JP2010179635A - Image formation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation apparatus capable of reliably storing input private print data in a storage unit. <P>SOLUTION: The image formation apparatus 2 has the storage unit 21 and a private print unit 22. The storage unit 21 stores the private print data input from an external device 3 connected to a network 4. When a predetermined input operation is carried out, the private print unit 22 reads the private print data from the storage unit 21 and prints the data. When the data capacity of the requested private print is larger than the remaining capacity of the storage unit 21, particular private print data stored in the storage unit 21 is saved. A storage capacity ensuring unit 23 which then stores the requested private print data is provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  A storage unit that stores private print data input from an external device connected to the network, and a private print unit that reads the private print data from the storage unit when a predetermined input operation is performed and prints the private print data. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  In offices and the like, image forming apparatuses such as copiers, printers, facsimiles, and multifunction machines are installed, and are often connected to a client computer via a network. In this case, usually, each computer is set apart from an image forming apparatus that outputs printed paper.

  In such a system, when a highly confidential document or image is printed from each computer, if the person who requested printing is not in front of the image forming apparatus at the time of paper output, the document or image output from the image forming apparatus Etc. may be known to a third party.

  Therefore, in such a system, an image forming apparatus having a private print function for printing on the condition that the requester of printing exists in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus is adopted, and each computer has a private print function. A compatible printer driver is installed.

  Hereinafter, an example of the private print function will be described in detail. When printing data such as highly confidential documents and images using the private print function, for example, the user creates the data on a computer and inputs a password and a print job name to the computer.

  The computer transmits the data, password, and job name to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus stores the transmitted data, password, and job name in a storage unit such as a hard disk. Thereafter, the user goes to the front of the image forming apparatus and operates the image forming apparatus to input a password and a job name. When the password is correctly input, a job corresponding to the password, that is, printing of the data is executed.

  However, if the amount of data left without being printed after being transmitted from the computer to the image forming apparatus increases, the remaining capacity of the storage unit of the image forming apparatus will be insufficient.

  In order to solve such a problem, in Patent Document 1, the printer server periodically determines whether or not the remaining capacity of the storage unit in which job data is stored is small. There has been proposed a network print system that selects a print job based on time, user name, etc., and deletes, compresses, moves to the outside of the job data, and the like.

JP 2000-276314 A

  The network print system described in Patent Document 1 determines whether or not the free space of the storage unit is small at a predetermined timing, and when it is determined that the storage unit is small, selects job data, deletes it, etc. Increase free space. By increasing the free capacity, job data having as much capacity as possible can be stored in the storage unit until the next timing for determining whether or not the remaining free space in the storage unit is small.

  However, the data capacity of single or multiple job data newly input to the printer server is greater than the free capacity of the storage unit between the time when the free capacity is most recently determined and the next time when the free capacity is determined. In this case, the printer server cannot select or delete the job data until the next time when the free space is determined, and thus there is a possibility that the job data cannot be properly stored in the storage unit.

  That is, the network print system has room for further improvement in order to store the job data in the storage unit reliably regardless of the timing at which the job data is input to the printer server.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus capable of securely storing input private print data in a storage unit.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first characteristic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is a private print input from an external device connected to a network as described in claim 1 of the claims. An image forming apparatus comprising a storage unit for storing data and a private print unit for reading out the private print data from the storage unit when a predetermined input operation is performed, and printing the requested private print A storage capacity securing unit for storing requested private print data after evacuating specific private print data stored in the storage unit when the data capacity is larger than the remaining capacity of the storage unit; is there.

  According to the above configuration, the storage capacity securing unit is requested after saving the specific private print data stored in the storage unit when the requested private print data capacity is larger than the remaining capacity of the storage unit. Since the private print data is stored, the private print data can be reliably stored in the storage unit regardless of the timing when the private print is requested.

  In the second feature configuration, as described in claim 2, in addition to the first feature configuration described above, the storage capacity securing unit has a larger capacity than the requested private print data capacity. One or more specific private print data is selected.

  According to the above configuration, the storage capacity securing unit selects the single or a plurality of specific private print data so that the capacity is larger than the requested private print data capacity. The remaining capacity of the storage unit after storage is larger than the remaining capacity of the storage unit before storing the private print data. That is, according to the above-described configuration, the remaining capacity of the storage unit can be increased each time the requested private print data is stored in the storage unit.

  In the third feature configuration, as described in claim 3, in addition to the first or second feature configuration described above, the storage capacity securing unit is connected to an external device that is a transmission source of the specific private print data. It is in the point provided with the alerting | reporting part which alert | reports that it was evacuated.

  According to the above-described configuration, the user who has transmitted the private print data from the external device in order for the notification unit to notify the transmission source external device that the private print data transmitted from the external device has been saved. In addition, it is possible to reliably notify that the private print data has been saved from the storage unit. In addition, it is possible to alert the user who has transmitted the private print data from the external device that unprinted private print data exists.

  In the fourth feature configuration, in addition to any one of the first to third feature configurations described above, the storage capacity securing unit may store the storage as specific private print data. In this point, private print data having a long elapsed time after being stored in the copy is preferentially selected.

  According to the configuration described above, the storage capacity securing unit preferentially selects private print data having a long elapsed time after storage in the storage unit as the specific private print data. It is possible to preferentially save private print data that is highly likely to be stored, that is, private print data that is less necessary to be stored in the storage unit.

  In the fifth feature configuration, as described in claim 5, in addition to any of the first to fourth feature configurations described above, the storage capacity securing unit has a capacity as specific private print data. The point is to select large private print data with priority.

  According to the above configuration, since the storage capacity securing unit preferentially selects private print data with a large capacity as specific private print data, even when the private print data with the same total data capacity is saved. The number of private print data to be saved can be reduced, and the number of users affected by the saving can be reduced.

  In the sixth feature configuration, as described in claim 6, in addition to any of the first to fifth feature configurations described above, the specific private print data is transmitted to an external device of the transmission source, the network, The data server includes a data storage unit that saves the file server, the print server on the network, or a spare storage unit provided in the image forming apparatus separately from the storage unit.

  According to the above-described configuration, since a plurality of types of save destinations for specific private print data are provided, even if the storage unit of one save destination has a capacity shortage or damage or the like, Specific private print data can be saved.

  In the seventh feature configuration, as described in claim 7, in addition to the sixth feature configuration described above, the data saving unit includes a save destination selection unit that selects a save destination of the specific private print data. It is in the point to have.

  According to the configuration described above, the save destination selection unit can select a save destination of specific private print data. Therefore, the save destination of specific private print data can be selected as a save destination with a sufficient remaining capacity or by a user. It can be a desired evacuation destination.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reliably storing input private print data in a storage unit.

Block diagram of the image forming apparatus Block diagram of the printing system External view of multifunction device (image forming device) Flow chart for explaining the private print function Explanatory drawing of user name, directory path, and mail address registered in image forming apparatus Flow chart for explaining processing of storage capacity securing unit (A) is explanatory drawing of the remaining capacity of a memory | storage part when the remaining capacity of a memory | storage part is larger than a predetermined value, (b) is explanatory drawing of the remaining capacity of a memory | storage part when the remaining capacity of a memory | storage part is smaller than a predetermined value. Explanatory diagram of map data consisting of priority for elapsed time and capacity

  The case where the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a printing system in which the image forming apparatus and a plurality of external devices are connected to each other through a network will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the print system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2 and a plurality of external devices 3 connected via a network 4. One or a plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 and external devices 3 are connected to a network 4, and the network 4 is constructed by, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark of Xerox Corporation).

  The external device 3 is, for example, a personal computer, and includes a main unit having a CPU, a memory, peripheral circuits, and the like, and an application program that operates under a predetermined operating system installed in the memory, a keyboard for inputting data and commands, An operation unit such as a mouse and a display unit such as a liquid crystal display for displaying a document or an image to be created are configured.

  The image forming apparatus 2 includes a multifunction device, a copier, a printer, a facsimile, and the like. In the present embodiment, a case where a multifunction peripheral is connected to the network 4 as the image forming apparatus 2 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a multifunction machine as the image forming apparatus 2 is an apparatus that forms an image by an electrophotographic method, and prints, copies, and copies with a plurality of menu setting keys for setting various menus and set menus. An operation unit 201 in which a start key or the like for starting a facsimile operation or the like is arranged, and an image reading unit that sequentially feeds a document placed on a document feeding table 202a and photoelectrically converts a document image as digital image data. 202, print data composed of digital image data read by the image reading unit 202, image data transmitted from an external FAX, document or image data transmitted from the external device 3, etc., output as multi-value bitmap data An image processing unit 203 that converts to image data, an exposure unit 204 that is driven based on output image data, and an exposure unit 204 that performs exposure. An image forming unit 205 including a developing unit that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member into a visible image with toner, and a toner image output on the sheet by heating the sheet. A fixing unit 206 that fixes the toner image on the photosensitive member, a paper feeding unit 207 that stores recording paper onto which the toner image formed on the photosensitive member is transferred, a paper discharging unit 208 that discharges the recording paper, and a functional block for controlling these functional blocks. And a control unit for executing processing as the image forming apparatus 1.

  The operation unit 201 includes a touch panel type display unit 201a that displays various menu screens and various keys and detects operations on the displayed various keys.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a storage unit 21. The storage unit 23 is composed of a device capable of storing a larger amount of data than a ROM or RAM described below, such as a hard disk or an optical disk, and print data input from an external device 3 connected to the network 4. Is stored.

  The storage unit 21 includes an area for storing private print data and an area for storing normal print data as areas for storing print data.

  Here, the private print data is obtained by adding print setting information such as the user name, password, job name, paper type, number of copies, and the like of the external device 3 to the print data by the private print function described later. Data transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2.

  The normal print data is data transmitted from the external device 3 to the image forming apparatus 2 regardless of the private print function, and the user name, password, and job of the external device 3 are added to the print setting information to be added. Name is not included in the data.

  Then, for example, the control unit, which will be described later, refers to the print setting information of the print data input to the image forming apparatus 2 to determine whether the print data is private print data or normal print data. Based on the determination, the data is stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 21.

  In the following description, when the private print data is referred to as “print data” and is referred to as the storage unit 21, the description will be made assuming that it indicates an area for storing the private print data in the storage unit 21 unless otherwise specified.

  The control unit of the image forming apparatus 2 includes a CPU, a ROM that stores a control program executed by the CPU, a RAM that stores control data, a peripheral circuit, and the like, and is executed by the CPU. The above-described predetermined function as the image forming apparatus 2 is realized by the control program and related hardware.

  The predetermined function includes a private print function. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 2 includes a private print unit that reads and prints print data from the storage unit 21 when a predetermined input operation is performed.

  The predetermined function also includes a function according to the present invention. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, when the requested private print data capacity is larger than the remaining capacity of the storage unit 21, the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 2 performs specific print data stored in the storage unit 21. Is provided with a storage capacity securing unit 23 for storing print data requested after the data is saved.

  Hereinafter, the private print function of the image forming apparatus 2 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Each external device 3 is installed with a printer driver as an application program in order to execute printing using the private print function in cooperation with the image forming apparatus 2.

  When using the private print function, the user operates the operation unit 201 of the image forming apparatus 2 to register the user name, directory (folder) path, mail address, and the like of the external device 3 in the image forming apparatus 2. Keep it. As will be described later, when the data returned to the external device 3 as the transmission source is transferred by the storage capacity securing unit 23 using FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or the like, it is not necessary to register the mail address. Alternatively, registration of a directory path may not be required when it is transmitted as an attachment to an e-mail.

  Here, the user name is a number or code (for example, an IP address) for identifying the external device 3 used by the user in the print system 1 or a name associated with the number or code. The directory path is, for example, a path name from the root directory of the data storage directory of the external device 3 used by the user, and the mail address is, for example, the mail address of the user. Examples of registered user names, directory paths, and mail addresses are shown in FIG.

  The user operates the external device 3 to create print data using a document creation application or the like, and saves it in the hard disk or the like of the external device 3 (SA1).

  Next, the user activates the printer driver installed in the external device 3, requests that private printing be executed on the operation screen of the printer driver (SA2), and inputs the password and job name ( SA3). The printer driver may be activated in conjunction with a document creation application or the like, or may be activated independently of the document creation application.

  Next, the user designates the paper type, the number of copies, and the like on the operation screen of the printer driver, and requests printing of the print data stored in step SA1 (SA4).

  When the external device 3 receives the print request, the external device 3 adds print setting information such as the user name, password, job name, paper type, and number of copies of the external device 3 to the print data and transmits the print data to the image forming apparatus 2. (SA5).

  The private print unit 22 of the image forming apparatus 2 stores the transmitted print data in the storage unit 21 (SA6). Here, the print setting information is linked to the print data and then stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 21 or the RAM.

  The user goes to the front of the image forming apparatus 2 and operates the operation unit 201 to select “private print” from the menu screen displayed on the display unit 201a to display the private print screen. The registered user name is input (SA7).

  Then, the private print unit 22 displays a private print job corresponding to the input user name on the display unit 201a, which has been transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2 by the external device 3 but has not yet been printed. The list is displayed by job name (SA8).

  The user selects a job name from the displayed list (SA9). In this example, the user selects the job name input in step SA3.

  Thereafter, the user inputs a password on the private print screen (SA10). If the password entered at step SA11 matches the password entered at step SA3 (SA11), the private print unit 22 prints the print data corresponding to the job name selected at step SA9 (SA12).

  Hereinafter, the processing of the storage capacity securing unit 23 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the following description, it is assumed that the capacity of the print data stored in the storage unit 21 and the remaining capacity (empty capacity) of the storage unit 21 are in the state shown in FIG. 7A or 7B. Give an explanation. In FIG. 7, in order to simplify the description, the capacity of the storage unit 21, the capacity of the print data, and the elapsed time after the print data is stored in the storage unit 21 do not use units such as bytes or seconds. Expressed simply by numerical values. Further, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the capacity to the last, and the position of each print data drawn does not indicate the storage position (address) in the storage unit 21.

  When the print data X transmitted from the external device 3 in step SA5 in FIG. 4 is input to the image forming apparatus 2 (SB1), the storage capacity securing unit 23 calculates the remaining capacity using the input as a trigger (SB2). .

  The storage capacity securing unit 23 detects the input, for example, when data is input from the outside to the input interface circuit provided in the image forming apparatus 2, the storage capacity securing unit 23 from the input interface circuit. There is a method of outputting a signal indicating that data has been input.

  For example, in FIG. 7A, the remaining capacity is calculated as “5”, and in FIG. 7B, the remaining capacity is calculated as “2”.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the storage capacity securing unit 23 prints when the capacity of the print data X (that is, the requested private print data capacity) is equal to or less than the remaining capacity calculated in step SB2 (SB3). Data X is stored in the storage unit 21 (SB4). In this embodiment, the storage capacity securing unit 23 obtains the capacity of the print data X by reading the data capacity information stored in the header data (for example, print setting information) of the print data X. .

  The process of step SB4 corresponds to the process of step SA6 in FIG. That is, the storage capacity securing unit 23 performs the process shown in FIG. 6 before the private print unit 22 executes the process of step SA6.

  On the other hand, if the capacity of the print data X is larger than the remaining capacity calculated in step SB2 (SB3) as shown in FIG. 7B, the storage capacity securing unit 23 selects specific print data (SB5). .

  In this case, for example, the storage capacity securing unit 23 selects a single or a plurality of specific print data so that the capacity is larger than the requested print data capacity. That is, in FIG. 7B, the specific print data is selected so as to be larger than the capacity “3” of the print data X.

  The storage capacity securing unit 23 preferentially selects print data having a long elapsed time after storage in the storage unit 21 as specific print data.

  For example, in FIG. 7B, the storage capacity securing unit 23 first selects the print data F having the longest elapsed time. However, since the capacity of the print data F is “3” and not larger than the capacity “3” of the print data X, the storage capacity securing unit 23 selects the print data D having the next longest elapsed time. As a result, the total capacity of the print data F and D is “4”, which is larger than the capacity “3” of the print data X. That is, in this case, the storage capacity securing unit 23 selects the print data D and F as specific print data. That is, the specific print data may be a single print data or a plurality of print data.

  The storage capacity securing unit 23 may preferentially select print data with a large capacity as specific print data.

  For example, in FIG. 7B, the storage capacity securing unit 23 first selects the print data E having the largest capacity. The capacity of the print data E is “5”, which is larger than the capacity “3” of the print data X. That is, in this case, the storage capacity securing unit 23 selects the print data E as the specific print data.

  In addition, the storage capacity securing unit 23 may select specific print data based on both elapsed time and capacity.

  For example, the storage capacity securing unit 23 selects the specific print data in preference to the one having a long elapsed time, and when there are a plurality of print data within the same elapsed time or a predetermined time range (for example, one day), The print data having the largest capacity among the plurality of print data may be selected.

  In addition, when the storage capacity securing unit 23 selects specific print data with priority given to a large capacity, when there are a plurality of print data within the same capacity or a predetermined capacity range (for example, 1 megabyte (MB)), Print data having the longest elapsed time may be selected from the plurality of print data.

  8 is stored in the ROM of the control unit 20, and the storage capacity securing unit 23 stores each print stored in the storage unit 21. The map data may be referred to based on the data capacity and the elapsed time, and print data with higher priority may be selected with priority given to print data with higher priority (in FIG. 8, the higher the numerical value, the higher the priority).

  When the specific print data is selected, the storage capacity securing unit 23 may notify the external device 3 that has transmitted the specific print data (SB6). In order to perform the notification, the storage capacity securing unit 23 may include a notification unit 231 that notifies that the external device 3 that has transmitted the specific print data has been saved.

  For example, the notification unit 231 sends a predetermined message (for example, “sends the print data that you sent to the multifunction device” or “you are the multifunction device” to the display unit of the external device 3 that is the transmission source of the specific print data. The print data transmitted to the print server may be transferred to the print server. ”Or a special window may be displayed, or the external device 3 that is the source of the specific print data may be The predetermined message may be transmitted by mail. The determination of the transmission source of specific print data is made based on the user name linked to the specific print data and stored in the storage unit 21 or RAM.

  Next, the data saving unit 24 of the storage capacity securing unit 23 saves the selected specific print data from the storage unit 21 (SB7). For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the save destination is provided separately from the storage unit 21 in the transmission source external device 3, the file server 5 on the network 4, the print server 6 on the network 4, or the image forming apparatus 2. This is a spare storage unit 25.

  Here, the file server 5 is a control external device 3 used for sharing a file among a plurality of external devices 3 and the image forming apparatus 2 on the network 4, and the print server 6 includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses 2. However, the image forming apparatus 2 may perform these functions. In this case, the data saving unit 24 saves specific print data. The file server 5 and the print server 6 are not included.

  The spare storage unit 25 is, for example, a second hard disk or an optical disk mounted on the image forming apparatus 2 for the purpose of data backup, but the image forming apparatus 2 does not include the spare storage unit 25. In this case, the spare storage unit 25 is not included in the specific print data save destination by the data save unit 24.

  The data saving unit 24 may transfer specific print data to any of the save destinations by FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or the like, or the specific print data as an attachment file of an e-mail. You may transmit to either of these by an electronic mail.

  In the case of file transfer, the data saving unit 24 transfers a transfer destination based on a user name linked to specific print data and stored in the storage unit 21 or RAM, and a user name and directory path registered in advance. In the case of transmission by e-mail, transmission is performed based on a user name linked to specific print data and stored in the storage unit 21 or RAM, and a user name and e-mail address registered in advance. Determine the destination.

  The determination of the specific print data saving method by the data saving unit 24 may be fixed in advance to any of the saving methods, or a saving method set by the user by operating the operation unit 201 of the image forming apparatus 2. Alternatively, the save method set in the image forming apparatus 2 may be determined by transmitting to the image forming apparatus 2 after setting by operating the external device 3.

  The determination of the saving destination by the data saving unit 24 may be fixed in advance to any of the saving destinations, or the saving destination set by the user by operating the operation unit 201 of the image forming apparatus 2 or external The data saving unit 24 may specify the save destination set in the image forming apparatus 2 by operating the device 3 and then transmitting to the image forming apparatus 2 after the setting, as shown in FIG. A save destination selection unit 241 that selects a save destination of the print data may be provided.

  The save destination selection unit 241 determines a save destination based on a predetermined condition. Here, the predetermined condition is that the capacity of a storage unit such as a hard disk provided in each save destination (for example, specific print data is saved preferentially to a save destination equipped with a storage unit having a large capacity). The specific print data is preferentially saved in a save destination having a large current free capacity in the storage unit (for example, the installed free storage unit. The current free capacity is, for example, each external device 3. And the like, and periodically sent to the image forming apparatus 2), the priority order of the save destination set by the user operating the operation unit 201 of the image forming apparatus 2, and the user operating the external device 3 to set. The priority order of the save destination transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2 and the like.

  When specific print data is saved in the transmission source external device 3 by the data saving unit 24, the user specifies the paper type, the number of copies, etc. on the operation screen of the printer driver and saves them. By designating print data (for example, designating a directory path in which the print data exists) and instructing “file transmission”, it is possible to request printing of the print data again.

  After saving the specific print data, the storage capacity securing unit 23 stores the print data X in the storage unit 21 (SB4).

  Hereinafter, another embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the case where the storage capacity securing unit 23 obtains the capacity of the print data by reading the data capacity information stored in the header data of the print data has been described. The structure which does not contain information may be sufficient.

  In this case, for example, since the storage capacity securing unit 23 cannot know the capacity of the print data until all the print data is input to the image forming apparatus 2, in step SB3 in FIG. The data capacity up to the present time is sequentially calculated, and if the data capacity exceeds the remaining capacity calculated in step SB2, the processes after step SB5 are executed. On the other hand, in step SB3 in FIG. 6, if all the print data is input and the remaining capacity calculated in step SB2 is not exceeded, the process of step SB4 is performed without executing the processes of steps SB5 to SB7. Execute.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the user operates the operation unit 201 of the image forming apparatus 2 to register the user name, the directory path, the mail address, and the like when using the private print function has been described. Such registration may be performed by the user in each external device 3 in which the printer driver is installed. In this case, for example, when the user finishes inputting the user name, the directory path, the mail address, and the like on the external device 3 and clicks the “decision” button displayed on the display unit, the input user name and the like are displayed. It is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2 and registered.

  Such registration may be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2 as header data of print data. For example, after the user finishes creating print data and inputting registration information including a user name, a directory path, and an e-mail address, when the user requests printing of the print data as in step SA4 in FIG. Adds the registration information to the print data in addition to the print setting information and transmits the print data to the image forming apparatus 2, and the image forming apparatus 2 executes registration based on the transmitted registration information. In this case, pre-registration such as a user name, a directory path, and an e-mail address in the image forming apparatus 2 and each external device 3 becomes unnecessary.

  The above-described embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the description, and the specific configuration of each part is appropriately changed within the scope of the effects of the present invention. It goes without saying that it can be done.

2: Image forming apparatus 3: External device 4: Network 21: Storage unit 22: Private print unit 23: Storage capacity securing unit 231: Notification unit 24: Data save unit 241: Save destination selection unit

Claims (7)

A storage unit that stores private print data input from an external device connected to the network, and a private print unit that reads the private print data from the storage unit when a predetermined input operation is performed and prints the private print data. An image forming apparatus,
A storage capacity securing unit for storing requested private print data after evacuating specific private print data stored in the storage unit when the requested private print data capacity is larger than the remaining capacity of the storage unit An image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage capacity securing unit selects single or a plurality of specific private print data so that the capacity is larger than a requested private print data capacity.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage capacity securing unit includes a notifying unit that notifies the external device that is the transmission source of the specific private print data that the storage capacity has been saved.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage capacity securing unit preferentially selects private print data having a long elapsed time after being stored in the storage unit as specific private print data.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage capacity securing unit preferentially selects private print data having a large capacity as specific private print data.   Data evacuation for saving the specific private print data to a source external device, a file server on the network, a print server on the network, or a spare storage unit provided separately from the storage unit in the image forming apparatus The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the data saving unit includes a saving destination selection unit that selects a saving destination of the specific private print data.