JP6839312B2 - Image processing device, control method of image processing device, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing device having a user authentication function.

Conventionally, in order to improve security in an image processing device, an image that requires a user who uses the image processing device to enter a user ID and password and allows the user to log in based on the entered user ID and password. There is a processing device. In such an image processing device, when login is permitted, functions such as copying provided in the image processing device can be used.

Further, in these devices, by performing an operation of logging out from the device after the user completes the use, each function provided in the image processing device cannot be used, and another user can log in to the image processing device. It is known. Further, it is known that when a state in which no operation is performed by the user continues for a certain period of time, the user is logged out of the device so that another user can log in to the image processing device (auto logout function). Further, in an information processing device having a login authentication function (for example, a PC or the like), it is known that when a user logs out, the execution of the copy job executed by the user is stopped.

By the way, in the conventional image processing apparatus, an image processing apparatus capable of inputting a plurality of copy jobs is known. In these image processing devices, the submitted copy jobs are executed in order based on the order in which the copy jobs are submitted, the priority set in the copy jobs, and the like. Further, it is known that when the copy job is canceled after the copy job is submitted, all the submitted copy jobs are paused by the stop key of the operation unit of the image processing device (for example, patent). Document 1).

The image processing apparatus of Patent Document 1 discloses that the user is made to select a job to be canceled from the paused copy jobs, the execution of the selected copy job is canceled, and the remaining copy jobs are restarted. Has been done. In this process, by suspending all copy jobs, useless output is generated because the copy job process is advanced even while the operation for selecting the copy job to be canceled is being performed. It suppresses that.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-251454

It is conceivable to enable the copy job to be paused by the stop key of the operation unit even for the image processing device that performs authentication management on the premise that the user logs in. However, in the image processing apparatus of Patent Document 1, the processing when the user logs out has not been considered.

For example, the user may mistakenly think that the copy job to be stopped has been canceled due to the suspension of the output operation of the image processing device due to the pressing of the stop key. In this case, the user may log out by performing the logout operation as it is without checking the pause screen displayed on the operation unit. In this case, the copy job is paused and the user is not logged in to the image processing device. When the user is not logged in, a screen for accepting the user's login is displayed, and each function of the image processing device cannot be used.

Further, when the user who wants to cancel the copy job presses the stop key, the print operation is temporarily stopped, and the copy job to be stopped may be mistakenly canceled and the user may leave the image processing device as it is. In this case, when the user is logged out by auto logout, the user is switched to a state in which the user is not logged in to the image processing device.

In this way, if logout is performed while the copy job is suspended, all the copy jobs will continue to remain in the suspended state. By the way, if the state in which the copy job is paused by the stop key is continued, the copy job different from the copy job that the user really wanted to stop will continue to be paused. Further, there is a possibility that hardware resources such as a printing unit will continue to be occupied by the printing process based on the copy job in the paused state waiting for the restart instruction. In this case, even if you try to execute the print process based on the print job generated by newly receiving the print data from the external device, you can overtake the print process based on the paused copy job that occupies the print unit. However, there is a risk that it will stop in a waiting state.

The present invention has been made in view of these problems. The present invention is different from the user who is logged out while the job of the user who is logged out is kept in the suspended state when the user logs out from the image processing device while the job whose printing is not completed is in the suspended state. The purpose is to provide a mechanism for resuming a job for a user.

In order to achieve the above object, the image processing device of the present invention is an image processing device that executes printing based on a job, and is based on a receiving means that accepts an operation by a user and a predetermined operation received by the receiving means. When a change means for changing a job whose printing has not been completed to a paused state in which printing has not been performed and a logout event for logging out a user logged in to the image processing device from the image processing device are detected. A control means for resuming a job of another user different from the user while keeping the job of the user in the paused state among the jobs changed to the paused state by the changing means. It is characterized by.

According to the present invention, when a user logs out from an image processing device while a job for which printing has not been completed is suspended , the user who is logged out is logged out while the job of the logged out user is suspended. Can resume jobs for different users.

It is a block diagram which shows an image processing system. It is an external view which shows the operation part and a card reader. It is a figure explaining the user data. It is a figure which shows an example of the login screen displayed on the panel of the operation part. It is a flowchart which shows the control of login authentication. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen about a copy function displayed on the panel of an operation part. It is a figure explaining the data which a task of a print process has. It is a figure for demonstrating the task management of a print process. It is a figure which shows an example of the copy job cancellation screen displayed on the panel of an operation part. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen displayed on the panel of the operation part. It is a flowchart which shows the control method of the MFP. It is a flowchart which shows the acceptance control of a copy job through an operation part. It is a flowchart which shows the stop control of a copy job. It is a flowchart which shows the control of the copy job at the time of logout. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen about a copy function displayed on the panel of an operation part. It is a figure explaining the data which the task of a printing process in 2nd Embodiment has. It is a figure for demonstrating the control of the copy job at the time of logout in the 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control of the copy job at the time of logout in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the stop control of the copy job in 3rd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the means for solving the invention.

<First Embodiment>
First, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, the execution of copying is accepted according to the operation of the user. When the copy execution is accepted, a copy job is generated, and the scanning unit scans the document. When the scanning of the original is completed, a printing process for printing the scanned image data is performed. When the print process is completed, the copy job ends.

Also, if the stop key is pressed while the copy job is being executed, the copy job is paused. Therefore, the reading process and the printing process based on the copy job are suspended.

In this way, when a user's logout is detected while the copy job is suspended, the copy job is controlled so that the copy job does not continue to remain in the suspended state.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an image processing system according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 101 will be described as an example of an image processing device, and a PC (Personal Computer) 102 will be described as an example of an information processing device. The MFP 101 and the PC 102 are communicably connected via the network 100.

Although FIG. 1 illustrates a case where one information processing device is provided in the image processing system, the MFP 101 and a plurality of information processing devices may be communicably connected via the network 100. Further, the image processing system of the present embodiment illustrates the case where the MFP 101 and the PC 102 are included, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only the MFP 101 may be called an image processing system.

First, the PC 102 will be described. The PC 102 can execute various programs such as an application program. Further, the PC 102 has a printer driver installed for transmitting print data to the printer. A user who wants to print can give a print instruction from various applications. The printer driver can convert the data output by the application based on the print instruction into a PDL (Page Description Language) that can be interpreted by the MFP 101 and send it to the MFP 101.

Next, the MFP 101 will be described. The MFP 101 has a reading function for reading an image on a sheet and a printing function for printing an image on the sheet. In addition, the MFP 101 also has a file transmission function for transmitting image data to an external device.

In the present embodiment, the MFP 101 will be described as an example of the image processing device, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be a printing device such as a printer that does not have a reading function. Further, an image reading device such as a scanner that does not have a printing function may be used. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the printing apparatus includes various configuration requirements described below as an example.

The control unit 110 including the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 controls the operation of the entire MFP 101. The CPU 111 reads a control program stored in the ROM (Read Only Memory) 112 or the storage 114, and performs various controls such as read control and print control. The ROM 112 stores a control program that can be executed by the CPU 111. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 113 is the main storage memory of the CPU 111, and is used as a temporary storage area for expanding various control programs stored in the work area, the ROM 112, and the storage 114. The storage 114 stores print data, image data, various programs, and various setting information. In the present embodiment, an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is assumed as the storage 114, but a non-volatile memory such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) may be used instead of the HDD.

In the MFP 101 of the present embodiment, one CPU 111 uses one memory (RAM 113) to execute each process shown in the flowchart described later, but other modes may be used. For example, a plurality of CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and storages can be made to cooperate with each other to execute each process shown in a flowchart described later. Further, a hardware circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) may be used to execute a part of the processing.

The operation unit interface (I / F) 115 connects the operation unit 116 and the control unit 110. The USB (Universal Social Bus) I / F 121 connects the peripheral device and the control unit 110. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the IC card reader 122 is connected. The IC card reader 122 can read an IC card (Integrated Circuit Card) and acquire information in the card.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing the operation unit 116 and the card reader 122. The operation unit 116 includes a panel 201 for displaying an operation screen described later and a hard key input unit 202. Panel 201 is, for example, a touch panel display. The hard key input unit 202 has various hard keys such as a stop key 211, a start key 212, and an ID key 213. The user touches the key displayed on the panel 201 or presses various hard keys of the hard key input unit 202 to input an instruction. The operation unit 116 functions as a reception unit that receives instructions from the user via the panel 201 and the input unit 202, and also functions as a display unit that displays an operation screen on the panel 201 as needed. Further, the stop key 211 is a key used when giving an instruction to stop the copy job. In the present embodiment, the case where the stop key 211 is provided as a hard key is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the stop key may be a soft key displayed on the panel 201.

Further, the IC card reader 122 is a card reader used when performing card authentication in login authentication described later. When the user touches (approaches) the IC card to the card reader 122, the card reader 122 can acquire information from the IC card.

Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the reading unit I / F 117 connects the reading unit 118 and the control unit 110. The reading unit 118 reads the image on the sheet and generates image data. The image data generated by the reading unit 118 is transmitted to an external device or printed on a sheet. Further, the scanning unit 118 can scan a plurality of originals by scanning the sheets placed on the original feeder (not shown).

The printing unit I / F 119 connects the printing unit 120 and the control unit 110. The image data to be printed is transferred from the control unit 110 to the printing unit 120 via the printing unit I / F 119. The printing unit 120 receives a control command and image data to be printed via the control unit 110, and prints an image based on the image data on the sheet. The printing method of the printing unit 120 may be an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. Other methods (for example, thermal transfer method) may be used as long as the image can be printed on the sheet.

Further, the control unit 110 is connected to the network 100 via the communication unit I / F 123. The communication unit I / F 123 transmits image data and information to an external device on the network 100, and receives print data and information from an information processing device on the network 100.

The print data received via the communication unit I / F 123 is analyzed by a software module (PDL analysis unit, not shown) for analyzing the print data stored in the storage 114 or the ROM 112. The PDL analysis unit generates a print job (details will be described later) for printing by the printing unit 120 based on print data expressed in various types of page description languages (Page Description Language).

<Login authentication function>
Next, the login authentication function included in the MFP 101 of the present embodiment will be described. The MFP 101 provides various functions such as copying provided by the MFP 101 to a user who is permitted to log in by login authentication. The user uses each function of the MFP 101 via the operation unit 116 of the MFP 101.
FIG. 3 shows an example of user data stored in the storage 114 of the MFP 101. The user information 300 is information for managing a user who logs in to the MFP 101, and is composed of a user ID 301, a password 302, a card ID 303, a role 304, and the like. In addition to these, the user information 300 may include other management data such as a password expiration date and an e-mail address.

The user ID 301 is a user ID that uniquely indicates the user. Further, the password 302 indicates a password for authenticating the user. The card ID 303 is a key for identifying a specific user from the plurality of user information 300. Further, the card ID 303 is authentication information associated with the IC card possessed by the user of the MFP 101.

Role 304 is information indicating the authority of the user. Here, two types are exemplified: "Administrator" indicating that the user has the authority to manage the MFP 101, and "Geneler User" indicating that the user is a general user of the MFP 101. For example, a user whose role is "administrator" can make management settings of the MFP 101 and the like. Hereinafter, a user whose role is "administrator" will be referred to as an administrator.

The user of the MFP 101 can log in to the MFP 101 using either card authentication or keyboard authentication.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen (hereinafter referred to as a login screen) for accepting a user's login displayed on the panel 201 of the operation unit 116. The card authentication screen 410 shown in FIG. 4A is a screen displayed when the IC card is held up to accept login, and illustrates the case where the card authentication key 401 is selected. The card authentication key 401 in FIG. 4 is a key for displaying a screen for performing card authentication. The user can log in with the IC card by bringing the IC card close to the card reader 122.

The CPU 111 acquires information from an IC card in the vicinity of the card reader 122. Further, the user can be authenticated by collating the information acquired from the card reader 122 with the card ID 303 of the user data stored in the storage 114.

Further, the keyboard authentication key 402 in FIG. 4 is a key for displaying a screen for performing keyboard authentication. When the keyboard authentication key is pressed, the CPU 111 switches the screen displayed on the panel 201 to the keyboard authentication screen 420. FIG. 4B is an example of the keyboard authentication screen 420.

The user can log in to the MFP 101 by entering his / her own user ID and password while the keyboard authentication screen 420 is displayed. The area 421 is an area for inputting a user ID, and the area 422 is an area for inputting a password. The login key 424 is an operation key for starting the login process.

When the login key 424 is pressed, the CPU 111 collates the authentication information entered in the areas 421 and 422 with the authentication information stored as user data, and determines whether or not to allow the user to log in. To do.

In the present embodiment, a case where it is determined whether or not to allow login by using the user data stored in the storage 114 of the MFP 101 has been illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. You may connect to an external authentication server via the communication unit I / F123 and use the authentication result of the external authentication server. In this case, the exchange of authentication information with an external authentication server is performed using a known technique such as LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol).

Specific control of login authentication will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Each operation (step) of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is realized by the CPU 111 reading the control program stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 114 into the RAM 113 and executing the control program. The MFP 101 executes the flowchart of FIG. 5 when the user detects an event that starts the operation of the logged-out MFP 101. Specifically, when the MFP 101 is operated when there is no user logged in to the MFP 101, the CPU 111 executes the control corresponding to the flowchart of FIG.

In S501, the CPU 111 displays the card authentication screen 410 on the panel 201. Further, the CPU 111 appropriately accepts user input via the operation unit 116 (switching to the keyboard authentication screen 420, inputting authentication information via the area 421 or the area 422, etc.).

In S502, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a login instruction has been given. Specifically, when either the login key 424 or the ID key 213 is pressed after receiving the authentication information (user ID and password) via the keyboard authentication screen 420 in S501, it is determined that the login instruction has been given. To do. Further, the CPU 111 also determines that the login instruction has been given even when the card reader 122 detects the IC card via the external I / F while the screen 410 is displayed, and proceeds to S503. On the other hand, if neither the login key 424 nor the ID key 213 is pressed, or if the card reader 122 does not detect the IC card, it is determined that the login instruction has not been given, and the login process is terminated without authentication. ..

In S503, the CPU 111 acquires the authentication information. When the login instruction is given by the card in S502, the CPU 111 acquires the card information from the IC card detected in S502. On the other hand, when a login instruction is given by the login key 424 or the ID key 213 in S502, the user ID and password entered via the screen 420 are acquired.

In S504, the CPU 111 collates the user data with the authentication information acquired in S503. As a result of the collation, if the login is permitted (OK in S504), the process proceeds to step S505, and if the login is not permitted (NG in S504), the process proceeds to S508. Specifically, in the case of a login instruction using a card, the CPU 111 searches the user data stored in the storage 114 using the information acquired from the IC card in S503 as a search key. As a result of the search, if there is a user with the same card ID 303, login is permitted, and if there is no user with the same card ID 303, login is not permitted.

Further, in the case of a login instruction via the keyboard authentication screen 420, the CPU 111 searches the user data stored in the storage 114 using the ID acquired in S503 as a search key. As a result of the search, if there are users with the same ID and the same password, login is permitted, and if there is no user with the same ID, or if users with the same ID have different passwords. , Do not allow login.

In S505, the CPU 111 generates a session ID for managing a session for logging in to the MFP 101, and temporarily stores the session ID in the RAM 113. The session in the present embodiment indicates a series of periods from when the user logs in to the MFP to when he / she logs out. In the present embodiment, the session is managed by assigning a session ID for uniquely identifying the session when the user logs in. When a plurality of users are logged in to the MFP 101, the MFP 101 controls the screen and the like provided to each user based on the session ID.

In S506, the CPU 111 acquires the user data of the user who is permitted to log in in S504, generates the session data in which the acquired user data is associated with the session ID generated in S505, and temporarily stores the acquired user data in the RAM 113. The session data includes user ID 301 and role 304 (user authority information). It also includes the user's email address (not shown). The session data is appropriately used in the control shown in the flowchart described later and in various functions of the MFP 101.

In S507, the CPU 111 displays the operation screen of the MFP 101 on the panel 201. For example, the CPU 111 displays a main screen in which buttons (icons) for activating various functions (for example, a copy function and a file transmission function) included in the MFP 101 are displayed so as to be selectable. If the initial screen of the MFP 101 (for example, a copy screen) is set separately, the initial screen may be displayed. In the present embodiment, the processes of S505 to S507 are referred to as login processes. When the login process is completed and the operation screen of the MFP 101 is displayed on the panel 201, the CPU 111 ends the login process.

On the other hand, in S508, the CPU 111 notifies the user via the panel 201 that the login has failed, and ends the login process.

A user who has logged in to the MFP 101 through the login authentication step using FIG. 5 can use various functions provided by the MFP 101 via the operation unit 116.

<Copy function>
Next, a method of accepting a copy job by the MFP 101 will be described by exemplifying the copy function provided by the MFP 101.

First, the copy setting will be described. FIG. 6 shows an example of a copy screen displayed on the panel 201. The setting screen 601 shown in FIG. 6A shows an example of a copy setting screen. Further, the execution screen 603 shown in FIG. 6B shows an example of the execution screen 603 displayed during the execution of the copy job.

The user who has logged in to the MFP 101 can select the copy function from the main screen (not shown) displayed on the panel 201.

The CPU 111 displays the setting screen 601 shown in FIG. 6A according to the fact that the copy function button is pressed by the user while the main screen is displayed.

The user can make various copy settings via the setting screen 601. For example, the user can make various settings such as setting the number of copies, switching between monochrome and color, and setting double-sided printing. The copy setting has many setting items not illustrated here. Therefore, it is difficult to make all the settings on the same screen. Therefore, it is assumed that a plurality of functions are set by transitioning to an individual setting screen for each setting item. Note that FIG. 6A illustrates a case where 20 copies are copied.

The screen displayed on the panel 201 after the user logs in is composed of a menu bar 610, a main area 620, a lower bar 630, and the like. In the menu bar 610, the name of the function being executed by the MFP 101, the logged-in user ID, and the like are displayed. The area 615 is an area for displaying the logged-in user ID. Further, in the main area 620, items related to the function being executed are displayed. Further, in the lower bar 630, device information to be notified to the user, a logout key 631 and the like are displayed.

The logout key 631 is a key used when the user logs out from the MFP 101. The user can also log out using the ID key 213. If the user is logged out of the MFP 101 when the ID key 213 is pressed, the CPU 111 performs the same process as when the login key 424 is pressed. Further, when the ID key 213 is pressed, the CPU 111 performs the same processing as when the logout key 631 is pressed if the user is logged in to the MFP 101.

Further, the CPU 111 automatically logs out the user from the MFP 101 (referred to as auto logout) when the user is logged in and the state of no operation continues for a predetermined time.

When the CPU 111 detects that the start key 212 has been pressed while the setting screen 601 is displayed, the CPU 111 generates a copy job. Further, the CPU 111 executes a scanning process of reading the original by the scanning unit 118 and a printing process of printing the scanned image data on the sheet based on the copy job.

When the execution of the generated copy job is started, the CPU 111 starts the scanning process of the document by the scanning unit 118, and displays the copy execution screen 603 shown in FIG. 6B on the panel 201. When the scanning process is completed, the CPU 111 executes a printing process for printing the scanned document on a sheet. Hereinafter, the print process executed based on the copy job is referred to as the print process based on the copy job. Further, the reading process executed based on the copy job is called the reading process based on the copy job. The printing process will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

The stop key 612 is a key used to stop the copy job. Further, the close key 611 is an operation key displayed after the reading process based on the copy job is completed, and is a key for closing the pop-up 604. When the CPU 111 detects that the close key 611 is pressed while the screen 603 is displayed, the CPU 111 closes the pop-up screen and displays the setting screen 601. The user can make a reservation for a new copy job via the setting screen 601 (reserved copy).

As described above, in the present embodiment, if the reading process of the original of the generated copy job is completed, the next copy job is generated even if the printing process executed based on the copy job is not completed. can do.

Specifically, when the scanning of the original is completed, a task of printing processing for printing the scanned image data is generated. The print processing task indicates a processing unit that controls the printing unit 120 to print an image on a sheet. In the present embodiment, a plurality of print processing tasks are generated by a copy job and a print job described later. These plurality of print processing tasks are sequentially executed by the task scheduler described later.

It is assumed that the execution of one copy job is completed when the task of the printing process based on the copy job is executed and the printing on the sheet is completed.

Next, the printing process will be described. FIG. 7 shows an example of the data possessed by the task of the printing process.

For example, the data included in the print processing task includes print data 707 in which data to be printed (image data, etc.) inherited from the job that generated the print processing task, print settings, and the like are stored. Further, attributes for managing the print process such as task ID 701, input time 702, task generator 703, job name 704, job owner name 705, and status 706 are added to the data possessed by the print process task. ..

The task ID 701 is identification information for uniquely identifying the printing process. The input time 702 is information indicating the time when the task of the printing process is generated. Further, the task generation source 703 is information for specifying the type of the job that generated the task of the printing process. Here, the case of a print processing task based on a copy job is illustrated.

The job name 704 is information inherited from the job that generated the print processing task, and is information indicating the name of the job. If it is a print processing task based on a print job, a name for identifying the print job (for example, a file name of print data) is stored. The job owner name 705 is information inherited from the job that generated the print processing task, and is information indicating the user name that executed the job. Here, the case where "UserA" is stored is illustrated. The status 706 is information for the CPU 111 to control the execution of the task of the print process, and stores information such as printing, waiting for printing, pausing, and an error. The data used for these printing processes may be appropriately referred to or changed by controlling the flowchart described later and controlling various functions.

First, the printing process based on the copy job will be described. The CPU 111 generates a print processing task when the scanning unit 118 completes scanning the original during the execution of the copy job. At this time, the copy job is stored as the task generation source 703, and "copy" is stored in the job name.

Next, the printing process based on the print job will be described. When the CPU 111 receives the PDL data from the external device, the PDL analysis unit (not shown) converts the PDL data into data suitable for printing and generates a print job. When the execution of the generated print job is started, the CPU 111 generates a task of print processing based on the print job. At this time, a normal print job is stored as the task generation source 703, and a PDL data file name or the like is stored in the job name.

Further, when printing a report showing the status of the MFP 101, the CPU 111 also generates a report based on device settings, history information, and the like, and generates a print job for printing the report. When the execution of the print job is started, the task of the print process is generated. In this case, the report print job is stored in the task generation source 703.

Therefore, in the MFP 101 of the present embodiment, a plurality of print processing tasks such as a print processing task based on a copy job and a print processing task based on a print job are executed by using one printing unit 120.

In the present embodiment, in order to manage the execution of these plurality of print processing tasks, the order in which the print processing tasks are executed is appropriately determined based on the order in which the print processing tasks are generated, the attributes, the status, and the like. To do.

8 (a) and 8 (b) are diagrams for explaining control regarding the execution order of a plurality of print processing tasks. FIG. 8A illustrates a management list when executing four print processing tasks. It is assumed that the management list is stored in the RAM 113.

The management information 811 exemplifies the management information for managing the task currently being printed by the printing unit 120. Further, the management information 812 exemplifies the management information for managing the task in the print waiting state. In this way, the management information of the task to be executed first is stored at the top of the table. In addition, management information of tasks waiting to be printed is stored in the next and subsequent lines of the list.

Items 801 to 806 are fields in which attributes for managing the task of printing processing are stored, and information on each item shown in FIGS. 701 to 706 in FIG. 7 is stored.

The CPU 111 adds task management information to the list at the timing of generating a print processing task in association with the execution of the copy job or the print job. The management information of the newly added task is added to the end of the list. In addition, when management information is added to the list, it is sorted (sorted in print order) in the list as appropriate according to the type of job that generated the added task, status, priority setting, etc. Be told.

Further, the CPU 111 deletes the management information for managing the task of the printing process in which the printing is completed at the timing when the printing operation by the printing unit 120 is completed. When the management information is deleted from the table, the CPU 111 moves the pointer indicating the beginning of the list to the next row. Therefore, when the execution of the print processing task corresponding to the management information 811 is completed, the management information 811 is deleted, and the head of the list is a line indicating the management information 812. Further, when the status 806 of the management information stored at the top of the table is in the print waiting state, the CPU 111 rewrites the status 806 to the printing state and executes the print processing task corresponding to the management information.

As described above, in the present embodiment, each time a task for printing processing is generated, management information for managing the task is added to the management list, and the printing order is rearranged as appropriate. When printing based on the print processing task is completed, the management information that manages the task is deleted from the list, and the execution of the print processing task to be executed next is started. Therefore, the tasks of the plurality of print processes input to the MFP 101 are sequentially executed in the print order managed by the management list.

In addition, the printing operation by the printing unit 120 may be interrupted when there are no more consumables to be used for printing. In this case, the CPU 111 rewrites the status of the management information that manages the interrupted print processing task while it is stopped. When the process related to the interruption is completed, the status 806 of the management information that manages the task of the print process is rewritten to the printing in progress state or the print waiting state.

Instead of the management list of FIG. 8, the execution order of the print processing tasks can be managed by a list structure such as a queue. In this case, the CPU 111 stores the print processing task in the queue each time the print processing task is generated. In addition, each time the task execution is completed, the print processing task is taken out from the queue and the print processing task is executed. Therefore, the tasks of the copy job instructed to be executed first are executed in order. Further, when the task of the print process is stored in the queue, the CPU 111 appropriately determines the priority according to the job attribute, the priority setting, and the like. The CPU 111 sorts in the queue as appropriate based on the determined priority.

As described above, the task scheduling described with reference to FIG. 8 can control the execution of a plurality of print processing tasks generated when the copy job or the print job is executed.

Further, the MFP 101 of the present embodiment has a copy job pause function for suspending all copy jobs. With this function, it is possible to perform an operation for selecting a copy job to be canceled while all the copy jobs submitted to the MFP 101 are paused.

When the stop key 211 is pressed while the copy-related screen (screen 601 or screen 603) is displayed on the panel 201, the CPU 111 changes all the copy jobs being executed to the paused state. Further, the CPU 111 displays a pop-up screen for selecting a copy job to be canceled from the list of paused copy jobs.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the screen displayed on the panel 201, and illustrates a pop-up screen 900 for canceling the copy job.

The CPU 111 changes the copy job to the paused state when the stop key is pressed while the copy-related screen (screen 601 or screen 603) is displayed on the panel 201. When the copy job is in the paused state, the read process based on the copy job, the print process based on the copy job, and the like are also paused. Therefore, when the suspension of the copy job is instructed, the status of the print processing task based on the copy job is also changed to the paused state.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the CPU 111 changes the print processing task whose task generation source is a copy job and whose status is printing or waiting for printing to a paused state. The CPU 111 controls the printing unit 120 to interrupt the printing process on the sheet when the task of the printing process based on the copy job whose status is being printed is suspended. Further, if the reading process based on the copy job is being executed, the CPU 111 changes the reading process based on the copy job to the paused state. If the original is read halfway, the paused state may be changed after the original has been read.

The pop-up screen 900 displays a list of paused copy jobs. The user can select the line indicating the copy job displayed on the screen 900 and stop the execution of the selected copy job. Note that the screen 900 illustrates a state in which line 901 is selected.

The stop key 902 is a key used to cancel the execution of the selected copy job. When the stop key 902 is pressed, the CPU 111 can cancel the execution of the copy job corresponding to the selected line via the screen 900. The resume key 903 is a key used when resuming the execution of the copy job in the suspended state. When the restart key 903 is pressed, the CPU 111 restarts the execution of the reading process and the printing process of all the copy jobs. The cancel process is a process of canceling the copy job and a process of deleting the canceled copy job.

When resuming the print process based on the copy job, the CPU 111 controls the task of the print process based on the copy job in the paused state, and changes the status of the task of the print process to the print waiting state.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the stop key 211 is pressed while the user is using the copy function (the screen 601 or 603 is displayed), all the copy jobs are suspended. Can be. This process prevents the print process from proceeding and unnecessary printouts being executed while the copy job to be canceled is being selected.

Here, the user who presses the stop key 211 may mistakenly think that the copy job being executed has been canceled when he / she sees the state in which the printing operation by the printing unit 120 has stopped. In this case, it is conceivable that the user logs out of the image processing device without checking the pause screen displayed on the operation unit. Here, if the logout process is simply performed, the copy job is switched to the state in which the user is not logged in to the image processing device while the copy job is paused. When the user is not logged in, the login screen is displayed and each function cannot be used.

In addition, when the user who wants to cancel the copy job presses the stop key, the printout operation is paused, and the copy job being executed may be mistakenly canceled and the user may leave the image processing device as it is. is there. In this case, if the user is logged out by auto logout, all the copy jobs are paused and the user is not logged in to the image processing device.

In this case, the copy job submitted by the logged-out user and the copy job submitted by another user will continue to remain in the suspended state. Therefore, the copy jobs other than the copy jobs that the user really wanted to cancel will continue to be paused.

In addition, hardware resources such as the printing unit may continue to be occupied by the task of printing processing based on the copy job in the suspended state. When a hardware resource such as a print unit is occupied, even if a new print processing task based on the print job as shown in 814 of FIG. 8B is generated, a copy job that occupies the resource. Cannot overtake the task of printing based on. Therefore, the task of the printing process based on the newly generated print job also stops in the waiting state, and the printing efficiency is lowered.

Conventionally, in an environment where authentication management is not performed on the assumption that the user logs in, if the user leaves the image processing device with all copy jobs paused, the user who uses the image processing device next restarts or It was in a suspended state until it was instructed to cancel. That is, until someone notices that the copy job is suspended and deals with it, the copy job is not printed or the print based on the subsequent print job is not performed.

On the other hand, in an image processing device that performs authentication management on the premise of a user login, it is possible to control a copy job by using a user logout as a trigger.

In view of this situation, in the present embodiment, when the user logs out from the image processing device with the copy job paused, the execution of the copy job is controlled so that the copy job does not remain in the paused state. To do. This will be further described below.

The administrator of the MFP 101 can preset how to process the copy job that is suspended at the time of logout.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a copy operation setting screen displayed on the panel 201. Radio buttons 1001 to 1004 are radio buttons for selecting one setting from a plurality of buttons (choices), and are used for setting how to handle a copy job in a suspended state at the time of logout. The radio button 1001 is a button selected when it is desired to control the copy job in the suspended state to be canceled at the time of logout. The radio button 1002 is a button selected when it is desired to control the copy job in the suspended state to be restarted at the time of logout. The radio button 1003 is a button to be selected when it is desired to change only the copy job of the user who logs out from the MFP 101 to the error state and to control the copy job of another user to be restarted among the copy jobs in the paused state. .. Further, the radio button 1004 is a button selected when it is desired to control that only the copy job of the user who logs out is stopped and the copy job of another user is restarted among the copy jobs in the paused state.

The OK key 1011 is a key used when changing the setting of the MFP 101 based on the setting item made via the screen. Further, the setting cancel key 1012 is a key used when discarding the setting made via the screen.

The administrator of the MFP 101 can set in advance how to handle the copy job in the suspended state at the time of logout (hereinafter, referred to as the processing setting of the suspended job) via the screen of FIG. The value of the processing setting of the pause job set by the administrator is stored in the storage 114 or the RAM 113, and is referred to in the flowchart described later.

For example, when the OK key 1011 is pressed while the radio button 1001 is selected, the CPU 111 stores "mode 1" as the processing setting of the pause job. When the OK key 1011 is pressed while the radio button 1002 is selected, it is stored in "mode 2" as the processing setting of the pause job. When the OK key 1011 is pressed while the radio button 1003 is selected, it is stored in "mode 3" as the processing setting of the pause job. When the OK key 1011 is pressed while the radio button 1004 is selected, it is set to "mode 4" as the processing setting of the pause job.

The MFP 101 controls the jobs so that they do not continue to remain in the paused state based on the processing settings of the paused jobs made by the administrator.

In this embodiment, the case where the administrator sets the processing of the pause job shown in FIG. 10 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a general user (General User) may be able to set the processing of the pause job.

<Control of pause job>
Next, FIGS. 11 to 14 show a method of controlling the execution of the copy job so that the copy job does not continue to remain in the paused state when the user logs out from the image processing device in the paused state. This will be described using a flowchart. Each operation (step) of the flowchart shown in FIGS. 11 to 14 is realized by the CPU 111 reading the control program stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 114 into the RAM 113 and executing the control program.

It is assumed that the CPU 111 executes the flowchart of FIG. 11 when the power of the MFP 101 is ON and the MFP 101 is operating in the normal mode. When the power is supplied to the MFP 101 and the MFP 101 becomes available by various boot programs, the CPU 111 executes the control shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 11 describes an operation in which the MFP 101 sequentially executes print processing tasks based on the management information managed in the management list, and an operation in which management information for newly managing the print processing tasks is added to the management list. To do.

In S1101, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the print data has been received from the external device. When the CPU 111 receives the print data from the external device, it proceeds to S1102, and when it has not received the print data, it proceeds to S1103.

In S1102, the CPU 111 converts the print data received from the external device into data suitable for printing by the PDL analysis unit (not shown), and generates a print job. Further, the CPU 111 starts executing the print job and generates a task of print processing based on the print job. In addition, the management information that manages the generated print processing task is added to the management list. When adding the management information to the management list, the CPU 111 appropriately changes the order (printing order) in the management list.

In S1103, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the user is logged in to the MFP 101. If the user is logged in to the MFP 101, the process proceeds to S1200, and if the user is not logged in to the MFP 101, the process proceeds to S500.

In S500, the login process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is performed. When a series of login processes are completed, the process proceeds to S1104.

On the other hand, in S1200, the CPU 111 executes a series of processes related to the operation by the user via the operation unit 116 and the process of accepting the copy job. The details of the series of processes related to the operation by the user via the operation unit 116 and the process of accepting the copy job will be described later using the flowchart shown in FIG.

In S1104, the CPU 111 executes a print processing task based on the management list stored in the RAM 113. The CPU 111 refers to the information at the top of the management list and sequentially executes the corresponding print processing tasks. The CPU 111 interprets the print unit I / F 119 and transfers the image data (data 707) possessed by the task of the print process to the print unit 120. Further, the printing unit 120 is controlled based on the printing setting to print the image data on the sheet.

In S1105, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the printing process of S1104 is completed. When it is determined that printing is completed, the process proceeds to S1106. On the other hand, if it is determined that printing is not completed, the process returns to S1101.

In S1106, the CPU 111 ends the print processing task for which printing is completed in S1104. As the end process of the print process task, the CPU 111 notifies the generation source job (copy job or print job) that generated the print process task that the print process is completed. Further, the CPU 111 deletes the management information corresponding to the task of the printing process for which printing has been completed in S1104 from the management list. When the deletion is completed, the process proceeds to S1107.

Further, the CPU 111 appropriately controls the print job and the copy job being executed. When the print job or copy job receives a notification from the task that the print process is completed, the execution of the job ends.

In S1107, the CPU 111 determines whether or not an event for shifting to power off has occurred. Specifically, when the CPU 111 detects that the power switch (not shown) has been turned off, it ends a series of processes, and if it does not detect that the power switch has been turned off, it returns to the process of S1101.

When the process of FIG. 11 is terminated, the CPU 111 executes a process of shutting down the MFP 101, and when the shutdown process is completed, the power of the MFP 101 is turned off.

Next, the details of the series of processes related to the user operation executed in S1200 and the copy job acceptance process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In S1201, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a copy execution instruction has been given. Specifically, the CPU 111 determines that the copy execution instruction has been given when the start key 212 is pressed while the copy setting screen described above is displayed on the panel 201, and proceeds to S1202. On the other hand, if the start key 212 is not pressed, the processing of S1202 and S1203 is skipped and the process proceeds to S1204.

In S1202, the CPU 111 generates a copy job based on the settings made via the setting screen, and executes the generated copy job. As the first process of the copy job, the CPU 111 controls the scanning unit 118 to execute a scanning process for scanning the document. When the generation of the image of the original to be copied is completed by the scanning process, the process proceeds to S1203. The number of originals read by the scanning process of S1203 may be one or a plurality.

In S1203, the CPU 111 generates a print processing task based on the copy job generated in S1202. Further, the CPU 111 adds management information for managing the generated print processing task to the management list. When adding the management information to the management list, the CPU 111 appropriately changes the order (printing order) in the management list. By the process described in S1201 to 1203, a plurality of copy jobs can be accepted.

In S1204, the CPU 111 proceeds to S1207 when the stop key 211 is pressed, and proceeds to S1205 when the stop key 211 is not pressed.

In S1205, when the CPU 111 detects either manual logout or auto logout, the CPU 111 proceeds to S1206. On the other hand, if neither manual logout nor auto logout is detected, a series of user operations and copy job acceptance processing is terminated, and the process proceeds to the printing process of S1104.

Specifically, when the CPU 111 detects a manual logout event that occurs when a logged-in user performs an operation instructing logout (an operation of pressing either the logout key 631 or the ID key 213), the CPU 111 proceeds to S1206. .. Further, if an auto logout event that occurs when the logged-in user is not operated for a certain period of time during login is detected, the process proceeds to S1206. On the other hand, if none of the logout events is detected, the series of user operations and copy job acceptance processing is terminated, and the process proceeds to the printing process of S1104. It is assumed that logout events are managed for each session.

In S1206, the CPU 111 discards the session data of the session in which the logout event has occurred and deauthenticates the user. Further, the CPU 111 displays the login screen shown on the screen 410 on the panel 201, and proceeds to the printing process of S1104.

On the other hand, in S1207, the CPU 111 determines whether or not there is a copy job that is being executed or is waiting to be executed. In this process, when the print process based on the copy job or the read process based on the copy job is being executed, it is determined that there is a copy job that is being executed or is waiting to be executed.

First, the printing process based on the copy job will be described. The CPU 111 refers to the management list stored in the RAM 113 and determines whether or not there is a print processing task based on the copy job in the printing or waiting state.

Specifically, referring to the management list, if the task generation source is a copy job and there is a task whose status is printing or waiting to be printed, it is determined that there is a copy job being executed or waiting to be executed. Proceed to the process of canceling the copy job of S1300. Further, even when the reading process based on the copy job described in S1202 is being executed, it is determined that there is a copy job being executed or waiting to be executed, and the process proceeds to cancel the copy job in S1300.

On the other hand, if there is no copy job being executed or waiting to be executed, the process proceeds to S1205. The process of S1207 is a process of controlling not to display the stop screen when there is no copy job to be stopped even when the stop key 211 is pressed.

In S1300, the CPU 111 executes a series of processes related to the process of canceling the copy job. Subsequently, the details of the series of processes (S1300) related to the cancel process of the copy job will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In S1301, the CPU 111 suspends the copy job that is being executed or is waiting to be executed. The CPU 111 refers to the management list stored in the RAM 113, and changes the print processing task whose task generation source is a copy job and whose status is printing or waiting to be printed to the paused state. Further, when the CPU 111 changes the task of the printing process during printing to the paused state, the CPU 111 controls the printing unit 120 to interrupt the printing process on the sheet. Further, if the reading process based on the copy job is being executed, the CPU 111 controls the reading unit 118 to suspend the reading process. By the process of S1301, the copy job for which the print process has not been completed can be suspended.

In S1302, the CPU 111 displays a copy job cancel screen on the panel 201. The CPU 111 refers to the management list and displays a list of copy jobs in the suspended state on the stop screen. The pop-up screen 900 shown in FIG. 9 shows an example of a copy job cancellation screen.

In S1303, the CPU 111 accepts the selection of the copy job to be canceled via the copy job cancel screen. It should be noted that a plurality of selections may be made, or one copy job may be selected.

In S1304, the CPU 111 proceeds to S1305 when the stop key 902 is pressed, and proceeds to S1307 when the stop key 902 is not pressed. In S1305, the CPU 111 cancels the execution of the copy job selected in S1303. If the copy job to be canceled is paused in the print process, when the copy job is canceled, the execution of the print process task generated based on the copy job is also stopped. If the copy job to be canceled is paused in the reading process, the read image data is deleted and the process proceeds to S1306 when the copy job is cancelled.

In S1306, the CPU 111 determines whether or not there is a copy job in the suspended state. If there is a copy job in the paused state, the process returns to S1302 and the copy job cancel screen is displayed again. If there is no copy job in the paused state, the process related to the stop process of the series of copy jobs is terminated, and the process proceeds to the print process of S1104.

On the other hand, in S1307, the CPU 111 proceeds to S1308 when the restart key 903 is pressed, and proceeds to S1309 when the restart key 903 is not pressed.

In S1308, the CPU 111 resumes the paused copy job and proceeds to S1104. In the case of a copy job that has been suspended in the print process, the print process based on the copy job is also restarted. Specifically, the CPU 111 refers to the management list and changes the status of the print processing task whose task generation source is the copy job and whose status is the paused state to the print waiting state. Since the task of the print process based on the copy job whose status is paused is changed to the print waiting state, the print process is restarted in the print process of S1104. On the other hand, in the case of a copy job that has been suspended in the read process, the read process based on the copy job is restarted.

On the other hand, in S1309, when the CPU 111 detects either manual logout or auto logout while the copy job cancel screen is displayed on the panel 201, the CPU 111 proceeds to S1400. On the other hand, if neither manual logout nor auto logout is detected, the process returns to S1303.

In S1400, the CPU 111 executes a series of processes related to copy job control at the time of logout. Subsequently, the details of the series of processes (S1400) related to the copy job control at the time of logout will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In S1401, the CPU 111 acquires the processing setting of the pause job stored in the storage 114 or the RAM 113. In S1402, the CPU 111 determines whether the setting acquired in S1401 is a setting for switching control between the copy job of the user who logs out and the copy job of another user. Specifically, the CPU 111 determines that the control is switched between the copy job of the user who logs out when the processing setting of the pause job is "mode 3" or "mode 4" and the copy job of another user, and S1402. Proceed to. On the other hand, when the processing setting of the pause job is "mode 1" or "mode 2", it is determined that the control is not switched between the copy job of the user who logs out and the copy job of another user, and the process proceeds to S1409.

In S1403, the CPU 111 acquires the user ID of the user who logs out from the MFP 101.

In S1404, the CPU 111 restarts the copy job in the paused state in which the user ID acquired in S1403 and the job owner name are different. When resuming a copy job that has been suspended in the print process, the print process based on the copy job is also restarted. The CPU 111 refers to the management list stored in the RAM 113, and changes the status of the task whose task input source is the copy job, the status is the paused state, and the job owner name is different from the user ID acquired in S1303 to the print waiting state. To do. When resuming a copy job that has been suspended in the read process, the read process based on the copy job is also restarted.

In S1405, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the processing setting of the pause job acquired in S1401 is a setting for canceling the execution of the pause copy job of the logged-in user. Specifically, when the processing setting of the pause job is "mode 4", the CPU 111 determines that the execution of the paused copy job of the logged-in user is canceled, and proceeds to S1406. On the other hand, when the processing setting of the pause job is "mode 3", it is determined that the setting is not to cancel the execution of the pause copy job of the logged-in user, and the process proceeds to S1407.

In S1406, the CPU 111 cancels the execution of the copy job in the suspended state. When canceling the execution of a copy job that has been suspended in the print process, the print process task based on the copy job shall also be cancelled. In addition, when canceling a copy job that has been suspended in the reading process, the image data obtained in the reading process shall also be deleted.

In S1407, the CPU 111 changes the status of the copy job suspended in the print process to an error state. When changing the copy job suspended in the print process to the error state, the task of the print process based on the copy job is also changed to the error state. Specifically, the CPU 111 refers to the management list stored in the RAM 113, and changes the status of the task whose task input source is the copy job and whose status is the paused state to the error state. When the processing of S1407 is completed, the process proceeds to S1408. For a copy job that is temporarily stopped while occupying the printing unit 120, the sheet in the middle of printing is discharged to an ejection tray (not shown), the occupation of the printing unit 120 is released, and then the task is performed. The status shall be changed to the error state.

In S1408, the CPU 111 cancels the execution of the copy job suspended in the reading process, deletes the image data obtained in the reading process, and proceeds to S1310.

The process of S1408 is a process for suppressing the copy job occupying the reading unit from remaining in an error state.

Due to the process of S1407, the copy job of the logged-in user is left in an error state. It is assumed that the print processing task based on the copy job in the error state is set to have a lower processing priority than the print processing task waiting for printing or printing. Therefore, the newly generated print processing task and the print processing task waiting to be printed can be executed overtaking the print processing task in the error state. The user can restart the execution of the copy job by issuing a job restart instruction from a status confirmation screen (not shown). When the execution restart instruction is given, the CPU 111 changes the print processing task corresponding to the copy job to the print waiting state, and restarts the print processing task.

On the other hand, in S1409, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the processing setting of the pause job acquired in S1401 is a setting for canceling the execution of the copy job in the paused state. Specifically, when the processing setting of the pause job is "mode 1", the CPU 111 determines that the execution of the copy job in the paused state of the logged-in user is canceled, and proceeds to S1409. On the other hand, when the processing setting of the pause job is "mode 2", the CPU 111 determines that the setting is not to cancel the execution of the copy job in the paused state, and proceeds to S1410.

In S1409, the CPU 111 cancels the execution of the copy job in the suspended state. When canceling a copy job that has been suspended in the print process, the print process task based on the copy job shall also be cancelled. In addition, when canceling a copy job that has been suspended in the reading process, the image data obtained in the reading process shall also be deleted.

On the other hand, in S1410, the CPU 111 restarts the copy job in the paused state. When canceling the execution of the copy job that has been suspended in the print process, the print process task based on the copy job shall also be restarted. Further, when canceling the execution of the copy job suspended in the reading process, the reading unit 118 shall be controlled to restart the reading process.

By the series of processes described with reference to FIG. 13, when an event occurs in which the user logs out from the device, the copy job can be controlled so that the copy job does not remain in the paused state.

Returning to the description of FIG. 14, in S1310, the CPU 111 discards the session data of the session in which the logout event has occurred and deauthenticates the user. When the process is completed, the process proceeds to the print process of S1104.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the user logs out from the image processing device while the copy job is paused by pressing the stop key, the copy job does not continue to remain in the paused state. Can be. Therefore, when the user logs out, the occupation of the print unit 120 by the print processing task based on the copy job in the suspended state can be released. Further, the occupation of the reading unit 118 by the reading process based on the copy job in the paused state can be released. Therefore, the job execution efficiency can be improved. In addition, when the user logs out, the execution of the logout user's copy job can be canceled and the execution of another user's copy job can be resumed.

<Second embodiment>
In the first embodiment, it has been described that the execution of the copy job of the logged out user is canceled and the execution of the copy job of another user is restarted. In the second embodiment, focusing on the session, the execution of the job instructed to be executed in the session to be the logout process is canceled, and the execution of another copy job will be resumed. It also explains that the copy job that was instructed to be executed in the session that is the target of logout processing and that has the latest execution date is canceled and the execution of other copy jobs is restarted. To do. In the second embodiment, the hardware configuration of the presupposed device is the same as that in the first embodiment. Further, detailed description of the same configuration and control as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

The administrator of the MFP 101 can preset how to process the copy job that is suspended at the time of logout. FIG. 15 shows an example of the copy operation setting screen displayed on the panel 201 in the second embodiment, and is an alternative to the setting screen of FIG. 10 in the first embodiment.

Radio buttons 1501 and 1502 are radio buttons for selecting one setting from a plurality of buttons (choices), and are used for setting how to handle a copy job in a suspended state at the time of logout. Radio button 1501 is selected when you want to control the execution of a copy job that is instructed to be executed in the session to be logged out and restart the execution of another copy job among the paused copy jobs. It is a button to do. In addition, the radio button 1502 controls to cancel the execution of the newest copy job instructed to be executed in the session to be logged out and restart the execution of other copy jobs among the paused copy jobs. It is a button to select when you want to.

The OK key 1511 is a key used when changing the setting of the MFP 101 based on the setting item made via the screen. Further, the setting cancel key 1512 is a key used when discarding the setting made via the screen.

The administrator of the MFP 101 can set in advance how to handle the copy job in the suspended state at the time of logout via the screen of FIG. 15 (hereinafter, referred to as the processing setting of the suspended job in the second embodiment). The value of the process setting of the pause job in the second embodiment set by the administrator is stored in the storage 114 or the RAM 113, and is referred to in the flowchart described later.

For example, when the OK key 1511 is pressed while the radio button 1501 is selected, the CPU 111 stores "mode 1" as the processing setting of the pause job. When the OK key 1511 is pressed while the radio button 1502 is selected, it is stored in "mode 2" as the processing setting of the pause job. The MFP 101 controls the jobs so that they do not continue to remain in the paused state based on the processing settings of the paused jobs made by the administrator.

In the present embodiment, the case where the administrator sets the processing of the pause job shown in FIG. 15 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a general user (General User) may be able to set the processing of the pause job.

16 and 17 are diagrams for explaining the task of the printing process and the printing process in the second embodiment.

Next, the printing process will be described. FIG. 16 shows an example of the data possessed by the task of the printing process. Similar to the first embodiment, the data included in the print processing task is print data in which data to be printed (image data, etc.) inherited from the job that generated the print processing task, print settings, and the like are stored. There are 707. Further, the print processing attributes 701 to 706 are added to the data possessed by the print processing task. Further, in the second embodiment, the session ID 1601 for identifying which session the task started to be executed is added to the task of the printing process. These attributes are appropriately used in the flowchart described later.

Subsequently, the control regarding the handling of the pause job at the time of logout will be described with reference to FIG. 17 (a) to 17 (c) are diagrams for explaining the control regarding the handling of the pause job at the time of logout. FIG. 17A exemplifies a management list for managing print processing tasks, and shows a state in which the stop key 211 is pressed while the five print processing tasks are being executed or waiting to be executed. As illustrated in FIG. 17, in the case of a job submitted without logging in (for example, a normal print job), the session ID is not added.

Further, FIGS. 17 (b) and 17 (c) show control of the print processing task when the user logs out from the MFP 101 with the copy job paused.

FIG. 17B is a diagram for explaining the handling of the pause job at the time of logout when "mode 1" is specified as the process setting of the pause job. Here, the case where the session ID of the session to be logged out is "0003" is illustrated.

When "mode 1" is specified, the execution of the job instructed to be executed in the session to be logged out is canceled, so that the print processing task having the session ID "0003" is canceled. .. Therefore, the task of the print process corresponding to the management information 1712 and 1713 is canceled. On the other hand, the task corresponding to the management information 1711 is a task based on the job instructed to be executed by the same "UserA", but since it is a task based on the job instructed to be executed in a different session, it is restarted without being canceled. It will be.

Further, when the reading process based on the copy job is executed, the same processing is performed for the reading process based on the copy job. If the read process instructed to be executed in the session to be logged out is being executed, the read process is also canceled.

FIG. 17C is a diagram for explaining the handling of the pause job at the time of logout when "mode 2" is specified as the process setting of the pause job. Here, the case where the session ID of the session to be logged out is "0003" is illustrated.

When "Mode 2" is specified, the execution of the copy job with the latest execution date specified in the session to be logged out is canceled among the copy jobs in the suspended state, and the execution of other copy jobs is canceled. Resume execution. Therefore, the session ID is "0003" and the execution of the newest copy job is cancelled.

Therefore, if the copy job instructed to be executed in the session to be logged out is executing the read process, the read process is canceled and the print process task based on the other copy job is restarted. ..

On the other hand, if the read process that was instructed to be executed in the session that is the target of the logout process is not being executed, the newest print process task that is instructed to be executed in the session that is the target of the logout process. Will be canceled. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17C, the task of the print process of the management information 1713 is canceled and the task of another print process is restarted.

<Control of pause job>
Next, a method of controlling the execution of the copy job so that the copy job does not continue to remain in the paused state in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 and 18. Each operation (step) of the flowchart shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 and 18 is realized by the CPU 111 reading the control program stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 114 into the RAM 113 and executing the control program.

The processing of the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 to 13 is the same as that of the first embodiment and will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the process shown in FIG. 18 is executed instead of the series of processes related to the copy job control at the time of logout in FIG. 14 in the first embodiment.

In S1801, the CPU 111 acquires the processing setting of the pause job stored in the storage 114 or the RAM 113. In S1402, the CPU 111 acquires the session ID of the session to be logged out.

In S1803, the CPU 111 restarts the copy job instructed to be executed in a session different from the session ID acquired in S1802. When resuming the execution of a copy job that has been suspended in the print process, the task of the print process based on the copy job shall also be resumed.

In S1804, the CPU 111 determines whether the setting acquired in S1801 is a setting for canceling all jobs instructed to be executed in the same session. Specifically, when the processing setting of the pause job is "mode 1", the CPU 111 determines that all the jobs instructed to be executed in the same session are set to be canceled, and proceeds to S1805. On the other hand, when the processing setting of the pause job is "mode 2", it is determined that the setting is not to cancel all the jobs instructed to be executed in the same session, and the process proceeds to S1806.

In S1805, the CPU 111 cancels the copy job instructed to be executed in the session to be logged out based on the session ID acquired in S1803.

Specifically, if the reading process of the copy job instructed to be executed in the session to be executed in the logout process is suspended, the reading process is canceled. In addition, the task of the print process that matches the session ID acquired in S1802 is canceled.

In S1806, the CPU 111 cancels the execution of the copy job whose execution is instructed in the session to be logged out based on the session ID and whose execution date is the newest. Also, restart the execution of other copy jobs. Specifically, if the reading process of the copy job instructed to be executed in the session to be executed in the logout process is paused, the reading process is canceled and the task of another printing process is restarted. If the reading process of the copy job instructed to be executed in the session to be logged out is not paused, the print processing task is processed as follows. The CPU 111 cancels the print processing task having the latest execution date among the print processing tasks matching the session ID acquired in S1802, and restarts the other print processing tasks.

By the series of processes described with reference to FIG. 18, when an event occurs in which the user logs out from the MFP 101, the copy job can be controlled so that the copy job does not remain in the paused state.

As described above, in the second embodiment, when the user logs out, the execution of the copy job instructed to be executed in the session to be logged out is canceled, and the execution of the other copy job is restarted. be able to. By these processes, it is possible to prevent the copy job from remaining in a suspended state. In addition, it is possible to prevent the copy job of another user or the copy job of the same user instructed to be executed in another session from being canceled unexpectedly.

Further, when "mode 2" is set, the newest copy job instructed to be executed in the session to be logged out can be canceled and the execution of other copy jobs can be resumed. In the control in "mode 2", when the user performs the cancel process, it is considered that the latest process is often canceled, so only the latest copy job instructed to be executed in the same session is canceled, and other copy jobs are canceled. I am trying to restart the copy job.

<Third embodiment>
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, when the user logs out from the image processing device, the copy job is canceled or restarted so that the copy job does not remain in the paused state.

In the third embodiment, in addition to the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not a cancellation instruction has been given to cancel any of the paused copy jobs via the cancel screen, and the paused copy job is being suspended. The control of restarting another copy job will be described.

In the third embodiment, the hardware configuration of the presupposed device is the same as that in the first embodiment. Further, detailed description of the same configuration and control as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

A method of controlling the cancellation process of the copy job in the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 19 is a flowchart that replaces the flowchart of FIG. 13 in the first embodiment, and is a flowchart that explains an operation to be executed when it is determined in S1207 that there is a copy job.

First, in S1911, the CPU 111 sets the stop instruction flag to OFF and proceeds to S1901. The stop instruction flag is temporarily stored in the RAM 113 and will be referred to in a step described later.

In S1901 to 1903, the CPU 111 suspends the copy job and accepts the selection of the copy job to be canceled from the user, similarly to S1301 to S1303 of the first embodiment.

In S1904, the CPU 111 proceeds to S1905 when the stop key 902 is pressed, and proceeds to S1907 when the stop key 902 is not pressed.

In S1905, the CPU 111 cancels the execution of the copy job selected in S1903 and proceeds to S1912. In S1912, the CPU 111 changes the stop instruction flag set in S1911 to ON, and proceeds to S1906. In S1906, similarly to S1306, the CPU 111 returns to S1902 when there is a copy job in the paused state, and redisplays the copy job cancel screen. If there is no copy job in the suspended state, a series of processing is terminated.

On the other hand, in S1907 and S1908, the CPU 111 restarts the copy job and ends a series of processes when it determines that the resume key has been pressed, as in S1307 and S1308. On the other hand, if the resume key is not pressed, the process proceeds to S1909.

In S1909, when the CPU 111 detects either manual logout or auto logout while the copy job cancel screen is displayed on the panel 201, the CPU 111 proceeds to S1913. On the other hand, if neither manual logout nor auto logout is detected, the process returns to S1903.

In S1913, the CPU 111 refers to the RAM 113 and determines whether or not the stop instruction flag is OFF. If the stop instruction flag is OFF, the process proceeds to S1400, copy job control at logout and logout processing are performed, and a series of processing is completed. On the other hand, if the stop instruction rulag is not OFF (if it is ON), the process proceeds to S1908, the paused copy job is restarted, and a series of processes is completed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not a cancellation instruction has been given to cancel any of the suspended copy jobs, and if a cancellation instruction has been given at the time of logout, the paused copy job is being suspended. Other copy jobs can be restarted. Therefore, if the user cancels one or more copy jobs and then logs out, the other copy jobs can be restarted without being canceled.

Although the present embodiment has been described on the premise that it is applied to the first embodiment, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and can be applied to the second embodiment.

<Other Embodiments>
In the first to third embodiments, the case where the press of the stop key is detected during the execution of the copy job and the copy job is suspended is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. Absent.

For example, it can be applied to a case where a transmission job that reads image data and transmits it to an external device such as a PC 102 is suspended. Further, depending on the screen displayed on the panel 201, when the stop key is pressed, the type of the job to be in the paused state and the attribute of the job may be changed as appropriate. For example, the CPU 111 suspends the copy job when the copy screen is displayed. Also, if a screen related to printing print data (for example, a screen related to printing saved data stored in storage, a screen related to reserved printing, etc.) is displayed, change the print job to the paused state. You may.

The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device reads and executes the program. It can also be realized by the processing to be performed. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

101 Image processing device 111 CPU
211 Stop key

Claims (10)

An image processing device that executes job-based printing.
Reception means for accepting user operations and
A change means for changing a job whose printing has not been completed to a paused state based on a predetermined operation received by the reception means, and a change means.
When a logout event that causes a user logged in to the image processing device to log out from the image processing device is detected, among the jobs changed to the paused state by the changing means, the user's job is placed in the paused state. With the control means for restarting the job of another user different from the user,
An image processing device characterized by comprising. When a logout event that causes a user logged in to the image processing device to log out from the image processing device is detected , all the jobs changed to the paused state by the changing means are restarted, or the changing means causes the change means. A claim comprising further having a selection means for selecting whether to restart a job of another user different from the user while keeping the job of the user in the suspended state among the jobs changed to the suspended state. the image processing apparatus according to 1. When the control means detects the logout event, among the jobs changed to the paused state by the changing means, the login related to the logout event is performed while the user's job is kept in the paused state. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein during a series of periods from to logout to restarting a job other than the job instructed to be executed by the user who logs out by the logout event. Further provided is a storage means for storing the session ID generated when the user logs in to the image processing device and discarded when the user logs out from the image processing device in association with the user information.
When the session ID stored in association with the user who logs out by the logout event and the session ID added as a job attribute match, the control means sets the job with the matching session ID into the logout event. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the job is determined to be executed by a user who logs out by the logout event during a series of periods from the related login to logout. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an instruction means for instructing the printing of the job changed to the paused state by the change means. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the logout event is detected when an operation for instructing logout is performed by a user. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the logout event is detected by at least a state in which no user operation is performed continues for a certain period of time. A reading means for reading the image of the original,
A printing means for printing an image read by the reading means is further provided.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the job is a copy job for printing an image read by the reading means by the printing means. An image processing device that executes job-based printing.
The reception process that accepts user operations and
Based on the predetermined operation received in the reception process, a change process for changing a job whose printing has not been completed to a paused state in which printing has not been performed, and a change process.
When a logout event that causes a user logged in to the image processing device to log out from the image processing device is detected, among the jobs changed to the paused state in the change process, the user's job is placed in the paused state. The control process of restarting the job of another user different from the user while keeping the setting
A method for controlling an image processing apparatus, which comprises. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the image processing apparatus according to claim 9.

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