223 manages the setting mode for each job, it is possible to perform copying correctly as set by the operator. In addition, since the job is stored in the job management unit 1223, the job can be recalled any number of times later, and since it is stored in the copying machine, the mode setting time can be saved because it does not go through the network. It can be shortened.

Fourth, since the terminal device 1220 has the job management unit 1223, the copying machine 1210 does not need a memory portion for storing jobs, and the cost reduction corresponding to that portion can be achieved. it can. Further, since the job is managed by the terminal device 1220, many settings can be made for one copying machine, and the memory configuration of each terminal device is smaller than that of centralized management by the copying machine. can do.

Fifth, if the mode setting for a job is not managed on the copying machine side, copying can be performed with an arbitrary job setting each time. Sixth, the double input of the job / ID and the machine ID can reduce the input error of calling the wrong job. Further, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary copying by inputting an appropriate job ID.

[0107]

As described above, according to the copying system (Claim 1) of the present invention, at least one copying machine having a unique ID (identification code) and a unique ID, and, and at least one terminal device requesting the execution of a copy job to the copier, in the copying machine and copying system configuration of connecting the terminal device in the network, the terminal device, the copying condition of the copy job input means for inputting a, based on saving instruction from the operator, serial copying condition of said copy job input 憶
Comprises a copying condition storage means you, and display means for displaying various information, said copying machine, operation means for inputting and displaying various commands, and inputs a request of a copy job from the terminal device If the job ID assignment means for assigning a unique job ID to each of the copy job,
On the basis of the storage instruction of the terminal device, and the ID storage unit to the copy job executed you ID the remembers of the terminal device that requested the unique job ID and the copy job,
Since the copy condition is provided from the terminal device to the copying machine, the copy condition that is frequently used for each operator can be set from the terminal device, by controlling the execution of the copy job. It is possible to simplify the work such as setting of, and shorten the work time. Further, when a plurality of jobs are set for one copying machine, an arbitrary job can be selected from among them. In addition, copying conditions based on external storage instructions,
Since the storage of the job ID and the ID of the terminal device is held, it is possible to eliminate the need to set frequently used copying conditions for each job.

The copying system of the present invention (claim 2)
According to the above, when the job ID is input through the operation unit, the control unit refers to the ID storage unit, and based on the ID of the terminal device corresponding to the input job ID, from the corresponding terminal device. Since the copy condition is input and the copy job is executed based on the input copy condition, the work such as setting the copy condition can be simplified and the work time can be shortened.

A copying system of the present invention (claim 3)
According to the above, the ID storage means stores the job ID assigned by the job ID assigning means and the ID of the terminal device requesting the copy job, and also stores the copy condition of the corresponding copy job input via the network. ，
Even when copying is in progress, it is possible to upload the copying conditions to the copying machine, eliminate waiting time, and improve work efficiency.

A copying system of the present invention (claim 4)
According to the above, when the job ID is input through the operation unit, the control unit refers to the ID storage unit and executes the copy job based on the copy condition corresponding to the input job ID. It is possible to simplify the work such as setting conditions and shorten the work time.

The copying system of the present invention (claim 5)
According to the control means, when the copy job is finished,
Based on the ID of the corresponding terminal device in the ID storage means, a message is sent to the corresponding terminal device that the copy job has ended, and a message prompting confirmation of deletion of the job ID is displayed on the operating means and the display device of the terminal device. Since the information is displayed, the operator can be notified of information such as the completion of the copy job, so that the subsequent treatment and work can be smoothly performed.

A copying system of the present invention (claim 6)
According to the above, when the control means receives the job ID deletion command from the operation means or the terminal device, the control means deletes the data corresponding to the corresponding job ID stored in the ID storage means, and therefore corresponds to the copy job. When data is unnecessary, the limited storage area can be effectively used by deleting the corresponding job ID.

A copying system of the present invention (claim 7)
According to the above, when the control means receives a job ID storage command from the operation means or the terminal device, the data corresponding to the corresponding job ID stored in the ID storage means is stored as it is. In the above, even if an attempt is made to execute the same copy job as the copy condition, the copy job can be made executable under the same copy condition without resetting.

A copying system of the present invention (claim 8)
According to the above, when the control means does not receive a response to the confirmation of the deletion of the job ID from the operation means or the terminal device even after the lapse of a predetermined time, the data corresponding to the corresponding job ID stored in the ID storage means. Therefore, the limited storage area can be effectively used.

A copying system of the present invention (claim 9)
According to the above, when the control unit erases or saves the data corresponding to the job ID, the information about the corresponding copy job is displayed in order to display a message indicating that the erase operation or the save operation has been performed on the display unit of the terminal device. Can be accurately notified to the operator.

The copying system of the present invention (claim 1)
According to 0), the control unit deletes the data of the corresponding job ID stored in the ID storage unit when the job ID and the deletion command are input from the operation unit or the terminal device, and therefore the control unit corresponds to the copy job. If the data to be stored is unnecessary, the limited storage area can be effectively used by deleting the corresponding job ID.

The copying system of the present invention (claim 1)
According to 1), the control means stores the job ID in the ID storage means.
If a corresponding job ID is not input from the operating means even if a predetermined time has elapsed after the
A confirmation message as to whether to erase or save the data of D is output to the terminal device. When the confirmation message is input, the terminal device displays the confirmation message on the display unit, so that the unexecuted copy job is appropriately managed. The limited storage area can be effectively used.

The copying system of the present invention (claim 1)
According to 2), when the control unit receives a job ID deletion command from the terminal device, the control unit deletes the data corresponding to the corresponding job ID stored in the ID storage unit, so that an unexecuted copy job is executed. It can be managed appropriately, and the limited storage area can be effectively used.

The copying system of the present invention (claim 1)
According to 3), when the control unit receives a job ID storage command from the terminal device, the data corresponding to the corresponding job ID stored in the ID storage unit is stored as it is. Can be saved if desired.

The copying system of the present invention (claim 1)
According to 4), if the control means does not receive a response to the confirmation message from the terminal device even after a predetermined time has passed,
Since the data corresponding to the corresponding job ID stored in the ID storage unit is erased, the unexecuted copy job can be appropriately managed and the limited storage area can be effectively used. it can.

The copying system of the present invention (claim 1)
According to 5), when the control unit erases or saves the data corresponding to the job ID, a message indicating that the erase operation or the save operation has been executed is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device. It is possible to accurately inform the operator of the information regarding.

The copying system of the present invention (claim 1)
According to 6), when the data relating to the job ID assigned by the job ID assigning means is stored in the ID storage means, the control means causes the display means of the terminal device to display the corresponding job ID. The job ID can be accurately notified to the operator.

The copying system of the present invention (claim 1)
According to 7), the terminal device includes job management means for managing the copy conditions for each copy job, and the job management means associates the job ID sent from the copying machine with the corresponding copy job. Since the data is stored, a large amount of storage means for storing the mode data (copying conditions) managed for each job can be eliminated from the copying machine side, cost can be reduced, and the setting of the copying conditions for the job can be copied. Even if it is not managed by the machine side, it is possible to perform copying with the contents of the copy conditions of the selected job.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an entire network system in a copying system according to first and second embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a device forming the network system of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a table showing a job ID data management method according to the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a job ID deleting operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a job end message displayed on the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a message for notifying that the job ID displayed on the terminal device has been deleted from the copying machine data storage unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a message for notifying that the job ID displayed on the terminal device is stored in the copying machine data storage unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a job ID canceling procedure operation according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a job ID forced deletion operation according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a message displayed on the terminal device when the issued job ID is not executed even after a predetermined time has passed according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a message displayed on the terminal device and notifying that the job ID has been forcibly erased from the copying machine data storage unit according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a copying system according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a table showing an internal state of a job management unit including job management according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a table showing an internal state of a copying machine management unit according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an internal state of the ID management unit of the copying machine when the job management function according to the third embodiment is not included.

FIG. 16 is a table showing the internal state of the job management unit of the terminal device for the copying machine when the job management function according to the third embodiment is not included.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the copying machine according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a communication initialization process of the terminal device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a mode setting process of the terminal device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a job transmission process of the terminal device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of the copying machine according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing communication initialization processing of the copying machine according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing a job ID issuing process operation of the copying machine according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a copy start processing operation of the copying machine according to the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 communication lines 101-102
Copiers 103 to 104 Terminal device 201 System controller 202 Main control unit 203 Data storage unit 204 Display unit 207 System controller 208 Data storage unit 209 Input unit 210 Display unit 1200 LAN 1210 Copier 1220 Terminal device 1215 ID management unit 1216 Operation unit 1223 Job management unit 1224 Display unit 1225 Input unit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Hiroshi Soga 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Co., Ltd. (56) Reference JP-A-6-332639 (JP, A) JP-A 5-258026 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00-1/00 108

Claims (17)

(57) [Claims] 1. At least one copying machine having a unique ID (identification code), and at least one terminal device having a unique ID and requesting the copying machine to execute a copy job. , in the copying machine and copying system configuration of connecting the terminal device in the network, the terminal device includes an input means for inputting copying conditions of the copy job, based on the saving instruction from the operator, the inputted a copy condition storage means a copy condition of the copy job you memorize, and display means for displaying various information, said copying machine, operation means for inputting and displaying various commands, the terminal device If you enter a request for a copy job from a job ID assignment means for assigning a unique job ID to each of the copy job, based on the storage instruction of the terminal device , Characterized in that the copy job executed and control means for controlling the ID storage means you memorize the ID of the requested terminal device a unique job ID and the copy job, the execution of the copy job Copy system. 2. The control means, when a job ID is input via the operation means, refers to the ID storage means, and based on the ID of the terminal device corresponding to the input job ID, 2. The copying system according to claim 1, wherein copying conditions are input from a corresponding terminal device, and a copy job is executed based on the input copying conditions. 3. The ID storage means stores the job ID assigned by the job ID assigning means and the ID of the terminal device requesting the copy job, and copies the corresponding copy job input via the network. The copying system according to claim 1, wherein the condition is stored. 4. When a job ID is input through the operating means, the control means refers to the ID storage means and executes a copy job based on a copy condition corresponding to the input job ID. The copying system according to claim 3, which is executed. 5. The control means, when the copy job is completed, the I / F of the corresponding terminal device of the ID storage means.
Based on D, the relevant terminal device is notified that the copy job is completed, and a message prompting confirmation of deletion of the job ID is displayed on the operation means and the display means of the terminal device. Claims 1, 2,
The copying system described in 3 or 4. 6. The control means erases the data corresponding to the corresponding job ID stored in the ID storage means when a job ID deletion command is received from the operation means or the terminal device. The copying system according to claim 5. 7. The control means, when receiving a job ID storage command from the operation means or the terminal device, stores the data corresponding to the corresponding job ID stored in the ID storage means as it is. The copying system according to claim 5, which is characterized in that 8. The job ID stored in the ID storage means when the control means does not receive a response to confirmation of deletion of the job ID from the operation means or the terminal device even after a predetermined time has elapsed. 6. The copying system according to claim 5, wherein the data corresponding to is deleted. 9. The control means, when erasing or saving the data corresponding to the job ID, causes the display means of the terminal device to display a message indicating that the erasing operation or the saving operation has been executed. The copying system according to claim 6, 7 or 8. 10. The control unit erases the data of the corresponding job ID stored in the ID storage unit when a job ID and a deletion command are input from the operation unit or the terminal device. The copying system according to claim 1, 2, or 3. 11. The control means, when a corresponding job ID is not input from the operating means even if a predetermined time has elapsed after the job ID is stored in the ID storage means, stores the data of the corresponding job ID. 3. A confirmation message for erasing or saving is output to the terminal device, and when the terminal device inputs the confirmation message, the terminal device displays the confirmation message on the display means. The copying system described in 3. 12. The control means, when receiving a job ID deletion command from the terminal device, deletes data corresponding to the corresponding job ID stored in the ID storage means. Item 11. A copying system according to Item 11. 13. The control means, when receiving a job ID storage command from the terminal device, stores the data corresponding to the corresponding job ID stored in the ID storage means as it is. The copying system according to claim 11. 14. The control unit erases the data corresponding to the corresponding job ID stored in the ID storage unit when a reply to the confirmation message is not obtained from the terminal device even after a lapse of a predetermined time. The copying system according to claim 11, wherein: 15. The control means, when erasing or saving the data corresponding to the job ID, causes the display means of the terminal device to display a message indicating that the erasing operation or the saving operation has been executed. 15. The copying system according to claim 12, 13 or 14. 16. The control means is configured such that the data related to the job ID assigned by the job ID assigning means is the ID.
2. The copying system according to claim 1, wherein the corresponding job ID is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device when stored in the storage unit. 17. The terminal device includes a job management unit for managing a copy condition for each copy job, and the job management unit assigns a job ID sent from the copying machine to a corresponding copy job. 17. The copying system according to claim 16, wherein the copying system is stored in association with each other.