JP2012101451A - Image forming apparatus, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent forgetting to remove a USB memory without damaging convenience of an image forming apparatus when using the data in the USB memory on the apparatus.SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus accepts the selection of job to the data in the USB memory connected to the apparatus, and as for the last job in the selected jobs, executes after detecting that the connected USB memory is removed.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for connecting a removable storage medium, an information processing method in the image forming apparatus, and a program.

  In recent years, a multifunction device is also equipped with a USB port so that a USB memory device can be connected.

  When using a USB memory device connected to the multifunction device, there are forms such as reading document data stored in the USB memory device and printing it directly on the multifunction device, or sending the document by FAX. To do.

  When the above-described use is performed, it is necessary to remove the connected USB memory device when work such as printing or FAX transmission is completed.

  However, when the user's intended work, such as printing or FAX transmission, is completed, the user may be satisfied with the completion of the intended work and forget to remove the USB memory.

  Therefore, in order to prevent such forgetting to remove the USB memory device, Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanism for printing data acquired from the external storage device when it is detected that the external storage device has been removed. .

JP2009-181336

  However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the data in the USB memory device is used for a plurality of processes (printing and FAX transmission, etc.), the USB memory device is inserted and removed each time each process is executed. Will occur.

  For example, when printing data in a USB memory device and sending it by FAX, connect the USB memory device to the multifunction device and issue a print instruction. Then, remove the USB memory device from the multifunction device and print it out. After that, it is necessary to connect the USB memory device to the MFP again for FAX transmission, and to remove the USB memory device again after the FAX transmission instruction.

  As described above, with the technique described in Patent Document 1, even if it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to remove the USB memory device, the operation is complicated and the convenience of the multifunction device is impaired.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for preventing the user from forgetting to remove a USB memory device without impairing the convenience of the multifunction peripheral.

  The present invention is an image forming apparatus to which a removable storage medium can be connected, and a job selection reception means for receiving a job selection for data stored in the connected removable storage medium, and the job selection reception An execution instruction receiving means for receiving an execution instruction for the job received by the means, a removal detecting means for detecting that the removable storage medium has been removed from the image forming apparatus, and an execution instruction received by the execution instruction receiving means. Determining means for determining whether or not the selected job is the last job among the jobs selected by the job selection receiving means, and the job for which the execution instruction is received by the execution instruction receiving means by the determining means is the job selection When it is determined that the job is the last of the jobs selected by the accepting unit, the removable detection unit can perform the detachable recording. Medium is characterized in that and a job execution means for executing the job from being detected that has been removed from the image forming apparatus.

  The present invention is also an information processing method in an image forming apparatus to which a removable storage medium can be connected, wherein job selection accepting means of the image forming apparatus is stored in the connected removable storage medium. A job selection receiving step for receiving a job selection for data, an execution instruction receiving step for receiving an execution instruction for the job received in the job selection receiving step by the execution instruction receiving unit of the image forming apparatus, and the removal of the image forming apparatus A detection unit detects a removal of the removable storage medium from the image forming apparatus, and a job for which the determination unit of the image forming apparatus receives an execution instruction in the execution instruction reception step. A determination step of determining whether the job is the last of the jobs selected in the job selection reception step; and When the job execution means determines that the job received in the execution instruction reception step by the determination step is the last job among the jobs selected in the job selection reception step, the removal detection And a job execution step of executing the job after it is detected that the removable storage medium is removed from the image forming apparatus.

  The present invention also provides a program that can be executed by an image forming apparatus to which a removable storage medium can be connected. The image forming apparatus can execute a job for data stored in the connected removable storage medium. Job selection receiving means for receiving selection, execution instruction receiving means for receiving an execution instruction for a job received by the job selection receiving means, and removal detection for detecting that the removable storage medium has been removed from the image forming apparatus Means for determining whether the job received by the execution instruction receiving means is the last job selected from the job selection receiving means, and the execution instruction by the determining means. If it is determined that the job for which the receiving unit has received an execution instruction is the last job among the jobs selected by the job selection receiving unit. To, wherein the function as job execution means for executing the job from being detected that the removable storage medium is removed from the image forming apparatus by said removal detection means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mechanism for preventing forgetting to remove a USB memory device without impairing the convenience of the multifunction peripheral.

It is a figure which shows an example of the system configuration | structure in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions applicable to the client PC and the authentication server in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration applicable to a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the authentication server in the embodiment of this invention, and an MFP. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an execution job selection screen displayed on the operation unit 308 of the multifunction peripheral 300. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a USB data list screen displayed on the operation unit 308 of the multifunction peripheral 300. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a FAX transmission screen displayed on an operation unit 308 of the multifunction machine 300. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen displayed on the operation unit 308 of the multifunction peripheral 300. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mail transmission screen displayed on the operation unit 308 of the multifunction machine 300. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job completion screen displayed on an operation unit 308 of the multifunction machine 300. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a USB removal instruction screen displayed on the operation unit 308 of the multifunction machine 300. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the table for IC card authentication.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which one or a plurality of multifunction peripherals 300 (image forming apparatuses) and an authentication server 200 are connected via a local area network (LAN) 400.

  A client PC 100 (information processing apparatus) is connected to the network, and print data is output from the client PC 100 to the MFP 300 or stored in the USB memory 320 connected to the MFP 300. The data can be transmitted to the MFP 300.

  The multi-function device 300 is connected to a card reader 319 and can be connected to a USB memory 320. Further, the multifunction device 300 manages forgetting to remove the USB memory 320 (portable storage medium) connected to the multifunction device 300, and notifies the logged-in user about forgetting to remove or taking it away.

  The authentication server 200 stores an IC card authentication table (FIG. 15), and uses the IC card authentication table in response to an authentication request using an IC card from the multifunction device 300 or an authentication request using a user name and a password. The authentication process is performed, and the authentication result is transmitted to the requested MFP 300.

  In this embodiment, management such as forgetting to remove and display processing are performed by the multifunction device 300. However, an information processing device (side PC) (not shown) is connected to the multifunction device 300, and the information processing device It is also possible to configure so as to perform processing.

  In this embodiment, a USB memory is described as an example of a storage medium connected to the multi-function apparatus 300. However, the storage medium is not limited to a USB memory as long as it is a removable storage medium.

  Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus applicable to the client PC 100 and the authentication server 200 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to the client PC 100 and the authentication server 200 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls devices and controllers connected to the system bus 204. Further, the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 is necessary to realize a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS), which is a control program of the CPU 201, or a function executed by each server or each PC. Various programs to be described later are stored.

  A RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program or the like necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 203 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 205 controls input from a keyboard (KB) 209 or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). A video controller 206 controls display on a display device such as a CRT display (CRT) 210. In FIG. 2, although described as CRT 210, the display device is not limited to the CRT, but may be another display device such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by the administrator as needed.

  A memory controller 207 is provided in an external storage device (hard disk (HD)), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA card slot for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like. Controls access to an external memory 211 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory connected via an adapter.

  A communication I / F controller 208 connects and communicates with an external device via a network (for example, the LAN 400 shown in FIG. 1), and executes communication control processing in the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the CRT 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 203, for example. In addition, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 210.

  Various programs to be described later for realizing the present invention are recorded in the external memory 211 and executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 203 as necessary. Furthermore, definition files and various information tables used when executing the program are also stored in the external memory 211, and a detailed description thereof will be described later.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the MFP 300 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 300 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit which is connected to a scanner 314 functioning as an image input device and a printer unit 312 functioning as an image output device, while being connected to a LAN (for example, the LAN 400 shown in FIG. 1) or a public line (WAN). ) (For example, PSTN or ISDN) to input / output image data and device information.

  In the controller unit 316, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system. A RAM 302 is a system work memory for the CPU 301 to operate, and is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

  A ROM 303 stores a system boot program and various control programs. A hard disk drive (HDD) 304 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit (keyboard) 308. Further, the operation unit I / F 307 serves to transmit the key information (for example, pressing of the start button) input from the operation unit 308 to the CPU 301.

  A network interface (Network I / F) 305 is connected to the network (LAN) 600 and inputs / outputs data. A modem (MODEM) 306 is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

  Reference numeral 318 denotes an external interface (external I / F), which is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, and RS-232C. In this embodiment, an IC card for a portable terminal required for authentication A card reader 319 for reading (storage medium) is connected to the external I / F unit 318. The CPU 301 can control reading of information from the IC card of the mobile terminal by the card reader 319 via the external I / F 318, and can acquire information read from the IC card of the mobile terminal. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 309.

  Reference numeral 320 denotes an image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F), which is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.

  The image bus 315 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 315.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 310 develops vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image. A printer interface (printer I / F) 311 connects the printer unit 312 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 313 connects the scanner 314 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 317 performs correction, processing, and editing on input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 317 performs image data rotation and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data.

  The scanner unit 314 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 gives an instruction to the scanner 314, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. I do.

  The printer unit 312 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array directly on the paper. There is an inkjet method for printing an image, but any method may be used. The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 301. The printer unit 312 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has a paper cassette corresponding thereto.

  The operation unit 308 has an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The operation unit 308 displays an operation screen of the system. When a displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F 307. To the CPU 301 via The operation unit 308 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

  Note that the display unit has different display performance depending on the printer, and a printer that can be operated via a touch panel, a printer that simply has a liquid crystal screen and displays a character string (displays the print status and the name of the document being printed). Is structured.

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 308 is used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two color LEDs, green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used. Further, the stop key of the operation unit 308 functions to stop the operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 308 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  The card reader 319 reads information stored in an IC card provided in the mobile terminal under the control of the CPU 301 and notifies the CPU 301 of the read information via the external I / F 318.

  With the configuration described above, the multi-function device 300 can transmit the image data read from the scanner 314 to the LAN 400 and print out the print data received from the LAN 400 by the printer unit 312.

  Further, the image data read from the scanner 314 can be faxed to the public line by the modem 306, and the image data received by fax from the public line can be output by the printer unit 312.

  The USB memory 320 reads information stored in the USB memory under the control of the CPU 301 and notifies the CPU 301 of the read information via the external I / F 318.

  Next, a functional block diagram of the MFP 300 and the authentication server 200 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functional configurations of the multifunction machine 300 and the authentication server 200.

  In addition, the detailed control which each functional block processes is demonstrated with the flowchart mentioned later.

  The multifunction device 300 has functions of a card reader control unit 401, a USB memory control unit 402, a data communication unit 403, an authentication processing unit 404, a display control unit 405, a job management unit 406, and a data storage unit 407.

  The card reader control unit 401 controls reading of the IC card and outputs the read card information of the IC card to the data communication unit 403.

  The USB memory control unit 402 detects connection or disconnection of the USB memory 320. It also controls reading of data recorded in the USB memory 320. When connection or disconnection is detected, the job management unit 406 is notified of connection or disconnection.

  The data communication unit 403 transmits the card information received from the card reader control unit 401 to the authentication server 200 via the network interface 305, and receives the authentication result from the authentication server 200.

  The authentication processing unit 404 controls login and logout processing to the multifunction device 300 according to the authentication result received by the data communication unit 403.

  When the USB memory control unit 402 detects the connection of the USB memory, the display control unit 405 displays an execution job selection screen (FIG. 8) on the operation unit 308. In addition, the USB data list screen (FIG. 9), FAX transmission screen (FIG. 10), print setting screen (FIG. 11), mail transmission screen (FIG. 12), job completion screen (FIG. 13), USB removal instruction screen (FIG. 14). ) Etc. are controlled.

  The job management unit 406 manages the job selected by the user on the execution job selection screen (FIG. 8) and the number of executions of the job set by the user. The last job is executed when the USB is removed. In other cases, the user is instructed to execute it on the FAX transmission screen (FIG. 10), the print setting screen (FIG. 11), the mail transmission screen (FIG. 12), etc. Control to execute at times.

  The data storage unit 407 has a function of temporarily storing data of the last job.

  The authentication server 200 has functions of a data communication unit 408 and an authentication processing unit 409.

  The data communication unit 408 of the authentication server 200 receives an authentication request including card information from the multi-function device 300 via the communication I / F controller 208 and outputs the received card information to the authentication processing unit 409. Further, the authentication result authenticated by the authentication processing unit 409 is transmitted to the multi-function device 300. In order to perform authentication using a user ID / password, an authentication request including the user ID / password can be received.

  The authentication processing unit 409 of the authentication server 200 searches the IC card authentication table 1501 in FIG. 15 based on the card information received from the data communication unit 408, and determines whether there is corresponding authentication information. If there is authentication information, an authentication result including user information is output to the data communication unit 408 as successful authentication. If there is no authentication information, an authentication result indicating an authentication failure is output to the data communication unit 408 as an authentication failure. It is possible to perform authentication using a user ID / password.

  Next, detailed processing of the information processing system in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The characteristic steps in the present embodiment are, for example, steps S514, S617, S701, and S703.

  5 to 7 are flowcharts illustrating an example of processing of the information processing system in the present embodiment.

  Note that the processes in steps S501 to S503, steps S507 to S517, steps S601 to S617, and steps S701 to S704 are processes that the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 300 reads out and executes a predetermined control program. Further, the processes in steps S504 to S506 are processes in which the CPU 201 of the authentication server 200 reads and executes a predetermined control program.

  When the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 detects an IC card that can be read by the card reader 319 in step S501, the CPU 301 reads card information (for example, a manufacturing number) in the detected IC card in step S502.

  Note that the card information read in step S502 is not limited to the IC card manufacturing number, and the user ID may be stored in the IC card and used.

  In step S503, the CPU 301 of the multifunction device 300 transmits an authentication request including the card information to the authentication server 200 in order for the user corresponding to the card information read in step S502 to log in to the multifunction device 300.

  In the present embodiment, authentication is performed using an IC card. However, it is also possible to perform authentication using a method of authenticating by inputting a user ID and a password.

  In step S <b> 504, the authentication server 200 receives an authentication request including card information transmitted from the multifunction device 300.

  In step S505, the CPU 201 of the authentication server 200 searches the IC card authentication table (FIG. 15) for user information corresponding to the card information included in the authentication request received in step S504.

  If there is corresponding user information, the user name 1502 is acquired from the corresponding user information.

  In step S506, the CPU 201 of the authentication server 200 transmits an authentication result including the user name acquired in step S505 to the multi function device 300.

  At this time, if there is user information corresponding to the card information received in step S504 in step S505, an authentication result indicating that the authentication was successful (including the user name acquired in step S505) is transmitted to the multi-function device 300. To do.

  On the other hand, if the corresponding user information does not exist, an authentication result indicating that the authentication has failed is transmitted to the MFP 300.

  Note that the authentication result in the case of successful authentication may include a mail address or the like in addition to the user name. This mail address is also used as a transmission source address on the mail transmission screen (FIG. 12).

  In step S507, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 receives the authentication result transmitted from the authentication server 200 in step S506.

  This is a process of accepting input of user information including the user name of the user authenticated by the authentication server 200 in order to log in to the multifunction peripheral 300 (user information acceptance). Login is performed with the received user information.

  In step S508, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines whether the authentication result received in step S507 is a result indicating that the authentication is successful or a result indicating that the authentication is not successful.

  If it is determined that the authentication has succeeded (step S508: OK), the process proceeds to step S509. If it is determined that the authentication has failed (step S508: NG), the process proceeds to step S517.

  In step S509, the CPU 301 of the multifunction device 300 logs in to the multifunction device 300 using the user name of the authenticated user received in step S507.

  Note that the login in the present embodiment is to make the function of the multifunction machine 300 available. In addition, by logging in with this user name, it is possible to acquire the usage history of the MFP 300 with the logged-in user name.

  In step S517, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 displays an authentication error screen (not shown) on the operation unit 308.

  In step S510, it is detected that the USB memory 320 is connected to the multifunction device 300 (connection detection). The connection detection of the USB memory 320 is detected by receiving a connection notification from the operating system of the multifunction machine 300.

  In step S <b> 511, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 displays an execution job selection screen (FIG. 8) on the operation unit 308.

  In step S512, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 accepts the selection of the job to be executed and the setting of the number of executions of the selected job from the user via the execution job selection screen displayed on the operation unit 308 in step S511. . If one of the jobs displayed on the execution job selection screen is selected (step S512: YES), the process proceeds to step S513.

  In the screen shown in FIG. 8, when the “+” button on the screen is pressed, the number of executions of the job increases by one, and when the “−” button is pressed, the job is executed. It is a mechanism that decreases by one.

  If no job is selected (step S512: NO), the user waits for selection.

  In step S513, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 determines whether the OK button on the execution job selection screen has been pressed.

  If the OK button is pressed (step S513: YES), the process proceeds to step S514. On the other hand, if the OK button has not been pressed (step S513: NO), the process proceeds to step S512, and the selection of the job and the setting of the number of executions are accepted again.

  In step S514, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 acquires the total number of job executions set by the user in step S512 and the number of executions set for each job.

  In step S515, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines whether the total value of the number of job executions acquired in step S514 is 1 or more.

  If the total number of job executions is 1 or more (step S515: YES), the process proceeds to step S516. If it is not 1 or more (when the number of executions of the job is 0) (step S515: NO), the process returns to step S512, and the selection of the job to be executed again and the setting of the number of executions are accepted.

  In step S516, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 acquires the data stored in the USB memory whose connection is detected in step S510, and displays the USB data list screen (FIG. 9) on the operation unit 308. Then, the process proceeds to step S601 in the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S601, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines whether any data on the USB data list screen displayed in step S516 has been selected by the user.

  In step S <b> 602, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 activates and displays on the operation unit 308 a button for an execution job whose execution count set in step S <b> 512 is one or more.

  In step S603, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines whether any of the job buttons activated in step S602 has been pressed.

  If any job button is pressed (step S603: YES), the process proceeds to step S604. If no job button has been pressed (step S603: NO), the process proceeds to step S602.

  In step S604, it is determined whether the total number of job executions is 1. That is, it is determined whether or not the job to be executed this time is the last job among the jobs set by the user in step S512.

  If it is determined that this is the last job (step S604: YES), the process proceeds to step S605. If it is not the last job (step S605: NO), the process proceeds to step S606.

  In step S <b> 605, the CPU 301 of the multifunction device 300 copies the data selected in step S <b> 601 from the data in the USB memory and stores it in the storage area of the multifunction device 300.

  This process is necessary for the last job because it is executed after removing the USB memory 320 in the present embodiment.

  In addition, not only the last job but also all jobs may be executed by copying data from the USB memory 320 to the MFP 300.

  In step S606, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 determines the type of job selected by the user in step S603.

  If the job selected by the user in step S606 is FAX transmission (step S606: FAX), the process proceeds to step S607. If the job selected by the user in step S606 is printing (step S606: printing), the process proceeds to step S611. If the job selected by the user in step S606 is mail transmission (step S606: mail), the process proceeds to step S613.

  In this embodiment, only “FAX transmission”, “printing”, and “mail transmission” can be selected as job types. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other functions may be selected depending on the functions of the multifunction device. It becomes possible.

  In step S <b> 607, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 displays a FAX number input screen (FIG. 10) on the operation unit 308.

  In step S608, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines whether a FAX number has been input from the user. If it is determined that the input has been made (step S608: YES), the process proceeds to step S609. If it is determined that no input has been made (step S608: NO), the input by the user is awaited.

In step S609, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 activates the FAX transmission button 1001 in FIG. 10 so that the user can receive a FAX transmission instruction.

  In step S <b> 610, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 determines whether there is a fax transmission instruction from the user (whether the fax transmission button has been pressed).

  If the FAX transmission button is pressed (step S610: YES), the process proceeds to step S617. If the FAX transmission button is not pressed (step S610: NO), the user waits for an instruction.

  In step S <b> 611, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 displays a print setting screen as an example in FIG. 11 on the operation unit 308 and accepts print settings by the user.

  In step S612, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines whether the print execution button 1101 on the print setting screen has been pressed by the user.

  If the user presses the print execution button 1101 (step S612: YES), the process proceeds to step S617.

  If the print execution button 1101 has not been pressed (step S612: NO), it waits for the user to press the print execution button 1101.

  In step S <b> 613, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 displays a mail transmission screen as an example in FIG. 12 on the operation unit 308 and accepts input of a mail address as a transmission destination.

  In step S614, the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral 300 determines whether or not a mail address as a transmission destination has been input by the user.

  If it is determined that it has been input (step S614: YES), the process proceeds to step S617. When it is determined that no input has been made (step S614: NO), the input by the user is awaited.

  In step S615, the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 300 activates the mail transmission button 1201 shown in FIG. 12 so that a user can receive a mail transmission instruction.

  In step S616, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines whether or not the mail transmission button 1201 has been pressed by the user. If it is determined that the button has been pressed (step S616: YES), the process proceeds to step S617. If it has not been pressed (step S616: NO), it waits for the user to press the mail transmission button.

  In step S617, the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral 300 decrements the total value of the number of job executions acquired in step S514 by one.

  The total number of job executions acquired in step S514 is reduced by 1 each time the job is executed once, thereby calculating the remaining number of jobs. With this process, it is possible to determine whether or not the job is the last job in steps S604 and S701.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S701 in the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S <b> 701, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 determines whether the total value of the number of job executions is zero. That is, it is determined whether or not the job to be executed this time is the last job among the jobs set by the user in step S512.

  If the total number of job executions is 0 (step S701: YES), the process proceeds to step S703. If the total number of job executions is not 0 (step S701: NO), the process proceeds to step S702.

  In step S702, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 executes the job selected by the user in step S603.

  That is, if the job selected by the user in step S603 is FAX transmission, the data selected in step S601 is FAX transmitted to the FAX number destination input in step S608.

  If the job selected by the user in step S603 is printing, the data selected in step S601 is printed according to the print settings received in step S611.

  If the job selected by the user in step S603 is mail transmission, the data selected in step S601 is transmitted to the transmission destination input in step S613.

  When the process of step S702 is executed, a screen (for example, FIG. 13) indicating that the job is completed may be displayed on the operation unit 308.

  In step S703, it is determined whether or not the USB memory 320 that has detected the connection in step S510 has detected removal. That is, in the case of the last job, control is performed so that the job is not executed unless the USB memory 320 is removed. As a result, forgetting to remove the USB memory 320 can be reduced.

  If removal of the USB memory is detected (step S703: YES), the process proceeds to step S704. If the removal of the USB memory is not detected, it waits for the USB memory to be removed.

  If it is determined in step S701 that the job is the last job, a screen (FIG. 14) for prompting removal may be displayed on the operation unit 308.

  In step S704, the CPU 301 of the MFP 300 executes the job selected by the user in step S603. Note that the detailed processing for each selected job is the same as the processing in step S702. In this embodiment, the data executed in the job at this time is the data copied from the USB memory 320 in step S605 and stored in the storage area of the MFP 300.

  With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to remove the USB memory after the MFP performs printing or FAX transmission on the data in the USB memory.

  Further, when a plurality of processes are executed on the data in the USB memory, it is possible to prevent forgetting to remove the USB memory without impairing the convenience of the multifunction peripheral.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

  Moreover, the program in this invention is a program which a computer can perform the processing method of FIGS. The program in the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each apparatus in FIGS.

  As described above, a recording medium that records a program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing.

  In this case, the program itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium recording the program constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon A disk or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on an instruction of the program is actually It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written to the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board is based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  The present invention may be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices or an apparatus constituted by a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

100 client PC
200 Authentication Server 300 Multifunction Device 319 Card Reader 320 USB Memory

Claims (6)

An image forming apparatus to which a removable storage medium can be connected,
Job selection accepting means for accepting job selection for data stored in the connected removable storage medium;
Execution instruction accepting means for accepting an instruction to execute the job accepted by the job selection accepting means;
A removal detecting means for detecting that the removable storage medium is removed from the image forming apparatus;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the job that has received the execution instruction by the execution instruction reception unit is the last job among the jobs selected by the job selection reception unit;
When it is determined by the determination means that the job received by the execution instruction reception means is the last job among the jobs selected by the job selection reception means, the removal detection means allows the attachment / detachment. Job execution means for executing the job after it is detected that the storage medium has been removed from the image forming apparatus;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The job execution means further includes:
When the determination unit determines that the job received by the execution instruction receiving unit is not the last job selected from the job selection receiving unit, the execution instruction receiving unit executes the job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job is executed when an instruction is received.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a data storage unit that acquires and stores data stored in the connected removable storage medium.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the data storage unit acquires and stores only data relating to a job determined as the last job by the determination unit from the removable storage medium. . An information processing method in an image forming apparatus to which a removable storage medium can be connected,
A job selection receiving step in which a job selection receiving unit of the image forming apparatus receives a selection of a job for data stored in the connected removable storage medium;
An execution instruction receiving step in which an execution instruction receiving unit of the image forming apparatus receives an execution instruction of the job received in the job selection receiving process;
A removal detection step of detecting that the removable storage medium of the image forming apparatus is detached from the image forming apparatus;
A determination step in which the determination unit of the image forming apparatus determines whether or not the job received the execution instruction in the execution instruction reception step is the last job among the jobs selected in the job selection reception step;
When the job execution unit of the image forming apparatus determines that the job received the execution instruction in the execution instruction reception step by the determination step is the last job among the jobs selected in the job selection reception step. A job execution step of executing the job after detecting that the removable storage medium is removed from the image forming apparatus by the removal detection step;
An information processing method comprising: A program executable by an image forming apparatus to which a removable storage medium can be connected,
The image forming apparatus;
Job selection accepting means for accepting job selection for data stored in the connected removable storage medium;
Execution instruction accepting means for accepting an instruction to execute the job accepted by the job selection accepting means;
A removal detecting means for detecting that the removable storage medium is removed from the image forming apparatus;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the job that has received the execution instruction by the execution instruction reception unit is the last job among the jobs selected by the job selection reception unit;
When it is determined by the determination means that the job received by the execution instruction reception means is the last job among the jobs selected by the job selection reception means, the removal detection means allows the attachment / detachment. A program that functions as a job execution unit that executes a job after it is detected that a storage medium has been removed from the image forming apparatus.

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