JP2010000703A - Image forming apparatus, printing job output method executed in image forming apparatus, printing job output program, and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which can surely deliver printed matter of a remaining authenticated job to a user even if it is equipped with only a notifying means of a low price specification, to provide a printing job output method executed in an image forming apparatus, and to provide a printing job output program and an image forming system. <P>SOLUTION: When the latest job is a job which requires authentication, authentication information of the user is detected (step S102). When the user is determined as a user who is permitted to print the latest job on the basis of the detected authentication information, first, output processing of the remaining job which is stored while being matched with user identification information of the user and which requires authentication is carried out (steps S104 and S105). Thereafter, output processing of the latest job is carried out (step S106). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of printing image data based on a print command received from an external terminal via a network, a print job output method executed in the image forming apparatus, a print job output program, and image formation More particularly, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including an authentication information detection unit for detecting user authentication information, a print job output method, a print job output program, and an image forming system executed in the image forming apparatus.

  With conventional image forming devices, if you forget to remove the printed material after printing, there is a possibility that other people can see the printed material. If the document is an important document with high confidentiality, it may cause serious damage. It was. Therefore, an image forming apparatus including an authentication device (authentication information detection unit) that detects authentication information (for example, information recorded on a fingerprint, an ID (Identification) card) to identify a user has been proposed. In such an image forming apparatus, when printing, the user accesses the authentication apparatus, and the printing operation is started only when the user is authenticated. Thereby, since the printed matter output by the user can be taken immediately, security can be improved. However, even in such an image forming apparatus, there is a risk that a document can be viewed by another person if the user forgets it after performing authentication.

In order to solve such problems, when normal printing that does not require authentication and authentication printing that requires authentication are requested, the waiting time of the user can be shortened by issuing the authentication printing first. Has been proposed (Patent Document 1) for reducing the risk of leaving the image forming apparatus.
JP 2007-226565 A

  However, after the user makes a print request, there is a case where an urgent business can be performed or the user forgets to go. In that case, the request for authentication printing remains in the memory of the image forming apparatus. Even when printing information is received in the fax mode, the user may be notified by the PC screen or e-mail, but the request may remain due to forgetting. By storing these residual jobs, the memory capacity may be compressed, and it may be delayed for the user to obtain information received in the fax mode. These residual jobs need to be processed quickly and reliably passed to the user.

  There are image forming apparatuses that include a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal panel) that can notify that there is a residual job, but a low-cost type operation panel that includes, for example, only a few LEDs as notification means. Thus, it is difficult to notify the user that there is a residual job. Further, even if the residual job is discharged, the user is often not aware of the residual job, so there is a high risk of forgetting to remove the printed material of the residual job.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. The purpose of the present invention is to ensure that the printed matter of the remaining authentication job remains in the user, even if only a low-priced notification means is provided. Image forming apparatus, print job output method executed in the image forming apparatus, print job output program, and image forming system.

  An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention corresponds to a first receiving unit for receiving a print command from an external terminal via a network and a latest print command according to a reception date and time by the first receiving unit. A first storage unit for storing a print job to be performed as a latest job and a print job other than the latest job as a remaining job, and the first storage unit is associated with each print job and printing is permitted. The user identification information of the user is stored, and when the detection means for detecting the user authentication information and the latest job is a job that requires authentication, the user is determined based on the authentication information detected by the detection means. Authentication processing means for authenticating whether or not the user is permitted to print the latest job, and when the authentication processing means determines that the user is permitted to print. In, and an output control means for controlling the output of the print job of the user stored in the first storage means. The output control means includes a first processing means for performing output processing of a residual job that requires authentication stored in the first storage means in association with the user identification information of the user, and processing performed by the first processing means. And second processing means for performing the output processing of the latest job.

  Preferably, the first storage unit stores the reception date and time of each residual job by the first reception unit, and the first processing unit is specified from the reception date and time by the first reception unit among the plurality of residual jobs. Only residual jobs that have passed the time are output.

Preferably, the specific time is a time set for each user.
Preferably, the apparatus further comprises second receiving means for receiving print data via a telephone line, and the plurality of remaining jobs further include a print job for print data received by the second receiving means, The first storage means stores reception identification data indicating which of the first and second receiving means each remaining job is a print job received from. The first processing means includes a plurality of first processing means. Of the remaining jobs, only the remaining jobs indicating that the reception identification data has been received by the second receiving means are output.

  Preferably, the first storage unit stores the capacity of each print job in association with each other, and the first processing unit stores the capacity of all the print jobs associated with the user identification information of the user as a specific value. Only when this is the case, at least one remaining job is output.

Preferably, the specific value is a value set for each user.
Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes display means for displaying information, and detection processing means for detecting whether or not the display means has a function of displaying a specific screen, and processing by the first processing means Is executed only when the detection processing means detects that the display means has no function.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes second storage means for storing authentication information for each user in advance.

  A print job output method according to another aspect of the present invention includes a receiving unit for receiving a print command from an external terminal via a network, and a print job corresponding to the latest print command according to the reception date and time by the receiving unit. A print job output method executed in an image forming apparatus having a latest job and a storage unit for storing a print job other than the latest job as a residual job, and the latest job is a job that requires authentication. A step of detecting user authentication information and a user print job stored in the storage unit when it is determined that the user is a user permitted to print the latest job based on the detected authentication information. A control step for controlling the printing of the user, and the control step stores the remaining authentication requiring authentication stored in the storage unit in association with the user identification information of the user. And performing output processing of the job, after the output processing of the residual job, and a step for performing output processing of the latest job.

  A print job output program according to still another aspect of the present invention includes a receiving unit for receiving a print command from an external terminal via a network, and a print job corresponding to the latest print command according to the reception date and time by the receiving unit Is a print job output program that is executed by an image forming apparatus having a storage unit for storing a print job other than the latest job as a residual job, and the print job output program requires authentication of the latest job If it is a job, the step of detecting user authentication information, and if the user is determined to be a user permitted to print the latest job based on the detected authentication information, stored in the storage unit A control step for controlling printing of the user's print job, and the control step stores the user identification information of the user in the storage unit. And performing output processing of the residual job requiring authentication is associated is in storage, after the output processing of the residual job, and a step for performing output processing of the latest job.

  An image forming system according to still another aspect of the present invention is an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a management apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus via a network. The image forming apparatus is connected to an external terminal. First storage means for storing a print job corresponding to the latest print command as a latest job and a print job other than the latest job as a residual job according to the reception date and time when the print command is received, The storage unit stores user identification information of a user who is permitted to print in association with each print job, and is a detection unit for detecting user authentication information, and the latest job is a job that requires authentication. In this case, the authentication information detected by the detection means is transmitted to the management apparatus, and the authentication result is printed by the user by the first transmission / reception means for receiving the authentication result from the management apparatus. An output control means for controlling the output of the print job of the user stored in the first storage means when the result is that it is an authorized user, the output control means comprising: The first processing means for performing output processing of a residual job that requires authentication stored in the storage means in association with the user identification information of the user, and after the processing by the first processing means, the latest job output processing Second processing means for performing the above. The management device is configured to authenticate whether or not the user is permitted to print image data based on the authentication information transmitted from the image forming device; Second transmitting / receiving means for transmitting to the forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to take a past authentication job by executing the output processing of the residual job that requires authentication before the latest job. In particular, even in the case of an image forming apparatus having only low-price specification notification means, it is possible to make the user recognize the presence of past authentication jobs and to prevent the user from forgetting to take it.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

[Embodiment 1]
<About configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 100, a plurality of client PCs 300A, B, and C, and a management apparatus 400. These devices are connected to each other via the network 2. Each client PC 300 creates print target data using application software or the like. Then, a print command for the created print target data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 via the network 2. The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper based on the received print command.

  As the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, an inexpensive apparatus that includes only low-priced notification means is assumed. Therefore, the interface unit with the user (for example, the operation panel unit) is configured to be able to display only the minimum necessary information and input the minimum necessary instruction. The operation panel unit includes a function of an operation unit that receives an instruction from a user and a display unit that displays information.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of image forming apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 100 may be a printer having only a printer function.

  Referring to FIG. 2, image forming apparatus 100 includes control unit 201, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) unit 205, authentication information detection unit 206, network I / F (interface) 207, and image forming unit 208. And an operation panel unit 209, and each hardware is connected by a bus 210. Note that the communication I / F 213 illustrated in FIG. 2 is used in the second embodiment, and the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment may not be provided.

  The control unit 201 temporarily records a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 202 that performs various arithmetic processes, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 203 for storing programs and data in advance, and work data and programs to be executed. RAM (Random Access Memory) 204. In the present embodiment, functions executed by the CPU 202 will be described later.

  The HDD unit 205 stores various data and programs in a nonvolatile manner. The authentication information detection unit 206 detects user authentication information such as fingerprints or information recorded on an ID card. In the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that the authentication information is a fingerprint.

  The network I / F 207 is connected to the network (communication network) 2 and exchanges data and programs with the client PC 300 and the management apparatus 400.

  The image forming unit 208 includes a motor, prints an image based on a print command received by the network I / F 207 on a recording medium such as paper, and discharges the image-formed recording medium to a discharge unit (not shown).

  The operation panel unit 209 displays information and receives instructions from the user. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the operation panel unit 209 includes several LEDs 2091 to 2095 and a cancel button 2096 for receiving a print cancel instruction. The LED 2091 in FIG. 11 is provided to notify the occurrence of an error such as JAM (paper jam) or cover open (the cover is not closed). Four LEDs 2092 to 2095 are provided to notify toner empty of each color.

  In the case of the operation panel unit 209 having such a configuration, it is impossible to notify that there is a residual job or to accept an instruction to output the residual job. Therefore, in such a case, in general, when the user wants to output a residual job, the user must give an instruction from the client PC 300. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for notifying that there is an unoutput print job on the display unit 315 of the client PC 300. Referring to FIG. 12, display unit 315 displays a message “There is an unoutput print job” and information indicating the print job. The user operates the input unit 311 to select a desired print job and give an output instruction, whereby the image forming apparatus 100 prepares for output. Thus, when user authentication is performed in the image forming apparatus 100, the instructed residual job is output to the image forming unit 208, and the printed matter is discharged by a discharge unit (not shown).

  Note that the image forming apparatus 100 preferably further includes a reading unit 215 for reading a program and data recorded on a removable recording medium (for example, a memory card) 216. The program and data read by the reading unit 215 are stored in the HDD unit 205, for example.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing hardware configurations of the client PC 300 and the management apparatus 400 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 3, each client PC 300 records a CPU 301 for controlling the entire apparatus, a ROM 303, a RAM 305, an HDD 307, an FDD (Flexible Disk Drive), a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) drive, and the like. A reading unit 309 that reads information from the medium 3, an input unit 311 including a keyboard and a mouse, a communication unit 313 for connecting to the network 2 and communicating with the outside, and a display unit 315 are included. .

  Similarly, the management apparatus 400 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 403, a RAM 405, an HDD 407, a reading unit 409, an input unit 411, a communication unit 413, and a display unit 415.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of image forming apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 4, control unit 201 includes a determination unit 10, a user authentication unit 14, and an output control unit 16.

  The determination unit 10 determines whether the print command received by the network I / F 207 from the client PC 300 is a job that requires authentication. It is assumed that the data transmitted as the print command includes authentication identification data for identifying whether or not authentication is required. The determination unit 10 stores the image data based on the received print command in the job storage area 2052 of the HDD unit 205 as the latest job in association with the management information. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the HDD unit 205 is not of a large capacity for cost reduction. Therefore, for example, it is assumed that only a few jobs are recorded in the job storage area 2052.

  The user authentication unit 14 performs user authentication processing when the determination unit 10 determines that the job requires authentication. Specifically, based on the authentication information detected by the authentication information detection unit 206, that is, fingerprint data, whether the accessing user is a user permitted to print image data based on the print command (hereinafter referred to as “permitted user”). Authenticate whether or not. It is assumed that user information 2051 used for authentication by the user authentication unit 14 is stored in advance in the HDD unit 205 of the image forming apparatus 100. The data structure of the user information 2051 will be described later.

  The output control unit 16 drives the image forming unit 208 and performs output control of image data based on the received print command. The output control unit 16 includes a residual job processing unit 20 for performing output processing of a residual job and a latest job processing unit 22 for performing output processing of the latest job. Perform the following process. A specific example of the processing of the residual job processing unit 20 will be described later.

  If the determination unit 10 determines that the image data based on the received print command is a job that does not require authentication, the output control unit 16 outputs only the latest job. The job that has been output by the output control unit 16 is deleted from the HDD unit 205.

  The operation of each functional block described as being included in the control unit 201 in FIG. 4 may be realized by executing software stored in the ROM 203, or at least one is realized by hardware. May be.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of user information 2051 stored in the HDD unit 205.

  Referring to FIG. 5, user information 2051 includes a user ID item 500 and an authentication data item 502, and these items are stored in association with each other. The user ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the user, and stores, for example, the same information as the user identification information sent from the client PC 300 together with the print command. The authentication data is image data of a corresponding user's fingerprint.

  In this embodiment, the user information 2051 is stored in the image forming apparatus 100, but may be stored in the HDD 407 of the management apparatus 400. In this case, the management apparatus 400 may execute the function of the user authentication unit 14. Alternatively, in the image forming apparatus 100, the user identification information sent together with the print command is transmitted to the management apparatus 400, and the authentication data associated with the user identification information is transmitted from the management apparatus 400. User authentication may be performed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the job storage area 2052 in the HDD unit 205.

  Referring to FIG. 6, in job storage area 2052, image data as print target data and management information of the image data are stored in association with each other. The management information includes, for example, a job ID item, a user ID item, a print ID item, an authentication flag item, a reception date and time item, and a capacity item.

  The job ID is identification information given to uniquely identify a job. For example, in order to identify each job, numbers are given in the order of oldest reception date and time. In the present embodiment, a job other than the latest job just received is defined as a “residual job”. In the example of FIG. 6, since four jobs are stored, the job with job ID = 4 represents the latest job, and the jobs with job ID = 1, 2, 3 represent remaining jobs.

  The user ID is user identification information transmitted from the client PC. The print ID is information for identifying whether a print command (print target data) is sent from a client PC or a facsimile (not shown). For example, “1” is stored in the former case, and “2” is stored in the latter case. Note that the print ID is described for explanation in the following modification, and is not included in the present embodiment.

  The authentication flag indicates whether or not the received data requires user authentication. For example, “1” is set if user authentication is required. Note that information that does not require user authentication is output regardless of user access.

  The reception date / time is the date / time when the print command is received, and stores time data measured by a timer (not shown). The capacity indicates the capacity of the image data.

<About operation>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing print job output processing according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is stored in advance in the ROM 203 as a program, and the CPU 202 reads and executes this program.

  Referring to FIG. 7, upon receiving a print command, determination unit 10 records image data based on the received print command in job storage area 2052 as the latest job, and the image data requires a print job that requires authentication (hereinafter referred to as a print job). , Also referred to as “authentication print job”) (step S101). If it is determined that the print job is not an authentication print job (NO in step S101), the output control unit 16 executes a process of outputting the received print job, that is, the latest job (step S107).

  On the other hand, if the received print command is determined to be an authentication print job (YES in step S101), the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S <b> 102, the user authentication unit 14 executes user authentication processing based on the authentication information detected by the authentication information detection unit 206 and the user information 2051 stored in the HDD unit 205. That is, it is determined whether the accessed user is an authorized user.

  Wait until user authentication is performed (NO in step S102). That is, if the accessing user is not an authorized user, the print job output process is not started.

  If it is determined that the user authentication is successful, that is, if it is determined that the accessing user is an authorized user (YES in step S102), the remaining job processing unit 20 of the output control unit 16 determines that It is detected whether a remaining job of the authenticated user is stored (step S103). That is, it is determined whether there remains an authentication print job that has been received but not executed.

  If it is determined that there is no remaining job for the authenticated user (NO in step S103), the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a remaining job of the authenticated user (YES in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, the remaining job processing unit 20 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the oldest remaining job of the authenticated user was received (step S104). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S104), the process proceeds to step S106.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that a predetermined time or more has passed since the oldest remaining job has been received (YES in step S104), the residual job processing unit 20 processes the oldest authentication print job (step S105). . When this process ends, the process returns to step S103 and the above process is repeated. As a result, among the authentication print jobs remaining in the job storage area 2052, all remaining jobs that have passed a predetermined time or more are output in order from the oldest one. Therefore, the image data of the remaining job is printed on the paper medium by the image forming unit 208 and discharged.

  In step S106, the latest job processing unit 22 processes the authentication print job received in step S101. As a result, the image data of the latest job is printed on the paper medium by the image forming unit 208 and is discharged.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the authentication print data is received, a residual job that has been passed for a predetermined time or more after the reception is output before the latest job. If a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the job was received, the user is likely to have forgotten its existence. In the present embodiment, the above-described processing is performed. As a result, the user can reliably acquire the authentication print job. In addition, by discharging a residual authentication job that has passed a predetermined time or more, it is possible to prevent the storage capacity of the job storage area 2052 from being compressed.

  Also, in this embodiment, a residual authentication job that has not passed a predetermined time is not output before the latest job, so that, for example, a document for conference is printed, and it is quite easy to print a document when you want to go to the conference immediately. It is possible to avoid the situation that can not be received as much as possible.

  In the above example, when there is a residual authentication job, image formation is performed in order from the oldest one, but if the residual job is discharged prior to the latest authentication print job received, There is no limitation on the job discharge order.

  In the above example, the specific time for determining the residual job discharge timing is the predetermined time, but it may be a time set for each user instead of the predetermined time. Thereby, usability can be improved more. In this case, in the user information 2051, the set time may be stored in association with the user ID.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the residual job stored for a predetermined time or more is discharged before the latest job. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. A modification will be described below.

<Modification 1>
In the first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention, the remaining jobs in the fax mode are discharged before the latest job.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a print job output process in the first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 8, in the present modification, the process of step S204 is executed instead of step S104 of the above embodiment. In step S204, the residual job processing unit 20 detects whether the authenticated user's residual job is a fax mode print job. Specifically, it is determined whether or not there is a residual job with a print ID “2” among the residual jobs associated with the user ID of the authenticated user.

  If it is determined that the remaining job of the authenticated user is not in the fax mode (NO in step S204), the process proceeds to step S106, and only the latest job is processed without processing the remaining job.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the job is a residual job in the fax mode (YES in step S204), the process proceeds to step S105, and the residual job processing unit 20 processes the oldest authentication print job of the authenticated user.

  As described above, in the first modification of the present embodiment, only when there is a residual job in the fax mode, the residual job is output. The fax print job is not voluntary and the user is likely not to notice or forget it. Therefore, as in the present modification, if there is a job in the fax mode, if it is forcibly discharged, it can be reliably delivered to the user.

<Modification 2>
In the second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention, when the consumed capacity of the job storage area 2052 is a specific amount or more, the remaining jobs in the fax mode are discharged before the latest job.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a print job output process in the second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the second modification of the present embodiment, the process of step S304 is executed instead of step S104.

  In step S304, the remaining job processing unit 20 determines whether or not the consumed capacity of the job storage area 2052 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. Specifically, the residual job processing unit 20 adds the numerical values recorded in the capacity item of the job storage area 2052 and determines whether or not the added value is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. If it is determined that the consumed capacity is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount (YES in step S304), the process proceeds to step S105, and the remaining job processing unit 20 processes the oldest authentication print job of the authenticated user. On the other hand, if it is determined that the consumed capacity is less than the predetermined amount (NO in step S304), the process proceeds to step S106, and only the latest job is processed without processing the remaining job.

  As described above, in this modified example, if the capacity of the job storage area 2052 is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount, the remaining job is discharged, so that the storage capacity of the job storage area 2052 can be prevented from being compressed.

  Here, it is determined whether or not the consumed capacity of the storage unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, but a capacity serving as a threshold may be determined for each user in advance. In this case, the user information 2051 only needs to store a capacity value that is a threshold in association with the user ID. It is assumed that a usable capacity (area) is determined for each user out of the total capacity of the job storage area 2052. The user can set how much of the allocated capacity is used for storing the remaining jobs. Such a threshold setting by the user can be performed by the client PC 300.

  In the above-described first embodiment, the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus in which the operation panel unit does not have a function of receiving a notification of the presence of a residual job or an instruction for outputting a residual job. Even if the function is provided, by applying the present invention, it is possible to make the user recognize the existence of the remaining job and to prevent the user from forgetting to take the remaining job.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  Depending on the destination of the series, a part of the common image forming apparatus may be changed to produce different values, and the series may be sold. In such a case, different values are often obtained by changing the configuration of the operation panel. Specifically, there are two series destinations, an LED type provided with low-cost operation buttons and LEDs as described in Embodiment 1, and a liquid crystal type provided with a liquid crystal touch panel with high operability. In the present embodiment, the CPU determines which series the operation panel unit is in, and executes different processing for each series. Here, the description will be made assuming that there are two types of LED type and liquid crystal type, but the function of displaying a specific screen, that is, a screen for notifying the existence of a residual job, on the operation panel unit of the image forming apparatus. Different processes may be executed depending on whether or not they have.

  The basic configuration and basic operation of the image forming apparatus in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description will be given also using the reference numerals of the image forming apparatus 100 of the first embodiment. Only differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing print job output processing according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the processes in steps S404 to S407 are executed between step S103 and step S105.

  In step S404, the residual job processing unit 20 determines whether or not the operation panel unit 209 is a liquid crystal panel. Specifically, for example, based on information stored in the ROM 202, the destination (liquid crystal type / LED type) of the operation panel unit 209 is determined. Alternatively, the management device 400 is inquired to determine the destination of the operation panel unit 209. In the latter case, it is assumed that the destination information of the operation panel unit 209 for each image forming apparatus is stored in the HDD 407 of the management apparatus 400.

  Alternatively, for each destination, the CPU port may be fixed to H / L by resistance with hardware and the port state may be read by software. That is, a different substrate may be provided for each destination.

  In step S404, the output control unit 16 does not have to detect the destination of the operation panel unit 209 based on information stored in the ROM 202 each time. Once the destination is detected, the destination information (for example, “0” for the liquid crystal type and “1” for the LED type) is stored in a predetermined area of the HDD unit 205, for example. Therefore, after the second time, the destination information may be read from the HDD unit 205 and processing corresponding to the value may be performed.

  If it is determined in step S404 that the operation panel unit 209 is not a liquid crystal type (NO in step S404), the process proceeds to step S105, and the residual job processing unit 20 processes the oldest authentication print job.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that operation panel unit 209 is a liquid crystal type (YES in step S404), residual job processing unit 20 displays that there is a residual authentication print job on the liquid crystal screen of operation panel unit 209 (step S405). ).

  Subsequently, the residual job processing unit 20 determines whether or not there is a print request for a residual authentication print job (step S406). If it is determined that there is no print request for a predetermined time (NO in step S406), the process proceeds to step S106, and only the latest job is processed. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a print request for the residual authentication print job within the predetermined time (YES in step S406), the process proceeds to step S407.

  In step S407, the residual job processing unit 20 processes the authentication print job instructed in step S406. When this process ends, the process proceeds to step S106 to process the latest job.

  When the operation panel unit 209 is an LED type, it is difficult to notify the user that there is a residual authentication print job. Therefore, it is possible to notify the user that there is a residual job by automatically discharging the residual job. In addition, the residual authentication print job is discharged prior to the latest received authentication print job, so that it is possible to prevent forgetting to remove it.

  Further, even when the operation panel unit 209 is a liquid crystal type, the user is notified that there is a residual authentication print job before outputting the latest job, so that it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to remove the residual job.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, it is efficient to store a common program in the ROM 203 of the image forming apparatus without preparing another program for each destination.

  Note that the first embodiment, the first modification thereof, and the second modification can be combined, and the second embodiment, the first embodiment, and the first and second modifications thereof can be combined.

  A print job output method performed by the image forming apparatus of the present invention can also be provided as a program. Such a program can be recorded on an optical medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-ROM) or a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory card and provided as a program product. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  The program according to the present invention is a program module that is provided as a part of a computer operating system (OS) and calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. Also good. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. Note that the program product includes the program itself and a storage medium in which the program is stored.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the client PC and management apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the user information memorize | stored in HDD part in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the job storage area contained in HDD part in Embodiment 1 of this invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating print job output processing according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the print job output process in the modification 1 of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the print job output process in the modification 2 of Embodiment 1 of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a print job output process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation panel part of a low price specification. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which notifies presence of a residual job in client PC.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system, 2 Network, 3 Recording medium, 10 Judgment part, 14 User authentication part, 16 Output control part, 20 Residual job processing part, 22 Latest job processing part, 100 Image forming apparatus, 201 Control part, 202 CPU, 203 ROM, 204 RAM, 205 HDD section, 206 authentication information detection section, 207 network I / F, 208 image forming section, 209 operation panel section, 210 bus, 213 communication I / F, 215 reading section, 216 recording medium, 300A , B, C Client PC, 301, 401 CPU, 303, 403 ROM, 305, 405 RAM, 307, 407 HDD, 309, 409 Reading unit, 311, 411 Input unit, 313, 413 Communication unit, 315, 415 Display unit , 2051 User information, 2052 Job description Area.

Claims (11)

First receiving means for receiving a print command from an external terminal via a network;
A first storage unit for storing a print job corresponding to a latest print command as a latest job and a print job other than the latest job as a residual job according to a reception date and time by the first reception unit;
The first storage means stores user identification information of a user permitted to print in association with each print job,
Detecting means for detecting user authentication information;
Authentication for authenticating whether or not the user is permitted to print the latest job based on the authentication information detected by the detection unit when the latest job is a job that requires authentication Processing means;
Output control means for controlling output of the user's print job stored in the first storage means when the authentication processing means determines that the user is a user permitted to print; Prepared,
The output control means includes
First processing means for performing output processing of a residual job requiring authentication stored in the first storage means in association with the user identification information of the user;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a second processing unit that performs an output process of the latest job after the processing by the first processing unit. The first storage means stores the reception date and time of the remaining jobs by the first reception means,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first processing unit is configured to output, from among the plurality of residual jobs, only residual jobs that have passed a specific time from the reception date and time by the first reception unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the specific time is a time set for each user. A second receiving means for receiving print data via the telephone line;
The plurality of remaining jobs further include a print job for print data received by the second receiving unit,
The first storage means stores reception identification data indicating which of the first and second receiving means each of the remaining jobs is a print job received;
2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the first processing unit outputs only a residual job indicating that the reception identification data has been received by the second receiving unit among the plurality of residual jobs. Forming equipment. The first storage means stores the capacity of each print job in association with each other,
The first processing means outputs at least one remaining job only when the capacity of all print jobs associated with the user identification information of the user is equal to or greater than a specific value. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the specific value is a value set for each user. Display means for displaying information;
A detection processing means for detecting whether or not the display means has a function of displaying a specific screen;
7. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the process by the first processing unit is executed only when the detection processing unit detects that the display unit does not have the function. apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second storage unit for storing authentication information for each user in advance. A receiving unit for receiving a print command from an external terminal via a network, a print job corresponding to the latest print command according to the reception date and time by the receiving unit, and a print job other than the latest job remaining A print job output method executed in an image forming apparatus including a storage unit for storing as a job,
Detecting the user authentication information when the latest job is a job that requires authentication; and
Control for controlling printing of the user's print job stored in the storage unit when it is determined that the user is a user permitted to print the latest job based on the detected authentication information With steps,
The control step includes
Performing output processing of a residual job requiring authentication stored in the storage unit in association with the user identification information of the user;
And a step of outputting the latest job after the residual job output processing. A receiving unit for receiving a print command from an external terminal via a network, a print job corresponding to the latest print command according to the reception date and time by the receiving unit, and a print job other than the latest job remaining A print job output program to be executed by an image forming apparatus including a storage unit for storing as a job,
The print job output program is
Detecting the user authentication information when the latest job is a job that requires authentication; and
Control for controlling printing of the user's print job stored in the storage unit when it is determined that the user is a user permitted to print the latest job based on the detected authentication information With steps,
The control step includes
Performing output processing of a residual job requiring authentication stored in the storage unit in association with the user identification information of the user;
A print job output program including a step of performing output processing of the latest job after output processing of the residual job. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus; and a management apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus via a network,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A first storage unit for storing a print job corresponding to the latest print command as a latest job and a print job other than the latest job as a remaining job according to the reception date and time when the print command is received from the external terminal. ,
The first storage means stores user identification information of a user permitted to print in association with each print job,
Detecting means for detecting user authentication information;
A first transmission / reception unit configured to transmit the authentication information detected by the detection unit to the management device and receive an authentication result from the management device when the latest job is a job that requires authentication;
Output control means for controlling output of the print job of the user stored in the first storage means when the authentication result is a result that the user is a user permitted to print. And further including
The output control means includes
First processing means for performing output processing of a residual job requiring authentication stored in the first storage means in association with the user identification information of the user;
Second processing means for performing output processing of the latest job after processing by the first processing means;
The management device
Authentication processing means for authenticating whether or not the user is permitted to print the image data based on the authentication information transmitted from the image forming apparatus;
An image forming system including: a second transmitting / receiving unit configured to transmit an authentication result by the authentication processing unit to the image forming apparatus;

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