JP2008018717A - Printing system, program, printer, program for printer, management device, and program for management device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system, a printing control program, an image forming apparatus, and a management device, which can prevent an unjust circulation of printed matter, such as a jam paper, a sample print sheet, or a purge sheet, requires that circulation should be prevented, but cannot limit printout. <P>SOLUTION: When an event to limit printout occurs, the printout is controlled until the paper such as a purge sheet, a jam paper sheet, or a sample print sheet, which is produced by the event, is subjected to discarding treatment. After the above-described paper is discarded, the control is changed so that the printout of the printed matter desired by a user is enabled. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, a program, a printing apparatus, a printing apparatus program, a management apparatus, and a management apparatus program.

  With high quality and multi-functionality of color copying machines and color printers, high-quality and high-speed document copying and distribution are possible, while leakage of confidential documents and personal information is a problem.

  And, for example, by restricting the number of times that a highly confidential document such as an invoice printed with personal information is printed out, the printed matter with the same contents is prevented from being printed indefinitely. There is known a printing apparatus that prevents as much as possible from illegally circulating.

Also, it is determined whether or not the printed image data matches the input image data. If they do not match, the printed material is cut finely to prevent unnecessary printed output (for example, a patent) Document 1) and a method of painting and outputting a printed image are also known.
JP 2005-59248 JP

  In the present invention, a printing system, a program, a printing apparatus, a printing apparatus program, a management apparatus, which can prevent unauthorized distribution of printed matter such as jammed paper, sample print paper, purge sheet, etc. And it aims at providing the program for management apparatuses.

  The printing system according to claim 1 of the present application includes a printing unit that prints printing information on a recording medium, a regulating unit that regulates printing of printing information performed by the printing unit, and printing of printing information by the printing unit. A discarding unit that discards the recording medium subjected to the recording, and a control unit that performs control to change the regulation by the regulation unit when the recording medium is discarded by the discarding unit. .

  Further, the restriction is to restrict the printing by the printing unit, and the control changing unit changes the restriction when the recording medium is disposed of by the discarding unit. It is desirable to make a change that allows printing by means.

  In addition, it is preferable that the control unit changes a print restriction by the restriction unit with respect to print information of the recording medium discarded by the discard unit.

  Further, the printing unit performs printing by adding identification information for identifying printing information to the recording medium, and detects whether or not a regulation target event for regulating printing on the recording medium has occurred by the regulating unit. A detection unit; and a storage unit that stores identification information for identifying print information corresponding to the regulation target event when the detection unit detects the occurrence of the regulation target event. It is desirable to perform control to change the restriction by the restriction means for the print information identified by the identification information stored in the storage means.

  Further, it is preferable that the printing unit prints the print information in which the regulation by the regulation unit is changed after the printing by the printing unit is finished when the recording medium is discarded by the discard unit.

  Further, the discarding unit includes an acquisition unit that acquires identification information for identifying print information from a recording medium to be discarded by the discarding unit, and the control unit stores the identification information stored in the storage unit. When acquired by the acquisition means, it is desirable to change the restriction by the restriction means by judging that the recording medium corresponding to the print information identified by the identification information has been discarded.

  In addition, the apparatus further includes a change instruction receiving unit that receives a change instruction of the restriction by the restriction unit, and the restriction changing unit receives the change instruction of the restriction by the restriction unit by the change instruction receiving unit. It is desirable to change.

  Further, it is desirable that the restricting means restricts printing of print information identified by the identification information stored in the storage means when printing is started by the printing means.

  In addition, it is desirable to further include a notification means for notifying a predetermined notification destination when the restriction target event occurs.

  Next, a program according to the present invention includes a printing step for printing print information on a recording medium, a regulation step for regulating printing of the printing information performed by the printing step, and printing of the printing information by the printing step. And a discarding step for discarding the recording medium, and a regulation changing step for changing the regulation by the regulation means when the recording medium is discarded by the discarding step.

  The printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a printing unit that prints printing information on a recording medium, a regulating unit that regulates printing of printing information performed by the printing unit, and a record in which printing information is printed by the printing unit. Restriction changing means for changing the restriction by the restriction means when the medium is discarded.

  The printing apparatus program according to the present invention includes a printing step for printing print information on a recording medium, a regulation step for restricting printing of the printing information performed by the printing step, and printing of the printing information by the printing step. When the recorded medium is disposed of, the restriction changing step for changing the restriction by the restriction means is executed by a computer of the printing apparatus.

  In the management apparatus according to the present invention, a restricting unit that restricts printing of printing information performed by a printing unit that prints printing information on a recording medium, and a recording medium on which printing information is printed by the printing unit are discarded. And a regulation changing means for changing the regulation by the regulating means.

  The management apparatus program according to the present invention discards a recording unit that controls printing of printing information performed by a printing unit that prints printing information on a recording medium, and a recording medium on which printing information is printed by the printing unit. When the processing is performed, the computer of the management apparatus is caused to execute restriction changing means for changing restriction by the restriction means.

  In the invention described in claim 1 of the present application, it is possible to prevent unauthorized distribution of printed matter that should be prevented from being distributed.

  In the invention described in claim 2 of the present application, when the disposal process is performed, the unauthorized printing of the printed material, which should be prevented from being distributed, is prevented by changing from the unprintable state to the printable state. Can do.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the printing information of the discarded recording medium can be printed by changing the restriction on the printing information of the discarded recording medium.

  In the invention described in claim 4 of the present application, it is possible to change the restriction of printing of the same print information as that of the printed matter that should be prevented from being distributed with a simple configuration.

  In the invention according to claim 5 of the present application, when the recording medium is discarded by the discarding means, it is possible to easily print the print information having the same contents as the printed matter whose printing is not easily restricted.

  In the invention according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to recognize that a printed matter whose printing is not easy to be restricted is discarded with a simple configuration.

  In the invention described in claim 7 of the present application, the restriction change instruction by the restriction means can be performed by the change instruction receiving means, and therefore, for example, when the identification information of the recording medium cannot be obtained by the obtaining means, distribution should be prevented. It is possible to change the restriction of printing the same print information as the printed matter.

  In the invention according to claim 8 of the present application, it is possible to regulate printing of the same print information as that of the printed matter that should be prevented from being distributed with a simple configuration.

  In the invention according to claim 9 of the present application, the user can be notified that printing of the same print information as that of the printed matter that should be prevented from being distributed has been regulated.

  In the invention according to claim 10 of the present application, it is possible to provide a program capable of preventing unauthorized distribution of printed matter that should be prevented from being distributed.

  In the invention according to claim 11 of the present application, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus capable of preventing unauthorized distribution of printed matter that should be prevented from being distributed.

  In the invention described in claim 12 of the present application, it is possible to provide a management apparatus program that can prevent unauthorized distribution of printed matter that should be prevented from being distributed.

  In the invention according to claim 13 of the present application, it is possible to provide a program for a printing apparatus that can prevent unauthorized distribution of printed matter that should be prevented from being distributed.

  In the invention described in claim 14 of the present application, it is possible to provide a management apparatus capable of preventing unauthorized distribution of printed matter that should be prevented from being distributed.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the form for implementing this invention shown below is an example of the specific aspect of this invention, and is not limited to the said form.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 10 and a discarding apparatus 20, and includes a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a USB (Universal Serial Bus), They are connected via a wired or wireless communication means (not shown) such as a serial cable.

  The image forming apparatus 10 functions as a printing apparatus that prints print information such as image information on a recording medium such as paper, and includes an image forming unit 11, an identifier detecting unit 12, an identifier adding unit 13, and carry-out detection. Unit 14, identifier storage unit 15, restriction change instruction unit 16, control unit 17, and communication unit 18.

  The image forming unit 11 forms an image by feeding an arbitrary recording medium (paper) that forms an image, such as paper or a plastic film, from a paper feed tray (not shown), and the paper on which the image is formed is not shown. Paper is discharged to the paper output tray.

  The identifier detection unit 12 acquires an identifier, which is information that can identify the paper, from the paper on which the image forming unit 11 forms an image. Specifically, for example, an identifier printed on the paper is set by scanning the paper that is installed on the paper feed tray or on the paper feed tray that transports the paper from the paper feed tray to the image forming unit 11. In addition to reading information (code information such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes and alphanumeric characters), analysis processing (code information analysis, OCR (Optical Character Reader) processing, etc.) is performed to obtain an identifier. Further, when the paper includes a wireless tag such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or magnetic wire, the identifier may be acquired from the wireless tag using a wireless tag reader.

  The identifier assigning unit 13 assigns an identifier to the paper on which the image forming unit 11 forms an image. Specifically, for example, an identifier is assigned to a sheet conveyed to the image forming unit 11 and a process for recording the identifier assigned to the sheet is performed.

  As a method for recording the identifier on the sheet, for example, the image forming unit 11 is instructed to print the identifier converted from alphanumeric characters or the like, or code information such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code, and a predetermined position on the sheet. Any method capable of recording the identifier assigned to the paper, such as a method of forming an identifier on the paper, can be used. If the paper is equipped with a wireless tag, the paper can be printed using a wireless tag writer. An identifier may be recorded in Further, an image forming unit capable of printing the identifier on the conveyance path may be provided, and the identifier may be formed on the sheet by the image forming unit.

  The carry-out detection unit 14 acquires the identifier of the paper discharged to a paper discharge tray (stacker) (not shown). Specifically, for example, a sheet is set on a conveyance path that conveys the sheet from the image forming unit 11 to the sheet discharge tray or on the sheet discharge tray, and scans the sheet that passes through the conveyance path or is discharged to the sheet discharge tray. The information indicating the identifier printed on is read, and an analysis process is performed to obtain the identifier. If the paper has a wireless tag, the identifier may be acquired using a wireless tag reader.

  The identifier storage unit 15 stores a sheet identifier. Specifically, for example, an identifier of the sheet conveyed to the image forming unit 11 (an identifier detected by the identifier detecting unit 12 or an identifier added by the identifier adding unit 13) is stored, and the sheet is discharged to the discharge tray. The identifier (identifier detected by the carry-out detection unit 14) is deleted.

  The restriction change instruction unit 16 performs processing for receiving a restriction change instruction from a user (administrator) who has the authority to change the restriction. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, a UI (User Interface) is displayed on a display terminal (not shown) such as a touch panel or a display, and the ID is directly displayed on the touch panel or using an operation terminal such as a keyboard or a mouse. When information such as (identifier) or password is input and it is determined that the user is an administrator using information registered for the administrator, an instruction to change the regulation is accepted.

  The control unit 17 stores the image forming apparatus 10 such as the image forming unit 11, the identifier detecting unit 12, the carry-out detecting unit 14, the identifier storing unit 15, and the communication unit 18 by using a program stored in a storage device (not shown). Process to do. Specifically, when a regulated event that regulates print output occurs, the printed output is regulated, and the regulation is changed when printed matter (paper to be discarded) generated by the regulated event is discarded.

  Here, the restriction target event is, for example, a jam in which a printed matter whose print output should be restricted but cannot be restricted to prevent circulation of unnecessary printed matter such as a jam paper, a purge sheet, and a sample print paper. For example, an event that restricts print output by the control unit 17 is set using an arbitrary method, for example, an administrator selects an event to be regulated using the UI. You may comprise as follows.

  Further, the method for restricting the print output is not limited to a method for obstructing the print output itself, such as not giving a print instruction to the image forming unit 11, and for example, a method for instructing the filling of the printed matter or an alternative print A method for instructing the image forming unit 11 to form an image based on information (such as a message indicating that regulation is in progress), and a shredder or other cutting device, and if the printed material can be automatically cut, Any method can be used as long as it is difficult to easily recognize information on a printed matter (invoice, etc.) intended by the user, such as a method of instructing the cutting of the image. it can.

  The communication unit 18 notifies a predetermined notification destination that a restriction target event such as jam, purge, or sample print has occurred. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, selection of information (regulatory event) to be notified to an administrator or the like on a UI that accepts a print instruction from a user, information on a notification destination (e-mail address of the administrator, etc.) When the selected event (notification information) occurs, the notification destination is notified of the occurrence of the event. Note that the items to be notified to the administrator and the notification destination may be set using a UI other than the print instruction, such as setting in advance using another UI, voice guidance, etc. If it is possible to notify the occurrence of the restriction target event, any method capable of notifying the desired notification destination of desired information, such as setting a telephone number as the notification destination, can be used.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes a storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and an arithmetic device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The unit 13, the regulation change instruction unit 16, and the control unit 17 are realized by sequentially reading and processing a program stored in the storage device with an arithmetic device. The program can be provided by being stored in a storage medium such as a CDROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) or via a communication means such as a network.

  When the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment receives a print instruction from a user or the like using an operation terminal (not shown) using the above configuration, the control unit 17 instructs the image forming unit 11 to perform print output, and the image forming unit 11 The identifier detection unit 12 detects an identifier from the sheet conveyed to the image forming unit 11, and the control unit 17 uses the identifier detected by the identifier detection unit 12 as an identifier storage unit 15. To store.

  If the identifier cannot be detected by the identifier detection unit 12, the identifier is assigned by the identifier assigning unit 13, and the identifier assigned by the identifier assigning unit 13 is stored in the identifier storage unit 15. Regardless of whether or not the sheet is previously provided with an identifier, the identifier may be given by the identifier assigning unit 13 or an identifier may be given in the image information.

  Then, the image forming unit 11 forms an image on a sheet and discharges it to a sheet discharge tray, the carry-out detection unit 14 detects an identifier from the sheet on which the image is formed, and the control unit 17 determines the detected identifier. Delete from the paper discharge management unit 15.

  On the other hand, when a restriction target event that restricts print output occurs in the image forming unit 11, the control unit 17 restricts print output. When the control unit 17 receives the identifier from the discarding device 20, the control unit 17 deletes the identifier from the identifier storage unit 15, and the identifier remains stored without being deleted from the identifier storage unit 15 with the occurrence of the regulated event. If all are deleted, the regulation is changed to enable printing.

  When the restriction change instruction unit 16 receives a restriction change instruction during the restriction of the print output, the control unit 17 does not delete the identifier stored in the identifier storage unit 15 with the occurrence of the restriction target event. Are deleted, and the regulation is changed to enable printing.

  That is, with jammed paper and purge sheets, it may be difficult to obtain the identifier of the paper. Therefore, there is a need to provide a regulation change instructing unit 16 to forcibly change the regulation and perform print output. Become.

  Here, as a method for detecting the occurrence of a jam which is one of the regulated events, for example, an arbitrary method such as a well-known method used for detecting a paper jam in an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a printing machine. It is possible to detect using

  Further, the range of paper that is regarded as jammed paper when a jam occurs (the range of the position where the paper regarded as jammed paper exists) is between the identifier detection unit 12 or the identifier adding unit 13 and the carry-out detection unit 14 (conveying path and paper discharge). For example, it is possible to set an arbitrary range such as between a transfer unit that transfers an image onto a sheet and a fixing unit that fixes the image transferred onto the sheet.

  As a method of setting the range regarded as jammed paper, for example, any method such as a method of accepting the setting of the range using the UI or the like by the restriction change instruction unit 16 and notifying the identifier storage unit 15 can be used.

  As a method for determining the position of the sheet in the image forming unit 11, for example, a sensor for detecting an identifier is provided in the image forming unit and the position is determined based on the detection result of the identifier, or the timing of conveying the sheet. Any method can be used such as a method of determining the position based on the above.

  Examples of methods for detecting the print output of a sample print that is one of the regulated events include a method triggered by a user's print instruction for a sample print, and a sensor in a sample print discharge tray that discharges sample print paper. It is possible to use any method that can detect the print output of the sample print, such as a method of detecting by providing, for example.

  In addition, a sensor or the like that can detect the identifier is provided in the sample print discharge tray, and regulation is performed when paper is discharged to the tray, and the identifier detected from the paper discharged to the tray is set. When receiving from the discarding device 20, the restriction may be changed.

  As a method of detecting the occurrence of a purge, which is a regulated event, a method of detecting the occurrence of a purge sheet (print misaligned paper) by judging the print misalignment from the misalignment between the image formation timing and the paper feed timing, After the removal of jammed paper, a method for purging and detecting a predetermined number of sheets that pass through the image forming unit in order to remove toner remaining in the fixing unit and the like, and a purge tray for discharging the purge sheet It is possible to use any method capable of detecting the print output of the purge sheet, such as a method of detecting by providing a sensor or the like.

  The purge tray is provided with a sensor that can detect the identifier, and controls when the paper is discharged to the tray. The identifier detected from the paper discharged to the tray is sent from the discarding device 20. You may comprise so that restrictions may be changed if it receives.

  Furthermore, the identifier detected by the identifier detector 12 or the identifier imparted by the identifier imparter 13 and the identifier detected by the carry-out detector 14 are compared in chronological order, and when an error occurs in the identifier detection order, the identifier detector 12 It is also possible to determine the identifier of the purge sheet that is detected by the identifier adding unit 13 and not detected by the carry-out detecting unit 14. Note that the method of comparing identifiers in chronological order can detect the occurrence regardless of the types of events subject to regulation, such as jam sheets and sample prints, as well as purge sheets.

  The discard device 20 is a discard device having a function of discarding paper such as a shredder that cuts the paper, and includes a discard detection unit 21.

  The discard detection unit 21 acquires a sheet identifier. Specifically, for example, an identifier is detected by scanning / analyzing the transported paper that is installed on the transport path for transporting the paper from the input unit that inputs the paper to the disposal processing unit that discards the paper. If the paper has a wireless tag, the identifier may be detected using a wireless tag reader. Further, when the identifier can be detected from the paper after the discarding process, the identifier may be detected from the paper that has been discarded.

  Using the above configuration, the discarding device 20 in the present embodiment acquires an identifier from the sheet by the discarding detection unit 21, discards the sheet, and notifies the image forming apparatus 10 of the identifier acquired by the discarding detection unit 21. .

  Using the above configuration, in the image forming system according to the present exemplary embodiment, when a regulation target event such as a jam, purge, or sample print occurs in the image forming unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10, the control unit 17 regulates the print output. When a printed matter (paper to be discarded) such as paper, purge sheet, sample print paper, or the like generated in association with a restriction target event is discarded by the discarding device 20, the control unit 17 changes the restriction.

  In FIG. 1, the image processing system is configured by connecting the image forming apparatus and the discarding apparatus with a wired or wireless communication unit such as a serial cable. However, the function as the discarding apparatus, that is, the sheet is discarded. A discard processing unit (not shown) and a discard detection unit may be provided in the image forming apparatus (see FIG. 4).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  First, when an instruction for print output is received (step 100), the identifier storage unit 15 is searched to determine whether there is a stored identifier (step 101), and it is determined that there is a stored identifier. (YES in step 101), the process ends, and if it is determined that there is no identifier being stored (NO in step 101), the identifier detection unit 12 detects the identifier from the sheet conveyed to the image forming unit 11 ( In step 102, the identifier is stored in the identifier storage unit 15 (step 103).

  On the other hand, if the identifier is not detected in step 102 (NO in step 102), the identifier assigning unit 13 assigns the identifier to the sheet and performs processing for recording the identifier on the sheet (step 104). The identifier is stored in the identifier storage unit 15 (step 103).

  Next, printing output is started in the image forming unit 11 (step 105), the occurrence of the restriction target event is monitored (step 106), and the restriction target event (jam, purge, sample print, etc.) does not occur. When print output is performed (step 107), the carry-out detection unit 14 detects the identifier of the paper, and the identifier detected by the carry-out detection unit 14 is deleted from the identifier storage unit 15 (step 108).

  When the print output is subsequently performed (NO in step 109), the identifier is detected by the identifier detection unit 12 from the paper conveyed to the image forming unit 11 (step 102), and the print output is completed (step 102). If YES in 109), the process ends.

  On the other hand, when sample print or purge is detected in step 106 (step 110), it is determined whether or not there is a notification setting for notifying a predetermined notification destination of the occurrence of sample print or purge (step 111). If there is (YES in step 111), the communication unit 18 notifies the predetermined notification destination of the occurrence of a purge (step 112), the process ends, and if there is no notification setting (NO in step 111) Then, the image formation is stopped (step 113).

  Further, when a jam occurs in step 106 (step 114), image formation is stopped (step 113).

  When the restriction change instruction unit 16 receives an instruction to change the restriction (YES in step 115), the identifier stored in the identifier storage unit 15 is deleted (step 116), and the image formation stop is released (step 116). Step 117).

  On the other hand, if an identifier is received from the discarding device 20 without receiving a restriction change instruction in step 115 (NO in step 115), the identifier received from the discarding device 20 is stored in the identifier storage unit 15. If the identifier does not match (step 119), and it is determined that the identifier does not match (NO in step 119), it waits for acceptance of the regulation change instruction (step 115) and determines that the identifier matches. If this is done (YES in step 119), the identifier is deleted from the identifier storage unit 15 (step 120). If the identifier remains in the identifier storage unit 15 (unprocessed paper exists) (YES in step 121), the restriction Waiting for acceptance of a change instruction (step 115), if no identifier remains in the identifier storage unit 15 (no unprocessed paper) ( NO in Step 121), releases the image formation stop (step 117).

  In the present embodiment, the processing at the time of occurrence of a regulated event has been described using jam, purge, and sample print. However, the regulated event is not limited to these, and any distribution that should be prevented from being distributed. The print output can be regulated by performing the same process as the purge sheet and the sample print paper or the jam paper with the occurrence of the printed matter as the occurrence of the restriction target event.

  In this embodiment, every time print output is performed by the image forming unit 11, the identifier is detected from the paper in step 102. However, it is also possible to obtain the identifier in advance from a plurality of papers and perform the print output. In this case, after it is determined in step 109 that the print output is not completed (NO in step 109), the occurrence of the restriction target event may be monitored in step 106.

  Further, when it is possible to simultaneously perform processing for acquiring an identifier from a sheet and processing for forming an image, the processing in steps 102 to 105 and the processing in and after step 105 may be performed in parallel.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the processing is different based on the type of restriction target event and the notification setting. For example, when the occurrence of the restriction target event is detected in step 106, the presence / absence of notification setting is determined (step 111). ), Notification may be made as necessary (step 112), and print output may be restricted (step 113).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the discarding device (shredder) in the present embodiment.

  First, when a sheet is inserted (step 200), the discard detection unit 21 acquires an identifier from the sheet (step 201), and performs a discarding process such as finely cutting the sheet (step 202).

  Next, if the identifier is detected in step 110 (YES in step 203), the identifier is notified to the image forming apparatus 10 (step 204), and the identifier is not detected in step 110 (NO in step 203). The process is terminated.

  It should be noted that the disposal change instruction unit 16 may be provided in the discarding device 20 and when the restriction change instruction is received by the restriction change instruction unit 16, the image forming apparatus 10 may be instructed to change the restriction.

  In the first embodiment, after the occurrence of the restriction target event, the image output is stopped and the print output is restricted without waiting for the completion of the print output of the print information (file or the like) instructed to be printed. In the print information for printing out the printed matter, it is also possible to specify the image that has been purged or the image on which the sample print has been performed to regulate the print output, and will be described in detail below with reference to the second embodiment. To do.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  First, when an instruction for print output is received (step 300), identifiers are sequentially detected by the identifier detection unit 12 from the paper conveyed to the image forming unit 11 (YES in step 301), and the identifiers are stored in the identifier storage unit 15. (Step 302).

  On the other hand, if the identifier is not detected in step 301 (NO in step 301), the identifier assigning unit 13 sequentially assigns the identifier to the sheet and performs processing for recording the identifier on the sheet (step 303). The identifier is stored in the identifier storage unit 15 (step 302).

  Next, printing output is started in the image forming unit 11 (step 304), the occurrence of the restriction target event is monitored (step 305), and the restriction target event (jam, purge, sample print, etc.) does not occur. When the print output is performed (step 306), the carry-out detection unit 14 detects the identifier of the paper, and the identifier detected by the carry-out detection unit 14 is deleted from the identifier storage unit 15 (step 307), and the print output is completed. Is determined (step 308).

  When the occurrence of sample print or purge is detected in step 305 (step 309), information (image information) formed on the sample print sheet or purge sheet is stored in the identifier storage unit 15 in association with the sheet identifier. (Step 310), it is determined whether the print output has been completed (Step 308).

  If it is determined that the print output has not been completed (NO in step 308), the control unit 17 monitors the occurrence of the restriction target event (step 305), and determines that the print output has been completed (YES in step 308). In step 310, it is determined whether the identifier associated with the image information has been notified from the discarding device 20 (step 311).

  If the identifier has been notified (YES in step 311), the identifier is deleted from the identifier storage unit 15, and a process for printing out based on the image information associated with the identifier is started. Then, the identifier is detected from the sheet conveyed to the image forming unit 11 (step 301).

  If no identifier is notified (NO in step 311), it is determined whether there is an identifier stored in the identifier storage unit 15 (step 312). If no identifier is being stored (step 312). If NO in 312, the process ends, and if there is an identifier being stored (YES in step 312), image formation is stopped (step 313), and a notification for notifying the occurrence of a regulated event to a predetermined notification destination It is determined whether there is a setting (step 314).

  On the other hand, when the occurrence of a jam is detected in step 305 (step 315), image formation is stopped (step 313), and it is determined whether there is a notification setting (step 314).

  If it is determined that there is no notification setting (NO in step 314), it is determined whether an identifier of an unused sheet is stored in the identifier storage unit 15 (step 316), and it is determined that there is notification setting. If YES (YES in step 314), the communication unit 18 notifies the predetermined notification destination of the occurrence of the regulated event (step 317), and determines whether the identifier of the unused paper is stored in the identifier storage unit 15. (Step 316).

  When it is determined that the identifier of unused paper is not stored (NO in step 316), the control waits for a restriction change instruction (step 317), and the identifier of unused paper is stored (YES in step 316). Then, the identifier of the unused paper is deleted (step 318), and a restriction change instruction is awaited (step 317).

  When the restriction change instruction unit 16 receives an instruction to change the restriction (YES in step 317), the identifier stored in the identifier storage unit 15 is deleted (step 319), and the image formation stop is released (step 320). ).

  On the other hand, the identifier is received from the discarding device 20 without receiving the restriction change instruction in Step 317 (NO in Step 317) (Step 321), and the identifier received from the discarding device 20 is stored in the identifier storage unit 15. If the identifier matches (YES in step 322), the identifier is deleted from the identifier storage unit 15 (step 323), and if the identifier does not match (NO in step 322), it waits for acceptance of a restriction change instruction (step 322). 317).

  After the identifier is deleted in step 323, if the identifier remains in the identifier storage unit 15 (unprocessed paper exists) (YES in step 324), the control waits for acceptance of a regulation change instruction (step 317), and no identifier remains. When there is no unprocessed paper (NO in step 324), the stop of image formation is released (step 320).

  In this embodiment, in step 301, identifiers are sequentially detected and stored from a plurality of sheets conveyed to the image forming unit. However, as in the first embodiment, the image forming unit 11 performs print output. It is also possible to detect the identifier from the paper each time. In this case, after determining that the print output is not completed in step 308 (NO in step 308), the identifier is detected from the paper in step 301. Also good.

  Further, as a method of associating the sheet identifier with the image information in step 310, for example, the image to be formed on the sheet is identified from the timing of conveying the sheet to the image forming unit and the timing of image formation, and the image is identified. Any method can be used as long as it can identify image information formed on a sheet and associate it with the sheet, such as storing information that can be associated with an identifier.

  In step 311, for example, the identifier received from the discarding device 20 during the print output is sequentially stored, and compared with the identifier associated with the image information in step 310 after the print output is completed. Any method that can determine whether a sheet or jam sheet has already been discarded can be used.

  As a method of determining the identifier of the unused paper in step 316, for example, any method capable of determining the unused paper based on the timing of conveying the paper and the timing of forming the image is used. Can do.

  In each of the above embodiments, image formation is stopped (print output is restricted), and jammed paper is discarded, and then image formation stop is canceled (print output restriction is changed). The method is not limited to the method of restricting itself, and for example, it is possible to restrict the print output in units of print information (files) in which the event subject to restriction has occurred, which will be described in detail below using Example 3. .

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  First, when an instruction for print output is received (step 400), the identifier storage unit 15 is searched, and information indicating print information (file) for which print output is instructed (for example, a file name or an identifier of print information) is stored. Is determined (step 401), and if it is determined that the information (file information) indicating the print information is stored (YES in step 401), the process is terminated and the file information is stored. If it is determined that the identifier is not present (NO in step 401), the identifier detection unit 12 sequentially detects the identifier from the sheet conveyed to the image forming unit 11 (YES in step 402), and the identifier is stored in the identifier storage unit 15 (step). 403).

  If the identifier is not detected in step 402 (NO in step 402), the identifier assigning unit 13 assigns the identifier to the sheet and performs processing for recording the identifier on the sheet (step 404). The identifier is stored in the identifier storage unit 15 (step 403).

  Next, printing output is started in the image forming unit 11 (step 405), the occurrence of the regulation target event is monitored (step 406), and the regulation target event (jam, purge, sample print, etc.) does not occur. When print output is performed (step 407), the carry-out detection unit 14 detects the identifier of the sheet, and the identifier detected by the carry-out detection unit 14 is deleted from the identifier storage unit 15 (step 408).

  When the print output is subsequently performed (NO in step 409), the control unit 17 monitors the occurrence of the restriction target event (step 406). When the print output is completed (YES in step 409), the process is performed. finish.

  On the other hand, when the occurrence of sample print or purge is detected in step 406 (step 410), it is determined whether or not there is a notification setting for notifying the occurrence of sample print or purge to a predetermined notification destination (step 411). If there is a notification setting (YES in step 411), the communication unit 18 notifies the predetermined notification destination (step 412), and file information (for example, a file that can identify the file that has been printed out) (Name, file identifier, etc.) are stored in the identifier storage unit 15 in association with the identifier of the paper on which the regulated event has occurred (step 413), the process ends, and there is no notification setting (NO in step 411) Stops image formation (step 414).

  If a jam occurs at step 406 (step 415), image formation is stopped (step 414).

  When the restriction change instruction unit 16 receives an instruction to change the restriction (YES in step 416), the identifier stored in the identifier storage unit 15 is deleted (step 417), and the image formation stop is canceled (step 417). Step 418).

  On the other hand, if the restriction change instruction unit 16 does not receive the restriction change instruction (NO in step 416) and receives the identifier from the discarding device 20 (step 419), the identifier received from the discarding device 20 and the identifier storage unit 15 It is determined whether or not the stored identifier matches (step 420). If the identifier does not match (NO in step 420), the control waits for acceptance of a regulation change instruction (step 416) and the identifier matches ( If YES in step 420, the identifier and the file information associated with the identifier are deleted from the identifier storage unit 15 (step 421), and the identifier remains in the identifier storage unit 15 (unprocessed paper exists) (step 422). YES), waits for acceptance of the regulation change instruction (step 416), and no identifier remains (no unprocessed paper) (step And NO) at 422, to release the image formation stop (step 418).

  In this embodiment, in step 402, identifiers are sequentially detected and stored from a plurality of sheets conveyed to the image forming unit. However, as in the first embodiment, the image forming unit 11 performs print output. It is also possible to detect the identifier from the paper every time. In this case, after determining that the print output is not completed in step 409 (NO in step 409), the identifier is detected from the paper in step 402. Also good.

  When a restriction change instruction is received in step 416, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, a restriction target event occurs using a UI or the like that can specify print information (file) for changing the restriction. A restriction change instruction may be issued for each piece of print information.

  Furthermore, the identifier of the normally printed paper (medium) is stored in association with the print information so that the print output of the normally printed print information is regulated in addition to the print information in which the restricted event has occurred. You may comprise.

  By the way, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus manages the occurrence of regulated events such as purge, jam, and sample print and manages the disposal of purge sheets, jammed paper, sample print paper, etc. that have undergone regulated events, and prints them out. However, as shown in an example in FIG. 10, a management device 30 that manages paper disposal or the like is provided between the image forming apparatus 10 and the discarding device 20 to restrict printing output. This is also possible, and will be described in detail below using examples.

  FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of an image forming system in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the image forming system in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 and the discarding apparatus 20 are connected to the management apparatus 30 by wired or wireless communication means such as a LAN or a serial cable.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 11, an identifier detecting unit 12, an identifier assigning unit 13, a carry-out detecting unit 14, and an image forming apparatus control unit 19.

  Here, the image forming apparatus control unit 19 performs processing for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 10. Specifically, for example, the image forming unit 11 is instructed to form an image, and when a restriction target event occurs in the image forming unit 11, the management apparatus 30 is notified. Further, the identifier detected by the identifier detection unit 12 or the carry-out detection unit 14 or the identifier given by the identifier provision unit 13 is transmitted to the management device 30.

  Note that the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 1 are attached to portions that perform the same functions as those in FIG. 1, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes a storage device such as a RAM, a ROM, and an HDD, and an arithmetic device such as a CPU. The identifier assigning unit 13 and the image forming device control unit 19 store programs stored in the storage device. This is realized by sequentially reading and processing with an arithmetic device. Further, the program can be provided by being stored in a storage medium such as a CDROM, or can be provided via communication means such as a network.

  When the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment receives the print instruction from the management apparatus 30 by the image forming apparatus control unit 19 using the above configuration, the image forming unit 11 instructs the image forming unit 11 to perform print output. The identifier detection unit 12 detects the identifier from the sheet conveyed to the image forming unit 11, and the image forming apparatus control unit 19 manages the identifier detected by the identifier detection unit 12. 30.

  If the identifier cannot be detected by the identifier detection unit 12, the identifier is assigned by the identifier assigning unit 13, and the image forming apparatus control unit 19 uses the identifier assigned by the identifier assigning unit 13 as a management device. 30. Note that the identifier assigning unit 13 may assign an identifier regardless of whether or not the sheet has an identifier in advance.

  The image forming unit 11 forms an image on a sheet and discharges it to a sheet discharge tray. The unloading detection unit 14 detects an identifier from the sheet on which the image is formed. The image forming apparatus control unit 19 performs unloading. The identifier detected by the detection unit 14 is transmitted to the management device 30.

  On the other hand, when a regulation target event such as jam, purge, or sample print occurs in the image forming unit 11, the image forming apparatus control unit 19 notifies the management apparatus 30 of the occurrence of the regulation target event.

  The management device 30 includes an identifier storage unit 15, a restriction change instruction unit 16, a communication unit 18, and a management control unit 31.

  The management control unit 31 performs processing for controlling the entire management device 30. Specifically, for example, the identifier received from the image forming apparatus 10 is stored in the identifier storage unit 15, and the identifier received from the discarding apparatus 20 is deleted from the identifier storage unit 15. Further, when the image forming apparatus 10 is notified that a restriction target event has occurred, the printed matter (paper) generated by the restriction target event is discarded after instructing the image forming apparatus 10 to stop image formation as necessary. The print instruction to the image forming apparatus 10 is stopped until it is discarded by the apparatus 20.

  The management device 30 includes a storage device such as a RAM, a ROM, and an HDD, and an arithmetic device such as a CPU. The restriction change instruction unit 16 and the management control unit 31 execute a program stored in the storage device. This is realized by reading and processing sequentially. The program can be provided by being stored in a storage medium such as a CDROM, or can be provided via a communication means such as a network.

  When the management apparatus 30 in the present embodiment receives a print instruction from a user or the like via the operation terminal (not shown) using the above configuration, the management control section 31 instructs the image forming apparatus to print out. When the identifier detected by the identifier detecting unit 12 or the identifier given by the identifier giving unit 13 is received from the image forming apparatus 10, the received identifier is stored in the identifier storage unit 15, and the identifier detected by the paper discharge management unit 15 is stored in the image. When received from the forming apparatus 10, the received identifier is deleted from the identifier storage unit 15.

  When the occurrence of the restriction target event is notified from the image forming apparatus 10, the management control unit 31 restricts the occurrence of the restriction target event such as sample print or purge that does not require the image formation to be interrupted like a jam. In the case of the target event, after instructing the image forming apparatus 10 to stop printing, the printing instruction to the image forming apparatus 10 is stopped.

  When receiving the identifier from the discarding device 20, the management control unit 31 deletes the received identifier from the identifier storage unit 15, and remains stored without being deleted from the identifier storage unit 15 with the occurrence of the regulated event. When all the identifiers are deleted, the printing instruction to the image forming apparatus 10 is resumed.

  On the other hand, when the regulation change instruction unit 16 receives a regulation change instruction during the regulation of the print output, the management control unit 31 remains stored without being deleted from the identifier storage unit 15 with the occurrence of the regulation target event. All the identifiers are deleted, and printing notification to the image forming apparatus 10 is resumed.

  Using the above-described configuration, the image forming system according to the present exemplary embodiment prints from the management apparatus 30 to the image forming apparatus 10 when a regulation target event such as a jam, purge, or sample print occurs in the image forming unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10. The instruction is stopped, and when a printed matter generated in accordance with the regulation target event, such as a jam paper, a purge sheet, or a sample print paper, is discarded by the disposal device 20, the printing instruction from the management device 30 to the image forming device 10 is resumed. .

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow of the management apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  First, when an instruction for print output is received (step 500), the identifier storage unit 15 is searched to determine whether there is a stored identifier (step 501), and it is determined that there is a stored identifier. (YES in step 501), the process ends, and if it is determined that there is no identifier being stored (NO in step 501), the image forming unit 11 is instructed to print out (step 502).

  Next, it waits for the identifier of the sheet conveyed to the image forming unit 11 to be notified from the image forming apparatus 10 (step 503). When the identifier is notified (YES in step 503), the identifier storage unit 15 receives the identifier. Is stored (step 504), and the occurrence of the regulated event is monitored (step 505).

  When the identifier detected by the carry-out detection unit 14 is received without being notified from the image forming apparatus 10 (step 506) of occurrence of a regulation target event (jam, purge, sample print, etc.), the event is deleted from the identifier storage unit 15. (Step 507), it is determined whether or not the print output is completed (step 508), and it is determined that the print output is completed (the print output is not performed subsequently) (YES in step 508). When it is determined that the process is finished and the print output is not completed (the print output is performed subsequently) (NO in step 508), the identifier of the sheet conveyed to the image forming unit 11 is notified from the image forming apparatus 10. (Step 503).

  On the other hand, when the print output of the sample print or the occurrence of the purge is notified in step 505 (step 509), if there is a notification setting for notifying the occurrence of the regulated event to the predetermined notification destination (YES in step 510), it occurs. The regulated event is notified to a predetermined notification destination by the communication unit 18 (step 111), and waiting for the identifier of the sheet conveyed to the image forming unit 11 to be notified from the image forming apparatus 10 (step 503). If there is no notification setting (NO in step 510), the image forming apparatus 10 is instructed to stop printing (step 512), and a restriction change instruction is awaited (step 513).

  Further, when the occurrence of a jam is notified in step 505 (step 514), a restriction change instruction is waited (step 513).

  Then, when an instruction to change the regulation (regulation change instruction) is received by the regulation change instruction unit 16 (YES in step 513), the identifier stored in the identifier storage unit 15 is deleted (step 515), and processing is performed. When the identifier is received from the discarding device 20 without accepting the restriction change instruction (NO in step 513) (step 516), the identifier received from the discarding device 20 and the identifier storage unit 15 are stored. It is determined whether or not the identifier matches (step 517). If the identifier does not match (NO in step 517), the control waits for acceptance of a regulation change instruction (step 513) and determines that the identifier matches. (YES in step 517) deletes the identifier from the identifier storage unit 15 (step 518).

  Here, if the identifier stored in the identifier storage unit 15 remains (there is an unprocessed sheet) (YES in step 519), it waits for acceptance of a regulation change instruction (step 513), and the identifier storage unit 15 If no stored identifier remains (no unprocessed paper) (NO in step 519), the process is terminated.

  In this embodiment, the identifiers are alternately received at step 503 and step 507. However, the identifiers received at step 503 are sequentially stored in the identifier storage unit 15, and the identifiers received at step 507 are stored in the identifier storage unit 15. In this case, after it is determined in step 508 that the print output has not been completed (NO in step 508), the occurrence of the restriction target event is monitored in step 505.

  In this embodiment, after the occurrence of the regulated event is notified in step 511, the printing is continued after the identifier is notified in step 503. However, as will be described later with reference to FIG. After the notification of the regulation target event occurrence (step 511), the print forming may be instructed to the image forming apparatus 10 (step 512), and the print output may be stopped.

  Further, in this embodiment, the processing is different based on the type of restriction target event and the notification setting. For example, when the occurrence of the restriction target event is detected in step 505, the presence / absence of notification setting is determined (step 510). The same processing may be performed regardless of the type of event to be regulated and the presence / absence of notification setting, such as waiting for a regulation change instruction (step 513) after giving notice as needed (step 511).

  In addition, in this embodiment, a restriction change instruction from the administrator or the like is received by the restriction change instruction unit 16 of the management apparatus 30. For example, the restriction change instruction unit 16 is provided in the image forming apparatus 10, and the restriction change instruction A configuration change instruction may be received on the image forming apparatus 10 side, such as a part 16 receiving a restriction change instruction and instructing the management apparatus 30 to make a restriction change.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  First, when an instruction for print output is received (step 600), the identifier detection unit 12 detects the identifier from the sheet conveyed to the image forming unit 11 (YES in step 601), and notifies the management apparatus 30 (step 602). .

  On the other hand, if the identifier is not detected in step 601 (NO in step 601), the identifier assigning unit 13 assigns the identifier to the sheet and performs processing for recording the identifier on the sheet (step 603). The identifier is notified to the management apparatus 30 (step 602).

  Next, printing output is started in the image forming unit 11 (step 604), the occurrence of the restriction target event is monitored (step 605), and the restriction target event (jam, purge, sample print, etc.) does not occur. When print output is performed (step 606), the carry-out detection unit 14 detects the identifier of the paper, and notifies the management device 30 of the identifier detected by the carry-out detection unit 14 (step 607).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the print output is completed (step 608). If the print output is completed (YES in step 608), the process is terminated, and if the print output is not completed (step 608). NO) detects the identifier of the sheet conveyed to the image forming unit 11 (step 601).

  In step 605, when the print output of the sample print or the occurrence of purge is detected (step 609), the detected occurrence of the regulated event is notified to the management apparatus 30 (step 610), and the print stop is instructed (step 610). If YES in step 611, the image formation of the image forming unit 11 is stopped (step 612), the process is ended, and if the instruction to stop printing is not given (NO in step 611), the sheet conveyed to the image forming unit 11 is started. The identifier is detected by the identifier detector 12 (YES in step 601).

  On the other hand, when the occurrence of a jam is detected in step 605 (step 613), the print output is stopped (step 614), the occurrence of a jam (regulated event) is notified to the management apparatus 30 (step 615), and the process is performed. finish.

  Incidentally, in the fourth embodiment, when a regulated event occurs during print output, the printed output itself is regulated. However, it is also possible to regulate the print output of a file (print information) in which the regulated event has occurred. Hereinafter, this will be described in detail with reference to Example 5.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow of the management apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  First, when an instruction for print output is received (step 700), the identifier storage unit 15 is searched and information (for example, a file name, an identifier of print information, etc.) indicating print information (file) for executing print output is stored. If the information (file information) indicating the print information is stored (print output is restricted) (YES in step 701), the process is terminated. If the file information is not stored (print output is not restricted) (NO in step 701), the image forming unit 11 is instructed to perform print output (step 702).

  Next, it waits for the identifier of the sheet conveyed to the image forming unit 11 to be notified from the image forming apparatus 10 (step 703), and when the identifier is notified (YES in step 703), file information to be printed out and The notified identifier is associated and stored in the identifier storage unit 15 (step 704), and the occurrence of the regulated event is monitored (step 705).

  When the identifier detected by the carry-out detection unit 14 is received without notification from the image forming apparatus 10 (step 706) of the occurrence of the regulation target event (jam, purge, sample print, etc.), the identifier and the identifier are associated with each other. The file information is deleted from the identifier storage unit 15 (step 707), and it is determined whether or not the print output is completed (step 708). If the print output is completed (YES in step 708), the processing is performed. If the print output is not completed (NO in step 708), the process waits until the image forming apparatus 10 notifies the identifier of the sheet conveyed to the image forming unit 11 (step 703).

  On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus 10 is notified of the print output of the sample print or the occurrence of purge in step 705 (step 709), there is no notification setting for notifying the occurrence of the regulated event to the predetermined notification destination (in step 710). NO) and instruct the image forming apparatus 10 to cancel printing (step 711), wait for a restriction change instruction (step 712), and if there is a notification setting (YES in step 710), the generated restriction target event is indicated in the communication unit. A predetermined notification destination is notified (step 713), the image forming apparatus 10 is instructed to stop printing (step 711), and a restriction change instruction is awaited (step 712).

  Further, when the occurrence of a jam is notified in step 705 (step 714), a restriction change instruction is waited (step 712).

  When the restriction change instruction unit 16 receives an instruction to change the restriction (a restriction change instruction) (YES in step 712), the identifier and file information stored in the identifier storage unit 15 are deleted (step 715). When the identifier is received from the discarding device 20 without receiving the restriction change instruction (NO in step 712), the identifier received from the discarding device 20 is stored in the identifier storage unit 15. Whether the identifiers match (step 717), and if the identifiers do not match (NO in step 717), wait for acceptance of a regulation change instruction (step 712), and the identifiers match If so (YES in step 717), the identifier and the file information associated with the identifier are stored in the identifier storage unit 15 , La deleted (step 718).

  Here, if the identifier stored in the identifier storage unit 15 remains (there is an unprocessed sheet) (YES in step 719), it waits for acceptance of a regulation change instruction (step 712), and the identifier storage unit 15 If no stored identifier remains (no unprocessed paper) (NO in step 719), the process ends.

  In each of the above embodiments, the print output is restricted by not performing the print output, but it is difficult to recognize the print information such as the receipt formed on the paper, such as the filling or cutting of the paper. It is also possible to regulate the print output by outputting a printed matter, which will be described in detail below using an embodiment.

  The image forming system in the present embodiment is the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 except that the management control unit 31 instructs the image forming apparatus 10 to restrict printing output, and the image forming apparatus control unit 19 regulates printing output. This is the same as the image forming system of Example 4.

  When the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment receives the print instruction from the management apparatus 30 by the image forming apparatus control unit 19 using the above configuration, the image forming unit 11 instructs the image forming unit 11 to perform print output. The identifier detection unit 12 detects the identifier from the sheet conveyed to the image forming unit 11, and the image forming apparatus control unit 19 manages the identifier detected by the identifier detection unit 12. 30.

  If the identifier cannot be detected by the identifier detection unit 12, the identifier is assigned by the identifier assigning unit 13, and the image forming apparatus control unit 19 uses the identifier assigned by the identifier assigning unit 13 as a management device. 30. Note that the identifier assigning unit 13 may assign an identifier regardless of whether or not the sheet has an identifier in advance.

  The image forming unit 11 forms an image on a sheet and discharges it to a sheet discharge tray. The unloading detection unit 14 detects an identifier from the sheet on which the image is formed. The image forming apparatus control unit 19 performs unloading. The identifier detected by the detection unit 14 is transmitted to the management device 30.

  On the other hand, when a regulated event that regulates print output occurs in the image forming unit 11, the image forming apparatus control unit 19 notifies the management device 30 of the occurrence of the regulated event, and instructs the management device 30 to regulate print output. Then, the image forming apparatus control unit 19 starts the regulation, and when the management apparatus 30 instructs to change the regulation, the regulation is being executed.

  When the management apparatus 30 in the present embodiment receives a print instruction from a user or the like via the operation terminal (not shown) using the above configuration, the management control section 31 instructs the image forming apparatus to print out. When the identifier detected by the identifier detecting unit 12 or the identifier given by the identifier giving unit 13 is received from the image forming apparatus 10, the received identifier is stored in the identifier storage unit 15, and the identifier detected by the paper discharge management unit 15 is stored in the image. When received from the forming apparatus 10, the received identifier is deleted from the identifier storage unit 15.

  When the occurrence of the restriction target event is notified from the image forming apparatus 10, the management control unit 31 instructs the image forming apparatus 10 to restrict the print output.

  When receiving the identifier from the discarding device 20, the management control unit 31 deletes the received identifier from the identifier storage unit 15, and remains stored without being deleted from the identifier storage unit 15 with the occurrence of the regulated event. When all the identifiers are deleted, the image forming apparatus 10 is instructed to change the regulation.

  On the other hand, when the regulation change instruction unit 16 receives a regulation change instruction during the regulation of the print output, the management control unit 31 remains stored without being deleted from the identifier storage unit 15 with the occurrence of the regulation target event. All the identifiers are deleted, and the image forming apparatus 10 is instructed to change the regulation.

  Using the above-described configuration, the image forming system according to the present exemplary embodiment performs printing output from the management apparatus 30 to the image forming apparatus 10 when a regulation target event such as a jam, purge, or sample print occurs in the image forming unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10. When the print output generated by the event subject to restriction, such as jam paper, purge sheet, sample print paper, etc., is discarded by the disposal device 20, the print output is restricted by the image forming apparatus tree 10. The print output restriction is changed by instructing the image forming apparatus 10 to change the restriction from the management apparatus 30.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow in the management apparatus when instructing the image forming apparatus to perform print output in the present exemplary embodiment.

  First, when a print output instruction is received from a user or the like (step 800), a print output is instructed to the image forming apparatus 10 (step 802), and an identifier of a sheet on which an image is formed is notified from the image forming apparatus 10 (step 802). If YES in step 802, the notified identifier is stored in the identifier storage unit 15 (step 803).

  If the occurrence of the restriction target event is not notified (NO in step 804) and the identifier of the printed sheet is notified, the notified identifier is deleted from the identifier storage unit 15 (step 805), and the print output is performed. Is completed (YES in step 806), the process ends. If the print output is not completed (NO in step 806), the identifier of the sheet on which the image is formed is notified from the image forming apparatus 10. (Step 802).

  On the other hand, when the occurrence of the restriction target event is notified in step 804 (YES in step 804), the print forming is instructed to the image forming apparatus 10 (step 807), and the notification setting for notifying the occurrence of the restriction target event is set. If not (NO in step 808), the process is terminated, and if there is a notification setting (YES in step 808), the regulated event that has occurred is notified to a predetermined notification destination (step 809).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow in the management apparatus when instructing the image forming apparatus to change the restriction in this embodiment.

  First, it waits for a restriction change instruction from an administrator or the like or notification of an identifier from the discarding device 20 (step 900), and when a restriction change instruction is accepted (step 901), the identifier stored in the identifier storage unit 15 is deleted. (Step 902), the image forming apparatus 10 is instructed to change the regulation (Step 903).

  On the other hand, when an identifier is received from the discarding device 20 in step 900 (step 904), it is determined whether or not the identifier stored in the identifier storage unit 15 matches (step 905). (NO in 905) waits for a regulation change instruction or notification of an identifier (step 900). If the identifiers match (YES in step 905), the matched identifiers are deleted from the stored identifiers (step 906).

  If there is an identifier being stored in the identifier storage unit 15 (YES in step 907), the control waits for a regulation change instruction or notification of the identifier (step 900), and if there is no identifier being stored (NO in step 907), the image The forming apparatus 10 is instructed to change the regulation (step 903).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow of the image forming apparatus.

  First, a print output instruction is received from the management apparatus 30 (step 1001). If the print output is restricted (image formation is stopped) (YES in step 1002), the process is terminated and no restriction is made (step 1002). If NO in step 1002, the identifier is detected from the sheet on which the image is to be formed (YES in step 1003) and notified to the management apparatus 30 (step 1004).

  On the other hand, if the identifier is not detected in step 1003 (NO in step 1003), the identifier is assigned to the sheet and the process for recording the identifier on the sheet is performed (step 1005). (Step 1004).

  Next, the print output is started (step 1006), the occurrence of the restriction target event is monitored (step 1007), and the print output is performed without occurrence of the restriction target event (NO in step 1007). When the identifier is detected from the formed paper and notified to the management apparatus 30 (step 1008) and the print output is completed (YES in step 1009), the process is terminated and the print output is not completed (step 100). Next, the identifier is detected from the paper on which the image is formed (step 1003).

  When a regulation handling event occurs in step 1007 (YES in step 1007), the occurrence of the regulation target event is notified to the management apparatus 30 (step 1010), and the regulation of print output is instructed (YES in step 1011). Then, the image forming apparatus control unit 19 starts the regulation (step 1012), and when the regulation is not instructed (NO in step 1011), the identifier is subsequently detected from the sheet on which the image is formed (step 1003).

  Note that the regulation change is performed as a trigger for receiving the regulation change instruction from the management apparatus 30. However, the regulation change instruction section 16 may be provided in the image forming apparatus 10 to directly accept the regulation change instruction.

  In FIG. 16, the print output is regulated by stopping the image formation. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, it is determined whether the print output is described after the image is formed on the paper. (Step 1002) If the print output is being restricted (YES in Step 1002), the paper on which the image has been formed, such as performing the restriction processing such as painting or cutting on the paper on which the image has been formed, is output (Step 1101). The printing output may be regulated by performing processing such as painting or cutting.

  In addition, for example, the image forming apparatus is provided with an alternative print information storage unit that stores print information (substitute print information) to be printed instead of print information instructed to be printed, such as that print output is being regulated. As shown in FIG. 18, when a print instruction is accepted when print output is restricted (YES in step 1002), print information (alternate print information) to be printed out instead of the print information instructed to be printed is sent from the alternative print information storage unit. By extracting (step 1201) and performing image formation based on the alternative print information (step 1202), the print output of the printed matter instructed to be printed may be regulated.

  Control of print output using alternative print information can also be performed on the management apparatus side, and will be described in detail below using embodiments.

  FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming system in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the image forming system shown in FIG. 10 is the same as the image forming system shown in FIG. 10 except that the management apparatus 30 includes an alternative print information storage unit 32. The same reference numerals as those used in FIG.

  Using the above configuration, when the management apparatus 30 in this embodiment receives a print instruction from a user or the like by the management control unit 31, the management control unit 31 searches the identifier storage unit 15 and there is an identifier being stored. The print information is extracted from the alternative print information storage unit 32, the print output is instructed to the image forming apparatus instead of the print information instructed to be printed, and if there is no identifier being stored, the print output is instructed. The image forming apparatus 10 is instructed to print out print information.

  When the identifier detecting unit 12 receives the identifier detected by the identifier adding unit 13 or the identifier adding unit 13 from the image forming apparatus 10, the received identifier is stored in the identifier storage unit 15, and the identifier detected by the paper discharge management unit 15 is stored in the image. When received from the forming apparatus 10, the received identifier is deleted from the identifier storage unit 15.

  When the restriction change instruction unit 16 accepts a restriction change instruction, the management control unit 31 deletes all the identifiers stored in the identifier storage unit 15.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow in the management apparatus 30 when instructing the image output to the image forming apparatus 10 in the present embodiment.

  First, when a print output instruction is received from a user or the like (step 1300), it is determined whether there is an identifier being stored in the identifier storage unit 15 (step 1301), and there is an identifier being stored (in step 1301). YES), print information (alternative print information) is extracted from the alternative print information storage unit 32 (step 1302), and a print output based on the alternative print information is instructed to the image forming apparatus 10 (step 1303).

  If it is determined in step 1301 that there is no identifier stored in the identifier storage unit 15 (NO in step 1301), the image forming apparatus 10 is instructed to perform print output based on the print information instructed to be printed (step 1301). 1304) When the identifier of the sheet on which the image is to be formed is notified from the image forming apparatus 10 (YES in step 1305), the notified identifier is stored in the identifier storage unit 15 (step 1306).

  If the occurrence of the restriction target event is not notified (NO in step 1307) and the identifier of the printed sheet is notified from the image forming apparatus 10, the notified identifier is deleted from the identifier storage unit 15 (step 1308) When the print output is completed (YES in step 1309), the process ends. When the print output is not completed (NO in step 1309), the identifier of the sheet on which the image is formed is the image forming apparatus 10. (Step 1305).

  On the other hand, when the occurrence of the restriction target event is notified in step 1307 (step 1307 YES), it is determined whether there is a notification setting for notifying the occurrence of the restriction target event (step 1310), and it is determined that there is no notification setting. When it is determined (NO at step 1310), the process is terminated, and when it is determined that there is a notification setting (YES at step 1310), the generated restriction target event is notified to a predetermined notification destination (step 1311).

  In this embodiment, print output is regulated by instructing the image forming apparatus to perform print output based on alternative print information. However, the print output is regulated by not issuing the print output instruction itself. May be.

  Further, when the print instruction is received, if the identifier is stored in the identifier storage unit, it may be configured to notify a predetermined notification destination that print output is restricted.

1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming system in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of UI at the time of receiving a regulation change instruction. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI when receiving a print instruction from a user. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming system in which a function of a disposal device is provided in an image forming apparatus. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow of a discarding apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow of the image forming apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow of an image forming apparatus according to a third exemplary embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of UI at the time of receiving a regulation change instruction. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of an image forming system according to a fourth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow of a management apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth exemplary embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow of a management apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow in a management apparatus when instructing print output to an image forming apparatus in Embodiment 6. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow in a management apparatus when instructing an image forming apparatus to change a restriction in Embodiment 6. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow of an image forming apparatus according to a sixth exemplary embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow of the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming system according to a seventh embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow in the management apparatus 30 when instructing the image forming apparatus 10 to perform print output in the seventh embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image forming apparatus 11 ... Image forming part 12 ... Identifier detection part 13 ... Identifier assignment part 14 ... Unloading detection part 15 ... Identifier storage part 16 ... Restriction change instruction part 17 ... Control part 18 ... Communication part 19 ... Image forming apparatus control Unit 20 ... Disposal device 21 ... Discard detection unit 30 ... Management device 31 ... Management control unit

Claims (14)

Printing means for printing print information on a recording medium;
Restriction means for restricting printing of print information performed by the printing means;
A discarding unit for discarding the recording medium on which the printing information is printed by the printing unit;
Control means for performing control to change the regulation by the regulation means when the recording medium is disposed of by the disposal means;
A printing system comprising: The restricting means is for restricting printing by the printing means,
2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein when the recording medium is discarded by the discarding unit, the control changing unit changes the restriction so as to allow printing by the printing unit. .   The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes a restriction of printing by the restriction unit with respect to print information of the recording medium discarded by the discarding unit. The printing means prints by adding identification information for identifying print information to a recording medium,
Detecting means for detecting whether or not a regulation target event for regulating printing on a recording medium by the regulating means has occurred;
Storage means for storing identification information for identifying print information corresponding to the restriction target event when occurrence of the restriction target event is detected by the detection means;
3. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control to change the restriction by the restriction unit with respect to the print information identified by the identification information stored in the storage unit.   The printing means, when the recording medium is discarded by the discarding means, prints the print information whose regulation by the regulating means is changed after the printing by the printing means is finished. 4. The printing system according to 4. The discarding means comprises an acquisition means for acquiring identification information for identifying print information from a recording medium to be discarded by the discarding means;
When the identification information stored in the storage means is acquired by the acquisition means, the control means determines that the recording medium corresponding to the print information identified by the identification information has been discarded, and the restriction by the restriction means The printing system according to claim 4, wherein the printing system is changed. Further comprising a change instruction receiving means for receiving a change instruction for restriction by the restriction means,
The printing system according to claim 6, wherein the restriction changing unit changes the restriction by the restricting unit when receiving a change instruction of the restriction by the restricting unit by the change instruction receiving unit.   8. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the printing unit starts printing, the regulating unit regulates printing of the printing information identified by the identification information stored in the storage unit. Printing system.   12. The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising notification means for notifying a predetermined notification destination when the restriction target event occurs. A printing step for printing print information on a recording medium;
A regulation step for regulating printing of print information performed by the printing step;
A discarding step for discarding the recording medium on which the printing information is printed by the printing step;
A restriction changing step for changing the restriction by the restriction means when the recording medium is disposed by the discarding step;
A program that causes a computer to execute. Printing means for printing print information on a recording medium;
Restriction means for restricting printing of print information performed by the printing means;
Restriction changing means for changing the restriction by the restriction means when the recording medium on which the printing information has been printed by the printing means has been disposed of;
A printing apparatus comprising: A printing step for printing print information on a recording medium;
A regulation step for regulating printing of print information performed by the printing step;
A restriction changing step for changing the restriction by the restriction means when the recording medium on which the printing information is printed by the printing step is disposed of;
A program for a printing apparatus for causing a computer of the printing apparatus to execute the program. A regulation unit that regulates printing of print information performed by a printing unit that prints print information on a recording medium;
Restriction changing means for changing the restriction by the restriction means when the recording medium on which the printing information has been printed by the printing means has been disposed of;
A management apparatus comprising: A regulation unit that regulates printing of print information performed by a printing unit that prints print information on a recording medium;
Restriction changing means for changing the restriction by the restriction means when the recording medium on which the printing information has been printed by the printing means has been disposed of;
A management apparatus program for causing a computer of the management apparatus to execute the program.

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