JP2010137410A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus for taking user's convenience into consideration and capable of attempting to perform electric power saving. <P>SOLUTION: A standby print job is confirmed (Step S11). Next, a job ID is obtained (Step S12). Then, a command for displaying a standby printing confirming screen is issued (Step S13). Then, whether or not there exists a requirement of printing within a given time is determined (Step S14). When it is determined that there is no requirement of the printing within a given time, erasing the standby printing confirming screen is indicated (Step S16). When the requirement of the printing is performed within the given time, the printing is executed (Step S15). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of saving power by controlling the timing of printing print data.

  In an image forming apparatus, particularly an electrophotographic printing apparatus, a large amount of electric power is consumed particularly in a fixing unit in order to thermally fix toner. If the print request is not continuous but arrives at an indefinite time interval, the normal mode in which the printing unit can be operated and the power saving mode in which the power to the printing unit is cut off are repeated. The cycle of temperature and normal temperature will be repeated, and a lot of power will be consumed.

  Therefore, when reception of image data to be printed occurs in the power saving mode, the received data is held in the image memory or the like while maintaining the power saving mode of the apparatus, and a copying operation by the user from the operation unit or the like, or There has been proposed a method of outputting received data held in an image memory or the like using this opportunity when a printing operation is instructed and the apparatus shifts to a warm-up state where the apparatus is ready for printing out.

  With this method, when the user executes a print operation at an arbitrary timing, warm-up is repeated and energy is not saved, but power that is not urgent can be reduced by collectively printing as standby printing.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-324650 proposes a method in which a job received during sleep is suspended, an administrator is notified that there is an immediate print command for the suspended job, and printing is performed when instructed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-23891 proposes a method of selecting normal printing or standby printing at the time of printing and printing at a timing specified in advance during standby printing.
JP 2007-324650 A JP 2008-23891 A

  However, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-23891, it is possible to specify the output timing at the time of printing. However, if the timing is specified for each user, there is no point in performing standby printing, and a sufficient power saving effect can be obtained. I can't.

  In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-324650, a specific administrator is notified, and information is not notified to a user who has instructed standby printing. There is a possibility of becoming a state.

  Therefore, in the above-described method, when printing is performed collectively, the print is left without being noticed by the user, and as a result, there is a possibility that the printed matter is mixed with other people and mistakenly taken away. is there. As a result, it becomes necessary to reprint after all, and power saving cannot be sufficiently achieved.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus capable of saving power while considering user convenience.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives a plurality of types of jobs including print data, a storage unit that temporarily stores a job received by the receiving unit, a determination unit that determines the type of the received job, An execution unit that executes print processing according to the type of job determined by the determination unit, and a standby print job that stores the job in the storage unit when the job determined by the determination unit is in a predetermined mode. When executing a print job, the information processing apparatus includes a job execution confirmation unit that requests the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the standby print job to confirm the print permission of the standby print job. The execution unit executes a printing process of the print data included in the standby print job based on the confirmation result of the print permission by the job execution confirmation unit.

  Preferably, the predetermined mode shifts to a case where the next print process is not executed for a predetermined period after the print data print process is executed by the execution unit. The execution unit executes print processing of print data included in the standby print job whose print permission is confirmed by the job execution confirmation unit until the execution mode is shifted to the predetermined mode.

  In particular, the job execution confirmation unit invalidates the confirmation of the print permission of the standby print job before the transition to the predetermined mode when the transition to the predetermined mode is performed.

  Preferably, a job rearranging unit that rearranges the order of the plurality of standby print jobs stored in the order received in the storage unit based on attribute information included in each standby print job is further provided. The job execution confirmation unit requests the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the standby print jobs in the order rearranged by the job rearrangement unit to confirm print permission.

In particular, the attribute information corresponds to color printing or monochrome printing.
Preferably, the job further includes transmission source information. When executing the standby print job, the job execution confirmation unit permits printing of another standby print job including the same transmission source information stored in the storage unit with respect to the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the standby print job. Also ask for confirmation at once.

  Preferably, the job execution confirmation unit has, for a plurality of standby print jobs stored in the order received in the storage unit, a standby print job to each information processing apparatus that has transmitted the plurality of standby print jobs stored in the storage unit. Ask for permission to print. The execution unit executes print processing of print data included in the standby print job corresponding to the order of the confirmation result of the print permission from the information processing apparatus.

  Preferably, an operation means is further provided. The execution means displays a print processing execution acceptance screen for print data included in the standby print job based on the print permission confirmation result by the job execution confirmation means, and starts the print processing according to the operation instruction on the execution acceptance screen by the operation means. To do.

  Preferably, the job execution confirmation unit asks the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the standby print job to confirm the print permission of the standby print job, and if there is no confirmation of the print permission from the information processing apparatus, the job execution confirmation unit Information requesting confirmation of print permission of the standby print job is transmitted to the portable terminal.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when the job determined by the determination unit is a standby print job for storing the job in the storage unit when the job is in the predetermined mode, Is provided with job execution confirmation means for requesting the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the confirmation of print permission of the standby print job. The execution unit executes a printing process of the print data included in the standby print job based on the confirmation result of the print permission by the job execution confirmation unit.

  When print processing of print data for a standby print job is executed by this method, the information processing apparatus is requested to confirm the print permission and can be recognized by the user. It is possible to prevent the image from being printed and left unattended. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the printed matter from being mistakenly taken away by being mixed with other people and reprinting, so that the convenience of the user can be improved and the power can be saved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 100 and personal computers (also simply referred to as personal computers) 200, 300, which are coupled to the MFP 100 via a network 800. 250.

  The MFP 100 has a print function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and the like for printing print data received from personal computers 200, 250, and 300 as user terminals.

  The MFP 100 also has a file transfer function that creates data in a specified format based on image data read by a scanner and transmits the data to a specified user terminal.

  Further, although described later, the MFP 100 temporarily stores print data received from the personal computers 200, 250, and 300 at the user terminal in the storage unit, and performs print processing of the print data stored in the storage unit when the MFP 100 is warmed up. A standby printing function is further provided.

  In FIG. 1, portable terminals 400 and 450 are also provided, and it is assumed that a function of transmitting information to a portable terminal designated by MFP 100 is also provided, which will be described later.

  In the present embodiment, the MFP 100 is illustrated as the MFP 100, but it may be configured by a single-function printer or the like.

  Personal computers 200, 250, and 300, which are user terminals, transmit print data to MFP 100 to perform print processing. In this example, three personal computers 200, 250, and 300 are shown as an example, but the number is not limited to three and may be any number.

  The network 800 may be a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) using a public line or the like. Communication via network 800 performed by MFP 100 may be wired or wireless.

  As an example, it is assumed that the personal computers 200, 250, and 300 correspond to the user terminals of the user A, the user B, and the user C, respectively. Further, it is assumed that the mobile terminal 400 is a user A mobile terminal. Further, it is assumed that the mobile terminal 450 is a user B's mobile terminal.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of MFP 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
2, MFP 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an image reading unit 103 that converts a material such as a paper medium into electronic data, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) that constitutes a storage unit 102, and a RAM. (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), printing unit 106 that executes print processing, and transmission / reception of data to / from external devices such as personal computers 200, 250, and 300 via the network 800 A communication unit 107 that performs correction, processing, and editing on input image data, and correction, resolution conversion, and the like on output image data to the printing unit 106, and the like. Along with a display unit for displaying information, an operation panel unit 105 provided with a touch panel, a numeric keypad, etc., a power mode switching unit 108 for switching between a normal mode and a power saving mode, M P100 and a control unit 101 for controlling the whole.

  Each unit is connected to the control unit 101 via the internal bus 111, and the control unit 101 can exchange data with each unit.

  Communication unit 107 receives data from personal computers 200, 250, 300, etc., which are user terminals connected via network 800, and transmits data from MFP 100.

  The RAM constituting the storage unit is a volatile semiconductor storage device, and is used as a working area necessary for control processing in the control unit 101.

ROM and HDD are nonvolatile semiconductor memory devices.
The ROM stores software programs for realizing various functions of the MFP 100, and the control unit 101 realizes predetermined functions by reading the various programs stored in the ROM. .

  The HDD also stores a user management table (to be described later) including an IP address necessary for executing information communication with the personal computers 200, 250, 300, etc., authentication data necessary for the user to log in, and the like. Assume that it is stored.

  The control unit 101 also receives a job reception unit 110 that receives a job received from the personal computer 200 or the like connected via an external network via the communication unit 107, and a job rearrangement process that executes a rearrangement process for the received job. Means 112, a job execution control unit 114 for controlling job execution, and a job execution confirmation unit 116 for confirming job execution.

  The power mode switching unit 108 has a normal mode and a power saving mode. When executing a printing operation in the printing unit, the power mode switching unit 108 is set to the normal mode, and power is supplied to the fixing device and the temperature rising state is maintained. It is assumed that On the other hand, when an operation process such as a printing operation in MFP 100 is not executed for a certain period of time, the sleep mode is set and the power mode is set to the power saving mode to reduce power consumption. In this power saving mode, it is assumed that no power is supplied to the fixing device or the like, the temperature of the fixing device is at a normal temperature, and the consumption of electricity is reduced.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of personal computer 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 3, personal computer 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention executes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 that executes various programs including an operating system (OS) and a program portion of CPU 201. A memory unit 213 that temporarily stores necessary data and a hard disk unit (HDD: Hard Disk Drive) 211 that stores a program executed by the CPU 201 in a nonvolatile manner are included.

  In addition, the hard disk unit 211 stores a printer driver that is a software program for transmitting print data to the MFP 100, and the CPU 201 reads the printer driver to realize functions described later. Such a program is read from a flexible disk 217a or a CD-ROM 215a by a FD drive 217 or a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) drive 215, respectively.

  The CPU 201 receives an instruction from the user via the input unit 209 including a keyboard and a mouse, and outputs a screen output generated by executing the program to the display unit 205.

  The CPU 201 transmits print data to the MFP 100 connected to the LAN or WAN via the communication interface unit 207 including a LAN card. Further, the above-described units exchange data with each other via the internal bus 203. Since personal computers 250 and 300 have the same configuration, description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a print setting screen displayed on display unit 205 of personal computer 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 4, it is assumed that when the printer driver is read by CPU 201, the print setting screen is displayed and various setting operations can be executed.

  In print setting screen 500 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, “basic setting screen” is shown here as an example. For example, the user can set “original orientation”, “original size”, “paper size”, “output method”, “number of copies”, and the like using a pointing device such as a mouse included in the input unit 209. Is possible.

  In this example, “normal printing”, “standby printing”, “box save”, and the like can be selected as the “output method” setting. In this example, the cursor 505 is set to “standby printing” as the output method. The case where is specified is shown.

  Here, “normal printing” designates a general format as an output method, and a job designated as normal printing is transmitted to the MFP 100, and printing processing is executed immediately upon reception. (Immediate printing).

  “Standby printing” is a job that is printed according to the state of the apparatus, unlike normal printing, and is transmitted to the MFP 100 and when received, print processing is executed at a predetermined timing.

  “Save in box” is a job for saving to a predetermined storage area of the HDD without executing print processing as an output method. When the job is transmitted to the MFP 100 and received, it is stored in the predetermined storage area of the HDD of the MFP 100. The Data stored in a predetermined storage area can be printed according to a user instruction.

  In this example, a case where a standby print job including print data and job data relating to various settings is transmitted by pressing the “OK” button 510 in a state where the cursor 505 is designated for “standby printing” will be mainly described. To do.

  It is possible to end the print setting screen 500 by pressing a “Cancel” button 515.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a user management table stored in storage unit 102 of MFP 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 5, here, a case is shown in which a user ID is assigned for each registered user name and an IP address is assigned corresponding to the user name.

  Specifically, the case where “User A” has a user ID “1” and an IP address “10.20.20.98” is registered as the user name.

  In addition, “User B” has a user ID “2” and an IP address “10.20.20.93” registered. “User C” shows a case where the user ID is “10” and the IP address is “10.20.0.205”.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow for explaining the execution of the print job according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 6, it is first determined whether or not a print job has been received (step S1). Specifically, the job receiving unit 110 determines whether a print job has been received via the communication unit 107.

  If a print job is received in step S1, the received job is stored (step S2). Specifically, if the job receiving unit 110 determines that a print job has been received via the communication unit 107, the job receiving unit 110 stores the received print job in the storage unit 102. Specifically, the print data included in the print job is stored in the HDD of the storage unit 102, and the job data related to the print data is stored in a job management table (to be described later) stored in the RAM of the storage unit 102.

  In this example, as an example, the output method according to the above-described printer driver will be described as receiving any print job set to “normal printing” or “standby printing”. For example, when “Save in box” is set, the printing process is not executed, and therefore it is stored in a predetermined storage area of the HDD.

  Next, it is determined whether the print job is immediate printing (step S3). Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 determines whether the print job stored in the storage unit 102 is immediate printing. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the output method set on the print setting screen in the personal computer 200 or the like is “normal printing”.

  If it is determined in step S3 that the print job is immediate printing, then immediate printing is executed (step S4).

  Specifically, the job execution control unit outputs the print data included in the print job to the printing unit 106 when the output method of the print job stored in the storage unit 102 is “normal printing”. The print unit 106 executes print data print processing.

  In this case, when the power mode is the power saving mode, the power mode switching unit 108 switches the power mode to the normal mode.

  Next, it is determined whether standby print jobs are accumulated (step S5). Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 determines whether standby print jobs are stored in the storage unit 102.

  If it is determined in step S5 that the standby print job has not been accumulated, the process ends (END).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the standby print job is accumulated, the standby print is executed next (step S6). Specifically, when the job execution control unit 114 determines that the standby print job is stored in the storage unit 102, the job execution control unit 114 executes standby printing. The standby printing will be described later.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the print job is not immediate printing, it is next determined whether or not warm-up has been completed (step S8).

  Specifically, when the job execution control unit 114 determines that the output method of the print job stored in the storage unit 102 is not “normal printing”, that is, “standby printing”, the warm-up is completed. Judge whether.

  In this example, as an example, whether or not the warm-up has been completed is checked by the power mode switching unit 108 as to whether or not the normal mode or the power saving mode, and if it is the normal mode, it is determined that the warm-up has been completed. . On the other hand, when the power saving mode is set, it is determined that the warm-up has not been completed.

  If it is determined in step S8 that the warm-up has been completed, standby printing is next executed (step S6). The job execution control unit 114 confirms the power mode in the power mode switching unit 108 and determines whether or not the warm-up has been completed. If the job execution control unit 114 determines that the warm-up has been completed, the job execution control unit 114 executes standby printing described later.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8 that it has not been warmed, the process proceeds to step S9, where it is determined whether the number of accumulated jobs is greater than a predetermined number M (step S9). Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 checks the power mode in the power mode switching unit 108 to determine whether or not the warm-up has been completed. If it is determined that the warm-up has not been performed, the job execution control unit 114 accumulates in the storage unit 102. The number of stored jobs is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined number M is exceeded.

  If it is determined in step S9 that the number of accumulated jobs is greater than the predetermined number M, standby printing is executed (step S6). Specifically, when the job execution control unit 114 determines that the number of stored jobs stored in the storage unit 102 exceeds a predetermined number M, the job execution control unit 114 executes standby printing described later.

  When the number of accumulated jobs exceeding the predetermined number M is accumulated, since it is possible to print all at once, it is possible to save power by executing standby printing. In this case, since the warm-up is not completed and the sleep state is set, the power mode switching unit 108 switches the power mode and executes the warm-up.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9 that the number of accumulated jobs is smaller than the predetermined number M, the process is terminated (END). This is because, when the number is smaller than the predetermined number M, it is more energy-saving to perform standby printing collectively when the standby printing is accumulated and the number of accumulated jobs is accumulated.

  The predetermined number M is set to an appropriate value in consideration of the capacity of the storage unit that can store the standby print job, user convenience, and power saving.

  In this example, in step S6, whether or not the number of accumulated jobs is larger than the predetermined number M is used as a determination criterion. However, the determination is not limited to this. For example, the determination may be made based on a period. For example, based on whether or not a certain period has elapsed since entering the sleep state, it is possible to execute standby printing when the certain period has elapsed. Or you may make it judge based on time.

  As to the determination of whether or not the warm-up has been completed, as an example, the power mode switching unit 108 checks whether the normal mode or the power-saving mode, and determines that the warm-up has been completed in the normal mode. In the power saving mode, the case where it is determined that the warm-up has not been described has been described. However, it is determined whether or not an operation process such as a printing operation in the MFP 100 is performed within a certain time. When the operation process such as the printing operation in the MFP 100 is executed within a predetermined time, it is determined as the normal mode and the warm-up is determined, and the operation process such as the printing operation in the MFP 100 is executed within the predetermined time. If not, it is possible to determine that the power-saving mode has not been reached and that the warm-up has not been completed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the contents of the job management table accumulated when a print job according to the first embodiment of the present invention is received.

Note that the job management table is stored in the RAM of the storage unit 102.
Referring to FIG. 7, it is assumed that job IDs are assigned in the order in which print jobs are received. As described above, job data included in the print job received by the job receiving unit 110 is stored in the job management table. Specifically, as job data included in the print job, “request time” that is the time when the job was transmitted, “user ID” assigned for each user name, “print type” indicating the type of printing, Data relating to the “IP address” of the apparatus that transmitted the print job, “color information” of the print data, “number of pages” of the print data, and the like are registered. In this example, the case where both the data of “user ID” and “IP address” are registered has been described. However, in the user management table of FIG. 5, the registered user name, user ID, and user name are registered. Since the IP address is associated with each other, it is possible to use either “user ID” or “IP address” data.

  In addition, it is assumed that the job is executed from the job data stored in the job management table having the smallest job ID. In addition, job data is deleted when a job is executed.

  In this example, job IDs “100” to “104” are shown as print jobs for standby printing. In this example, a case where standby print jobs associated with job IDs “100” to “104” are stored in the HDD will be described as an example.

  In the job ID “105”, a case where a normal print job which is immediate printing is received is shown.

  Here, when the job ID “105” receives a normal printing job that is immediate printing, immediate printing is executed in step S4 in accordance with the processing of FIG. That is, the print job corresponding to the job ID “105” is first executed by the job execution control unit 114.

  Then, in step S5 of FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not the standby print job is accumulated. In the example of FIG. 7, standby printing is executed because standby printing jobs are accumulated.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating execution of standby printing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 8, first, a standby print job is confirmed (step S11).

  Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 acquires information of a job management table stored in the RAM.

  Next, a job ID is acquired (step S12). Specifically, the job effective control unit 114 acquires job IDs in ascending order of job ID numbers stored in the job management table.

Next, a display instruction for a standby print confirmation screen is issued (step S13).
Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 instructs the job execution confirmation unit 116 to confirm the presence / absence of job execution.

  The job execution confirmation unit 116 acquires job data stored in association with the job ID, and performs standby printing via the communication unit 107 to the user terminal to which the IP address included in the job data is assigned. Instructs to display a confirmation screen.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a standby print confirmation screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 9, a case where a standby print confirmation screen is displayed on display unit 205 of personal computer 200 in accordance with an instruction from job execution confirmation unit 116 is shown. Here, a display of “Do you want to execute your standby printing” is displayed and it is required to select pressing of the “OK” button or the “Cancel” button.

  The user confirms the standby print confirmation screen, and presses (selects) an “OK” button 605 when printing is desired. On the other hand, when the user does not wish to print, the user presses (selects) a “cancel” button 610.

  It is also possible to display detailed job data related to a standby print job by pressing (selecting) a “detail” button 615.

  Although not shown, it is possible to provide a “delete” button on the standby print confirmation screen so that the print job can be deleted by pressing (selecting) the button.

  It is assumed that the user presses (selects) an “OK” button 605 to transmit a print request to the MFP 100 via the communication interface unit 207 of the personal computer 200.

  Then, referring again to FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not there is a print request within a certain time (step S14). Specifically, the job execution confirmation unit 116 determines whether a print request from the personal computer 200 has been received.

  If it is determined in step S14 that there is no print request within a certain time, the standby print confirmation screen is instructed to be deleted (step S16). Specifically, the job execution confirmation unit 116 instructs the personal computer 200 to delete the standby print confirmation screen via the communication unit 107. It is assumed that the standby print confirmation screen displayed on the display unit 205 of the personal computer 200 described with reference to FIG. Thereby, when there is no print request within a certain time, for example, when the standby print confirmation screen is displayed but the user is in a situation where the user cannot operate the personal computer 200, when it is not possible to confirm whether or not standby print is performed, If the standby print confirmation screen is deleted and the standby print can be executed next time, the standby print confirmation screen is displayed again to check whether the standby print is executed or not. Standby printing can be executed, which is convenient for the user.

  If the standby print confirmation screen is displayed and the standby printing can be executed at an arbitrary timing, there is a possibility that the MFP 100 is in the energy saving mode in the sleep state, and the standby printing in that state is executed. It is possible to save power by making it impossible.

  In addition to erasing the standby print confirmation screen, for example, it is possible to instruct the display of the end of the print acceptance time to notify the user that standby printing has not been executed this time. It is also possible to display the remaining time that can be selected by the user on the standby print confirmation screen and to prompt the user to make a selection within that time.

  On the other hand, if there is a print request within a certain time in step S14, printing is executed (step S15). Specifically, when receiving a print request from the personal computer 200, the job execution confirmation unit 116 notifies the job execution control unit 114 that there is a print request. Then, the job execution control unit 114 executes print processing for print data related to a standby print job for which a print request has been made. Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 outputs print data to the printing unit 106, and the printing unit 106 executes print data printing processing.

  Then, it is determined whether there is a next standby print job. Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 determines whether or not there is a next standby print job. If there is, the job execution control unit 114 acquires the next job ID (step S12) and repeats the above processing. And

  Therefore, when a plurality of standby print jobs are stored, the same processing is repeated for job IDs “100” to “104” in this example.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no next standby print job, the processing is terminated (END). And it shall transfer to the power saving mode which is a sleep state.

  If a print job is received during standby printing execution in step S6 of FIG. 6 or if a print job that is normal printing is received, immediate printing is executed in step S4 described above since it is immediate printing, and thereafter The standby printing is again executed. Further, when a print job that is standby printing is received, it is added to the job management table and the above processing is executed.

  If a standby print job is accumulated after immediate printing, which is a normal print job, is executed by the method according to the first embodiment, the standby print job is executed so that the apparatus can be printed out. It is possible to reduce power consumption by collectively executing standby print jobs using a case where a certain warm-up state is entered.

  In the method according to the first embodiment, when the apparatus is in a printable state, the standby print confirmation screen is displayed on the personal computer that is the user terminal that has transmitted the standby print job, and whether or not to print to the user. Such a request can be made, and printing is executed in accordance with a user instruction to print.

  Therefore, the user can recognize that the standby printing is executed according to the user's instruction with respect to the standby printing, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which the printing is left without being noticed by the user. It is. As a result, it is possible to suppress the case where the printed matter is mistakenly taken away by being mixed with other people, and it is possible to sufficiently save power. In addition, when a standby print job is printed at a timing that the user does not want, it is possible to reject the execution of the standby print job, so it is possible to print at a timing convenient for the user. It is very convenient.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating execution of standby printing according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 10, first, the standby print job is confirmed (step S20). Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 acquires information of a job management table stored in the RAM.

Next, it is determined whether or not there is a plurality of color information in the standby print job (step S21).
Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 confirms the “color information” in the job management table information and determines whether “color” and “monochrome” are mixed.

  If it is determined that the standby print job includes a plurality of color information, the previous print job is confirmed (step S22). Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 confirms the “color information” of the job data of the previously executed print job.

  Next, rearrangement of standby print jobs is executed (step S23). Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 instructs the job rearrangement unit 112 to rearrange jobs.

  Based on the “color information” of the job data of the previously executed print job, the job rearranging unit 112 performs rearrangement so that the same “color information” print jobs are continuously executed.

  Using the above example, standby printing is executed after receiving a normal printing job, which is immediate printing, with the job ID “105”.

The color information of the job data corresponding to the job ID “105” is “color”.
Therefore, the job rearranging unit 112 performs rearrangement so that the color standby print jobs are continuously executed based on the “color information (color)” of the job data of the print job.

Specifically, the job IDs are rearranged so that the job IDs are executed in ascending order.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a job management table when rearrangement of standby print jobs according to the second embodiment of the present invention is executed.

  Referring to FIG. 11, it is assumed that the immediate print job has been deleted from the job management table because printing has already been executed.

  Since the “color information” of the job data of the immediate print job is “color”, the job ID “100” is maintained as it is, the color information of the job ID “101” is monochrome, and the job ID Since the color information of “102” is color, the order is changed. Further, since the color information of the job ID “103” is monochrome and the color information of the job ID “104” is color, the order is changed. That is, it is determined whether or not the color information is the same color information by comparing with the color information of the job ID one level above, or the color information of the job ID one level above is the same color information or “monochrome” The replacement process is repeated so that

With this method, print jobs in the order shown in FIG. 11 are arranged.
As shown in FIG. 11, job IDs “100”, “102”, and “104” having color color information are arranged in the order of jobs “101” and “103” having monochrome color information. Arranged.

  On the other hand, if there is not a plurality of color information in the standby print job in step S21, the standby print jobs are not rearranged and the process proceeds to step S24.

  Since the process after step S24 is the same as the process after step S12 of FIG. 8, the detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  By this method, standby print jobs having the same color information are continuously executed. Specifically, standby printing can be executed by rearranging standby printing jobs to collect colors or monochrome.

  In color and monochrome printing, the temperature of the temperature rise in the fixing unit is different, and therefore, when color and monochrome printing is repeated, extra power consumption is required for temperature adjustment to control the temperature.

  Therefore, power consumption can be reduced by performing standby printing by collecting colors or monochrome.

  In particular, since the print jobs are rearranged based on the color information of the previous print job, for example, the job data for immediate printing, it is possible to further reduce power consumption.

  In addition, control of driving parts such as rollers is different between color and monochrome printing as different surfaces. For example, in the case of monochrome printing, it is necessary to stop the rollers that were driven in color, and extra power consumption is required for the drive control, so standby printing is performed collectively for color or monochrome. By doing so, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating execution of standby printing according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 12, first, the standby print job is confirmed (step S30). Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 acquires information of a job management table stored in the RAM.

  Next, it is determined whether or not there are a plurality of user IDs in the standby print job (step S31). Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 determines whether there are multiple types of job IDs in the job management table.

  Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 determines whether user ID numbers in the job management table are mixed.

  If it is determined that there are a plurality of user IDs, the standby print jobs are rearranged for each user ID (step S32). Then, the process proceeds to next Step S33. Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 instructs the job rearrangement unit 112 to rearrange jobs.

  The job rearrangement unit 112 performs rearrangement so that print jobs with the same user ID in the job management table are continuously executed.

Specifically, the job IDs are rearranged so that the job IDs are executed in ascending order.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a job management table when rearrangement of standby print jobs according to the third embodiment of the present invention is executed.

  Referring to FIG. 13, it is assumed that the immediate print job has been deleted from the job management table because printing has already been executed.

  Specifically, the user ID of the job ID “100” is “3”, and the same user ID does not exist, so the state is maintained as it is, and the user ID of the job ID “101” is “2”, Since the user ID of the same job ID “103” is “2”, the job ID “102” and the job ID “103” are interchanged.

With this method, print jobs in the order shown in FIG. 13 are arranged.
As shown in FIG. 13, the user ID “2” and the print jobs corresponding to the user ID “1” are sequentially arranged.

  On the other hand, if there are not a plurality of user IDs in the standby print job in step S31, the standby print jobs are not rearranged and the process proceeds to step S33.

In step S33, the job IDs corresponding to the user ID are batched.
Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 performs batch processing of job IDs for each user ID. Specifically, the job IDs “101” and “103” are associated with the user ID “2” to be integrated. Further, the job IDs “102” and “104” are associated with the user ID “1” to be integrated.

Next, a display instruction for a standby print confirmation screen is instructed for each user ID (step S34).
Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 instructs the job execution confirmation unit 116 to confirm the presence / absence of job execution.

  The job execution confirmation unit 116 instructs the user terminal to which the IP address associated with the user ID is assigned to display a standby print confirmation screen via the communication unit 107.

  Specifically, the job execution confirmation unit 116 displays a standby print confirmation screen on the user terminals having IP addresses assigned to the user ID “1”, the user ID “2”, and the user ID “3”, respectively. Instruct each so.

  Here, the standby print confirmation screen can be the same as the standby print confirmation screen shown in FIG. It is possible to display detailed job data related to a standby print job by pressing (selecting) a “detail” button 615. When the job IDs are collectively, the job data of two jobs can be displayed. Also, it is possible to delete job data in a batch, or when there are two jobs, each job can be selected and deleted. In the case of deletion, it is assumed that a deletion request is transmitted and job data is deleted from the job management table.

  Then, it is determined for each user ID whether there is a print request within a certain time (step S35). Specifically, the job execution confirmation unit 116 determines whether or not the transmitted print request from each user terminal has been received.

  If it is determined in step S35 that there is no print request within a predetermined time for each user ID, an instruction to erase the standby print confirmation screen is given (step S37). Specifically, the job execution confirmation unit 116 instructs the transmitting user terminal to delete the standby print confirmation screen via the communication unit 107.

  On the other hand, if there is a print request within a certain time for each user ID in step S35, the standby print job corresponding to the user ID is printed (step S36). Specifically, when receiving a print request from the personal computer 250 with the user ID “2”, for example, the job execution confirmation unit 116 notifies the job execution control unit 114 that there is a print request. Then, the job execution control unit 114 executes print data print processing related to the standby print job for which a print request has been made. Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 outputs print data corresponding to the job IDs “101” and “103” to the printing unit 106, and the printing unit 106 executes print data printing processing.

  According to the method according to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, the printing process is executed collectively for each user ID. high. In addition, since it is executed continuously for its own print jobs, it is possible to suppress the mixing of other people's printed materials with their own printed materials, and to suppress cases where they are mistakenly taken away by others. Therefore, it is possible to sufficiently save power. Further, since the printing process is executed from the print job corresponding to the user ID that has received the print request, the waiting time is reduced, and further power saving can be achieved.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating execution of standby printing according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 14, first, a standby print job is confirmed (step S40). Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 acquires information of a job management table stored in the RAM.

  Next, it is determined whether the standby print job has a plurality of user IDs (step S41). Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 determines whether there are multiple types of job IDs in the job management table.

  Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 determines whether user ID numbers in the job management table are mixed.

  If it is determined that there are a plurality of user IDs, the standby print jobs are rearranged for each user ID (step S42). Then, the process proceeds to next Step S43. Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 instructs the job rearrangement unit 112 to rearrange jobs.

  The job rearrangement unit 112 performs rearrangement so that print jobs with the same user ID in the job management table are continuously executed.

Specifically, the job IDs are rearranged so that the job IDs are executed in ascending order.
Assume that the print jobs in the order shown in FIG. 13 are arranged.

In step S34, the job IDs corresponding to the user ID are batched.
Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 performs batch processing of job IDs for each user ID. Specifically, the job IDs “101” and “103” are associated with the user ID “2” to be integrated. Further, the job IDs “102” and “104” are associated with the user ID “1” to be integrated.

Next, a display instruction for a standby print confirmation screen is instructed for each user ID (step S44).
Specifically, the job execution control unit 114 instructs the job execution confirmation unit 116 to confirm the presence / absence of job execution.

  The job execution confirmation unit 116 instructs the user terminal to which the IP address associated with the user ID is assigned to display a standby print confirmation screen via the communication unit 107.

  Specifically, the job execution confirmation unit 116 displays a standby print confirmation screen on the user terminals having IP addresses assigned to the user ID “1”, the user ID “2”, and the user ID “3”, respectively. Instruct each so.

  Here, the standby print confirmation screen can be the same as the standby print confirmation screen shown in FIG. It is possible to display detailed job data related to a standby print job by pressing (selecting) a “detail” button 615. When the job IDs are collectively, the job data of two jobs can be displayed.

  Then, it is determined for each user ID whether there is a print request within a certain time (step S45). Specifically, the job execution confirmation unit 116 determines whether or not the transmitted print request from each user terminal has been received.

  If it is determined in step S45 that there is no print request within a predetermined time for each user ID, an instruction to erase the standby print confirmation screen is given (step S49). Specifically, the job execution confirmation unit 116 instructs the transmitting user terminal to delete the standby print confirmation screen via the communication unit 107.

  On the other hand, if there is a print request within a certain time for each user ID in step S45, a selection button is displayed for each user on the job execution reception screen (step S46).

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a job execution acceptance screen according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 15, a job execution acceptance screen 700 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is displayed.

  Here, the user name corresponding to the user ID is displayed. Specifically, “Mr. A”, “Mr. B”, and “Mr. C” buttons 702, 704, and 706 are provided, and are provided in a selectable state.

  Referring again to FIG. 14, it is next determined whether or not a selection instruction has been given within a predetermined time (step S47).

  Specifically, the job execution confirmation unit 116 determines whether or not a button corresponding to the user name is pressed (selected) within a certain time on the job execution reception screen.

  If there is a selection, the standby print job corresponding to the selected user ID is printed (step S48). Specifically, in the job execution reception screen of FIG. 15, the user confirms the job execution reception screen and presses (selects) a button corresponding to his / her user name, thereby waiting for the user name. Print processing of the print job is executed.

  Specifically, when the “Mr. A” button 702 is pressed (selected), the job execution control unit 114 outputs the print data corresponding to the job IDs “102” and “104” to the printing unit 106. Then, the print unit 106 executes print data print processing.

  On the other hand, if there is no selection instruction on the job execution acceptance screen within a predetermined time, the job execution acceptance screen is deleted (step S49 #). Then, the process ends. That is, it is assumed that the mode is shifted to the power saving mode that is in the sleep state.

  By the method according to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, since the printing process is executed collectively for each user ID, it is possible to suppress the mixing of other people's printed materials with their own printed materials. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a case where the person is mistakenly taken away by being mixed with another person, and it is possible to sufficiently save power.

  In particular, in the fourth embodiment, when a print request is instructed at each user terminal, a job execution acceptance screen is displayed on operation panel portion 105 of MFP 100, and the user performs job execution acceptance on operation panel portion 105 of MFP 100. The user presses the user name button on the screen to execute print processing.

  Therefore, since the printing process is started after the user arrives at MFP 100 and executes the printing instruction, it is possible to further suppress the mixing with other people's printed materials and to suppress the leaving of the printed materials. Is possible.

  In the above description, a case has been described in which a standby print request is instructed on the standby print confirmation screen, and further, printing is instructed on the job execution reception screen. However, standby print execution is performed on the standby print confirmation screen. It is also possible to simply present information indicating that the standby print job is executed without obtaining the presence or absence of the print job.

  Then, on the job execution acceptance screen, a button for the user name corresponding to the user terminal that displayed the standby print confirmation screen is displayed, and the print processing of the print data is executed by pressing (selecting) the user name. May be. Accordingly, it is possible to easily execute the standby printing process without requiring a complicated operation.

(Embodiment 5)
In the above embodiment, when the apparatus shifts to the warm-up state where the printout is possible, the standby print confirmation screen is displayed on the personal computer that is the user terminal that has transmitted the standby print job, and is printed by the user. However, if the user is not near the user terminal, the user cannot confirm even if the standby print confirmation screen is displayed.

  On the other hand, if it is possible to notify that the standby print confirmation screen is also displayed on the user's mobile terminal, it is highly convenient for the user.

  For example, the case where information is notified to the portable terminals 400 and 450 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating setting for additional distribution of the standby print confirmation screen according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 16, first, the number of standby print confirmation screen deletion instructions is counted for each user ID (step S50).

  Next, it is determined whether the count number is “2” or more (step S51). If the count is “2” or more, the additional delivery flag is set to “present” (step S52).

Then, the process ends (END).
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a user management table stored in storage unit 102 of MFP 100 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 17, here, a case is shown in which, in addition to the IP address, a mail address is registered corresponding to the user name. Further, an additional distribution flag column is provided corresponding to each user ID. The case where the additional distribution flag of the user ID “1” is set to “present” and the others are set to “none” is shown.

  In the method according to the fifth embodiment, for example, when the display of the standby print confirmation screen is instructed in step S13 of FIG. 8, it is confirmed whether the additional distribution flag is “present” or “not present”.

Therefore, when the additional delivery flag is “none”, normal processing is executed.
On the other hand, when the additional delivery flag is “present”, information indicating that the standby print confirmation screen is displayed on the user terminal is transmitted to the destination of the corresponding mail address.

  Specifically, when the job execution confirmation unit 114 instructs the user terminal (personal computer 200) of the user A having the user ID “1” to display the standby print confirmation screen, for example, the job execution confirmation unit 114 uses the registered mail address. Information for notifying that the standby print confirmation screen is displayed is transmitted.

  Thereby, since the user can execute the above-described process on the standby print confirmation screen in accordance with the notification of the information from the mobile terminal 400, it is highly convenient for the user.

  Alternatively, the print request described on the standby print confirmation screen can be directly transmitted to the MFP 100 from the portable terminal.

  In this example, the case where the count number is “2” or more has been described as an example. However, the count number may be “1” or may be another value. is there.

  Alternatively, the number of counts is not limited, and it is also possible to additionally deliver to a mail address registered from the beginning.

  For each unit that controls MFP 100, it is also possible to provide a program that causes a computer to function and execute control as described in the above flow. Such a program is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk attached to the computer, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a memory card. And can be provided as a program product. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  The program may be a program module that is provided as a part of a computer operation system (OS) and that calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. 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. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  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 schematic diagram illustrating an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a functional block diagram of MFP 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a block diagram explaining the schematic structure of the personal computer 200 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the print setting screen displayed on the display part 205 of the personal computer 200 according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a user management table stored in storage unit 102 of MFP 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of a process explaining execution of the print job according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a job management table that is accumulated when a print job is received. It is a flowchart explaining execution of standby printing according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the standby printing confirmation screen according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining execution of standby printing according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the job management table at the time of performing rearrangement of the standby print job according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining execution of standby printing according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the job management table at the time of performing rearrangement of the standby print job according to Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining execution of standby printing according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the job execution reception screen according to Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the setting of the additional delivery of the standby printing confirmation screen according to Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the user management table stored in the memory | storage part 102 of MFP100 according to Embodiment 5 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  1 image forming system, 100 MFP, 101 control unit, 102 storage unit, 103 image reading unit, 104 image processing unit, 105 operation panel unit, 106 printing unit, 107 communication unit, 108 power mode switching unit, 110 job receiving unit, 111 Internal bus, 112 Job rearrangement means, 114 Job execution control means, 116 Job execution confirmation means, 200, 250, 300 Personal computer, 400, 450 Portable terminal, 800 Network

Claims (9)

Receiving means for receiving a plurality of types of jobs including print data;
Storage means for temporarily storing the job received by the receiving means;
Determining means for determining the type of the received job;
Execution means for executing print processing according to the type of job determined by the determination means;
When the job determined by the determination unit is a standby print job that stores a job in the storage unit when the job is in a predetermined mode, the execution unit executes the standby print job, and the information that transmitted the standby print job Job execution confirmation means for requesting the processing device to confirm the print permission of the standby print job,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the execution unit executes a print process of print data included in the standby print job based on a print permission confirmation result by the job execution confirmation unit. The predetermined mode is shifted to a case where there is no execution of the next print process for a predetermined period after the print process of the print data is executed by the execution unit,
2. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit executes print processing of print data included in the standby print job whose print permission is confirmed by the job execution confirmation unit until the execution mode is shifted to the predetermined mode. apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the job execution confirmation unit invalidates the confirmation of print permission of the standby print job before the transition to the predetermined mode when transitioning to the predetermined mode. Job sorting means for rearranging the order of a plurality of standby print jobs stored in the order received in the storage means based on attribute information included in each of the standby print jobs;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job execution confirmation unit requests the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the standby print jobs in the order rearranged by the job rearrangement unit to confirm print permission.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the attribute information corresponds to color printing or monochrome printing. The job further includes source information,
When executing the standby print job, the job execution confirmation unit includes another standby print including the same transmission source information stored in the storage unit with respect to the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the standby print job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein confirmation of job permission is collectively requested. The job execution confirmation unit is configured to perform standby printing on each of the information processing apparatuses that have transmitted the plurality of standby print jobs stored in the storage unit with respect to the plurality of standby print jobs stored in the order received in the storage unit. Ask for permission to print the job,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit executes print processing of print data included in the standby print job corresponding to the order of confirmation results of print permission from the information processing apparatus. Further comprising an operation means,
The execution means displays an execution acceptance screen for print processing of print data included in the standby print job based on a confirmation result of print permission by the job execution confirmation means, and an operation instruction for the execution acceptance screen by the operation means The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a printing process is started according to the above.   The job execution confirmation means asks the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the standby print job to confirm the print permission of the standby print job. If there is no confirmation of print permission from the information processing apparatus, the job execution confirmation unit is registered in advance. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information requesting confirmation of print permission of the standby print job is transmitted to the portable terminal.

Images