JP2014076582A - Image formation device, image formation method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation device, an image formation method and a program capable of appropriately setting an execution order of print jobs that conflict with each other.SOLUTION: An image formation device of the present invention includes a reception unit and a determination unit. The reception unit has a function capable of receiving each of a first print job, which is generated in a first information terminal corresponding to a first user, and a second print job, which is generated in a second information terminal corresponding to a second user. The determination unit, when the first user is close to the image formation device, has a function for determining that the first print job is executed in higher priority than that of the second print job.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a technique capable of grasping an image forming apparatus that can be substantially used by a user. For example, in Patent Document 1, images that can be used by an information terminal used by a user in order from an image forming apparatus close to the information terminal based on position information of the information terminal and position information of the image forming apparatus. A technique for displaying a forming apparatus is disclosed.

  However, in the related art, in a situation where a plurality of users frequently print and copy, a certain user confirms that one image forming apparatus is “printable” and the information terminal When a print instruction is issued from the printer and the print product is received by the one image forming apparatus, the print product requested by the user is printed in a state where a job of another competing user is being printed first. It will be inadvertently waited until That is, the conventional technique has a problem that the order management of competing print jobs is not properly performed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program capable of appropriately setting the order in which competing print jobs are executed.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus, a first print job generated by a first information terminal corresponding to a first user, and a second user. A receiving unit capable of receiving each of the second print jobs generated by the corresponding second information terminal, and the first print job when the first user is approaching the image forming apparatus; A determination unit that determines to execute the print job with priority over the print job.

  The present invention is also an image forming method by the image forming apparatus, the first print job generated at the first information terminal corresponding to the first user, and the second information terminal corresponding to the second user. An accepting step capable of accepting each of the second print jobs, and executing the first print job with priority over the second print job when the first user is approaching the image forming apparatus. And a determination step for determining that.

  Furthermore, the present invention generates a first print job generated at a first information terminal corresponding to a first user and a second information terminal corresponding to a second user on a computer mounted on the image forming apparatus. An accepting step capable of accepting each of the second print jobs, and when the first user is approaching the image forming apparatus, the first print job is executed with priority over the second print job. And a determination step for determining.

  According to the present invention, there is an advantageous effect that the order of executing competing print jobs can be set appropriately.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an office layout when the image forming system according to the embodiment is used in an office. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the print server. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the printer. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the information terminal. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the mobile terminal. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing mode preset by the user. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of the printing apparatus when a print job conflict occurs. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table used for the priority determination process. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table used for priority determination processing. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table used for priority determination processing. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system according to a modification. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of an MFP according to the modification.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes a plurality of information terminals 107 to 110 corresponding to a plurality of users 115 to 118, a single printer 103, and a plurality (three) of MFPs (three). (Multi Function Peripheral) 104 to 106 and the print server 102, and these devices are connected to each other via the network 101. The network 101 can be configured by Ethernet (registered trademark), a wireless LAN, or the like.

  The number of printers 103 and MFPs 104 to 106 included in the image forming system 100 is arbitrary and is not limited to the example of FIG. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish the printer 103 and the MFPs 104 to 106 from each other, they may be simply referred to as “printing apparatuses”. Further, the number of information terminals included in the image forming system 100 may be two or more (that is, the number of users using the information terminals may be two or more), and is not limited to the example of FIG. . In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish the users 115 to 118 from each other, they may be simply referred to as “users”. Furthermore, when it is not necessary to distinguish the information terminals 107 to 110 from each other, they may be simply referred to as “information terminals”.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the users 115 to 118 use information terminals corresponding to (assigned to) themselves, and perform document creation, mail processing, Web access, and the like according to their business. The information terminal can be configured by a PC (Personal Computer), for example. In this example, the information terminal corresponds to an “information terminal” in the claims.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the information terminal 107 is assigned to the user 115, the information terminal 108 is assigned to the user 116, the information terminal 109 is assigned to the user 117, and the information terminal 110 is assigned to the user 118. In addition, the users 115 to 118 perform document printing, copying, scanning, FAX, and the like using the printer 103 and the MFPs 104 to 106 as needed. For example, the information terminal 107 to the information terminal 110 generate a print job for requesting printing of print data (sometimes referred to as “print request” in the following description) in response to a user operation using the information terminal. The generated print job can be transmitted to the print server 102, the printer 103 designated as the print destination, and the MFPs 104 to 106. The print job can be configured to include, for example, an instruction (command) instructing execution of printing and print data.

  The print server 102 receives print jobs generated by each of the information terminal 107 to the information terminal 110, and accumulates and manages the received print jobs. In addition, the users 115 to 118 can directly operate the printer 103 and the MFPs 104 to 106 to print the print data stored in the print server 102 and requested for printing. In this example, the print server 102 corresponds to “external device” in the claims.

  Each of the users 115 to 118 has one mobile terminal. A user 115 has a portable terminal 111, a user 116 has a portable terminal 112, a user 117 has a portable terminal 113, and a user 118 has a portable terminal 114. In other words, the portable terminal 111 corresponds to the information terminal 107, the portable terminal 112 corresponds to the information terminal 108, the portable terminal 113 corresponds to the information terminal 109, and the portable terminal 114 corresponds to the information terminal 110. It can also be taken as. Each of the mobile terminals 111 to 114 has a function capable of specifying the position of the mobile terminal in the building by indoor GPS. Examples of the mobile terminals 111 to 114 include those having an indoor GPS function such as a mobile phone, a PHS, a smartphone, and a PDA. However, the mobile terminals 111 to 114 are not limited to this, and the position of the mobile terminal (having the mobile terminal) Any device may be used as long as it has a function capable of specifying the user position).

  For example, when a user performs printing using an information terminal using the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-63983, the user can grasp and select a nearby printing device that can actually be used from a plurality of printing devices. It may be a form that provides a possible environment. For example, when the user 115 makes a print request using the information terminal 107 and the printing apparatus physically closest to the MFP is the MFP 104, the user 115 indicates that the MFP 104 is closest to the information terminal 107. Therefore, the user 115 can also operate the information terminal 107 so as to issue a print request to the MFP 104.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an office layout when the image forming system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is used in an office. The print server 102 may be anywhere on the office layout as long as it exists on the network. Generally, it is installed in a place such as a server room where there is usually no human access, but its physical position does not affect the configuration of the present invention.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the following situation is assumed as an example. The user 115 makes a print request from the information terminal 107 and prints the material for the meeting to be held in the meeting room on the MFP 106. The user 116 makes a print request from the information terminal 108, but since there is no printing device in the same room, the user 116 prints with the MFP 104 in the adjacent room and moves to receive the printed matter. The user 117 issues a print request from the information terminal 109, but does not immediately use the printed matter, so the user cannot continue to take the printed matter to the MFP or printer, and continues to operate the information terminal 109. A user 118 issues a print request from the information terminal 110 and moves to the MFP 105 to pick up a printed matter.

  Next, specific contents of each device included in the image forming system 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the print server 102. The print server 102 includes a print job management unit 302, a position information management unit 303, a print request reception processing unit 304, and a print instruction transmission processing unit 305.

  The print job management unit 302 manages and processes print requests (print jobs) sent from the information terminals 107 to 110. Detailed functions of the print job management unit 302 will be described later. The position information management unit 303 has a function of managing and processing position information of the printer 103, the MFPs 104 to 106, and the portable terminals 111 to 114. In this embodiment, the position information management unit 303 transmits a position information acquisition command to the printer 103, the MFPs 104 to 106, and the portable terminals 111 to 114 at a predetermined cycle, and the position information of each device as a response thereto. Is not limited to this.

  The print request reception processing unit 304 has a function of receiving a print job sent from the information terminals 107 to 110. The print instruction transmission processing unit 305 has a function of transmitting a print job to the printer 103 and the MFPs 104 to 106 under the control of the print job management unit 302.

  In the present embodiment, the print server 102 includes a computer device including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The CPU expands and executes a program stored in the ROM or the like, thereby executing the above-described units. The functions of (the print job management unit 302, the position information management unit 303, the print request reception processing unit 304, and the print instruction transmission processing unit 305) are realized, but the present invention is not limited to this. At least a part of them may be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the printer 103. The MFPs 104 to 106 also have the same functions as the printer 103. Here, the printer 103 will be described as an example. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the printer 103 includes a print job management unit 307, a position information detection unit 308, a reception unit 309, and a print processing unit 310.

  The print job management unit 307 has a function of performing control to process a print job sent from the print server 102. In this example, the print job management unit 307 corresponds to a “determination unit” in the claims. Detailed functions of the print job management unit 307 will be described later. The position information detection unit 308 detects position information of the printer 103 using an indoor GPS function or the like. In this embodiment, the position information detection unit 308 detects the position information of the printer 103 each time it receives a position information acquisition command from the print server 102 (position information management unit 303), and prints the detected position information. Send to server 102.

  The accepting unit 309 has a function of accepting a print job sent from the print server 102. In other words, the reception unit 309 can be regarded as having a function of receiving a print job instructed by each user. That is, the reception unit 309 receives each of the first print job generated at the first information terminal corresponding to the first user and the second print job generated at the second information terminal corresponding to the second user. It can also be seen as possible.

  The print processing unit 310 has a function of performing printing according to the print job received by the reception unit 309 under the control of the print job management unit 307.

  In the present embodiment, the printer 103 (MFPs 104 to 106) is equipped with a computer device having a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like, and the CPU expands and executes a program stored in the ROM and the like on the RAM. The functions of the above-described units (the print job management unit 307, the position information detection unit 308, the reception unit 309, and the print processing unit 310) are realized, but are not limited thereto. For example, among the functions of the above-described units May be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the information terminal 107. The other information terminals 108 to 110 have the same functions as the information terminal 107, but here, the information terminal 107 used by the user 115 will be described as an example. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the information terminal 107 includes a print job generation unit 311 and a print job transmission processing unit 312. The print job generation unit 311 has a function of generating a print job in response to an input from the user 115. The print job transmission processing unit 312 has a function of transmitting the print job generated by the print job generation unit 311 to the print server 102.

  In the present embodiment, the information terminals 107 to 110 are equipped with a computer device including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and the CPU stores the program stored in the ROM and the like on the RAM and executes the program. The functions of the units (the print job generation unit 311 and the print job transmission processing unit 312) are realized, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at least a part of the functions of the units described above is a dedicated hardware circuit. It may be a form realized by.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the mobile terminal 111. Other mobile terminals 112 to 114 have the same functions as the mobile terminal 111, but here, the mobile terminal 111 possessed by the user 115 will be described as an example. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the mobile terminal 111 includes a position information detection unit 314. The position information detection unit 314 detects position information of the mobile terminal 111 using an indoor GPS function or the like. In this embodiment, the position information detection unit 314 detects the position information of the portable terminal 111 each time it receives a position information acquisition command from the print server 102 (position information management unit 303), and detects the detected position information. Transmit to the print server 102.

  In the present embodiment, the portable terminals 111 to 114 are equipped with a computer device including a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like, and the CPU expands the program stored in the ROM and the like on the RAM and executes the program. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the function of the position information detection unit 314 described above may be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing mode that is preset for a print job when the user submits the print job. When the immediate print mode is set for the print job, the print server 102 that has received the print job performs control to immediately execute printing. If there is no designation of a printing destination device, the print server 102 controls to print from a printing device (printer 103 or MFPs 104 to 106) closest to the information terminal used by the user.

  When the storage print mode is set for the print job, the print server 102 that has received the print job temporarily stores the print job in itself or the printing apparatus, and the user directly selects the printing apparatus that the user wants to execute printing. Start printing by operating.

  When the approach printing mode is set for the print job, the print job is temporarily stored in the print server 102 or the printing apparatus, as in the accumulation printing mode, and then the user who has instructed the print job approaches the printing apparatus. Printing is started when it is detected. The approach printing mode can also be regarded as a condition indicating that printing starts when the user approaches the printing apparatus. In this example, the proximity printing mode corresponds to the “first condition” in the claims.

  In the present embodiment, the print server 102 holds a table indicating the correspondence between the information terminals 107 to 110 and the portable terminals 111 to 114, and a print job in which the proximity print mode is set from any of the information terminals. Is received, the position information of the portable terminal corresponding to the information terminal (position information of the user using the information terminal) and the position information of the printing apparatus are monitored, and the portable terminal corresponding to the information terminal If it is determined that the printer is approaching the printing apparatus that performs the printing, the print job in which the approach printing mode is set is transmitted to the printing apparatus. The method for determining whether or not the mobile terminal is close to the printing apparatus is arbitrary. For example, when the distance between the position indicated by the position information of the mobile terminal and the position indicated by the position information of the printing apparatus is equal to or smaller than the threshold, the mobile terminal Can be determined that the mobile terminal is approaching the printing apparatus, and whether or not the mobile terminal is approaching the printing apparatus is determined based on the relationship between the temporal change in the positional information of the mobile terminal and the positional information of the printing apparatus. It is also possible to judge.

  When the device-designated print mode is set for the print job, a printing apparatus that executes printing is designated. It can also be used in combination with the above-described immediate printing mode, accumulated printing mode, and proximity printing mode. If necessary, a time-designated printing mode described later can be combined.

  When the time designation print mode is set for the print job, the time (predetermined time) for completing the printing is designated. The time-designated printing mode can also be regarded as a condition indicating that printing is completed by a predetermined time. In this example, the time designation print mode corresponds to the “second condition” in the claims.

  Next, an operation example of the printing apparatus when a print job conflict occurs in the printing apparatus will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the printing apparatus in this case. In the example of FIG. 8, the printing apparatus receives a print job generated from a certain information terminal (referred to as “second information terminal” for convenience of explanation) received from the print server 102 (for convenience of explanation, “second print job”). ") Is started."

  First, the print processing unit 310 performs print processing of print data included in the second print job under the control of the print job management unit 307 (step S1). In this example, the completion of printing and the presence / absence of interrupt printing are determined for each sheet (one page). When printing of one sheet is completed in step S1, the print job management unit 307 determines whether printing of all print data included in the second print job is completed (step S2). If it is determined that printing of all the print data included in the second print job has been completed (step S2: YES), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that printing of all the print data included in the second print job has not been completed (step S2: NO), the print job management unit 307 determines whether there is interrupt printing (step S2). S3). Specifically, the print job management unit 307 generates a print job (referred to as “first information terminal” for convenience of explanation) transmitted from the print server 102 (for convenience of explanation, “ It is determined whether or not the reception unit 309 has received “first print job”.

  If it is determined that there is no interrupt printing, that is, the first print job is not accepted during execution of the second print job (step S3: NO), the process returns to step S1, and the processes after step S1 are repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is interrupt printing, that is, the first print job is received during execution of the second print job (step S3: YES), the print job management unit 307 performs the second print job being executed (preceding) Priority determination processing is performed to determine which of the first print job and the interrupted first print job (interrupt printing) is to be executed with priority (step S4). Although details will be described later, it is assumed that, for example, the approach print mode is set for the first print job. As described above, when the print server 102 receives the first print job in which the proximity print mode is set from the first information terminal, the user (first user) using the first information terminal causes the print server 102 to perform printing. When approaching the printing apparatus, the first print job is transmitted to the printing apparatus. When the print job management unit 307 of the printing apparatus detects that the reception unit 309 has received the first print job transmitted from the print server 102 and set to the proximity print mode, the print job management unit 307 displays the first print job. It is determined that the instructed first user is approaching the printing apparatus, and it is determined that the first print job is executed with priority over the second print job. Details of the priority determination process will be described later.

  As a result of the priority determination process, when it is determined that the interrupted first print job (interrupt printing) is to be executed with priority (step S5: YES), the print job management unit 307 starts execution of the first print job. Control is performed (step S6). On the other hand, as a result of the priority determination process, when it is determined that the second print job being executed (preceding print) is to be executed with priority (step S5: NO), the process returns to step S1, and the processes after step S1 are repeated. .

  Next, the priority determination process in step S4 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table used in the priority determination process. In the example of FIG. 9, a print job being executed is referred to as “preceding print”, and a print job that has been interrupted while the print job is being executed is referred to as “interrupt print”. An upward arrow in the table illustrated in FIG. 9 indicates that priority is given to preceding printing. For example, when the approach printing mode is set for the preceding printing and the approach printing mode is also set for the interrupt printing, it is indicated that the preceding printing has priority.

  When the immediate printing mode is set for the preceding printing and the immediate printing mode is set for the interrupt printing, it is determined using the table of FIG. Even when the immediate printing mode is set for the preceding printing and the proximity printing mode is set for the interrupt printing, it is determined using the table of FIG. Further, even when the immediate print mode is set for the preceding print and the accumulation print mode is set for the interrupt print, it is determined using the table of FIG. A left-pointing arrow in the table illustrated in FIG. 10 indicates that priority is given to interrupt printing.

  Here, even if the immediate printing mode is set for the preceding printing, if the user who instructed the preceding printing detects that the user is approaching the printing apparatus that performs printing, the print server 102 This is notified to the print job management unit 307 of the printing apparatus. In response to this notification, the print job management unit 307 considers that the proximity printing mode is set for the preceding printing, and performs priority determination processing.

  In the example of FIG. 10, when the time to complete printing is not specified in the preceding printing in which the immediate printing mode is set and the approach printing mode is set in the interrupt printing, priority is given to the interrupt printing. It is shown. In the description of FIG. 10, interrupt printing is called a first print job, preceding printing is called a second print job, an information terminal that generates the first print job is called a first information terminal, and the first information terminal is used. The user who instructed the first print job is called the first user, the information terminal that generated the second print job is called the second information terminal, and the user who instructed the second print job using the second information terminal Called the second user.

  As described above, when the print server 102 receives the first print job in which the proximity print mode is set from the first information terminal, the print server 102 causes the first user who uses the first information terminal to print the print device. When approaching, the first print job is transmitted to the printing apparatus. Then, the print job management unit 307 of the printing apparatus does not specify the time for completing printing, and the approach printing mode is not set (if the view is changed, the second user approaches the printing apparatus). When the first print job in which the approach print mode is set is received by the receiving unit 309 during the execution of the second print job (the first print job in which the immediate print mode is set is received by the receiving unit 309) And the case where the notification that the first user is approaching the printing apparatus is received from the print server 102), the first print job is determined to be executed with priority over the second print job.

  In the example of FIG. 10, when the time to complete printing is specified for the preceding printing, and the preceding printing can be completed by the specified time even if the interruption printing is executed, priority is given to the interrupt printing. It has been shown. In other words, the print job management unit 307 (corresponding to “judgment unit” in claims) designates a time designation print mode (corresponding to “second condition” in claims) indicating that printing is completed by a predetermined time. When the first print job is received during the execution of the second print job for which is set and the first print job is executed first, if the second print job cannot be completed by a predetermined time, the second print job Is determined to be executed first.

  Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 10, when the time to complete printing is specified for the preceding printing, and the preceding printing cannot be completed by the specified time when the interrupt printing is executed, the preceding printing may be prioritized. It is shown. In other words, the print job management unit 307 (corresponding to “judgment unit” in claims) designates a time designation print mode (corresponding to “second condition” in claims) indicating that printing is completed by a predetermined time. When the first print job is received during the execution of the second print job for which is set and the first print job is executed first, if the second print job cannot be completed by a predetermined time, the second print job Is determined to be executed first.

  On the other hand, when the approach printing mode is set for the preceding printing and the accumulation printing mode is set for the interrupt printing in the table of FIG. 9, it is determined using the table of FIG. In the description of FIG. 11, the preceding printing in which the proximity printing mode is set is referred to as a first print job, the interrupt printing is referred to as a second print job, and the information terminal that generates the first print job is referred to as a first information terminal. The user who has instructed the first print job using the first information terminal is called a first user, the information terminal that has generated the second print job is called a second information terminal, and the second information terminal is used to A user who has instructed a print job is called a second user.

  In the example of FIG. 11, during execution of the first print job in which the proximity print mode is set, the accumulation print mode is set, and the print amount (number of pages requested to be printed) is equal to or less than a threshold value (for example, 5 sheets or less). If the second print job is received, the second print job whose print amount is equal to or less than the threshold value is received during execution of the first print job in which the proximity print mode is set. When two users are already approaching the printing apparatus (printing apparatus that is performing printing) (since it is assumed that the second user directly operates the printing apparatus), the print job management unit 307 It is determined that the second print job is executed first.

  Further, in the example of FIG. 11, when the second print job in which the accumulation print mode is set and the print amount is larger than the threshold is received during the execution of the first print job in which the approach print mode is set, If the second print job with the print amount larger than the threshold is received and the second user is already approaching the printing apparatus during execution of the first print job in which the approach print mode is set, The print job management unit 307 determines to execute the first print job first. Note that the above threshold value can be variably set according to the usage status of the printing apparatus.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, even if the immediate printing mode is set for the preceding printing, the user who has instructed printing is not approaching the printing apparatus, while the user who has instructed interrupt printing is in the printing apparatus. When approaching, interrupt printing is executed with priority, so that it is possible to prevent a user who has come to pick up a printed material (a user who immediately needs the printed material) from waiting unintentionally. That is, according to this embodiment, there is an advantageous effect that it is possible to appropriately set the execution order of competing print jobs.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, each above-mentioned embodiment was shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the components without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment.

  For example, the above-described print server 102 may not be provided. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system 200 according to a modification. The image forming system 200 is different from the above-described embodiment in that the image forming system 200 does not include the above-described print server 102. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the image forming system 200 includes a plurality of information terminals 703 to 705 corresponding to a plurality of users 709 to 711 and one MFP 702, and these devices are connected to a network 701. Are connected to each other. In addition, each of the users 709 to 711 has one mobile terminal. A user 709 has a portable terminal 706, a user 710 has a portable terminal 707, and a user 711 has a portable terminal 708. In other words, the portable terminal 706 corresponds to the information terminal 703, the portable terminal 707 corresponds to the information terminal 704, and the portable terminal 708 corresponds to the information terminal 705.

  In the example of FIG. 12, the MFP 702 has the function of the print server 102. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the MFP 702. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the MFP 702 includes a print job management unit 721, a position information management unit 722, a reception unit 723, and a print processing unit 724. The location information management unit 722 has a function of managing and processing location information of the MFP 702 and the portable terminals 706 to 708. In the present embodiment, the location information management unit 722 transmits a location information acquisition command to the mobile terminals 706 to 708 at a predetermined cycle, and acquires location information of the mobile terminals 706 to 708 as a response thereto. However, it is not limited to this. In addition, the position information management unit 722 acquires the position information of the MFP 702 using an indoor GPS function or the like. In this example, the position information management unit 722 corresponds to an “acquisition unit” in the claims.

  The accepting unit 723 has a function of directly accepting print jobs sent from the information terminals 703 to 705. The function of the print processing unit 724 is the same as that of the print processing unit 310 described above.

  The print job management unit 721 manages and processes print jobs sent from the information terminals 703 to 705, and performs the above-described priority determination process. In this example, the print job management unit 721 corresponds to a “determination unit”. The print job management unit 721 receives the first print job in which the proximity print mode is set by the reception unit 723 and uses the position information of the first user acquired by the position information management unit 722 and the position information of the MFP 702. When the first user determines that the MFP 702 is approaching (the first user's position acquired by the receiving unit 723 and the position information management unit 722 receiving the first print job in which the immediate print mode is set) It may be determined that the first user is approaching the MFP 702 from the information and the position information of the MFP 702), and it is determined that the first print job is executed with priority over the second print job. In short, if the print job management unit 721 determines that the first user is approaching the MFP 702 from the position information of the first user acquired by the position information management unit 722 and the position information of the MFP 702, It is determined that one print job is executed with priority over the second print job.

  In this example, the MFP 702 holds a table indicating the correspondence between the information terminals 703 to 705 and the portable terminals 706 to 708, and prints a print job in which the proximity print mode is set from any of the information terminals. If received by the receiving unit 723, the print job management unit 721 monitors the position information of the portable terminal corresponding to the information terminal (position information of the user using the information terminal) and the position information of the MFP 702, and prints the print information. It has a function of determining whether the user who has instructed the job is approaching the MFP 702.

  The program executed in the above-described image forming system (100, 200) is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). ) Or the like may be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Furthermore, the program executed in the above-described image forming system (100, 200) may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Further, the program executed in the image forming system (100, 200) described above may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming system 101 Network 102 Print server 103 Printer 200 Image forming system 302 Print job management part 303 Position information management part 304 Print request reception process part 305 Print instruction transmission process part 307 Print job management part 308 Position information detection part 309 Reception part 310 Print Processing Unit 311 Print Job Generation Unit 312 Print Job Transmission Processing Unit 314 Position Information Detection Unit 721 Print Job Management Unit 722 Position Information Management Unit 723 Reception Unit 724 Print Processing Unit

JP 2012-63983 A

Claims (9)

An image forming apparatus,
A receiving unit capable of receiving each of a first print job generated at a first information terminal corresponding to a first user and a second print job generated at a second information terminal corresponding to a second user;
A determination unit that determines to execute the first print job in preference to the second print job when the first user is approaching the image forming apparatus;
Image forming apparatus. The determination unit sets a first condition indicating that printing is started when the first user approaches the image forming apparatus, and when the first user approaches the image forming apparatus, the image is received from an external device. When the first print job transmitted to the forming apparatus is received by the receiving unit, it is determined that the first user is approaching the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The second condition indicating that printing is completed by a predetermined time is not set for the second print job, and the second user is not approaching the image forming apparatus. ,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. A second condition indicating that printing is completed by a predetermined time is set for the second print job,
The determination unit
If the first print job is received during the execution of the second print job and the first print job is executed first, the second print job cannot be completed by the predetermined time. Decide to execute the print job first,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. A second condition indicating that printing is completed by a predetermined time is set for the second print job,
The determination unit
When the first print job is received during the execution of the second print job and the first print job is executed first, the second print job can be completed by the predetermined time. Determining to execute the first print job first;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. An acquisition unit that acquires position information of each of the first user, the second user, and the image forming apparatus;
When the determination unit determines that the first user is approaching the image forming apparatus from the position information of the first user acquired by the acquisition unit and the position information of the image forming apparatus. Determining that the first print job is executed in preference to the second print job;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The determination unit receives the first print job in which a first condition indicating that printing is started when the first user approaches the image forming apparatus is received by the reception unit, and is acquired by the acquisition unit. If it is determined from the position information of the first user and the position information of the image forming apparatus that the first user is approaching the image forming apparatus, the first print job is sent to the second user. Judge that it will be executed in preference to the print job.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6. An image forming method by an image forming apparatus,
An accepting step capable of accepting each of the first print job generated at the first information terminal corresponding to the first user and the second print job generated at the second information terminal corresponding to the second user;
A determination step of determining, when the first user is approaching the image forming apparatus, to execute the first print job in preference to the second print job;
Image forming method. In the computer mounted on the image forming device,
An accepting step capable of accepting each of the first print job generated at the first information terminal corresponding to the first user and the second print job generated at the second information terminal corresponding to the second user;
And a determination step of determining that the first print job is executed with priority over the second print job when the first user is approaching the image forming apparatus.

Images