JP2006015624A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which can secure confidentiality protectiveness of outputted documents while keeping a reservation order. <P>SOLUTION: At a time point when a printing job such as confidential printing which requires user authentication of an output is brought in, the job is registered in the tail of a queue. The job is turned into a state to wait for user authentication when the job becomes a job which is to be started to be executed in the queue. Its execution starting is suspended until the user authentication is carried out. When a user carrying an ID card 7 or the like with an IC tag built in comes in front of the image forming apparatus 10, user information is read from the IC tag, and the user authentication is automatically carried out. The suspension is released and the job is printed out. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that executes print jobs in the reserved order, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that outputs a highly confidential printed material based on user authentication.

  In an image forming apparatus such as a digital multi-function peripheral capable of reserving a plurality of jobs, the job is usually registered at the end of the queue, and the jobs are processed in order from the job at the top of the queue.

  In addition, there is an image forming apparatus that can temporarily increase the priority of output in a hurry (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  By the way, confidential printing as a function to prevent the client from printing out the printed matter before it arrives at the image forming device when requesting highly confidential printing from a remote terminal device such as a personal computer. There are devices with functions. In confidential printing, the job requested to be printed and its print data are temporarily stored, and printing is started on the condition that the print instruction with the requester's password is re-input from the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. It has become.

  In addition, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus capable of performing user authentication in a short time and with a small amount of work by performing user authentication using wireless communication between the image forming apparatus and a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).

JP-A-11-27438 JP 2003-94777 A

  If you make a reservation for printing a highly confidential document using an image forming device that does not have a confidential printing function in a situation where multiple users share it, you can prevent the document from being viewed by others. The user has to wait in front of the image forming apparatus until the reserved job to be completed is completed and the output of the reserved printed matter is completed.

  Even when the confidential printing function is used, this job is registered at the end of the queue when the password is input and the user is authenticated. For this reason, if a job is already registered in the queue at that time, the reserved job previously registered in the queue will end, and the user will be in front of the image forming apparatus until the output of his / her printed matter is completed. Had to wait at.

  Also, if you increase the output order of jobs related to confidential printing registered in the queue and print with priority over other reserved jobs, the user who previously reserved the job registered in the queue will wait, This will be detrimental to the user.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus capable of securing confidentiality of an output document while keeping a reservation order.

The invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus that manages the execution order of jobs using a queue,
Authentication means (18, 21),
After a print job that requires authentication for output becomes the head in the queue, this job is awaiting authentication, and the job execution is suspended until it is authenticated through the authentication means (18, 21). An image forming apparatus comprising: a management unit (23).

  According to the above-described invention, when a print job that requires authentication for output becomes a job to be executed in the queue (the top of the queue), this job is put in a waiting state for authentication, and until the job is authenticated, Hold the start of execution.

  The waiting for authentication starts when a print job that requires authentication for output becomes a job to be executed. The method of authentication does not matter. You may enter a password or insert an ID card.

  The timing for registering a print job that requires authentication for output in the queue may be at the time of job submission or any other appropriate timing. For example, when you are authenticated, register at the end of the queue, and if there is no preceding reservation job at that time, execute immediately, and if there is a preceding reservation job, re-authenticate at the beginning of the queue You may comprise so that it may require | require.

  While execution start is suspended while waiting for authentication, if another job can be executed, that job is executed. Further, the acceptance of authentication is continuously performed during execution of other jobs.

The invention according to claim 2 is an image forming apparatus that manages the execution order of jobs using a queue,
Authentication means (18, 21);
After the print job stored in association with the identification information is first in the queue, it is checked whether this job has been authenticated. If it has not been authenticated, this job is executed while waiting for authentication. An image forming apparatus comprising: a job management unit (23) for suspending the start.

  According to the above invention, when a print job that requires authentication for output becomes a job to be executed in the queue (the head of the queue), it is confirmed whether or not authentication for this job has already been performed. If not, the job execution start is suspended while waiting for authentication.

  If the print job requiring authentication for output has been authenticated before the job to start execution in the queue, the start of execution of the job is not suspended. For example, if a job requester arrives in front of the image forming apparatus before the job becomes the head of the queue, and authentication is completed at that time, when this job becomes a job to start execution, It is judged that it has been authenticated and is executed immediately.

  The invention according to claim 3 further comprises job registration means (22) for registering the print job at the end of the queue regardless of whether the print job requires authentication for output. The image forming apparatus described.

  According to the above invention, even a print job that requires authentication for output is registered at the end of the queue when the job is submitted. Even if it becomes the head of the queue, it is not output unless it is authenticated after that, so confidentiality is maintained.

  The invention according to claim 4 includes job registration means (22) for registering the print job at the end of the queue regardless of whether the print job is a print job stored in association with identification information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

  According to the above invention, even a print job that requires authentication for output is registered at the end of the queue when the job is submitted. Even if it is at the head of the queue and it has not been authenticated before or at the present time, output is suspended until it is authenticated, so confidentiality is maintained.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when the job management means (23) obtains authentication for a print job whose execution has been suspended, the job management means (23) releases the suspension and ranks when the print job is registered in the queue. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is in a waiting state for execution.

  According to the above-described invention, the print job whose hold has been released is put into a state of waiting for execution in the order in which it was registered in the queue. That is, if there are jobs in execution or waiting to be executed in the queue that have a higher rank than this job, the execution is prioritized. Also, if the job whose hold has been released is the highest priority in the queue and another job is currently being executed, the job whose release has been released can be interrupted and executed. Alternatively, it may be executed after waiting for the end of execution of another job.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the job management means (23) is executing another print job having a lower rank than the print job for the print job which has been put on hold and released. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image forming apparatus interrupts execution of the print job being executed and executes the print job waiting to be executed. 7.

  According to the above invention, when another print job having a lower rank than this print job is being executed when the hold is released, the print job that interrupts the execution and releases the hold is executed. It may be interrupted immediately when the hold is released, or may be interrupted after waiting for a printing break.

The invention according to claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the job management unit (23) adjusts an interruption time according to an attribute of the print job being executed. .

  According to the above invention, the time to interrupt is adjusted according to the attributes of the other job being executed. Job attributes include attributes relating to post-processing, whether or not double-sided printing is required, and whether or not authentication is required for output. For example, interrupting during execution of a job that requires authentication for output makes it difficult to maintain the confidentiality of the job. Therefore, it is preferable to delay the interrupting time until after the end of the job.

The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that, when the print job being executed can be interrupted, the execution of the print job is interrupted and the print job waiting for execution is executed. The image forming apparatus described.

  According to the above invention, interruption at an inconvenient timing for post-processing and image formation is avoided.

The invention according to claim 9 includes reservation list display means (24) for displaying a list of information relating to each job registered in the queue in the order of registration in the queue. The image forming apparatus according to 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8.

  According to the above-described invention, information indicating the status of outputting, waiting, waiting for authentication, and other information for each job registered in the queue and the other information are displayed in a list in the order of registration in the queue.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the authentication means comprises authentication information acquisition means (18) for acquiring authentication information only from a predetermined authentication information provider existing within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein authentication is performed based on authentication information obtained by the means.

  According to the above invention, the authentication information is obtained only from the authentication information provider (7) existing within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus. The authentication information provider (7) only needs to be able to provide authentication information. In addition to a terminal device that transmits authentication information, when using biometric authentication, part or all of the job requester's body is authenticated. Become an information provider. Whether or not the image forming apparatus is within a predetermined range can be determined based on the presence / absence of reception of radio waves from an apparatus that transmits authentication information, analysis of a camera image, an optical sensor, a human sensor, and the like.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the authentication means (18, 21) includes a communication means (18) for communicating only with a non-contact communication element existing within a predetermined communication range from the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein authentication is performed based on authentication information obtained from the non-contact communication element. .

  According to the above invention, authentication is performed based on information received from the non-contact communication element existing within a predetermined communication range from the image forming apparatus. If the communication with the non-contact communication element is always attempted, authentication is performed immediately and automatically when the non-contact communication element arrives within a predetermined communication range from the image forming apparatus. The non-contact communication element is embedded in a terminal device, a card, a mascot doll (figure) or the like carried by the user.

The invention according to claim 12 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the non-contact communication element is an IC tag.

The invention according to claim 13 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the non-contact communication element is provided on a medium movable with a user.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, when the authentication information obtaining means (18) or the communication means (18) does not obtain the authentication information for the job before the execution of the authenticated job is started, The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the job is waiting for authentication.

  According to the above invention, if the user is no longer in front of the image forming apparatus and the authentication information is not obtained before the start of the authenticated job, the start of execution is again suspended and the authentication is waited.

The invention according to claim 15 is an authentication information obtaining means for obtaining authentication information from a predetermined authentication information provider existing within a predetermined range;
A queue that manages the job execution order,
Job registration means for registering a print job at the end of the queue;
When the authentication information obtaining unit obtains the authentication information, if the print registration is registered by the job registration unit, control is performed to associate the obtained authentication information with the job. Forming device.

  According to the above invention, when a job is submitted while the authentication information is obtained from the authentication information provider, the job is registered with the authentication information. That is, when a job is submitted in the above state, it is automatically registered as a job that requires authentication for output and display.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided recognition means for recognizing whether a requester of a print job is within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus;
A queue that manages the job execution order,
Job registration means for registering a print job at the end of the queue;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a job management unit (23) that suspends execution of a job registered in the queue when the recognition unit does not recognize the presence of a requester of a print job. is there.

  According to the above invention, it is recognized whether or not there is a print job requester within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus, and when there is no request, the execution start of the job is suspended. For example, even if a job to be executed in the queue is started, if the requester of printing is not within a predetermined distance, the execution start of this job is suspended.

  In addition to the above-described method using an IC tag, physical features (for example, fingerprints, voice prints, retinal blood vessel patterns, etc.) can be used to recognize whether or not there is a print job requester within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus. Etc.) may be collated with the camera image. In this case, each user registers in advance information related to his / her fingerprint, voiceprint, and retinal blood vessel pattern that can be used in the image forming apparatus, and the physical feature detector provided in the image forming apparatus Then, after detecting information related to the fingerprints of the user in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus, the voiceprint, and the blood vessel pattern of the retina, the job is submitted by comparing the detected information with the registered information described above. It may be determined whether the user and the user in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus are the same person. In addition, there is a method of receiving a radio wave of a mobile phone approaching within a predetermined range and determining whether or not it is a print requester based on the number.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided recognition means for recognizing whether or not a requester of a print job is within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus;
A queue that manages the job execution order,
Job registration means for registering a print job at the end of the queue;
The image management apparatus includes: a job management unit (23) that permits the execution start of the job registered in the queue on the condition that the recognition unit recognizes the presence of the requester of the print job. Forming device.

  According to the above-described invention, it is recognized whether or not there is a requester for a print job within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus, and execution of the job is permitted on the condition that the existence is recognized. Even when this condition is satisfied, job execution may be suspended due to other conditions such as waiting for the output order in the queue.

The invention according to claim 18 is a storage means for storing image information in the order of first image information, second image information, and third image information;
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that performs image formation on image information in the order stored in the storage unit;
Communication means for communicating with a non-contact communication element including first identification information relating to an operator;
Obtaining means for obtaining the first identification information only from a non-contact communication element located within a communication range of the communication means;
After the image formation for the first image information is completed by the image forming means, the first identification information obtained by the obtaining means and the image information stored in association with the second image information are stored. Determination means for determining whether or not the operator indicated by the first identification information and the operator indicated by the second identification information match based on the second identification information relating to the operator;
When it is determined by the determining means that the operator indicated by the first identification information does not match the operator indicated by the second identification information, the image forming operation of the image forming means for the second image information is performed. Based on the first image information that has been put on hold and does not have the second identification information, or the first identification information and the second identification information obtained by the obtaining means. Control means for starting an image forming operation in the image forming means for the third image information that is determined to match the operator indicated by the identification information of the second identification information;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the second identification information stored in association with the second image information by the judging means during the image forming operation of the image forming means for the third image information and the second image information If the operator indicated by the first identification information matches the operator indicated by the second identification information based on the first identification information, the third identification information is set according to the attribute of the third image information. 19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the image forming operation on the image forming unit with respect to the image information is temporarily interrupted, and the image forming operation on the image forming unit with respect to the second image information is executed. It is.

  In the invention according to claim 20, when a post-processing function is set as the attribute, the image forming operation for the third image information is prohibited from being interrupted, and the image forming unit for the second image information is prohibited. The image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the start of the image forming operation is continuously suspended.

  According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the determination unit includes the first identification information obtained by the obtaining unit and the second identification information obtained when the image formation by the image forming unit is completed. The operator indicated by the first identification information and the operation indicated by the second identification information based on the second identification information relating to the operator of the image information stored in association with the second image information. The control means determines whether the operator indicated by the first identification information matches the operator indicated by the second identification information. 21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 20, wherein an image forming operation by the image forming unit for image information is started.

  According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the second identification information stored in association with the second image information by the determination unit during the image forming operation of the image forming unit with respect to the third image information and the second image information If the operator indicated by the first identification information does not match the operator indicated by the second identification information based on the first identification information, the image formed by the image forming unit for the third image information 19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the forming operation is continued and the start of the image forming operation by the image forming unit for the second image information is suspended.

  The invention according to claim 23 is characterized in that the communication means periodically communicates with the non-contact communication element, and the obtaining means obtains the first identification information. An image forming apparatus according to claim 18.

  In the invention according to claim 24, while the first identification information is obtained by the obtaining means, the operator indicated by the first identification information and the operation indicated by the second identification information by the determination means. 24. The image forming apparatus according to claim 23, wherein display of information relating to image information stored in the storage unit is permitted when it is determined that the person matches the person.

  The invention according to claim 25 is characterized in that the first identification information is not obtained by the obtaining means or while the first identification information is obtained by the obtaining means. When it is determined by the means that the operator indicated by the first identification information does not match the operator indicated by the second identification information, the display of information relating to the image information stored in the storage means is limited. 24. The image forming apparatus according to claim 23.

  According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, when the image forming unit completes image formation for the first image information, the determination unit obtains the first image information obtained by the obtaining unit with respect to the second image information. And the second identification information indicated by the first identification information based on the second identification information on the operator of the image information stored in association with the second image information. 19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein it is determined whether or not the operator indicated by the information matches.

  According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, when the second image information is in an order in which image formation is performed, the determination unit obtains the first image information obtained by the obtaining unit with respect to the second image information. Based on the identification information and the second identification information relating to the operator of the image information stored in association with the second image information, the operator indicated by the first identification information and the second identification information 19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein it is determined whether or not the operator indicated by

  The invention according to claim 28 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the non-contact communication element is an IC tag.

  The invention according to claim 29 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the IC tag is embedded in a terminal portable by an operator.

  The invention according to claim 30 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the post-processing function is one of or both a stapling process and a punching process.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to ensure confidentiality of a document to be printed while maintaining the registration order in the queue. In particular, when a print job that requires authentication for output starts waiting for authentication from the point when the job starts execution, the requester of the job is in front of the image forming apparatus at the start of printing. Is guaranteed.

  On the other hand, if a print job requiring authentication for output is also treated as valid, authentication performed before a print job to be executed in the queue is treated as valid, the user who has come earlier can complete the authentication. As a result, the user does not have to wait in front of the image forming apparatus because the job requested by the user is authenticated without delay when the job to be executed is started.

  Even if a print job requires authentication for output, if it is registered at the end of the queue when the job is submitted, it is registered in the queue at the same time as the job is submitted, so the reservation order can be secured early.

  When the authorization is released, the hold is released, and this job is placed in the waiting state in the order in which it was registered in the queue. The order in which the job is registered in the queue except the already executed jobs is respected. , Fairness is maintained.

  If another print job with a lower rank than this print job is being executed at the time when the hold is released, the print job that interrupts this execution and releases the hold is executed. A printed matter can be obtained without waiting.

  By adjusting the interrupt timing according to the attribute of another job being executed, it is possible to avoid an interrupt at a timing that is inconvenient for post-processing or image formation, and to interrupt without affecting the generated printed matter.

  The status of each job registered in the queue is listed in the order of registration in this queue. For each job registered in the queue, the status of output, standby, waiting for authentication, etc. A list is displayed. Thus, each user can grasp the reason even when an interruption occurs during the execution of the print job requested by the user, and can be satisfied and wait for the interruption to end.

  Only when the authentication information provider recognizes that the authentication information provider exists within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus, the authentication is performed based on the authentication information acquired from the authentication information provider, or from the image forming apparatus. In the case of performing authentication based on information received from a non-contact communication element existing within the communication range, the output is not performed when the corresponding user is not near the image forming apparatus, and thus the confidentiality of the printed matter is protected.

  If authentication information related to jobs that require authentication is not obtained, the display of the job information is restricted. Even when information related to jobs waiting to be executed is displayed on the operation panel, highly confidential jobs are displayed. Information leakage can be prevented. That is, while a user carrying a non-contact communication element that transmits authentication information is in front of the image forming apparatus, information related to the job authenticated by the authentication information is displayed, and the user is in front of the image forming apparatus. Since the display of the information related to the job is restricted when the user is not in the office, it is possible to prevent the confidentiality of the job from being lost from the display unit while the user is absent.

  By displaying information capable of recognizing the existence of a job whose display is restricted, it is possible to notify the user of the existence of a job waiting for execution while maintaining confidentiality.

  Of the information relating to a job, information that restricts the display of information representing the contents of the job or information that can be used to guess the contents of the job hides important information for maintaining confidentiality.

  For a job whose display is limited, information indicating the amount related to the processing time of the job can be displayed, so that it is possible to give an indication of a waiting time to a user who waits for job execution while maintaining confidentiality.

  When a job is submitted in a state in which authentication information is obtained, the job is registered with a confidentiality request authenticated by this authentication information, and the user does not need to perform confidentiality settings. Convenience is improved.

  If the user is no longer in front of the image forming apparatus before the start of the authenticated job, the start of execution is suspended again and the user is waiting for authentication. Even if you leave the front, printed matter that should be kept secret will not be output during that time.

  Recognizes whether or not there is a print job requester within the specified range from the image forming apparatus, and if the job execution start is suspended when there is not, or the presence of the requester is recognized By permitting the start of execution of the job, it is possible to prevent others from seeing highly confidential documents.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a usage pattern of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 10 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network), and is connected to a print data transmission apparatus 5 such as a personal computer through the LAN 2. The image forming apparatus 10 forms a print on a recording paper by forming an image on recording paper according to the print data sent from the print data transmission device 5 or the like, and forms a copy on the recording paper and outputs it on the recording paper. It is configured as a so-called multi-function machine equipped with a copying function. Furthermore, it has a function of binding the printed recording paper with staples.

  The image forming apparatus 10 has a confidential printing function for printing a highly confidential document and a confidential copying function for copying a highly confidential document. Confidential printing and confidential copying are printing functions that register user information in association with a job when a job is submitted and require user authentication when printing.

  User authentication related to confidential printing or confidential copying is performed using an ID card 7 in which an IC tag is embedded. The IC tag embedded in the ID card 7 stores identification information (user information) such as a user ID that can uniquely identify the user. When the user carrying the ID card 7 comes within a predetermined distance from the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 can read the information on the ID card 7.

  Note that the IC tag is not limited to the ID card 7 and may be provided on a user-carried doll such as a mascot doll (figure) or a portable terminal, and may be embedded or embedded. In addition, as long as user information can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10 by non-contact communication, the user information transmission body is not limited to the IC tag, and other non-contact communication elements may be used.

  FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 is composed of a circuit having a CPU (central processing unit) 20, a ROM (read only memory) 11, and a RAM (random access memory) 12 as main parts for overall control of the operation. Has been. The ROM 11 stores programs executed by the CPU 20 and various fixed data. The RAM 12 functions as a work memory that temporarily stores various data when the CPU 20 executes a program, and a page memory that stores image data in order to perform various processes and edits on an image to be printed.

  The scanner unit 13 has a function of reading an image of a document and taking in corresponding image data. The scanner unit 13 includes a light source that irradiates a document, a line image sensor that reads the document for one line in the width direction, a moving unit that moves a reading position in units of lines in the length direction of the document, and reflected light from the document. And an optical path made up of a lens and a mirror for guiding the light to a line image sensor. The line image sensor is composed of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The analog image signal output from the line image sensor is A / D converted and captured as digital image data.

  The print unit 14 functions to form and output an image corresponding to the image data on a recording sheet by an electrophotographic process. The printing unit 14 is configured as a so-called laser printer having a recording paper transport device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device. ing.

  The display operation unit 15 includes a liquid crystal display having a touch panel on the surface and various operation switches, and has a function of performing various guidance displays and status displays to the user and receiving various operations from the user.

  The external I / F unit 16 functions to communicate with an external device such as the print data transmission device 5 through the LAN 2.

  The hard disk device 17 is a large-capacity storage device for storing print data received from the print data transmission device 5 and the like and image data obtained by developing the image data, in addition to the image data read by the scanner unit 13. Various information related to the requested job is stored.

  The non-contact IC tag reader 18 performs a function of reading information by communicating with an IC tag embedded in the ID card 7. Here, in order to authenticate the user in front of the image forming apparatus 10, a range of about 1 meter in radius centering on the non-contact IC tag reader 18 is a communicable range where the information of the IC tag can be read. The width of this range may be set as appropriate, and the width and directivity of the communicable range may be set and changed. The non-contact IC tag reader 18 communicates with the ID card 7 periodically (for example, once every 200 msec), and the user holding the ID card 7 continues to be in a communicable range (near the image forming apparatus 10). It may be possible to check whether or not

  The stapling unit 19 has a function of binding the recording paper printed by the printing unit 14 with staples.

  The CPU 20 functions as a user authentication confirmation unit 21, a job registration unit 22, a job management unit 23, and a reservation list display control unit 24. The user authentication confirmation means 21 performs user authentication based on user information (first identification information) read from the IC tag of the ID card 7 through the non-contact IC tag reader 18. The job registration unit 22 functions to register the input print job at the end of the queue. The job management unit 23 functions to manage the execution order of jobs registered in the queue. The reservation list display control unit 24 has a function of creating screen data for displaying a list of jobs registered in the queue on the display operation unit 15 in the order of registration.

  3 and 4 schematically show how the job management means 23 manages the job execution order using a queue. The queue 31 is a queue in which print jobs are connected in the order of registration. As shown in FIG. 3, the job registration unit 22 authenticates the output such as confidential printing or confidential copying when a print job is input. Regardless of whether or not the job is required, that is, whether or not the print job and the identification information (second identification information) related to the user who has input the print job are associated and registered, Is connected to the end of the queue 31 (P1). The status of the job registered in the queue 31 includes “waiting”, “outputting”, “authentication waiting”, and “suspended”.

  “Waiting” represents a state of waiting for output in an executable state. “Outputting” indicates that printing is in progress. “Waiting for authentication” indicates a state in which a print job related to confidential printing or confidential copying is waiting for user authentication. “Suspended” indicates a state in which print output is stopped halfway due to an interrupt of another job having a higher priority than the own job, and waiting for resumption. The job registration unit 22 registers a job in a “standby” state at the end of the queue 31. The job management unit 23 functions to change the status of each job according to the presence / absence of user authentication, the execution status of the job, and the like.

  The job management means 23 executes the jobs in order from the head of the queue 31 (P2), removes the jobs from the queue 31 after the completion of the execution (P3), and increments the rank of the jobs connected after that. After the advance, the job located at the head of the queue is executed next (P4).

  If a job such as confidential printing or confidential copying is the head of a job managed in the queue 31, the user information (first identification information) obtained by the non-contact IC tag reader 18 and the job Based on the associated second identification information, it is determined whether the user who owns the ID card 7 matches the user who submitted the job, and the user who owns the ID card 7 and the job are submitted If it is determined that the user matches, the image forming operation is started. If it is not determined that the user who holds the ID card 7 matches the user who entered the job based on the first identification information and the second identification information, as shown in FIG. In the “waiting” state, the start of execution is suspended, and it is checked whether or not the job in the next order in the queue can be executed. If it can be executed, execution of the job is started and “outputting” is set (P5).

From the viewpoint of confidentiality of printed matter, it is preferable that the job is discharged when the user who has input the job is in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus. If the user authentication timing for starting an image forming operation based on the first identification information and the second identification information is too early, the user may be absent from the vicinity of the image forming apparatus after the authentication. The user authentication for starting the image forming operation based on at least the first identification information and the second identification information is preferably performed after the image forming operation in the job immediately preceding the job is completed. More preferably, the user's based on the first identification information and the second identification information at any timing such as when the image forming operation for the job is completed immediately before or when the job is first in the queue. It is recommended to perform authentication. In addition to this, it goes without saying that the user's match / mismatch may be determined based on the first identification information and the second identification information.
Here, the determination of the match / mismatch of the user based on the first identification information and the second identification information may be made by determining the match / mismatch between the first identification information and the second identification information. The user's match / mismatch may be determined by using the third information associated with the first identification information and / or the second identification information.

  Thereafter, when the contactless IC tag reader 18 obtains new user information and a user is authenticated by the “waiting for authentication”, the job is returned from “waiting for authentication” to “waiting”. . Then, if this job is the highest in the queue—that is, if it is the “waiting” job registered in the queue first, this job is executed preferentially. In other words, when returning to “waiting”, the rank is lower than that of the own job—that is, if another job registered in the queue is “being output” later, this job is interrupted and the own job is executed. (P6). As a result, the status of the own job changes to “outputting”, and the status of the interrupted job changes to “suspended”.

  In the above embodiment, when the print job is registered in the queue, “waiting” is displayed, and thereafter the ID card 7 is held based on the first identification information and the second identification information. In the example, the display of “waiting” is changed to the display of “waiting for authentication” when it is not determined that the user and the user who submitted the job match, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, when the job is registered in association with the print job and the second identification information, “Waiting for authentication” is displayed when the job is registered in the queue. "Waiting" may be displayed.

  FIG. 5 shows the flow of operations when submitting a confidential copy job. When the user carrying the ID card 7 approaches the communicable range of the image forming apparatus 10, the non-contact IC tag reader 18 acquires user information from the ID card 7 (step S101). The image forming apparatus 10 stores this user information (step S102). When the user operates a copy start button (not shown) after placing the document, the image forming apparatus 10 reads the image of the document by the scanner unit 13 and sequentially stores it in the hard disk device 17 (step S103).

  If the contactless IC tag reader 18 has received user information from the ID card 7 at the start of reading the document, the user information and the read image data are stored in association with each other (step S104). By associating user information, the current copy is handled as a confidential copy. When the reading of the original is completed, the job related to the confidential copy is registered at the end of the queue 31 (step S105).

  If the non-contact IC tag reader 18 does not receive user information from the ID card 7 at the start of document reading, the current copy is registered at the end of the queue 31 as a normal job. Even when user information is received, it can be registered as a normal copy job by a user operation or environment setting. Further, a confidential copy designation operation may be performed from the display operation unit 15.

  In the print request from the print data transmission apparatus 5, if user information is included in the header of the received print data, it is registered at the end of the queue 31 as a print job related to confidential printing. When user information is not included, it is registered at the end of the queue 31 as a normal print job.

  FIG. 6 shows the flow of processing performed by the job management means 23. It is checked whether or not there is a “standby” print job in the queue 31 (step S201). If it exists (step S201; Y), the rank closest to the head of the queue 31 among the “standby” jobs. Is acquired (step S202). It is checked whether or not the job requires user authentication for output (step S203). If the job requires user authentication (step S203; Y), the non-contact IC tag reader 18 obtains user information from the IC tag of the ID card 7 at the present time. It is checked whether or not it has been acquired (step S204). The state in which the non-contact IC tag reader 18 receives user information from the IC tag of the ID card 7 is expressed as that the image forming apparatus 10 has user information.

  When the image forming apparatus 10 does not have user information (step S204; N) and when the user information is different from the user information necessary for user authentication of this job (step S205; N), The execution start is suspended while waiting for user authentication (step S206).

  Here, user authentication is performed when user information that matches user information registered in association with the job is acquired from the IC tag of the ID card 7. Further, the non-contact IC tag reader 18 compares the user information currently received from the IC tag of the ID card 7 with the user information registered in association with the job.

  The job management means 23 checks whether or not there is a next job in the “waiting” state in the queue 31 (step S207). If it exists (step S207; Y), after acquiring the job (step S207) S208) Return to step S203. When there is no “standby” job in the queue 31 (step S207; N), the process returns to step S201.

  When the job acquired from the queue 31 does not require user authentication for output (step S203; N) and when the job requires user authentication for output but user authentication for this job is performed (step S205; Y) Execution of this job is started (step S209).

  While printing is being executed, the following processing (steps S210 to S213) is repeatedly performed (step S214; N). The repetition period is about 200 msec. First, the contactless IC tag reader 18 checks whether or not another user information has been acquired from the ID card 7 (step S210). If acquired (step S210; Y), the acquired user information indicates a job pending. It is checked whether or not user authentication is to be performed (step S211).

  When user authentication of a pending job is performed (step S211; Y), it is checked whether the job can be interrupted based on the attribute and status of the job currently being executed (step S212). When the job cannot be interrupted, the current job needs to be stapled and binds multiple sheets of recording paper, and when printing the middle page of the number of sheets to be bound, or in duplex printing, This is the case when is not finished. On the other hand, the case where interruption is possible is when the boundary of the unit (part) to be bound is reached, the boundary between the paper and the paper that has been printed on one side in the single-sided printing mode, or the printing on the front and back sides is finished in the double-sided printing mode. It is possible to interrupt at the boundary between processing sheets such as a boundary between sheets and between two copies in multi-number printing after double-sided printing is completed. If interruption is impossible, the image recording operation of the pending job may be started after the image recording operation of the currently executing job is completed.

  When the job being executed can be interrupted (step S212; Y), the job is interrupted and interrupted, and the execution of the job that has been authenticated by the user and released the hold is started (step S213).

  When another user information is not acquired from the ID card 7 (step S210; N), and when another user information is acquired but a pending job is not authenticated by the user (step S211; N), and execution If the current job cannot be interrupted immediately (step S212; N), the above processing (steps S210 to 212) is repeated until printing is completed (step S214; N).

  When execution of the print job is completed (step S214; Y), the process returns to step S201 and continues.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a reservation list screen in which the contents of the queue 31 are displayed as a list. On the reservation list screen 300, jobs registered in the queue 31 are listed in order from the top of the queue 31. For each job, this list includes information about job order such as “job number”, “mode”, “name”, “status”, “number of copies”, and “other information”, job attributes, job status, Information indicating whether the job is associated with the second identification information is displayed. In addition to the above items, the second identification information regarding the operator who has instructed the job may be displayed.

  The “job number” is a serial number automatically given to the input job by the image forming apparatus 10. “Mode” indicates whether the job relates to a print function or a copy function. “Name” represents a file name of print data or a job name designated by the user in the case of a job related to the print function. “Status” indicates the status of the job in the queue 31. “Number of sheets” indicates the remaining number of prints related to the job. In “other information”, information indicating whether the job requires user authentication, information indicating whether user information for user authentication of the job is currently being received, and the like are displayed.

  The reservation list screen 300 shown in FIG. 7 shows a state in which the first job (No. 002) in the queue 31 is suspended while waiting for user authentication, and the next job (No. 003) is being executed. No. The status of the job 002 is displayed as “Waiting for authentication”, and the user is notified that the job is waiting for user authentication. No. No. 002 in the next rank due to the suspension of the job of 002. It is understood from this display that the job 003 is being output.

  The reservation list screen 310 shown in FIG. A state in which a job 002 is authenticated by a user is shown. In this example, no. No. 003 that has been authenticated by the user because the job of 003 includes a process of stapling and cannot be interrupted. The job 002 is “waiting”.

  The reservation list screen 320 shown in FIG. No. 003 job is interrupted and is interrupted. A state in which a job 002 is being output is shown. No. The remaining number of prints of job 003 is interrupted in a state of 8 sheets.

  FIG. A reservation list screen 330 after the 003 job is completed is shown. In this example, no. No. registered next to the job of 003. The job No. 004 is also in a state of waiting for user authentication. 005 job is being output.

  The reservation list screen 340 shown in FIG. A state in which the user authentication of the 004 job is shown. No. The job of 004 is being output after the hold is released due to user authentication. No. No. 005 has the highest output rank. 004 job is interrupted by interruption.

  The reservation list screen 350 shown in FIG. A state in which a job 002 is authenticated by a user is shown. No. The job 002 is being output because the hold has been released due to user authentication. No. The job No. 004 has the highest output ranking. The job 002 is interrupted by interruption. After the hold due to waiting for user authentication is released in this way, processing is performed according to the order of registration in the queue 31.

In the above example, the example of user authentication for starting the image forming operation based on the first identification information and the second identification information has been described. In parallel with this, control related to the display of the reservation list screen displayed on the operation display unit 15 will be described.
It is determined that the contactless IC tag reader 18 does not obtain the first identification information, or that the operator indicated by the obtained first identification information does not match the operator indicated by the second identification information. In such a case, display of information related to image information registered in the queue may be restricted. The restriction refers to the hiding of all information or the hiding of partial information.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the operator indicated by the first identification information matches the operator indicated by the second identification information while the non-contact IC tag reader 18 obtains the first identification information, The display of information related to image information registered in the above may be permitted.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention. In the embodiment, user authentication is performed using an IC tag, but user authentication may be performed by other methods. For example, the user information input operation may be received from the display operation unit 15 of the image forming apparatus 10 or the user information may be received from a communication terminal such as a mobile phone.

  Further, in the embodiment, the configuration is such that user authentication for the job is accepted from the time when it becomes a job to be executed in the queue 31, but it may be configured to accept user authentication even in a waiting state. Good. For example, when a user who has requested a print job from the print data transmission apparatus 5 comes in front of the image forming apparatus 10, user authentication is accepted at this point even if the job requested by the user is still waiting. In this way, even if this user temporarily leaves the front of the image forming apparatus 10, printing is immediately started when the job execution order comes, and unnecessary holding is avoided. Further, if user authentication is completed during standby, the user can relax while looking at the output status at a location slightly away from the image forming apparatus 10 and wait for the output order.

  In the embodiment, this job is registered at the end of the queue 31 when a job is submitted, regardless of whether or not the print job requires user authentication for output. The time to register is not limited to the above.

  In addition, when another print job with a lower rank than this print job is being executed when the authentication waiting state is canceled, this execution is configured to interrupt this execution. You may comprise so that it may be performed from.

  In the embodiment, the stapling process is shown as an example in which job execution cannot be interrupted. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and includes cases in which printing results are inconvenient or cannot be interrupted due to the configuration of the apparatus. . For example, there is a single-sided end point of double-sided printing. Also, if multiple types of recording paper are flowing in the device and the type of recording paper for the job to be interrupted is different from that for the job to be interrupted, it cannot be interrupted until printing on the recording paper currently being conveyed is completed. It corresponds to.

  If the user information used for user authentication of this job is no longer received before the execution of the user-authenticated job is started, this job may be put in a state waiting for user authentication again and the start of execution may be suspended. For example, in FIG. The job No. 002 is waiting for when the job being output (No. 003) can be interrupted in the user authenticated state. When the requester of the job 002 leaves the image forming apparatus 10, the job is again in a waiting state for authentication. This prevents a highly confidential document from being printed while the client is absent.

  In the embodiment, it is recognized that the job requester is near the image forming apparatus 10 by the user authentication using the IC tag. However, the existence of the requester is recognized separately from the user authentication. When the presence of the requester is not recognized, the start of execution of the job may be suspended. Alternatively, the start of execution of the job may be permitted on the condition that the presence of the client is recognized.

  In addition, when user information related to this job is received while waiting for a job that requires user authentication for output, the text “(confidential)” is displayed in the “other information” column to indicate that the user has been received. The notification method is not limited to the above. For example, the background color or character color may be different from the icon display or other items.

1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a usage pattern of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an example of managing a job execution order using a queue. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which represented typically another example of the mode which manages the execution order of a job using a queue. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when a confidential copy job is submitted. It is a flowchart which shows the process which a job management means performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the reservation list screen which displayed the contents of the queue as a list. From the state shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a reservation list screen in a state where a user of 002 has been authenticated. From the state shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a reservation list screen when a job of 003 is in a state where it can be interrupted. From the state shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a reservation list screen in a state where a job of 003 has been completed. From the state shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a reservation list screen in a state where a user of 004 job is authenticated. From the state shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a reservation list screen in a state where a user of 002 has been authenticated.

Explanation of symbols

2 ... LAN
5 ... Print data transmission device 7 ... ID card 10 ... Image forming device 11 ... ROM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 ... Scanner part 14 ... Print part 15 ... Display operation part 16 ... External I / F part 17 ... Hard disk device 18 ... Non-contact IC tag reader 19 ... Staple means 20 ... CPU
21 ... User authentication confirmation means 22 ... Job registration means 23 ... Job management means 24 ... Reservation list display control means 31 ... Queue 300 ... Reservation list screen (waiting for authentication)
310 ... Reservation list screen (waiting for interruption)
320 ... Reservation list screen (during interruption)
330 ... Reservation list screen (waiting for multiple authentication)
340 ... Reservation list screen (Waiting for authentication + Interrupting)
350 ... Reservation list screen (during multiple interruptions)

Claims (30)

An image forming apparatus that manages the execution order of jobs using a queue,
Authentication means;
A job management means for holding the start of execution of the job until authentication is made through the authentication means in a state waiting for authentication after the print job requiring output for authentication is first in the queue; An image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus that manages the execution order of jobs using a queue,
Authentication means;
After the print job stored in association with the identification information is first in the queue, it is checked whether this job has been authenticated. If it has not been authenticated, this job is executed while waiting for authentication. An image forming apparatus comprising: a job management unit that suspends the start.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a job registration unit configured to register the print job at the end of the queue regardless of whether the print job requires authentication.   The job registration means for registering the print job at the end of the queue regardless of whether or not the print job is a print job stored in association with identification information. Image forming apparatus. When the job management means obtains authentication for a print job whose execution has been suspended, the job management means cancels the suspension, and puts the print job into a state of waiting for execution in the order in which it was registered in the queue. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4. If another print job with a lower rank than the print job is being executed for the print job that has been put on hold and has been put on hold, the job management unit executes the print job being executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the print job in a state of being interrupted and waiting to be executed is executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the job management unit adjusts an interruption time according to an attribute of the print job being executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the print job being executed can be interrupted, the execution of the print job is interrupted and the print job waiting for execution is executed. A reservation list display means for displaying a list of information relating to each job registered in the queue in the order of registration in the queue is provided. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 The image forming apparatus described in 1. The authentication unit includes an authentication information acquisition unit that acquires authentication information only from a predetermined authentication information provider within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus, and performs authentication based on the authentication information acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. The authentication unit includes a communication unit that communicates only with a non-contact communication element existing within a predetermined communication range from the image forming apparatus, and the communication unit performs authentication based on authentication information obtained from the non-contact communication element. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the non-contact communication element is an IC tag. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the non-contact communication element is provided on a medium movable with a user. 11. The authentication information acquisition unit or the communication unit waits for authentication of the job again when the authentication information acquisition unit or the communication unit stops acquiring authentication information for the job before starting execution of the authenticated job. 11, 12, or 13. Authentication information obtaining means for obtaining authentication information from a predetermined authentication information provider existing within a predetermined range;
A queue that manages the job execution order,
Job registration means for registering a print job at the end of the queue;
When the authentication information obtaining unit obtains the authentication information, if the print registration is registered by the job registration unit, control is performed to associate the obtained authentication information with the job. Forming equipment. Recognizing means for recognizing whether the requester of the print job is within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus;
A queue that manages the job execution order,
Job registration means for registering a print job at the end of the queue;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a job management unit that suspends execution start of a job registered in the queue when the recognition unit does not recognize the presence of a requester of a print job. Recognizing means for recognizing whether the requester of the print job is within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus;
A queue that manages the job execution order,
Job registration means for registering a print job at the end of the queue;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a job management unit that permits execution of a job registered in the queue on the condition that the recognition unit recognizes the presence of a requester of a print job. Storage means for storing image information in the order of first image information, second image information, and third image information;
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that performs image formation on image information in the order stored in the storage unit;
Communication means for communicating with a non-contact communication element including first identification information relating to an operator;
Obtaining means for obtaining the first identification information only from a non-contact communication element located within a communication range of the communication means;
After the image formation for the first image information is completed by the image forming means, the first identification information obtained by the obtaining means and the image information stored in association with the second image information are stored. Determination means for determining whether or not the operator indicated by the first identification information and the operator indicated by the second identification information match based on the second identification information related to the operator;
When it is determined by the determining means that the operator indicated by the first identification information does not match the operator indicated by the second identification information, the image forming operation of the image forming means for the second image information is performed. Based on the first image information that has been put on hold and does not have the second identification information, or the first identification information and the second identification information obtained by the obtaining means. Control means for starting an image forming operation in the image forming means for the third image information that is determined to match the operator indicated by the identification information of the second identification information;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   Based on the second identification information and the first identification information stored in association with the second image information by the determination means during the image forming operation of the image forming means for the third image information. When the operator indicated by the first identification information coincides with the operator indicated by the second identification information, the image forming means for the third image information according to the attribute of the third image information The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the image forming operation is temporarily interrupted, and the image forming operation is performed by the image forming unit for the second image information.   When the post-processing function is set as the attribute, interruption of the image forming operation in the image forming unit for the third image information is prohibited, and the start of the image forming operation in the image forming unit for the second image information is started. The image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the holding is continued.   When the image formation by the image forming unit is completed, the determination unit associates the second image information on hold with the first identification information and the second image information obtained by the obtaining unit. Whether or not the operator indicated by the first identification information matches the operator indicated by the second identification information based on the second identification information relating to the operator of the image information stored in And when it is determined that the operator indicated by the first identification information matches the operator indicated by the second identification information, the control means uses the image forming means for the second image information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the image forming operation is started.   Based on the second identification information and the first identification information stored in association with the second image information by the determination means during the image forming operation of the image forming means for the third image information. If the operator indicated by the first identification information does not match the operator indicated by the second identification information, the image forming operation on the image forming means for the third image information is continued, and the second 19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the start of an image forming operation by the image forming unit with respect to the image information is suspended.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the communication unit periodically communicates with the non-contact communication element, and the obtaining unit obtains the first identification information. apparatus.   While the first identification information is being acquired by the obtaining means, it is determined by the determination means that the operator indicated by the first identification information and the operator indicated by the second identification information match. 24. The image forming apparatus according to claim 23, wherein display of information relating to image information stored in the storage unit is permitted.   When the first identification information is not obtained by the obtaining means, or while the first identification information is obtained by the obtaining means, the first identification information is obtained by the judging means. The display of information relating to image information stored in the storage unit is limited when it is determined that the operator indicated by the second identifier does not match the operator indicated by the second identification information. 24. The image forming apparatus according to 23.   When the image forming unit completes image formation with respect to the first image information, the determination unit includes the first identification information obtained by the obtaining unit and the second image information for the second image information. Based on the second identification information related to the operator of the image information stored in association with the image information, the operator indicated by the first identification information matches the operator indicated by the second identification information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein it is determined whether or not to perform.   When the second image information is in the order in which image formation is performed, the determination unit determines the first identification information obtained by the obtaining unit and the second image for the second image information. Based on the second identification information relating to the operator of the image information stored in association with the information, the operator indicated by the first identification information matches the operator indicated by the second identification information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the image forming apparatus determines whether or not the image forming apparatus is not used.   28. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the non-contact communication element is an IC tag.   29. The image forming apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the IC tag is embedded in a terminal portable by an operator. 21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the post-processing function is one or both of stapling processing and punching processing.

Images