JP2000141826A - Imaging method and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform print out with no risk of being caught by the eyes of other person by collating an ID inputted in ID inputting process with a print job stored in print job storing process, calling the print job and forming an image based on the called print job. SOLUTION: A source user selects ID transmission or normal transmission when FAX is transmitted. If ID transmission is selected, an ID is affixed or issued and the source user informs an ID independently to a destination user. An ID transmitted FAX data is stored while affixing the ID to the memory of destination FAX. The destination user inputs the ID and reads out a corresponding FAX data from the memory and then prints out that data. Alternatively, a desired FAX data is selected from a FAX data list in the memory and the ID is inputted. Since the data can be received (printed out) on the side of a destination FAX, the invention is suitable for transmitting/receiving a secrete FAX data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming method and an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus capable of storing a print job, giving an ID corresponding to the print job, and allowing a user to input an ID. The present invention relates to an image forming method and an image forming apparatus for forming an image only when the image forming is performed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an office, when image information and the like are processed by a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer) and the processed image information and the like are sent to a printer for printing out, one printer is connected via a network. Usually, a large number of PCs are connected to the printer, so when multiple PCs issue a print command at the same time and printout is executed, multiple prints are mixed in the output tray of the printer, It is not easy for a user to find a desired print. In addition, since other prints are viewed in order to search for a desired print, there is anxiety when printing out a document that the user does not want others to see.

In order to solve this problem, there has been proposed a paper discharge processing apparatus called a mailbox sorter capable of sorting the paper discharge tray for each individual. However, the apparatus becomes large, and the number of steps of the sorter is increased. There are problems that cannot be shared by the above number of people, and the solution is still not sufficient in terms of protecting documents that are not to be seen by others.

On the other hand, in the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-331417, an ID corresponding to a print command from a user is provided.
And an image forming method that can print out only when the user goes to a certain place of the printer and inputs an ID. However, the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-331417 discloses printout at a remote print center exclusively using a public communication line.
It is not intended for use in offices where PCs and printers are in close proximity. Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-331
In Japanese Patent No. 417, print settings such as enlargement / reduction of prints, the number of prints, and image quality are performed by an operation unit of the printer. In such a mode, the printer itself or a printer is connected to the operation unit by a cable or the like. It is necessary to provide the printer unit, and the printer unit becomes large and complicated, which is not preferable. In addition, in office use, collection of printed documents is often concentrated at the same time by a large number of people at the same time, apart from a remote print center. The problem of falling has not been solved.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus (such as a printer) which receives a large number of print commands at the same time in an office or the like, without having to search for a print command. An object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive image forming apparatus that can be printed out without danger of being seen, is simple in structure, and an image forming method using the same.

[0006]

The above object of the present invention has been attained by the following constitutions.

[0007] 1. A print setting step of making settings for forming an image using an image forming apparatus based on the image information, and a print job storing the image information and the print setting information set in the print setting step as a print job A storing step, an ID issuing step of issuing an ID corresponding to the print job, an ID inputting step of inputting the ID, and an ID input in the ID inputting step.
An image having at least a print job calling step for matching the print job stored in the print job storing step and calling the print job, and an image forming step for forming an image based on the print job called in the calling step Forming method.

[0008] 2. 2. The image forming method according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission step of transmitting the print job from the transmission source to the image forming apparatus, wherein the print setting step is performed by the transmission source.

3. A print setting step of making settings for forming an image using the image forming apparatus based on the image information; and a print selection step of selecting a print type of normal print or ID print. When an ID print is selected in the step, a print job storing step of storing the image information and the print setting information set in the print setting step as a print job, and an ID for issuing an ID corresponding to the print job Issuance step, ID input step of inputting the ID, and I input in the ID input step.
D and a print job stored in the print job storing step, and a print job calling step for calling the print job; and an image forming step for forming an image based on the print job called in the print job calling step. And performing an image forming step of forming an image based on the image information and the print setting information when normal printing is selected in the print selecting step.

[0010] 4. There is a sorting / conveying step of separately conveying the recording paper on which an image is formed in the image forming step by selecting an ID print and forming an image by selecting a normal print. 4. The image forming method according to the above item 3, wherein

5. A transmission step of transmitting the print job and the print type information from the transmission source to the image forming apparatus, wherein the print setting step and the print selection step are performed by the transmission source. 5. The image forming method according to 3 or 4.

6. When an ID is input in the ID input step, image formation of a print job corresponding to the ID is prioritized, and when image formation of normal print is being executed, the image formation is temporarily stopped. 6. The image forming method according to the above item 5, wherein

7. Print job storage means for storing a print job; ID input means for inputting an ID corresponding to the print job; print job calling means for calling the print job corresponding to the input ID from the print job storage means; An image forming unit that forms an image based on the called print job.

8. Print job storage means capable of storing a plurality of print jobs, print job display means for displaying a list of print jobs stored in the print job storage means, and print jobs displayed on the print job display means Print job selecting means for selecting a specific print job from a list of print jobs, ID input means for inputting an ID corresponding to the print job, ID input by the ID input means, and printing selected by the print job selecting means. Collating means for collating whether the job corresponds to the job, print job calling means for calling the print job collated by the collating means from the print job storage means, and image forming for forming an image based on the called print job And an image forming apparatus.

9. A first sheet placement unit configured to store the first sheet placement unit based on a print job called from the print job storage unit based on an ID input by the ID input unit; 7 or 8 wherein the recording paper on which the image has been formed is placed.
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

10. An ID print mode for executing image formation based on a print job called from the print job storage unit by an ID input by the ID input unit, and an ID print mode based on a print job directly without inputting an ID by the ID input unit. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above items 7 to 9, further comprising a print mode switching unit that switches between a normal print mode for performing image formation and a normal print mode.

11. When image input is performed by the ID input unit during image formation in the normal print mode, a control unit that stops image formation in the normal print mode and switches to the ID print mode is provided. 11. The image forming apparatus according to the above 10, wherein

(The invention of claims 1 and 2) The print setting step is a step of setting how the printout is executed from the image forming apparatus, the number of sheets, the size, the image quality, etc. which meet the user's request. It is. By performing this setting at the transmission source of image information such as a personal computer, it is not necessary to provide an operation unit for print setting in the image forming apparatus itself or attached to the image forming apparatus, thereby forming the image forming apparatus. The number of parts can be reduced. In the office, there is a possibility that a large number of people use the printer at the same time. However, since each user can make print settings on a personal computer or the like, the user occupies the image forming apparatus and does not make print settings. , Work efficiency is also improved.

The print job storing step is a step in which the image forming apparatus stores the image information transmitted from the transmission source and the print setting information together. Specifically, the print job storing step is performed in the image forming apparatus or in the image forming apparatus. This is to store the data in a hard disk or memory attached to the device. In general,
The memory uses a storage element with capacitance such as a flash memory or a dynamic memory, and a magnetic storage medium is used for a hard disk. However, a magneto-optical disk or a CD-ROM can be used if necessary.

The ID issuing step is a step of issuing a duplicate key for selecting and calling the stored print job and printing it out. Authentication (ID) such as a sequence of numbers, a sequence of alphabets, and the like, determined for each user, transmission source, or print, corresponds to a print job. At a place where the image forming apparatus is located, the user does not input the ID corresponding to the print job, and the image is not formed. The image is stored in the memory of the image forming apparatus together with the print job. The user may determine and enter an ID during the print setting process, or the ID may be automatically issued from the transmission source when the print job is transmitted. If it is checked before sending whether or not the capacity for storing the print job remains in the memory of the image forming apparatus, an ID is issued from the image forming apparatus after the memory remaining amount check is completed, and the transmission is performed. You may send it back.

The ID input step is a step of inputting the ID issued in the ID issuing step on the image forming apparatus or from input means attached to the image forming apparatus in order to cause the image forming apparatus to execute a print job. That is. When the user goes to the place where the image forming apparatus is located and performs the same process in a state where the printout can be immediately collected, the confidentiality of the printed out document can be maintained, and if there is a problem with the image forming apparatus, There is a merit that can be dealt with immediately.

The calling step is defined as the I input in the ID input step.
If D exists in the memory of the image forming apparatus,
Is a step of retrieving a print job corresponding to from the memory of the image forming apparatus.

The image forming step is a step of executing the print job called in the calling step and printing out as a hard copy. Any type of image forming method can be used. There are an electrophotographic system, an inkjet system, a sublimation-type thermal transfer system, a fusion heat transfer system, and the like. Specific examples of the form of the image forming apparatus include a laser beam printer, an ink jet printer, a digital copying machine, a facsimile, and the like.

(The invention of claims 3, 4, 5 and 6) The print setting step, print job storage step, ID issuing step, and ID input step are the same as those of the above-mentioned claims 1 and 2.

The print selection step is an ID print in which the printout is executed only when the user inputs an ID issued in response to the print job on the image forming apparatus side, or the print job is immediately executed. This is the step of selecting either normal printing to be performed. By selecting the type of print in this process, highly confidential prints can be collected by ID prints so that they can not be seen by others, and the rest can be printed out as normal prints immediately, increasing productivity. Can be done. In addition, by individually performing print settings and print selection from a personal computer or the like different from the place where the image forming apparatus is located, even if a large number of print collection users gather in front of the image forming apparatus, each user can be individually selected. It is possible to reduce the time for sequentially performing print settings on the image forming apparatus. In addition, by separating the recording paper for ID printing and the recording paper for normal printing in the sorting and transporting process, it is possible to reliably protect the ID printing that is not to be exposed to the public and to easily perform the desired ID printing. It is possible to collect it. Furthermore, when an ID is input during execution of the normal print, the normal print is temporarily stopped, and the ID print is prioritized, so that the waiting time of the user waiting for collection of the ID print at the image forming apparatus is reduced. It is possible.

(Inventions of Claims 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11) The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for achieving the inventions of Claims 1 to 6.

[0027] The print job storage means may be configured as described above.
It can be read as means for achieving the print job storage steps of (7) to (7). Hereinafter, the same applies to the ID input unit, the print selection unit, the print job calling unit, and the image forming unit.

The print job display means is a means capable of displaying a list of all print jobs stored in the print job storage means of the image forming apparatus.

The paper placing means is means for holding the discharged hard copy after forming an image on the basis of a print job in the image forming apparatus, and a paper discharge tray is generally used. It is preferable that a plurality of sheet placement units be provided so that the print discharge destination is switched according to the type of print selected by the print selection unit and discharged to separate sheet placement units. At least for ID print,
It is preferable to have two types for normal printing. If the number of mounting means is too large, it is not appropriate in terms of cost and space.

The print mode switching means includes the I mode
This is a means for switching between the D print mode and the normal print mode so as to be able to cope with either print mode, so that the image forming apparatus can be more effectively used. The print mode switching command may be issued at the source of the print job for each print job, or may be appropriately switched on the image forming apparatus side. Further, after the ID print mode is selected at the transmission source, the mode may be changed to the normal mode by the image forming apparatus.

If an ID print command is issued by the ID input from the ID input means during the execution of the normal print, the normal print being executed is temporarily stopped, and the ID print is given priority. It is preferable to have control means for performing this. The ID print user on the image forming apparatus side can preferentially collect the ID prints, thereby reducing the user's waiting time on the image forming apparatus side.

[0032]

FIG. 1 is a schematic flowchart of a print instruction according to the present invention. This corresponds to a print setting step, an ID issuing step, and a transmission step of the present invention.

The user selects and inputs ID printing or normal printing from a keyboard or the like of the transmission source personal computer (S11). When the ID print is selected, print settings such as the number of prints, paper size, enlargement / reduction, or resolution are performed from the keyboard of the transmission source based on the image information (S12). The image information and the print setting information based on the print settings are combined into a print job, and an ID corresponding to the print job is issued (S14). ID
The issuance may be determined by the user by keyboard input or may be set on the personal computer side so that it is automatically given. When the personal computer automatically assigns the ID, it is necessary to display the ID on the display of the personal computer so that the user can recognize the ID. Before transmitting the print job and the corresponding ID to the printer, the remaining amount of the memory is checked to see if there is enough space left to store the data to be transmitted by the memory on the printer side (S
15, 16). If the remaining amount of the memory is acceptable, the print job and the ID information are transmitted to the printer (S18). The print job and ID information
Although it is stored in the memory of the printer, it is preferable to perform encryption using a known encryption technique due to security concerns.
If the capacity of the memory is insufficient, ID printing is not possible because the capacity is insufficient, and it is displayed to change to the normal print (S17), and the process returns to the selection of the print type.

When the normal print is selected in the print selection (S11), the print setting (S1) is performed in the same manner as described above.
After performing 3), the print job is transmitted to the printer (S18). The transmitted print job is stored in the memory of the printer (print job storing step).

FIG. 2 is a conceptual flowchart of the printout. This corresponds to the ID input step, print job calling step, and image forming step of the present invention, in which the printer does not have a function of displaying a list of print jobs (print job display means).

ID issued for print job
Is input from the printer-side ID input means (S2).
1). The ID input means may be attached to a part of the printer as a touch panel, or may be a keyboard or the like connected to the printer by a cable. When the ID is input, it is checked whether a corresponding print job exists in the memory of the printer (S22). If the corresponding print job does not exist in the memory, it is preferable to display on the display unit of the printer that there is no corresponding job (S24). If there is a corresponding print job, the corresponding print job is called from the memory (S23), and printing is performed (S25). At this time, if the normal printing is being executed, the normal printing is temporarily stopped, and if it is programmed to give priority to the execution of the ID printing, the printer comes to the printer for the ID printing. It is preferable because the waiting time of the user can be reduced. The printer is not particularly limited as long as it can form an image, and may use an electrophotographic system, a sublimation type thermal transfer system, an ink jet system, a fusion thermal transfer system, a silver halide photographic system, or the like. When the printout is completed, a question as to whether or not the printout print job is to be left in the memory is displayed and displayed on a display unit or the like on the printer (S26, 27). If the data is not to be stored in the memory, the data is input from the touch panel of the printer or the like, and an operation of deleting from the memory is performed (S28). If you do not want to delete it, perform an operation not to delete it by inputting it, or set it so that it remains in memory if you do nothing, so that the question display on the printer disappears after a certain period of time Good. With the ability to delete or not delete print jobs from memory,
When the printout fails due to paper jam, running out of toner, or the like, the ID is input again on the spot, and the printout becomes possible. It is convenient to make print settings on the printer side in preparation for the next printout.However, from the viewpoint of the cost of the printer, the minimum number of pages to be reprinted and the number of sheets to be printed are required. It is enough if the setting is possible. If the number of print jobs that are not deleted from the memory increases, the capacity of the memory is consumed and the ID print cannot be accepted. Therefore, the print jobs that have passed a preset time after the printout are automatically deleted. May be programmed.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual flowchart of another printout. This corresponds to the ID input step, the print job calling step and the image forming step of the present invention, in which the printer has a function (print job display means) for displaying a list of print jobs.

The user checks all the print jobs stored in the memory of the printer (S31), and performs an operation to display a list of print jobs on a display unit or a separate display on the printer (S32). The user selects a print job to be printed out from the displayed print job list and inputs the print job from a touch panel or the like on the printer (S33). Next, the ID issued corresponding to the print job is input from the ID input means (S34). When the ID is input, it is checked whether the ID matches the ID corresponding to the selected print job (S35). If they do not match, an ID error is displayed on the display unit or the like on the printer (S37).
Whether to select the print job again (S33),
The D input is redone (S34), or the print setting on the personal computer side is redone (not shown). In the case of a document that the user does not want to be exposed, even if another person selects the print job by mistake, an ID error occurs and the document does not need to be exposed. If the input ID matches the selected print job, the corresponding print job is called from the memory and printing is performed (S36).
When the printout is completed, an inquiry is made as to whether or not the printed print job is to be left in the memory, and is displayed on a display unit or the like on the printer (S38, 39).
If the data is not to be stored in the memory, the data is input from the touch panel of the printer or the like, and an operation of deleting from the memory is performed (S31).
0). If not deleted, as described in FIG.
Perform the operation to delete, or set so that it remains in the memory if no operation is performed.

FIG. 4 shows a laser beam printer according to the present invention provided with a discharge tray 1 for ID print and a discharge tray 2 for normal print.

When the user inputs an ID (for example, a four-digit number) corresponding to the print job from the ten keys 4,
A corresponding print job stored in a memory (not shown) is called to execute image formation. A list of print jobs (user name, title, print reduction screen, print instruction time, etc.) stored in the memory of the printer is displayed on the display 3, and a desired print job is selected. May go.

The ID input means is not particularly limited, such as a numeric keypad and an alphabet key, but is preferably a touch panel that also serves as a display. If the ID input means is an alphabet key, a more complicated I
D can be issued. Further, the input means and the display means such as a display may be separately provided in the printer.
If the print job corresponding to the ID is not stored in the memory, an “ID error” is displayed on the display 3. If the print job does not want to be seen by others, the print job may be erroneously printed. Can be prevented.

The two paper supply trays 5 contain papers of different sizes, and a paper corresponding to the paper size specified in the print settings can be selected and conveyed to the image forming unit. . An image according to the image information and the print setting information is formed on a sheet by an image forming unit (not shown) inside the printer.
Is discharged.

On the other hand, when the normal print is selected,
Image formation is performed only by sending a print job from a personal computer (not shown) without any special operation, and prints are discharged to the normal print discharge tray 2.

When a printer is used in an office, it is not always necessary to keep the print contents confidential, and it is often possible to make a selection as appropriate. But in this case,
If there is only one output tray, documents that you do not want others to see and documents that you do not want others to see will be mixed, and you will find the desired print as in the conventional technology. It is not easy, and there is a possibility that documents whose contents are desired to be kept secret may be seen by others. Therefore, as in the present embodiment,
The above-mentioned problem can be solved by providing a paper ejection tray for ID printing and a paper ejection tray for normal printing.

FIG. 4 shows a case where the image forming apparatus of the present invention is a laser beam printer. If the image forming apparatus is a facsimile, the following facsimile transmission and reception and image formation are performed.

When the sending user sends a fax,
Select transmission or normal transmission. When ID transmission is selected, an ID is assigned or issued, and the transmission source user separately notifies the transmission destination user of the ID. The fax data transmitted with the ID is stored in the memory of the destination fax.
Is stored. The destination user reads the corresponding FAX data from the memory by inputting the ID,
It will be printed out. A list of FAX data in the memory may be displayed on a FAX display, desired FAX data may be selected, and then the ID may be input. Printed fax data may or may not be deleted from the memory. If such ID transmission is performed, reception (print-out) can be performed at the transmission destination beside the FAX.
It is suitable for transmitting and receiving AX data.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention may be a copying machine.

The user selects between ID copying and normal copying when reading a document. When ID copying is selected, all the read originals are stored in the memory, and an ID is issued.
The user displays a list of documents stored in the memory and selects a desired document. Enter the issued ID,
If the ID matches the issued ID, printout is executed. After the printout is completed, the document can be deleted from the memory at will. If you do not delete the original from the memory, or if the original is frequently copied, or if the number of copies has not been determined, you do not need to carry the original to the copier for the second and subsequent copies. Reading time can also be saved. In addition, ID copying is preferable because there is no risk that the document stored in the memory is copied by an unspecified number of people without permission.

[0049]

According to the present invention, one image forming apparatus can be used in an office or the like.
Provided is an image forming apparatus that is simple and inexpensive in terms of structure and can be printed out without a trouble of finding out even if many print commands are sent at the same time without danger of being seen by others, and an image forming method using the same. I was able to do it.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic flowchart of a print instruction according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual flowchart of printout according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual flowchart of printout according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a laser beam printer of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 discharge tray for ID print 2 discharge tray for normal print 3 display 4 numeric keypad 5 supply paper tray

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AQ04 AQ05 AQ06 HH01 HH03 HJ04 HJ07 HJ08 HL01 HM07 HN18 HN19 HN20 HQ06 2H027 EJ03 EJ04 EJ08 EJ10 EJ15 FA02 FA03 FA06 FA30 FA35 FA02 GA02 AA01 AA19 CC07 EE01 PP01 PP04 PP05 QQ01

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A print setting step for making settings for forming an image using an image forming apparatus based on image information, and a print job for setting the image information and the print setting information set in the print setting step. A print job storing step of storing an ID corresponding to the print job; an ID inputting step of inputting the ID; and an ID input in the ID inputting step and the print job storing step. An image forming method including at least a print job calling step of collating stored print jobs and calling the print job, and an image forming step of forming an image based on the print job called in the calling step. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission step of transmitting the print job from the transmission source to the image forming apparatus, wherein the print setting step is performed at the transmission source. Method. 3. A print setting step of making settings for forming an image using an image forming apparatus based on image information, and a print selecting step of selecting a print type of normal print or ID print. A print job storing step of storing the image information and the print setting information set in the print setting step as a print job when the ID print is selected in the print selection step; An ID issuing step of issuing an ID, and the ID
An ID input step of inputting the print job, a print job calling step of calling the print job stored in the print job storing step by collating the ID input in the ID input step with the print job, and a print job calling step of calling the print job. Performing an image forming step of forming an image based on the called print job, and, when normal printing is selected in the print selecting step, forming an image based on the image information and the print setting information. An image forming method, comprising the steps of: 4. A distribution method in which recording paper on which an image is formed in an image forming step is transported in different places depending on whether an image is formed by selecting an ID print or a normal print. The image forming method according to claim 3, further comprising a transporting step. 5. A transmission step of transmitting information on the print job and the print type from a transmission source to the image forming apparatus, wherein the print setting step and the print selection step are performed by the transmission source. The image forming method according to claim 3, wherein: 6. When an ID is input in the ID input step, image formation of a print job corresponding to the ID is prioritized, and if image formation for normal printing is being performed, the image formation is temporarily stopped. The image forming method according to claim 5, wherein the method is stopped. 7. A print job storage means for storing a print job, an ID input means for inputting an ID corresponding to the print job, and a print job for retrieving the print job corresponding to the input ID from the print job storage means. An image forming apparatus comprising: a calling unit; and an image forming unit that forms an image based on the called print job. 8. A print job storage means capable of storing a plurality of print jobs, a print job display means for displaying a list of print jobs stored in the print job storage means, and a print job display means. Print job selecting means for selecting a specific print job from the displayed list of print jobs; ID input means for inputting an ID corresponding to the print job;
Collating means for collating whether the ID input by the ID input means and the print job selected by the print job selecting means correspond to each other, and calling the print job collated by the collating means from the print job storage means. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a print job calling unit; and an image forming unit that forms an image based on the called print job. 9. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first sheet placement unit and a second sheet placement unit, wherein said first sheet placement unit is called from said print job storage unit by an ID input by said ID input unit. 9. A recording sheet on which an image is formed on the basis of the print job is placed.
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 10. An ID print mode in which an image is formed based on a print job called from the print job storage unit by an ID input by the ID input unit, and an ID print mode directly without the ID input by the ID input unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a print mode switching unit configured to switch between a normal print mode in which image formation is performed based on a print job. 11. When an ID is input by the ID input means during image formation in the normal print mode, image formation in the normal print mode is temporarily stopped, and the mode is switched to the ID print mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising control means for controlling.