JP5286810B2 - Occupation control device, image processing device, image processing system, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an occupation control device, an image processing device, an image processing system, and a program.

  In Patent Document 1, in a printing apparatus having a confidential print mode that prints stored print data in accordance with a user operation using the operation unit, a request for prohibiting other users from printing by operating the operation unit is requested. When the user identification information is accepted, the operation of the operation unit is prohibited. When the user identification information is input from the operation unit, the user identification information is input if the user identification information matches the user identification information of the request source. The user is given a print operation right to operate the operation unit to print the stored print data.

JP 2004-268535 A

Here, generally, when there is a request to occupy a device, whether or not to occupy the device may be determined regardless of the intention of the person currently using the device to continue using the device.
An object of the present invention is to determine whether or not to occupy a device based on the intention of a person who is currently using the device to continue using it when there is a request to occupy the device.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first receiving unit that receives request information for requesting an occupied state that is a state of restricting the use of a specific device by a person other than the first user, and the first receiving unit includes: When the request information is received, information indicating that is sent to the second user who is operating the operation unit of the specific device in order to execute a specific process on the specific device. After the notification means notifies the information by displaying it superimposed on the screen for the specific process displayed on the display, after the execution of the specific process in the specific device, Inquiry about whether to continue using the specific device by displaying the second user on the screen for notifying the end of execution of the specific process displayed on the operation unit. Means and before A second reception that receives from the second user intention information indicating whether or not to continue the use of the specific device by inquiring whether the inquiry means continues to use the specific device. And determination means for determining whether to allow the first user to occupy the specific device based on the intention information received by the second receiving means. Is an exclusive control device.
The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the determination means is based on the condition that the intention information received by the second reception means does not indicate an intention to continue using the specific device. The occupancy control device according to claim 1, wherein the occupancy state of the specific device by the first user is permitted.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the second receiving means is information indicating that a response input indicating that the use is not continued is made in response to an inquiry as to whether or not to continue using the specific device. The occupancy control device according to claim 1, wherein the occupancy control device is received as the intention information.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the second receiving means receives information indicating that a specific operation has not been performed within a predetermined time in response to an inquiry as to whether or not to continue using the specific device. The occupancy control device according to claim 1, wherein the occupancy control device is received as the intention information.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the case where the determination information received by the second reception unit indicates an intention to continue using the specific device, the determination unit includes the specific device. 2. The occupation control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined to continue the use by the second user without permitting the occupation state by the first user.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the first receiving unit receives cancellation request information for requesting cancellation of the request information, and the determining unit is configured to receive the cancellation request information by the first receiving unit. The occupancy control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the occupancy state is determined not to be permitted by the first user of the specific apparatus in response.
The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the notifying means notifies by further displaying information indicating the number of pieces of the request information received by the first accepting means. It is a control device.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided receiving means for receiving request information for requesting an occupied state that is a state for restricting execution of image processing by a person other than the first user in the own apparatus, and the receiving means includes the request information. To the second user who is operating the operation unit of his / her device in order to execute image processing using the image reading unit or image forming unit of his / her device, A notification means for notifying by displaying on the screen for the image processing displayed on the operation section; and after the notification means notifies the information, when the execution of the image processing ends, the image reading section Alternatively, an inquiry asking whether to continue using the image forming unit by displaying the second user over the screen for notifying the end of execution of the image processing displayed on the operation unit. hand Receiving means for receiving intention information indicating whether or not to continue the image processing from the second user by inquiring whether the inquiry means continues the image processing; and the receiving means A determination unit that determines whether or not to allow the first user of the own device to permit the occupation state based on the intention information received by the device, and when the determination unit determines to permit the occupation state An image processing apparatus comprising: a restricting unit that restricts transmission of an instruction from a person other than the first user to the image reading unit or the image forming unit.
The invention according to claim 9 is the image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the notifying unit notifies by further displaying information indicating the number of pieces of the request information received by the receiving unit. is there.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided image processing apparatus that performs predetermined image processing, and request information for requesting an occupied state that is a state in which use by a person other than the first user of the image processing apparatus is restricted. A transmission device that transmits to the processing device, and when the image processing device receives the request information transmitted by the transmission device, the image processing unit transmits the information to that effect to the image reading unit or the image forming unit of the own device. A second user who is operating the operation unit of his / her device in order to perform image processing using it is notified by displaying it over the image processing screen displayed on the operation unit. Then, when the execution of the image processing is finished, the execution of the image processing displayed on the operation unit is displayed to the second user as to whether or not to continue using the image reading unit or the image forming unit. To signal the end of Query by displaying superimposed on the surface, by which, from the second user accepts the intention information indicating whether the intention to continue the image processing, based on the intention information, said own device the It is an image processing system that determines whether or not an occupation state by one user is permitted.
The invention according to claim 11 is the image processing system according to claim 10, wherein the image processing apparatus notifies by further displaying information indicating the number of pieces of the request information received from the transmitting apparatus. It is.
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, when the computer receives the request information, the computer receives a request information requesting an occupancy state, which is a state that restricts use of a specific device by a person other than the first user. The specific process displayed on the operation unit for the second user who operates the operation unit of the specific apparatus to execute the specific process on the specific apparatus. The function of notifying by displaying on the screen for the display and the function to be notified notifies the information, and when the specific process is completed in the specific apparatus, the use of the specific apparatus is continued. whether the the second user, the ability to query by displaying superimposed on a screen for informing the completion of the operation portion displayed execution of the specific process, the inquiring function before A function for receiving intention information indicating whether or not to continue using the specific device from the second user by inquiring whether to continue using the specific device, and the received intention information And a function for determining whether or not to allow the first user to occupy the specific device.
The invention according to claim 13 is the program according to claim 12, wherein the notifying function is notified by further displaying information indicating the number of received request information.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when there is a request to occupy the device, it is possible to determine whether to occupy the device based on the intention of the person who is currently using the device to continue using the device.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, when there is a request to occupy the device, the device can be occupied if the person who is currently using the device does not intend to continue using it.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it becomes clear that the person who is currently using the apparatus does not have the intention to continue using the apparatus as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.
According to the invention of claim 4 , it is not necessary to perform an operation for explicitly responding that the person currently using the apparatus does not intend to continue using the apparatus.
According to the invention of claim 5 , even if there is a request to occupy the device, the use of the device can be continued if the person currently using the device has an intention to continue using the device.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when there is a request to occupy the device, it is possible to determine whether to occupy the device based on the intention of the person who is currently using the device to continue using the device.
According to the invention of claim 8 , when there is a request for occupying the device, it is possible to determine whether to occupy the device based on the intention of the person who is currently using the device to continue using the device.
According to the invention of claim 10 , when there is a request for occupying the device, it is possible to determine whether or not to occupy the device based on the intention of the person who is currently using the device to continue using the device.
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, when there is a request to occupy the device, it can be determined whether to occupy the device based on the intention of the person who is currently using the device to continue using the device.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiment”) will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an image processing system to which this exemplary embodiment is applied.
As shown in the drawing, this image processing system is configured by connecting client PCs (Personal Computers) 10 a, 10 b, 10 c and an image forming apparatus 20 via a network 80.

  Among these, the client PCs 10a, 10b, and 10c generate data for instructing printing on the image forming apparatus 20 (hereinafter referred to as “print data”), and transmit the data to the image forming apparatus 20 via the network 80. Device. Here, as print data (print information), for example, PDL (Page Description Languages) may be used. The figure shows three client PCs, but the number is not limited to this. Further, in the following description, it will be expressed as “client PC 10” when the description is given focusing on any one of them. In this embodiment, a client PC 10 is provided as an example of a transmission device that transmits request information for requesting an occupation state.

The image forming apparatus 20 forms an image on a recording medium based on print data received from the client PCs 10a, 10b, and 10c via the network 80. The image forming apparatus 20 has not only a printer function for forming an image on a recording medium, but also a scanner function for reading an image formed on the recording medium, a copy function for printing the read image on another recording medium, and a read image. May be combined with a facsimile function or the like for transmitting to the other image forming apparatus through a public line. In the present embodiment, an image forming apparatus 20 is provided as an example of an image processing apparatus.
Further, a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet may be used as the network 80.
In the present embodiment, as illustrated, a user who operates the client PC 10 is referred to as “user A”, and a user who operates the image forming apparatus 20 is referred to as “user B”.

Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 20 in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus 20.
As illustrated, the image forming apparatus 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 92, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 93, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 94, and an operation panel 95. An image reading unit 96, an image forming unit 97, and a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as “communication I / F”) 98.

The CPU 91 implements functions described later with reference to FIG. 3 by loading various programs stored in the ROM 93 and the like into the RAM 92 and executing them.
The RAM 92 is a memory used as a working memory for the CPU 91.
The ROM 93 is a memory that stores various programs executed by the CPU 91.
The HDD 94 is, for example, a magnetic disk device that stores image data read by the image reading unit 96 and image data used for image formation in the image forming unit 97.
The operation panel 95 is, for example, a touch panel that displays various types of information and receives operation inputs from the user.

  The image reading unit 96 reads an image recorded on a recording medium such as paper. Here, the image reading unit 96 is, for example, a scanner, and a CCD system in which reflected light with respect to light irradiated on the document from the light source is reduced by a lens and received by a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices), or an LED light source is sequentially irradiated on the document. It is preferable to use a CIS system that receives reflected light with respect to the received light with a CIS (Contact Image Sensor).

The image forming unit 97 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper. Here, the image forming unit 97 is, for example, a printer, and forms an image by transferring the toner attached to the photosensitive member to a recording medium to form an image, or ejecting ink onto the recording medium. An ink jet type may be used.
The communication I / F 98 transmits and receives various information to and from other devices via the network 80.
In the present embodiment, the recording medium may be any material as long as it can print an image. A typical example is paper, but an OHP sheet, a metal plate, cloth, or the like may be used.

By the way, at present, such an image forming apparatus 20 generally does not have a turn waiting function considering operations in front of a machine such as copying or scanning. Therefore, even though you requested printing, you have to wait in line because it was copied because of an interrupt, but it has not been output even if you go to pick up the printed matter, or you want to make a copy but another person is operating. The inconvenience that must be done arises.
In addition, in the future, it is expected that more functions that must be operated in front of the machine, such as net printing and security printing, are expected to increase, and the waiting time is expected to become longer.

  In order to solve such a problem, it is conceivable to provide an exclusive reservation function in the image forming apparatus 20 that reserves an operation and prohibits all other people's operations until the processing of the reserved person is completed. As a result, it is possible to operate in the order of reservation, so that even if you do not line up in front of the machine, the person who is operating in front of the machine is sure to be able to use only when you finish the operation ( (Occupied state) is secured. In other words, the occupied state means a state in which only oneself can perform scanning, printing, copying, and the like. In other words, in the occupied device, only the user can exclusively carry out the predetermined function. Even in the occupied state, print jobs and facsimile data from third parties can be received and stored in the memory.

However, how to determine that the person operating in front of the machine has finished the operation is a problem. For example, there is a method of determining that the operation is completed when a job input to the image forming apparatus 20 by a person operating in front of the machine is completed. In this method, when the copy or scan operation ends, the state is switched to the occupied state. However, a person operating in front of the machine may have a desire to continue to execute another job after executing one job. In this case, since interrupts are prohibited, if the person operating in front of the machine first performs operations such as copying, it must wait until the other person's occupation state ends A new problem arises.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the disadvantage that a user operating in front of the machine suffers from the exclusive reservations of other users is prevented. Specifically, the person operating in front of the machine can now indicate that the machine is available and can be switched to the occupied state.

First, the functional configuration of the controller portion in such an image forming apparatus 20 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the controller portion of the image forming apparatus 20.
As illustrated, the image forming apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment includes a communication control unit 21, a UI control unit 22, an identification information generation unit 23, an identification information storage unit 24, and a comparison unit 25. Of these, the functions of the communication control unit 21, the UI control unit 22, the identification information generation unit 23, and the comparison unit 25 are executed by the CPU 91 (see FIG. 2) by the program stored in the ROM 93 (see FIG. 2) in the RAM 92 (see FIG. 2). This is realized by reading and executing in FIG. The identification information storage unit 24 is realized by, for example, the HDD 94 (see FIG. 2).

  The communication control unit 21 receives information received by the communication I / F 98 and delivers information to be transmitted to the communication I / F 98. In particular, in the present embodiment, print data received from the client PC 10 is received from the communication I / F 98. Further, information indicating that the exclusive reservation has been executed is transferred to the communication I / F 98. In the present embodiment, the communication control unit 21 is used as an example of a first receiving unit or a receiving unit that receives request information for requesting an occupied state, and an example of a receiving unit that receives request information for requesting an occupied state. Provided.

  The UI control unit 22 receives information input from the operation panel 95 and transfers information displayed on the operation panel 95. In particular, in the present embodiment, information about whether or not to continue using the image forming apparatus 20 input by the currently operating user and information for putting the image forming apparatus 20 into the occupied state are received from the operation panel 95. Manipulates information for requesting exclusive reservation, information for inquiring whether to continue using, or information for inquiring whether normal printing is permitted when print data requests normal printing Delivered to panel 95. In the present embodiment, as an example of a second accepting unit that accepts intention information indicating whether or not to continue use, request information is used as a determining unit that determines whether or not to permit an occupation state based on intention information. The UI control unit 22 is provided as an example of a receiving unit that receives intention information indicating whether or not to continue image processing, as an example of a notification unit that notifies information indicating that the image processing has been received.

When the exclusive reservation of the image forming apparatus 20 is made, the identification information generating unit 23 generates the identification information input from the operation panel 95 by the user who made the exclusive reservation to put the image forming apparatus 20 into the occupied state. . Here, as the identification information, for example, random numbers may be generated so that no duplication occurs.
The identification information storage unit 24 stores the identification information generated by the identification information generation unit 23.
The comparison unit 25 compares the identification information passed from the UI control unit 22 with the identification information stored in the identification information storage unit 24 when the exclusive reservation of the image forming apparatus 20 is made. If the identification information matches, the image reading unit 96 or the image forming unit 97 is instructed to perform the requested image processing. If the identification information does not match, the instruction output to the image reading unit 96 or the image forming unit 97 is output. Limit. In the present embodiment, the comparison unit 25 is provided as an example of a limiting unit that limits transmission to the image reading unit or the image forming unit.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the user A who operates the client PC 10 requests an exclusive reservation for the image forming apparatus 20. At this time, in the image forming apparatus 20, the user B uses the operation panel. It is assumed that the operation is performed at 95. In this case, the following two are considered as intention indications as to whether or not the user B permits the exclusive reservation by the user A. First, one is an intention display by the user B performing an explicit operation to permit exclusive reservation. The other is that the user B who has logged in to use the image forming apparatus 20 may give up the image forming apparatus 20 by logging out, that is, when it is regarded as an intention to permit exclusive reservation. is there.
Hereinafter, the former will be described in detail as the first embodiment and the latter as the second embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
The operation of the image forming apparatus 20 in the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus 20 at this time.
First, the user A requesting an exclusive reservation instructs the client PC 10 to transmit print data accompanied by an exclusive reservation request (hereinafter referred to as “print data with an exclusive reservation request”), and the client PC 10 sends the exclusive reservation request. The attached print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20.
As a result, in the image forming apparatus 20, first, the communication control unit 21 receives print data with an exclusive reservation request via the communication I / F 98 and notifies the UI control unit 22 to that effect (step 201). Thereby, the UI control unit 22 determines whether there is a user B who is currently using the image forming apparatus 20 (for example, a user B who is operating the operation panel 95 for copying or scanning) (step 202). . Note that the UI control unit 22 performs such determination by constantly monitoring the operation status of the operation panel 95, for example.

As a result, if the UI control unit 22 determines that there is no user B who is currently using the image forming apparatus 20, the UI control unit 22 proceeds to step 207 and proceeds to a process (described later) for executing exclusive reservation.
On the other hand, if the UI control unit 22 determines that there is a user B who is currently using the image forming apparatus 20, the UI control unit 22 notifies the user B that an exclusive reservation has been made (step 203). A notification method at this time will be described later.

  Then, when the user B finishes the operation, the UI control unit 22 displays a screen for inquiring the user B as to whether or not to continue using the image forming apparatus 20 on the operation panel 95 (step 204). In this case, the end of the operation of the user B may be determined, for example, by the end of one job input by the user B to the image forming apparatus 20. Thereafter, the UI control unit 22 determines whether the user B intends to continue using the image forming apparatus 20 (step 205). An inquiry method at this time and an operation end determination method will also be described later.

Here, when it is determined that the user B intends to continue using the image forming apparatus 20, the UI control unit 22 receives a request for further image processing from the user B, and performs image processing according to the request. Is executed (step 206). When the processing is completed, the process returns to step 204 again to inquire whether to continue using the image forming apparatus 20.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the user B does not intend to continue using the image forming apparatus 20, an exclusive reservation is executed according to the request of the user A (step 207). Specifically, the UI control unit 22 notifies the identification information generation unit 23 that there is no intention to continue using the identification information, and the identification information necessary for the identification information generation unit 23 to put the image forming apparatus 20 in the occupied state. Is generated and stored in the identification information storage unit 24. The identification information is also transmitted from the identification information generation unit 23 to the communication control unit 21, and the communication control unit 21 transmits an exclusive reservation completion notification including the identification information to the client PC 10 via the communication I / F 98 ( Step 208).

  Thereafter, the user A moves to the front of the image forming apparatus 20 and uses the image forming apparatus 20 in an occupied state. In this case, first, the user A inputs the identification information notified in step 208 from the operation panel 95 and instructs printing based on the previously transmitted print data. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 20, the UI control unit 22 receives the input identification information and transfers this identification information to the comparison unit 25 (step 209). Then, the comparison unit 25 compares the received identification information with the identification information stored in the identification information storage unit 24 in step 207 (step 210). If the identification information matches, the image forming unit 97 is instructed to perform printing processing (step 211). Here, the printing process is instructed to the image forming unit 97, but the image reading process may be instructed to the image reading unit 96. That is, the function that can be executed when the identification information matches is not limited to printing, and may be copying or scanning. Thereafter, when the operation is not performed for a predetermined time or when the exclusive release button is pressed, the image forming apparatus 20 is not in the exclusive state, and the exclusive reservation state is also released (step 212). If the identification information does not match, for example, when a user other than the user A inputs identification information different from that stored in the identification information storage unit 24, the processing is terminated.

Here, the notification method of the exclusive reservation in step 203 will be specifically described.
5 to 7 are examples of screens for performing such notification. In all of these notifications, “automatic” is set as the color mode, “single → single” (copy from one side to one side) is set as double-sided / single-sided, and “100%” is set as the magnification. This is done on the screen for performing copying in which “A4” is set as the paper.
In FIG. 5, when an exclusive reservation is entered, a message “Occupancy reservation has been entered” is displayed in a pop-up on the operation panel 95.
In FIG. 6, when an exclusive reservation is entered, the message “Occupancy reservation is queued” is sent as a telop in the upper part of the operation panel 95. It should be noted that such a place where the telop is flowed may be any place such as the lower part of the operation panel 95.
In FIG. 7, when an exclusive reservation is entered, an icon indicating that the exclusive reservation has been entered is displayed on the upper right side of the operation panel 95. The place where such an icon is displayed may be any place on the operation panel 95.
Although not shown in the drawings, the following method is also conceivable as a notification method indicating that an exclusive reservation has been made. For example, when an exclusive reservation is made, the fact is notified by turning on a light. Further, when an exclusive reservation is made, it may be notified by voice.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, in other notification methods, it is preferable to display how many exclusive reservations are included in addition to the exclusive reservation being entered. This is because when the UI control unit 22 receives print data with an occupancy reservation request, the occupancy waiting information is stored, and the corresponding occupancy waiting information is deleted when the occupancy state is entered. It may be displayed based on the stored contents of this storage area when the print data with exclusive reservation request is received.

In addition, the method for inquiring about the intention to continue using in step 204 will be specifically described.
8 and 9 show examples of screens for making such inquiries. All of these inquiries are made on a screen for notifying that one copy of a two-page document has been completed.
In FIG. 8, a message “Please select operation continuation / end” is displayed on the upper part of the operation panel 95, and buttons “Continue operation” and “End operation” are displayed on the lower right side. The place where these messages and buttons are displayed may be any place on the operation panel 95.
In FIG. 9, a dialog box including a message “Do you want to continue operation” and buttons “Yes” and “No” are displayed on the operation panel 95.

Next, the method for determining the intention to continue using in step 205 will be specifically described.
First, as a method of determining whether or not there is an intention to continue use, an operation that clearly indicates that is considered. Specifically, this is an operation of pressing the “continue operation” button in FIG. 8 or an operation of pressing the “Yes” button in the dialog box of FIG. However, the determination method of the intention to continue using is not limited to this. For example, an operation of pressing a start key for starting image processing without pressing these buttons may be recognized as an operation indicating that the user intends to continue use.

  Further, as a method for determining that the user does not intend to continue using the device, an operation that clearly indicates the fact can be considered. Specifically, this is an operation of pressing the “End Operation” button in FIG. 8 or an operation of pressing the “No” button in the dialog box of FIG. However, the determination method that there is no intention to continue use is not limited to this. On the screen shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, a message indicating that there is a time limit for inputting the intention to continue use is displayed. This is the message “The operation will be completed automatically in 10 seconds” in FIG. 8 or the message “This dialog will automatically close in 5 seconds” in FIG. 9. That is, if a specific operation (for example, an operation of pressing a button) is not performed within a predetermined time, it may be determined that there is no intention to continue use. Here, the predetermined time may be set in advance by the system, but if there is a time when the platen cover is open or a time when the document is placed on the platen, the predetermined time may be extended. Good.

[Second Embodiment]
The operation of the image forming apparatus 20 in the second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus 20 at this time.
First, the user A who wants to perform printing instructs the client PC 10 to transmit print data, and the client PC 10 transmits this print data to the image forming apparatus 20.
Thereby, in the image forming apparatus 20, the communication control unit 21 first receives print data via the communication I / F 98 (step 251). Then, it is determined whether it is a request for normal printing or a request for exclusive reservation (step 252).
If it is determined that the print data is not a request for normal printing but a request for exclusive use, the communication control unit 21 notifies the UI control unit 22 to that effect. The control unit 22 determines whether there is a user B who is currently logged in to the image forming apparatus 20 (step 253). Note that the UI control unit 22 performs such determination by constantly monitoring the login status of each user, for example.

As a result, if the UI control unit 22 determines that there is no user B who is currently logged in to the image forming apparatus 20, the UI control unit 22 proceeds to step 255 and proceeds to a process (described later) for executing exclusive reservation.
On the other hand, if the UI control unit 22 determines that there is a user B who is currently logged in to the image forming apparatus 20, the UI control unit 22 waits for the user B to log out. That is, it is determined whether or not the user B has logged out (step 254). If the user B has not logged out, the determination in step 254 is repeated. On the other hand, if the user B is logged out, the exclusive reservation is executed according to the request of the user A (step 255). Specifically, the fact that the user B has logged out is notified from the UI control unit 22 to the identification information generation unit 23, and the identification information generation unit 23 provides the identification information necessary for putting the image forming apparatus 20 in the occupied state. It is generated and stored in the identification information storage unit 24. The identification information is also transmitted from the identification information generation unit 23 to the communication control unit 21, and the communication control unit 21 transmits an exclusive reservation completion notification including the identification information to the client PC 10 via the communication I / F 98 ( Step 256).

  Thereafter, the user A moves to the front of the image forming apparatus 20 and uses the image forming apparatus 20 in an occupied state. In this case, first, the user A inputs the identification information notified in step 256 from the operation panel 95 and instructs printing based on the previously transmitted print data. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 20, the UI control unit 22 receives the input identification information and transfers this identification information to the comparison unit 25 (step 257). Then, the comparison unit 25 compares the received identification information with the identification information stored in the identification information storage unit 24 in step 255 (step 258). If the identification information matches, the image forming unit 97 is instructed to perform printing processing (step 259). Here, the printing process is instructed to the image forming unit 97, but the image reading process may be instructed to the image reading unit 96. That is, the function that can be executed when the identification information matches is not limited to printing, and may be copying or scanning. Thereafter, if the operation is not performed for a predetermined time or the exclusive release button is pressed, the image forming apparatus 20 is not in the exclusive state, and the exclusive reservation state is also released (step 260). If the identification information does not match, for example, when a user other than the user A inputs identification information different from that stored in the identification information storage unit 24, the processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 252 that the print data is a request for normal printing, the communication control unit 21 notifies the UI control unit 22 to that effect. Thereby, the UI control unit 22 determines whether there is a user B who is currently logged in to the image forming apparatus 20 (step 261).

As a result, if the UI control unit 22 determines that there is a user B who is currently logged in to the image forming apparatus 20, the UI control unit 22 displays a screen for inquiring the user B as to whether or not normal printing is permitted (step S95). 262). Then, it is determined whether or not the user B has selected to permit normal printing (step 263).
If it is determined that the user B has selected not to permit normal printing, the user B waits for logout. That is, it is determined whether or not the user B has logged out (step 264). If the user B has not logged out, the determination in step 264 is repeated. On the other hand, if the user B has logged out, the image forming unit 97 performs normal printing in accordance with the request from the user A (step 265).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 261 that no user is logged in, or if it is determined in step 263 that user B has selected to permit normal printing, the image forming unit 97 logs out user B. Without waiting, normal printing is executed in accordance with the request of user A (step 265).

In the second embodiment, notification that there is an exclusive reservation as in the first embodiment is not performed. However, the user B who is logged in may be notified that there is an exclusive reservation.
In the second embodiment, it is determined whether there is a logged-in user even when the print data is a request for normal printing. If there is a logged-in user, normal printing is executed even before the logout only if the user permits it. However, if the print data is a request for normal printing, normal printing may be executed unconditionally without determining whether there is a logged-in user.
This is the end of the description of the operations of the first and second embodiments.

By the way, in the present embodiment, the occupied state is defined as a state in which only oneself can use and the use of others is prohibited. However, a state where the use of another person is not completely prohibited and some restrictions are applied may be included in the occupied state. As such a state, for example, when occupancy is requested and executed by the user A, “Currently occupied by Mr. A. Please do not use anyone other than Mr. A” on the display screen. The state where it is displayed is considered.
In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 20 generates identification information when the exclusive reservation is executed and transmits the identification information to the user A to input the image forming apparatus 20 to the exclusive state. This processing is not limited to this. In other words, any user can be used as long as it can be determined by some method that the user who made the exclusive reservation and the user who uses the image forming apparatus 20 in the exclusive state are the same person. For example, the user A notifies the image forming apparatus 20 of the user ID assigned in advance to the image forming apparatus 20 at the time of the exclusive reservation, and the user A inputs the user ID when the image forming apparatus 20 is used in the occupied state. It may be.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the user A is permitted to occupy the image forming apparatus 20 on the condition that the user B has indicated that he / she will not continue to use the image forming apparatus 20. However, additional conditions may be provided for this, and the user A may be allowed to occupy the image forming apparatus 20 when those conditions are satisfied. As such an additional condition, for example, a condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the intention display of the user B can be considered. Even if User B indicates that he / she will not continue using it, if another user is waiting immediately after User B, it is appropriate to give priority to the other user over User A. Because there is also.

In addition, a function of canceling (cancelling) an exclusive reservation may be added to the present embodiment.
For example, there may be a situation where the user A cannot move to the front of the image forming apparatus 20 after making an exclusive reservation. In such a case, if the exclusive reservation cannot be canceled, another user will wait until the user A can operate the image forming apparatus 20.
Specifically, a job for canceling the exclusive reservation may be transmitted from the client PC 10 to the image forming apparatus 20.
Further, a cancel button may be provided on the completion notification screen displayed on the client PC 10 in response to the reception of the exclusive reservation completion notification so that it can be canceled immediately after the exclusive reservation.
Furthermore, a job list transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20 may be selected on a list display screen on which the client PC 10 displays a job, and an exclusive reservation related to the job may be canceled.

  Alternatively, if the user A does not operate the image forming apparatus 20 within a predetermined time after making the exclusive reservation, the exclusive reservation may be handled as canceled.

  It should be noted that the program for realizing the present embodiment may be provided by being stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, as well as provided by communication means.

It is a figure showing an example of an image processing system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed the example of the screen which notifies that there was an exclusive reservation in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the example of the screen which notifies that there was an exclusive reservation in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the example of the screen which notifies that there was an exclusive reservation in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the example of the screen which inquires whether use of an apparatus is continued in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the example of the screen which inquires whether use of an apparatus is continued in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Client PC, 20 ... Image forming apparatus, 21 ... Communication control part, 22 ... UI control part, 23 ... Identification information generation part, 24 ... Identification information storage part, 25 ... Comparison part

Claims (13)

First receiving means for receiving request information for requesting an occupation state, which is a state of restricting the use of a specific device by a person other than the first user;
When the first receiving means receives the request information, the information indicating that is being used to operate the operation unit of the specific device in order to execute a specific process in the specific device. A notification means for notifying the user by displaying the screen superimposed on the screen for the specific processing displayed on the operation unit;
After the notification means notifies the information, when the execution of the specific process is finished in the specific device, whether to continue the use of the specific device is indicated to the second user to the operation unit. Inquiry means for inquiring by displaying it over the screen for notifying the end of execution of the displayed specific processing ,
The inquiry means asks whether or not to continue the use of the specific device, thereby receiving from the second user intention information indicating an intention of whether or not to continue using the specific device. Receiving means;
Occupancy characterized by comprising: a determination unit that determines whether or not to allow the first user to occupy the specific device based on the intention information received by the second reception unit Control device.   The determination means may use the first use of the specific apparatus on condition that the intention information received by the second reception means does not indicate an intention to continue using the specific apparatus. The occupancy control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the occupancy state is determined to be permitted.   The second accepting means accepts, as the intention information, information indicating that a response input indicating that the use is not continued is performed in response to an inquiry about whether or not to continue using the specific device. The occupation control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein   The second accepting unit accepts, as the intention information, information indicating that a specific operation has not been performed within a predetermined time in response to an inquiry about whether or not to continue using the specific device. The occupancy control device according to claim 1.   The determination means, when the intention information received by the second reception means indicates an intention to continue using the specific device, indicates the occupation state of the specific device by the first user. The occupancy control device according to claim 1, wherein the occupancy control device determines to continue the use by the second user without permission. The first receiving means receives cancellation request information for requesting cancellation of the request information,
The said determination means determines not to permit the occupation state by the said 1st user of the said specific apparatus according to reception of the said cancellation request information by the said 1st reception means. The occupation control apparatus according to 1.   The occupancy control device according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit notifies by further displaying information indicating the number of pieces of the request information received by the first receiving unit. Receiving means for receiving request information for requesting an occupation state, which is a state that restricts execution of image processing by a person other than the first user in the own device;
When the receiving unit receives the request information, the operation unit of the own apparatus is operated to execute image processing using the image reading unit or the image forming unit of the own apparatus. A notification means for notifying the second user by displaying the image on the screen for the image processing displayed on the operation unit;
When the execution of the image processing is completed after the notification means notifies the information, whether to continue using the image reading unit or the image forming unit is displayed to the second user on the operation unit. Inquiry means for inquiring by displaying the image processing on the screen for informing the end of execution of the image processing ,
Receiving means for receiving intention information indicating whether or not to continue the image processing from the second user by inquiring whether or not the inquiry means continues the image processing;
Determining means for deciding whether or not to permit an occupation state by the first user of the device based on the intention information received by the receiving means;
And a limiting unit that limits transmission of an instruction from a person other than the first user to the image reading unit or the image forming unit when it is determined that the occupancy state is permitted by the determining unit. An image processing apparatus.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the notifying unit notifies by further displaying information indicating the number of pieces of the request information received by the receiving unit. An image processing apparatus for performing predetermined image processing;
A transmission device that transmits to the image processing device request information requesting an occupation state that is a state that restricts use by a person other than the first user of the image processing device;
When the image processing apparatus receives the request information transmitted from the transmission apparatus, the image processing apparatus uses the image reading section or the image forming section of the apparatus itself to execute image processing. When the second user who is operating the operation unit of the apparatus is notified by displaying it on the screen for the image processing displayed on the operation unit, and then the execution of the image processing is finished Whether to continue using the image reading unit or the image forming unit is displayed on the screen for informing the second user of the end of execution of the image processing displayed on the operation unit. In response to this, the second user accepts intention information indicating whether or not to continue the image processing, and based on the intention information, the first user of the own device Occupation Image processing system and determining whether to allow.   The image processing system according to claim 10, wherein the image processing apparatus notifies by further displaying information indicating the number of pieces of the request information received from the transmission apparatus. On the computer,
A function of accepting request information for requesting an occupied state that is a state of restricting use by a person other than the first user of a specific device;
When the request information is received, information indicating that is sent to the second user who is operating the operation unit of the specific device in order to execute a specific process on the specific device. A function to notify by displaying it over the screen for the specific processing displayed in
After the notification function notifies the information, when the execution of the specific process is finished in the specific device, the operation unit determines whether or not to continue using the specific device. A function for inquiring by displaying it over the screen for notifying the end of execution of the specific process displayed in
A function of accepting intention information indicating whether or not to continue the use of the specific device from the second user by inquiring whether or not the function to inquire continues to use the specific device;
A program for realizing a function of determining whether or not to permit an occupation state of the specific device by the first user based on the received intention information.   13. The program according to claim 12, wherein the notifying function notifies by further displaying information indicating the number of received request information.

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