JP2008175879A - Image forming apparatus, and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method where, when a user lies in the face of the apparatus, and a printing completion time is made longer, advertisement information or the like are displayed, and the user's dispressure can be softened. <P>SOLUTION: An image reading part 3 and a transceiving part 5 input printing data. A printing management part 15 manages printing treatment conditions per inputted printing data. A confirmation operational part 13 receives the confirmation operation of the printing treatment conditions in the printing data from the outside. A period discrimination part 17 finds the treatment period required for the printing treatment of the printing data based on the printing treatment conditions of the printing management part 15 when the confirmation operation is performed, and discriminates whether the treatment period exceeds a prescribed standard period or not. A display part 11 displays advertisement information when the period discrimination part 17 discriminates that the treatment period exceeds the standard period. A printing part 9 prints the printing data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method suitable for use in a copying machine connected to a network or a multi function peripheral (MFP) having this function.

  In recent years, in a copying machine or a multifunction machine, when the period until printing is completed becomes longer, an advertisement or the like is displayed on the display panel of the main body, and the user waits in front of the copying machine and feels uncomfortable. Techniques to relieve have been proposed.

  As this type of technology, for example, there is JP-A-2003-323083 (Patent Document 1).

  In this patent document, a plurality of types of advertisement information to be displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus is stored in advance, and advertisement information is selected from these according to the image forming conditions set for the image forming apparatus. The information display system displays the selected advertisement information on the display unit from when the image forming unit starts the image forming operation to the end of the operation. By displaying advertisement information of an appropriate length according to the length of the waiting time, the advertising effect using the image forming apparatus is enhanced.

  Furthermore, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-82581 (Patent Document 2) has also been proposed.

This patent document 2 displays and outputs predetermined advertisement information to a user of an image forming apparatus when the image is formed on a recording sheet using the image forming apparatus. When print output is performed, the print output is charged and the charging mode is variable according to the display output of the advertisement information. When the advertisement is displayed during the print output, the print charge is performed according to the advertisement display. To reduce the printing cost.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-323083 JP 2002-82581 A

  However, in Patent Document 1 described above, when the user is not waiting in front of the copier, such advertisement information is not displayed even if advertisement information corresponding to the length of processing time of the print job is displayed. It is meaning and cannot expect the advertising effect.

  Furthermore, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, the printing fee is reduced in accordance with the advertisement display and the printing cost is reduced. When the user is not waiting in front of the copying machine, the printing cost is reduced. Similarly, the display of the advertisement information is meaningless and the advertising effect cannot be expected.

  Therefore, the present inventor has a case in which a user who wants to print transmits print data from a computer to a copier or a multi-function peripheral via a network, and then the user goes to the copier or multi-function peripheral to obtain a printed matter. As a result of carefully observing and examining the process by which the user obtains the printed material in this way, when the user goes to the copier, if the print data is not printed, the print processing status such as the print order is confirmed. Therefore, paying attention to the fact that the confirmation key or the like is often operated, the present invention has been completed.

  In order to solve such a problem, the present invention can start display of predetermined display information from an arbitrary point of time by the user, and can alleviate the user's discomfort even if the print completion time becomes long. An object is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method.

  In order to solve such a problem, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention manages a data input unit for inputting print data, a print unit for printing the print data, and a print processing status of the input print data. A print management unit, a confirmation operation unit that receives a print processing status confirmation operation for the print data from the outside, and a processing period required for print processing of the print data based on the print processing status of the print management unit when the confirmation operation is performed A period determining unit that determines whether or not the processing period exceeds a predetermined reference period, and a display that displays predetermined display information when the period determining unit determines that the processing period exceeds the reference period Part.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the display unit may display game display information or advertisement information as the display information and print information related to print processing of print data.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention may be configured such that the confirmation operation on the confirmation operation unit is performed by a mechanical operation on the apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention may be configured such that the confirmation operation to the confirmation operation unit is a non-contact operation instruction to the apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention may be configured such that the confirmation operation to the confirmation operation unit is a wireless instruction from the RFID device.

  An image forming method according to the present invention receives a data input process for inputting print data, a print management process for managing the print processing status of the input print data, and an operation for confirming the print processing status for the print data from the outside. Confirmation operation process, and when the confirmation operation is performed, a display determination for determining a processing period required for the print processing of the print data based on the print processing status and determining whether the processing period exceeds a predetermined reference period A display process for displaying predetermined display information when the display determination process determines that the processing period exceeds the reference period, and a printing process for printing the print data when the print order of the print data arrives. It has.

  In the image forming method of the present invention, the display process may display game display information or advertisement information as display information and print information related to print processing of print data.

  In the image forming method of the present invention, a configuration in which the confirmation operation process is based on a mechanical operation on the apparatus is also possible.

  In the image forming method of the present invention, the confirmation operation process may be a non-contact operation instruction to the apparatus.

  In the image forming method of the present invention, the confirmation operation process may be a wireless instruction from the RFID device.

  In such an image forming apparatus and image forming method according to the present invention, print data is input, the print processing status is managed for the input print data, and a confirmation operation of the print processing status of the print data is received from the outside. When the confirmation operation is performed, the print processing period of the print data is obtained based on the print processing status, it is determined whether the processing period exceeds a predetermined reference period, and the processing period is determined to exceed the reference period. Since the predetermined display information is displayed when it is performed, the display of the predetermined display information can be started from an arbitrary point in time by the user, and the user's discomfort can be alleviated even if the print completion time is long. .

  In the present invention, in the configuration in which game display information or advertisement information is displayed as the display information and print information related to print processing of print data is displayed, it is difficult for the user to get bored or contributes to well-known information, and the user can It is also possible to grasp.

  In the present invention, in the configuration in which the confirmation operation is performed by a mechanical operation on the apparatus, display information can be started to be displayed by the user's arbitrary intention.

  In the present invention, in the configuration in which the confirmation operation is a non-contact operation instruction to the device, the operation can be automated without requiring a specific operation from the user.

  In the present invention, in the configuration in which the confirmation operation is a wireless instruction from the RFID device, other information can be input together with the operation instruction.

  Embodiments of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The image forming method according to the present invention will be described in the course of describing the image forming apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus A according to the present invention includes an image reading unit 3, a transmission / reception unit 5, a storage unit 7, a printing unit 9, a display unit 11, a confirmation operation unit 13 and others with a control unit 1 as a center. The control unit 1 also functions as a print management unit 15, a period determination unit 17, and an image processing unit 19.

  Under the control of the control unit 1, the image reading unit 3 optically reads print data from, for example, a printed document having a plurality of pages, and performs electronic processing by performing filter processing, scaling processing, γ processing, gradation processing, and the like. A data input unit such as a known scanner for generating print data, and the generated print data is sequentially stored in the storage unit 7 for each page of the document.

  The image reading unit 3 may have an automatic paper feeding mechanism that automatically feeds a document of a plurality of pages. However, since the image reading unit 3 is a known one, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

  The transmission / reception unit 5 receives, for example, image print data online via the known network 21 and outputs it to the control unit 1 under the control of the control unit 1, and a LAN board that transmits predetermined data to the outside. It is a NIC (network interface card) and functions as a data input unit.

  The storage unit 7 is, for example, a hard disk (HDD) that stores print data from the image reading unit 3 or the transmission / reception unit 5, print processing status, and the like in a readable / writable manner under the control of the control unit 1. The print processing status will be described later.

  The printing unit 9 is a known monochrome or color print engine that prints image data for printing stored in the storage unit 7 and the like in a predetermined printing order under the control of the control unit 1 as will be described later.

  The display unit 11 is a liquid crystal display or the like that is disposed in the main body case of the device and displays print information, predetermined display information, and the like under the control of the control unit 1.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the print information is the number of copies to be printed, the number of printed pages, the user name, the file name, etc., and the display information is game display information such as a quiz, advertisement information such as a company And guidance information on the installation location of the device A.

  The confirmation operation unit 13 includes a liquid crystal touch panel disposed in the apparatus main body case (not shown). The image reading unit 3 instructs the image reading unit 3 to start reading print data, and receives and receives print data from the transmission / reception unit 5. It has a function of receiving an instruction and a print processing status for the print data, for example, a print order confirmation of the print data from the outside by a key pressing operation or the like, and is controlled by the control unit 1. Note that the confirmation operation unit 13 may be configured integrally with the display unit 11.

  The control unit 1 controls the image reading unit 3, the transmission / reception unit 5, the storage unit 7, the printing unit 9, the confirmation operation unit 13, and the display unit 11. The CPU that forms the main part of the control calculation function and the operation of this CPU It has a ROM that stores software and has the following control functions.

  That is, the print management unit 15 of the control unit 1 manages the print order in the print unit 9 and other print processing statuses for the input print data, and controls the print processing status to be readable and writable in the storage unit 7 as data. It has a function to do.

  The print processing status includes the user name, file name, and print order for each print data (print job), as well as the number of copies, the number of printed pages, the amount of data, whether processing / unprocessed, etc. At least the print order is required.

  The period discriminating unit 17 of the control unit 1 is instructed to confirm based on the print processing status in the print management unit 15 when a confirmation operation is performed by inputting the user name or file name of the print data to the confirmation operation unit 13. It has a function of determining a print processing period (print completion period) of the print data and determining whether the process period exceeds a predetermined reference period. When the process period exceeds the reference period, for example, game display information Is displayed on the display unit 11.

  The reference period is a period from an extremely short period of several seconds to several tens of seconds. For example, the reference period is set via the control unit 1 from the confirmation operation unit 13 or the like.

  When the display unit 11 controls display of game display information and the like on the display unit 11, the period determination unit 17 of the control unit 1 prints the print data, such as the number of print data, the number of print pages, the user name, and the file name, as shown in FIG. The display control of the information is also performed, and the display of the game display information and the print information on the display unit 11 is terminated based on the detection of the end of the printing process based on the paper count from the paper feed tray and the passage of the final sheet in the printing unit 9. It has a function to control.

  The image processing unit 19 of the control unit 1 has a function of performing, for example, image processing for generating image data for printing for each page based on the print data stored in the storage unit 7 and storing it in the storage unit 7. belongs to.

  The image forming apparatus A according to the present invention is connected to computers B and C via a network 21 as shown in FIG. 3, for example, and receives print data from the computers B and C from the transmission / reception unit 5. Thus, the print data can be printed and the printed matter can be acquired by the apparatus A.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus A according to the present invention will be briefly described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 4, the printing process step is omitted.

  When the program is started, print data is input from, for example, the transmission / reception unit 5 in step S1, and then predetermined image processing is performed. In step S2, a print data processing status confirmation operation is performed. In S3, the calculation of the print processing period until the printing of the print data is completed is executed, and the process proceeds to Step S4.

  In step S4, as shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not the period until the printing is completed exceeds the reference period. If the period until the printing is completed is shorter than the reference period and step S4 is NO, the process proceeds to step S6. If the print completion period is longer than the reference period, step S4 becomes YES and the process proceeds to step S5.

  In FIG. 5, a standby period is a period from when print data is input until game display information is displayed.

  In step S5, print information and game display information are displayed on the display unit 11. In step S6, it is determined whether or not printing is completed. If printing is not completed, step S6 is NO and the process returns to step S5. Steps S5 and S6 are repeated until becomes YES.

  When the printing is completed and step S6 becomes YES, the printing information and game display information are terminated in step S7, and the process is terminated.

  These operation processing procedures become the image forming method according to the present invention.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus A according to the present invention, the image reading unit (data input unit) 3 and the transmission / reception unit (data input unit) 5 for inputting print data, the printing unit 9 for printing the print data, and the input A print management unit 15 that manages the print processing status of the printed data, a confirmation operation unit 13 that receives a confirmation operation of the print processing status of the print data from the outside, and the print processing status when the confirmation operation is performed. A period determination unit 17 that obtains a print processing period for the print data and determines whether the print process period exceeds a predetermined reference period, and a period determination unit 17 that determines whether the print process period exceeds the reference period The display unit 11 displays print information related to print processing of print data together with game display information and the like when determined.

  Therefore, for example, display of game display information can be started from an arbitrary point of time by the user's operation. When the user is not in front of the device, no advertisement is displayed, and the user can select the reference period appropriately, thereby Is in front of the device, and if the print completion time is long, the game display information can be displayed to alleviate the user's discomfort, and the game display effect for the user can be ensured.

  Furthermore, since print information relating to print processing of print data is also displayed, it is possible to grasp the print processing status.

  In addition, since the confirmation operation to the confirmation operation unit 13 is based on a mechanical operation such as a key pressing operation on the device, when the user is in front of the device, display / non-display of the game display information by an arbitrary operation of the user. Display is possible.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the display information displayed on the display unit 11 is not limited to game display information such as quizzes, but can be implemented with company advertisement information, column information, and other display information useful to be known. It is.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the reference period to be compared by the period discriminating unit 17 is arbitrary, and can be arbitrarily set from a very short period of several seconds to a long period of several minutes.

  However, in order to secure a period during which a series of game play and answers can be performed based on game information, and a period required to read advertisements and column information, the lower limit of a period that can be set according to game information and advertisement information For example, several tens of seconds or several minutes may be set.

  By the way, in the image forming apparatus A according to the present invention, the confirmation operation of the print processing status of the print data received by the confirmation operation unit 13 is not limited to the key pressing operation of the confirmation operation unit 13 and is a non-contact operation by the instruction medium. Configuration by instructions is also possible.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1, an operation for confirming a print processing status wirelessly with an RFID (radio frequency identification) device 23 may be used.

  Generally, the RFID device 23 is configured to store an identification ID, transmission / reception data, and the like in advance, operate with a wireless signal transmitted from the outside as a power source, and transmit instruction information based on a read request from the outside. Easy to do.

  Therefore, it is possible to transmit a request signal for requesting an operation instruction from the confirmation operation unit 13 to the RFID device 23, and to transmit confirmation operation information from the RFID device 23 to the confirmation operation unit 13. May be formed in the confirmation operation unit 13.

  A card can be used as the instruction medium, and a card reader capable of reading and writing the card can be formed in the confirmation operation unit 13 correspondingly.

  In the image forming method according to the present invention as well, a method for displaying print information related to print processing of print data together with display information, a method for confirming the operation by a mechanical operation on the apparatus, and an operation for which the confirming operation is a contactless operation An effect similar to that of the image forming apparatus can be obtained by using a method that is an instruction, for example, a wireless instruction from an RFID apparatus, or a configuration in which the display information is advertisement information or game display information.

1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example displayed on the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an external computer connected to an image forming apparatus according to the present invention via a network. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. 6 is a time chart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Control Unit 3 Image Reading Unit (Image Input Unit)
5 Transmission / reception unit (image input unit)
7 Storage unit 9 Printing unit 11 Display unit 13 Confirmation operation unit 15 Print management unit 17 Period determination unit 19 Image processing unit 21 Network 23 RFID device (instruction medium)
A Image forming device (multifunction machine)
B, C computer

Claims (10)

A data input section for inputting print data;
A printing unit for printing the print data;
A print management unit for managing the print processing status of the input print data;
A confirmation operation unit for receiving an external confirmation operation for the print processing status of the print data;
A period determination for determining a processing period required for the print processing of the print data based on the print processing status of the print management unit and determining whether the processing period exceeds a predetermined reference period when the confirmation operation is performed And
A display unit that displays predetermined display information when the period determination unit determines that the processing period exceeds the reference period;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays game display information or advertisement information as the display information and print information related to a print process of the print data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the confirmation operation on the confirmation operation unit is performed by a mechanical operation on the apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the confirmation operation to the confirmation operation unit is a non-contact operation instruction to the apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the confirmation operation to the confirmation operation unit is a wireless instruction from an RFID apparatus. A data entry process for entering print data;
A print management process for managing the print processing status of the input print data;
A confirmation operation process for receiving a print operation status confirmation operation from the outside for the print data;
A display determination process for determining a processing period required for the print processing of the print data based on the print processing status and determining whether the processing period exceeds a predetermined reference period when the confirmation operation is performed;
A display process for displaying predetermined display information when the process period exceeds the reference period and is determined in the display determination process;
A printing process for printing the print data when the print order of the print data has arrived;
An image forming method comprising: The image forming method according to claim 6, wherein in the display step, game display information or advertisement information is displayed as the display information, and print information related to a print process of the print data is displayed. 8. The image forming method according to claim 6, wherein the confirmation operation process is performed by a mechanical operation on the apparatus. The image forming method according to claim 6, wherein the confirmation operation process is a non-contact operation instruction to the apparatus. The image forming method according to claim 9, wherein the confirmation operation step is a wireless instruction from an RFID device.

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