Patent ID: 8520237
Filing Date: 2013-08-27
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus with a print server function, comprising: a communication device connected to a network; an image forming unit connected to said communication device; a print server module connected to said communication device, for transmitting a print request received through said communication device to a designated one of image forming apparatuses connected to said network; a stopping device stopping a process of newly setting a print server of any other apparatus with a print server function connected to said network; a print server determining unit determining, after said process of newly setting a print server is stopped by said stopping device in a predetermined procedure, which of apparatuses having a print server function connected to the network is to be used as a print server; a server enabling unit, connected to receive an output of said print server determining unit, for enabling or disabling said print server module in accordance with the determination by said print server determining unit; a notifying device notifying the apparatuses connected to said network of a result determined by said print server determining unit; and a resuming device resuming, after enablement or disablement of said print server module and after notification by said notification unit, the process of newly setting a print server of any other apparatus with a print server function connected to said network.