JP2008238452A - Image formation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation apparatus in which printed matter can be prevented from being left as it is by preventing output of useless printed matter effectively. <P>SOLUTION: A printer 20 as an image formation apparatus comprises a host interface section 21 for receiving print data transmitted externally, a section 23 for storing print data received at the host interface section 21, a section 24 performing printing based on print data stored in the data storage section 23, a printer input section 27 for inputting an acknowledgement that a printed matter from the print section 24 is acquired by a user, a print record storage section 28 for storing information inputted through the printer input section 27, and a clocking control section 26 for determining whether image formation based on the print data is performed at the print section 24 or not at the time of next printing based on the information stored in the print record storage section 28. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a predetermined recording medium, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that forms an image shared by a plurality of users.

  Conventionally, in a company or the like, a terminal device operated by each of a plurality of users and a single image forming apparatus such as a printer are connected via a predetermined network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) to form the image. A technique related to an image forming apparatus used in such an environment has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-254672

  By the way, in the above-described network environment, depending on the user, a printed matter in which an image is formed may be left without being taken to the installation place of the image forming apparatus, resulting in a wasteful image formation. was there.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides an image forming apparatus that can effectively prevent useless output of printed matter and prevent the printed matter from being left unattended. With the goal.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention that achieves the above-described object includes a receiving unit that receives print data transmitted from the outside, a data storage unit that stores the print data received by the receiving unit, and the data An image forming unit that forms an image based on the print data stored in the storage unit, a confirmation input unit for inputting confirmation that a user has obtained a printed material image formed by the image forming unit, and the confirmation An information storage unit that stores information input via the input unit, and whether image formation based on print data is performed by the image formation unit at the next image formation based on the information stored in the information storage unit And a determining unit that determines whether or not.

  In such an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, a confirmation that the user has acquired a printed material image-formed by the image forming unit is input via the confirmation input unit, and the input information is stored in the information storage unit. To store. In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, based on the information stored in the information storage unit, it is determined whether or not to perform image formation based on the print data by the image forming unit at the next image formation. That is, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, information input at the time of the previous image formation can be stored in the information storage unit, and processing at the next image formation can be limited based on this information. .

  In the present invention, the processing at the next image formation can be limited based on the information input at the previous image formation, so that it is not necessary to quickly obtain the printed matter up to the installation location of the image forming apparatus. The next image forming process for a user who has been left for a long time can be restricted, and the output of useless printed matter can be effectively prevented.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  This embodiment is an image forming system including an image forming apparatus that is shared and used by a plurality of users via a network.

  First, an image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system includes a plurality of personal computers (PCs) 10A, 10B, and 10C operated by a plurality of users, and a printer 20 as an image forming apparatus. It is configured to be connected via a network interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus). In the figure, a state where three personal computers 10A, 10B, and 10C are connected is shown, but any number of personal computers may be connected in the image forming system. Since these personal computers 10A, 10B, and 10C have the same configuration, they are simply referred to as personal computer 10 below.

  The personal computer 10 is a host computer or the like that includes an input device and an output device, and generates print data to be printed by the printer 20. Specifically, the personal computer 10 includes an application program 11 that creates image data to be printed, a printer driver 12 that converts image data created by the application program 11 into a format printable by the printer 20, and A PC input unit 13 as a user interface for inputting various information, a printer interface (I / F) unit 14 for communicating with an external device, and a display 15 for displaying various information are provided.

  The application program 11 is, for example, a document creation program, a graphics creation program, or the like, and creates these documents and graphics in an image data format so that the personal computer 10 can view the document or graphics to be printed. Image data created by the application program 10 is supplied to the printer driver 12.

  The printer driver 12 includes a user information adding unit 12a that provides user information for identifying a user who is an output person of print data when performing a print instruction of a print job based on image data created by the application program 11. A print data generation unit 12 b that generates print data that can be printed by the printer 20 based on image data created by the application program 11.

  The user information adding unit 12 a adds user information unique to the user to the image data created by the application program 11 in order to identify the user who is the output person of the print data. The user information includes a user ID number and employee number written on an ID card such as an employee ID card distributed uniquely to the user, user information managed by the personal computer 10 for each user, and the like. Arbitrary information for identification.

  The print data generation unit 12b generates print data described in a script-type printer description language (PDL) based on the image data created by the application program 11 and provided with user information by the user information addition unit 12a. . The print data generation unit 12 b transmits the generated print data to the printer 20 via the printer interface unit 14.

  Such a printer driver 12 converts the image data created by the application program 11 into script data that can be printed by the printer 20. In addition, the printer driver 12 receives a notification regarding execution of instruction printing (described later) and a notification regarding discarding of print data transmitted from the printer 20.

  The PC input unit 13 includes operation devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, and is used to input print setting contents and user information related to printing. The print setting contents and user information input via the PC input unit 13 are supplied to the printer driver 12.

  The printer interface unit 14 transmits the print data generated by the printer driver 12 to the printer 20 and receives a notification transmitted from the printer 20.

  The display 15 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), an organic electroluminescence display, or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube). The print setting contents and user information input via the PC input unit 13 and the notification transmitted from the printer 20 are displayed. Further, when the printer driver 12 receives a notification regarding execution of instruction printing and a notification regarding discarding of print data transmitted from the printer 20, the display 15 displays these notifications.

  The personal computer 10 having such units generates print data and transmits it to the printer 20 under the operation of the user, and displays various notifications transmitted from the printer 20 on the display 15.

  On the other hand, the printer 20 receives print data generated by the personal computer 10, converts the print data into bitmap format image data, and prints it on a recording medium such as paper based on the image data. . Specifically, the printer 20 includes a host interface unit 21 as a receiving unit that communicates with an external device, a print data management unit 22 that manages print data, a data storage unit 23 that stores print data, A printing unit 24 as an image forming unit that performs printing based on print data, an instruction print queue 25a that stores user information and data numbers of instruction print jobs to be described later, and user information and data numbers of normal print jobs to be described later are stored. A print queue 25b, a time management unit 26 as a determination unit that determines whether or not to perform image formation based on print data by the printing unit 24, and a printer input unit 27 as a user interface for inputting various types of information A print history storage unit 28 as an information storage unit for storing print history information.

  The host interface unit 21 receives print data transmitted from the personal computer 10 and user information attached to the print data. The host interface unit 21 supplies the received print data and user information to the print data management unit 22. The host interface unit 21 receives a print data discard notification from the time management unit 26 when discarding print data, and receives an instruction print notification from the print data management unit 22 when performing instruction printing. . Then, the host interface unit 21 transmits these notifications to the printer driver 12 via the printer interface unit 14 in the personal computer 100.

  When the print data management unit 22 receives the print data to which the user information is added from the host interface unit 21, the print data management unit 22 separates the user information into the print data excluding the user information. Then, the print data management unit 22 assigns a data number to each of the separated print data and user information. This data number is used to search for print data corresponding to the user information when printing is executed. Then, the print data management unit 22 stores the print data assigned with the data number in the data storage unit 23. The print data management unit 22 includes a history collation unit 22a. Based on the user information read from the print history storage unit 28, the history collation unit 22a collates whether or not the user information separated by the print data management unit 22 is user information of a target user for instruction printing described later. I do. If the print data management unit 22 determines that the user information of the target user of the instruction print is determined as a result of the collation, the print data management unit 22 stores the user information to which the data number is assigned in the instruction print queue 25a. On the other hand, when the print data management unit 22 determines that the user information of the target user for instruction printing is not the result of the collation, the print data management unit 22 stores the user information assigned the data number in the print queue 25b. Note that “instruction printing” is a printing mode in which printing is started when a user who outputs print data visits the installation location of the printer 20 and inputs his / her user information, as will be described later. In the following, a print mode in which received print data is printed immediately instead of instruction printing is referred to as “normal printing”. Further, when receiving the print data from the host interface unit 21, the print data management unit 22 issues a timing start instruction to a timer 26a described later.

  The data storage unit 23 is composed of a volatile memory such as a RAM (Read Only Memory) that disappears when the power is turned off, a hard disk, and the like, and stores the print data supplied from the print data management unit 22 together with the data number. To do. At the time of printing, the data storage unit 23 receives a print data read instruction from the print unit 24 that has received a predetermined data number, and reads the print data to which the data number is assigned. The read print data is supplied to the printing unit 24. When the print data is supplied to the printing unit 24, the data storage unit 23 receives an instruction to delete the print data from the printing unit 24 and deletes the print data. Further, the data storage unit 23 checks the time management when the timekeeping by the timer 26a reaches a predetermined print data discarding time without confirming the coincidence of the user information in the collation of the user information by the timekeeping management unit 26. In response to an instruction for discarding print data from the unit 26, the print data is discarded. The print data discarding time will be described later.

  When the printing unit 24 receives the user information and the data number stored in the print queue 25b, the printing unit 24 issues a print data read instruction corresponding to the data number to the data storage unit 23. Further, when the reception of the user information and the data number is completed, the printing unit 24 issues a queue deletion instruction for deleting the user information and the data number to the print queue 25b. Further, after issuing a print data read instruction to the data storage unit 23, the printing unit 24 receives the script format print data read from the data storage unit 23, and the print data is converted into a bitmap format. The image data is expanded and printing is performed based on the image data. When the printing unit 24 completes reception of the print data, it issues an instruction to delete the print data to the data storage unit 23.

  The instruction print queue 25a stores the user information of the instruction print job supplied from the print data management unit 22 and the data number assigned to the user information, and manages the stored user information. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the instruction print queue 25a manages data in a data structure in which user information, data number, print mode, and data items of collation completion are associated with each other. The user information is a different identification code assigned to each user in order to identify each user, such as “user name”. The data number is a code or the like given by the print data management unit 22 and is a code different for each print job. In the drawing, a different number is assigned as a data number for each print job. Furthermore, the print mode is a data item indicating whether instruction printing or normal printing is performed, and is indicated by either “normal printing” or “instruction printing”. Furthermore, the completion of collation is indicated only when the print mode is “instruction print”, and indicates whether or not the instruction print information is matched by the input collation unit 26c described later. When it matches, it is indicated by “◯”, and when it does not match, it is indicated by “x”. The instruction print queue 25a that manages data with such a data structure supplies the stored user information to the time management unit 26 and waits until the user information is collated by the time management unit 26. The instruction print queue 25a receives a collation notification from the timekeeping management unit 26 as a result of the collation before time-out, and supplies the user information and the data number to the print queue 25b. On the other hand, when the time count by the timer 26a reaches the print data discarding time without confirming the coincidence of the user information, the instruction print queue 25a follows the user information deletion instruction received from the time management unit 26. Delete stored user information.

  The print queue 25b includes the user information of the normal print job supplied from the print data management unit 22, the data number assigned to the user information, the user information of the instruction print job supplied from the instruction print queue 25a, and the user information. The data number assigned to is stored. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the print queue 25b manages data in a data structure in which data items of user information, data number, print mode, and collation completion are associated with each other. The contents of these data items are the same as those shown in FIG. When the timekeeping management unit 26 confirms that the user information matches, the print queue 25b that manages data with such a data structure receives the user information and the data number stored in the instruction print queue 25a. Store. The print queue 25b arranges the user information and the data number according to the time-series order in which the user information and the data number are stored. When a print request is received from the printing unit 24, the user information and the data number stored in the past are supplied to the printing unit 24. .

  The timekeeping management unit 26 counts the time taken until the print data management unit 22 receives the print data transmitted from the personal computer 10 and confirms the information input via the printer input unit 27 described later. A timer 26a serving as a timer, a determination unit 26b for determining whether or not to perform instruction printing based on a time measured by the timer 26a, user information input via the printer input unit 27, and an instruction print queue 25a And an input collation unit 26c that collates with user information stored in the computer.

  The timer 26 a receives the print data transmitted from the personal computer 10 by the print data management unit 22 and then compares the user information given to the print data and the user information input via the printer input unit 27. The time until confirmation of coincidence by the input collating unit 26c is counted. The time measurement process by the timer 26a will be described in detail later.

  The determination unit 26b determines whether or not the time measured by the timer 26a has reached the print data discard time at a predetermined constant interval. The determination unit 26b determines a time-out when the measured time exceeds the print data discard time input via the printer input unit 27. When the determination unit 26b determines that a time-out has occurred, the time management unit 26 issues an instruction to delete the stored predetermined user information to the instruction print queue 25a and to the data storage unit 23. The print data erasure instruction corresponding to the data number assigned to the stored user information is issued. Further, when the collation is completed by the input collation unit 26c and the time measurement by the timer 26a is completed, the determination unit 26b receives the time measurement time, and a predetermined instruction print determination time input via the printer input unit 27. Compare with. If the time measured is longer than the instruction print determination time as a result of this comparison, the determination unit 26b determines the user who is the print data output person as the target user for instruction printing at the next printing, If the time is the same as the instruction print determination time or shorter than the instruction print determination time, the user who outputs the print data is determined as the target user for normal printing at the next printing. In other words, the determination unit 26b determines a user who has left the printed matter to the installation location of the printer 20 within the instruction print determination time as a target user for instruction printing at the next printing. The determination unit 26b stores these determination results in the print history storage unit 28 as print history information.

  The input verification unit 26c receives the user information input via the printer input unit 27 and the user information stored in the instruction print queue 25a, and performs verification based on these user information. When the input collation unit 26c confirms that the user information matches, the timing management unit 26 instructs the timer 26a to stop timing.

  Based on the information stored in the print history storage unit 28, such a time management unit 26 determines whether or not to perform image formation based on the print data by the printing unit 24 at the next printing.

  The printer input unit 27 includes an operation panel 27a as an instruction print determination time input unit and a discard time input unit, and an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) card reader 27b as a confirmation input unit.

  The operation panel 27a is used by the administrator of the printer 20 to input in advance a set time such as the instruction print determination time and the print data discard time described above. In the printer 20, when there is no instruction print determination time setting, all print jobs are handled as normal print jobs without depending on the previous print. Further, in the printer 20, when the print data discard time is not set, no time is measured.

  The RFID card reader 27b is for reading user information written on a predetermined recording medium such as an employee ID card possessed by the user, and the user who is the output person of the print data is the printer 20 to which the printed matter is output. This is for inputting user information as confirmation that the printed matter has been acquired when the user visits the installation location. The user information input method using the RFID card reader 27b is a method in which a recording medium is held over the RFID card reader 27b. In the printer 20, a password and a user ID are directly input via the operation panel 27a. You may make it do.

  The setting contents of the instruction print determination time and the print data discarding time input via the printer input unit 27 are supplied to the time management unit 26, and the user information is input to the input verification unit 26c that performs user information verification. Supplied.

  The print history storage unit 28 stores and accumulates the user information and the determination result obtained by the determination unit 26b as print history information. That is, as described above, the print history storage unit 28 assumes that a user whose time measured by the timer 26a is longer than the instruction print determination time is a target user for instruction printing at the next printing, For a user whose time is the same as the instruction print determination time or shorter than the instruction print determination time, print history information is stored as a user who is a target user of normal printing at the next printing. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, the print history storage unit 28 stores user information and the next print mode indicating whether the print mode at the next printing is instruction printing or normal printing. Print history information having a data structure in which these data items are associated with each other is stored. The user information is information for identifying each user, and is information input in advance by each user who uses the printer 20 or the administrator of the printer 20 via the operation panel 27a or the RFID reader 27b. is there. Further, the print history storage unit 28 stores the latest timekeeping time and the determination result of the user information for each user. The time measurement and the determination result are updated every time the time measurement for each print job is completed. Further, the print history storage unit 28 creates and stores an instruction print user list to be described later.

  The printer 20 including such units receives print data transmitted from the personal computer 10 and performs instruction printing or normal printing based on the received print data.

  Now, in such an image forming system including the personal computer 10 and the printer 20, the following processing is performed.

  First, a process when the printer 20 separates user information from print data received from the personal computer 10 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the printer 20 receives the print data transmitted from the personal computer 10 through the host interface unit 21 in step S1.

  Subsequently, in step S2, the print data management unit 22 instructs the timer 26a in the time measurement management unit 26 to start timing, and in step S3, user information is separated from the received print data.

  In step S4, the print data management unit 22 assigns a data number to each of the separated print data and user information, and in step S5, the print data assigned the data number is stored in the data storage unit 23. The print data is stored in the data storage unit 23 until the data storage unit 23 receives a print data read instruction from the printing unit 24.

  In step S6, the print data management unit 22 searches the print history storage unit 28 that manages the data with the data structure as shown in FIG. 4, and acquires user information of the user who is the output person of the print data. To do. In this search, if the user who is the output person of the print data is registered in the print history storage unit 28 as the target user of the instruction print in this search, the print data management unit 22 sets the print data as the print data of the instruction print target. On the other hand, if the user who is the output person of print data is not registered in the print history storage unit 28 as a target user for instruction printing, the print data is handled as print data for normal printing. In step S7, the print data management unit 22 instructs the user of the user information separated by the print data management unit 22 to perform instruction printing based on the user information read from the print history storage unit 28 by the history collation unit 22a. It is verified whether or not the user is a target user.

  As a result of this collation, if the print data management unit 22 determines that the user who is the print data output user is not the target user for the instruction print, the process proceeds to step S10, while the target user for the instruction print In step S8, the user information to which the data number for the user is assigned is stored in the instruction print queue 25a. This user information is supplied to the time management unit 26 and stored in the instruction print queue 25a until the input collating unit 26c confirms that the user information matches the user information input via the RFID card reader 27b. Is done.

  Then, in step S9, the print data management unit 22 indicates that the print data corresponding to the user information is not printed until the user information is input via the RFID card reader 27b. The printer driver 12 in the personal computer 10 is notified, and as shown in FIG. 6, for example, a message indicating that the user is designated for instruction printing is displayed on the display 15, and the series of processes is terminated. By viewing this message, the user recognizes that user information needs to be input in order to execute printing.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S7, the print data management unit 22 assigns a data number for the user in step S10 if it is determined that the user who is the print data output user is not the target user for the instruction printing. The user information thus stored is stored in the print queue 25b, and a series of processing ends.

  The printer 20 can separate the user information from the print data received from the personal computer 10 according to such a series of procedures, and determine whether the printing is instruction printing or normal printing.

  Next, processing when printing data is printed in the printer 20 will be described.

  After the process of step S10 shown in FIG. 5, the printer 20 receives the user information assigned the data number read from the print queue 25b by the printing unit 24 in step S21 as shown in FIG. To do.

  Subsequently, when reception of the user information supplied from the print queue 25b is completed, the printing unit 24 issues a queue deletion instruction for deleting the user information and the data number to the print queue 25b in step S22. In response to this, the print queue 25b deletes the stored user information and data number.

  Subsequently, in step S23, the printing unit 24 searches the print data stored in the data storage unit 23. In step S24, the data number assigned to the searched print data and the data obtained in step S21 are obtained. It is determined whether or not the data number assigned to the user information matches.

  Here, if the data number match is not confirmed, the printing unit 24 returns the process to step S23 to re-search the print data. On the other hand, if the data number match is confirmed, the printing unit 24 In S25, the print data assigned with the data number is read from the data storage unit 23.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 26, the printing unit 24 issues an instruction to delete the print data read from the data storage unit 23 to the data storage unit 23. In response to this, the data storage unit 23 deletes the stored print data. In step S27, the printing unit 24 expands the print data read from the data storage unit 23 into bitmap format image data, performs printing based on the image data, and ends the series of processes.

  According to such a series of procedures, the printer 20 reads out the print data corresponding to the data number assigned to the user information read from the print queue 25b from the data storage unit 23, and prints the print data. can do.

  Next, a timing process by the timing management unit 26 in the printer 20 will be described.

  When the timekeeping management unit 26 receives a timekeeping start instruction from the print data management unit 22, the timekeeping processing shown in FIG. 8 is performed at regular time intervals. Note that the predetermined time interval is set in the timer 26a in advance. Further, this timing process is performed for each print job.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the timekeeping management unit 26 determines whether or not the timekeeping time calculated based on the counter value of the timer 26a has reached a predetermined print data discarding time in step S31.

  If the timekeeping management unit 26 determines that the timekeeping time has not reached the print data discarding time, the process proceeds to step S39 and increments the counter value of the timer 26a. Then, the time management unit 26 waits until a predetermined time elapses, and when the elapse of the predetermined time is confirmed, the processing from step S31 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the time has reached the print data discard time, that is, when the time-out determination is made, the time management unit 26 ends the time measurement by the timer 26a in step S32, and step S33. In step S34, the clock time calculated based on the counter value of the timer 26a and the user information subject to the discarding of the print data are stored in the print history storage unit 28, and the counter value of the timer 26a is deleted in step S34. Is issued, and the counter value is erased.

  Subsequently, in step S35, the time management unit 26 determines whether the user information to which the data number subject to discarding the print data is assigned is stored in the instruction print queue 25a or the print queue 25b. .

  If the time management unit 26 determines that the user information is stored in the print queue 25b, the time management unit 26 ends the series of processes as it is, while the user information is stored in the instruction print queue 25a. If it is determined that the user information has been deleted, an instruction to delete the user information is issued to the instruction print queue 25a in step S36. In response to this, the instruction print queue 25a deletes the stored user information and data number. In addition, when the print data corresponding to the data number assigned to the user information is stored in the data storage unit 23 in step S37, the time management unit 26 stores the print data in the data storage unit. Issue an erase instruction. In response to this, the data storage unit 23 deletes the stored print data.

  Then, when all the user information and print data to which the print data discard target data number is assigned are deleted, the timing management unit 26 indicates that the information has been deleted in step S38. The printer driver 12 in the personal computer 10 of the user who is the output person is notified, and for example, as shown in FIG. 9, a message indicating the notification content is displayed on the display 15, and the series of processing is terminated. By viewing this message, the user recognizes that the transmitted print data has been deleted. Note that the timekeeping management unit 26 instructs the timer 26a to end the timekeeping after the processing of step S38, and immediately ends the timekeeping by the timer 26a.

  According to such a series of procedures, the printer 20 can perform the timing process by the timing management unit 26 at regular time intervals for each print job.

  Next, processing when user information is collated before the time counted by the timer 26a reaches the print data discarding time will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the timekeeping management unit 26 determines in step S41 whether the user information assigned with the data number to be processed is stored in the instruction print queue 25a or the print queue 25b. judge.

  If the time management unit 26 determines that the user information is stored in the instruction print queue 25a, the process proceeds to step S46 while the user information is stored in the print queue 25b. If it is determined that the user information is present, in step S42, the input verification unit 26c determines whether or not user information is input via the RFID card reader 27b under the user's operation. If the input verification unit 26c determines that the user information has not been input via the RFID card reader 27b, the input verification unit 26c proceeds to step S45. In step S43, it is determined whether or not the input user information matches the user information read from the print queue 25b. If the timekeeping management unit 26 determines that the user information does not match, the process proceeds to step S45. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user information matches, the timer 26a uses the timer 26a in step S44. End timing.

  In step S45, the time management unit 26 reads the user information and the data number stored in the print queue 25b in step S10 shown in FIG. 5, and the print queue 25b receives a print request from the print unit 24. In step S51, the user information and the data number are supplied to the printing unit 24, and the series of processing ends.

  On the other hand, if the timekeeping management unit 26 determines in step S41 that the user information is stored in the instruction print queue 25a, in step S46, the user information is sent to the RFID card reader 27b under the user's operation. It is determined by the input collation unit 26c whether or not the input is made via. If the input verification unit 26c determines that the user information is not input via the RFID card reader 27b, the input verification unit 26c terminates the series of processes as it is. In S47, it is determined whether or not the input user information matches the user information read from the instruction print queue 25a. When it is determined that the user information does not match, the timekeeping management unit 26 ends the series of processes as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the user information matches, the timekeeping management unit 26 measures the time by the timer 26a in step S48. End.

  Subsequently, in step S49, the time management unit 26 reads the user information and the data number previously stored in the instruction print queue 25a in step S8 shown in FIG. The user information and data number read from the instruction print queue 25a are moved to the print queue 25b. Then, in response to the print queue 25b receiving a print request from the printing unit 24, the timing management unit 26 supplies the user information and the data number to the printing unit 24 in step S51, and ends the series of processes.

  When the input collation unit 26c collates the user information before the time counted by the timer 26a reaches the print data discarding time, the printer 20 sets the user information and the data number according to such a series of procedures. It can be supplied to the printing unit 24.

  Next, a description will be given of a process of exchanging and updating user information and an instruction print user list performed between the timing management unit 26 and the print history storage unit 28 after the timer 26a finishes timing.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the timekeeping management unit 26 reads the user information and the timed time stored in the print history storage unit 28 in step S61, and in step S62, the timekeeping time by the timer 26a is determined by the determination unit 26b. Are compared with the instruction print determination time input via the operation panel 27a.

  If the timekeeping management unit 26 determines that the timekeeping time is longer than the instruction print determination time, in step S63, the timekeeping management unit 26 adds a determination result indicating that there is instruction printing to the user information, and stores the print history. The information is stored in the unit 28 as print history information, and the process proceeds to step S65. In step S65, the timekeeping management unit 26 reads the user information to which the determination result indicating that there is instruction printing is provided from the print history storage unit 28, and performs the instruction printing target based on the instruction from the determination unit 26b. The user is overwritten and registered in the instruction print user list of the print history storage unit 28 as a user, and the series of processes is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the timekeeping management unit 26 determines that the timekeeping time is the same as or shorter than the instruction print determination time, in step S64, the determination result indicating that there is no instruction printing is displayed in the user information. Is assigned and stored in the print history storage unit 28 as print history information, and the process proceeds to step S65. In step S65, the time management unit 26 reads the user information to which the determination result indicating that there is no instruction printing is read from the print history storage unit 28, and performs the instruction printing target based on the instruction from the determination unit 26b. If the user is registered in the instruction print user list of the print history storage unit 28, the information is deleted and removed from the target user for instruction printing, and the series of processing ends.

  The printer 20 can update the print history information and the instruction print user list stored in the print history storage unit 28 according to such a series of procedures.

  Next, processing when the administrator of the printer 20 inputs a set time such as a print instruction determination time or a print data discard time in advance will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in step S71, the printer input unit 27 determines whether the instruction print determination time and the print data discard time as the set time have been input via the operation panel 27a. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the setting time is input by the administrator of the printer 20 inputting a specific value in a window displayed on the operation panel 27a.

  If the printer input unit 27 determines that the set time is input via the operation panel 27a, in step S72, the printer history storing unit 28 stores information indicating the set time in the print history storage unit 28. finish.

  The printer 20 can store the set time such as the input print instruction determination time and the print data discard time in the print history storage unit 28 according to such a series of procedures.

  In the printer 20 that performs the processing as described above, when a plurality of pieces of user information are stored in each of the instruction print queue 25a and the print queue 25b, that is, a plurality of instruction print jobs and normal print jobs are waiting for printing. FIG. 14 shows a print processing sequence as a time chart. Here, a case will be described in which the print jobs for the users A, B, C, and D shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are waiting for printing.

  The situation in which the information as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is stored in the instruction print queue 25a and the print queue 25b is that the printer 20 is a user A who is an instruction print target user and a user who is an instruction print target user. B, receiving print data in the order of user C who is the target user of normal printing and user D who is the target user of normal printing, and receiving from the user B while receiving the print data of user C and user D This is a situation in which user information is collated for the print data.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, when the printer 20 receives print data from the user A who is the target user for instruction printing, the printer 20 does not immediately execute printing, but as shown in FIG. User information is stored in the instruction print queue 25a.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 14, when the printer 20 receives print data from the user B who is the target user for instruction printing, the printer 20 does not immediately execute printing, and although not particularly illustrated, user information is stored in the instruction print queue 25a. Is stored.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 14, when the printer 20 receives print data from the user C who is the target user for normal printing, the printer 20 stores the user information in the print queue 25b as shown in the first row in FIG. The print data is supplied to the printing unit 24 and printing is executed immediately.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 14, the printer 20 receives the print data from the user D who is the target user of normal printing, and the user B inputs the user information via the RFID card reader 27b and performs input verification. When the unit 26c confirms that the input user information matches the user information of the user B stored in the instruction print queue 25a, it is stored in the instruction print queue 25a as shown in the second row in FIG. The user B's user information is moved to the print queue 25b, print data is supplied to the print unit 24, and printing is executed.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 14, when the printer 20 completes reception of print data from the user D who is the target user for normal printing, the user information is stored in the print queue 25b as shown in the third row in FIG. Then, the print data is supplied to the printing unit 24 and printing is executed immediately.

  When the print data is transmitted from a plurality of users and a plurality of pieces of user information are stored in the instruction print queue 25a and the print queue 25b, the printer 20 executes the print processing in this order. Become.

  Next, how the printing process of each user is performed will be described based on the relationship between the time measurement time, the instruction print determination time, and the print data discard time.

  FIG. 15 is a time chart showing the relationship between the print processing times of the three users E, F, and G in the previous printing and the time measured by the timer 26a. FIG. 16 shows the three users E, F in the current printing. The relationship between the F and G print processing times and the time measured by the timer 26a is shown as a time chart. It is assumed that there is no change in setting of the instruction print determination time t1 and the print data discard time t2 during the previous printing shown in FIG. 15 and the current printing shown in FIG.

  In the previous printing, as shown in FIG. 15, it is assumed that the users E, F, and G print the print jobs 1, 2, and 3, respectively, by normal printing. Further, the time measured by the timer 26a for each user at this time is the time t (E) (t (E) <t1 <t2) for the user E and the time t (F) (t1 <t ( F) <t2) and user G is time t (G) (t1 <t (G) <t2).

  In this case, since the time counts t (F) and t (G) for the users F and G are both longer than the instruction print determination time t1, the printer 20 instructs the users F and G at the next printing. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, it is registered as an instruction print user list of the print history management unit 28 as a printing target user. The printer 20 uses this instruction print user list as a determination criterion for the next print mode.

  When the printer 20 receives print data from the users E, F, and G at the time of the current printing after the previous printing is performed, based on the instruction print user list shown in FIG. While it is determined that the user E is a target user for normal printing and printing is performed immediately, the users F and G are determined to be target users for instruction printing, and user information is stored in the instruction printing queue 25a. To do. As shown in FIG. 16, the time measured by the timer 26a for each user at this time is that user E is at time t ′ (E) (t1 <t ′ (E) = t2), and user F is at time t ′. (F) (t ′ (F) <t1 <t2) and user G is time t ′ (G) (t1 <t ′ (G) <t2).

  In this case, since the time count t ′ (E) for the user E has reached the print data discard time t2, the printer 20 stops the time count of the timer 26a at the print data discard time t2 and prints the time count. The data discard time is t2. In addition, when the measured time for the instruction print target user reaches the print data discarding time t2, the printer 20 discards the print data, and discards only the print job of the user G. Then, since the time counts t ′ (E) and t ′ (G) for the users E and G are both longer than the instruction print determination time t1, the printer 20 instructs the users E and G at the next printing. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, it is registered as an instruction print user list of the print history management unit 28 as a printing target user. The printer 20 uses this instruction print user list as a determination criterion for the next print mode.

  In this way, the printer 20 determines the print mode for each user at the next printing based on the determination at the previous printing, and performs the printing process.

  As described above, in the image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention, the user who has left the printer 20 for a long time without quickly getting the printed matter to the installation location of the printer 20 Even if print data is transmitted from the personal computer 10 to the printer 20, the user does not immediately execute printing, but does not execute printing immediately. Is input to the printer 20 to start printing. Therefore, in this image forming system, it is possible to effectively prevent useless output of printed matter and to prevent a situation in which the printed matter is left unattended.

  Next, an image forming system shown as the second embodiment will be described.

  The image forming system shown as the second embodiment is an improvement of the image forming system shown as the first embodiment, and the instruction print determination time set by inputting into the printer in advance is changed to the previous time. The calculation is based on print history information up to printing. Therefore, in the description of the second embodiment, the same components as those in the description of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the image forming system includes a plurality of personal computers (PCs) 10A, 10B, and 10C similar to those in the first embodiment and a printer 100 as an image forming apparatus via a network interface. Connected and configured. Since the personal computers 10A, 10B, and 10C have the same configuration, they will be simply referred to as the personal computer 10 below.

  In addition to the above-described host interface unit 21, print data management unit 22, data storage unit 23, printing unit 24, instruction print queue 25a, and print queue 25b, the printer 100 forms an image based on print data using the printing unit 24. A timing management unit 126 as a determination unit for determining whether or not, a printer input unit 127 as a user interface for inputting various information, and a print history storage unit 128 as an information storage unit for storing print history information Is provided.

  That is, the printer 100 includes a time management unit 126, a printer input unit 127, and a print history storage unit 128 instead of the time management unit 26, the printer input unit 27, and the print history storage unit 28 in the printer 20 described above. Configured as

  In addition to the timer 26a, the determination unit 26b, and the input collation unit 26c described above, the timekeeping management unit 126 calculates the instruction print determination time based on the instruction print determination criteria input via the printer input unit 127. Have

  The calculation unit 126a determines the instruction print determination time based on the time counts for all users stored in the print history storage unit 128 and the instruction print determination criteria input in advance via the printer input unit 127. Is calculated. Note that the calculation process of the instruction print determination time by the calculation unit 126a will be described in detail later.

  Like the time management unit 26, the time management unit 126 determines whether or not to perform image formation based on print data by the printing unit 24 at the next printing based on information stored in the print history storage unit 128. To decide. At this time, the timekeeping management unit 126 calculates the instruction print determination time by the calculation unit 126a.

  In addition to the RFID card reader 27b described above, the printer input unit 127 includes an operation panel 127a as an instruction print determination reference input unit and a discard time input unit. That is, the printer input unit 127 includes an operation panel 127a instead of the operation panel 27a described above.

  The operation panel 127a is for the administrator of the printer 100 to input instructed print determination criteria to be described later in advance instead of the above-described instructed print determination time. Note that the print data discarding time is input via the operation panel 127a in the same manner as the operation panel 27a.

  The setting contents of the instruction print determination criterion and the print data discarding time input through the printer input unit 127 are supplied to the time management unit 126, and the user information is input to the input verification unit 26c that performs user information verification. Supplied.

  The print history storage unit 128 stores and accumulates not only the time measured at the time of the previous printing for each user but also the time measured for all users and user information of the target user for instruction printing as print history information. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, for example, the print history storage unit 128 prints the user information, the measured time, the rank when compared with the measured time for other print jobs, and the printing at the next printing. The next print mode indicating whether the mode is instruction print or normal print is used as a data item, and print history information having a data structure in which these data items are associated is stored for each print job. Each print job is accumulated in the order of time keeping order from a print job having a short time keeping time. Such print history information is stored in the print history storage unit 128 every time the time count is updated after printing is completed.

  The printer 100 including such units receives print data transmitted from the personal computer 10 and performs instruction printing or normal printing based on the received print data. At this time, the printer 100 calculates the instruction print determination time set by inputting in advance based on the print history information up to the previous print.

  Now, in such an image forming system including the personal computer 10 and the printer 100, the user information and the instruction print user list which are executed between the time management unit 126 and the print history storage unit 128 after the time measurement by the timer 26a is completed. When performing the transfer and update processing, the processing shown in FIG. 21 is performed instead of the series of processing shown in FIG.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 21, the timekeeping management unit 126 reads the user information and the timed time stored in the print history storage unit 128 in step S81, and acquires the timed time by the timer 26a in step S82. Each time, the user information and time count are stored in the print history storage unit 128 as print history information. At this time, as shown in FIG. 20, the print history storage unit 128 stores the user information of each print job and the timed time in the order in which the timed time is short.

  Subsequently, in step S83, the time management unit 126 determines the instruction print determination based on all the time measured read from the print history storage unit 128 and the instruction print determination criteria input in advance via the operation panel 127a. The time is calculated and stored in the print history storage unit 128. The method for calculating the instruction print determination time will be described in detail later.

  In step S84, the time management unit 126 uses the determination unit 26b to compare the time measured by the timer 26a with the calculated instruction print determination time.

  If the timekeeping management unit 126 determines that the timekeeping time is longer than the instruction print determination time, in step S85, the timekeeping management unit 126 gives a determination result indicating that there is instruction printing to the user information, and stores the print history. The process is stored in the section 128 as print history information, and the process proceeds to step S87. In step S87, the timing management unit 126 reads out the user information to which the determination result indicating that there is instruction printing is given from the print history storage unit 128, and performs the instruction printing target based on the instruction from the determination unit 26b. The user is overwritten and registered in the instruction print user list of the print history storage unit 128 as a user, and a series of processing is completed.

  On the other hand, if the timekeeping management unit 126 determines that the timekeeping time is the same as the instruction print determination time or shorter than the instruction print determination time, in step S86, the determination result indicating that there is no instruction print is used as user information. Assigned, and stored in the print history storage unit 128 as print history information, and the process proceeds to step S87. In step S87, the timing management unit 126 reads the user information to which the determination result indicating that there is no instruction printing is read from the print history storage unit 128, and performs the instruction printing target based on the instruction from the determination unit 26b. If the user is registered in the instruction print user list of the print history storage unit 128, the information is deleted and removed from the target user for instruction printing, and the series of processing ends.

  The printer 100 can update the print history information and the instruction print user list stored in the print history storage unit 128 according to such a series of procedures.

  Further, in the image forming system, when the administrator of the printer 100 inputs the instruction print determination criterion and the print data discarding time in advance, instead of the series of processes shown in FIG. Perform the following process.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 22, the printer input unit 127 determines in step S91 whether or not an instruction print determination criterion and a print data discard time as setting conditions have been input via the operation panel 127a. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the setting condition is input when the administrator of the printer 100 inputs a specific value in a window displayed on the operation panel 127a.

  If the printer input unit 127 determines that the setting condition has been input via the operation panel 127a, in step S92, the printer input unit 127 stores information indicating the setting condition in the print history storage unit 128 and performs a series of processes. finish.

  The printer 100 can store setting conditions such as the input instruction print determination criterion and the print data discard time in the print history storage unit 128 according to such a series of procedures.

  When the printer 100 separates user information from the print data received from the personal computer 10, the printer 100 performs the series of processes shown in FIG. 5 first. As for the timing process by the timing management unit 126, the series of processes shown in FIG. 8 is performed first, and the user information is collated before the time measured by the timer 26a reaches the print data discarding time. Is performed, the series of processing shown in FIG. 10 is performed.

  Unlike the printer 20 in which the reference for determining whether to perform normal printing or instruction printing is set as the instruction print determination time, the printer 100 that performs the processing as described above uses the instruction print determination reference as a reference print determination reference. Based on this, the instruction print determination time is calculated. Here, the instruction printing determination standard means the ratio of instruction printing to the entire printing. In the printer 100, the value input as the instruction printing determination standard adjusts the ratio between instruction printing and normal printing. To do. In the printer 100, it is possible to perform normal printing on the entire surface by setting the value of the instruction print determination criterion to 0%, and it is possible to perform instruction printing on the entire surface by setting the value to 100%. It is also possible to perform.

  For example, the printer 100 can calculate the instruction print determination time based on the instruction print determination criteria as follows. That is, the calculation unit 126a sets the time measured in the predetermined time measurement order stored in the print history storage unit 128 as the instruction print determination time. At this time, the calculation unit 126a calculates a predetermined time keeping order as (number of print history information) × (value set as the instruction print determination criterion). In the printer 100, when the calculated time keeping order is a decimal, a value rounded up after the decimal point may be calculated as the time keeping order.

  Specifically, when the setting conditions shown in FIG. 23 are input first and the print history information shown in FIG. 20 is stored in the print history storage unit 128, the print history information is displayed. The calculation unit 126a calculates 100 × 30% = 30 as the time count for the instruction print determination time. The print history information of the time measurement order is indicated by the hatched portion in FIG. In this print history information, the time count is 4 minutes, so the calculation unit 126a calculates the instruction print determination time as 4 minutes and stores it in the print history storage unit 128.

  Therefore, the printer 100 determines that the user who performs printing next time is the target user of normal printing if the timed time at the time of the previous printing is 4 minutes or less, and if the timed time exceeds 4 minutes. The user is determined to be the target user for instruction printing.

  As described above, the instruction print determination time depends on the time measured for all users who share the printer 100, and the print history in the order from the shortest time counted in all the print history information stored in the print history storage unit 128. When information is arranged, it can be defined as a time for reaching 30% of the number of all print history information.

  Then, similarly to the printer 20, when the timed time is longer than the instruction print determination time, the printer 100 determines the user who is the output person of print data as the target user for instruction printing at the next printing. If the measured time is the same as the instruction print determination time or shorter than the instruction print determination time, the user who outputs the print data is determined as the target user for normal printing at the next printing.

  Note that the printer 100 discards the print data, when the instruction time is printed, when the measured time reaches the print data discard time, as in the printer 20, with respect to the print data discard time.

  As described above, in the image forming system shown as the second embodiment of the present invention, in order to specify a user who has left the printer 100 for a long time without quickly getting the printed matter up to the place where the printer 100 is installed, the management is performed. By setting the time calculated based on the print history information of all users instead of the instruction print determination time set by the administrator, the administrator does not know the acquisition status of each user's printed matter. The situation where time is input can be prevented.

  Next, an image forming system shown as the third embodiment will be described.

  The image forming system shown as the third embodiment is an improvement of the image forming system shown as the second embodiment, and makes a print request for a long time out of the print histories stored in the print history storage unit. The print history information for a user who has not gone is deleted. Therefore, in the description of the third embodiment, the same components as those in the description of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the image forming system includes a plurality of personal computers (PCs) 10A, 10B, and 10C similar to those in the first and second embodiments, and a printer 200 as an image forming apparatus. Are connected via a network interface. Since the personal computers 10A, 10B, and 10C have the same configuration, they will be simply referred to as the personal computer 10 below.

  In addition to the host interface unit 21, the print data management unit 22, the data storage unit 23, the printing unit 24, the instruction print queue 25 a, the print queue 25 b, and the printer input unit 127, the printer 200 converts print data into print data. A timing management unit 226 serving as a determination unit that determines whether or not to perform image formation based on the print history, and a print history storage unit 228 serving as an information storage unit that stores print history information.

  That is, the printer 200 is configured to include a time management unit 226 and a print history storage unit 228 instead of the time management unit 126 and the print history storage unit 128 in the printer 100 described above.

  The timekeeping management unit 226 assigns a print history number indicating the print order of the print history information stored in the print history storage unit 228 to the user information supplied from the instruction print queue 25a and the print queue 25b. Management of print history information to which numbers are assigned. Specifically, the timekeeping management unit 226 determines whether or not to erase the print history information stored in the print history storage unit 228 in addition to the timer 26a, the input collation unit 26c, and the calculation unit 126a described above. 226b.

  The determination unit 226b determines whether or not the number of pieces of print history information stored in the print history storage unit 228 has reached a predetermined number of recordable histories that can be registered in the print history storage unit 228. If the determination unit 226b determines that the number of pieces of print history information stored in the print history storage unit 228 has reached the number of recordable histories, the oldest print to which the minimum print history number is assigned is determined. An instruction to delete the history information is issued to the print history storage unit 228. The determination unit 226b also compares the minimum print history number assigned to the latest print history information for each user stored in the print history storage unit 228 with a print history number designated in advance. . If the determination unit 226b determines that the minimum print history number assigned to the latest print history information is equal to the print history number designated in advance, the determination unit 226b determines that the user has not performed printing for a predetermined long time. Then, an instruction to delete all print history information about the user is issued to the print history storage unit 228.

  Similar to the time management unit 126, the time management unit 226 determines whether or not to perform image formation based on the print data by the printing unit 24 at the next printing based on the information stored in the print history storage unit 228. To decide. At this time, the timekeeping management unit 226 calculates the instruction print determination time by the calculation unit 126a, and further determines whether the print history information stored in the print history storage unit 228 is to be erased by the determination unit 226b.

  The print history storage unit 228 assigns a print history number to the print history information shown in FIG. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, for example, the print history storage unit 228 includes user information, a time measurement time, a rank when compared with a time measurement for another print job, and the print history storage unit 228. The data items include the print history number indicating the print order of the print history information stored in the print data and the next print mode indicating whether the print mode at the next print is instruction print or normal print. Is stored for each print job. Each print job is accumulated in the order of time keeping order from a print job having a short time keeping time. Further, the print history information of each print job is given a number indicating the order of 1, 2, 3,... In order from the print history information that has been printed. In the drawing, I, J, and K are given as print history numbers for the user C. In this case, the magnitude relationship between the print history numbers is I <J <K. To do. Such print history information is stored in the print history storage unit 228 every time the measured time is updated after the end of printing. The print history number is read from the print history storage unit 228 in response to a read instruction from the timekeeping management unit 226 and used for determination by the determination unit 226b. As a result of the determination by the determination unit 226b, the print history storage unit 228 deletes the print history information to which the print history number to be deleted is assigned when the time management unit 226 instructs to delete the print history information. Specifically, the print history storage unit 228 compares the print history number I, which is the minimum print history number for the user C by the determination unit 226b, with a predetermined designated print history number. When it is determined that the print history numbers are equal, all the print history information for the user C, that is, the print history numbers I, J, and K are assigned in accordance with the instruction from the time management unit 226. Clear print history information. The print history storage unit 228 determines that the print history number reaches the number of registrable histories as a result of comparison between each print history number and the predetermined number of registrable histories by the determination unit 226b. In response to an instruction from the timekeeping management unit 226, the print history information to which the print history number is assigned is deleted. Note that when the print history information is deleted, the print history storage unit 228 rearranges other print history information.

  The printer 200 including such units receives print data transmitted from the personal computer 10 and performs instruction printing or normal printing based on the received print data. At this time, the printer 200 erases all the print history information for the user who has not made a print request for a long time from the print history stored in the print history storage unit 228.

  Now, in such an image forming system including the personal computer 10 and the printer 200, the user information and the instruction print user list which are executed between the time management unit 226 and the print history storage unit 228 after the time measurement by the timer 26a is completed. When performing the transfer and update process, the process shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B is performed instead of the series of processes shown in FIG.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 26 (a), the timekeeping management unit 226 reads the user information and timed time stored in the print history storage unit 128 in step S101, and in step S102, the timekeeping by the timer 26a. Each time the time is acquired, the number of registrations of print history information such as user information and time keeping stored in the print history storage unit 228 is counted. Then, the determination unit 226b determines whether or not the number of print history information has reached a predetermined recordable history number M in the print history storage unit 228.

  If the timekeeping management unit 226 determines that the number of print history information has not reached the number of recordable history M, the process proceeds to step S104 while the number of print history information is registered. If it is determined that the possible history number M has been reached, an instruction to delete the print history information to which the print history number M is assigned is issued to the print history storage unit 228 in step S103. In response to this, the print history information assigned the print history number M stored in the print history storage unit 228 is deleted.

  In step S104, the timing management unit 226 reads all the print history numbers from the print history information stored in the print history storage unit 228, and sets each read print history number as (print history number) = ( The print history number is incremented to be +1. This process is performed in order to give the print history number 1 to the print history information read in step S101.

  Subsequently, in step S105, the time management unit 226 assigns the print history number 1 to the print history information read in step S101, and in step S106, the determination unit 226b causes the print job recently executed by a specific user to be printed. The assigned print history number (hereinafter referred to as the minimum print history number for each user) is compared with a predetermined designated print history number registered in advance in the print history storage unit 228.

  If the time management unit 226 determines that the minimum print history number is not equal to the designated print history number, the process proceeds to step S109, while the minimum print history number is set to the designated print history number. If it is determined that they are equal, it is determined that the user has not performed printing for a predetermined long time, and in step S107, an instruction to delete all print history information for the user is given to the print history storage unit 228. To issue. In response to this, the print history storage unit 228 deletes all stored print history information for the user. In step S108, the timing management unit 226 sets the print history numbers assigned to the print history information for other users except the user deleted in step S107 based on the print order so that there is no missing number. Grant again.

  Subsequently, in step S109, the time management unit 226 determines whether or not the print history information deletion determination based on the minimum print history number has been performed for all users by the determination unit 226b. As a result of this determination, the timekeeping management unit 226 repeats the processing from step S106 when it is determined that the determination for all users has not been completed, while the determination for all users has been completed. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step S110 in FIG.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 26B, the timekeeping management unit 226 displays all the timekeeping times read from the print history storage unit 228 in step S110 and the instruction print input in advance via the operation panel 127a. Based on the determination criterion, the instruction print determination time is calculated and stored in the print history storage unit 228.

  In step S111, the time management unit 226 uses the determination unit 226b to compare the time measured by the timer 26a with the calculated instruction print determination time.

  If the timekeeping management unit 226 determines that the timekeeping time is longer than the instruction print determination time, in step S112, the timekeeping management unit 226 adds a determination result indicating that there is instruction printing to the user information together with the print history number. The print history storage unit 228 stores the print history information, and the process proceeds to step S114. In step S114, the timing management unit 226 reads out the user information to which the determination result indicating that there is instruction printing is provided from the print history storage unit 228, and performs the instruction printing target based on the instruction from the determination unit 226b. The user is overwritten and registered in the instruction print user list of the print history storage unit 228 as a user, and a series of processing is completed.

  On the other hand, when the timekeeping management unit 226 determines that the timekeeping time is the same as the instruction print determination time or shorter than the instruction print determination time, the determination result indicating that there is no instruction print is displayed in step S113 as the print history number. At the same time, it is added to the user information and stored as print history information in the print history storage unit 228, and the process proceeds to step S114. In step S114, the timing management unit 226 reads the user information to which the determination result indicating that there is no instruction printing is read from the print history storage unit 228, and performs the instruction printing target based on the instruction from the determination unit 226b. If the user is registered in the instruction print user list of the print history storage unit 228, the information is deleted and removed from the target user for instruction printing, and the series of processing ends.

  The printer 200 can update the print history information and the instruction print user list stored in the print history storage unit 228 according to such a series of procedures.

  The printer 200 performs the series of processes shown in FIG. 5 when separating user information from the print data received from the personal computer 10, and previously prints the print data shown in FIG. As for the timing process by the timing management unit 226, the series of processes shown in FIG. 8 is performed previously, and the user information is collated before the time measured by the timer 26a reaches the print data discarding time. 10 is performed, the series of processing shown in FIG. 10 is performed first. When the administrator of the printer 200 inputs the instruction print determination criteria and the print data discard time in advance, the process shown in FIG. The series of processes shown will be performed.

  As described above, in the image forming system shown as the third embodiment of the present invention, among the print histories stored in the print history storage unit 228, a user who has not made a print request for a long time. By erasing the print history information, other users are not affected by the print history information about the user, and the user who has left the printer 200 for a long time without quickly getting the printed matter to the installation location of the printer 200 is appropriate. Can be specified.

  Finally, an image forming system shown as the fourth embodiment will be described.

  The image forming system shown as the fourth embodiment is an improvement of the image forming system shown as the second embodiment, and the instruction print determination time set by inputting to the printer in advance is set in advance. The calculation is based on the input instruction print reference time and the print history information up to the previous print. Therefore, in the description of the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the description of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the image forming system includes a plurality of personal computers (PCs) 10A, 10B, and 10C similar to those in the second embodiment and a printer 300 as an image forming apparatus via a network interface. Connected and configured. Since the personal computers 10A, 10B, and 10C have the same configuration, they will be simply referred to as the personal computer 10 below.

  In addition to the host interface unit 21, print data management unit 22, data storage unit 23, printing unit 24, instruction print queue 25a, and print queue 25b, the printer 300 forms an image based on print data using the print unit 24. A timekeeping management unit 326 as a determination unit that determines whether or not, a printer input unit 327 as a user interface for inputting various information, and a print history storage unit 328 as an information storage unit that stores print history information Is provided.

  That is, the printer 300 includes a time management unit 326, a printer input unit 327, and a print history storage unit 328 instead of the time management unit 126, the printer input unit 127, and the print history storage unit 128 in the printer 100 described above. Configured as

  In addition to the timer 26a, the determination unit 26b, and the input collation unit 26c described above, the timing management unit 326 calculates the instruction print determination time based on the instruction print determination criteria input via the printer input unit 327. Have

  The calculation unit 326a stores the time measured for all users who reach the predetermined instruction print reference time stored in the print history storage unit 328, and the instruction print determination reference input in advance via the printer input unit 327. Based on this, the instruction print determination time is calculated. The calculation process of the instruction print determination time by the calculation unit 326a will be described in detail later.

  Similar to the time management unit 126, such a time management unit 326 determines whether or not to perform image formation based on the print data by the printing unit 24 at the next printing based on the information stored in the print history storage unit 328. To decide. At this time, the timekeeping management unit 326 calculates the instruction print determination time by the calculation unit 326a.

  In addition to the RFID card reader 27b described above, the printer input unit 327 includes an operation print reference reference input unit, an instruction print reference time input unit, and an operation panel 327a as a discard time input unit. In other words, the printer input unit 327 includes an operation panel 327a instead of the operation panel 127a described above.

  The operation panel 327a is for the administrator of the printer 300 to input both the instruction print reference time and the instruction print determination reference in advance instead of the instruction print determination time described above. Note that the print data discarding time is input via the operation panel 327a in the same manner as the operation panel 127a.

  The setting contents of the instruction print reference time, the instruction print determination reference, and the print data discard time input via the printer input unit 327 are supplied to the time management unit 326, and the user information is collated with the user information. It is supplied to the input verification unit 26c to be performed.

  The print history storage unit 328 stores and accumulates not only the time measured at the time of the previous printing for each user but also the time measured for all users and user information of the target user for instruction printing as print history information. Specifically, the print history storage unit 328 includes an in-hour history storage unit 328a and an after-hours history storage unit 328b, and according to whether the time measured in each print history information reaches the indicated print reference time. Each print history information is stored in the in-hour history storage unit 328a or the out-of-hours history storage unit 328b. That is, the in-time history storage unit 328a, for example, as shown in FIG. 28, the user information, the measured time, the rank when compared with the measured time for other print jobs, and the print mode at the next printing are displayed. The next print mode indicating whether it is instruction printing or normal printing is used as a data item, and the time count is the same as the instruction print reference time input via the operation panel 327a in a data structure in which these data items are associated with each other. Alternatively, print history information shorter than the designated print reference time is accumulated for each print job. In addition, as shown in FIG. 29, for example, the overtime history storage unit 328b stores user information, timekeeping time, rank when compared with timekeeping time for other print jobs, and print mode at the next printing. The next print mode indicating whether it is instruction printing or normal printing is used as a data item, and the time count is longer than the instruction print reference time input via the operation panel 327a in a data structure in which these data items are associated with each other. Stores long print history information. Each print job is accumulated in the order of time keeping order from a print job having a short time keeping time. Such print history information is stored in the print history storage unit 328 every time the measured time is updated after printing is completed.

  The printer 300 having such units receives print data transmitted from the personal computer 10 and performs instruction printing or normal printing based on the received print data. At this time, the printer 300 calculates the instruction print determination time set by inputting in advance based on the print history information of the time measured longer than the predetermined instruction print reference time.

  Now, in such an image forming system including the personal computer 10 and the printer 300, the user information and the instruction print user list which are performed between the time management unit 326 and the print history storage unit 328 after the time measurement by the timer 26a is completed. When performing the transfer and update process, a process as shown in FIG. 30 is performed instead of the series of processes shown in FIG.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 30, when the timekeeping management unit 326 reads out the user information and timed time stored in the print history storage unit 328 in step S121, the determination unit 26b causes the operation panel to operate in step S122. The instruction print reference time, the instruction print determination reference, and the print data discard time input in advance via 327a are read out. In step S123, the time management unit 326 compares the instruction print reference time with the time measured read from the print history storage unit 328 by the determination unit 26b.

  Here, if the timekeeping management unit 326 determines that the timekeeping time is longer than the instruction print reference time, the user information and the timekeeping time are printed every time the timekeeping time by the timer 26a is acquired in step S124. The over-time history storage unit 328b in the history storage unit 328 stores the print history information. At this time, as shown in FIG. 29, the user information of each print job whose timekeeping time is longer than the designated print reference time and the timekeeping time are stored in the overtime history storage unit 328b in the order of shortest timekeeping time. Sorted and stored.

  Subsequently, in step S125, the time management unit 326 determines the instruction print determination based on all the time measured read from the print history storage unit 328 and the instruction print determination criteria input in advance via the operation panel 327a. The time is calculated and stored in the print history storage unit 328. The method for calculating the instruction print determination time will be described in detail later.

  In step S127, the timekeeping management unit 326 uses the determination unit 26b to compare the time measured by the timer 26a with the calculated instruction print determination time.

  If the timekeeping management unit 326 determines that the timekeeping time is longer than the instruction print determination time, in step S128, the timekeeping management unit 326 adds a determination result indicating that there is instruction printing to the user information, and stores the print history. The information is stored in the unit 328 as print history information, and the process proceeds to step S130. In step S130, the timing management unit 326 reads the user information to which the determination result indicating that there is instruction printing is provided from the print history storage unit 328, and performs the instruction printing target based on the instruction from the determination unit 26b. The user is overwritten and registered in the instruction print user list of the print history storage unit 328 as a user, and the series of processes is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the timekeeping management unit 326 determines in step S123 that the timekeeping time is the same as the instruction print reference time or shorter than the instruction print reference time, in step S126, the user information and the time measurement are displayed in the print history. The in-time history storage unit 328a in the storage unit 328 stores the print history information. At this time, as shown in FIG. 28, the in-time history storage unit 328a stores the user information and the timed time of each print job whose timed time is equal to or less than the designated print reference time in the order of shortest timed time. Sorted and stored.

  In step S129, the timing management unit 326 adds a determination result indicating that there is no instruction printing to the user information, causes the print history storage unit 328 to store the determination result as print history information, and shifts the processing to step S130. In step S130, the timing management unit 326 reads the user information to which the determination result indicating that there is no instruction printing is read from the print history storage unit 328, and performs the instruction printing target based on the instruction from the determination unit 26b. If the user is registered in the instruction print user list of the print history storage unit 328, the information is deleted and removed from the target user for instruction printing, and the series of processing ends.

  The printer 300 can update the print history information and the instruction print user list stored in the print history storage unit 328 according to such a series of procedures.

  Further, in the image forming system, when the administrator of the printer 300 inputs the instruction print reference time, the instruction print determination reference, and the print data discard time in advance, instead of the series of processes shown in FIG. The process as shown in FIG. 31 is performed.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 31, in step S141, the printer input unit 327 determines whether the instruction print reference time, the instruction print determination reference, and the print data discard time as the setting conditions are input via the operation panel 327a. Determine. For example, as shown in FIG. 32, the setting condition is input when the administrator of the printer 300 inputs a specific value in a window displayed on the operation panel 327a.

  If the printer input unit 327 determines that the setting condition is input via the operation panel 327a, the printer input unit 327 stores information indicating the setting condition in the print history storage unit 328 in step S142.

  Subsequently, in step S143, the timing management unit 326 compares the timing time read from the print history storage unit 328 by the determination unit 26b with the instruction print reference time registered in step S142.

  If the timekeeping management unit 326 determines that the timekeeping time is longer than the instruction print reference time, the user information to which the timekeeping time is given is printed in the overtime history storage unit 328b in step S144. If the timekeeping time is determined to be the same as or shorter than the instruction print reference time while being stored as history information, in step S145, the user information to which the timekeeping time is given is It is stored in the history storage unit 328a as print history information.

  In step S146, the time management unit 326 stores the print history information for all print jobs in the in-time history storage unit 328a or the out-of-hours history storage unit 328b, and the in-time history storage unit 328a or the out-of-hours history. It is determined whether or not rearrangement of all print history information in the storage unit 328b in the order of time measurement has been completed. When the timekeeping management unit 326 determines that the process for all the print history information has not been completed, the process from step S143 is repeated while the process for all the print history information has been completed. If it is determined, the series of processing ends.

  The printer 300 can store, in the print history storage unit 328, setting conditions such as the input instruction print reference time, the instruction print determination reference, and the print data discard time according to such a series of procedures.

  The printer 300 performs the series of processes shown in FIG. 5 when separating user information from the print data received from the personal computer 10, and previously prints the print data shown in FIG. As for the timing process by the timing management unit 326, the series of processes shown in FIG. 8 is performed previously, and the user information is collated before the time measured by the timer 26a reaches the print data discarding time. Is performed, the series of processing shown in FIG. 10 is performed.

  The printer 300 that performs the above-described processing is different from the printer 100 that uses only the instruction print determination standard as the standard for determining the normal printing and the instruction print, and uses the instruction print reference time and the instruction print determination standard. The instruction print determination time is calculated based on the instruction print reference time and the instruction print determination standard. Here, as in the second embodiment, the instruction print determination criterion means the ratio of instruction printing to the entire printing. In the printer 300, the value input as the instruction print determination criterion is Adjust the ratio between instruction printing and normal printing.

  As shown in FIG. 28, all the print jobs stored in the in-time history storage unit 328a are normal print jobs. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 29, the print jobs stored in the overtime history storage unit 328b are roughly classified into a normal print job and an instruction print job based on the calculated instruction print determination time.

  For example, the printer 300 can calculate the instruction print determination time based on the instruction print determination criteria as follows. That is, the calculation unit 326a sets the time measured in the predetermined time measurement order stored in the overtime history storage unit 328b as the instruction print determination time. At this time, the calculation unit 326a calculates a predetermined timekeeping time rank as (number of print history information stored in the overtime history storage unit 328b) × (value set as the instruction print determination criterion). In the printer 300, when the calculated time keeping order is a decimal, a value rounded up after the decimal point may be calculated as the time keeping order.

  Specifically, when the setting conditions shown in FIG. 32 are input first and the print history information shown in FIG. 29 is stored in the non-hour history storage unit 328b, the print history is displayed. Since the number of pieces of information is 50 and the instruction print determination criterion is 30%, the calculation unit 326a calculates the time count ranking that is the target of the instruction print determination time as 50 × 30% = 15. The print history information of the time measuring time order is a hatched portion in FIG. In this print history information, the time count is 55 minutes, so the calculation unit 326a calculates the instruction print determination time as 55 minutes and stores it in the print history storage unit 328.

  Therefore, the printer 300 determines that the user who performs printing next time is 55 minutes or less at the time of the previous printing, determines that the user is a target user of normal printing, and if this time exceeds 55 minutes. The user is determined to be the target user for instruction printing.

  As described above, the instruction print determination time depends on the time measurement for all users who share the printer 300, and the printing is performed in the order from the shortest time measurement of all the print history information stored in the overtime history storage unit 328b. When the history information is arranged, it can be defined as the time to reach 30% of the number of all print history information.

  Then, similarly to the printer 100, when the timed time is longer than the instruction print determination time, the printer 300 determines the user who is the output person of print data as the target user for instruction printing at the next printing. If the measured time is the same as the instruction print determination time or shorter than the instruction print determination time, the user who outputs the print data is determined as the target user for normal printing at the next printing.

  As for the print data discarding time, the printer 300 discards the print data when the timed time reaches the print data discarding time when performing instruction printing, as in the printer 100.

  As described above, in the image forming system shown as the fourth embodiment of the present invention, as in the second embodiment, it is not possible to quickly obtain the printed matter up to the place where the printer 300 is installed. By specifying a time calculated based on the print history information of all users instead of the instruction print determination time set by the administrator in order to identify the user who has been neglected, the administrator can determine the print acquisition status of each user. Since it is not grasped, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an extreme set time is input. Further, in this image forming system, when the user performs the next printing before reaching the instruction print determination time, another print determination standard that is a target of normal printing without depending on the print history information. By providing time, it is possible to avoid a disadvantage that a user who is far away from the printer 300 is designated as a target user for instruction printing due to a distance problem.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where a plurality of personal computers and one printer are connected via a network has been described. However, the present invention includes a server or the like equipped with the above-described functions. Thus, the present invention can also be applied when a plurality of personal computers and a plurality of printers are connected via a network.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printer is used as the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention can be applied to any apparatus having a function of forming an image. The present invention can also be applied to a copier, a facsimile machine, and other apparatuses having a combination of functions.

  Thus, it goes without saying that the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system shown as a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of an instruction print queue in the image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a print queue in the image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a print history storage unit in the image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a series of processes when separating user information from print data received from a personal computer in the printer in the image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a message displayed on a display in a personal computer and indicating that the user is designated for instruction printing in the image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart for describing a series of processing when printing data is printed in the printer in the image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a series of time-measurement processes by a printer in the image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a message indicating that all user information and print data displayed on a display in a personal computer are erased in the image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart for describing a series of processing when user information is collated before the time counted by the timer reaches the print data discard time in the printer in the image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention. . In the printer in the image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention, a series of user information and an instruction print user list exchanged between the time management unit and the print history storage unit after the time measurement by the timer ends, and It is a flowchart explaining an update process. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a series of processes when a printer administrator in the image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention inputs a set time such as a print instruction determination time or a print data discard time in advance. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a window displayed on the operation panel of the printer in the image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a time chart for explaining a print processing sequence when a plurality of pieces of user information are stored in each of an instruction print queue and a print queue in the printer in the image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a time chart for explaining a relationship between a user's print processing time and a time measured by a timer in previous printing by the printer in the image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a time chart for explaining a relationship between a user's print processing time and a time measured by a timer in the current printing by the printer in the image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of an instruction print user list created as a result of the previous printing in the printer in the image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of an instruction print user list created as a result of printing this time in the printer in the image forming system shown as the first embodiment of the present invention; It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the image forming system shown as the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the data structure of the printing log | history storage part in the image forming system shown as the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. In the printer in the image forming system shown as the second embodiment of the present invention, a series of user information and an instruction printing user list exchanged between the time management unit and the print history storage unit after the time measurement by the timer ends, and It is a flowchart explaining an update process. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a series of processes when a printer administrator in the image forming system shown as the second embodiment of the present invention inputs setting conditions such as an instruction print determination criterion and a print data discard time in advance. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a window displayed on an operation panel of a printer in the image forming system shown as the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the image forming system shown as the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a print history storage unit in an image forming system shown as a third embodiment of the present invention. In the printer in the image forming system shown as the third embodiment of the present invention, a series of user information and an instruction printing user list exchanged between the timing management unit and the print history storage unit after the timing by the timer is completed, and It is a flowchart explaining an update process. In the printer in the image forming system shown as the third embodiment of the present invention, a series of user information and an instruction printing user list exchanged between the timing management unit and the print history storage unit after the timing by the timer is completed, and FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining an update process, and is a diagram for explaining a process following the process shown in FIG. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the image forming system shown as the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the data structure of the time history storage part in the image forming system shown as the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the data structure of the overtime log | history storage part in the image forming system shown as the 4th Embodiment of this invention. In the printer in the image forming system shown as the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a series of user information and an instruction print user list exchanged between the time management unit and the print history storage unit after the time measurement by the timer ends, and It is a flowchart explaining an update process. A series of processing when the administrator of the printer in the image forming system shown as the fourth embodiment of the present invention inputs setting conditions such as the instruction print reference time, the instruction print determination reference, and the print data discard time in advance. It is a flowchart to explain. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a window displayed on an operation panel of a printer in an image forming system shown as a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

10, 10A, 10B, 10C Personal computer 11 Application program 12 Printer driver 12a User information adding unit 12b Print data generating unit 13 PC input unit 14 Printer interface unit 15 Display 20, 100, 200, 300 Printer 21 Host interface unit 22 Print data Management unit 22a History collation unit 23 Data storage unit 24 Printing unit 25a Instruction print queue 25b Print queue 26, 126, 226, 326 Time management unit 26a Timer 26b, 226b Judgment unit 26c Input collation unit 27, 127, 327 Printer input unit 27a , 127a, 327a Operation panel 27b RFID card reader 28, 128, 228, 328 Print history storage unit 126a, 326a Calculation unit 328a Storage unit 328b overtime history storage unit

Claims (7)

A receiving unit for receiving print data transmitted from the outside;
A data storage unit for storing the print data received by the reception unit;
An image forming unit that performs image formation based on the print data stored in the data storage unit;
A confirmation input unit for inputting confirmation that the user has acquired the printed matter imaged by the image forming unit;
An information storage unit for storing information input via the confirmation input unit;
An image forming unit comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether or not to perform image formation based on print data by the image forming unit based on information stored in the information storage unit; apparatus. A timing unit that counts the time taken from receiving the print data by the receiving unit to confirming the information input through the confirmation input unit;
A predetermined instruction for determining whether or not to perform instruction printing, which is a printing mode for starting image formation by the printing unit, by a user who outputs the print data performing an input operation via the confirmation input unit An instruction print determination time input unit for inputting the print determination time in advance,
The determining unit compares the time measured by the time measuring unit with the instruction print determination time input via the instruction print determination time input unit, and when the time measured is longer than the instruction print determination time The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the instruction printing is determined to be performed at the next image formation. A timing unit that counts the time taken from receiving the print data by the receiving unit to confirming the information input through the confirmation input unit;
A predetermined instruction for determining whether or not to perform instruction printing, which is a printing mode for starting image formation by the printing unit, by a user who outputs the print data performing an input operation via the confirmation input unit An instruction print criteria input unit for inputting print criteria in advance;
In the information storage unit, the instruction print determination criterion input via the instruction print determination criterion input unit is associated with the information input via the confirmation input unit for each image forming process by the image forming unit. A calculation unit that calculates a predetermined instruction print determination time based on the time measured by the time measurement unit stored as a history,
The determining unit compares the time measured by the time measuring unit with the instruction print determination time calculated by the calculation unit. If the time measured is longer than the instruction print determination time, the time of the next image formation is determined. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the instruction printing is determined to be performed. An instruction printing reference time input unit for inputting in advance a predetermined instruction printing reference time for determining whether to perform the instruction printing;
The calculation unit includes the instruction print reference time out of the instruction print determination reference input via the instruction print determination reference input unit and the time measured by the time measuring unit stored as a history in the information storage unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the instruction print determination time is calculated based on a time measured longer than the instruction print reference time input via the input unit. In the information storage unit, information input via the confirmation input unit is stored as a history for each image forming process by the image forming unit,
When the number assigned to the latest information stored in the information storage unit is equal to a number designated in advance, the determination unit stores the user corresponding to the latest information in the information storage unit. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein all the information that has been deleted is erased. The determination unit deletes the oldest information when the number of pieces of information stored in the information storage unit has reached a predetermined number of recordable histories that can be registered in the information storage unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: A discard time input unit for inputting in advance a predetermined discard time for determining whether or not to discard the print data stored in the data storage unit;
The determining unit compares the time measured by the time measuring unit with the discard time input via the discard time input unit, and if the time measured reaches the discard time, the data storage unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stored print data is determined to be discarded.