JP2008236364A - Image forming apparatus and image formation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability in printing print data stored in an auxiliary storage device. <P>SOLUTION: A user authenticating part 323 performs user authentication on the basis of user identification information read from a USB memory 20, a print job judging part 324 judges whether a print job associated with the user identification information is stored in a print job storing part 331 when the user authentication is successful, a print data judging part 326 judges whether print data are stored in a USB memory 20 when the print job is judged not to be stored, an operation display part 34 displays print data read from the USB memory 20 in a list, and receives a selection of print data to be subjected to print processing by a user when the print data are judged to be stored in the USB memory 20, and a printing part 35 prints the received print data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system for performing user authentication and printing a job addressed to the authenticated user.

Conventionally, an image forming apparatus that performs user authentication and prints a job addressed to the authenticated user is known. For example, Patent Document 1 temporarily stores a received job addressed to each user and, in response to successful user authentication, displays a job transmitted to the authenticated user among the stored jobs on the screen. An information recording system that accepts a user operation for displaying a list and selecting whether or not to record each job and executing a recording operation of the selected job is disclosed. As a result, information can be recorded, duplicated, and printed out while maintaining security even at a time and place separated from job issuance.
JP 2001-243699 A

  In the information recording system in Patent Document 1, in response to the successful user authentication, a job transmitted to the user is displayed on the screen. Therefore, for example, when user authentication is performed using authentication data stored in an auxiliary storage device such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, and printable data stored together with the authentication data in the auxiliary storage device is to be printed out. Even if it exists, the job addressed to the authenticated user is displayed. In this case, unless the user selects each job displayed in the list and prints the selected job, the data stored in the auxiliary storage device cannot be printed out, and the operation becomes complicated. have.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and provides an image forming apparatus and an image forming system capable of improving operability when printing print data stored in an auxiliary storage device. It is for the purpose.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention stores a print job storage unit that stores a print job in which user identification information for identifying a user is associated with print data to be printed, and the user identification information. An information reading unit that reads out the user identification information from the auxiliary storage device, a user authentication unit that performs user authentication based on the user identification information read out by the information reading unit, and a user authentication successful by the user authentication unit The print job associated with the user identification information is stored in the print job storage unit, and the print job determination unit determines whether the print job is the print job. If it is determined that the print data is not stored in the job storage unit, it is determined whether print data is stored in the auxiliary storage device. A print data determination unit; a print data reading unit that reads the print data from the auxiliary storage device when the print data determination unit determines that the print data is stored in the auxiliary storage device; and A display unit for displaying a list of the print data read out by a printing unit; a print data selection receiving unit for receiving a selection by the user of the print data to be printed from the print data displayed as a list by the display unit; A printing unit that prints the print data received by the print data selection receiving unit.

  According to this configuration, a print job in which user identification information for identifying a user is associated with print data to be printed is stored in the print job storage unit. Then, the user identification information is read from the auxiliary storage device that stores the user identification information, and the user authentication is performed based on the user identification information read from the auxiliary storage device. If the user authentication is successful, it is determined whether the print job associated with the user identification information is stored in the print job storage unit. If it is determined that the print job is not stored in the print job storage unit, it is determined whether print data is stored in the auxiliary storage device. When it is determined that the print data is stored in the auxiliary storage device, the print data is read from the auxiliary storage device, and the read print data is displayed in a list. Thereafter, the selection of print data to be printed by the user is received from the print data displayed in a list, and the received print data is printed.

  Therefore, instead of displaying a list of print jobs of the image forming apparatus, a list of print data stored in the auxiliary storage device is displayed, and print data selected by the user from the displayed print data is printed. Therefore, the operability when printing the print data stored in the auxiliary storage device can be improved.

  In the image forming apparatus, when the print job determination unit determines that the print job is stored in the print job storage unit, the print unit is stored in the print job storage unit. It is preferable to print the print data associated with the user identification information read by the information reading unit in the print job.

  According to this configuration, when it is determined that the user authentication is successful and the print job is stored in the print job storage unit, the print job stored in the print job storage unit corresponds to the user identification information. Since the attached print data is printed, the content of the print job is not seen by others, and high security can be maintained.

  In the image forming apparatus, the print data determination unit is associated with the user identification information read by the information reading unit among print jobs stored in a print job storage unit. After printing the print data, it is preferable to determine whether the print data is stored in the auxiliary storage device.

  According to this configuration, after the print data associated with the user identification information read from the auxiliary storage device is printed out of the print jobs stored in the print job storage unit, the print data is printed on the auxiliary storage device. It is determined whether data is stored. Therefore, even when a print job is stored in the print job storage unit and print data is stored in the auxiliary storage device, the print data of the print job is automatically printed and then stored in the auxiliary storage device. Print data can be printed.

  In the image forming apparatus, when the print job determination unit determines that the print job is stored in the print job storage unit, the print data determination unit stores the print data in the auxiliary storage device. If the print data determination unit determines that print data is stored in the auxiliary storage device, the print data of the print job, the print data of the auxiliary storage device, An output source selection receiving unit that receives a selection by the user as to which of the print jobs is to be printed, and when the print data of the print job is selected by the output source selection receiving unit, the print job Among the print jobs stored in the storage unit, the print job is associated with the user identification information read by the information reading unit. It prints the serial print data, the print data reading unit, when the print data of the auxiliary memory device by said output source selection receiving unit is selected, it is preferable to read out the print data from said auxiliary storage device.

  According to this configuration, when it is determined that the print job is stored in the print job storage unit, it is determined whether the print data is stored in the auxiliary storage device. If it is determined that the print data is stored in the auxiliary storage device, the user's selection of whether to print the print data of the print job or the print data of the auxiliary storage device is accepted. Here, when the print data of the print job is selected, the print data associated with the user identification information read from the auxiliary storage device is printed out of the print jobs stored in the print job storage unit. The On the other hand, when the print data of the auxiliary storage device is selected, the print data is read from the auxiliary storage device, the print data stored in the auxiliary storage device is displayed as a list, and the user is selected from the displayed print data. The selected print data is printed.

  Therefore, even when the print job is stored in the print job storage unit and the print data is stored in the auxiliary storage device, the user of the print data of the print job and the print data of the auxiliary storage device Any one selected by can be printed.

  In the image forming apparatus, when the print job determination unit determines that the print job is stored in the print job storage unit, the print data determination unit stores the print data in the auxiliary storage device. If the print data determination unit determines that print data is stored in the auxiliary storage device, the print data of the print job, the print data of the auxiliary storage device, A priority output source selection receiving unit that receives a user's selection of which one to print first, and when the print data of the print job is selected by the priority output source selection receiving unit Corresponding to the user identification information read by the information reading unit among the print jobs stored in the print job storage unit. The print data read unit prints the print data from the auxiliary storage device after the print data of the print job is printed, and the print data read unit prints the priority output. When print data of the auxiliary storage device is selected by the original selection receiving unit, the print data is read from the auxiliary storage device, and the printing unit prints the print data after the print data of the auxiliary storage device is printed. Of the print jobs stored in the job storage unit, it is preferable to print the print data associated with the user identification information read by the information reading unit.

  According to this configuration, when it is determined that the print job is stored in the print job storage unit, it is determined whether or not the print data is stored in the auxiliary storage device. When it is determined that the print data is stored in the auxiliary storage device, the selection by the user as to which of the print data of the print job and the print data of the auxiliary storage device is printed first is accepted. Here, when the print data of the print job is selected, the print data associated with the user identification information is printed out of the print jobs stored in the print job storage unit. After the print data of the print job is printed, the print data is read from the auxiliary storage device, the print data stored in the auxiliary storage device is displayed as a list, and the user can select from the displayed print data. The selected print data is printed. On the other hand, when the print data of the auxiliary storage device is selected, the print data is read from the auxiliary storage device, the print data stored in the auxiliary storage device is displayed as a list, and the user is selected from the displayed print data. The selected print data is printed. After the print data in the auxiliary storage device is printed, the print data associated with the user identification information is printed out of the print jobs stored in the print job storage unit.

  Therefore, even when the print job is stored in the print job storage unit and the print data is stored in the auxiliary storage device, the user selects the print data of the print job and the print data of the auxiliary storage device. You can print in the order you did.

  An image forming system according to the present invention is an image forming system including an image forming apparatus, an external device connected to the image forming apparatus via a network, and an auxiliary storage device detachable from the image forming apparatus. The external device includes a print data transmission unit that transmits print data to be printed to the image forming apparatus together with user identification information for identifying a user, and the auxiliary storage device stores the user identification information. And a print data storage unit that stores print data to be printed. The image forming apparatus receives the user identification information and the print data transmitted by the print data transmission unit. The print data receiving unit associated with the user identification information received by the print data receiving unit and the print data. A print job storage unit that stores the print job, an information reading unit that reads the user identification information from the user identification information storage unit, and user authentication based on the user identification information read by the information reading unit Print job determination for determining whether or not the print job associated with the user identification information is stored in the print job storage unit when user authentication is successful by the user authentication unit and the user authentication unit A print data determination unit that determines whether print data is stored in the print data storage unit when the print job determination unit determines that the print job is not stored in the print job storage unit And the print data determination unit determine that the print data is stored in the print data storage unit. A print data reading unit that reads the print data from the print data storage unit, a display unit that displays a list of the print data read by the print data reading unit, and a list of the print data displayed by the display unit A print data selection receiving unit that receives a user's selection of the print data to be printed, and a printing unit that prints the print data received by the print data selection receiving unit.

  According to this configuration, print data to be printed is transmitted from the external device to the image forming apparatus together with user identification information for identifying the user. User identification information is stored in the user identification information storage unit of the auxiliary storage device, and print data to be printed is stored in the print data storage unit. In the image forming apparatus, user identification information and print data transmitted by an external device are received, and a print job in which the user identification information and the print data are associated is stored in the print job storage unit. Then, the user identification information is read from the user identification information storage unit, and user authentication is performed based on the read user identification information. If the user authentication is successful, it is determined whether the print job associated with the user identification information is stored in the print job storage unit. When it is determined that the print job is not stored in the print job storage unit, it is determined whether print data is stored in the print data storage unit. When it is determined that the print data is stored in the print data storage unit, the print data is read from the print data storage unit, and the read print data is displayed in a list. Thereafter, the selection of print data to be printed by the user is received from the print data displayed in a list, and the received print data is printed.

  Therefore, instead of displaying a list of print jobs of the image forming apparatus, a list of print data stored in the auxiliary storage device is displayed, and print data selected by the user from the displayed print data is printed. Therefore, the operability when printing the print data stored in the auxiliary storage device can be improved.

  According to the present invention, instead of displaying a list of print jobs of the image forming apparatus, print data stored in the auxiliary storage device is displayed as a list, and printing selected by the user from the displayed print data is displayed. Since the data is printed, the operability in printing the print data stored in the auxiliary storage device can be improved.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus and an image forming system according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the structure which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in each figure shows that it is the same structure, The description is abbreviate | omitted. The following embodiment is an example embodying the present invention, and is not of a character that limits the technical scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram of the image forming system according to the first embodiment. An image forming system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes an external device 10, a USB memory 20, and an image forming apparatus 30. The image forming apparatus 30 is connected to N (N is an integer) number of external devices 10 via a LAN (local area network) 40.

  The image forming apparatus 30 is a digital multifunction machine having a FAX function, a network printer function, and a scanner function. The external device 10 is a normal personal computer having a communication function, and transmits print data to the image forming apparatus 30. This print data is data created by a user of the external device 10 using application software such as word processing software, spreadsheet software, image editing software, and the like, and a print command is given.

  The USB memory 20 stores user identification information for identifying a user and print data. In this embodiment, a USB memory is used as an example of the auxiliary storage device. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and other auxiliary storage devices such as an SD memory card can be carried. Also good.

  The external device 10 and the image forming apparatus 30 are provided with a USB port for mounting the USB memory 20. The external device 10 stores user identification information and print data in the USB memory 20 via the USB port. The image forming apparatus 30 reads user identification information and print data stored in the USB memory 20 via the USB port.

  FIG. 2 is an internal configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 30 shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 30 includes a main body unit 200, a sheet post-processing unit 300 disposed on the left side of the main body unit 200, an operation unit 400 for a user to input various operation commands and the like, and an upper part of the main body unit 200. A document reading unit 500 disposed in the document reading unit 500 and a document feeding unit 600 disposed above the document reading unit 500.

  The operation unit 400 includes a touch panel 401, a start key 402, a numeric keypad 403, and the like. The touch panel 401 displays various operation screens and various operation buttons for the user to input various operation commands. The start key 402 is used for the user to input a print execution command and the like, and the ten key 403 is used for inputting the number of copies to be printed. Note that a USB port for mounting the USB memory 20 is provided at an appropriate position of the image forming apparatus 30, for example, near the operation unit 400.

  The document feeding unit 600 includes a document placement unit 601, a document discharge unit 602, a paper feed roller 603, a document transport unit 604, and the like, and the document reading unit 500 includes a scanner 501 and the like. The paper feed roller 603 feeds out the original set on the original placement unit 601, and the original transport unit 604 transports the fed originals one by one on the scanner 501. The scanner 501 sequentially reads the documents conveyed by the document conveyance unit 604. The document transport unit 604 discharges the read document to the document discharge unit 602.

  The main body 200 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 201, a plurality of paper feed rollers 202, a transfer roller 203, an intermediate transfer body roller 204, a photosensitive drum 205, an exposure device 206, and development for each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. Devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K, a fixing roller 208, a discharge port 209, a discharge tray 210, and the like are provided.

  The photosensitive drum 205 is uniformly charged by a charging device (not shown) while rotating in the direction of the arrow. The exposure device 206 converts the modulation signal generated based on the print data of the original read by the original reading section 500 into a laser beam and outputs it, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 205 for each color. The developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K supply each color developer to the photosensitive drum 205 to form a toner image for each color.

  The intermediate transfer roller 204 transfers the color toner images from the photosensitive drum 205, and forms a color toner image on the intermediate transfer roller 204.

  On the other hand, the paper feeding roller 202 pulls out the recording paper from the paper feeding cassette 201 in which the recording paper is stored, and feeds the recording paper to the transfer roller 203. The transfer roller 203 transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer body roller 204 onto the conveyed recording paper, and the fixing roller 208 heats and fixes the transferred toner image on the recording paper. Thereafter, the recording paper is carried into the paper post-processing unit 300 from the discharge port 209 of the main body unit 200. The recording paper is also discharged to the discharge tray 210 as necessary.

  The paper post-processing unit 300 includes a carry-in port 301, a recording paper transport unit 302, a carry-out port 303, a stack tray 304, and the like. The recording paper transport unit 302 sequentially transports the recording paper carried into the carry-in port 301 from the discharge port 209 and finally ejects the recording paper from the carry-out port 303 to the stack tray 304. The stack tray 304 is configured to move up and down in the direction of the arrow in accordance with the number of recording sheets stacked from the carry-out port 303.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming system according to the first embodiment. The external device 10 includes a print data transmission unit 11. The print data transmission unit 11 transmits print data to be printed to the image forming apparatus 30 together with user identification information for identifying the user.

  The USB memory 20 includes a user identification information storage unit 21 and a print data storage unit 22. The user identification information storage unit 21 stores user identification information for identifying a user. The print data storage unit 22 stores print data to be printed. User identification information and print data are created and stored by the external device 10.

  The image forming apparatus 30 includes a print data receiving unit 31, a control unit 32, a storage unit 33, an operation display unit 34, and a printing unit 35. The print data receiving unit 31 includes a communication interface such as a LAN board, and receives user identification information and print data transmitted by the print data transmitting unit 11 of the external device 10.

  The control unit 32 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, and controls the entire image forming apparatus. The control unit 32 includes a print job generation unit 321, a user identification information reading unit 322, a user authentication unit 323, a print job determination unit 324, a print job extraction unit 325, a print data determination unit 326, a print data read unit 327, and a list creation. A unit 328 and a print control unit 329. The storage unit 33 includes, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and the like, and includes a print job storage unit 331. The operation display unit 34 includes the operation unit 400 illustrated in FIG. 1 and the like, and includes a print data selection reception unit 341.

  The print job generation unit 321 generates a print job in which user identification information for identifying a user received by the print data reception unit 31 is associated with print data to be printed. The print job generation unit 321 stores the generated print job in the print job storage unit 331 of the storage unit 33. The print job storage unit 331 stores the print job generated by the print job generation unit 321. The user identification information reading unit 322 reads user identification information from the user identification information storage unit 21 of the USB memory 20.

  The user authentication unit 323 performs user authentication based on the user identification information read by the user identification information reading unit 322. The user authentication unit 323 checks whether the user identification information read by the user identification information reading unit 322 exists in the user identification information list held in advance by the user authentication unit 323. The user authentication unit 323 determines that the authentication is successful when the user identification information exists in the user identification information list, and determines that the authentication is unsuccessful when the user identification information does not exist in the user identification information list. In this way, based on the user identification information read out by the user identification information reading unit 322, the user authentication unit 323 allows the user who has installed the USB memory 20 storing the user identification information to the device. It is determined whether or not the user is authorized to use. The user identification information is input in advance by the user using the operation display unit 34 and registered in the user identification information list of the user authentication unit 323.

  In the present embodiment, the user identification information is, for example, a user ID, and by determining whether or not the user ID read from the USB memory 20 matches the user ID stored in advance in the image forming apparatus 30. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and the user identification information may be, for example, a user ID and a password. By receiving the input of the password together with the user ID, the security is further improved. Can do.

  When the user authentication is successful by the user authentication unit 323, the print job determination unit 324 determines whether a print job associated with the user identification information is stored in the print job storage unit 331.

  When the print job determination unit 324 determines that the print job is stored in the print job storage unit 331, the print job extraction unit 325 identifies the user from the print jobs stored in the print job storage unit 331. A print job associated with the user identification information read by the information reading unit 322 is extracted.

  When the print job determination unit 324 determines that no print job is stored, the print data determination unit 326 determines whether print data is stored in the print data storage unit 22 of the USB memory 20. The print data determination unit 326 prints print data included in the print job associated with the user identification information stored in the print job storage unit 331, and then stores the print data in the print data storage unit 22 of the USB memory 20. It is determined whether print data is stored.

  The print data reading unit 327 reads the print data from the print data storage unit 22 of the USB memory 20 when the print data determination unit 326 determines that the print data is stored in the print data storage unit 22 of the USB memory 20. .

  The list creation unit 328 creates a list for displaying a list of print data read by the print data reading unit 327. The list creation unit 328 may create thumbnail images of print data as a list, may create data names for specifying print data as a list, and the creation date and time when the print data was created, The date and time when the print data is stored in the USB memory 20 may be created as a list. In other words, the list creation unit 328 creates a list in a manner in which a plurality of print data stored in the USB memory 20 can be identified. The list creation unit 328 outputs the created list to the operation display unit 34 and causes the operation display unit 34 to display the list.

  The print data selection accepting unit 341 accepts selection by the user of print data to be printed out of print data displayed in a list on the operation display unit 34. The print control unit 329 reads out print data of the print job extracted by the print job extraction unit 325 from the print job storage unit 331, outputs the print data to the printing unit 35, and prints it on recording paper. In addition, the print control unit 329 outputs the print data selected by the print data selection receiving unit 341 to the printing unit 35 and prints it on a recording sheet.

  The printing unit 35 includes the transfer roller 203, the intermediate transfer member roller 204, the photosensitive drum 205, the exposure device 206, the developing devices 207Y, 207M, 207C, and 207K shown in FIG. 2, and is output from the print control unit 329. Print the printed data on recording paper. That is, the printing unit 35 prints the print data received by the print data selection receiving unit 341. In addition, when the print job determination unit 324 determines that the print job is stored in the print job storage unit 331, the print unit 35 includes user identification information among the print jobs stored in the print job storage unit 331. Print data associated with the user identification information read by the reading unit 322 is printed.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment will be described. 4 and 5 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  First, in step S <b> 1, the print data receiving unit 31 determines whether user identification information for identifying a user and print data to be printed are received from the external device 10. If it is determined that user identification information and print data have been received (YES in step S1), the print data reception unit 31 outputs the received user identification information and print data to the print job generation unit 321.

  Next, in step S <b> 2, the print job generation unit 321 generates a print job in which the user identification information received by the print data reception unit 31 is associated with the print data. Next, in step S <b> 3, the print job generation unit 321 stores the generated print job in the print job storage unit 331.

  When it is determined that the user identification information and the print data are not received (NO in step S1), or after the print job is stored in the print job storage unit 331, in step S4, the user identification information reading unit 322 It is determined whether or not the USB memory 20 is attached to the image forming apparatus 30. If it is determined that the USB memory 20 is not attached to the image forming apparatus 30 (NO in step S4), the process returns to step S1 to determine whether user identification information and print data have been received. Done.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the USB memory 20 is attached to the image forming apparatus 30 (YES in step S4), the user identification information reading unit 322 reads the user identification from the user identification information storage unit 21 of the USB memory 20 in step S5. Read information.

  Next, in step S <b> 6, the user authentication unit 323 checks whether the user identification information read by the user identification information reading unit 322 exists in the user identification information list held in advance by the user authentication unit 323. . The user authentication unit 323 determines that the user authentication has succeeded when the user identification information exists in the user identification information list, and determines that the user authentication has failed when the user identification information does not exist in the user identification information list. If it is determined that user authentication has failed (NO in step S6), the process returns to step S1, and it is determined whether user identification information and print data have been received. At this time, the user authentication unit 323 may display a screen for notifying the user that the user authentication has failed on the operation display unit 34.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the user authentication is successful (YES in step S6), the print job determination unit 324 is associated with the user identification information read by the user identification information reading unit 322 in step S7. It is determined whether or not the print job is stored in the print job storage unit 331. If it is determined that the print job associated with the user identification information is stored in the print job storage unit 331 (YES in step S7), in step S8, the print job extraction unit 325 displays the print job. A print job associated with the user identification information read by the user identification information reading unit 322 is extracted from the print jobs stored in the storage unit 331.

  Next, in step S9, the print control unit 329 reads the print data of the print job extracted by the print job extraction unit 325 from the print job storage unit 331, outputs the print data to the printing unit 35, and prints it on recording paper.

  Next, in step S <b> 10, the print control unit 329 determines whether the print data of all the print jobs extracted by the print job extraction unit 325 has been printed. If it is determined that the print data of all print jobs has not been printed (NO in step S10), the process returns to step S9, print data of another print job is printed, and all print jobs are printed. Until the print data is printed, the processes in steps S9 and S10 are repeatedly executed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the print data of all the print jobs has been printed (YES in step S10), it is determined that the print job associated with the user identification information is not stored in the print job storage unit 331. If it is determined (NO in step S7), in step S11, the print data determination unit 326 determines whether the print data is stored in the print data storage unit 22 of the USB memory 20. Here, if it is determined that the print data is not stored in the print data storage unit 22 of the USB memory 20 (NO in step S11), the process returns to step S1 to determine whether user identification information and print data have been received. Is judged. At this time, the print data determination unit 326 may display on the operation display unit 34 a screen for notifying the user that print data is not stored in the print data storage unit 22 of the USB memory 20.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the print data is stored in the print data storage unit 22 of the USB memory 20 (YES in step S11), the print data reading unit 327 displays the print data storage unit of the USB memory 20 in step S12. The print data stored in 22 is read out.

  In step S <b> 13, the list creation unit 328 creates a list for displaying a list of print data read by the print data reading unit 327. The list creation unit 328 causes the operation display unit 34 to display a list of created print data.

  Next, in step S <b> 14, the print data selection accepting unit 341 accepts selection by the user of print data to be printed from the print data displayed as a list on the operation display unit 34. Next, in step S15, the print control unit 329 outputs the print data selected by the print data selection receiving unit 341 to the printing unit 35, and prints it on the recording paper.

  Next, in step S <b> 16, the print control unit 329 determines whether all print data selected by the print data selection receiving unit 341 has been printed. If it is determined that all the print data has not been printed (NO in step S16), the process returns to step S15 and another print data is printed until all print data is printed. And the process of step S16 is repeatedly performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that all print data has been printed (YES in step S16), the process returns to step S1 to determine whether user identification information and print data have been received.

  As described above, print data to be printed is transmitted from the external device 10 to the image forming apparatus 30 together with user identification information for identifying a user. User identification information storage unit 21 of USB memory 20 stores user identification information, and print data storage unit 22 stores print data to be printed. In the image forming apparatus 30, user identification information and print data transmitted by the external device 10 are received, and a print job in which the user identification information and the print data are associated with each other is stored in the print job storage unit 331. Then, the user identification information is read from the user identification information storage unit 21 of the USB memory 20, and user authentication is performed based on the read user identification information. When the user authentication is successful, it is determined whether or not the print job associated with the user identification information is stored in the print job storage unit 331. When it is determined that the print job is not stored in the print job storage unit 331, it is determined whether print data is stored in the print data storage unit 22 of the USB memory 20. When it is determined that the print data is stored in the print data storage unit 22 of the USB memory 20, the print data is read from the print data storage unit 22 of the USB memory 20, and the read print data is displayed in a list. The Thereafter, the selection of print data to be printed by the user is received from the print data displayed in a list, and the received print data is printed.

  Therefore, instead of displaying a list of print jobs of the image forming apparatus 30, print data stored in the USB memory 20 is displayed as a list, and print data selected by the user from the displayed print data is printed. Therefore, the operability when printing the print data stored in the USB memory 20 can be improved. Further, since the print data in the USB memory 20 is displayed in a list simply by mounting the USB memory 20, it is not necessary to switch from the normal print mode to the print mode for printing the print data in the USB memory 20, User operation time can be shortened.

  When it is determined that the user authentication is successful and the print job is stored in the print job storage unit 331, the print job stored in the print job storage unit 331 is associated with the user identification information. Since the print data is printed, the contents of the print job are not seen by others and high security can be maintained.

  Further, among the print jobs stored in the print job storage unit 331, the print data associated with the user identification information read from the USB memory 20 is printed, and then the print data is stored in the USB memory 20. It is determined whether or not it has been done. Therefore, even when the print job is stored in the print job storage unit 331 and the print data is stored in the USB memory 20, the print data of the print job is automatically printed and then the USB memory 20 is printed. Print data can be printed.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, an image forming apparatus and an image forming system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, when a print job is stored in the image forming apparatus 30, whether or not print data is stored in the USB memory 20 after the print job stored in the image forming apparatus 30 is executed. Is judged. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, when a print job is stored in the image forming apparatus 30, it is determined whether or not print data is stored in the USB memory 20. When a print job is stored in the image forming apparatus 30 and print data is stored in the USB memory 20, the user selects which one to print.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming system according to the second embodiment. In the following description, only a configuration different from the image forming system in the first embodiment will be described. The network configuration of the image forming system in the second embodiment is the same as the network configuration of the image forming system in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment is as shown in FIG. The same as the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The control unit 32 of the image forming apparatus 30 further includes an output source selection screen creation unit 330. The operation display unit 34 further includes an output source selection reception 342. When the print job determination unit 324 determines that a print job is stored, the print data determination unit 326 determines whether print data is stored in the USB memory 20. When the output job selection screen creation unit 330 determines that the print job is stored by the print job determination unit 324 and the print data determination unit 326 determines that the print data is stored in the USB memory 20, An output source selection screen is created for allowing the user to select whether to print a print job or print data. The output source selection reception 342 receives selection by the user as to which of the print job and the print data is to be printed.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment will be described. 7 and 8 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. Note that the processing in steps S21 to S26 in FIG. 7 is the same as the processing in steps S1 to S6 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 27 of FIG. 8, the print job determination unit 324 determines whether a print job associated with the user identification information read by the user identification information reading unit 322 is stored in the print job storage unit 331. to decide. If it is determined that the print job associated with the user identification information is not stored in the print job storage unit 331 (NO in step S27), in step S34, the print data determination unit 326 displays the USB memory. It is determined whether print data is stored in the print data storage unit 20 of 20. Note that the processing in steps S34 to S39 in FIG. 8 is the same as the processing in steps S11 to S16 in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the print job associated with the user identification information is stored in the print job storage unit 331 (YES in step S27), in step S28, the print data determination unit 326 causes the USB memory 20 to It is determined whether or not print data is stored in the print data storage unit 22.

  If it is determined that the print data is stored in the print data storage unit 22 of the USB memory 20 (YES in step S28), in step S29, the output source selection screen creation unit 330 displays the print data of the print job. And an output source selection screen for allowing the user to select which of the print data of the USB memory 20 is to be printed. The output source selection screen creation unit 330 outputs the created output source selection screen to the operation display unit 34 to display the output source selection screen. For example, a print job selection button for selecting a print job in the image forming apparatus 30 and a print data selection button for selecting print data in the USB memory 20 are displayed on the output source selection screen.

  Next, in step S30, the output source selection reception 342 determines whether or not to execute a print job. The output source selection reception 342 receives a selection by the user as to which of the print job stored in the print job storage unit 331 and the print data stored in the print data storage unit 22 is to be printed. For example, the output source selection reception 342 receives a selection by one of the print job selection button and the print data selection button displayed on the output source selection screen. The output source selection reception 342 determines that a print job in the image forming apparatus 30 is to be executed when the print job selection button is selected, and the USB memory without executing the print job when the print data selection button is selected. It is determined that the print data in 20 is to be printed.

  If it is determined not to execute the print job stored in the image forming apparatus 30, that is, print the print data stored in the USB memory 20 (NO in step S30), the process proceeds to step S35, and the USB The print data stored in the print data storage unit 22 of the memory 20 is read out.

  On the other hand, when it is determined to execute a print job stored in the image forming apparatus 30 (YES in step S30), or when it is determined that print data is not stored in the print data storage unit 22 of the USB memory 20 (NO in step S28), in step S31, the print job extraction unit 325 corresponds to the user identification information read by the user identification information reading unit 322 from the print jobs stored in the print job storage unit 331. The attached print job is extracted.

  Next, in step S32, the print control unit 329 reads out print data of the print job extracted by the print job extraction unit 325 from the print job storage unit 331, outputs the print data to the printing unit 35, and prints it on a recording sheet.

  Next, in step S <b> 33, the print control unit 329 determines whether the print data of all the print jobs extracted by the print job extraction unit 325 has been printed. If it is determined that the print data of all print jobs has not been printed (NO in step S33), the process returns to step S32, print data of another print job is printed, and all print jobs are printed. Until the print data is printed, the processes of step S32 and step S33 are repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the print data of all the print jobs has been printed (YES in step S33), the process returns to step S21 to determine whether user identification information and print data have been received.

  As described above, when it is determined that the print job is stored, it is determined whether the print data is stored in the USB memory 20. When it is determined that the print data is stored in the USB memory 20, a selection by the user as to which of the print data of the print job or the print data of the USB memory 20 is to be printed is accepted. Here, when a print job is selected, print data associated with the user identification information read from the USB memory 20 among the print jobs stored in the print job storage unit 331 is printed. On the other hand, when the print data is selected, the print data is read from the USB memory 20, the print data stored in the USB memory 20 is displayed in a list, and the print selected by the user from the displayed print data is displayed. Data is printed.

  Therefore, even when the print job is stored in the print job storage unit 331 and the print data is stored in the USB memory 20, the print job print data and the print data in the USB memory 20 are not included. Either one selected by the user can be printed.

  In the second embodiment, when a print job is stored in the print job storage unit 331 and print data is stored in the USB memory 20, the print data of the print job and the print data in the USB memory 20 are Although only one selected by the user is printed, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and which of the print data of the print job and the print data of the USB memory 20 is printed first is printed. And either one may be printed first and the other printed later.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to a modification of the second embodiment. In the following description, only a configuration different from the image forming system in the first embodiment will be described. The network configuration of the image forming system in the modification of the second embodiment is the same as the network configuration of the image forming system in the first embodiment shown in FIG. The internal configuration is the same as the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The control unit 32 of the image forming apparatus 30 further includes a priority output source selection screen creation unit 332. The operation display unit 34 further includes a priority output source selection reception 343. When the print job determination unit 324 determines that a print job is stored, the print data determination unit 326 determines whether print data is stored in the USB memory 20.

  The priority output source selection screen creation unit 332 determines that the print job determination unit 324 determines that the print job is stored, and the print data determination unit 326 determines that the print data is stored in the USB memory 20. Then, a priority output source selection screen is generated for allowing the user to select which of the print job and the print data is to be printed first. The priority output source selection reception 343 receives selection by the user as to which of the print job and the print data is to be printed first.

  When the print data of the print job is selected by the priority output source selection receiving unit 343, the printing unit 35 is read by the user identification information reading unit 322 among the print jobs stored in the print job storage unit 331. Print the print data associated with the user identification information. The print data reading unit 327 reads the print data from the USB memory 20 after the print data of the print job is printed.

  Further, the print data reading unit 327 reads the print data from the USB memory 20 when the print data of the USB memory 20 is selected by the priority output source selection receiving unit 343. The printing unit 35 corresponds to the user identification information read by the user identification information reading unit 322 among the print jobs stored in the print job storage unit 331 after the print data of the USB memory 20 is printed. Print attached print data.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The operation of the image forming apparatus according to the modification of the second embodiment is almost the same as the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, and only different processes will be described.

  In step S29 of FIG. 8, the priority output source selection screen creation unit 332 causes the user to select which of the print data of the print job and the print data of the USB memory 20 is printed first. Create a selection screen. In step S30, the priority output source selection reception 343 determines whether to execute the print job first. The priority output source selection reception 343 allows the user to select which of the print job stored in the print job storage unit 331 and the print data stored in the print data storage unit 22 is to be printed first. Accept.

  Here, if it is determined that the print job is to be executed first, the processes of steps S31 to S33 are performed. If it is determined in step S33 that the print data of all print jobs has been printed, the print control unit 329 determines whether to print the print data in the USB memory 20. If it is determined to print the print data in the USB memory 20, the process proceeds to step S35, and the print data in the USB memory 20 is printed. If it is determined not to print the print data in the USB memory 20, the process returns to step S21.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S30 that the print job is executed later, that is, the print data in the USB memory 20 is printed first, the processes in steps S35 to S39 are performed. If it is determined in step S39 that all print data has been printed, the print control unit 329 determines whether to print the print data of the print job. If it is determined to print the print data of the print job, the process proceeds to step S31, and the print data of the print job is printed. If it is determined not to print the print data of the print job, the process returns to step S21.

  Note that a flag indicating that the print job has been executed is set after the process of step S33, and a flag indicating that the print data of the USB memory 20 has been printed is set after the process of step S39. By referring to these flags, the determination process after step S33 and the determination process after step S39 are performed. That is, in the determination process after step S33, it is determined that the print data of the USB memory 20 is printed when the flag indicating that the print data of the USB memory 20 has been printed is not set. In the determination process after step S39, it is determined that the print data of the print job is printed when the flag indicating that the print job has been executed is not set.

  As described above, when it is determined that the print job is stored, it is determined whether the print data is stored in the USB memory 20. If it is determined that the print data is stored in the USB memory 20, the user's selection of which print data of the print job or the print data of the USB memory 20 is printed first is accepted. Here, when the print data of the print job is selected to be printed first, the print job stored in the print job storage unit 331 is associated with the user identification information read from the USB memory 20. Print data is printed. Thereafter, the print data is read from the USB memory 20, the print data stored in the USB memory 20 is displayed in a list, and the print data selected by the user from the displayed print data is printed.

  On the other hand, if the print data of the USB memory 20 is selected to be printed first, the print data is read from the USB memory 20, the print data stored in the USB memory 20 is displayed as a list, and the print data displayed as a list is displayed. The print data selected by the user from among the items is printed. Thereafter, among the print jobs stored in the print job storage unit 331, print data associated with the user identification information read from the USB memory 20 is printed.

  Therefore, even when the print job is stored in the print job storage unit 331 and the print data is stored in the USB memory 20, the user can store the print data of the print job and the print data of the USB memory 20. You can print in the selected order.

1 is a network configuration diagram of an image forming system in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is an internal block diagram of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system in Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a first flowchart for explaining an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 6 is a second flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a first flowchart for explaining an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. 12 is a second flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system in a modified example of the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system 10 External apparatus 11 Print data transmission part 20 USB memory 21 User identification information storage part 22 Print data storage part 30 Image forming apparatus 31 Print data receiving part 32 Control part 33 Storage part 34 Operation display part 35 Printing part 321 Printing Job generation unit 322 User identification information reading unit 323 User authentication unit 324 Print job determination unit 325 Print job extraction unit 326 Print data determination unit 327 Print data read unit 328 List creation unit 329 Print control unit 331 Print job storage unit 341 Print data Selection reception part

Claims (6)

A print job storage unit for storing a print job in which user identification information for identifying a user is associated with print data to be printed;
An information reading unit that reads out the user identification information from an auxiliary storage device that stores the user identification information;
A user authentication unit that performs user authentication based on the user identification information read by the information reading unit;
A print job determination unit that determines whether the print job associated with the user identification information is stored in the print job storage unit when the user authentication is successful by the user authentication unit;
A print data determination unit that determines whether or not print data is stored in the auxiliary storage device when the print job determination unit determines that the print job is not stored in the print job storage unit;
A print data reading unit that reads the print data from the auxiliary storage device when the print data determination unit determines that the print data is stored in the auxiliary storage device;
A display unit for displaying a list of the print data read by the print data reading unit;
A print data selection receiving unit that receives a selection by the user of the print data to be printed from the print data displayed in a list by the display unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints the print data received by the print data selection receiving unit.   When the print job determination unit determines that the print job is stored in the print job storage unit, the print unit reads the information from the print jobs stored in the print job storage unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print data associated with the user identification information read by the printing unit is printed.   The print data determination unit prints the print data associated with the user identification information read by the information reading unit out of the print jobs stored in the print job storage unit, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein it is determined whether or not the print data is stored in an auxiliary storage device. The print data determination unit determines whether the print data is stored in the auxiliary storage device when the print job determination unit determines that the print job is stored in the print job storage unit. And
When the print data determination unit determines that print data is stored in the auxiliary storage device, the user determines which of the print data of the print job and the print data of the auxiliary storage device is to be printed. An output source selection receiving unit for receiving selection;
The print unit, when print data of the print job is selected by the output source selection accepting unit, among the print jobs stored in the print job storage unit, the user read by the information reading unit Printing the print data associated with the identification information;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print data reading unit reads the print data from the auxiliary storage device when the print data of the auxiliary storage device is selected by the output source selection receiving unit. . The print data determination unit determines whether the print data is stored in the auxiliary storage device when the print job determination unit determines that the print job is stored in the print job storage unit. And
When the print data determination unit determines that print data is stored in the auxiliary storage device, which of the print data of the print job and the print data of the auxiliary storage device is to be printed first A priority output source selection receiving unit that receives a selection by the user;
When the print data of the print job is selected by the priority output source selection receiving unit, the print unit is read by the information reading unit among the print jobs stored in the print job storage unit Printing the print data associated with the user identification information;
The print data reading unit reads the print data from the auxiliary storage device after the print data of the print job is printed,
The print data reading unit reads the print data from the auxiliary storage device when the print data of the auxiliary storage device is selected by the priority output source selection receiving unit;
The printing unit is associated with user identification information read by the information reading unit out of the print jobs stored in the print job storage unit after the print data of the auxiliary storage device is printed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print data is printed. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus; an external device connected to the image forming apparatus via a network; and an auxiliary storage device detachable from the image forming apparatus,
The external device is
A print data transmission unit configured to transmit print data to be printed to the image forming apparatus together with user identification information for identifying a user;
The auxiliary storage device is
A user identification information storage unit for storing the user identification information;
A print data storage unit for storing print data to be printed,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A print data receiving unit for receiving the user identification information and the print data transmitted by the print data transmitting unit;
A print job storage unit that stores a print job that is received by the print data reception unit and that associates the user identification information with the print data;
An information reading unit for reading out the user identification information from the user identification information storage unit;
A user authentication unit that performs user authentication based on the user identification information read by the information reading unit;
A print job determination unit that determines whether the print job associated with the user identification information is stored in the print job storage unit when the user authentication is successful by the user authentication unit;
A print data determination unit that determines whether print data is stored in the print data storage unit when the print job determination unit determines that the print job is not stored in the print job storage unit;
A print data reading unit that reads the print data from the print data storage unit when the print data determination unit determines that the print data is stored in the print data storage unit;
A display unit for displaying a list of the print data read by the print data reading unit;
A print data selection receiving unit that receives a selection by the user of the print data to be printed from the print data displayed in a list by the display unit;
An image forming system comprising: a printing unit that prints the print data received by the print data selection receiving unit.

Images