JP2009181336A - Image forming apparatus, print control method, print control program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus, a print control method, a print control program, and a recording medium for recording the program for easily preventing an external storage device from being left without being removed in printing data stored in the external storage device by existing device configurations without making it necessary to provide any special device configuration. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming apparatus 100 includes an interface 12 for connecting an external storage device 104 to an image forming apparatus 100, and configured to acquire data D stored in the external storage device 104 through the interface 12, and to print the acquired data. This image forming apparatus 100 includes a detection means 32 for detecting the connecting state of the external storage device 104; and a printing means 35 for, when it is detected that the external storage device 104 has been removed from the image forming apparatus 100 by the detection means 32, printing the image data generated based on the acquired data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that prints data stored in an external storage device, a print control method, a print control program, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded, and more particularly, from the connection state of the external storage device and the external storage device The present invention relates to a technique for controlling the image forming operation according to the data acquisition state and performing printing.

  Conventionally, when a user prints predetermined data on an image forming apparatus, it has been performed via a PC (Personal Computer). However, in recent years, the capacity of an external storage device for storing data has been increased and an excellent portable device has been provided. With the improvement in technology for realizing the performance (miniaturization), there are increasing opportunities to connect the external storage device directly to the image forming apparatus and print the data stored in the external storage device. For example, as in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory storing image data or the like is inserted into a predetermined insertion port, and directly via the USB host I / F. For example, a printing apparatus capable of printing image data.

  However, the problem with the image forming apparatus is that when printing image data read from the external storage device, “forgetting to remove the external storage device due to carelessness of the user (hereinafter referred to as“ forgetting to remove ”)”. It is a point to say. In recent years, external storage devices have been downsized due to improvements in portability and compatibility with various devices (corresponding to small devices). For this reason, the user unintentionally prints the desired data and then leaves it connected to the image forming apparatus, which may be a risk of loss of the external storage device or information leakage.

  As a solution for this, for example, after printing desired data, a method of displaying a display screen that warns about forgetting to remove the external storage device on the display unit included in the image forming apparatus 100 is conceivable. There is a high possibility that the displayed information will be overlooked by a user who changes his / her line of sight.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 2, data necessary for printing is acquired from the external storage device on the RAM of the image forming apparatus, and from the completion of the acquisition until the printing is completed, the connected external storage device Disclosed is an image processing apparatus configured to display a warning (warning lamp) for preventing forgetting to remove and to provide a cover at a paper discharge port and to close the cover of the paper discharge port until the external storage device is removed. Has been.

As described above, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 can prevent the above-mentioned forgetting to remove the external storage device.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-077947 JP 2005-324431 A

  However, the conventional image processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 must be provided with a device for preventing forgetting such as a cover at the paper discharge port in order to prevent forgetting to remove the external storage device. Don't be. That is, the hardware configuration of the existing image processing apparatus cannot prevent the external storage device from being forgotten. Furthermore, since the conventional image processing apparatus is provided with an extra device for preventing the external storage device from being forgotten, it can be considered that the cost of the product is increased.

  In the present invention, in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, a special device configuration is not required, and it is easy to forget to remove an external storage device when printing data stored in the external storage device with an existing device configuration. An object of the present invention is to provide a preventable image forming apparatus, a print control method, a print control program, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus of the present invention has an interface for connecting an external storage device and the image forming apparatus, and the data stored in the external storage device is transferred via the interface. An image forming apparatus that acquires and prints acquired data, wherein the detecting unit detects a connection state of the external storage device, and the detection unit detects that the external storage device has been removed from the image forming apparatus. And printing means for printing image data generated based on the acquired data.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a generating unit that interprets the acquired data and generates the image data that can be printed by the image forming apparatus. If the detection unit detects that the external storage device has been removed from the image forming apparatus during data acquisition, the generation unit acquires the acquired data acquired before detecting the removal. Interpreting and generating the image data.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention has a holding unit that holds data specifying information for specifying print resumption target data that has become in the middle of printing due to the removal of the external storage device. And specifying means for specifying the data to be resumed from the data stored in the external storage device, based on the data specifying information held by the holding means, and specified by the specifying means And control means for controlling an image forming operation so as to print the remaining pages that have not been printed due to the removal of the external storage device based on the print resumption target data.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a determining unit that determines a start page when printing the remaining pages that are not printed due to the removal of the external storage device. In the control unit, from the data position corresponding to the start page determined by the determination unit, the generation unit interprets the print resumption target data and performs control so as to print the generated image data. Features.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, in the determination unit, information relating to a printed data range of the print resuming target data included in the data specifying information held by the holding unit The start page is determined based on the above.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a management unit that performs predetermined data operations on the data specifying information held by the holding unit and manages the data specifying information. In the control unit, the data specifying information corresponding to the printed print resumption target data held by the holding unit when the remaining unprinted pages of the print resumption target data are printed. The management means is instructed to delete the data.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention detects that the external storage device has been removed from the image forming device by the detecting means while acquiring the data from the external storage device. In this case, the control unit updates the information on the data range included in the data specifying information based on the data range interpreted by the generating unit from the acquired data acquired before detecting the removal. The management means is instructed.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, in the management unit, the data specifying information held by the holding unit is based on effective period information indicating an effective period of the data specifying information. An effective period is determined, and the data specifying information determined to have exceeded the effective period is deleted.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the management unit manages the retention number of the data identification information based on the maximum retention number of the data identification information retained by the retention unit. It is characterized by that.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes, in the specifying unit, information indicating the total number of pages of the print resuming target data included in the data specifying information held by the holding unit. Identifying at least one piece of information indicating the update date and time of the print resumption target data and information for identifying the external storage device storing the print resumption target data, and identifying the print resumption target data The printing resumption target data is specified based on the information to be printed.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus of the present invention detects that the external storage device connected to the image forming apparatus has been removed from the image forming apparatus by the user when printing the data stored in the external storage device. Then, printing of the print target data instructed by the user is started. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus can print from the data as much as possible depending on the data acquisition state after the print request is received in the image forming apparatus and the detection timing of the external storage device missing in the processing process. Print the correct page. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the user's operation to remove the external storage device from the insertion port of the image forming apparatus, and the print start instruction for the print target data specified by the user stored in the external storage device, As a result, the external storage device can be used for printing data stored in the external storage device with the existing device configuration, not the special device configuration disclosed in the prior art. Forgetting can be easily prevented.

  In order to achieve the above object, a printing control method of the present invention has an interface for connecting an external storage device and the image forming apparatus, and stores data stored in the external storage device via the interface. A print control method in an image forming apparatus that acquires and prints acquired data, the detection procedure detecting a connection state of the external storage device, and the external storage device is removed from the image forming apparatus by the detection procedure And a printing procedure for printing image data generated based on the acquired data when it is detected.

  Thus, the printing control method of the present invention detects that the external storage device connected to the image forming apparatus is removed from the image forming apparatus by the user when printing data stored in the external storage apparatus. Then, printing of the print target data selected and designated by the user is started, and the image forming apparatus further includes a data acquisition state after receiving a print request in the image forming apparatus and an external According to the detection timing of the storage device missing, the user can remove the external storage device from the insertion port of the image forming device by printing the maximum printable page from the data and stored in the external storage device. Can be linked with the print start instruction of the print target data selected and instructed by the user, and has a special device configuration as disclosed in the prior art. Not, in the existing device configuration, it is possible to prevent forgetting to take the external storage device when printing data stored in the external storage device easily.

  In order to achieve the above object, a printing control program in an image forming apparatus of the present invention has an interface for connecting an external storage device and the image forming apparatus, and the data stored in the external storage device A print control program in an image forming apparatus that acquires via an interface and prints acquired data. The computer includes a detection unit that detects a connection state of the external storage device, and the detection unit causes the external storage device to When it is detected that the image forming apparatus is detached from the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus functions as a printing unit that prints image data generated based on the acquired data.

  As a result, the print control program in the image forming apparatus of the present invention allows the user to connect the external storage device connected to the image forming apparatus when the computer prints data stored in the external storage device. When it is detected that the print target data is removed from the image forming apparatus, printing of the print target data instructed to be selected by the user is started. According to the detection timing of the loss of the external storage device, it is possible to function so as to print the maximum printable page from the data.

  Therefore, the print control program of the present invention includes a user's operation for removing the external storage device from the insertion port of the image forming apparatus, and a print start instruction for print target data specified by the user stored in the external storage device. And forgetting to remove the external storage device when printing the data stored in the external storage device with the existing device configuration, regardless of the special device configuration disclosed in the prior art. Can be easily prevented.

  According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus that does not require a special apparatus configuration and can easily prevent forgetting to remove an external storage device when printing data stored in the external storage device with an existing apparatus configuration, A print control method, a print control program, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded can be provided.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<Printing data stored in external storage device>
First, “direct printing from an external storage device” described below in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation example when printing data D stored in the external storage device 104 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the operation example of FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can print data D stored in the external storage device 104.

  First, the user connects the external storage device 104 storing data D to be printed to the image forming apparatus 100. Here, it supplements about the data D and the external storage device 104 which concern on this embodiment. The data D means data generated by various applications installed in a PC owned by the user, and corresponds to, for example, PDF (Portable Document Format) data. The external storage device 104 is a semiconductor memory that can freely erase and write data, and whose contents are not lost even when the power is turned off, such as a USB memory.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment detects that the external storage device 104 is connected, the image forming apparatus 100 acquires information on data stored in the external storage device 104, an operation panel included in the image forming apparatus 100, and the like. The acquired data information is displayed on the display screen. Here, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be supplemented. The image forming apparatus 100 is a device having a function capable of directly printing predetermined application data. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has a display function and a user interface (UI) function. For example, an operation panel provided with a touch panel is applicable.

  Based on the displayed information, the user selects data to be printed via the UI function of the operation panel.

  The image forming apparatus 100 acquires the file of the selected data D from the external storage device 104, acquires a predetermined character string that is the file name of the data D, and returns the data D to the display screen 21 of the operation panel 11 again. Displays the set printing conditions.

  After confirming the contents of the displayed printing conditions, the user instructs printing of the data D via the UI function.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print request from the user, and prints the data D according to the set print conditions. For example, in the case of FIG. 1, since the printing condition of “two-sided duplex printing” is set for the data D, the image forming apparatus 100 creates two copies of the double-sided printed material P of the project document ( Reference signs P1 and P2).

  As described above, direct printing of application data without using a printer driver or the like is called “direct printing”. The user can intuitively select desired data without setting complicated printing conditions. It is characterized in that it can be printed easily and conveniently.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment provides the user with “direct printing from an external storage device” that is highly convenient.

<Hardware configuration>
The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation panel 11 included in the image forming apparatus 100.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes an operation panel 11, an external storage device I / F 12, a controller 13, a data communication I / F 14, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 110, a scanner 15, and a plotter 16. Are connected to each other via a bus.

  The operation panel 11 includes an input device 101 and a display device 102. The input device 101 includes hardware keys and the like, and is used to input each operation signal to the image forming apparatus 100. The display device 102 is configured by a display or the like, and displays various types of information related to an image forming operation such as printing conditions.

  The operation panel 11 provides the user with a UI function as shown in FIG. For example, the UI function includes a display screen 21 that displays various information related to an image forming operation such as printing conditions, a function switching key 22 that switches operation functions such as a printer, a scanner, a fax, and a copy that the image forming apparatus 100 has, Numeric keypad 23 for inputting various types of information including setting values to image forming apparatus 100, start key 24 for instructing the start of operation of various functions, and clear / stop for clearing the operating conditions being set / stopping the function being operated A key 25, an initial setting key 26 for returning a setting value relating to an image forming operation to an initial state, a help key 27 for instructing display of information relating to an operation method of the apparatus, a setting relating to various temporarily set functional operations, etc. And a reset key 28 for resetting. The user operates the image forming apparatus 100 in an interactive manner through such a UI function. For example, when it is desired to change the printing condition when printing the data D from the external storage device 104, it is performed via the UI function.

  The data communication I / F 14 includes a host interface device 109, and the image forming apparatus 100 is connected to a network (such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network)) constructed by a wired and / or wireless line. It is an interface connected to a data transmission line (not shown) such as a data communication network.

  The HDD 110 stores various data such as received document data and read image data handled by the image forming apparatus 100. Further, the HDD 110 manages these various data by a predetermined file system or DB (Data Base).

  The external storage device I / F 12 has an interface device 103, and is an interface for connecting an external storage device 104 such as a USB memory to the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an insertion port (not shown) for connection to the external storage device I / F 12, and by inserting a connection terminal provided in the external storage device 104 into the insertion port, Data can be exchanged between the image forming apparatus 100 and the external storage device 104.

  The controller 13 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 105, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 106, an NV-RAM (Non Volatile RAM) 107, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 108. The ROM 105 is used for image formation. Stores a program executed when the apparatus 100 is activated (OS: a program serving as an operating system) and various data, and a program (application program) and various data for realizing various functions of the image forming apparatus 100. ing. The RAM 106 temporarily stores various programs and data read from the ROM 105 and the HDD 110. The NV-RAM 107 stores setting data related to the image forming apparatus 100 such as an initial setting value (initial setting value related to printing control) for controlling the image forming operation. Further, the CPU 108 executes a program temporarily stored in the RAM 106. With the above configuration, the controller 13 can interpret a PDL (Page Description Language) read from the ROM 105 onto the RAM 106 when receiving print data via the data communication I / F 14, for example (PDL parser). Is executed by the CPU 108 to interpret the print data and generate a bitmap image.

  The scanner 15 includes an image reading device 111 and optically reads a document placed on a reading surface and generates image data. The plotter 16 has a printing device 112, and prints the bitmap image transferred from the controller 13 on a recording paper (printing paper) by, for example, an electrophotographic process method. Here, an example of the electrophotographic process method is shown as an example of the image forming method, but the present invention is not limited to this content. For example, an inkjet process method may be used.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the CPU 108 executes a program that can interpret the PDL read into the RAM 106 of the controller 13, and the external storage device 104 via the external storage device I / F 12. A bitmap image is generated from the acquired application data, the generated bitmap data is transferred to the plotter 16, and data is printed from the external storage device 104.

<Print control function>
From now on, print control performed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment when printing data from the external storage device 104 will be described with reference to FIGS. The configuration of the “print control function” included in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

<< Overview of functional configuration >>
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes an operation control unit 31 that controls an output signal to the operation panel 11 and an input signal from the operation panel 11, and a connection state between the image forming apparatus 100 and the external storage device 104 ( A connection state detection unit 32 (corresponding to the detection means described in the claims) that detects whether it is attached / removed from the insertion port) via the external storage device I / F 12, and a print target The print data generation unit 33 (corresponding to the generation means described in the claims) that interprets the selection-instructed data D and generates print data that can be interpreted by the plotter 16, and the data D that has been selected and specified as a print target The data reading unit 34 that reads from the storage device 104 and acquires it on the RAM 106 of the image forming apparatus 100 and the print data generated by the print data generation unit 35 are plotted on the plotter. Transferred to 6, and a (corresponding to the printing means of claim) printing unit 35 for instructing the start of printing in accordance with a predetermined printing conditions. Each of the functional units is realized by reading an image control program stored in the ROM 105 of the controller 13 included in the image forming apparatus 100 onto the RAM 106 and executing it by the CPU 108.

  The “print control function” realized by the above functions will be described in detail in the following << Summary of functional operation >>.

<< Overview of functional operation >>
How the “printing control function” of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment operates and is realized by the functional units described above will be described with reference to FIG. The print control function according to the present embodiment is a function for controlling the printing operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the connection state of the external storage device 104.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the print control function according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment realizes a print control function by the following operation procedure performed by each functional unit illustrated in FIG.

(Procedure 1) Detecting Connection of External Storage Device First, in the image forming apparatus 100, the external storage device 104 is connected to a predetermined insertion port by the connection state detection unit 32 via the external storage device I / F 12. Is detected. After detecting the connection, the image forming apparatus 100 accesses the external storage device 104 and acquires information about stored data such as the data name of the data stored in the external storage device 104 (for example, “AAA plan document.pdf”). The acquired information is displayed on the display screen 21 of the operation panel 11 by the operation control unit 31.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 displays information related to the various data stored in the external storage device 104, and then requests the user to select the data D to be printed. Can be provided.

(Procedure 2) Acquisition of Data to be Printed When the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print request from the operation control unit 31 via the UI function of the operation panel 11, data selected and instructed by the data reading unit 34 according to the print request. Get D.

  The data reading unit 34 reads the data D accessed via the external storage device I / F 12 and acquires it on the RAM 106. At this time, when the connection state detection unit 32 detects that the external storage device 104 has been removed from the image forming apparatus 100 (hereinafter referred to as “external storage device removal”), the connection state detection unit 32 transfers to the data reading unit 34. The detection result is notified. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 100, the data reading unit 34 interrupts data acquisition, passes the acquired data acquired before detection to the print data generation unit 33, and instructs generation of print data. Even if the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the data reading unit 34 has successfully acquired all data D based on data end information such as EOF (End Of File), for example, the external storage device In the same manner as when the omission is detected, the acquired data is transferred to the print data generation unit 33 and the generation of the print data is instructed.

  Here, the data reading unit 34 will be supplemented. As described above, the data reading unit 34 acquires the data size of the data D to be read at one time in order to determine whether all data of the data D has been acquired or whether the data acquisition has been interrupted. Use a smaller size. For example, there are a method in which the data read at one time is up to a line feed code, and a method in which the data amount is in accordance with a predetermined read data size set in advance in consideration of the above points. In the above description, an example of data acquisition determination based on data end information such as EOF by the data reading unit 34 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this operation example. For example, a method of comparing the total data size of the data D with the total data size of the acquired data and determining from the comparison result may be used. The data D to be read is read to the end of the data. As long as it is possible to determine whether or not all data has been acquired, any method may be used.

(Procedure 3) Generation of Print Data The image forming apparatus 100 causes the print data generation unit 33 to interpret the acquired data received from the data reading unit 33 and generate print data that can be interpreted by the plotter 16. For example, the print data generation unit 33 is a PDL parser or the like.

  The print data generation unit 33 interprets the acquired data, and based on the interpretation result, the acquired data received from the data reading unit 33 is data whose acquisition has been interrupted due to detection of a missing external storage device during data acquisition. Or whether the data has been acquired normally. At this time, if the print data generation unit 33 determines that the data is interrupted, the print data generation unit 33 generates print data within the data range that can be interpreted, passes the generated print data to the printing unit 35, and starts printing. Instruct. In addition, when the print data generation unit 33 determines that the data is normally acquired, the print data generation unit 33 generates print data based on the acquired data, and receives a detection result of missing external storage device from the connection state detection unit 32. The generated print data is transferred to the printing unit 35 to instruct the start of printing.

  Also, the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the determination result from the print data generation unit 33 to the operation control unit 31, and displays information related to the processing status of the selected data D according to the notified determination result on the operation panel. 11 on the display screen 21 and inform the user accordingly. For example, when the determination result is “interrupted data”, the image forming apparatus 100 displays error information that informs the user that, for example, “all pages cannot be printed normally” by the operation control unit 31. The information is displayed on the display screen 21 of the operation panel 11. In addition, when the determination result is “normal data”, the operation control unit 31 starts printing to notify the user that, for example, “preparation for printing is completed and printing is started by removing the external storage device 104”. Information is displayed on the display screen 21 of the operation panel 11.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 maximizes the data at the time from the data acquisition state of the data D after the print request is received in the image forming apparatus 100 and the data acquired according to the detection of the loss of the external storage device. Print data of a printable page can be generated.

(Procedure 4) Printing The image forming apparatus 100 designates predetermined printing conditions by the printing unit 35, transfers the print data received from the print data generation unit 33 to the plotter 16, and performs printing according to the printing conditions. To instruct.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment causes the image forming apparatus 100 to print the data D stored in the external storage device 104 by the cooperative operation of the functional units described above. When it is detected that the connected external storage device 104 has been removed from the image forming apparatus 100 by the user, printing of the print target data D instructed to be selected by the user is started. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 uses the data D in accordance with the acquisition state of the data D after the print request is received in the image forming apparatus 100 and the detection timing of the external storage device missing in the processing process. Print the maximum printable page. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 100, the user's operation to remove the external storage device 104 from the insertion port of the image forming apparatus 100 and the printing start of the print target data D instructed by the user stored in the external storage device 104 are started. Instructions can be linked.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment prints the data D stored in the external storage device 104 with an existing apparatus configuration, without using a special apparatus configuration as disclosed in the related art. In this case, a “printing control function” that can easily prevent the user from forgetting to remove the external storage device 104 is realized.

<Processing procedure>
A specific processing procedure of the “printing control function” according to the present embodiment described above will be described with reference to FIG. The processing procedure described below is mainly a procedure performed by a print control program executed by the CPU 108 of the controller 13.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure regarding print control according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment waits until the connection state detection unit 32 detects that the external storage device 104 is connected to the predetermined insertion port of the image forming apparatus 100 (Step S101 is NO). ).

  When the image forming apparatus 100 detects the connection of the external storage device 104 (YES in step S101), the detection result is passed to the operation control unit 31 and stored in the external storage device 104 by the operation control unit 31. Information regarding all data is displayed on the display screen 21 of the operation panel 11. The image forming apparatus 100 waits until receiving an instruction to select data D to be printed from the user via the UI function of the operation panel 11 (step S102 is NO).

  When the image forming apparatus 100 receives a selection instruction from the user (YES in step S102), the data reading unit 34 causes the data storage unit 34 to transfer the data D stored in a predetermined storage area of the external storage device I. / F12 is accessed, and acquisition of the data D instructed for selection is started (step S103).

  The image forming apparatus 100 stores a predetermined amount of data on the RAM 106 until the data reading unit 34 acquires all data of the data D and while the connection state detection unit 32 does not detect the disconnection of the external storage device. (Step S104 is NO and Step S107 is NO).

  Further, when the image forming apparatus 100 detects that the external storage device is missing by the connection state detection unit 32 until all the data D is acquired (when step S107 is YES), the image forming apparatus 100 accepts an instruction to start printing. As a result, the data acquisition by the data reading unit 34 is interrupted, and the acquired data acquired up to that point is passed to the print data generation unit 33 to instruct generation of print data.

  When receiving the print data generation instruction, the image forming apparatus 100 causes the print data generation unit 33 to interpret the acquired data and generate print data within the interpretable data range (step S108). Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 100 passes the generated print data to the printing unit 35 by the print data generation unit 33 and instructs the start of printing.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print start instruction from the print data generation unit 33, transfers the generated print data to the plotter 16, and instructs printing in accordance with predetermined printing conditions (step S109). .

  In addition, when it is determined in step S104 that all data of the data D to be printed has been acquired (step S104 is YES), the image forming apparatus 100 acquires the acquired data acquired by the data reading unit 34 as print data. The data is transferred to the generation unit 33, and generation of print data is instructed.

  When receiving the print data generation instruction, the image forming apparatus 100 causes the print data generation unit 33 to interpret the acquired data and generate print data covering all pages of the data D (step S105).

  After that, the image forming apparatus 100 waits until the connection state detection unit 32 detects that the external storage device is missing (while step S106 is NO).

  When the connection state detection unit 32 detects that the external storage device is missing (when step S106 is YES), the image forming apparatus 100 receives the print start instruction and passes the generated print data to the printing unit 35 to start printing. (Proceed to step S109).

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment executes the above-described processing procedure by the controller 13, so that the user's operation of removing the external storage device 104 from the insertion port of the image forming apparatus 100 and the external storage It is easy to forget to remove the external storage device 104 when printing the data D stored in the external storage device 104 in cooperation with the print start instruction of the print target data D specified by the user and stored in the device 104 A “print control function” that can be prevented can be provided.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 when printing the data D stored in the external storage device 104. When it is detected that the external storage device 104 is removed from the image forming apparatus 100 by the user, printing of the print target data D instructed to be selected by the user is started. Further, in the processing process, the image forming apparatus 100 determines the data D according to the data acquisition state of the data D after the print request is received by the image forming apparatus 100 and the detection timing of the loss of the external storage device. Print the maximum printable page.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment causes the user's operation to remove the external storage device 104 from the insertion port of the image forming device 100, and the print selected by the user stored in the external storage device 104. Data D stored in the external storage device 104 can be printed with an existing device configuration, regardless of the special device configuration disclosed in the prior art, which can be linked with the print start instruction of the target data D It is possible to realize a “print control function” that can easily prevent the external storage device 104 from being forgotten.

[Second Embodiment]
In the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, when the data D to be printed is being acquired by the data reading unit 34, the connection state detection unit 32 detects the loss of the external storage device, and the data acquisition is interrupted. An example of print control operation for printing a page that can be printed to the maximum at that time has been described.

  On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, which will be described later, as described above, the data acquisition is interrupted due to the detection of the lack of the external storage device, and the incomplete printing result is obtained. Next, when the external storage device 104 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 for the target data D, it has a print control function for printing the remaining pages that have not been printed.

  Now, the print control function of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the following description, the technical matters described in the first embodiment will be omitted by using the same drawings and reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment. Only differences from the embodiment will be described.

<Print control function>
First, print control performed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment when data printing from the external storage device 104 is performed will be described with reference to FIGS. The configuration of the “print control function” included in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

<< Overview of functional configuration >>
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes each function unit (operation control unit 31, connection state detection unit 32, print data generation unit 33, data reading unit 34, and printing unit described in the first embodiment. 35) and a print resumption control unit 36 (corresponding to the control means described in the claims) and a data specifying information management unit 37 (corresponding to the management means described in the claims).

  The print resumption control unit 36 determines whether there is data for which printing has been interrupted among the data stored in the external storage device 104, and is interrupted and printing is not performed according to the determination result. Instructs another functional unit to resume printing of the received data. As a result, the print resumption control unit 36 detects the remaining pages that have not been printed with respect to the print target data D whose data acquisition has been interrupted due to the detection of the absence of the external storage device and has resulted in an incomplete print result. Control resume printing to print.

  The data identification information management unit 37 is a variety of information for the print resumption control unit 31 to identify data whose data acquisition has been interrupted due to missing of the external storage device from all the data stored in the external storage device 104. Data specifying information for specifying data D (print target data D having a remaining page that has not been printed), such as update or deletion, is managed. The data specifying information management unit 37 manages the data specifying information using, for example, management data described in the following << data configuration >>.

<< Data structure >>
The management data used for specifying the data D to be resumed in the print control function according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the management data 41 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes, for example, a predetermined storage data 41 illustrated in FIG. 8 such as an NV-RAM 110 that is a nonvolatile storage device (corresponding to the holding unit described in the claims) included in the controller 13. Is stored in the storage area.

  The management data 41 is configured to associate data identification information (“data name” in the figure) for identifying a data candidate to be resumed with printing and data specifying information of each data candidate. Further, the data specifying information is an information item (hereinafter referred to as “page number information”, and “page number” in the drawing) indicating the total number of pages when the data to be resumed is normally printed. , An information item indicating the update date and time (hereinafter referred to as “update date and time information” and “update date and time” in the drawing) and an information item for identifying the stored external storage device 104 (hereinafter referred to as “storage device identification information”). ”And“ Device ID ”in the figure), and an information item (hereinafter referred to as“ offset information ”) indicating a data range that can be printed when data acquisition is interrupted due to detection of missing external storage device. "In the figure," read offset ".). For example, in the management data 41 shown in FIG. 9, the data identification information “AAA plan book.pdf”, page number information “10”, update date / time information “20077091”, storage device identification information “0x0403”, and offset information Data specifying information composed of “5 pages” is associated.

  As described above, the data specifying information management unit 37 uses the management data 41 to specify the print target data D that has been obtained as an incomplete print result due to the data acquisition being interrupted due to the detection of the loss of the external storage device. Then, after specifying, it manages various information for printing the remaining pages that were not printed.

  The print resumption control unit 36 refers to the management data 41 managed by the data specifying information management unit 37 and stores the management data 41 in the external storage device 104 connected to the image forming apparatus 100 based on the data identification information. It is determined whether there is no corresponding data in the various data, and data for which printing needs to be restarted is specified.

  Here, the management data 41 is supplemented. FIG. 9 shows a data configuration example of the management data 41 in the table format, but the present invention is not limited to this data format. The management data 41 may be in any data format as long as the data identification information and the data specifying information correspond to each other uniquely.

  Similar to the other functional units, each functional unit described above is realized by reading an image control program stored in the ROM 105 of the controller 13 of the image forming apparatus 100 onto the RAM 106 and executing it by the CPU 108. The

  The print control function to which the “print resumption function” realized by the above functions is added will be described in detail in the following << Summary of functional operation >>.

<< Overview of functional operation >>
How the “printing control function” of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment operates and is realized by the functional units described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the print control function according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The print control function according to the present embodiment is a function for controlling the printing operation of the image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with the connection state of the external storage device 104. Further, data acquisition is performed by detecting the absence of the external storage device. A function for printing the remaining pages that are not printed when the external storage device 104 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 next to the print target data D that has been interrupted and results in incomplete printing. Have.

  The function of controlling the printing operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the connection state of the external storage device 104 in the present embodiment is the same as the print control function described in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, functional operations realized by the print resumption control unit 36 and the data specifying information management unit 37 different from those in the first embodiment will be described. In addition, in order to explain the print control function according to the present embodiment in an easy-to-understand manner, the main functions “management of data specifying information” and “resumption of printing based on data specifying information” are explained in order. To do.

(1) Management of Data Specification Information First, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment realizes management of data specification information according to the following operation procedure by each functional unit shown in FIG.

(Procedure 1) Connection Detection of External Storage Device and Confirmation of Management Data First, in the image forming apparatus 100, the external storage device 104 is set to a predetermined insertion port by the connection state detection unit 32 via the external storage device I / F 12. Detect connection. After detecting the connection, the image forming apparatus 100 instructs the print restart control unit 36 to check whether the management data 41 exists in a predetermined storage area of the NV-RAM 107. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 100, the print resumption control unit 36 instructs the data specifying information management unit 37 to access the NV-RAM 107, and the data specifying information management unit 37 determines whether or not the management data 41 exists. It is confirmed.

  When the management data 41 does not exist in the predetermined storage area, the data specifying information management unit 37 responds to the print resumption control unit 36 with each result when it exists.

(Procedure 2) Acquisition of Print Target Data and Generation of Data Specific Information In the image forming apparatus 100, when the print resumption control unit 36 receives a result indicating that the management data 41 does not exist from the data specific information management unit 37, In the image forming apparatus 100, print target data D (data D to be restarted) whose data acquisition has been interrupted due to the detection of the absence of the external storage device in the past and has resulted in an incomplete print result. The information acquired by the operation control unit 31 on the display screen 21 of the operation panel 11 is displayed.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, when the print resumption control unit 36 receives a print request via the UI function of the operation panel 11 by the operation control unit 31, the data reading unit acquires the data D that is instructed to be selected according to the print request. 34.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, the data reading unit 34 reads the data D accessed via the external storage device I / F 12 and acquires it on the RAM 106. At this time, when the connection state detection unit 32 detects that the external storage device is disconnected, the connection state detection unit 32 notifies the data reading unit 34 of the detection result. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 100, the data reading unit 34 interrupts data acquisition, passes the acquired data acquired before detection to the print data generation unit 33, and instructs generation of print data.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 100, when the print resumption control unit 36 receives a print request via the UI function of the operation panel 11 by the operation control unit 31, the data specifying information of the selected data D is stored on the RAM 106. read out. That is, the print resumption control unit 36 assumes that the data D that is instructed to be selected is interrupted by detecting the absence of the external storage device, resulting in an incomplete print result, and the data specifying information management unit in advance. The data specifying information to be registered is generated via 37. For example, the selected data D is stored in the external storage device 104 with the device ID “0x0403” as “AAA planning document with the latest update date of September 19, 2007 and a total of 10 pages.pdf”. If there is, the print resumption control unit 36, based on the bibliographic information and attribute information of the data D, the data identification information “AAA plan book.pdf”, the page number information “10”, and the update date / time information “20077091”. “, Storage device identification information“ 0x0403 ”, and offset information“ 0 page ”are read onto the RAM 106 and held as data specifying information. In this way, the print resumption control unit 36 generates data specifying information that is to be managed by the management data 41 based on the bibliographic information and attribute information of the data D that is instructed to be selected. Among them, for offset information, a default value that does not depend on data is used.

(Procedure 3) Generation of Print Data and Update of Data Specific Information The image forming apparatus 100 interprets the acquired data received from the data reading unit 33 by the print data generation unit 33 and generates print data that can be interpreted by the plotter 16 To do.

  The image forming apparatus 100 interprets the acquired data by using the print data generation unit 33, and the acquired data received from the data reading unit 33 detects that the external storage device is missing during the data acquisition based on the interpretation result. Thus, it is determined whether the data has been acquired or has been acquired normally. At this time, if the print data generation unit 33 determines that the data is interrupted, the print data generation unit 33 generates print data within the data range that can be interpreted, passes the generated print data to the printing unit 35, and starts printing. Instruct. In addition, when the print data generation unit 33 determines that the data is normally acquired, the print data generation unit 33 generates print data based on the acquired data, and receives a detection result of missing external storage device from the connection state detection unit 32. The generated print data is transferred to the printing unit 35 to instruct the start of printing.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 100 notifies the determination result from the print data generation unit 33 to the print resumption control unit 35. If the print data generation unit 33 determines that the data is interrupted, the print data generation unit 33 calculates information about the data range that can be interpreted, and passes the information about the calculated data range to the print resumption control unit 36. Instruct update. For example, when interpreting the acquired data, the print data generation unit 33 uses the information representing the page head in the data to determine the number of lines in which the page top information was read last, or the page top information read last. The data size up to a certain point and the number of page head information in the read data are calculated. In the present embodiment, the number of printed pages, which is the number of purge head information in the read data, is used as information regarding the data range.

  When receiving the information on the data range, the print resumption control unit 36 updates the offset information of the data specifying information held on the RAM 106 with the received information on the data range, assuming that the update of the data specifying information is instructed. . For example, when the print restart control unit 36 receives the number of pages generated as print data from the print data generation unit 33 as information related to the data range, the default value of the data specifying information held on the RAM 106 is set. The offset information “0 page” is updated to the number of received pages.

(Procedure 4) Printing and Permanent Data Specification Information The image forming apparatus 100 designates predetermined printing conditions by the printing unit 35 and transfers the printing data received from the printing data generation unit 33 to the plotter 16 for printing. Instruct to print according to the conditions. In addition, after printing is started by the printing unit 35, the image forming apparatus 100 is notified of the start of printing from the printing unit 35 to the print resumption control unit 36, and is updated and held on the RAM 106 by the print resumption control unit 36. The data specifying information and the data identification information are passed to the data specifying information management unit 37 to instruct the perpetuation of the data specifying information. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 100, the data specifying information management unit 37 stores the received data specifying information and data identification information as management data 41 in a predetermined storage area of the NV-RAM 107.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 identifies the print target data D that has been interrupted due to the detection of the loss of the external storage device and has resulted in an incomplete print result. It is possible to manage various information for printing the page.

(2) Resuming Printing Based on Data Identification Information Next, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment realizes resuming printing by the following operation procedure performed by each functional unit illustrated in FIG.

(Procedure 1) Connection Detection of External Storage Device and Confirmation of Management Data First, in the image forming apparatus 100, the external storage device 104 is set to a predetermined insertion port by the connection state detection unit 32 via the external storage device I / F 12. Detect connection. After detecting the connection, the image forming apparatus 100 instructs the print restart control unit 36 to check whether the management data 41 exists in a predetermined storage area of the NV-RAM 107. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 100, the print resumption control unit 36 instructs the data specifying information management unit 37 to access the NV-RAM 107, and the data specifying information management unit 37 determines whether or not the management data 41 exists. It is confirmed.

  The data specifying information management unit 37 refers to the management data 41 when the management data 41 exists in a predetermined storage area, and responds to the print resumption control unit 36 with the data identification information registered in the management data 41. .

(Procedure 2) Identification of printing resumption target data The image forming apparatus 100 is connected by the printing resumption control unit 36 based on the data identification information received as the existence result of the management data 41 from the data identification information management unit 37. It is determined whether or not all data stored in the external storage device 104 includes data D (data D registered in the management data 41) to be restarted.

  When the print resumption control unit 36 receives the data identification information registered in the management data 41 from the data specifying information management unit 37, the image resumption control unit 36 obtains data by detecting the absence of the external storage device in the past in the image forming apparatus 100. Is interrupted and it is determined that there is print target data D that has resulted in an incomplete print result, and based on the received data identification information (using the data identification information as a search key) via the external storage device I / F 12 The data names of all the data stored in the accessed external storage device 104 are searched to determine whether there is corresponding data.

  When there is corresponding data, the print resumption control unit 36 reads and holds the data specifying information of the corresponding data on the RAM 106 via the data specifying information management unit 37.

  In the above data specifying operation example, all data stored in the external storage device 104 is searched using the “data name” that is data identification information of the data specifying information registered in the management data 41 as a search key. Although the example which specifies the data to show was shown, this invention is not limited to this content. For example, the management data 41 includes page information, update date / time information, storage device identification information, and the like as data specifying information in addition to data identification information. Therefore, data identification information and a combination of these information may be searched, and data D to be resumed for printing is stored in the external storage prosecution 104 using various information registered in the management data 41. Any method can be used as long as it can be identified from all the data. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 stores the management data 41 shown in FIG. 8 in the NV-RAM 107, and the connected external storage device 104 (storage device identification information “0x0403”) contains “AAA plan document.pdf”. When "is stored," AAA plan document.pdf "resumes printing based on the data identification information (" data name "in the figure) and storage device identification information (" device ID "in the figure) Specified as data D to be processed. As a result, the print resumption control unit 36 is data specifying information corresponding to “AAA plan document.pdf”, page number information “10”, update date / time information “20077091”, storage device identification information “0x0403”, and offset. The value of each information item of information “5 pages” is read out and held on the RAM 106.

(Procedure 3) Acquisition of Print Resumption Target Data The image forming apparatus 100 uses the print resumption control unit 36 to read data specifying information corresponding to the data D to be printed again onto the RAM 106, and then the data reading unit 34. Is instructed to acquire data D. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 reads the data D accessed via the external storage device I / F 12 by the data reading unit 34 and acquires it on the RAM 106.

(Procedure 4) Determination of Print Resume Position and Generation of Print Data The image forming apparatus 100 determines a print resume position before the print data generation unit 33 generates print data from the acquired data.

  Based on the offset information of the data specifying information read onto the RAM 106 by the print resumption control unit 36, the print data generation unit 33 interrupts data acquisition from the acquired data because it has detected a missing external storage device in the past. Generate print data for pages that were not printed. For example, when the print data generating unit 33 generates print data for resuming printing of “AAA plan book.pdf”, the offset information “5 pages” of “AAA plan book.pdf” held in the RAM 106 is used. Based on this, it is determined that printing has been performed up to the fifth page, the acquired data up to the fifth page other than various information common to the print job such as print condition setting is discarded, and printing is performed from the acquired data from the sixth page onward. Generate data.

  As a result, when the image forming apparatus 100 receives the detection result of the absence of the external storage device from the connection state detection unit 32, the image forming apparatus 100 passes the print data generated by the print data generation unit 33 to the printing unit 35 and instructs the start of printing.

(Procedure 5) Printing The image forming apparatus 100 designates predetermined printing conditions by the printing unit 35, transfers the print data received from the print data generation unit 33 to the plotter 16, and performs printing according to the printing conditions. To instruct. In addition, after printing is started by the printing unit 35, the image forming apparatus 100 is notified of the start of printing from the printing unit 35 to the print resumption control unit 36, and the data held on the RAM 106 by the print resumption control unit 36. Specific information is deleted. In response to the print start notification, the print resumption control unit 36 passes the data identification information to the data specifying information management unit 37 and instructs to delete the data specifying information registered in the management data 41. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 100, the data specifying information management unit 37 refers to the management data 41 in a predetermined storage area of the NV-RAM 107 based on the received data identification information, and deletes and manages the corresponding data area. Data 41 is updated.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when the connection of the external storage device 104 is detected, the external storage device is missing in the past of the print resumption target data specified from the data specifying information registered in the management data 41. It is possible to print the remaining pages that were not printed because the data acquisition was interrupted.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment prints the data D stored in the external storage device 104 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, by the cooperative operation of the functional units described above. When detecting that the external storage device 104 connected to the image forming apparatus 100 is removed from the image forming apparatus 100 by the user, printing of the print target data D instructed to be selected by the user is started. Further, the external storage device 104 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 for the print target data D whose data acquisition is interrupted due to the detection of missing external storage device and the result is incomplete printing. The remaining pages that were not printed are printed. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 100, the user's operation to remove the external storage device 104 from the insertion port of the image forming apparatus 100 and the printing start of the print target data D instructed by the user stored in the external storage device 104 are started. In addition, even if the external storage device is lost due to carelessness of the user, the remaining pages that have not been printed can be properly restored by connecting the external storage device 104 again. The page can be printed.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment prints the data D stored in the external storage device 104 with an existing apparatus configuration, without using a special apparatus configuration as disclosed in the related art. Can easily prevent the user from forgetting to remove the external storage device 104. Further, even when an incomplete print result is generated due to the external storage device being disconnected, the remaining pages are automatically printed, and a complete printed matter is sent to the user. The “print control function” that can be provided is realized.

  Here, the explanation is not given in the above “(2) Resumption of printing based on data specifying information”. However, in some cases, during the operation of (2), it is detected again that the external storage device is missing at the time of data acquisition. Is also possible. In this case, as described in “(1) Management of data specifying information”, the offset information of the data specifying information corresponding to the corresponding data is updated, and the management data 41 is made permanent, so that the external memory is stored again. When the apparatus 104 is connected, printing can be resumed based on the updated offset information.

  From here, various setting environments of the print control function provided to the user by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

(Settings to instruct execution of printing restart)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for instructing execution of resumption of interrupted printing according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, the print resumption control unit 36 instructs to resume the printing of the remaining unprinted pages of “AAA plan book.pdf” identified as the data D to be printed again (“Print” in the figure). An example is shown in which “Yes” is selected and set.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is stored in the external storage device 104 connected by the print resumption control unit 36 described in “(2) Resumption of printing based on data specifying information”. When the data D to be printed again is identified from all the data, the identification result is passed to the operation control unit 31 and whether or not to resume printing of a non-printed page as shown in FIG. A selectable setting screen is displayed on the display screen 21 of the operation panel 11. In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 may previously set a print control operation when the administrator specifies data D to be printed again via a setting screen as shown in FIG. .

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can provide an environment in which a user or an administrator can control a print control operation when data D to be printed is identified.

(Setting of printing resumption judgment condition)
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting determination conditions when resuming printing according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In (A), the information item “storage device identification information” constituting the data specifying information of the management data 41 is set as a determination condition when the print resuming control unit 36 specifies data D to be printed again. An example of enabling ("ON" in the figure) is shown, and (B) shows an example of enabling the information item "update date and time information"("ON" in the figure). (C) shows an example in which the information item “page number information” is enabled (“ON” in the figure).

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is previously set by an administrator via a setting screen displayed on the display screen 21 of the operation panel 11 by the operation control unit 31 as shown in FIGS. Thus, each determination condition for specifying the data D to be resumed by the print resumption control unit 36 described in “(2) Resumption of printing based on data identification information” is set.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can provide an environment in which the administrator can control the specific operation of the data D to be printed again.

(Settings related to data specific information)
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for performing settings related to data specifying information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (A) shows an example of setting the maximum number of data specifying information that can be registered in the management data 41 (“2” in the figure), and (B) is read on the RAM 106. An example of setting the valid time (“15 minutes” in the figure) of the data specifying information to be held is shown.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is previously set by an administrator via a setting screen displayed on the display screen 21 of the operation panel 11 by the operation control unit 31 as shown in FIGS. Thus, the maximum of data specifying information used when specifying the data D to be printed again by the print resuming control unit 36 described in “(2) Resuming printing based on data specifying information”. Set the number of saves and information validity time.

  Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can provide an environment in which the management operation of the data specifying information can be controlled by the administrator.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment performs print control according to the setting values set by the various setting environments described above.

<Processing procedure>
A specific processing procedure of the “print control function” according to the present embodiment described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. The processing procedure described below is a procedure performed by the print control program executed by the CPU 108 of the controller 13 as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example (part 1) of a processing procedure related to print control according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment waits until the connection state detection unit 32 detects that the external storage device 104 is connected to a predetermined insertion port of the image forming apparatus 100 (Step S201 is NO). ).

  When the image forming apparatus 100 detects the connection of the external storage device 104 (when step S101 is YES), the detection result is passed to the print resumption control unit 36, and the print resumption control unit 36 causes the data specifying information management unit 37 to operate. Then, the management data 41 stored in a predetermined storage area of the NV-RAM 107 is read out and acquired on the RAM 106 (step S202).

  The image forming apparatus 100 uses the print resumption control unit 36 as an external storage device via the external storage device I / F 12 using the data identification information (data name) registered in the management data 41 acquired on the RAM 106 as a search key. All the data stored in 104 is accessed, the corresponding data is searched, the data to be printed has been interrupted, and the data acquisition has been interrupted due to the detection of missing external storage device in the past. It is determined whether or not there is D (step S203). Next, when it is determined that there is corresponding data (YES in step S203), the image forming apparatus 100 acquires the data specifying information and the data specifying information from the bibliographic information and attribute information of the corresponding data by the print resumption control unit 36. Then, it is determined whether or not the acquired information is registered in the data area corresponding to the corresponding data of the management data 41 (step S205). When it is determined that the data specifying information of the corresponding data is registered in the management data 41 (when step S205 is YES), the image forming apparatus 100 is a target for restarting printing of the corresponding data by the print restart control unit 36. As the data D, the data specifying information of the data D is read out and held on the RAM 106 (step S206).

  Further, the image forming apparatus 100 determines that there is no corresponding data in Step S204 (when Step S204 is NO) or that the data specifying information of the corresponding data is not registered in the management data 41 in Step S205. When the determination is made (NO in step S205), the operation control unit 31 displays information on all data stored in the external storage device 104 on the display screen 21 of the operation panel 11, and selects the print target data D. Wait until instructed (step S207). When the image forming apparatus 100 receives the selection instruction via the UI function of the operation panel 11 by the operation control unit 31, the bibliographic information and attribute information of the print target data D instructed to be selected by the print resumption control unit 36. The data specifying information is acquired from the above (step S208).

  The image forming apparatus 100 receives an acquisition request for data D from the print resumption control unit 36, and the data reading unit 34 converts the data D stored in a predetermined storage area of the external storage device 104 to the external storage device I / F 12. And acquisition of the data D instructed for selection is started (step S209).

  If image acquisition fails while data acquisition is being performed by the data reading unit 34 (step S210 is YES), the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the data acquisition failure is an external storage device omission. Is determined by the connection state detection unit 32 (step S218).

  The image forming apparatus 100 assumes that an unforeseen reading error has occurred when failure in data acquisition occurs due to a reason other than the lack of an external storage device (YES in step S210 and NO in step S218). The process is forcibly terminated.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 100 interrupts the data acquisition of the data reading unit 34 when the failure in data acquisition occurs due to the lack of the external storage device (when step S210 is YES and step S218 is YES). The acquired data acquired up to that point is transferred to the print data generation unit 33 and the generation of the print data is instructed.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 receives the print data generation instruction, the print data generation unit 33 interprets the acquired data and generates print data in a data range that can be interpreted (step S219). After that, the image forming apparatus 100 uses the print data generation unit 33 to calculate information (offset information) regarding the data range that can be interpreted from the acquired data (step S220), and the information about the calculated data range is obtained from the print data generation unit 33. Over the print resumption control unit 36, the print resumption control unit 36 updates the offset information of the data specifying information held on the RAM 106 based on the information regarding the data range (step S221). Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 100 passes the generated print data to the printing unit 35 by the print data generation unit 33 and instructs the start of printing.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print start instruction from the print data generation unit 33, transfers the generated print data to the plotter 16, and instructs printing according to predetermined printing conditions (step S222). Then, the print resumption control unit 36 updates the management data 41 stored in the VN-RAM 107 to the latest data specifying information via the data specifying information management unit 37 (step S217).

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 does not fail to acquire data by the data reading unit 34, and acquires all data of the print target data D while it is normally acquired (during step S210 is NO) ( While step S211 is NO), data acquisition is continued.

  When all the data of the print target data D is acquired by the data reading unit 34 (when step S211 is YES), the image forming apparatus 100 passes the acquired acquired data to the print data generation unit 33 to generate print data. Is instructed.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 receives the print data generation instruction, the print data generation unit 33 interprets the acquired data and generates print data of the print target data D (step S212). At this time, the image forming apparatus 100 refers to the offset information of the data specifying information held on the RAM 106, and sets the data range to be interpreted in order to generate print data from the acquired data based on the set value of the offset information. Decide, interpret the acquired data for the determined data range, and generate print data. Thereafter, when the connection state detection unit 32 detects that the external storage device is missing (step S213), the image forming apparatus 100 passes the generated print data to the printing unit 35 by the print data generation unit 33 and instructs the start of printing.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print start instruction from the print data generation unit 33, transfers the generated print data to the plotter 16, and instructs printing according to predetermined printing conditions (step S214). .

  When printing is started by the printing unit 35, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether the print target data D that has started printing is the data D that is to be restarted by the print resumption control unit 36 (Step S1). S215).

  When it is determined that the print target data D that has started printing is the data D that is the target of restarting printing (when step S215 is YES), the image forming apparatus 100 causes the print restart control unit 36 to execute the data specifying information. The management data 41 stored in the NV-RAM 107 is accessed via the management unit 37, and the data area of the data specifying information corresponding to the print target data D that has started printing based on the data identification information is erased (step S216), the process proceeds to step S217.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment executes the above processing procedure by the controller 13, so that the external storage at the time of printing the data D stored in the external storage device 104 with the existing device configuration is performed. Forgetting to remove the device 104 can be easily prevented. Furthermore, even when an incomplete printing result is obtained due to an external storage device being removed, the remaining pages are automatically printed, and a complete printed matter can be provided to the user. The “print control function” can be realized.

(Print control processing according to the limit on the number of registered data specific information)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example (part 2) of the processing procedure relating to print control according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The processing procedure shown in FIG. 14 manages the data specifying information according to the setting value of the maximum registration number of the data specifying information shown in FIG. 12A in addition to the processing procedure from step S201 to step S222 shown in FIG. A processing procedure to be registered in the data 41 is shown. Therefore, the processing procedure from step S301 to step S321 shown in FIG. 14 is the same processing procedure as the processing procedure from step S201 to step S222 shown in FIG. Only the processing procedure will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the print target data D that has started printing is the data D that is to be restarted (when step S315 is YES), the print restart control unit 36 Thus, the management data 41 stored in the NV-RAM 107 is accessed via the data identification information management unit 37, and the data area of the data identification information corresponding to the print target data D that has started printing based on the data identification information Is deleted (step S316).

  In the image forming apparatus 100, the number of registrations of the data registration information currently registered is set by the print resumption control unit 36 based on the preset value of the maximum registration number of the data identification information in the management data 41. It is determined whether the number is smaller than (threshold value) (step S322).

  If the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the number of registered data specifying information currently registered is equal to or greater than the set value (threshold) (NO in step S322), the print resuming control unit 36 performs data specifying. The management data 41 stored in the NV-RAM 107 is accessed via the information management unit 37, the data area of the registered data identification information is deleted (step S323), and the management data 41 is updated to the latest data identification information. (Step S324). If the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the number of registered data specifying information currently registered is less than the set value (threshold) (YES in step S322), the image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to step S324.

(Print control processing according to the information valid time of data specific information)
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure related to data specific information storage according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the recording date / time data 42 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 15, in addition to the processing procedures from step S201 to step S222 shown in FIG. 13, the processing procedure for managing the data specifying information according to the set value of the information valid time of the data specifying information shown in FIG. It is shown. Details thereof will be described below with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

  In the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when the management data 41 stored in the VN-RAM 107 is updated by the data specifying information management unit 37, the data identification information of the target data D and the data D information The total number of pages and the updated date / time are recorded as recording date / time data 42 associating information items of data identification information, page number information, and recording date / time information as shown in FIG. 16 (step S401).

  Thereafter, in the image forming apparatus 100, whether or not each data specifying information registered in the management data 41 has been deleted by the data specifying information management unit 37 because printing has been resumed and the remaining pages have been printed. Is determined (step S402). When the data specifying information management unit 37 determines that the data specifying information has been deleted (when step S402 is YES), the image forming apparatus 100 ends the process.

  At this time, the image forming apparatus 100 refers to the recording date / time data 42 recorded in step S401 by the data specifying information management unit 37 based on the data identification information, and the recording date / time information stored in the reference data area. And the currently acquired date / time information, and based on whether or not the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the preset value of the information valid time of the data specifying information, the data specifying information being stored is valid information Whether or not (step S403).

  When the data specifying information management unit 37 determines that the elapsed time is smaller than the preset value of the information valid time of the data specifying information (when step S403 is NO), the image forming apparatus 100 stores the data Assuming that the data specifying information being stored corresponding to the identification information is valid information, the process proceeds to step S402 again.

  The image forming apparatus 100 determines that the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the preset value of the information valid time of the data specific information set by the data specific information management unit 37 (when step S403 is YES). The data area of the data identification information registered in the management data 41 is erased assuming that the data identification information being stored corresponding to the data identification information is invalid information (expired information) (step S404), and processing Exit.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 when printing the data D stored in the external storage device 104. When it is detected that the external storage device 104 is removed from the image forming apparatus 100 by the user, printing of the print target data D instructed to be selected by the user is started. Further, the external storage device 104 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 for the print target data D whose data acquisition is interrupted due to the detection of missing external storage device and the result is incomplete printing. The remaining pages that were not printed are printed.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment causes the user's operation to remove the external storage device 104 from the insertion port of the image forming device 100, and the print selected by the user stored in the external storage device 104. It is possible to link the print start instruction of the target data D. Furthermore, even when the external storage device omission occurs due to carelessness of the user, the remaining pages that are not printed are again stored in the external storage device 104. The remaining pages can be printed normally by connection. In other words, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment, and further, even when an incomplete print result is obtained due to the lack of the external storage device. The remaining pages can be automatically printed and a complete print can be provided to the user.

  So far, the present invention has been described based on each of the above embodiments, but the “print control function” of the image forming apparatus 100 according to each of the above embodiments is the same as that shown in FIGS. 6 and 13 to 15. The processing procedure can be realized by being executed by a computer as a program coded in a programming language suitable for the operating environment (platform) of the image forming apparatus 100 according to each of the above embodiments. Therefore, the print control program according to each of the above embodiments can be stored in a computer-readable recording medium (not shown).

  Therefore, the print control program according to each of the above embodiments can read these recording media by storing them in a recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a CD (Compact Disc), and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). The image forming apparatus 100 can be installed from a recording medium connected to a drive device (not shown). Further, since the image forming apparatus 100 has a data communication I / F 14 that can be connected to a data transmission path (not shown) such as a network, the image forming apparatus 100 downloads a print control program using an electric communication line such as the Internet. Can also be installed.

  In each of the above embodiments, the data reading unit 34 acquires print target data from the external storage device 104 to the RAM 106, and the print data generation unit 33 generates print data from the data acquired on the RAM 106. Although described, the present invention is not limited to this data processing method.

  For example, there may be a case where the capacity of the RAM 106 included in the image forming apparatus 100 is small and not all print target data acquired by the data reading unit 34 can be held. In such a case, the data reading unit 34 stores the data (data acquired) on the RAM 106 as a work file in another storage device (for example, the HDD 110) included in the image forming apparatus 100 and prints it. The data generation unit 33 may read the stored work file on the RAM 106 and generate print data.

  In the description given in each of the above embodiments, for the sake of convenience, the RAM 106 included in the image forming apparatus 100 has a capacity sufficient to hold data acquired by the data reading unit 34 for the sake of convenience. The explanation is based on the assumption that

  In the second embodiment, management data 41 for managing data specifying information is stored in a predetermined storage area of a nonvolatile storage device (for example, NV-RAM 107) included in the image forming apparatus 100, and Although the example managed by the data specific information management unit 37 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this data management method. For example, the management data 41 itself is stored in a predetermined storage area of the external storage device 104, and the management data 41 stored via the external storage device I / F 12 is accessed by the data specifying information management unit 37. In addition, with this configuration, the data amount of the management data 41 can be reduced, and it is possible to print the data D that is the target of resuming printing without depending on the image forming apparatus 100. Become. This is because the management data 41 is stored in the external storage device 104, and it is only necessary to manage the data specifying information for the data D that is in the middle of printing due to detection of the absence of the external storage device. Is not necessary. In addition, in the image forming apparatus 100, by holding offset information when resuming printing, printing can be resumed only by the image forming apparatus 100 in the middle of printing. By holding in the apparatus 104, the dependency on the image forming apparatus 100 is eliminated.

  Finally, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as combinations of other elements with the shapes listed in the above embodiments. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

It is a figure which shows the operation example when printing the data stored in the external storage device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation panel which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration included in the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the printing control function which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure regarding print control according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the management data which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the printing control function which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen which instruct | indicates execution of resumption of the interrupted printing which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen which sets the determination conditions at the time of the printing restart which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen which performs the setting regarding the data specific information which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example (the 1) of the process sequence regarding the printing control which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example (the 2) of the process sequence regarding the printing control which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence regarding the data specific information storage which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the recording date data based on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

11 Operation panel 12 External storage device I / F
13 Controller 14 Data communication I / F
15 Scanner 16 Plotter 21 Display Screen 22 Function Switching Key 23 Numeric Keypad 24 Start Key 25 Clear / Stop Key 26 Initial Setting Key 27 Help Key 28 Reset Key 31 Operation Control Unit 32 Connection State Detection Unit 33 Print Data Generation Unit 34 Data Reading Unit 35 Printing unit 36 Printing resumption control unit 37 Data specifying information management unit 41 Management data 42 Recording date / time data 100 Image forming apparatus 101 Input device 102 Display device 103 Interface device 104 External storage device (flash memory)
105 ROM
106 RAM
107 NV-RAM
108 CPU
109 Host interface device 110 HDD
111 Image reading device 112 Printing device D Application data (for example, PDF data)

Claims (13)

An image forming apparatus having an interface for connecting an external storage device and the image forming apparatus, acquiring data stored in the external storage device via the interface, and printing the acquired data ,
Detecting means for detecting a connection state of the external storage device;
An image forming system comprising: a printing unit configured to print image data generated based on the acquired data when the detecting unit detects that the external storage device is removed from the image forming device. apparatus. The image forming apparatus is
A generation unit that interprets the acquired data and generates the image data that can be printed by the image forming apparatus;
When detecting that the external storage device has been removed from the image forming apparatus by the detection means while acquiring the data from the external storage device,
The generating means includes
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data is generated by interpreting the acquired data acquired before the detection of the removal. The image forming apparatus is
Holding means for holding data specifying information for specifying print resumption target data that has become in the middle of printing due to the removal of the external storage device;
Specifying means for specifying the print resumption target data from the data stored in the external storage device based on the data specifying information held by the holding means;
Control means for controlling the image forming operation so as to print the remaining pages that were not printed due to the removal of the external storage device based on the print resumption target data specified by the specifying means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The image forming apparatus is
Determining means for determining a start page when printing the remaining pages that were not printed due to the removal of the external storage device;
The control means includes
2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit interprets the print resumption target data from the data position corresponding to the start page determined by the determination unit, and prints the generated image data. The image forming apparatus according to 3. The determining means includes
5. The image according to claim 4, wherein the start page is determined based on information related to a printed data range of the print resumption target data included in the data specifying information held by the holding unit. Forming equipment. The image forming apparatus is
Management means for performing predetermined data operations on the data specifying information held by the holding means and managing the data specifying information;
The control means includes
When the remaining pages that have not been printed of the print resume target data are printed,
6. The management unit according to claim 3, wherein the management unit is instructed to delete the data specifying information corresponding to the printed resuming target data held by the holding unit. Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is
When detecting that the external storage device has been removed from the image forming apparatus by the detection means while acquiring the data from the external storage device,
The control means includes
The management unit is instructed to update the information related to the data range included in the data specifying information based on the data range interpreted by the generation unit from the acquired data acquired before detecting the removal. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The management means includes
Based on the validity period information indicating the validity period of the data identification information, the validity period of the data identification information held by the holding unit is determined, and the data identification information determined to have exceeded the validity period The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus is deleted. The management means includes
9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the number of the data specifying information held is managed based on a maximum number of the data specifying information held by the holding unit. The specifying means is:
Information indicating the total number of pages of the print resumption target data, information indicating the update date and time of the print resumption target data, and the print resumption target data included in the data specifying information held by the holding unit are stored. The print resumption target data is specified based on at least one piece of information for identifying the external storage device, and information for identifying the print resumption target data. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 3 to 9. Print control in an image forming apparatus having an interface for connecting an external storage device and the image forming apparatus, acquiring data stored in the external storage device via the interface, and printing the acquired data A method,
A detection procedure for detecting a connection state of the external storage device;
A print procedure for printing image data generated based on the acquired data when the detection procedure detects that the external storage device is removed from the image forming apparatus. Method. Print control in an image forming apparatus having an interface for connecting an external storage device and the image forming apparatus, acquiring data stored in the external storage device via the interface, and printing the acquired data A program,
Computer
Detecting means for detecting a connection state of the external storage device;
A print control program that functions as a printing unit that prints image data generated based on the acquired data when the detection unit detects that the external storage device is removed from the image forming apparatus.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the print control program according to claim 12 is recorded.

Images