JP2006187876A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of guaranteeing image formation under a predetermined condition. <P>SOLUTION: When it is judged that an output to content data stored in the image forming apparatus is requested (S31: YES), an input of a content controlling number is requested (S32), and it is judged whether there exist corresponding data by searching the inputted content controlling number from a data controlling table (S34). When it is judged that the corresponding data exist (S34: YES), the outline of the content data outputted is displayed (S36). When the data to be outputted are confirmed by a user (S37: YES), it is judged whether a predetermined outputting condition is satisfied. When the outputting condition is satisfied, an accounting processing is performed if necessary, and the outputting of the data is executed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that realizes image formation under preset conditions.

  An image forming device such as a copier is installed at a convenience store at a street corner, and a copy service is provided to general users. Unspecified number of users can bring book manuscripts and sheet manuscripts and use them easily. The scene is common. A coin vendor is connected to such an image forming apparatus in order to obtain a price for the copy service, and charging processing and settlement processing can be performed for the copy processing.

  When receiving a copy service using an image forming apparatus to which a coin vendor is connected, the user first inserts an appropriate amount of money into the coin vendor. When image formation is completed on one sheet of paper in the image forming apparatus, information to that effect is notified from the image forming apparatus to the coin vendor and the consideration required for the copy processing is subtracted from the amount of money to be inserted. (See, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  In recent years, in addition to a single-function copying machine, a facsimile data transmission / reception function, a printer function for performing print processing based on a print job transmitted from an external computer, image data acquired when a document is read, external data Digital MFPs equipped with a filing function or the like for storing print jobs received from a storage unit such as a hard disk device have been commercialized. By installing such digital multifunction devices in convenience stores, hotels, etc., it is possible to provide printer environments and facsimile transmission services to unspecified users for a fee, and they are beginning to be introduced in reality. .

On the other hand, content such as maps, newspapers, store guides, etc. are stored as image data, and when requested by the user, the content is provided by printing out for a fee or free of charge (hereinafter referred to as content providing device). In the same manner as the image forming apparatus described above, it is installed on a street corner of a convenience store or the like, and a content providing service is provided.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 57-48745 JP-A-10-26910

  However, since the image forming apparatus with a coin vendor and the content providing apparatus as described above are provided as separate apparatuses, when providing a copy service and a printer environment, and providing a content providing service, Both apparatuses must be introduced, and there is a problem that the introduction cost cannot be suppressed. Therefore, it is conceivable to share an image forming apparatus with a coin vendor and a content providing apparatus, and to realize a copy service, a print service, and a content providing service with one image forming apparatus. Since the user can arbitrarily set the paper to be used, the color of the image, the scale at the time of output, etc., there is a problem that the content may not be output in the form desired by the provider. ing.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and stores image data and a job including conditions to be satisfied at the time of image formation in a storage unit, and images based on a job read in response to an external request. When forming, it is determined whether or not image formation that satisfies the above conditions is possible, and if it is determined that execution is impossible, image formation based on the job is prohibited. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that performs image formation only under conditions set by a provider.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image data and a condition to be satisfied when executing image formation based on the image data, and receives a job for instructing image formation based on the image data from the outside and stores it in a storage unit. In the image forming apparatus that stores the image, reads the job from the storage unit in response to an external request, and executes image formation on the sheet, the image forming apparatus based on the job satisfies the condition. And a means for determining whether or not the image formation can be executed, and a means for prohibiting the image formation based on the job when the image formation is determined to be impossible.

  In the present invention, when the job including the image data and the condition to be satisfied at the time of image formation is stored in the storage unit, and the image formation is performed based on the job read in response to an external request, the above condition is satisfied. If it is determined whether or not the image formation that is satisfied is possible and it is determined that the image cannot be executed, the image formation based on the job is prohibited, so that a preset condition is not satisfied. Image formation is prohibited.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes storage means for storing image data received from the outside, reads image data from the storage means in response to an external request, and executes image formation on a sheet In the apparatus, means for receiving a condition to be satisfied when executing image formation based on the image data, means for determining whether image formation that satisfies the condition is executable, and an image that satisfies the condition And a means for prohibiting image formation based on the image data when it is determined that the formation is impossible.

  In the present invention, a condition to be satisfied when executing image formation based on the image data stored in the storage means is accepted, it is determined whether or not image formation that satisfies the condition is possible, and execution is impossible. If it is determined that the image data is determined, the image formation based on the image data is prohibited. Therefore, the image formation under the condition where the preset condition is not satisfied is prohibited.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the condition is received for each piece of image data to be stored in the storage means.

  In the present invention, since the conditions to be satisfied at the time of image formation are received for each of the image data stored in the storage means, it is possible to individually set the conditions for the image data to be stored.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that when it is determined that image formation that satisfies the above conditions cannot be performed, a means for notifying that effect is provided.

  In the present invention, when it is determined that image formation satisfying the conditions required at the time of image formation is impossible, the fact is notified so that even if the conditions are not satisfied at the time of image formation. The image can be formed by adjusting the conditions.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the condition defines a type of sheet on which an image is formed, a color of an image formed on the sheet, or an image to be combined with an image formed on the sheet. It is characterized by.

  In the present invention, as the conditions to be satisfied at the time of image formation, the type of sheet on which the image is formed, the color of the image formed on the sheet, or the image to be combined with the image formed on the sheet is specified. Therefore, image formation is performed under conditions desired by the provider of the image data.

  In the case of the present invention, a job including image data and a condition to be satisfied at the time of image formation is stored in the storage unit, and the above condition is satisfied when image formation is performed based on a job read in response to an external request. It is determined whether or not image formation can be performed. If it is determined that image formation is not possible, image formation based on the job is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to prohibit image formation under a situation where preset conditions are not satisfied, and it is possible to provide a printed matter (content) in a state desired by the provider of the image data.

  In the case of the present invention, a condition to be satisfied when executing image formation based on the image data stored in the storage means is received, and it is determined whether or not image formation that satisfies the condition is possible. When it is determined that there is an image, image formation based on the image data is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to prohibit image formation under a situation where preset conditions are not satisfied, and it is possible to provide a printed matter (content) in a state desired by the provider of the image data.

  In the case of the present invention, the condition to be satisfied at the time of image formation is received for each piece of image data stored in the storage means. Therefore, it is possible to individually set conditions for the image data to be stored, and it is possible to arbitrarily set conditions for each provider and for each image data prepared by the provider.

  In the case of the present invention, when it is determined that image formation that satisfies the conditions required at the time of image formation cannot be executed, a notification to that effect is given. Therefore, even when the conditions are not satisfied at the time of image formation, image formation becomes possible by adjusting the conditions. For example, when the sheet type is set as a condition and image formation is prohibited by not satisfying the condition, it is possible to perform image formation by replenishing the set sheet.

  In the case of the present invention, as the conditions to be satisfied at the time of image formation, the type of sheet on which the image is formed, the color of the image formed on the sheet, or the image to be combined with the image formed on the sheet is specified. . Therefore, image formation is prohibited when the set type of sheet is not set in the image forming apparatus, when there is no color material or developer of the set color, or when the image to be combined cannot be printed satisfactorily. As a result, it is possible to realize image formation under conditions desired by the provider of the image data.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming system according to the present embodiment. This image forming system is a system constructed in, for example, a convenience store, an Internet cafe, a DTP shop (DTP: desktop publishing), a rental office, a university, a hotel, and the like. A print environment is provided for a fee (hereinafter referred to as a print service), and various contents are provided for a fee or free of charge (hereinafter referred to as a content providing service). In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a digital multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. An information processing apparatus 200 used by a content provider is connected to the digital multifunction peripheral 100 via a communication network N1. External information processing apparatuses 300 and 400 are connected via a communication network N2 and a gateway apparatus G. Here, the information processing apparatus 300 is a terminal used by an external content provider, and the information processing apparatus 400 is a terminal used by a general user.

  The information processing apparatus 200 is a personal computer, for example. The content provider creates content using the information processing apparatus 200 or takes content created outside to the information processing apparatus 200 and transmits it to the digital multifunction peripheral 100. The content to be provided is information such as a map, newspaper, store guide, TV program guide, and the like. In this embodiment, the content is provided by a printed matter in which an image is printed on paper. Therefore, a driver program for using the digital multi-function peripheral 100 via the communication network N1 is preinstalled in the information processing apparatus 200. After converting the content into a print job using this driver program, the digital multi-function peripheral 100 is transferred to the information processing apparatus 200. Send. At this time, after setting the specific code for specifying the print job and the output condition required when outputting the content on the setting screen (see FIGS. 4 and 5) generated by the driver program, the digital multifunction peripheral 100 is set. To send to. The same applies to the information processing apparatus 300. A specific code and an output condition are set for content prepared by an external content provider, and then converted into a print job and transmitted to the digital multifunction peripheral 100.

  This specific code is a code including information indicating that the data is for the content providing service, information indicating the charge / free distinction, and a content management number set by the content provider to manage the content. In the digital multi-function peripheral 100, data management is performed in accordance with a specific code assigned to the print job, and when there is an output request for the print job specified by the specific code, the content is processed after charging is performed as necessary. Is output. This billing process is performed by putting money into a coin vendor 150 connected to the digital multifunction peripheral 100.

  On the other hand, the information processing apparatus 400 used by a general user is a personal computer, for example, and generates a print job based on data brought in by the user or data created inside the information processing apparatus 400. The generated print job is transmitted to the digital multi-function peripheral 100 to execute print processing. Therefore, in the information processing apparatus 400, an application program for creating a document, graphics, and the like, a driver program for using the digital multifunction peripheral 100, and the like are installed in advance. A driver program is called from an arbitrary application program, and a print job generated by the driver program is transmitted to the digital multifunction peripheral 100, so that a desired document, graphics, or the like can be output for a fee.

The driver program installed in the information processing apparatus 400 gives a specific code for specifying a print job when generating the print job. The specific code is a code including information indicating that the data is created by a general user, information for identifying the information processing apparatus 400, and a password set by the user when transmitting the print job. When the digital multifunction peripheral 100 receives a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 400, print processing based on the print job is not immediately executed, but is temporarily held inside the digital multifunction peripheral 100. . The digital multi-function peripheral 100 performs data management according to a specific code assigned to the print job, and when an output request is made by inputting the specific code, the digital multifunction peripheral 100 performs output after performing a billing process.
A print job generated by the information processing apparatuses 200 and 300 based on content created by the content provider, and a print job generated by the information processing apparatus 400 based on documents, graphics, and the like created by general users If it is necessary to distinguish between the two, the former is called content data and the latter is called user data.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 100, the coin vendor 150, and the information processing apparatus 300. The digital multifunction peripheral 100 includes a CPU 101. The CPU 101 loads various control programs stored in advance in the ROM 103 onto the RAM 104 and executes them to control various hardware connected via the bus 102. The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is operated as a whole.

 Hereinafter, the configuration of various hardware connected to the bus 102 will be described. The management unit 105 is configured by a non-volatile semiconductor memory, and a part of the storage area is used by content data transmitted from the information processing devices 200 and 300 used by the content provider and used by general users. It is used as a data management table 105a for managing user data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 400. Details of the data management table 105a will be described later.

  The operation panel 106 includes an operation unit 106a that includes various operation keys that accept operations performed by the user, and a display unit 106b that displays information to be notified to the user (see FIG. 10). In the present embodiment, user data and content data stored in the digital multi-function peripheral 100 can be read out using the operation panel 106 and output processing can be executed.

  The image reading unit 107 includes a light source that irradiates light to a reading document, an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), an AD converter, and the like (not shown), and is set at a predetermined reading position. An image of a document is formed on the image sensor and converted into an analog electric signal, and the obtained analog electric signal is converted into a digital signal by an AD converter. Then, digital image data is generated by correcting the light distribution characteristics of the light source at the time of document reading, sensitivity variations of the image sensor, and the like on the digital signal obtained by AD conversion.

  The communication IF 108 includes an interface that conforms to the communication standard of the communication network N1, enables the information processing apparatus 200 to be connected, and is connected to the external communication network N2 via the gateway apparatus G. 300, 400 can be connected. The communication IF 108 receives data from the information processing devices 200, 300, and 400, and conversely transmits information to be notified to the information processing devices 200, 300, and 400. The communication IF 108 controls transmission / reception of such various data.

  The HDD 109 includes a disk-shaped magnetic recording medium and an HDD controller that controls data write / read processing. A part of the storage area is used as a user data storage area 109a for storing user data received through the communication IF 108 and a content data storage area 109b for storing content data.

  The image memory 110 is a volatile semiconductor memory, and temporarily stores image data for each page developed from a print job. The image data stored in the image memory 110 is transferred to the image forming unit 111 according to an instruction from the CPU 101.

  The image forming unit 111 forms an image on a sheet based on the image data transferred from the image memory 110. Therefore, the image forming unit 111 emits an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum by emitting a laser beam in accordance with the photosensitive drum, a charger for charging the photosensitive drum to a predetermined potential, and image data received from the outside. Laser writing device to be generated, developing device for supplying toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum to make it visible, transfer device for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum onto the paper Etc. (not shown), and an image desired by the user is formed on a sheet by electrophotography. In addition to image formation by an electrophotographic method using a laser writing apparatus, an image formation may be performed by an inkjet method, a thermal transfer method, a sublimation method, or the like.

  The connection port 112 includes an interface for connecting the coin vendor 150, and exchanges monetary data with the connected coin vendor 150. The amount data transmitted from the digital multi-function peripheral 100 side to the coin vendor 150 side is data corresponding to the value of the printing process, and the requested amount data is transmitted every time image formation is completed on one sheet. On the other hand, the money amount data transmitted from the coin vendor 150 is data corresponding to the balance of the money that the user puts in as a consideration for the printing process. The digital multi-function peripheral 100 can determine whether the balance is insufficient based on the amount data transmitted from the coin vendor 150.

  The coin vendor 150 includes a control unit 151, a connection port 152, and a money insertion unit 153. The connection port 152 includes an interface for connecting to the digital multi-function peripheral 100, and exchanges monetary data with the digital multi-function peripheral 100. The amount data received at the connection port 152 is output to the control unit 151. Money is input to the money input unit 153 as a consideration for the printing process. The money insertion unit 153 generates money amount data according to the inserted money, and outputs the generated money amount data to the control unit 151.

  The control unit 151 performs a calculation process based on a control circuit that controls communication processing by the connection port 152, a register that temporarily stores amount data input from the connection port 152 and the money input unit 153, and the stored amount data. An arithmetic circuit, a RAM for storing the arithmetic result, and the like are provided. When the control unit 151 accepts the monetary amount data output from the connection port 152, the arithmetic circuit performs a process of subtracting from the monetary amount data stored in the RAM, and the control unit 151 accepts the monetary amount data output from the money input unit 153. In such a case, the arithmetic circuit performs processing for adding to the amount data stored in the RAM. The coin vendor 150 calculates the amount corresponding to the balance out of the amount input by the user as a consideration for the print processing in this way, and transmits the calculated amount data to the digital multifunction peripheral 100.

  The information processing apparatus 300 includes a CPU 301, and the CPU 301 controls hardware such as a ROM 303, a RAM 304, an operation unit 305, a display unit 306, a communication IF 307, an auxiliary storage unit 308, and a storage unit 309 connected to the bus 302. It functions as a device that transmits content data.

  The operation unit 305 is an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and accepts an operation instruction, data input, selection operation, and the like by a user. The display unit 306 includes a CRT display or a liquid crystal display, and displays various setting screens generated by the driver program described above, information to be notified to the user, information input through the operation unit 305, and the like. .

  The communication IF 307 includes a communication interface conforming to the communication standard of the communication network N2, and can be connected to the digital multifunction peripheral 100 via the gateway device G and the communication network N1. The communication IF 307 transmits a print job to the connected digital multi-function peripheral 100, and receives information transmitted from the digital multi-function peripheral 100. The communication IF 307 controls such transmission / reception of various data.

  The auxiliary storage unit 308 includes an FD drive, a CD-ROM drive, and the like for reading various data recorded on a recording medium such as an FD and a CD-ROM. For example, when the driver program is provided by the FD, the driver program is read by the auxiliary storage unit 308 and installed in the storage unit 309. The storage unit 309 is an HDD device, for example, and stores data received through the communication IF 307, data read by the auxiliary storage unit 308, internally created data, and the like.

  Since the internal configuration of the information processing devices 200 and 400 is exactly the same as the internal configuration of the information processing device 300, the description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the types of data stored in the HDD 109 of the digital multifunction peripheral 100. Data stored in the user data storage area 109a of the HDD 109 is data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 400, and is managed with a specific code for distinguishing it from content data. This specific code consists of a seven-digit numerical value and can be set by a driver program installed in the information processing apparatus 400. The first one digit “1” indicates a print service, the next two digits are a device number unique to the information processing device 400, and the remaining four digits are passwords that are arbitrarily set by the user in the driver program. Is shown.

  On the other hand, data stored in the content data storage area 109b of the HDD 109 is data transmitted from the information processing apparatuses 200 and 300, and is managed by giving a specific code for distinguishing it from user data. This specific code consists of a 7-digit numerical value and can be set by a driver program installed in the information processing apparatuses 200 and 300. The first one digit “2” indicates a content providing service, and the next two digits indicate a charge / free charge. In the present embodiment, “01” is a charged content providing service and “02” is a free content providing service. The remaining lower 4 digits are a content management number, which is a number arbitrarily determined by the content provider.

  The content data is generated by converting content created as a document or graphics into a print job using a driver program. In addition to the function of converting content into a print job, the driver program has a function of setting the specific code described above and a function of setting a condition required when outputting the content. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen generated by the driver program. For example, when a driver program is called from an arbitrary application program started by the information processing apparatus 300, the driver program displays the print setting screen 10 as shown in FIG. 4 on the display unit 306 of the information processing apparatus 300. To do. The print setting screen 10 includes a printer setting field 11 that accepts settings of a printer (a digital multifunction peripheral 100 in this embodiment) that is a destination of a print job, a print range setting field 12 that accepts settings of a print range, A specific code setting field 13 for setting a specific code to be added to the content data, an output condition setting button 14 for setting an output condition required when the digital MFP 100 outputs the content, and an outline of the content by a character string A content outline setting button 15 to be received as information is arranged.

  Among the specific codes set in the specific code setting field 13, the upper three digits contain information relating to the charge / free distinction, and the driver program is selected according to the selection of the radio buttons 13a and 13b in the specific code setting field 13. This code is automatically given. In the specific code, the lower 4 digits are a content management number for managing content data, and the content provider is configured to input and set an arbitrary number. When the radio button 13a is selected, the fee for the content can be set by the fee setting column 13c.

  In the print setting screen 10, the output conditions can be set in detail through a screen displayed when the output condition setting button 14 is pressed. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when setting the output condition. The output condition setting screen 20 shown in FIG. 5 includes a paper setting field 21 for setting paper as an output condition, a color printing setting field 22 for setting color printing, and a composite image setting field 23 for setting a composite image. Has been placed.

  When the radio button 21a is selected in the paper setting field 21, it is set that the paper to be output is not designated. That is, in this case, the content can be output on an arbitrary sheet selected by the user. On the other hand, when the radio buttons 21b to 21d are selected, plain paper, color dedicated paper, and tint block printing paper are set as output paper. In this case, it is prohibited to output the content on an arbitrary paper, and the output of the content is permitted under a situation where a preset type of paper (plain paper, color dedicated paper, or tint block printing paper) can be used. .

  When the radio button 22a is selected in the color print setting column 22, it is set that monochrome printing or color printing is not designated when content is output. That is, in this case, the content can be printed in black and white, or can be printed in color. On the other hand, when the radio buttons 22b and 22c are selected, one of monochrome printing and color printing is set as the content output condition. That is, when the radio button 22b is selected, monochrome printing is set as the content output condition, and content output is prohibited in a situation where monochrome printing cannot be performed. When the radio button 22c is selected, color printing is used as an output condition, and content output is prohibited under a situation where color printing cannot be executed due to a lack of toner or the like.

  When the radio button 23a is selected in the composite image setting field 23, it is set not to specify an image to be combined with the content. In other words, output of content is permitted even when an image to be combined with content is not selected. On the other hand, when the radio buttons 23b to 23e are selected, an output condition is that an image prepared in advance or an arbitrary character string set by the content provider is combined with the content and printed. That is, when the radio buttons 23b and 23c are selected, it is a condition that a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image (background pattern A and background pattern B) prepared in advance is combined and printed. When it can be determined that the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image cannot be printed satisfactorily due to shortage or the like, content output is prohibited. When the radio button 23d is selected, the output condition is to synthesize a character string “secondary distribution prohibited”, and when the radio button 23e is selected, any character entered in the character string input field 23f. Combining columns is an output condition.

When the execution button 24 arranged in the lower area of the output condition setting screen 20 is pressed, the setting contents in the setting fields 21 to 23 are confirmed, and the process of returning to the print setting screen 10 described above is performed. Further, when the cancel button 25 arranged in the lower area of the output condition setting screen 20 is pressed, a process for returning to the print setting screen 10 without confirming the setting contents in the setting fields 21 to 23 is performed. .

  When the cancel button 16 is pressed on the print setting screen 10, the process is returned to the application that called the driver program, and when the execute button 17 is pressed, information about the specific code, output condition, and content overview A print job including information regarding the print job is generated, and the print job is transmitted to the digital multi-function peripheral 100.

  When the digital multifunction peripheral 100 receives a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatuses 100 to 300, the history is managed in the data management table 105 a in the management unit 105. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the data management table 105a. In the data management table 105a, a specific code, a reception date and time, an output number, a charge, an output condition, and an outline of content assigned to the received print job are registered in association with each other. For example, the print job received on “December 10, 2004, 10:00” is data (user data) using the print service because the specific code “1019999” is assigned, and the number of output sheets is 15, It is registered that the output fee is 150 yen. The print job received on “December 10, 2004, 10:30” is data (content data) for the content providing service because the specific code “2010001” is given, and the number of output sheets is One sheet is registered with an output fee of 50 yen. In addition, it is specified that the content data is output on color-only paper and output in color as an output condition of the content data, and the fact that the outline of the content is “tourism guide in Nara city” is registered.

  Hereinafter, an operation when the information processing apparatus 300 creates data serving as a content source and transmits the data to the digital multi-function peripheral 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of processing executed when content data is transmitted. When data that is a source of content is created by an arbitrary application program installed in the information processing apparatus 300 (step S11) and the above-described driver program is started from the application program (step S12), The CPU 301 displays the print setting screen 10 shown in FIG. 4 on the display unit 306, and accepts the setting of a content management number (specific code) (step S13) and the setting of output conditions (step S14). Then, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to transmit content data by determining whether or not the execution button 17 has been pressed on the print setting screen 10 (step S15). When determining that there is no content data transmission instruction (S15: NO), the CPU 301 returns the process to step S13.

  When it is determined that there is an instruction to transmit content data (S15: YES), the CPU 301 generates a print job based on the data created in step S11, and the content data generated as the print job is sent to the digital multifunction peripheral 100. Transmit (step S16).

  When the digital multifunction peripheral 100 receives the content data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 300 (step S17), the content management number assigned to the content data is confirmed (step S18), and the duplicate number is the data management. It is determined whether or not it exists in the table 105a (step S19). If it is determined that a duplicate number exists in the data management table 105a (S19: YES), a content management number change request is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 300 (step S20).

  In the information processing apparatus 300, after transmitting the content data in step S16, the CPU 301 determines whether or not a change request for the content management number is received at an appropriate time interval (step S21). Is received (S21: YES), the reset of the content management number is accepted (step S22), and the reset content management number is notified to the digital multi-function peripheral 100 (step S23). In the digital multi-function peripheral 100 notified of the content management number, the processing from step S18 is executed. If it is determined in step S21 that a request for changing the content management number has not been received (S21: NO), the processing by the information processing apparatus 300 is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S19 that no duplicate number exists in the data management table 105a (S19: NO), the content data is stored in the content data storage area 109b of the HDD 109 (step S24), and the output condition is set in the data management table 105a. (Step S25). Then, a transition is made to a standby state in which a content data output request is awaited from the outside (step S26), and the processing according to this flowchart is terminated.

  Next, an operation when executing an output process based on content data stored in the digital multi-function peripheral 100 will be described. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are flowcharts for explaining processing procedures when reading out content data from the digital multifunction peripheral 100 and executing output processing. The CPU 101 of the digital multi-function peripheral 100 determines whether or not there is a content data output request (step S31). The data output request is accepted through the operation panel 106. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the operation panel 106. The operation panel 106 includes an operation unit 106a and a display unit 106b. The operation unit 106a includes various hardware keys, and accepts instructions such as numerical value input, scaling in copy processing, density adjustment settings, black and white copy, color copy start instructions, and cancellation of various settings. The display unit 106b includes a liquid crystal display, and part of the display unit 106b includes a touch panel type software key. In the standby state, a service to be provided to the user can be selected through a software key arranged on the display unit 106b, and it is determined whether or not the software key labeled “content providing service” has been pressed. Thus, it is determined whether or not there is a content data output request.

  If it is determined that there is no content data output request (S31: NO), the process waits until there is a content data output request. In the standby state, when the software key labeled “content providing service” is pressed and it is determined that there is a data output request (S31: YES), the CPU 101 performs content management for the user. The input of a number is requested (step S32). The input of the content management number is requested by displaying a guidance screen on the display unit 106b of the operation panel 106. 11 and 12 are schematic diagrams showing examples of various guidance screens displayed on the display unit 106b. The CPU 101 prompts the input of the content management number by displaying a guidance screen as shown in FIG. The content management number is input by inputting a 7-digit numerical value from a numerical key provided on the operation unit 106a. When the content management number is input, as shown in FIG. 10B, the input content management number (7-digit numerical value) is displayed, and the “OK” key arranged as a software key is pressed. If it is, the entry of the content management number is confirmed.

  The CPU 101 determines whether or not a content management number has been input (step S33). If it is determined that no content management number has been input (S33: NO), the process returns to step S32. If it is determined that the content management number has been input (S33: YES), that is, if it is determined that the “OK” key shown in FIG. 11B has been pressed, the information in the data management table 105a is referred to. It is determined whether or not there is corresponding data (step S34). If it is determined that there is no corresponding data (S34: NO), a guidance screen as shown in FIG. 11C is displayed on the display unit 106b to notify that there is no corresponding data (step S35). The process returns to step S32.

  If it is determined that there is corresponding data (S34: YES), the CPU 101 displays an outline of the content data to be output (step S36). The outline of the content data is information set as a character string through the content outline setting button 15 on the print setting screen 10 shown in FIG. 4, and is registered in the data management table 105a inside the digital multi-function peripheral 100. FIG. 12A is a guidance screen showing an example of a summary display of content data. The CPU 101 determines whether or not the content data to be output through this guidance screen has been confirmed (step S37). When the “cancel” key is pressed on the guidance screen shown in FIG. 12A, it is determined that the content data to be output has not been confirmed (S37: NO), and the CPU 101 executes the process in step S32. Return to.

  If the “OK” key is pressed on the guidance screen shown in FIG. 12A, it is determined that the content data to be output has been confirmed (S37: YES), and the CPU 101 passes through the bus 102. Then, it is determined whether or not the output condition registered in the data management table 105a is satisfied (step S38). For example, when the paper type is set as the output condition, it is determined whether or not the output condition is satisfied by determining whether or not there is a sheet in a predetermined paper feed cassette (not shown). . When the necessity of color printing is set as the output condition, it is determined whether the output condition is satisfied by detecting the remaining amount of toner. Further, when image synthesis is set as an output condition, it is determined whether or not the output condition is satisfied by determining whether or not the synthesized image is in a printable state.

  When it is determined that the output condition is not satisfied (S38: NO), the CPU 101 notifies the fact that the output condition is not satisfied by displaying the fact on the display unit 106b (step S39). FIG. 12B shows an example of a guidance screen displayed when the output condition is not satisfied. The CPU 101 determines whether or not to cancel the output process through this guidance screen (step S40). When the “Continue” key is pressed on the guidance screen shown in FIG. 12B, it is determined not to cancel the output process (S40: NO), and the process returns to step S38. If the “Cancel” key is pressed, it is determined to cancel the output process (S40: YES), and the process according to this flowchart is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S38 that the output condition is satisfied (S38: YES), the CPU 101 determines whether or not charging is required when outputting the target data (step S41). If the output target data is paid content data, it is determined that charging is required (S41: YES), and charging guidance is provided (step S42). FIG. 12C shows an example of a guidance screen that is displayed when charging guidance is performed.

  Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not charging has been completed based on the amount data transmitted from the coin vendor 150 (step S43). If it is determined that charging has not been completed (S43: NO), the process returns to step S42. At this time, if it is determined that charging has not been completed due to insufficient charges, a guidance screen (not shown) indicating that the charges are insufficient is displayed, and the process returns to step S42.

  When it is determined in step S41 that charging is not necessary (S41: NO), that is, when it is determined that the data to be output is free content data, or when it is determined that charging is completed in step S43 (S43: YES), the corresponding data is read from the HDD 109, transferred to the image forming unit 111 via the image memory 110, and data is output by forming an image on the sheet (step S44).

  As described above, in this embodiment, in order to execute the output process in step S44, it is necessary to satisfy the output condition set for the content data, and it is determined in step S38 that the output condition is not satisfied. Even if it was done, it cannot be output under other conditions. That is, the output process is permitted only when the output condition set by the content provider is satisfied, and the output of the content under a condition different from the output condition is prohibited.

  In this embodiment, the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatuses 200 and 300 connected to the outside of the digital multifunction peripheral 100 is used as content data. However, the content data is input through the image reading unit 107 of the digital multifunction peripheral 100. The image data may be received as content data. In this case, the content management number and the output condition are received by the operation panel 106 and registered in the data management table 105a.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to an exemplary embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a digital multifunction device, a coin vendor, and an information processing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing explaining the kind of data preserve | saved at HDD of a digital multi-function peripheral. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen generated by a driver program. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen displayed when setting an output condition. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of a data management table. It is a flowchart explaining the procedure of the process performed at the time of content data transmission. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure when content data is read from the digital multi-function peripheral and output processing is executed. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure when content data is read from the digital multi-function peripheral and output processing is executed. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of an operation panel. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the various guidance screens displayed on a display part. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the various guidance screens displayed on a display part.

Explanation of symbols

100 Digital MFP 101 CPU
102 bus 103 ROM
104 RAM
105 Management Unit 106 Operation Panel 107 Image Reading Unit 108 Communication IF
109 HDD
109a User data storage area 109b Content data storage area 110 Image memory 111 Image forming unit 112 Connection port 150 Coin vendor 200, 300, 400 Information processing apparatus
301 CPU

Claims (5)

The image data and the conditions to be satisfied when executing the image formation based on the image data are received from the outside and stored in the storage unit, and the request for the image formation based on the image data is stored in the storage unit. In response to the image forming apparatus that reads the job from the storage unit and executes image formation on a sheet,
When executing the image formation based on the job, the means for determining whether or not the image formation satisfying the condition is executable, and the image based on the job when it is determined that the image formation is not executable An image forming apparatus comprising: means for prohibiting formation. In an image forming apparatus that includes storage means for storing image data received from outside, reads image data from the storage means in response to an external request, and executes image formation on a sheet.
Means for accepting a condition to be satisfied when executing image formation based on the image data; means for determining whether image formation satisfying the condition is feasible; and image formation satisfying the condition is executed An image forming apparatus comprising: means for prohibiting image formation based on the image data when it is determined that the image data is impossible.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the condition is received for each piece of image data to be stored in the storage unit.   The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising means for notifying that it is impossible to perform image formation that satisfies the condition.   3. The condition according to claim 1, wherein the condition defines a type of a sheet on which an image is formed, a color of an image formed on the sheet, or an image to be combined with an image formed on the sheet. Item 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 4 to 5.

Images